Bylaws

Bylaws UAW Local 276

UAW 276 BY-LAWS

Revised - September 23, 2020
Effective - September 23, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE PAGE

Preamble …………………………………………………………………………… 4

Objectives …………………………………………………………………………… 4

1 Name ..……………………………………………………………………………... 4

2 Constitution and By-Laws ………………………………………………………… 4

3 Fiscal Year .………………………………………………………………………... 5

4 Membership ……………………………………………………………………….. 5

5 Membership Meeting ……………………………………………………………… 6

6 Power of Administration ...………………………………………………………... 8

7 Local Union Officers ……………………………………………………………... 8

8 Executive Board ………..………………………………………………………… 9

9 Attendance Rules Governing Members Holding Elected or Appointed Positions . 10

10 Local Union Committees ….……………………………………………………... 11

11 Second Vice President …………………………………………………………… 13

12 Expenses ………………..………………………………………………………... 13

13 Elections and Other Voting Guidelines ..………………………………………... 17

14 Dues ……………………………………………………………………………... 23

15 Membership Minutes …………………………………………………………… 23

16 Newspaper ……………………………………………………………………… 23

17 Strikes ………………………………………………………………………….. 24

18 Appeals .…………………………………………………………………………. 24

19 Delegates from Local …….…………………………………………………….. 24

20 General ………………………………………..………………………………… 24

21 Equipment and Property ………………………………………………..………… 27

PREAMBLE

We hold these truths to be self-evident, expressive of the ideals and hopes of the workers who come under the jurisdiction of Local 276, UAW; that all members are created equal and should enjoy to the full extent the wealth created by their labor; that the laborers will have equal rights with Management, that they will set prices and working conditions on their products, that we will be fair and just in all undertakings of this Local and keep utmost in our minds the undeniable rights – Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, and to help stamp out all action that will hinder the progress of our Local or advocate the overthrow of our Government.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of Local 276, UAW, are to improve working conditions; to create a uniform system of shorter hours and higher wages; to improve the health and safety conditions of all workers, both on and off the job; to unite into one union, regardless of religion, race, sex, creed, color, political affiliation or nationality, all employees under the jurisdiction of Local 276, UAW; to work with all branches of the International Union for the betterment of all laborers, and any other agent that is approved by our government of local, state, national or international basis.

ARTICLE 1
NAME

Section1. This organization shall be known as Local 276, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, UAW, Amalgamated, Arlington, Texas. Any further reference to Local Union in these Bylaws refers to Local 276.

ARTICLE 2
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

Section 1. The Constitution of this organization shall be the Constitution of the International Union, UAW, and these By-Laws shall be in all respects subordinate to said Constitution and all applications and interpretations thereof. Sufficient copies of these By-Laws shall be printed to give to each member upon request.

Section 2. These By-Laws may be amended by presenting a motion in writing to the Recording Secretary, setting forth the amendment or amendments sought. The proposed amendment shall be read at the first Membership Meeting immediately following the receipt of the written proposed amendment. The proposed amendment will then be submitted to the Constitution and By-Laws Committee which will in turn report the proposed amendment to the succeeding membership meeting for voting on the proposed amendment. A Membership Meeting notice shall be posted seven (7) days prior to the Membership Meeting at which voting on the proposed change will take place. The notice will state the proposed amendment or amendments to the By-Laws, which is to be considered by the membership. If approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the voting membership present at the meetings, the proposed amendment(s) shall be considered adopted by the membership following written approval by the International Union, UAW.

ARTICLE 3
FISCAL YEAR

Section 1. The fiscal year of this Local Union shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each year.

ARTICLE 4
MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. The Local Union shall be composed of workers eligible for membership in the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), over whom the Local Union has jurisdiction, and who have met conditions set forth in the Constitution of the International Union.

Section 1A. Each member in good standing of this Local Union has the right to nominate and vote; to express opinions on all subjects before the Local Union; to attend all membership meetings and express her/his views, arguments and opinions on all matters and business properly before the meeting, including candidates for office; to meet and assemble freely with other members; and generally to participate in the activities of the Local Union in a responsible manner consistent with good conscience, in order to present and discuss factually and honestly the issues and personalities upon which the membership must base its decisions. These rights shall at all times be subject to the rules of procedure governing meetings and other uniform rules and regulations contained in the Constitution, By-Laws and other official rules of the Local Union.

(1) During times of extreme conditions that prevent the membership from meeting, including but not limited to, events such as fire, flood, weather, epidemic, pandemic, etc., each eligible member in continuous good standing of this Local has the right to stand nominated and vote.

Section 1B. A member, in exercising the foregoing rights and privileges, shall not take any irresponsible action which would tend to jeopardize, destroy, or be detrimental to either the Local Union as an organization, the International Union as an organization, or their free democratic heritage, or which would interfere with the performance by the Local Union or the International Union of its legal or contractual obligations as a collective bargaining agent, or interfere with the legal or contractual obligations of this Local Union as an affiliate of the International Union.

Section 1C. Violation or abuse of these rights and privileges of membership or engaging in conduct prohibited by this section shall be considered conduct unbecoming a union member.

Section 1D. The membership shall strive to obtain the objectives set forth in the International Constitution and the By-Laws of the Local Union as well as additional objectives established as the policy of the International Union; to maintain free relations with other organizations; to do all in its power to strengthen and promote the labor movement; to cooperate with Regional Board members, the International Representatives; and to help promote organizational activities.

Section 2. It shall be the duty of each member to attend the regular meetings of Local 276 and to perform any and all duties assigned to the member. Each member’s conduct shall be in such a manner as to not bring reproach upon the union, either in meetings, in the Shop or in public. It shall also be each member’s duty to pay all dues, fines, and other charges promptly, to enable the Financial Secretary to make proper submissions to the International Secretary-Treasurer.

Section 3. When a strike is in progress, each member is required to perform picket duty as assigned to the member by the designated person or persons who have been assigned to be Strike Captain of the picketers by Local 276, and the member’s conduct shall be in a sober, peaceful and lawful manner. Strikes shall conform at all times to the International Constitution.

Section 4. It shall be the duty of each member to participate in all Local, State and Federal Elections by voting.

ARTICLE 5
MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Section 1. The regular General Business Membership Meeting shall be held on the second Sunday of each month.

Section 2. A notice for the regular General Business Membership Meeting shall be posted seven (7) days prior to each regular General Business Membership Meeting.

Section 3. By approval of the Executive Board, a Special Membership Meeting may be called at any time by: written notice, verbal notice from Committeepersons, Alternate Committeepersons, members of the Executive Board, by use of a public address system, or by any other means that may be used by the President of the Local Union. Said written notice is to be given as far in advance of the Special Membership Meeting as possible.

Section 4. The membership in attendance at a meeting shall constitute a quorum for the meeting.

Section 5. Business at the regular General Business Membership Meeting shall be conducted in the following order:

A. The invocation,

B. Receiving of new members, in accordance with the International Constitution,

C. The roll call of officers,

D. Reading of the previous minutes and communications,

E. Reading of the minutes of the Executive Board meeting,

F. Report of the Financial Secretary-Treasurer,

G. Bargaining Unit Chairperson’s Report,

(1) Bargaining Unit Chairperson’s Reports – Questions from the floor will be limited to general items. Specific issues to the workplace will be referred back to that unit’s next membership meeting at the discretion of the Chairperson.

H. Report of the President,

I. The Committee reports,

J. Unfinished business,

K. New business, and

L. Dismissal of the meeting, by motion.

Section 6. Business for specially called meetings shall be limited to the reason for the specially called meetings and will be conducted in the following order:

A. Invocation,

B. The roll call of officers,

C. The purpose for which the specially called meeting is being held, and

D. Dismissal of the meeting, by motion.

Section 7. A specially called or a regular membership meeting shall not be changed or cancelled without two-thirds (2/3) consent of the Executive Board. The meeting minutes for the Executive Board shall reflect the reason for the meeting change and how each member voted.

Section 8. Any member who attends a meeting in an intoxicated condition and/or creates a disturbance, or becomes unruly, shall lose voice and the right to vote at said meeting. Where necessary to maintain order, the member may be evicted from the meeting by order of the Chairperson, subject to the challenge of the membership. Flagrant or persistent violation of this section by any members shall be conduct unbecoming a union member.

Section 9. To assure that all meetings of Local 276 are run in an orderly fashion, “Roberts Rules of Parliamentary Procedure” will be followed.

Section 10. In order that all membership meetings may be carried on in an orderly manner, each member will be allowed to speak for a period not to exceed five (5) minutes on any one subject. Time limits may be extended by the membership.

Section 11. Upon being given the floor to speak or to make a motion, the member must give her or his name and badge number.

Section 12. During all membership meetings, there shall be, on the Chairperson’s rostrum, one (1) copy each of “Roberts Rules of Parliamentary Procedure”, the International Constitution and the Local By-Laws.

Section 13. Twenty-five (25) copies of minutes shall be available for the membership at regular General Business Membership Meetings, whenever possible, if they are to be approved. Additional copies will be made available if needed. Copies shall be available at the local office for any who desire them.

Section 14. Each unit of Local 276 shall have its own monthly membership meeting or meet in an acceptable time frame as deemed sufficient by that unit’s membership. A notice for such meeting shall be posted seven (7) days prior to such meeting. At these meetings, the purpose will be to resolve bargaining issues and other items pertaining to that unit. Each unit will have their individual right to set up strike and ratification vote meetings. Each unit will have the right to schedule special meetings, when deemed necessary by that unit’s leadership. Per Article 37, Section 4 (c) of the International Constitution, each unit shall have the right to cancel or postpone meetings during the summer months by appropriate action of its members.

ARTICLE 6
POWER OF ADMINISTRATION

Section 1. The membership is the highest authority of this Local Union and shall be empowered to take or direct any action not inconsistent with the International Constitution or the Local Union’s By-Laws.

Section 2. Between the General Business Membership Meetings, the highest authority shall be vested in the Executive Board of Local 276, UAW. The Executive Board shall meet prior to the regular General Business Membership Meeting (except in a triennial election year when the June Executive Board Meeting will be held on the Monday immediately prior to the June General Business Membership Meeting at which newly elected members will be sworn into office) or at such other times as deemed necessary. All action taken by the Executive Board shall be subject to approval of the general membership. In no case, however, shall the Executive Board transact any business that may affect the vital interest of Local 276, UAW. Business at the Regular or Special Executive Board Meeting will be conducted in the following order:

A. The invocation,

B. The roll call of officers,

C. Reading of the previous month’s minutes and communications,

D. Report of the Financial Secretary-Treasurer,

E. Bargaining Unit Chairperson’s Report,

F. Report of the President,

G. The Committee reports,

H. Unfinished business,

I. New business, and

J. Dismissal of the meeting, by motion.

Section 3. Between meetings of the Executive Board, the President shall exercise general and administrative authority on behalf of the Local Union and shall be empowered to act on behalf of and take action permitted by the Executive Board. Such acts or actions shall be subject to the approval of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE 7
LOCAL UNION OFFICERS

Section 1. The following local Executive Officers shall be elected by the general membership in accordance with the International Constitution and Local By-Laws and will hold office for a three (3)-year term.

A. President;

B. First Vice President;

(1) The First Vice President will succeed, and act in the capacity of, President in the President’s absence;

C. Second Vice President;

D. Recording Secretary;

E. Financial Secretary-Treasurer;

F. Three (3) Trustees;

G. Sergeant-at-Arms; and

H. Guide.

Section 2. The Executive Board of Local 276, UAW, having voice and vote, shall consist of: The Executive Officers listed in Article VII, Section 1, the Chairperson of each Bargaining Unit, and a member of the Retired Workers’ Chapter, who shall be elected in accordance with Article 55, Section B, of the International Constitution.

Section 3. In case of the temporary absence or incapacity of the President and First Vice President, the following shall be the order to succeed and act in the capacity of the President:

A. First in succession: Second Vice President;

B. Second in succession: Recording Secretary;

C. Third in succession: Financial Secretary-Treasurer; and

D. Fourth in succession: Chairperson of Trustees.

ARTICLE 8
EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board shall function as set forth in these By-Laws and in accordance with the International Constitution.

Section 1. The Executive Board will meet prior to the Regular General Business Membership Meeting.

Section 2. Special Executive Board Meetings shall be called by the President or by a majority of the board members.

Section 3. The Executive Board shall have the power to pay all ordinary bills and expenses of the Local Union.

Section 4. A simple majority of the Local Union Executive Board shall constitute a quorum.

Section 5. Minutes will be taken, by the Recording Secretary, of all Executive Board meetings and shall be available at the next membership meeting.

Section 6. All decisions and recommendations of the Executive Board shall be referred to the next regular membership meeting.

Section 7. The Executive Board where necessary shall take steps to bring the contents and policy of the Local Union newspaper into conformity with the policy of the International Union.

Section 8. The Executive Board will not, under any circumstances, transfer money from one fund to another or make disbursements from any fund other than those intended disbursements, without first receiving two-thirds (2/3) approval of the membership present at a regular membership meeting.

Section 9. The Chairperson of Trustees shall be elected by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE 9
ATTENDANCE RULES GOVERNING MEMBERS HOLDING ELECTED OR APPOINTED POSITIONS

In the spirit of fairness and in good judgment, also to provide more active leadership, greater participation in meetings, and in general, a better functioning Local Union, the following meeting attendance rules shall apply to all members holding elected or appointed positions in the Local Union:

Section 1. Any officer holding an elected or appointed position must attend two (2) of every three (3) consecutive meetings. It is the member’s responsibility to confirm that their attendance was recorded.

A. Executive Board Members and District Committeeperson Members – Verify that the Recording Secretary called the Executive Board and District Committeeperson Member’s name and noted the member present on the meeting minute form.

B. All other Elected and Appointed Members – Verify that the elected and/or appointed member signed the meeting log-in form used for attendance.

Section 2. Executive Board members must attend two (2) of every three (3) consecutive Executive Board meetings. It is the member’s responsibility to confirm that their attendance was recorded.

A. Executive Board Members – Verify that the Recording Secretary called the Executive Board Member’s name and noted the member present on the Executive Board Meeting Minute form.

Section 3. All officers and Committeepersons must attend two (2) out of three (3) consecutive educational classes of Local 276, which are confined to a subject matter that has a direct relationship on the various offices held, provided the courses are for a prescribed and reasonable length of time. It is the member’s responsibility to confirm that their attendance was recorded.

A. All Elected and Appointed Members – Verify that the elected and/or appointed member signed the meeting log-in form used for attendance.

Section 4. It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to maintain an attendance record covering all elected or appointed officials of Local 276, and to report at each regular membership meeting the attendance of the previous meeting. Consideration shall be given for reasonable and valid excuses where an elected or appointed official fails to meet the above requirements. In the event any question arises over the excuses given by an official for the official’s absence from the meeting, the question must be referred to the next regular meeting for decision.

Section 5. PENALTY: Any elected or appointed official of Local 276, who fails to comply with the attendance rules, shall be automatically removed from office.

ARTICLE 10
LOCAL UNION COMMITTEES

Section 1. The Local Union shall include the following Standing Committees:

A. CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS:

(1) It shall be the duty of this committee to see that fair employment practices are promoted and to endeavor to eliminate discrimination toward individual members of the Local Union, International Union, and the nation.

B. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS:

(1) It shall be the duty of this committee to keep the By-Laws updated and to review the By-Laws that are in the best interest of the Local Union.

C. COMMUNITY SERVICE:

(1) It shall be the duty of this committee to take charge of all programs promoting the welfare of Local 276, UAW, and the community. Also, this committee will aid the community in any way possible.

D. EDUCATION:

(1) It shall be the duty of this committee to supervise and direct all educational programs engaged in by Local 276, UAW, which are not covered by Joint Funds or under the direction of the International Union.

E. CITIZENSHIP AND LEGISLATIVE:

(1) It shall be the duty of this committee to be informed on subjects of political importance and to convey this information to the membership.

F. CONSERVATION, RECREATION, AND ENTERTAINMENT:

(1) It shall be the duty of this committee to be responsible for Local Union activities regarding conservation, recreation, and entertainment.

G. RETIRED WORKER:

(1) It shall be the duty of this committee to promote solidarity among the retired workers and their spouses. Also, the Retired Workers Chapter shall initiate new activities for the Retirees’ Chapter and promote political action.

H. UNION LABEL:

(1) It shall be the duty of this committee to promote the purchase of “Union Made” goods and services and to create a better understanding of union labels and their meaning.

I. VETERANS’ COMMITTEE:

(1) It shall be the duty of this committee to seek out information and report the same to veterans regarding their rights and to aid and assist members who are veterans who may be distressed, etc.

J. WOMEN’S COMMITTEE:

(1) This committee will function actively in the best interest of all employees and promote activities for same. This committee will further assist all other committees, upon request, in promotion of Local Union activities.

K. CONSUMER AFFAIRS:

(1) It shall be the duty of this committee to investigate members’ complaints about goods and services purchased in the community. It should also strive to create and improve the employee discount book.

L. ALL OTHER COMMITTEES deemed necessary at the recommendation of the Executive Board of Local 276, UAW, and approved by the membership.

M. The Chairperson and Alternate Chairperson of each committee will be appointed by the Executive Board of the Local Union, subject to the approval of the membership.

Section 2. It will be the responsibility of each Chairperson of a Standing Committee to furnish a report on that committee at the regular membership meeting.

ARTICLE 11
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Section 1. For the betterment of the Local Union, and a more efficient operation, the Second Vice President will work with each Standing Committee Chairperson to assist in every way to attain a more workable committee. The Second Vice President will meet with the Executive Board or President to answer any questions that may arise pertaining to any committee.

ARTICLE 12
EXPENSES

Section 1. The Financial Secretary-Treasurer shall have the authority to purchase all normal office supplies.

Section 2. The Local Union will pay a representative or Local Union member lost time only when the representative or local member is performing necessary duties for and on behalf of the Local Union during a time for which the member would otherwise be compensated by the member’s employer. The amount of lost time will not exceed the amount which the Local Union representative or local member would otherwise receive from the member’s employer for the same period of time for which the member is being compensated by the Local Union.

Section 3. Justifiable expenses are to be reimbursed upon the submission of a pre-printed receipt, showing the name, address, phone number, date, and item(s) being paid, as required by the Internal Revenue Tax Code, for the expenses to the Financial Secretary-Treasurer and upon the approval of the President’s office.

Section 4. When traveling on behalf of the Local Union and required to stay overnight, the member will be paid SIXTY DOLLARS AND NO/100 ($60.00) per diem per day for meals.

A. The rate for per diem will be based on and adjusted October 1st each year to match the average for all cities in the continental United States as set by the United States General Administration Services’ average for all cities in the Continental United States (CONUS).

Section 5. When traveling on behalf of the Local Union and no over-night stay is required, the member will be paid TWENTY-EIGHT DOLLARS AND NO/100 ($28.00), as required by the Internal Revenue Tax Code.

Section 6. Transportation:

A. Transportation will be paid for the actual cost of air fare NOT to exceed coach fare, or at a rate of FORTY-EIGHT CENTS (.48¢) per mile, whichever is more economical.

(1) The mileage rate will be based on and adjusted each year to match the mileage rate set by the Internal Revenue Service Average Mileage Rate.

B. The expense for transportation is to be paid for the actual mode of transportation used. Mileage expense can only be paid to the driver of the automobile. There will be a maximum of four (4) occupants to one (1) car.

Section 7. Officers will be paid for monthly expenses as follows:

A. President $100.00

B. Financial Secretary-Treasurer $100.00

C. Unit Chairperson(s) $100.00

Section 8. Donations: The rules and regulations for the THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS & NO/100 ($3,000.00) limit on donations will be as follows:

A. All applications for donations will not exceed TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS & NO/100 ($250.00) per application;

B. All applications must be submitted to the Financial Secretary no later than January 30th of each year;

C. Each application will be submitted to the Executive Board at the Executive Board meeting in February of each year;

D. In the event the number of applicants exceeds the appropriated amount of THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS & NO/100 ($3,000.00) each, the number of applicants will be divided into THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS & NO/100 ($3,000.00). The total will be the amount to be donated to each applicant: The intent being that each applicant will receive an equal donation.

E. Each properly submitted application for donation will be acted upon at the February membership meeting for final approval. The above applies to activities not sponsored or coordinated by the standing committees of Local 276, UAW.

F. Each application for a donation must be made on the appropriate form issued by UAW Local 276.

Section 9. Activity requirements and expenses:

A. All applications for funds required for local union sponsored activities, which will be paid from the Conservation and Recreation Fund, shall be submitted to the Recreation Chairperson no later than January 30th of each year. Each properly submitted application will be acted upon at the February membership meeting for final approval.

(1) All expenses for any UAW Local 276 activity must be paid with a UAW Local 276 check as required by the Department of Labor.

B. All local union sponsored activities will be coordinated by the Standing Committees of Local 276, UAW.

C. There shall be an all-inclusive budgeted amount not to exceed FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS & NO/100 ($5,000.00) for each union sponsored activity.

(1) Expenses for each application will include but not be limited to materials, supplies, services, all lost time monies, and any other expenses relative to the event.

(2) Expenses for the UAW Local 276 Charity Golf Tournament shall be independent of the above limit and will be set at SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS & NO/100 ($7,000.00)

(3) Expenses for the UAW Local 276 Adult Christmas Party shall be independent of the above limit and will be set at SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS & NO/100 ($7,000.00).

D. Each application for recreation funds will be for the total receipts of the activity but in no event to exceed FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS & NO/100 ($5,000.00).

(1) No monies will be spent without prior approval of the President and Financial Secretary.

E. Receipts for recreation expenses will be turned over to the Financial Secretary.

(1) Receipts will be preprinted, showing the name and address of the vendor, the date of the purchase, the reference or description of the purchase and the amount of the purchase, in accordance with IRS regulations.

F. All recreation funds allocated for sporting events or activities shall be solely for the use and benefit of the members of Local 276, UAW, and their families.

G. Every effort should be made by each committee to offset costs to the fund by having Fund Raisers to supplement their requests for monies.

(1) Prior to holding a fund raiser, all Standing Committees Chapter must have the following:

(a) Committee approval;

(b) Executive Board Recommendation; and

(c) Membership action.

(2) The request to hold a fund raiser from a Committee must include the following information as required by the Department of Labor:

(a) The purpose of the fund raiser;

(b) What item(s) will be sold;

(c) The duration of the fund raiser (beginning date and ending date);

(d) The amount the item(s) will be sold for; and

(e) The name of each individual selling the item(s).

(3) Fund Raisers must be for a specific duration (example: 30 – 90 days) and must state the start date and the end date.

(4) Items for sale must be to the members of UAW Local 276 only, as required by the Department of Labor and the International Union, UAW.

(5) At the end of the fund raiser, unsold merchandise must be returned to UAW Local 276 and added to its inventory, with the proceeds going into the General Fund, as required by the Department of Labor and the International Union, UAW, Auditing Department.

(6) Committees’ wishing to reduce the sales price of merchandise previously approved by the membership must:

(a) Return all unsold merchandise to UAW Local 276 to be inventoried and held there until the reduced price is approved at the next regular membership meeting.

Section 10. Any programs and/or activities pertaining to recreation must be submitted to the Recreation Committee for discussion before presenting it to the membership. Upon approval by the Recreation Committee it will become the responsibility of the Recreation Chairperson to present any new recreation program or recreation activity to the membership for approval.

A. All new recreational programs or recreational activities must be approved by the membership before it can be called a UAW Local 276 club or team.

ARTICLE 13
ELECTIONS AND OTHER VOTING GUIDELINES

Section 1. An Election Committee consisting of forty-two (42) members shall be nominated at the first regular membership meeting following the General Election. The elections will be held prior to the second membership meeting following the General Election. All new members elected to the Election Committee will be sworn in at the first membership meeting following the election of the Election Committee.

A. The number of the Election Committee members may be increased as needed to accommodate various elections.

Section 2. The Chairperson of the Election Committee will be elected by the forty-two (42) members of the Election Committee at the first meeting of the Election Committee.

Section 3. The term of office shall be for a period of three (3) years.

Section 4. The Election Committee shall conduct elections during its term of office in accordance with the International Constitution as well as federal, state and local laws.

Section 5. The Election Committee will conduct the following elections:

A. Election of all Executive Officers;

B. Election of the members of the Shop Committee for each Unit having a Shop Committee;

C. Election of Unit 1 (GM) District and Alternate Committeepersons, Unit 2 (Premier) Shift Stewards and Alternate Stewards; and

D. Election of International Convention Delegates.

E. In the interim, any elections deemed necessary to be held between General Elections will be conducted by the Election Chairperson and members of the Election Committee. The number of Election Committeepersons required to hold any interim election to fill vacancies will be determined by the Chairperson of the Election Committee as deemed necessary to conduct the election.

Section 6. Strike votes and ratification votes on contracts will be by secret ballot. The voting will be conducted by the Executive Board or Shop Committee of Local 276, UAW.

Section 7. All elections and all other voting, including ratification votes, and any other types of votes required by the UAW Local 276 membership, will be held at the General Motors Assembly Plant, excluding the Strike Authorization vote and Retiree vote, both of which will be held at the Local 276 Union Hall, in accordance with the International Constitution and these Bylaws.

Section 8. At a General Business Membership Meeting duly designated for the purpose of nominating candidates for office, a member of Local 276, UAW, in good standing, may nominate another member of Local 276, UAW, in good standing, as a candidate. Said nominations must be made in writing, on the appropriate nomination form provided by Local 276. The member so nominated as a candidate will be obligated to accept the nomination, in writing, on the appropriate acceptance form provided by Local 276, within a specified time frame after notification of the nomination. Any nominated member will automatically forfeit the nomination if the member fails to accept the nomination in writing within the given time frame.

Section 9. Eligibility to hold any elected office shall be in accordance with the International Constitution and Local By-Laws.

Section 10. A form for the written acceptance of any Local 276, UAW, elected office will be printed and will contain the following information:

A. A place to print the name of the office for which the member is nominated;

B. Requirements for attendance of meetings;

C. Penalties for failure to comply with the Local Union By-Laws and the International Constitution;

D. The following acceptance certification:

“I request that my name appear on the election ballot as I have printed below:

“I hereby acknowledge that I have read the foregoing statements and do, by my signature, hereby accept nomination of the above named office. Further, I solemnly swear, if elected to abide by the International Constitution and the By-Laws of Local 276, UAW, to do my best to further the cause of the labor movement.

“Date Time

Signature Badge No. ”

Section 11. The following officers will be elected according to the Constitution of the International Union:

A. President

B. First Vice President

C. Second Vice President

D. Financial Secretary-Treasurer

E. Recording Secretary

F. Three (3) Trustees

G. Sergeant-at-Arms

H. Guide

I. Unit Chairperson(s)

J. Committeeperson(s)-at-Large

K. Unit 1 (GM) District Committeeperson(s) / Unit 2 (Premier) Shift Stewards

L. Unit 1 (GM) Alternate Committeeperson(s) / Unit 2 (premier Shift Alternate Stewards

M. Skilled Trades Representative

N. Special Skilled Trades Representative(s), if needed

Section 12. The following positions will be elected by:

A. Executive Board

(1) Elected by a majority vote from and by all active and retired members in good standing.

B. Unit Chairperson:

(1) Elected by a majority vote from and by all active members in good standing on all shifts, unit-wide.

C. Committeeperson-at-Large:

(1) Elected from and by all active members in good standing on all shifts in accordance with the By-Laws and the International Constitution and will assume her or his position according to plant seniority.

(2) The top two (2) vote receivers in the plant-wide election will be the Committeepersons-at-Large.

a. The number of Committeepersons-at-Large will be increased or decreased to remain in compliance with the National Agreement.

D. Unit 1 (GM) District Committeeperson(s) and Alternate Committeeperson(s)

(1) Each defined Unit 1 (GM) district will elect a Unit 1 (GM) District Committeeperson and an Alternate Committeeperson from members within their Unit 1 (GM) respective district at the same time as the Tri-annual Elections.

a. Elections to fill Unit 1 (GM) District Committee-persons or Alternate Com-mitteeperson vacancy(ies) will be held at the same time during a twelve (12) hour period; the start and end times to be determined by the Election Committee.

E. District Shop Committeeperson:

(1) Following the election of the duly elected District Committeepersons, an election will be held plant-wide to fill the allotted seats on the Shop Committee.

(2) The top four (4) vote receivers in the plant-wide election will be the District Shop Committeepersons.

a. The number of District Shop Committeepersons will be increased or decreased to remain in compliance with the National Agreement.

(3) The plant-wide Shop Committee Election will be from the elected District Committeepersons who so choose to be on the ballot.

a. All elected District Committteepersons will be considered nominated and will make acceptance in writing according to the dates and times as approved by the UAW Local 276 Membership.

b. All elected members of the Shop Committee will be Delegates to the Texas Area Leadership Sub-Council; the Region 5 Leadership Sub-Council and all UAW/GM National SUB Council whether they have voting rights in the Sub-Council or not.”

F. Skilled Trades Representative:

(1) Must have a Journeyperson card

(2) Elected from and by all Skilled Trades members in good standing on all shifts, plant-wide.

(3) The elected Skilled Trades Representative and elected Shop Committeeperson or Committeepeople that are a Skilled Trade will be the delegate to the Texas Area Leadership Sub-Council; the Region 5 Leadership Sub-Council; and the UAW/GM National Sub-Council whether they have voting rights or not. The elected Skilled Trades Representative will be on the Journeyperson Card Committee; and will be the Chairperson of the Lines of Demarcation Committee.

G. Unit 2 (Premier) Shift Stewards and Shift Alternate Stewards:

(1) Each defined Unit 2 (Premier) shift will elect a Unit 2 (Premier) Shift Steward and a Shift Alternate Steward from members within their Unit 2 (Premier) respective shift at the same time as the Tri-annual Elections.

a. Elections to fill Unit 2 (Premier) Shift Stewards or Shift Alternate Steward vacancy(ies) will be held at the same time during a twelve (12) hour period; the start and end times to be determined by the Election Committee.

Section 13. Nominations:

A. Nominations for the tri-annual elections will be held on the second Sunday in April.

(1) In the event the second Sunday in April is designated as a holiday, a Special Nomination Meeting will be held – the date and time to be determined by the Election Committee.

(2) During times of extreme conditions that prevent the membership from meeting, including but not limited to, events such as fire, flood, weather, epidemic, pandemic, etc., each eligible member in continuous good standing of this Local has the right to stand nominated and vote.

Section 14. Elections:

A. Elections for the tri-annual elections will be on the first Tuesday in May.

B. Polls will open at 6:00 AM on the first Tuesday in May.

C. Polls will close at 6:00 AM on the first Wednesday in May.

Section 15. Run-Off Elections:

A. The run-off election for the tri-annual elections shall be held on the second Tuesday in May.

B. Polls will open at 6:00 AM on the second Tuesday in May.

C. Polls will close at 6:00 AM on the second Wednesday.

Section 16. All elections of the Executive Board officers must be completed prior to the second Sunday in June.

A. All elections for Unit 1 (GM)’s Bargaining Committee, including Shop Committeepersons, District Committeepersons, Alternate Committeepersons, Skilled Trades Representative and Special Skilled Trades Representatives (if required) must be completed prior to the second Sunday in June.

B. All elections for Unit 2 (Premier)’s Chairperson, Shift Stewards and Shift Alternate Stewards must be completed prior to the second Sunday in June.

Section 17. The installation ceremony shall be performed during the regular General Business Membership Meeting the second Sunday in June.

Section 18. To be eligible for any office of Local 276, UAW, a member desiring to run for an elected office must be a member in continuous good standing in Local 276, UAW, for a period of one (1) year immediately prior to the member’s nomination.

Section 19. The use of absentee ballots is not permitted in Local Union elections, except as allowed by a uniform policy established by the International Executive Board, Article 38, Section 10 (b).

A. Procedure for Limited Absentee Balloting:

(1) An eligible member who will be away from UAW Local 276 during the entire period of an election of Executive Officers or Convention Delegates on a work assignment from the member’s employer or on UAW Local 276 business may apply in person for an absentee ballot by completing a signed statement that s/he will be away from UAW Local 276 for the entire period of the election on a work assignment from the member’s employer or on UAW Local 276 business.

(2) Such statement or request must be filed with UAW Local 276 in sufficient time for the member to secure a ballot and redeposit same with UAW Local 276 prior to the start of the election.

B. The absentee certification shall state:

“I, __________________________, do hereby certify that I will be out of town on _________________________ business during the entire election period beginning the ________________ day of __________________________, 20_____________, and returning the _____ day of __________________, 20______.

Signed:

Badge No:

Date: ”

ARTICLE 14
DUES

Section 1. Dues shall consist of the following:

A. Initiation fee – TWENTY DOLLARS & NO/100 ($20.00);

B. Monthly membership dues – Two and one-half (2 1/2) hours straight-time pay per month;

C. Building fund – Fifty cents (.50¢) per month;

D. Reinstatement fee – As outlined under Article 16 Section 9 of the International Constitution.

E. Upon approval of the International Union, monthly dues may be raised by a vote of Local 276, UAW, membership. However, dues may be increased on an International basis if the proposed increase is adopted at the International Constitutional Convention.

ARTICLE 15
MEMBERSHIP MINUTES

Section 1. Minutes will be kept on all meetings of the membership, Executive Board, Shop Committee and all special committee meetings.

Section. 2. All minutes will be typed and distributed as follows:

A. One (1) copy for the file;

B. One (1) copy for each of the Executive Officers;

C. One (1) copy to each of the Shop Committeepersons; and,

D. One (1) copy on each bulletin board of Local 276, UAW.

E. The original minutes shall have two (2) photo static copies made immediately after each meeting, one (1) copy to be given to the Financial Secretary for safe record and one (1) copy to be given to the President for his office.

F. The original, handwritten minutes shall be for the Recording Secretary’s records, and are not to leave the union hall of Local 276, UAW.

ARTICLE 16
NEWSPAPER

Section 1. Each member in good standing will be furnished a copy of each edition of “The Local’s News” upon publication.

Section 2. The President will furnish an article to the Editor of the Local 276, UAW, newspaper prior to the deadline for submitting articles.

Section 3. The Shop Chairperson will furnish an article to the Editor or Co-Editor of the Local 276, UAW, newspaper prior to the deadline for submitting articles.

Section 4. It will be the responsibility of each Chairperson of a Standing Committee to furnish an article to the Editor or Co-Editor of the Local 276, UAW, newspaper prior to the deadline for submitting articles.

ARTICLE 17
STRIKES

Section 1. Strikes shall be called or terminated only in conformance with the International Constitution.

ARTICLE 18
APPEALS

Section 1. Any person dissatisfied with the action or the decision of the Local Union or any representative thereof shall comply with the provisions of the International Constitution when seeking a solution to the complained of action or decision.

ARTICLE 19
DELEGATES FROM LOCAL

Section 1. All delegates to International Conventions shall be chosen pursuant to the provisions of the International Constitution.

Section 2. Any and all delegates sent to any conventions, conferences, meetings, etc., who do not attend the designated meetings and are receiving pay for lost time and/or per diem will be required to refund all money for each day such delegate does not attend the meeting or meetings. Excuses for non-attendance shall be brought before the membership.

ARTICLE 20
GENERAL

Section 1. Vacation and holiday pay for full-time officers and office secretaries shall be the same as that provided in the National Agreement.

Section 2. All Shop and District Committeepersons may be recalled as follows:

A. A valid petition, setting forth specific complaints of the Shop Committeeperson’s or District Committeeperson’s failure to perform the duties of her or his office, shall be signed by FIFTY PERCENT (50%) of the members in the district he or she represents and delivered to the Recording Secretary at the Union Hall. Said members shall be in good standing with Local 276, UAW.

B. The Shop Committeeperson or District Committeeperson so complained against shall receive notification of the specific complaints within ten (10) days of receipt of the complaint by the Recording Secretary.

C. Upon the filing of such petition with the Local Union, a Special Meeting for Recall will be requested to be called by the members of that District for the purpose of recalling the Committeeperson for that district.

(1) Notification shall be given to those people within the district that the District Committeeperson represents seven (7) days prior to the date of the Special Meeting for Recall.

(2) All charges will be made before the Committeeperson to be recalled, at which time the Committeeperson will be given a chance to offer a defense regarding the charge or charges filed against the Committeeperson.

(3) A recall vote will then be taken by secret ballot at the Special Meeting for Recall.

D. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at the Special Meeting for Recall shall be required to recall a District or Shop Committeeperson.

E. FIFTY PERCENT (50%) of the members in good standing that he or she represents must be present at the recall meeting to establish a quorum.

Section 3. There shall be no appointment of Shop Committeepersons, District Committeepersons or Alternate Committeepersons. Each will be elected by the members of the district, zone, or plant-wide basis that each represents except for a short period of time not to exceed thirty (30) days. This time limit may be extended by membership approval.

A. Any office of a Shop Committeeperson, District Committeeperson or Alternate Committeeperson vacated during a regular term as a result of resignation, death, termination or other reason, shall be filled by election. The District or Alternate Committeepersons will be filled from the district he/she represented. However, in the case of a District Shop Committeeperson’s vacancy, an election will be held to fill the District Committeeperson’s office, and then all District Committeepersons in office, on all shifts, who are not currently members of the Shop Committee may run for the vacated Shop Committee position.

B. The winner will assume the vacated position on the Shop Committee, remaining on their current shift, thus the opening will be filled.

Section 4. Any and all contracts will be ratified by the membership, in good standing of Local 276, UAW, at a specially called meeting for the purpose of ratifying the contract prior to the final agreement between Management and the Shop Committee.

Section 5. The President and Vice President will work as a team with all information received by the President made equally available to the Vice President.

Section 6. The Recording Secretary and Financial Secretary-Treasurer shall work so close together that each shall be able to carry on the work of the other with no loss to the Union.

Section 7. The three (3) Trustees shall work as a team and each will share the work or knowledge with the others.

Section 8. The Sergeant-at-Arms and Guide shall work as a unit so that either can carry on the work of the other.

Section 9. Each officer of Local 276, UAW, shall carry out the officer’s duties as outlined in the International Constitution and the Local By-Laws. No member shall interfere with or try to restrict any officer from carrying out the officer’s lawful duties. Violation of this section will be considered conduct unbecoming a union member.

Section 10. Each year in which a triennial election is held or at any time an election is held to replace the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President and/or the Financial Secretary, the newly elected President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and Financial Secretary will present themselves at the UAW Local 276’s financial institution(s) to fill out the proper paperwork on either the day the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and Financial Secretary is sworn in or on the first business day after being sworn in.

A. The Trustee elected to the position of Chairperson of the Trustees will present herself/himself at the UAW Local 276’s financial institution(s) to fill out the proper paperwork on day he/she is elected Chairperson of the Trustees or on the first business day after being elected Chairperson of the Trustees.

Section 11. Each year in which a triennial election is held or at any time an election is held to replace the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President and/or the Financial Secretary, the outgoing President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and Financial Secretary will present themselves at the UAW Local 276’s financial institution(s) to fill out the proper paperwork on the day the newly elected President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and Financial Secretary is sworn in or on the first business day after being sworn in.

A. The outgoing Chairperson of the Trustees will present herself/himself at the UAW Local 276’s financial institution(s) to fill out the proper financial institution paperwork on the first business day after the election of the new Chairperson of the Trustees.

Section 12. To remain in compliance with Article 39 of the UAW International Constitution, all out-going elected officials, out-going locally or Internationally appointed officials, and all out-going Standing Committee or other Committee members, shall surrender to the President of UAW Local 276, upon the day they leave their office or appointed position, all UAW Local 276 door keys, all UAW Local 276 file cabinet keys, manuals, books, training materials, documents, notes, calendars and all other data pertaining to the position the member held.

A. Any member listed in Section 12 above who fails to surrender all UAW Local 276 door keys, all UAW Local 276 file cabinet keys, manuals, books, training materials, documents, notes, calendars and all other data pertaining to the position the member held will cause said member to be placed on the “UAW Local 276 Delinquent list.

B. Any member listed in Section 12 above who has been placed on the Delinquent List, will be removed from the Delinquent list upon surrender to the President of UAW Local 276 of all UAW Local 276 door keys, all UAW Local 276 file cabinet keys, manuals, books, training materials, documents, notes, calendars and all other data pertaining to the position the member held.

ARTICLE 21
EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY

Section 1. All equipment and/or property shall be used only for union business with exceptions of approval by the President and Financial Secretary.

Section 2. None of the equipment and/or property belonging to Local 276, UAW, shall be used or allowed to be used for any purpose that may be detrimental to the union cause.

Section 3. All persons and/or organizations borrowing union property will be obligated to return the borrowed property and will be held responsible for any damage.