Bylaws | UAW Local 4591 | WSU-Coalition of Academic Student Employees

Article 1 — Name

Section 1

This Organization shall be known as Local No. 4591, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), hereinafter referred to as the Local Union. This document shall be officially known as the Bylaws of said Local Union.

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Article 2 — Constitution and Bylaws

Section 1

The Constitution of this Local Union shall be the Constitution of the International Union, UAW, and these Bylaws shall be in all respects subordinate to said Constitution and all applications and interpretations thereof.

Article 3 — Fiscal Year

Section 1

The fiscal year of this Local Union shall begin on January 1 of each year and ends on December 31 of the same year.

Article 4 — Membership

Section 1

Membership of this Local Union shall be extended to all Graduate Students at Washington State University and all employees in titles that come under the jurisdiction of this Local Union.

Section 2

Membership shall be defined as members in good standing as defined in the Constitution of the International Union, UAW.

Section 3

Union dues are payable by members who are employed in positions represented by the Local. Union dues shall be 1.44% of gross pay per month.

1. Any member employed in the unit whose dues are not paid by the end of one (1) calendar month shall automatically be suspended, consistent with article 16 of the UAW International Constitution, with the exception of members who leave the unit temporarily.
2. Members who leave the unit temporarily (e.g. due to a lack of positions over the summer, being placed on an external fellowship for a semester, etc.) shall not be required to pay dues, though they may elect to voluntarily pay dues in the amount of their own choosing during this time period. They shall be considered members in good standing with full voting privileges.

Section 4

The initiation fee shall be set at ten dollars ($10). Reinstatement will be granted to members in good standing and will require a reinstatement fee equivalent to the initiation fee plus the dues for the current month and all delinquent months, consistent with Article 16 of the UAW International Constitution.

1. In circumstances where a member leaves the bargaining unit temporarily they will not be required to pay a reinstatement fee upon re-entering the bargaining unit.

Section 5

Each member in good standing of this Local Union has the right to nominate and vote, express opinions on all subjects before the Local Union, to attend all membership meetings and express views, arguments and opinions on all matters and business, including candidates for office, properly before the meeting; 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 UAW International Constitution, policies of the International Executive Board, these Bylaws and other official rules of the Local Union.

1. A member in exercising the foregoing rights and privileges shall not take irresponsible actions which would tend to jeopardize or destroy, or be detrimental to, either the Local or International Unions as organizations, or their free democratic heritage, or which would interfere with the performance by this 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. 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 6

The membership shall strive to obtain the objectives set forth in the UAW Constitution and additional objectives as 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 its Regional Director, International Representatives and help promote organizational activities.

Article 5 — Membership Meetings

Section 1: Authority and Frequency

1. Definition and Authority
  General Membership Meetings are the highest body of the union. Membership meetings are meetings to which the entire local membership is actively encouraged to attend. All membership meetings held in person will have a virtual/remote component as well. All elected officials are accountable to membership meeting attendees, and members in attendance at membership meetings may review, and vote to approve or reject all actions of the Executive Board, and committees. Membership Meetings may pass motions directing actions of the Union. For decisions unrelated to strikes or bargaining positions, where a quorum (as defined in section two (2) of this Article) is not present, the meeting may be recessed until a quorum can be assembled, or business can be held for the following membership meeting. For decisions related to strikes and bargaining positions, an online, membership-wide vote shall be held as detailed in Article 18 Section 1 of these bylaws. Results of these membership meeting decisions, and subsequent votes/polls are binding on the Bargaining Committee and all elected officers.
2. Frequency
  General Membership Meetings will be held no less frequently than once every month. Dates for membership meetings should be established at least two (2) calendar months prior to the meeting, and notification of meetings must be posted on the union website, at the local office, and sent to membership via email no less than fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.

Special Membership meetings can be called between regularly scheduled meetings by order of the Executive Board, or upon written request to the recording secretary from at least 3% of the members of the local union. Notice of Special Meetings must be posted on the union website, and the local office, and sent to membership via email no less than fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting or as soon as is practicable for meetings called on shorter than fourteen (14) days notice.

General Membership Meetings shall be held during the academic year, defined as August 16th through May 15th, but may be held outside of this period.

Section 2: Meeting Structure

1. Order of Business
  The following order of business is suggested, but may be altered at the discretion of the Executive Board.
  1. Roll call of officers
  2. Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting
  3. Report of Financial Secretary
  4. Reports of officers, committees and delegates
  5. Communications and bills
  6. Unfinished business
  7. Good and Welfare
  8. New business
  9. Closing (All questions of parliamentary nature shall be decided by Robert’s Rules of Order.)
2. Agenda
  Meeting Agendas are sent to membership via email no less than one (1) day prior to any general membership meeting, and as soon as practicable for special membership meetings called on shorter than one (1) day notice.
  
  Additional matters not on the agenda can be discussed during the meeting by a motion passed by a simple majority of those in attendance.
3. Meeting Minutes
  Membership meeting minutes should include all motions made at meetings, the disposition of all motions, all financial transactions, and all appointments made. The minutes are the official record of the local union and shall be maintained at all local union offices. All meeting minutes or committee reports to be approved in a meeting must be made available to the membership in writing at least one hour prior to the membership meeting.
4. Quorum for Decisions
  A quorum for membership meetings shall consist of 15 members of the Local Union.

Section 3: Conduct of Members

1. Conduct
  Any member who attends a meeting in an intoxicated condition and/or creates a disturbance or becomes unruly shall lose voice and their right to vote at said meeting. When 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 member shall be considered conduct unbecoming a union member.
2. Robert’s Rules of Order
  Per Article 42 of the International Constitution, questions of a parliamentary nature shall be decided by Robert’s Rules of Order

Article 6 — Powers 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 UAW Constitution or these Bylaws.

Section 2

Between membership meetings, the Executive Board shall be the highest authority of the Local Union and shall be empowered to act on behalf of the membership to the extent urgent business requires prompt and decisive action, subject to subsequent membership approval, but the Executive Board may not take action affecting the vital interests of the Local Union without prior membership approval.

Section 3

Between meetings and votes of the Executive Board, the President, in consultation with the appropriate officers and staff, shall exercise general administrative authority and shall be empowered to act on behalf of the Executive Board. All decisions taken by the President shall be subject to subsequent approval of the Executive Board.

Article 7 — Local Union Officers

Section 1

The elected officers of the Local Union shall constitute the Executive Board and shall consist of (9) union members for the duration of three (3) year terms. The roles are the following: President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, three (3) Trustees, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Guide.

Section 2

It shall be the duty of each elected Local Union official to fulfill their duties faithfully as provided in the International Constitution

Section 3

In case of removal or resignation of the President, the Vice-President will succeed to the Presidency in accordance with Article 38, Section 14 of the International Constitution.

Section 4

Elected officers who do not expect to remain members for the entirety of a 3 year term may elect to resign the position at any time, for any reason without penalty.

Section 5

All vacancies shall be promptly filled by election, in accordance with Article 13 of these bylaws, except for the office of President, which shall be filled in accordance with Section 4 of this article.

Article 8 — Executive Board

Section 1

The Executive Board shall hold regular monthly meetings. Seven (7) calendar days’ notice of the meeting shall be posted on the Local Union website. Additional special meetings shall be held upon request of three (3) or more officers of the Executive Board to the Recording Secretary. Except in emergency situations, three (3) calendar days’ notice of special meetings shall be posted on the Local Union website.

Section 2

A Local Executive Board quorum shall consist of 5 members of the Executive Board.

Section 3

Minutes will be taken of all Executive Board Meetings by the Recording Secretary, and a summary will be read at membership meetings.

Section 4

All decisions and recommendations of the Executive Board shall be referred to the membership meeting.

Section 5

It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to see to it that all policies formulated by the membership or the Executive Board are duly executed.

Section 6

The Executive Board shall decide upon requests by stewards or members whether to advance a grievance to arbitration.

Section 7

The Executive Board shall review the Local Union website and, where necessary, shall take steps to bring the contents of the website into conformity with the policy of the International Union.

Section 8

The Executive Board shall appoint at least one of its members to each of the standing committees in a liaison or advisory capacity, except, however, the Election Committee or any Trial Committee.

Article 9 — Stewards and Committeepersons

Section 1: Duties

1. Stewards
  Elected stewards will oversee and enforce the contract, and handle grievances. Stewards shall also be responsible for organizing membership and recruiting as many workers as possible into the union. It is the duty of each elected Steward to fulfill their various duties faithfully as provided in the International Constitution and Local Union Bylaws.
  
  All stewards will be required to attend a training session on grievance handling and organizing prior to being the sole representative handling any grievance. Stewards shall support, provide resources, and train members to file grievances and assist members with any grievance steps that they are unable to complete themselves. Stewards will be expected to collaborate with the affected members to find resolutions for the workplace issue with the help of the Grievance Workgroup. Stewards will encourage and support members to participate in: researching and writing grievances, presenting grievances to the grievance workgroup, organizing and participating in collective actions related to the grievance.
  
  Stewards shall elect from among themselves a chair for the Grievance Workgroup. The Grievance Workgroup shall be open to all members, elected officers and stewards and shall work collaboratively to resolve ongoing grievances. The Grievance Workgroup shall be responsible for organizing grievance training sessions to occur not less than two (2) times per academic year.
2. Committeepersons
  Committee members for all standing committees as outlined in Article 11 of this document shall be elected by the full membership of the union, at membership meetings Members are automatically nominated, and may accept nomination to any committee other than the elections committee at any point and can then be confirmed by membership at the next membership meeting. Committeepersons shall be responsible for participation in all scheduled meetings of their elected committee, and may be recalled in the event that they fail to attend at least two (2) out of three (3) consecutive meetings without excuse or notice.

Section 2: Number of Stewards

There shall be one (1) Steward position per every fifty (50) bargaining unit members. Steward jurisdictions shall correspond with departments or hiring units wherever possible. For departments or hiring units with more than 50 bargaining unit members the number of steward positions shall be equivalent to the total number of represented employees in that department or hiring unit divided by 50. The executive board shall modify jurisdictions as needed to maximize collaboration between representatives. Each steward shall be elected by members within the candidates jurisdiction by secret ballot.

There shall be at least one (1) Steward position for each campus and REC at which there are union members employed.

Every spring semester, the executive board will compile the bargaining unit membership numbers from the preceding fall summer and spring semesters and determine the number of stewards to be elected in the upcoming election. Changes to the jurisdictions of stewards will follow in proportion to these numbers, and will be ratified at a membership meeting.

The union shall provide a list of the names of each steward and their jurisdiction to the University. Should a designation of Union Steward Change, the Union shall provide an updated list to the University within ten (10) days of the effective date of such change.

Section 3: Nomination and election procedures for stewards

Pursuant to Article 45 of the international UAW Constitution, All Stewards shall be elected for two (2) year terms. Elections of the first class of stewards will take place after ratification of these bylaws. Thereafter elections shall occur in May of each year. The first class of stewards elected for this union shall be elected for a term running from September 2024 through April 2026 Thereafter, terms shall run for two years beginning in May of the election year. Stewards may step down from the position at any time in the term for any reason.

Elections for positions with only one seat shall be determined by a majority figure of votes. Candidates that receive more than the majority figure of votes will be declared elected. The majority figure is determined as follows: the majority figure is 50%+1 of the votes per position. The votes per position is determined by dividing the vote total by the number positions up for election. For example, if there are 500 votes cast and 1 position. The majority figure would then be 51 votes (50% of 500 is 250, plus one is 251).

Elections for positions with more than one seat shall be determined by a plurality figure of votes. Each member will receive a number of votes according to the number of seats for that position that they can distribute across candidates. Members can abstain one or more of their votes. The candidates with the most votes will be elected according to the number of seats. For example, if 5 candidates are running for 2 seats, and there are 500 members who cast 900 votes. Candidate A receives 400 votes, candidate B receives 300 votes, candidate C receives 50 votes, candidate D receives 100 votes, and candidate E receives 50 votes. Candidate A and candidate B win the two seats under plurality voting. If there is a tie in the number of votes in which there are more winners than seats, there will be a runoff election for the remaining seat between the candidates who tied.

Members in good standing as defined by the UAW International Constitution, working under the jurisdiction to be represented by the steward are automatically nominated for all positions, and may accept the nomination in accordance with Article 13 of these bylaws.

In the event that no member in a jurisdiction accepts nomination for an available position in that jurisdiction, at the end of the nomination period (as described in Article 13 of these bylaws) the position will be offered for any interested ASE to accept nomination at any time during the term of office, interested ASEs may then be approved by the executive board to act as a “pro tem” steward until the next membership meeting where they may be approved by a vote of the membership.

Section 4: Recall

A Steward or Committeeperson may be recalled by the full voting members that they represent for failure to perform the duties of the office. A valid petition setting forth specific complaints of the Steward’s or Committeeperson’s failure to perform the duties of the office shall be signed by at least 25% of the full voting members that they represent, and presented to the Local Unions Recording Secretary.The Steward or Committeeperson so complained against shall receive notification of the specific complaints. Upon the filing of such a petition with the Local Union, a special meeting for recall shall be held, or which fourteen (14) days notification shall be given, unless there is a scheduled general membership meeting within fourteen (14) days of the presentation of the petition to the recording secretary. If there is a scheduled general meeting within fourteen (14) days of the petition being presented to the recording secretary, the recall vote can be added to the agenda for the general meeting. A two-thirds (⅔) vote of the members present at such meeting shall be required to recall the Steward or Committeeperson. A quorum for such meetings shall be 50% of the members eligible to vote for the position in question.

Section 5: Vacancies outside of regular election periods
In the event of a vacancy in a Steward or Committeeperson position outside of a regular election period, any member in good standing may accept nomination for the vacant position at the next membership meeting, or in writing prior to the meeting. The membership will then immediately vote on the appointment, with appointments confirmed by simple majority.

Article 10 — Bargaining Committees

Section 1

The Bargaining Committee shall consist of a minimum of seven (7) members in good standing as defined by the International Constitution, elected by the membership during years in which the contract is being renegotiated, who will serve during contract negotiation until settlement, with replacements elected whenever vacancies occur. The Bargaining Committee will be elected no later than six (6) weeks before negotiations with the University are scheduled to commence.

1. Membership has oversight over the Bargaining Committee.
2. The President shall serve as an ex officio member of the Bargaining Committee.
3. All elected officials are eligible for election to the Bargaining Committee without resigning from their existing positions.

Section 2

All bargaining sessions shall be open to Local Union members.

Section 3

The Bargaining Committee will conduct its business at official Bargaining Committee meetings, which includes both meetings with management and internal meetings to discuss bargaining proposals. Bargaining Committee business will be conducted via majority vote. A simple majority of the Bargaining Committee members will constitute quorum.

Section 4

Before adjourning all official Bargaining Committee meetings, the Bargaining Committee will set the time and location of its next official meeting.

Section 5

All Bargaining Committee notes shall be available to members upon request.

Section 6

All Bargaining Committee meeting dates, times, and locations shall be posted on the Local Union website within 24 hours of scheduling.

Section 7

The Bargaining Committee shall democratically decide which members will engage in all sidebar meetings, shuttling of proposals, and / or off-the-record communications with management.

Section 8

Immediately following each bargaining session, the Bargaining Committee will provide to all members a report on that bargaining session via email. Reports shall include but not be limited to:

- A summary of proposals that were made by the university and the union;
- A summary of any tentative agreements;
- A summary of issues still outstanding; and
- The time and place of any future bargaining sessions.

Section 9. The Bargaining Committee members must present both Initial Bargaining Demands and the Final Contract to the membership for ratification.

Article 11 — Committees

Section 1: Standing Committees

The Local Union shall have the following standing committees:

- Constitution and Bylaws
- Organizing Committee
- Union Label
- Education
- Conservation and Recreation,
- Community Services,
- Civil and Human Rights
- Citizenship and Legislative
- Consumer Affairs
- Veterans
- Women’s Committee

Other committees shall be established as needed by the Executive Board.

Section 2

Committee meeting times and locations will be posted at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting time on the Local Union website. All members will be eligible to serve on committees.

Section 3

The chairs of the committees will be elected by the members of the committee. Committee meetings are open to all members.

Section 4

These committees shall perform all duties assigned to them by the International Constitution, Local Union Bylaws, and such additional duties pertinent to the committee as they may be directed to perform by the Executive Board.

Section 5

All committees shall have attendance records and written minutes.

Article 12 — Elections Committee

Section 1

All Local Union elections, strike votes, and contract ratification votes shall be held under supervision of a democratically elected election committee. The election committee shall be responsible for publishing the duties of the elected officials prior to the notice for nomination, for the publication of notice for nominations and elections, the verification of eligibility for candidates, the organization and supervision of election proceedings, and the counting of ballots.

Section 2

The election committee shall consist of seven (7) members in good standing and one (1) alternate who is a member in good standing. The term of office for the election committee shall be one (1) year. The chair and Recording Secretary of the election committee are elected by the members of the committee

Section 3

A meeting of the general membership shall be called for the purpose of nominating and electing Local Union election committee members. Notice of these meetings shall be distributed at least seven (7) days in advance by e-mail, and by posting on the Local Union website and at the Local Union office.

Section 4

All members in good standing shall be nominated automatically for the elections committee. Any member in good standing may accept nomination at a membership meeting called for the purpose.

Section 5

The election of election committee members shall be held immediately on the close of nominations. Election committee members and one (1) alternate election committee member shall be elected by plurality.

Section 6

A vacancy on the election committee shall be filled by the alternate member of the election committee.

Section 7

Alternate members of the election committee shall assist in the conduct of the election as needed. The election committee may also recruit and supervise volunteers as needed to assist in the conduct of the election, including overseeing ballot boxes, conveying ballots from the polling place to the location where the ballot count is held, and counting ballots for Elections.

Section 8

In no case shall committee members, alternate members or volunteers be candidates for office in the election nor may they campaign for any individual while actively performing their Election Committee duties. In the event that a person serving as a member or alternate member of the election committee seeks an office, they must resign the position on the election committee prior to accepting nomination for that office.

Article 13 — Elections

Section 1

Elections for Local Union Officers, including the Officers of the Executive Board, shall take place in May. Installation shall take place at the next Executive Board or membership meeting following the election, except as otherwise authorized by the UAW International Executive Board.

Section 2

The members of the Local Union shall be notified for nomination and election of Local Union executive officers and other elected positions no less than seven (7) days prior to the start of the nomination period or fifteen (15) days prior to the election, respectively. The notice shall be announced at a membership meeting, distributed by email, posted on the Local Union website and at the Local Union offices, and in accordance with the UAW Guide for Local Union Election Committees. The notice shall include the dates, times, and places of the election and possible run-off elections, the date and time of the close of the seven (7) day nomination period, and instructions for accepting nomination as described in this Article.

Section 3

All members shall be nominated automatically for all Local Union offices. Any member may accept nomination by submitting in writing a statement of acceptance to the Recording Secretary of the Election Committee. Members may only accept nomination for one (1) Executive Board position. The statement of acceptance shall state how their name should appear on the ballot. Each member accepting nomination may also submit a candidate statement of up to five hundred (500) words to the Recording Secretary. Statements of acceptance and candidate statements may be submitted separately or together, and may be submitted in person, or, e-mail. Statements of acceptance and candidate statements must be received by the Recording Secretary of the Elections Committee no later than seven (7) days after the beginning of the nomination period. After the deadline on accepting nominations has expired, no election of write-in candidates shall be accepted. All Local Union executive officers shall be elected at-large, by a majority of votes cast (defined as 50% of those voting +1 member), for three (3) year terms.

Section 4

Candidate statements shall be distributed simultaneously no later than seven (7) days before the election, to all members via email.

Section 5

Apart from the resources described in this Article that are to be provided equally to all candidates, no other Local Union resources may be used by any candidate to campaign for Local Union office.

Section 6

The election shall be held no sooner than fourteen (14) days after the close of nominations. It shall be conducted by secret ballot, and balloting shall be conducted so as to afford all members a reasonable opportunity to vote. Every member must personally cast their vote.

Section 7

Upon the close of the polls, any paper ballots shall be conveyed promptly to one location for the ballot count. The election committee shall count any paper ballots. Electronic secret ballots are permitted.

Section 8

Each candidate may designate one (1) member of the Local Union to be present at the polling places and at the ballot count as a challenger.

Section 9

Following each election, the election committee shall report in writing a canvas of the results of the election to the Executive Board and members. The report shall be announced at a membership meeting, distributed by email, and posted on the Local Union website. No protests to election shall be considered unless raised within seven (7) days of the closing of the polls or at the next Executive Board meeting or membership meeting, whichever is later. A protest must either be in writing, or made at the Executive Board meeting. If written, the protest must be actually received by the Local Union Recording Secretary before the deadline.

Section 10

The membership may order a new election, either in acting upon a protest or in ratification of a recommendation of the election committee. In the event the membership should order a new election, the matter shall be submitted to the President of the International Union, UAW, in accord with the International Constitution.

Section 11

In the event of a vacancy in an officer or executive board position, except when the vacancy is in the office of President a special election should be held to elect a new member to hold that position for the remainder of the term. In the event of a vacancy in the position of President, the vacancy shall be filled by the Vice-President in accordance with Article 7 section 3 of these bylaws.

1. In the event the vacancy is by previously announced resignation, a special election may be held before the position becomes vacant.

Section 12

Officers shall be sworn in at the bodies at which they serve. For example, Executive Board members shall be sworn in at Executive Board meetings or Stewards shall be sworn in at the Membership Meetings. Any Officer can be sworn in at membership meetings.

Section 13

In the event that no candidate receives the majority of the votes, a run-off election shall be held in accordance with UAW International Article 38 Section 17.

Article 14 — Finances

Section 1: Responsibilities

1. Trustees: In accordance with Article 40 of the international constitution of the UAW, the trustees shall have general supervision of all funds and property of the Local Union.

1. 1. They shall audit or cause to be audited by a Certified Public Accountant selected by the Local Union Executive Board, the records of the Financial Officers of the Local Union semi-annually using the Trustee Audit Form found on the Local Union Information System (LUIS), a copy of which shall be forwarded to the International Secretary-Treasurer and the Local Union’s Regional Director immediately thereafter.
  2. It is the duty of the trustees to see that the Financial Officers of the Local Union are bonded in conformity with the laws of the international Union.
  3. In the event that the books of the Financial Secretary are not received for audit within fifteen (15) days after the end of each six-month period, the Chairperson of the Trustees shall make a report to the next meeting of the Local Union for action.
  4. The Trustees shall see that all funds shall be deposited in a bank subject to an order signed by the President and Financial Secretary.
2. Financial Secretary: The duties of the Financial Secretary include receiving all dues, initiation fees, readmission fees and all other income of the Local Union for any fund from any source and to give official receipts for the same as provided in Article 40 of the UAW international Constitution. The financial secretary is also responsible for coordinating the finances of the union and, with the President, for authorizing expenditures to pay the ordinary operating expenses.
  1. The Financial Secretary shall write all checks drawn on the Local Union funds, and report in writing every month at a regular meeting of the Local Union giving the amount of monies received and paid out during the previous calendar month, divided as between the various income and expenditure classifications, and the remaining balances in the fund accounts of the Local Union.
  2. The Financial Secretary shall issue one (1) receipt for each check received from the University, and otherwise use the procedure outlined in the International Constitution of the UAW for any other income.
  3. The Financial Secretary shall deposit all collections in such banks as Local Union Trustees may direct the Financial Secretary shall by the 20th of each month, submit a monthly per capita tax to the International Secretary-Treasurer in accordance with Article 16, Section 6 of the International Constitution of the UAW.
  4. The Financial Secretary shall furnish the international Secretary-Treasurer, through the Local Union Information System (LUIS) with the names and addresses of all the officers of the local union. They shall keep a record of all members as outlined in Article 40 of the International Constitution of UAW and update the Local Union’s membership records in LUIS. The financial Secretary shall not make said record of all active members (membership list) available to anyone except pursuant to the provisions of Article 37 Section 9 of the International UAW Constitution.
  5. The Financial Secretary shall keep an inventory of all records and property of the Local Union, the same to contain, when possible, date of purchase and amount paid for each article. They shall notify all members in arrears of the amount of their indebtedness and turn over their books to the Trustees for audit and approval when called to do so. They shall on the demand of the international Secretary-Treasurer produce their books for examination and audit and shall comply with the provisions of the constitution.
  6. The financial secretary shall sign all checks which must be countersigned by the President. They shall report in writing every month at a regular meeting of the Local Union the total receipts and total expenditures for the Local Union for the previous calendar month and the amount of money still on deposit. The financial secretary shall deliver to their successor all monies and other property of the Local Union.
3. President: With the financial secretary, the president is responsible for authorizing expenditures to pay the ordinary operating expenses for the local union. The president is responsible to sign all orders on the treasury authorized by the local union and must countersign all checks issued by the financial secretary against accounts of the Local Union when ordered by the Union.

Section 2: Budget

1. The President and Financial Secretary may jointly authorize expenditures up to $1000 to pay ordinary operating expenses for the local union.
2. For expenditures over $1000 but less than $5000 authorization from the executive board is required
3. Advance approval of the Executive Board is required for reimbursement of travel and related expenses. If approval is required before the next Executive Board Meeting, the President and Financial Secretary shall have authority to approve.
4. Reimbursement for per diem expenses when traveling on Union business shall be provided to elected Local Union officials as follows:
  1. Hotel/Motel: when authorized to stay overnight and with hotel receipt, the reimbursement shall be the single room occupancy rate, or ½ of a double room if shared with another member. All hotel/motel rates must be approved by the Executive Board in advance.
  2. Meals: when authorized to travel more than 100 miles from home the reimbursement shall be the current per diem rate established by the International Executive Board up to $30 per day when required to stay overnight, and $15 when not required to stay overnight. When authorized to travel less than 100 miles but more than 50 miles and required to stay overnight, the reimbursement shall be the current per diem rate established by the International Executive Board up to $30 per day.
  3. Transportation: all air travel must be approved by the Executive Board or President in advance; the actual cost of airfare not to exceed coach fare, or 28 cents per mile, whichever is more economical. 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. A maximum of $35 per round trip for transportation to, or parking at, an airport will be reimbursed with receipt when traveling on Union business.
  4. Lost time will be paid in cases where prior approval, including amount of wages and dates lost time, has been granted by the Executive Board. The Local Union shall pay a representative or member lost time only when that representative or member is performing necessary duties for and on behalf of the Local Union during a time for which they would otherwise be compensated by the employer. The amount of lost time should never exceed the amount which the Local Union representative or member would otherwise have received from their employer for the same period of time for which they are being compensated by the Local Union.
5. Officer Compensation: When sufficient Local Union Funding is available to offer compensation, the President and Financial Secretary shall be offered compensation according to the following:
  1. The President and Financial Secretary will be offered compensation for the duties of their elected positions at the appropriate 0.5 FTE rate for their location and experience level as established in the active collective bargaining agreement for the Local Union. These compensated elected positions will not constitute Local Union Staff.
  2. The President and Financial Secretary may elect not to receive all or a portion of the offered compensation.
  3. If the President and Financial Secretary do not receive university provided graduate student health insurance, they will be offered additional compensation in the amount of the student rate as outlined in the GSA Rate Table for the academic year so that they may purchase insurance at the student rate.
  4. If eligible but not receiving a tuition waiver from the university or another source, the President and Financial Secretary shall be reimbursed for said tuition, upon submission of a receipt, at the level equivalent to what ASEs employed in a 0.50FTE position receive.
  5. The President and Financial Secretary shall receive leave and vacation at the same rate as provided in the active collective bargaining agreement.
6. Staff Positions
  1. The Personnel committee shall consist of the President, the Financial Secretary, and at least one other member of the Executive Board to be selected by simple majority vote of the executive board. This committee shall be empowered to hire, terminate, supervise, and otherwise manage Local Union staff. No member of the committee shall concurrently hold a Local Union Staff position. Local Union staff may also be terminated by a ⅔ majority vote of the Executive Board.
  2. The definition of a paid position, including the responsibilities, compensation and benefits shall be approved by the executive board, and the decision to offer such position put to a vote in a Membership Meeting before the position is advertised.
  3. All paid positions within the Local Union must be advertised for at least thirty (30) days prior to the interview period so that anyone who seeks to be hired may apply for the position. This timeline can be shortened by a ⅔ vote of the executive board under emergency circumstances.
  4. Candidates for paid staff positions will be identified, interviewed, selected and hired by the Personnel committee.
  5. Local staff, whether part-time or full-time shall be paid with Local Union funds pursuant to Article 35 Section 3 (d) of the International Constitution of UAW. The Financial Secretary shall ensure that all wages and benefits are provided accurately and on time.

Section 3

No agent or official of the Local Union is authorized to execute a real estate lease, deed, service or maintenance contract or other long term agreement unless the proposed agreement has been reviewed by an outside expert or attorney and has been approved by the Executive Board.

Section 4: Funding Transparency

1. Any funding, donation, or other form of remuneration provided to the Local Union, to a Committee, or to an elected representative in their role as elected representative, must be publicly reported to all union members, including the amount and source of the funding during the Membership Meeting immediately following receipt of the funds. Excepting salaries provided to union staff or executive board members as provided for in Section 2 of this article.
2. All funding sources and expenditures of the local union are subject to review by membership, and copies of the financial records of the Local Union, should be provided to any member who requests it within ten (10) working days of the request being made in writing to the Financial Secretary of the Local Union.

Article 15 — Eligibility for Elected Office

Section 1

All candidates for Executive Board of the Local Union must be members and have been in continuous good standing for one (1) year prior to accepting nomination, except in the case of a newly organized unit.

Section 2

All other candidates standing for elected office of the Local Union must be members and have been in continuous good standing for ninety (90) days prior to accepting nomination.

Section 3

No member may run for or hold more than one elected office simultaneously, with the exception of bargaining committee positions, or chairs of standing committees other than the Election Committee.

Article 16 — Attendance Rules

Section 1
Elected officials are required to attend:

1. Two out of three (⅔) consecutive membership meetings unless officially excused for cause by the Executive Board or Committee Chairs;
2. Two out of three (⅔) consecutive meetings, other than membership meetings, expected of their respective office or position unless officially excused for cause by the Executive Board or Committee Chairs;

Failure of any elected official to comply with the above attendance rules shall result in a probationary period of 90 days, during which time any unexcused absence will result in automatic removal from their respective office or position, and they shall not be permitted to run for any elective office for the balance of the term of office from which they were removed, except as a delegate to the UAW Constitutional Convention.

Article 17 — Delegates from Local

Section 1

All delegates to conventions of the International Union, UAW, shall be elected pursuant to Article 8 of the International Constitution.

Section 2

The Executive Board shall appoint delegates to Community Action Program (CAP) state, county, or city councils.

Article 18 — Appeals

Section 1

Consistent with Article 33 of the International Constitution, a member feeling themself aggrieved by any actions, inaction or decision of the Local Union or one of its representatives must initiate their complaint or appeal within sixty days (60) of the time they are aware, or reasonably should have been aware of the action, inaction or decision. This appeal shall be made to the Recording Secretary, which will refer the matter to the Executive Board.

Section 2

The Executive Board shall refer the matter to the Bargaining Committee if it involves collective bargaining. Otherwise, the Executive Board shall, themselves, consider the matter.

Section 3

Whichever of these bodies the matter is referred to shall consult with the grievant and permit their full opportunity to be heard prior to making a decision.

Section 4

Within thirty (30) days of receiving notice of decision on the appeal, the grievant may appeal further by submitting their appeal in writing to the Recording Secretary for consideration by the membership at the next membership meeting.

Section 5

An appeal from the decision of the Local Union membership may be made to the International Executive Board of the UAW.

Article 19 — Strikes

Section 1

Strike authorizations may only be called by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote by secret ballot of those voting, per Article 50 of the Constitution of the International Constitution. Strikes may only be called in accordance with Article 50 of the International Constitution. Only members in good standing shall be entitled to vote.

Article 20 — General

Section 1

All Local Union officers, committees, stewards, and other members handling funds or other property of the Local Union shall, at the completion of their duties, turn over all papers, documents, funds, and/or other Local Union property to the properly constituted Local Union officers

Article 21 — Amendments

Section 1

Members may move to amend the bylaws in a membership meeting; the motion must be presented in writing and must set forth the amendment(s) sought. The motion shall be read to the meeting and referred to the Bylaws Committee, which will report to the succeeding membership meeting. The purpose of the Bylaws Committee’s report is not to evaluate the merits of the amendment, but simply to determine if it conflicts with any other existing bylaws or the UAW Constitution. Accordingly, the Bylaws Committee may suggest changes to the amendment such that the amendment better comports with those documents. If approved by two-thirds (2/3) of those voting at the succeeding meeting, the amendments shall be considered adopted.