constitutional amendments

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

This page has been added to the site in order to keep the membership informed of the many upcoming proposed amendments to our constitution. The page will give a brief description of the proposed amendment and its intended purpose, as well as the date it will be voted on. If you have any questions or comments about the proposed amendments or the process, feel free to contact me.

ARTICLE XIX: OFFICER'S SALARIES

Original Language: Sec 2. The President-Business Manager, Business Agents, Secretary-Treasurer and Day Secretary shall continue to receive the expense allowance now in force which shall likewise be subject to change by majority vote of the members at any regular meeting.

Whereas: The union is currently spending approximately $32,500.00 per year in expense allowance; and

Whereas: The officers are issued cell phones, e-z pass (for those officers with vehicles supplied by the union) and credit cards for expenses, therefore;

Be it resolved: All salaried officers shall be issued credit cards through the union. All other business expenses shall be reimbursed through itemized receipts, which must be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer or his/her designee.

DATE TO BE VOTED ON: May 17, 2007

RESULTS: ACCEPT 72 - REJECT 117
The motion failed to obtain the required two thirds.

ARTICLE VIII: OFFICERS, NOMINATIONS, ELECTION AND VACANCIES

Original Language: None

Whereas: The use of slate balloting puts an independent candidate at a disadvantage, therefore;

Be it resolved: There shall be no form of slate balloting. Each candidate's position on the ballot shall be chosen in a random fashion.

DATE TO BE VOTED ON: May 17, 2007

RESULTS: ACCEPT 81 - REJECT 119
The motion failed to obtain the required two thirds.

ARTICLE IV: DUES, FINES & ASSESSMENTS

Original Language: Sec 1: At the convention of the international held in Bal Harbour, Fla. In July 1971, the delegates voted to have a minimum monthly dues structure equal to twice the hourly rate of pay.

Whereas: The Delegates of the 2006 convention voted to have a minimum monthly dues structure of twice the hourly rate of pay, plus Per-Capita Tax;and

Whereas: The Union requires a dues structure that will ensure financial stability, therefore;

Be it resolved: The minimum monthly dues for Journeymen of this Local Union will be equal to twice the hourly rate of pay of the construction Journeyman, plus Per-Capita Tax required by the International. The minimum monthly dues for an Apprentices of this local will be equal to twice the hourly rate of pay of the 75% Construction Apprentice, plus Per-Capita Tax. Dues shall be paid at least fifteen days in advance of each quarter.

DATE TO BE VOTED ON: September 20, 2007

ARTICLE XVII: EXECUTIVE BOARD

Original Language: The Executive Board will consist of the officers of the Union, and it shall be their duty to investigate all complaints of members and decide all matters referred to them by the Union membership. Their decision shall in all cases be binding unless reversed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a regular or special meeting of the Union. Members of the Executive Board shall receive one day's Journeyman's wage for each meeting attended.

Whereas: The full time elected officials are salaried employees of the Union; and

Whereas: The Union is having difficulty meeting its financial obligations, therefore;

Be it resolved: The Executive Board will consist of the officers of the Union, and it shall be their duty to investigate all complaints of members and decide all matters referred to them by the Union membership. Their decision shall in all cases be binding unless reversed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a regular or special meeting of the Union. Non-Salaried members of the Executive Board shall receive one day's Journeyman's wage for each meeting attended. One days Journeyman's wage shall consist of seven hours construction rate wherever the term one days Journeyman's wage is referred to.

DATE TO BE VOTED ON: October 18, 2007

ARTICLE IV: DUES, FINES & ASSESSMENTS

Original Language: Sec. 13: When an active member in good standing of this Local Union dies, either on or off a job-site, either in the course of employment or otherwise, or for whatever reason, a payment of $20,000 will be due and payable to that member's named beneficiary, and if there is no named beneficiary, to the estate of the member. I order to finance such death benefit, the membership of the Union shall vote by secret ballot on the establishment of an initial fund from which such benefits are to be paid. Such initial assessment, subject to the membership approval ballot vote, shall be in the amount of $50.00 per member. Such fund shall be established by the Secretary- Treasurer in a separate account and shall be replenished by an annual $50.00 assessment from the members of the Union payable with the first quarter dues each year. If the fund falls below $40,000, a special assessment may be voted on by secret ballot by the membership of the Local.

Be it resolved: When an active member in good standing of this Local Union dies, either on or off a job-site, either in the course of employment or otherwise, or for whatever reason, a payment of $25,000 will be due and payable to that member's named beneficiary, and if there is no named beneficiary, to the estate of the member. To finance the Death Benefit, a fund was established by majority vote of the membership and administered by the Secretary-Treasurer in a separate account and shall be replenished by an annual $50.00 assessment from the members of the Union payable with the first quarter dues each year. If the fund falls below $40,000 an additional assessment of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be imposed on the membership of this Local. The Executive Board may determine to provide the death Benefit by Insurance.

DATE TO BE VOTED ON: October 18, 2007
note: I do not have a copy of the proposed amendment, however, believe the proposal to be accurate.