2013 UFCW International Constitution

Constitution of the
United Food and Commercial Workers

International Union
Table of Contents
Article Page Article Page
Preamble .......................................................... 1 Article 21 Parliamentary Rules ........................... 16

Article 1 Name and Headquarters ...................... 1 Article 22 Death Benefits .................................... 16
Article 2 Objectives and Principles ..................... 1 Article 23 Collective Bargaining Contracts ......... 16
Article 3 Jurisdiction .......................................... 1 Article 24 Pension and Health and
Welfare Trusts ................................. 18
Article 4 Membership Classifications ................. 1
Article 25 Duties and Obligations........................ 18
Article 5 Membership Rights and Privileges ....... 3
Article 26 Disciplinary Proceedings
Article 6 Withdrawal and Military Leave Status ... 3 and Appeals..................................... 19
Article 7 International Officers ............................ 4 Article 27 Pension Plan ...................................... 21
Article 8 International Executive Board............... 4 Article 28 Retiree Health Plan............................. 21
Article 9 International Executive Committee ....... 6 Article 29 Honorary Officers, Other
Article 10 International President ......................... 8 Retired Officers, and
Retired Employees .......................... 22
Article 11 International Secretary-Treasurer ......... 9
Article 30 Intermediate Chartered Bodies ........... 22
Article 12 International Executive Vice
Presidents and International Article 31 Local Union Charters .......................... 23
Vice Presidents .............................. 10 Article 32 Local Union Duties and Powers .......... 23
Article 13 International Board of Audit ................ 10 Article 33 Local Union Membership
Article 14 Regular International Conventions ..... 10 Meetings .......................................... 24
Article 15 Regular International Article 34 Local Union Officers ........................... 25
Convention Delegates ..................... 11 Article 35 Local Union Elections ......................... 26
Article 16 Regular International Article 36 Local Union Board of Trustees ........... 28
Convention Procedure..................... 13
Article 37 Local Union Funds .............................. 29
Article 17 Election of International Officers ......... 13
Article 38 Local Union Revenue ......................... 29
Article 18 International Revenue ........................ 15
Article 39 Constitutional Amendments ................ 29
Article 19 International Publications ................... 15
Article 40 Repeal ................................................ 29
Article 20 Union Names, Symbols, and Marks ... 15
Index .................................................................. 30
Article 32(A) of the UFCW International Constitution: [I]f any conflict should arise between . . . Local Union bylaws
and the Constitution and laws of the International Union, or interpretations of either, such Constitution, laws, or
interpretations shall control.
UNITED FOOD & COMMERCIAL WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE its industries for the benefit of its members; to advance and
safeguard the full employment, economic security, and social
Because the history of workers has been but the record of welfare of its members and of workers generally; to protect and
constant struggle against oppression by the wealthy and powerful; extend democratic institutions, civil rights and liberties, and the
And because wealth, with its accompanying power, is traditions of social and economic justice of the United States and
becoming more and more concentrated in the hands of the few; Canada; to function as an autonomous International Union affiliated
And because the organization of workers into trade unions is with other International Unions in national and international
essential to the economic, social, and political freedom of society federations; to print and disseminate publications; to protect and
and to the successful functioning of a democracy; preserve the International Union as an institution and to perform its
And because in union there is strength and workers are better legal and contractual obligations; to protect the International Union
able collectively to secure their fair share of the profits accruing and all of its chartered bodies from any and all corrupt influences
from their toil; and from the undermining efforts of all who are opposed to the
This International Union is created in order to elevate the basic principles of democracy and democratic unionism; to acquire,
social and economic status of workers and, further, to advance the receive, hold, manage, lease, convey, invest, expend, or otherwise
principles and practice of freedom and democracy for all. use the funds and property of this organization to carry out the
duties and to achieve the objectives set forth in this International
ARTICLE 1 Constitution; to take all steps and actions, which are reasonable and
proper, to promote the welfare and interests of its members, of
Name and Headquarters workers within its jurisdiction, and of workers generally and to
afford mutual protection to members against unwarranted rules,
(A) This International Union shall be known as the United unlawful discharge, or other forms of injustice or oppression; to
Food and Commercial Workers International Union and shall be sponsor, encourage, engage in, and support, financially and
comprised of all persons who are members and consist of an otherwise, educational, legislative, political, civic, social, health,
unlimited number of Local Unions and other chartered bodies, all of welfare, community, or charitable projects or activities; and to
which shall bear the name United Food and Commercial Workers support and encourage such other objectives for which working
and shall be subject to this Constitution and any laws enacted people may lawfully combine for their mutual protection and
pursuant to it; except that, in Canada, this International Union shall benefit.
be known as the United Food and Commercial Workers Canada or
Travailleurs et Travailleuses Unis de lAlimentation et du
Commerce de Canada, and chartered bodies therein shall bear said ARTICLE 3
English or French name. The initial names UFCW, UFCW Canada, Jurisdiction
TUAC, or TUAC Canada may be used or interchanged as
applicable. The International Union shall not be dissolved while The jurisdiction of the United Food and Commercial Workers
there are three dissenting Local Unions. International Union shall encompass all industries and shall
(B) The International headquarters of the United Food and recognize the United Food and Commercial Workers International
Commercial Workers International Union shall be located in the Unions primary jurisdiction is focused in certain industries. It shall
metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, unless otherwise determined include, but shall not be restricted to:
by the International Executive Board. The national headquarters of (A) Employees and other persons, in both the private and
the United Food and Commercial Workers Canada shall be located public sectors, performing any work or services in connection with
in the greater Toronto, Ontario area, unless otherwise determined by or related to the sale, distribution, provision, processing, handling,
the Executive Board of the United Food and Commercial Workers or production of goods, commodities, merchandise, or services in all
Canada National Council. industries, but primarily in the United Food and Commercial
Workers International Unions core industries of retail food, other
ARTICLE 2 retail, and food processing and manufacturing;
(B) Anyone performing any work or services within the
Objectives and Principles jurisdiction of any union or other organization which was a
predecessor of the United Food and Commercial Workers
The object of this International Union shall be the elevation International Union, has merged with the International Union or any
of the position of its members, and further: to conduct an of its chartered bodies, or has been chartered by the International
International Union of persons engaged in the performance of work Union; and
within its jurisdictions; to organize, establish, and charter bodies in (C) Anyone performing any work or services incidental or
all states, provinces, and territories of North America; to organize, related to work within the jurisdiction of the International Union, or
unite, and assist persons, without regard to race, creed, color, sex, otherwise performing any work or services as may be determined by
religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or ethnic the International Executive Board to be within the jurisdiction of the
background, engaged in the performance of work within its International Union.
jurisdiction for the purpose of improving wages, hours, benefits, and
working conditions on local, national, or international levels; to
obtain the status of exclusive bargaining representative of persons ARTICLE 4
employed within the jurisdiction of the International Union and to Membership Classifications
process and resolve grievances and enforce all other rights arising
out of such collective bargaining relationships; to encourage (A) All persons are eligible for membership in the United
members and all workers to register and vote; to support research in Food and Commercial Workers International Union whose
membership is not otherwise restricted or precluded by this
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Constitution or by other actions consistent with and authorized by Payment of the applicable dues is required to become an affiliated
this Constitution or International Union law, provided that no such member and to maintain such membership.
restrictions or preclusions shall be based upon race, creed, color, (D) An individual may be eligible to be an associate
sex, national origin, ethnic background, religion, disability, sexual member if he or she is a participant in a specific associate program,
orientation, or age. Membership shall be in accordance with the established by or approved by the International Executive Board,
following classifications, and no member shall hold more than one and he or she is not eligible to be an active member. Payment of the
classification of membership at any one time: active, affiliated, applicable dues is also required to become an associate member and
associate, paid-up life, nonactive, general, and honorary. Persons to maintain such membership.
who have been suspended or expelled, are on withdrawal status, or (E) 1. Any Local Union may provide in its bylaws for the
have resigned their membership, or any other person who is not a issuance of paid-up life membership in the Local Union to any of its
member in accordance with the classifications of membership members who have accumulated 25 or more years active
provided for in this Article, shall not be considered members for any membership in the International Union and who are no longer
purpose, except as may be directed by the International President or eligible for active membership in the International Union.
the International Executive Board following an appeal under this 2. Proposals to grant paid-up life memberships shall be
Constitution. introduced and voted on at a regular meeting of the Executive Board
(B) 1. An individual is eligible to be an active member if of the Local Union. A decision by the Executive Board not to grant
he or she is: employed within a collective bargaining unit paid-up life membership may be appealed at the next regular
represented by the International Union or any of its chartered membership meeting of the Local Union.
bodies; an employee or salaried officer of the International Union or If paid-up life membership is approved for any member, the
any of its chartered bodies or of any organization approved by the President of the Local Union shall immediately notify the
International Executive Board with which the International Union or International Secretary-Treasurer of such action. If such member
any of its chartered bodies has affiliated; a member of the again becomes eligible for active membership in the International
International Union through a Local Union or a division of a Local Union, he or she shall apply for active membership in the same
Union which was a professional or other association that has been manner as provided for reinstatement from withdrawal status in
chartered by or merged with the International Union or any of its Article 6.
chartered bodies; or working as a barber, cosmetologist, or (F) An individual is eligible to be a nonactive member if
independent insurance agent; except that, at the request of the he or she is an owner-operator of an establishment within the
Executive Board of a Local Union, the International President may jurisdiction of the International Union. Payment of the applicable
extend the active membership of any member in that Local Union dues is required to become a nonactive member and to maintain
during a period of unemployment, if the International President such membership.
determines that exceptional circumstances warrant such extension, (G) 1. Any member who is no longer eligible for active
subject to an appeal to the International Executive Committee. membership in the International Union and who desires to maintain
Receipt by the Local Union of the current dues and the required membership in the International Union shall, on or before the first
initiation or reinstatement fee, or any installment established by the day of the month following the effective date of his or her
Local Union for payment of such fee, is required for an eligible withdrawal status, shall be eligible to apply to the International
individual to become an active member. Continued payment of Union to become a general member. Any general member who
dues, and, if applicable, any remaining installments of the required again becomes eligible for active membership in the International
initiation or reinstatement fee, is required to maintain active Union shall apply for active membership with the Local Union
membership. within whose jurisdiction he or she is employed in the same manner
2. An active member who is not actively working due to as is provided for reinstatement from withdrawal status in Article 6.
layoff, illness, disability, or a contractually provided leave of 2. When a member applies for general membership, he
absence, and has applicable recall or reemployment rights which or she shall be advised by the International Secretary-Treasurer, by
have not expired under the collective bargaining agreement, or who certified mail, of his or her death benefits standing, if any, as of the
has been discharged and has a grievance pending under the time of application, subject to appeal to the International President.
collective bargaining agreement, may elect (1) to continue to pay 3. General members shall pay to the International Union
dues and maintain active membership for the temporary period for $4.00 per month dues, said dues to be payable on or before the first
which said recall or reemployment rights are valid or said grievance day of the month in advance. If dues are not so paid, such general
is pending, but in neither event for longer than two years, (2) to member is delinquent.
apply for another classification of membership provided for in this (H) No person shall hold honorary membership in any
Article, if eligible, or (3) to apply for a withdrawal status pursuant Local Union of this International Union. The International
to the provisions of Article 6. The provisions of this paragraph shall Executive Board shall have exclusive authority to confer upon any
not apply in the case of an active member in a Canadian chartered individual honorary membership in the International Union in
body who has been discharged and has a grievance pending under a recognition of distinguished public service.
collective bargaining agreement pursuant to which the member is (I) All applications for membership in this International
represented by a union other than the International Union or one of Union shall be made on forms furnished or approved by the
its chartered bodies. International Secretary-Treasurer. The Local Union shall retain such
(C) An individual is eligible to be an affiliated member if applications and enter all information required for new members on
he or she is a former active member who is no longer eligible for a monthly membership report in the format provided, approved, or
active membership in the International Union, or if he or she is mandated by the International Union, which could include an
employed by an employer who is the subject of an active organizing electronic report. Such report shall be forwarded to the
effort by the International Union or any of its chartered bodies. International Secretary-Treasurer.
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(J) Members shall hold membership through the Local 2. Members whose positions are excluded from coverage
Union in whose jurisdiction they are working or last worked, except by a collective bargaining agreement;
for members employed by the International Union or intermediate 3. Members who are employed by the International
chartered bodies, who shall hold membership in such Local Union Union or any of its chartered bodies who are represented by another
as may be determined by the International President, subject to an labor organization for purposes of collective bargaining with the
appeal to the International Executive Committee. Where a member International Union or any of its chartered bodies;
works within the jurisdiction of more than one Local Union, such 4. Members no longer employed by an employer who is
member shall hold membership through the Local Union in whose the subject of an active organizing effort by the International Union
jurisdiction such member first worked. No member shall be or any of its chartered bodies and who is not a party to a collective
permitted to hold membership in more than one Local Union of this bargaining agreement with the International Union or any of its
International Union. chartered bodies; and
(K) Employers, except for owner-operators, are not 5. Members who terminate their affiliated, nonactive, or
eligible for membership in the International Union; provided, general membership, and are not eligible for active membership.
however, that any member becoming an employer, other than an (B) Withdrawal status shall be effective as of the first of
owner-operator, shall be entitled to withdrawal status. the month following the members eligibility to receive such status.
(L) Any person who is a member of, subscribes to, or (C) Persons in withdrawal status may maintain continuous
supports the principles of an organization having as its purpose to membership:
overthrow the government of the United States or Canada by force 1. By notifying the International Union in writing no
or violence, to deny to citizens the guarantee of the Bill of Rights or later than the first day of the month following the effective date of
the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, or to throttle or eliminate a free such status, along with one months dues, as provided in Article
trade labor movement, shall not be eligible for admission to 4(G), with the International Union and becoming a general member
membership in this International Union, nor shall such person hold as provided in Article 4(G), or
membership therein. Any member charged as stated above shall be 2. If eligible for active membership, applying for such,
tried in accordance with the procedure set forth in this International together with the payment of the current dues, with the Local Union
Constitution and laws and, if found guilty, shall be forever barred within whose jurisdiction he or she is employed or last held
from membership in this International Union. membership within one calendar month from the effective date of
withdrawal status.
ARTICLE 5 (D) Any person in withdrawal status and making
Membership Rights and Privileges application for membership in a Local Union shall be accepted as a
reinstated member without the payment of a fee, except the current
(A) Active members shall enjoy all rights and privileges of dues, provided such reinstatement with the Local Union within
membership in their respective Local Unions and in the whose jurisdiction such person is employed occurs within 30 days
International Union, including the right to vote at all regular and from the date of employment within a collective bargaining unit
special meetings and to hold any office and be elected a delegate if represented by the International Union or such Local Union, or
otherwise qualified under their Local Unions bylaws and this within 30 days from the date of employment by the International
Constitution. Union or any of its chartered bodies, unless a longer period of time
(B) Affiliated and paid-up life members may be privileged is duly established by such Local Union. Any person who is
to attend membership meetings and serve on committees as the employed within a collective bargaining unit represented by the
Local Union President may determine. Such members may, at the International Union or any of its chartered bodies and fails to
request of the Local Union President, make reports or otherwise reinstate as prescribed in this paragraph shall have his or her
address such meetings. They shall have no voice or vote in Union withdrawal status voided and shall not be reinstated to membership
affairs, nor shall they hold Union office or be elected a delegate. without the payment of the applicable fee.
(C) Associate, nonactive, general, and honorary members, (E) In the event any member whose current dues and fees
and nonmembers shall be allowed to attend and address Union have been paid enters the military service of the United States or
meetings at the discretion of the Local Union President. Such Canada, whether voluntarily or by draft, such member shall be
persons shall have no voice or vote in Union affairs, nor shall they entitled to, upon request, military leave status with the privilege of
hold Union office or be elected a delegate. reinstating with any Local Union within whose jurisdiction he or
(D) Active, affiliated, nonactive, and general members she is employed within a collective bargaining unit represented by
have the privilege of being granted withdrawal status provided they the International Union or such Local Union within six months after
are eligible pursuant to the requirements of Article 6. If otherwise discharge from military service, provided that such person makes
eligible, active members may be granted military leave status. application for membership in the required manner, presents
evidence of his or her discharge, and pays his or her current dues.
(F) During such military leave, the benefits as provided in
ARTICLE 6 this Constitution shall be inoperative; however, any such person
Withdrawal and Military Leave Status readmitted under the above provisions shall immediately be restored
to membership status in all respects as of the effective date of the
(A) The following members whose current dues and fees military leave status.
have been paid shall be entitled to withdrawal status without charge (G) Such members in military leave status applying for
therefor: membership after the aforementioned six months period shall be
1. Members no longer employed within a collective honored as regular withdrawal status as set forth by this
bargaining unit represented by and within the jurisdiction of the Constitution in Article 6(D).
Local Union;
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(H) Members in withdrawal or military leave status or ARTICLE 8

holders of paid-up life or honorary membership receive such status International Executive Board
and membership and privileges incident thereto in recognition of
past membership or service or as a conferred honor. Continued (A) 1. Between Conventions the International Executive
possession of such status and membership and privileges incident Board shall be the highest authority of the International Union as
thereto presumes that the holders of such status and membership provided in this Constitution. The International Executive Board
will continue to uphold the aims, objectives, and principles of the shall have the final power to make such laws as may be needed in
International Union. Should any such person engage in any act the interest and for the benefit of the International Union and its
which, if engaged in by a member, would constitute a disciplinary membership and which are not inconsistent with this Constitution,
offense under Article 25 of this Constitution, the International which laws shall be published and distributed to the affected
Executive Board, after the issuance of a direction to such person to membership.
show cause why his or her status, membership, or privileges should 2. The International Executive Board, during the interval
not be voided and consideration of any response, may void the between regular Conventions of the International Union, shall be
status, membership, or privileges. empowered from time to time to elect International Vice Presidents,
in addition to those elected to fill vacancies pursuant to its authority
in Article 17(P), as members of the International Executive Board
ARTICLE 7 pursuant to the terms of the merger of an organization into the
International Officers International Union or the International Unions chartering of an
organization as a Local Union or intermediate chartered body. Such
(A) The officers of this International Union shall International Vice Presidents, when elected, shall hold office
constitute the International Executive Board and shall consist of an concurrently and on the same basis and term as incumbent
International President, International Secretary-Treasurer, three International Vice Presidents.
International Executive Vice Presidents to be listed in order of their 3. The International Executive Board shall have the
seniority on the International Executive Committee, and 50 power to authorize the payment of benefits, subject to the limits set
International Vice Presidents to be listed in order of their seniority out in this Constitution and laws.
on the International Executive Board. In the event of a reduction in 4. The International Executive Board shall establish the
the number of International Vice Presidents between regular fiscal year on which the financial books and records of the
International Conventions as the result of vacancies which the International Union shall be based. The International Executive
International Executive Board pursuant to its authority in Article Board shall employ a certified public accountant to perform an
17(P) has not filled or in the event of an increase in the number of annual audit of the financial books and records of the International
International Vice Presidents in said period as the result of additions Union.
which the International Executive Board pursuant to its authority in 5. The International President shall be authorized to
Article 8(A)2 has made, the number of International Vice Presidents convene meetings of the International Executive Board whenever
elected at the next regular Convention shall be the number serving the International President deems it advisable or whenever
on December 31 of the year preceding the year in which the requested by a majority of the Board, provided, however, that the
Convention occurs. The number of International officers from International Executive Board shall meet not less often than twice a
Canada elected at the next regular Convention shall be six or the year. In connection therewith, the International President shall fix
number serving on December 31 of the year preceding the year in the time and place of such meetings. The International President
which the Convention occurs, whichever is greater. If the shall chair the International Executive Board meetings, provided
Convention will commence in a month prior to July, the date for that, in his or her absence, the International Secretary-Treasurer
determining the number of International Vice Presidents, as shall chair, and provided further that, in the absence of both the
applicable in this paragraph, shall be September 30 of the year International President and the International Secretary-Treasurer,
preceding the year in which the Convention occurs. the seniority provisions of Article 17(Q) shall govern as applicable.
(B) As a condition of assuming International office, upon The chairperson shall vote where that vote would be determinative
installation each International officer shall pledge the following of the outcome. A majority of the members of the International
obligation: "I, (officers name), do solemnly and sincerely pledge, Executive Board shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of all
on my word of honor, before the members and other witnesses here business.
assembled, to faithfully perform and diligently execute, to the best 6. When the International President and International
of my ability, the duties and responsibilities of the office to which I Secretary-Treasurer deem it necessary for the International
have been elected as prescribed by the Constitution and laws of this Executive Board to act promptly, the International President and the
International Union. I pledge that I will, to the best of my ability, International Secretary-Treasurer may conduct a vote of the
protect and promote the democratic institutions and processes, civil International Executive Board by mail, telephone, or other form of
rights and liberties, and the highest traditions of social and communication they deem appropriate. Any such vote shall
economic justice of the United States and Canada. I pledge to constitute official action of the International Executive Board.
deliver to my successor in office all books, papers, and other (B) The International Executive Board shall have power to
property of the International Union that may be in my possession or make agreements with employers covering hours, wages, and
under my control at the close of my official term. Further, I pledge conditions of employment and to exercise all other responsibilities
at all times to bear true and faithful allegiance to this International associated with a collective bargaining representative when the
Union and to uphold and support its Constitution and laws, as International Union is such representative.
becomes a member and officer of this Union." (C) The International Union shall pay the authorized
expenses of the International Executive Board in connection with its
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meetings or other authorized work performed by it. Such expenses during the interval between meetings of the International Executive
shall be paid for on a reimbursement and/or per diem basis, and, in Board.
addition, a stipend shall be paid to those International Vice (I) 1. The International Executive Board by the vote of
Presidents not in the primary employment of the International two-thirds of its members shall have the power to call a special
Union. Convention of the International Union to consider such questions as
(D) The International Executive Board shall have the the International Executive Board by the same vote shall certify to
authority to grant dispensation of the fee otherwise required by it. A special Convention shall be convened by such procedures as a
Article 18(A)1 for applicants for membership or reinstatement in majority of the International Executive Board shall specify, which
cases where the Local Union has waived Local Union initiation or may include a specification that the delegates, but not votes,
reinstatement fees during active organizing programs and for pursuant to the apportionment formula of Article 15(B), from each
applicants for membership or reinstatement in cases where the Local Local Union be reduced.
Union collects no initiation or reinstatement fee as a result of open 2. No sooner than 18 months from the time the last
shop conditions mandated by law or contract, provided that for such Convention was adjourned, seven or more Local Unions comprising
open shop situations, any such dispensation shall not provide for a not less than 25 percent of the membership of the International
fee of less than 50 percent of the fee required by Article 18(A)1. Union, acting by a vote of the majority of the members of each
(E) The International Executive Board shall have Local Union present and voting at a special meeting called for such
authority to grant dispensation in the payment of initiation fees, purpose, may submit a request for a special Convention, specifying
Union dues, or other financial obligations relating to membership in the particular question or questions to be considered. The
those jurisdictions operating under laws or regulations which International Secretary-Treasurer shall, within 15 days of the receipt
require that membership in good standing be a condition precedent of such request, forward the request to all Local Unions for a
to the filing or processing of petitions for certification or membership vote. If Local Unions comprising at least two-thirds of
representation or the legal equivalent thereof, and where the the membership of the International Union, acting by a vote of the
circumstances are such that the International Executive Board majority of the members of each Local Union present and voting at
deems such action to be necessary. Such dispensation, when a special meeting for that purpose, shall, within 30 days after the
granted, may include any part or portion of the financial obligations receipt of the communication from the International Secretary-
above referred to and shall be under such terms and conditions as Treasurer, notify the International Secretary-Treasurer of the
the International Executive Board may stipulate. approval of the request for a special Convention, such special
(F) Recognizing that chartered bodies in Canada operate Convention shall be called as hereinafter provided. Special
under circumstances different from those experienced by other Conventions called at Local Union request shall be convened within
chartered bodies in the jurisdiction of the International Union, the four months after the receipt of the required approvals from Local
International Executive Board shall be empowered, in a manner not Unions. The time and place of such a special Convention shall be
inconsistent with the purposes of this Constitution, to give special designated by the International Executive Board and shall be set
consideration to Canadian chartered bodies, upon the forth in a call to be issued by the International Secretary-Treasurer
recommendation of the International officers in Canada. In further at least 90 days prior to its opening. A special Convention shall
recognition of the distinctive legal, cultural, political, historical, and consider the question or questions specified to the International
national circumstances in Canada, the International President, the Executive Board as set forth in the request of the Local Unions, and
International Secretary-Treasurer, the International Executive such question or questions shall be stated in the call. At any such
Committee, and the International Executive Board shall consult with special Convention the International Executive Board shall have the
the National Director, who may also hold the title of National right to present for consideration and action any matter or matters it
President, and consider any recommendations of the International deems necessary, in addition to those stated in the call.
officers in Canada prior to carrying out their respective authority on 3. Each Local Union President shall be a delegate to
matters directly affecting the membership in Canada. Further, in the special Conventions by virtue of election to office, except, where a
event of any jurisdictional dispute arising between chartered bodies Local Union is entitled to or elects to send only one delegate to a
in Canada, the National Director, who may also hold the title of special Convention, such delegate shall be elected by secret ballot.
National President, and the International officers in Canada shall Where a Local Union is entitled to more than one delegate to special
resolve such dispute, subject to appeal to the International President Conventions, the Local Union Secretary-Treasurer shall be a
and a further appeal to the International Executive Board. delegate by virtue of election to office, except, where a Local Union
(G) The International Executive Board shall have the is entitled to or elects to send only two delegates to a special
authority to establish a program of union benefits and services for Convention, the second delegate shall be elected by secret ballot.
such categories of persons as it may designate who are not actively The remaining delegates and alternates to which a Local Union is
engaged in work within a collective bargaining unit represented by entitled shall be nominated and elected by secret ballot in
the International Union or any of its chartered bodies and to accordance with the procedures for the nomination and election of
prescribe the rules governing membership in such program. Such Local Union officers as provided in Article 35 of this Constitution,
program shall entitle its members to such rights and privileges as except as provided in the procedures specified by the International
may be determined by the International Executive Board, provided Executive Board.
that such rights and privileges shall not include the right to vote in (J) The International Executive Board shall have the
Union affairs, nor to hold Union office or be elected a delegate. power to authorize and effectuate the merger of any other
(H) The International Executive Board may delegate any organization into the United Food and Commercial Workers
of its specific powers to the International Executive Committee or to International Union, where such merger can be effectuated without
the International President, to be exercised by the International amendment to this Constitution. The International Executive Board
Executive Committee or the International President on its behalf may waive the application of any provision of this Constitution for a
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period not to exceed three years or January 1 of the year following ARTICLE 9
the next regular International Convention, whichever occurs later, International Executive Committee
where such waiver is necessary to effectuate the merger; except that,
the International Executive Board may approve beyond such period (A) The International President, International Secretary-
a per capita tax payable on members of the merging organization Treasurer, and the three International Executive Vice Presidents
that is higher than that provided in Article 18(A)3 of this shall, by virtue of their offices, constitute the International
Constitution, as provided in a merger agreement with the merging Executive Committee. The International President shall serve as
organization. Where the effectuation of a merger of the United Food chairperson of the International Executive Committee, and a record
and Commercial Workers International Union with another shall be kept of its decisions.
organization requires amendment to this Constitution, the (B) The International Executive Committee shall
International Executive Board may authorize the International purchase, manage, and control all real property of the International
President and International Secretary-Treasurer to enter into Union, and may sell, rent, lease, encumber, and improve the same in
discussions directed toward merger. Approval of such a merger such manner as the majority of the International Executive
shall be submitted by the International Executive Board to a regular Committee shall direct, but shall have no right to sell, convey, or
Convention or to a special Convention called for by it for the encumber the current or a successor International headquarters
purpose of considering the proposed merger. without the approval of the International Executive Board.
(K) The International Executive Board shall have the (C) The title to the International headquarters and other
power to authorize the voluntary merger of Local Unions of the real property currently held by the International Union, or which
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union or of an may hereafter be acquired, shall be vested by proper conveyance in
organization not chartered by the United Food and Commercial the name of the International Union or a building corporation or the
Workers International Union into a Local Union of the United Food International Executive Committee and their successors in office, to
and Commercial Workers International Union. The International be held by the International Union, the building corporation or the
Executive Board shall have the authority to initiate and promote International Executive Committee in trust for the sole use and
mergers between Local Unions pursuant to procedures adopted by benefit of this International Union, provided that, the title to any real
the International Executive Board, where such merger would property held by the International Union in Canada shall be vested
increase the ability of workers to unite with other workers in their by proper conveyance in the name of the International Union or a
industry or industries and improve their ability to secure better building corporation or a trustee or trustees, and their successors in
wages, benefits and working conditions. The International office, designated by the International Executive Committee, in
Executive Board shall prescribe the conditions under which any accordance with the applicable law in Canada, in trust for the sole
such merger shall be effectuated, and may waive the application of use and benefit of this International Union.
any provision of Articles 34 and 35 of this Constitution for a period (D) The International Executive Committee shall perform
not to exceed the first full term of office following the merger, such other duties as are provided in this Constitution and as may be
where such waiver is necessary to effectuate the merger. Further, directed from time to time by the International Executive Board.
the International Executive Board may approve Local Union bylaws The International Executive Committee may delegate any of its
providing for constitutional officers additional to those provided for specific authority to the International President, to be exercised by
in Article 34(A) where such approval would facilitate such merger. him or her on its behalf.
No merger will be approved by the International Executive Board (E) No member of the International Executive Committee
without the membership of each affected Local Union voting shall receive any additional compensation by virtue of his or her
separately in favor of the merger. services in connection with the management and control of
(L) The International Executive Board shall be International headquarters or other real property of the International
empowered to affiliate this International Union with such national Union.
and international bodies as the International Executive Board (F) 1. A trusteeship may be imposed by the International
believes is in the best interests of this International Union. Union upon a chartered body to correct corruption or financial
(M) If any provision of this Constitution shall be declared malpractice, including mishandling or endangering Union funds or
or shall otherwise become invalid or impaired by virtue of any property, or the funds or property of any trust in which the Union
federal, state, administrative law or provincial legislative enactment, has an interest; assure the performance of collective bargaining
or by virtue of any decision or regulation of any federal, state, or agreements or other duties of a bargaining representative; restore
provincial court or administrative agency, the International democratic procedures; or otherwise carry out the legitimate
Executive Board shall have the authority to suspend the operation of objectives of the International Union, including the proper
any such provision during the period of its invalidity or impairment administration of the finances and other affairs of the chartered
and shall also have the authority to substitute a provision or body and the enforcement of compliance with federal, state, or
provisions which, to the extent permitted by law, will meet the provincial law, the Constitution or laws of the International Union,
objections and which will be in accord with the intent and spirit of the approved bylaws of the chartered body, or the rules, decisions,
the invalid provision. The International Executive Board shall give or orders of the International Executive Board, the International
written notice to all Local Unions and all intermediate chartered Executive Committee, or International officers made within the
bodies after exercising this power. If any provision of this scope of their authority under this Constitution. Whenever in the
Constitution should be held invalid by operation of law or by any judgment of the International Executive Committee such action is
tribunal of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Constitution required, it shall have the power to place such chartered body in
shall not be affected thereby. trusteeship or take such other temporary action as it deems
necessary, provided that any such action shall not be authorized in
Canada unless concurred in by a majority of the International
-6-
officers in Canada. Within 30 days following the imposition of a International Executive Committee may be taken to the
trusteeship, a hearing shall commence to determine whether the International Executive Board in accordance with the applicable
trusteeship is justified and shall be continued. provisions of Article 26(C), provided that such provisions are not
2. a) If a trusteeship is imposed, the International inconsistent with the provisions of this Article.
President shall appoint a trustee, who shall administer the affairs of e) The autonomy of the chartered body shall be
the chartered body during the trusteeship. In Canada, such trustee suspended during the period of the trusteeship, except that
shall be a member of a Canadian Local Union who shall be membership votes shall be held where required under Articles 23
appointed following consultation with the National Director, who and 38 and as otherwise required under this Article.
may also hold the title of National President. The trustee shall act f) The trustee shall make periodic reports to the
under the supervision of the International President, who may International President on the progress of the trusteeship. He or she
remove him or her at any time and appoint a successor. shall also hold meetings of the membership not less than quarterly
b) The trustee shall take immediate charge of the affairs for the purpose of reporting to the membership on the affairs and
of the chartered body and shall have the right, upon demand, to all transactions of the chartered body.
assets and records for the period that he or she is in charge, to be 3. a) The trusteeship hearing shall be conducted in the
held in trust for the benefit of the members of the chartered body. vicinity of the chartered body involved by a hearing officer
During the trusteeship, the assets of the chartered body shall be appointed by the International President, provided that the hearing
expended for the conduct of its affairs. If, after the trusteeship officer shall be a member of a Canadian Local Union if the
hearing, the International Executive Committee ratifies the chartered body is located in Canada.
imposition of the trusteeship, the International President may b) Adequate notice of the time, place, and subject of the
require the chartered body to bear the expenses incurred in hearing shall be sent by the International President to the members
connection with the imposition, servicing, administration, and of the chartered body.
termination of the trusteeship. The trustee shall be bonded in c) The chartered body shall have the right to be
sufficient amount as determined by the International Secretary- represented by its officers or suspended officers, who, subject to
Treasurer to safeguard the assets of the chartered body. rules formulated by the hearing officer to prevent undue repetition,
c) When a trusteeship is imposed, the officers of the shall have the right to examine and cross-examine witnesses,
chartered body shall be suspended from office, and their functions present other evidence, and argue the case for or against trusteeship.
shall pass to the trustee, who may delegate such functions to deputy d) Members shall have a right to testify, subject to rules
trustees, and others as deemed necessary, subject to the approval of formulated by the hearing officer to prevent undue repetition. If a
the International President. If the International Executive member alleges that the officers or suspended officers of the
Committee determines after a hearing that the trusteeship is chartered body cannot adequately represent his or her interests, the
justified, and thereby ratifies the trusteeship, all officers within the hearing officer may determine, upon a sufficient showing, to permit
chartered body shall immediately be removed, and the trustee may the member to participate in the examination and cross-examination
continue to delegate their functions as provided above. If the of witnesses, the presentation of other evidence, and the argument.
International Executive Committee determines that the trusteeship e) Any officer of the chartered body who refuses to
was not justified, or should not continue, the suspended officers produce any document relevant to the hearing shall be subject to
shall be restored to their prior offices without loss of salary or charges and immediate suspension from office by the International
benefits, unless otherwise determined in accordance with the Executive Committee pending proceedings under Article 9(G). Any
procedures set forth in this Constitution. employee who refuses to produce such records shall be subject to
d) At any time after the trusteeship has been ratified, the immediate suspension or termination from employment, as
trustee shall have authority to bring disciplinary proceedings, determined by the International Executive Committee.
including the filing of charges, against any member or former f) The hearing officer may formulate whatever
officer of the chartered body whom he or she has reasonable additional rules may be required to ensure a full, fair, and
grounds to believe has contributed to the conditions leading to the expeditious hearing.
establishment of the trusteeship. The trustee may also file charges g) All testimony shall be taken under oath, and a
against any member for other violations of his or her duties and verbatim transcript shall be made of the hearing.
obligations as a member, provided that in such case the trustee files h) The hearing officer shall submit his or her findings
charges with the International President within six months after the and recommendations to the International Executive Committee
basis for the alleged violation has been discovered or should have with the hearing transcript and exhibits.
been discovered. In any disciplinary proceeding held during the i) Within 45 days from the date the hearing closes, the
trusteeship, including any proceeding involving charges which were International Executive Committee shall issue its decision and
pending at the time the trusteeship was imposed, the accused shall order, which shall include its findings and determinations. Such
be tried before a representative appointed by the International decision and order shall be sent to the chartered body and made
President. Trial proceedings shall be in accordance with the available to its members.
applicable provisions of Article 26(A), provided that such j) The International President shall make available for
provisions are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article. examination by the members of the chartered body, at the office of
The representative appointed to conduct the trial shall, upon its the chartered body, a copy of the hearing officers findings and
completion, submit his or her findings and recommendations to the recommendations, the hearing transcript, and the hearing exhibits.
International Executive Committee with the trial record. The 4. a) A decision and order of the International Executive
International Executive Committee is thereupon authorized to issue Committee following the hearing specified in Article 9(F)3 may be
its decision and take such disciplinary measures as the appealed to the International Executive Board in accordance with
circumstances warrant. Appeals from the decision of the
-7-
the applicable provisions of Article 26(C) governing appeals to the circumstances, the International Executive Committee may suspend
International Executive Board. the person from membership or office, but it shall be required to
b) A decision and order of the International Executive accord such member or officer a hearing, upon notice of the charges
Committee determining that a trusteeship is justified shall constitute against him or her, and the hearing shall commence within 30 days
ratification or authorization of the trusteeship by the International of such suspension. The International Executive Committee shall
Union, unless reversed on appeal. have authority to appoint a temporary successor to any officer thus
5. a) The trusteeship shall continue for such period as the suspended, to serve until the charges are disposed of. Such hearing
International Executive Committee shall consider necessary for the shall be conducted by a representative appointed by the
reorganization or stabilization of the affairs of the chartered body to International President, and the proceedings shall be in accordance
achieve the purposes of the trusteeship; provided, however, that the with the applicable provisions of Article 26(A), provided that such
body in trusteeship shall have the right to petition for removal of the provisions are not inconsistent with the provisions of this paragraph.
trusteeship at intervals of not less than six months following the Following such hearing, the International Executive Committee is
establishment of the trusteeship. Any such petition must first be authorized to take such disciplinary action as the circumstances
duly signed by a majority of the active members of the chartered warrant, including removal from office. Appeal from the decision of
body and then filed with the International President. the International Executive Committee may be taken to the
b) Upon receipt of such petition, the International International Executive Board. Procedure on appeals shall be
President shall at the earliest practicable time hold an inquiry to governed by the applicable provisions of Article 26(C).
determine whether the trusteeship shall continue. The inquiry shall (H) Whenever, in the judgment of the International
be conducted by a representative appointed by the International Executive Committee, a chartered body is working against the best
President, under rules formulated to ensure a full, fair, and interests of the International Union, including, but not limited to,
expeditious inquiry. Due notice of the time and place of the inquiry violation of the provisions of the Constitution and laws of the
shall be given to the members of the chartered body. International Union, the International Executive Committee shall
c) The representative holding the inquiry, at its have the authority to expel such chartered body after a hearing
conclusion, shall submit findings and recommendations to the conducted pursuant to the applicable provisions of Article 9(F),
International Executive Committee. The decision of the subject to an appeal to the International Executive Board; provided
International Executive Committee shall include its findings and that any such action shall not be authorized in Canada without
recommendations and shall be sent to the members of the chartered consulting with the National Director, who may also hold the title of
body. National President, and having the support of a majority of the
d) The decision of the International Executive International officers in Canada.
Committee may be appealed to the International Executive Board by
any member of the chartered body in accordance with the applicable ARTICLE 10
provisions of Article 26(C). International President
6. Prior to the conclusion of the trusteeship, the trustee
shall review the bylaws of the chartered body and shall submit his (A) The International President shall be the chief
or her recommendations for amendment to the membership in executive officer of the International Union and shall exercise
accordance with the applicable provisions of Article 32(A). Prior to supervision over the affairs of the International Union.
the conclusion of the trusteeship, the trustee shall conduct a new (B) It shall be the duty of the International President to
election for all offices of the chartered body in accordance with the preside at all Conventions, appoint all committees, unless otherwise
Constitution of the International Union and the bylaws of the ordered by the Convention, and sign all official documents of the
chartered body. International Union, as applicable.
7. When the trusteeship is terminated upon order of the (C) The International President shall manage, conduct,
International Executive Committee, the trustee shall return all assets and edit any official membership publications and any other
and records to the chartered body and shall make an accounting of publications of the International Union, subject to such editorial
his or her trusteeship to the International Executive Committee and policy as may be established by the International Executive
the chartered body. Committee.
8. No obligation or liability of a chartered body which (D) The International President, in consultation with the
may have been incurred prior to the imposition of a trusteeship shall International Secretary-Treasurer, shall have the authority to
be assumed by or become an obligation of the International Union. manage and control all assets of the International Union, except as
No obligation or liability of a chartered body which has been placed otherwise provided in Article 9 of this Constitution. He or she shall
in trusteeship, including obligations under existing collective have the authority, between meetings of the International Executive
bargaining agreements incurred subsequent to the institution of such Board, to direct and approve the expenditure of the funds of the
trusteeship, shall become an obligation of the International Union, International Union as shall be necessary or advisable in carrying
unless specifically authorized or assumed by the International out the principles and objectives of the International Union and for
Executive Board. any additional purposes and objectives not inconsistent therewith
(G) Whenever the activities of any member or officer of a which will further the general interest and welfare of the
chartered body involve, in the judgment of the International International Union. Such expenditures shall be paid from the funds
Executive Committee, an emergency situation injurious to the of the International Union and shall be paid by check cosigned, or
welfare or best interests of the International Union or a chartered electronic transfer authorized, by the International President and the
body, the International Executive Committee is authorized to International Secretary-Treasurer, provided that, in the event of a
assume original jurisdiction in such matter, even though charges vacancy in either of such offices, the seniority provisions of Article
may have been filed with another body and are pending. Under such 17(Q) shall govern as applicable. The International President shall
-8-
have the authority to invest the surplus funds of the International (I) The International President, or his or her designated
Union where he or she deems it advisable, subject to the approval of representative, is hereby authorized, by virtue of his or her office, to
the International Executive Committee. He or she shall be further attend as an official delegate of the International Union all meetings,
empowered to do all acts, whether or not expressly authorized in conferences, or conventions that may be held where the
this Constitution, which he or she deems necessary or proper for the International Union is entitled to representation or where the best
protection of the assets of the International Union, subject to the interest of the International Union may be served by his or her
approval of the International Executive Committee. No expenditure presence. Where the International Union is entitled to more than one
of International Union funds shall be made except upon representative at any such meeting, conference, or convention, the
authorization of the International President, except as otherwise International Secretary-Treasurer is authorized, by virtue of his or
provided in this Constitution. her office, to attend as an official delegate. The International
(E) 1. The International President shall have the authority President is further authorized to appoint such additional delegates
to interpret the Constitution and laws of the International Union and as the International Union may be entitled to send to such meetings,
to decide all questions relating thereto, subject to an appeal to the conferences, or conventions.
International Executive Board. The International President shall (J) The International President shall receive in regular
have the authority to resolve any dispute between chartered bodies, installments an annual salary to be determined by the International
between chartered bodies and members thereof, or between Executive Board. He or she shall also receive reimbursement for all
chartered bodies and the International Union, for which no appeal to expenses incident to the conduct of his or her office. Salary
the International President, International Executive Committee, or determinations by the International Executive Board once made
International Executive Board is otherwise provided in this shall constitute a new minimum.
Constitution, and to direct such steps as may be necessary to resolve
the dispute, provided that any appeal or request for intervention ARTICLE 11
pursuant to such authority is filed with the International President International Secretary-Treasurer
within 45 days from the decision or action which is the subject of
the dispute; except that, the International President, for good cause (A) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall be the
shown, may extend the time within which any such appeal or chief administrative officer of the International Union and shall
request may be filed. The decision of the International President have custody of all books, papers, funds, assets, property, and
regarding such dispute may be appealed to the International effects of the International Union. He or she shall conduct all
Executive Board not later than 30 days after such decision has been correspondence pertaining to his or her office and shall maintain
rendered. custody of the minutes of the International Executive Board
2. The International President shall not have the meetings.
authority to direct any change in a chartered bodys disposition of a (B) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall collect all
members grievance arising out of a collective bargaining moneys due the International Union and shall deposit all funds in
agreement between the chartered body and an employer. responsible depositories in the name of the United Food and
(F) The International President, in consultation with the Commercial Workers International Union. He or she shall keep
International Secretary-Treasurer, shall establish and maintain such accurate account between the International Union and its chartered
departments, divisions, and offices as are necessary to effectively bodies and shall furnish an annual financial statement, as well as
administer the International Unions affairs. Further, the interim quarterly itemized financial statements, including a balance
International President, in consultation with the International sheet and statement of income and expenses, of the International
Secretary-Treasurer, shall employ and fix the compensation and Union to each member of the International Executive Board and to
other terms of employment of directors, department heads, the President of each Local Union.
assistants, field representatives, and professional and other (C) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall furnish, at
personnel that he or she deems advisable for the purpose of carrying the expense of the International Union, all forms and materials for
out the duties of his or her office and to effectively administer the the transaction of business between the International Union and the
affairs of the International Union. Such personnel shall work under Local Unions. No chartered body shall use any forms for the
the supervision of the International President. He or she shall have transaction of such business except those furnished or approved by
the authority to terminate the employment of any such personnel in the International Secretary-Treasurer. The International Union shall
the best interest of the International Union, subject to an appeal to pay all duties on supplies shipped outside the borders of the United
the International Executive Committee, provided that there is no States.
other grievance procedure authorized by the International Union. (D) All income received from interest, rents, lease, or sale
(G) The International President or his or her designated of any property of the International Union, or any part thereof, shall
representatives are authorized to visit any chartered body and attend be received by the International Secretary-Treasurer as provided for
and participate in any meeting, conference, or convention, including in the Constitution and laws of this International Union, and shall
those of chartered bodies, in order to lend assistance, to examine the become a part of the general assets of the International Union.
records and inspect the operations, or otherwise to further the (E) Negotiable bonds and other securities shall be placed
objectives of the International Union. in safekeeping with a responsible registered broker or other
(H) The bond of the International President shall be in depository in the name of the United Food and Commercial
such amount as the International Executive Board shall deem Workers International Union. Access to any safe deposit box shall
sufficient to fully protect the International Union and shall be be obtained only on the signature of the International President, the
furnished by a surety company approved by the International International Secretary-Treasurer, or the senior International
Executive Board, the premium thereof to be paid by the Executive Vice President.
International Union.
-9-
(F) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall promptly in accordance with this Constitution. He or she shall perform such
notify the International Executive Board of the results of the votes other duties and responsibilities as may be delegated to him or her
cast on all propositions submitted to it. by the International Executive Committee or International Executive
(G) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall have the Board.
International Unions names, logos, and union shop identification
cards, or other indicia of union shop identification registered in each ARTICLE 12
state, province, and territory where required; provided that, in
Canada, such registration shall be taken in consultation with the International Executive Vice Presidents and
National Director, who may also hold the title of National President. International Vice Presidents
(H) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall remit per
capita tax to bodies with which the International Union is affiliated. (A) The International Executive Vice Presidents shall
(I) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall be fulfill their responsibilities as members of the International
furnished with a seal, which seal shall be fixed to official and Executive Committee as set forth in this Constitution.
important documents, as may be required by applicable law, and (B) It shall be the duty of the International Executive Vice
shall deliver to his or her successor in office all property, funds, Presidents and International Vice Presidents to provide such
assets, and effects in his or her possession belonging to the assistance to the International President as he or she may require, to
International Union. perform such other work under his or her direction as he or she may
(J) The bond of the International Secretary-Treasurer request, and to make regular reports on the progress of
shall be of such amount as the International Executive Board shall organizational work assigned to them and with respect to any other
deem safe to fully protect the International Union and shall be duties or functions which they have been directed to perform.
furnished by a surety company approved by the International (C) A minimum of 50% of the International Vice
Executive Board, the premium thereof to be paid by the Presidents shall not be in the primary employment of the
International Union. International Union. A minimum of three International officers from
(K) Constitutions and membership cards shall be furnished Canada elected pursuant to Article 7(A) shall not be in the primary
to Local Unions by the International Secretary-Treasurer at the employment of the International Union. The International officers
expense of the International Union in such number as may be from Canada shall be residents of Canada and members of Local
required, and the Local Union President shall, upon request, issue Unions chartered in Canada and the International Vice Presidents
such membership card, or similar membership card which has been shall be nominated by Canadian Local Unions and elected by a
approved by the International Secretary-Treasurer, to each member majority vote of the delegates representing Canadian Local Unions
of the Local Union. at the next regular International Convention. The International
(L) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall provide for Executive Vice President or, alternatively, the International Vice
the bonding of such officers, representatives, and employees of the President designated number one for purposes of nomination and
International Union and its chartered bodies as the International election of International Vice Presidents in Canada and elected by
Secretary-Treasurer deems advisable, with a surety company the delegates representing the Canadian Local Unions shall be
approved by the International Executive Board. Each such officer, appointed National Director, and may also hold the title of National
representative, or employee shall be bonded by said company in an President.
amount adequate to protect the chartered body from loss. The
minimum amount of such bond shall be $2,500, or whatever higher ARTICLE 13
amount may be required by applicable law. Such bond shall run to International Board of Audit
the International Union and its cost shall be borne by the chartered
body involved or the International Union, as applicable. To ensure Six International Vice Presidents elected annually by the
adequate and proper bonding, the International Secretary-Treasurer International Executive Board, who are not in the primary
shall establish such procedures as he or she deems necessary for employment of the International Union, shall constitute a Board of
compliance by chartered bodies with this section. Audit. As soon as practicable each year, the Board of Audit shall
(M) The International Union shall have the authority, meet at the office of the International Secretary-Treasurer for the
without notice, to obtain or make an audit, inspection, or purpose of reviewing the report of the certified public accountant
examination of all books, records, and other documents of any retained by the International Executive Board to audit the financial
chartered body. The International Secretary-Treasurer, in books and records of the International Union. The financial
conjunction with the International President, shall exercise the statements of the certified public accountant and the report of the
foregoing authority through the assignment of personnel as they Board of Audit, which shall be certified and sworn to, shall be
deem necessary. In Canada, said authority shall be exercised as furnished to each Local Union and each International officer.
provided in this paragraph, following consultation with the National
Director, who may also hold the title of National President. ARTICLE 14
(N) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall receive in
regular installments an annual salary to be determined by the
Regular International Conventions
International Executive Board. He or she shall also receive
reimbursement for all expenses incident to the conduct of his or her (A) The United Food and Commercial Workers
office. Salary determinations by the International Executive Board International Union shall meet in regular Convention in 2018 and
once made shall constitute a new minimum. every five years thereafter, at a time between April 1 and August 31
(O) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall conduct of each Convention year, to elect the officers of the International
his or her office in consultation with the International President and Union and to transact such other business as may come before the
Convention. The dates and place of the regular Convention shall be
- 10 -
determined by the International Executive Board, and the Executive 21,001 - 24,000 .................... 24
Board shall make the necessary arrangements for holding such 24,001 - 29,000 .................... 25
Convention. 29,001 - 34,000 .................... 26
(B) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall issue a 34,001 - 39,000 .................... 27
Convention call to each Local Union in the first ten days of the 39,001 - 44,000 .................... 28
month which is seven months prior to the month in which the 44,001 - 49,000 ................... 29
Convention will commence; except that, if the Convention will
commence in the first 15 days of the month, the Convention call And an additional delegate and vote for each 5,000 active
shall be issued in the first ten days of the month which is eight members, or fraction thereof, above 49,000 active members.
months prior to the month in which the Convention will commence. 2. Any intermediate chartered body with any bargaining
Such call shall state the dates and place of the Convention as units and active members directly affiliated with the intermediate
determined by the International Executive Board. chartered body, rather than with a Local Union, shall be apportioned
delegates and votes based on the number of active members directly
ARTICLE 15 affiliated with it and in accordance with the formula of Article
Regular International Convention Delegates 15(B)1. Apportionment of delegates and votes shall be based on
only those active members directly affiliated with the intermediate
(A) At the time the Convention call is issued, the chartered body, and only such members shall be eligible to represent
International Secretary-Treasurer shall inform each Local Union of the intermediate chartered body as delegates and alternates to the
the number of delegates to which it is entitled and shall furnish each Convention. Wherever the term "Local Union" or "Local Unions" is
Local Union President with credential forms, in duplicate, for used in Articles 14, 15, 16, and 17 of this Constitution, it shall be
delegates and alternates. The Local Unions President shall remit deemed to encompass any intermediate chartered body with any
the completed original credentials and the results of the election to directly affiliated bargaining units and active members.
the International Secretary-Treasurer, in a format designated by the (C) The number of delegates apportioned to a Local Union
International Secretary-Treasurer, immediately after the Local shall be determined by the International Secretary-Treasurer upon
Union elects its delegates and alternates. Credentials must be the basis of its average monthly active membership for the 12
received by the International Secretary-Treasurer 60 days prior to calendar months ending with the next to last month prior to the
the convening of the Convention. The completed duplicate month in which the Convention call is issued. Each Local Union
credentials shall be retained by the delegates and alternates and may elect a number of alternates, as determined by the Local Union
presented to the Credentials Committee immediately prior to the Executive Board prior to nominations, up to the number of delegates
convening of the Convention. Each credential must be signed by the to which it is entitled, in accordance with the procedures for the
Local Union President. election of delegates.
(B) 1. Local Unions shall be apportioned Convention (D) If a vacancy occurs in the Local Unions delegation,
delegates and votes in accordance with the following formula: the alternate who was elected by the greatest number of votes, or, in
the case of a tie, the alternate chosen by a vote of that Local Unions
Number of Number of remaining delegates, shall succeed to the vacancy; provided that, if
the vacancy occurs as the result of a temporary absence from the
Active Members Delegates
Convention, the vacancy shall be filled only if such Local Unions
in Local Union and Votes
seated delegates decide to fill such vacancy, in which case, the
1 - 500 ....................... 1 vacancy shall be filled for the period of the delegates absence. An
501 - 1,000 ....................... 2 alternate succeeding to a vacancy shall have neither voice nor vote
1,001 - 1,750 ....................... 3 until recognized by the Credentials Committee.
1,751 - 2,500 ....................... 4 (E) Each Local Union President shall be a delegate to the
2,501 - 3,250 ....................... 5 regular Convention by virtue of election to office. Where a Local
3,251 - 4,000 ....................... 6 Union is entitled to more than one delegate to the Convention, the
4,001 - 4,750 ....................... 7 Local Union Secretary-Treasurer shall be a delegate by virtue of
4,751 - 5,500 ....................... 8 election to office. The remaining delegates and alternates to which a
5,501 - 6,250 ....................... 9 Local Union is entitled shall be nominated and elected by secret
6,251 - 7,000 ..................... 10 ballot in accordance with the procedures for the nomination and
7,001 - 7,750 ..................... 11 election of Local Union officers as provided in Article 35(C) of this
7,751 - 8,500 .................... 12 Constitution, except as provided in this Article; provided that, if a
8,501 - 9,250 .................... 13 Local Union is entitled to only one delegate and decides to have an
9,251 - 10,000 ..................... 14 alternate in addition to that delegate, the alternate shall be the Local
10,001 - 10,750 ..................... 15 Union Secretary-Treasurer. Where an election of delegates or
10,751 - 11,500 ..................... 16 alternates is to be conducted, nominations for all delegates and
11,501 - 12,250 ..................... 17 nominations for all alternates shall precede the conduct of the
12,251 - 13,000 ..................... 18 elections. Nominations shall not be conducted by petition. The
13,001 - 13,750 ..................... 19 election shall be conducted at polling places or by mail referendum.
13,751 - 14,500 ..................... 20 No member shall run for both delegate and alternate. Each active
14,501 - 16,000 ..................... 21 member voting shall be entitled to cast a number of votes for
16,001 - 18,000 ..................... 22 delegates and alternates up to the number of delegates and alternates
18,001 - 21,000 ..................... 23 which the Local Union is entitled to or chooses to elect, but in no
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event may a member cast more than one vote for any one nominee. subsequent to the decision of the Local Union general election
Such delegates and alternates shall be elected by plurality vote in chairperson and election judges respecting such challenge, an
descending order of the votes received, starting with the nominee aggrieved challenging party may submit an appeal to the
receiving the highest number, up to the number of delegates and International President. Where a Local Union fails to rule on such
alternates which the Local Union is entitled to or chooses to elect, challenge within 30 days of the Local Union election of delegates, a
whichever is the lesser. In the event of a tie that affects the outcome, challenging party may submit an appeal to the International
there shall be a runoff election among the tied nominees. As President not later than 15 days thereafter. The International
provided in this paragraph, the Local Union President or Secretary- President shall take whatever steps are deemed necessary to resolve
Treasurer shall be a delegate or alternate to the Convention without the challenge to the election and enforce his or her decision.
separate nomination and election as a delegate or alternate, provided 2. The decision of the International President may be
that the President or Secretary-Treasurer was elected by the Local appealed to the Credentials Committee not later than 15 days after
Union membership in the Local Unions election of officers. such decision has been rendered. Such appeal shall be sent to the
(F) The nomination and election of delegates to the International Secretary-Treasurer, who shall refer such appeal to the
Convention shall be conducted at any time during the four-month Credentials Committee, which shall consist of not less than five
period following the month in which the Convention call is issued. uncontested delegates who shall be appointed by the International
The election of delegates to the Convention shall be conducted by President not less than 20 days prior to the convening of the
secret ballot. Not less than 15 days prior to the nomination of Convention. This committee shall meet prior to the convening of the
delegates, notice shall be mailed by the Local Union to each Convention at the call of the International President to consider and
member at his or her last known home address, setting forth the resolve all appeals. This committee shall also independently review
times, dates, and places for conducting the nomination of delegates the credentials of all delegates and shall resolve all questions of
to the Convention. Not less than 15 days prior to the election of irregularity. The committee shall report its rulings on appeals and
delegates, notice shall be mailed by the Local Union to each irregularities to the Convention on the first day thereof. It may meet
member at his or her last known home address, setting forth the during the Convention at the call of the International President. The
times, dates, and places for conducting the election. Notice of rulings of the committee shall be in force pending review by the
nominations and election may be combined into a single notice, Convention.
which shall be mailed not less than 15 days prior to nominations. 3. Any challenge or appeal which could have been
(G) Any active member of the International Union, as presented in compliance with these filing requirements, but was not,
defined in Article 4(B) of this Constitution, shall be eligible to vote shall be deemed to have been waived.
for Local Union delegates to the Convention in the Local Union (J) The ballots and all other records pertaining to the
through which he or she holds his or her membership. nomination and election of delegates, including the membership
(H) 1. Any active member of the International Union, as mailing lists which were used to send the notices of the nomination
defined in Article 4(B) of this Constitution, who has been an active and election of delegates, shall be preserved for not less than one
member of the International Union, or who had been a member of year by the Local Union President.
another organization merged with or chartered by the International (K) A Local Union may elect fewer than its quota of
Union or merged into a Local Union of the United Food and delegates, provided that such determination be made by the Local
Commercial Workers International Union, for a continuous Union membership prior to or at the nominating meeting. The
aggregate of at least 12 months preceding the month in which the number of votes to which a Local Union is entitled at the
Convention call is issued, shall be eligible to be a delegate to the Convention on all recorded votes shall be divided equally among
Convention from the Local Union through which he or she holds his the seated delegates present.
or her membership at the time of nominations, provided that said (L) In the case of a Local Union entitled to two or more
member maintains continuous active membership in said Local delegates, the delegates shall choose a chairperson and alternate
Union during the interval between his or her election and the chairperson of the delegation.
commencement of the Convention. (M) The International Union shall pay for the reasonable
2. Nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to and necessary cost of transportation of the duly elected delegates to
disqualify any member who accepts a salaried position with a and from each regular International Convention. Local Unions may
national American labor federation with which the International pay all or a portion of their delegates other authorized expenses
Union is affiliated, the Canadian Labour Congress, the International connected with attendance at the Convention. Where a Local Union
Union, or any of its chartered bodies, or any state or local labor pays for the expenses or the salary, wages, or lost time, not
bodies of a national American labor federation to which the including vacation pay, of one of its delegates, it shall pay for the
International Union has approved its Local Unions to affiliate or to expenses or the salaries, wages, or lost time, not including vacation
disqualify the delegate or delegates of a Local Union reorganized pay, of all of its delegates.
within a period of less than one year. A Local Union not duly (N) Delegates of Local Unions which as of the first day of
chartered by the International Union at the time the Convention call the Convention are delinquent for more than one months financial
is issued shall not be entitled to representation in the Convention of obligations owed to the International Union, or any part thereof,
the International Union. shall not be seated at the Convention.
(I) 1. Not more than 15 days subsequent to the election of (O) The officers of the International Union shall be
delegates in a Local Union, all challenges to the election of such delegates to the Convention and shall attend at the expense of the
delegates shall be submitted to the Local Union general election International Union. International officers may not make
chairperson. The Local Union general election chairperson and nominations or vote in the election of International officers unless
election judges shall consider any such challenge and take such they are delegates to the Convention pursuant to Article 15(E).
remedial action as they deem appropriate. Not more than 15 days
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(P) In recognition of the services and contributions to the Constitution Committee of not less than five delegates, who shall be
International Union of its retired officers, retired International appointed by him or her not less than 20 days prior to the convening
officers may attend regular International Conventions as fraternal of the Convention. Unless so submitted or as provided in Article
delegates. 16(G)2, proposed amendments to the International Constitution
shall not be considered by the Convention. Only the delegates of the
ARTICLE 16 Local Union proposing a constitutional amendment may question
Regular International Convention Procedure whether such amendment was properly proposed by such Local
Union.
(A) The proceedings of the regular Convention shall be 2. The Constitution Committee shall meet prior to the
governed by this Constitution and the rules adopted at each convening of the Convention, at the call of the International
Convention. The rules adopted at the preceding regular Convention President, to consider all amendments to the International
shall be in full force from the opening of the Convention until new Constitution proposed by Local Unions. Proposed constitutional
rules are adopted. Each Convention may adopt rules for the conduct amendments originating with the International Executive Board may
of its business not in conflict with the provisions of this be submitted to the Constitution Committee for its consideration or
Constitution. The Convention shall be conducted in accordance with submitted directly to the Convention. The Constitution Committee
common parliamentary procedure designed for the conduct of shall report its recommendations respecting any proposed
orderly and democratic meetings, unless otherwise provided by this constitutional amendments referred to it to the Convention.
Constitution or by the Convention rules. (H) Prior to the opening of each Convention, the
(B) It shall be the duty of the International President to International President shall appoint the required number of reading
preside at the Convention and conduct it in accordance with this clerks and sergeants-at-arms.
Constitution and the Convention rules. In the absence of the (I) An International Convention quorum shall consist of
International President, the International Secretary-Treasurer shall not less than 25 percent of the delegates officially seated by the
preside, provided that, in the absence of both the International Convention.
President and International Secretary-Treasurer, the seniority (J) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare, for
provisions of Article 17(Q) shall govern as applicable. the use of the Convention, a list containing the number of votes to
(C) The International Secretary-Treasurer shall act as which each Local Union is entitled. Voting shall be by a voice,
Secretary of the Convention. He or she shall be responsible for standing, or roll call vote of the delegates. A roll call vote shall be
having a record kept of the proceedings of the Convention, and shall conducted upon a motion of a delegate, concurred in by 30 percent
publish full proceedings of the Convention in convenient form and of the seated delegates, or directed by the presiding officer if he or
furnish one copy to each delegate to the Convention, each chartered she is in doubt as to the vote. When a roll call vote is conducted, the
Local Union, and members of the International Executive Board. International Secretary-Treasurer, in calling the roll of the Local
(D) The International Executive Board shall perform such Unions, shall call out the Local Unions number and the number of
duties for the International President during the Convention as he or votes to which it is entitled, except as otherwise specified in Article
she may require. The International Executive Board, International 17(H) of this Constitution, and the chairperson of each Local Union
Executive Committee, International President, and International delegation shall announce the votes of the delegates of that Local
Secretary-Treasurer shall submit reports of their work to each Union. Any delegate may request the presiding officer to conduct a
regular Convention. The International Secretary-Treasurers report roll call of the delegates of the Local Union which he or she
shall include a financial report for the five fiscal years preceding the represents. The presiding officer may also order a roll call if he or
Convention. she is in doubt as to the Local Unions vote.
(E) The International President, in consultation with the
International Secretary-Treasurer, shall appoint all Convention ARTICLE 17
committees, and they shall meet at his or her call. Each committee Election of International Officers
shall consist of not less than five Local Union delegates. The
International Union may pay expenses connected with service on (A) 1. Only active members of the International Union,
committees which meet prior to the Convention. who have been active members of the International Union, or who
(F) Resolutions proposed by Local Unions, following were members of another organization merged with or chartered by
adoption by their Executive Boards or membership, shall be the International Union, for a continuous aggregate of at least 36
submitted to the International President not less than 45 days prior months immediately preceding the month in which the regular
to the convening of the Convention and, unless so submitted or as Convention is held, are eligible to hold any office of the
otherwise provided in this paragraph, shall not be considered by the International Union, provided that said members maintain
Convention. Only the delegates of the Local Union proposing a continuous active membership.
resolution may question whether such resolution was properly 2. Any officer or employee of the International Union or
adopted by such Local Union. Resolutions may be presented to the any of its chartered bodies accepting any political office, or other
Convention by the International Executive Board at any time. employment or position, which in the judgment of the International
(G) 1. Not less than 90 days prior to the convening of the Executive Board presents a conflict of interest, or which interferes
Convention, all amendments to the International Constitution with the proper carrying out of duties or responsibilities as a Union
proposed by Local Unions, following adoption by their Executive officer or employee, shall not be eligible to serve as an officer of the
Boards or membership, shall be submitted to the International International Union or any of its chartered bodies, and any such
President. Each proposal shall identify the Article to be amended officer or employee shall resign his or her office or position with the
and specifically set forth or describe the proposed change. The Union immediately, upon order of the International Executive
International President shall refer such proposed amendments to a Board, unless a leave of absence is granted with the approval of the
- 13 -
International Executive Board. Upon failure to resign as required (I) Each candidate may be present or be represented by a
herein, the International Executive Board shall declare such office delegate to observe the count.
or position vacant and a successor shall be elected or appointed in (J) A majority of the votes cast for any office shall be
accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. required to elect. If no candidate receives a majority, a runoff
3. Nothing contained in this Constitution shall be election shall be conducted. Such runoff election shall present to the
construed as making any member ineligible to serve as an officer or delegates only the names of the two nominees receiving the greatest
delegate by virtue of such members holding a salaried position with number of votes.
the International Union or any of its chartered bodies, or any (K) No funds of the International Union or any of its
organization approved by the International Executive Board with chartered bodies shall be used to promote the candidacy of any
which the International Union or any of its chartered bodies has person for any elective office within the International Union.
affiliated. (L) No publications sponsored by or supported by the
(B) The term of office for all International officers shall International Union or any chartered body shall be used to promote
begin on September 1 following the regular International the candidacy of any person for elective office within the
Convention at which they are elected and shall expire on August 31 International Union.
following the next regular International Convention, except in the (M) All Convention minutes and other records pertaining to
case of a special election to fill a vacancy, in which case the term of the election of International officers, including membership lists
office shall commence upon election by the International Executive used to determine the number of delegates to which a Local Union
Board and shall continue for the balance of the predecessors is entitled and the original completed credentials of the delegates,
original term. Ceremonial installation of newly elected officers shall shall be preserved by the International Secretary-Treasurer for at
take place immediately following their election. least one year following the election.
(C) The election of International officers shall be (N) Any member desiring to protest the conduct of the
conducted at the regular Convention. Nominations shall be held on election shall lodge his or her protest in writing within 30 days of
the second day of the Convention. The election of officers shall take the election with the International Executive Board.
place as the next order of Convention business. International (O) A report of the election of International officers shall
Executive Vice Presidents and International Vice Presidents shall be be published in the official membership publications of the
numerically designated for nomination and election purposes only. International Union.
(D) Nomination to International office shall be from the (P) In the event of a vacancy in any office on the
floor of the Convention. It shall require at least 15 Local Unions International Executive Board, other than that of the International
represented at the Convention to make a nomination, provided that, President, the International President shall immediately make such
in nominating the International Vice Presidents allocated to Canada, vacancy known to the International Executive Board. The
it shall require at least five Canadian Local Unions represented at International Executive Board, by majority vote, may elect a
the Convention to make a nomination for such offices. In making successor. In filling a vacancy in the office of an International Vice
nominations, Local Union action shall be determined by a vote of President in Canada, the International Executive Board shall elect
the delegates of the Local Union, shall require the support of a an active member who is nominated by an International officer from
majority of all seated delegates of the Local Union, and shall be Canada and is a resident of Canada and a member of a Local Union
announced by the chairperson of the delegation or such other chartered in Canada. Upon each unsuccessful balloting, the name of
spokesperson as may be designated by a majority of the delegates. the candidate receiving the fewest number of votes shall be
Any delegate may request the presiding officer to conduct a roll call eliminated.
of the delegates of the Local Union which he or she represents to (Q) In case of a vacancy in the office of International
verify the Local Union action. The presiding officer may also order President, the International Secretary-Treasurer shall perform the
a roll call if he or she is in doubt that a majority of the delegates duties of the International President until his or her successor is
support the Local Union action. No Local Union may nominate elected. It shall be the duty of the International Secretary-Treasurer
more than one candidate for each office. to immediately make known such vacancy to the International
(E) Following the nominations, the nominees shall be Executive Board, which shall, within 30 days of such vacancy, by
required to indicate their acceptance of the nomination. No member majority vote, elect a successor. Upon each unsuccessful balloting,
shall be eligible to run for more than one International office, and no the name of the candidate receiving the fewest number of votes shall
member who declines to accept nomination for an office shall be be eliminated. If, during a vacancy in the office of International
eligible for election to that office. President, there is also a vacancy in the office of International
(F) There shall be an Election Committee, which shall be Secretary-Treasurer, the following order of seniority shall be
composed of not less than five Local Union delegates, who shall be applicable to the responsibilities specified within this paragraph: the
appointed by the International President and shall not be candidates International Executive Vice Presidents in the order of seniority on
for International Union office. The Election Committee shall report the International Executive Committee or, in the event of equal
on the eligibility of the nominees to the Convention prior to the seniority, in the order of seniority on the International Executive
election and conduct the subsequent election. Board; and, then, the International Vice Presidents in the primary
(G) Where there is only one nominee for an office, the employment of the International Union in the order of seniority on
unopposed candidate shall be deemed elected by acclamation. the International Executive Board.
(H) Election of International officers shall be by standing
vote of the delegates, except that a roll call vote of the Local Unions
shall be conducted by the Election Committee if such a vote is
authorized pursuant to the provisions of Article 16(J) of this
Constitution.
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ARTICLE 18 obligations, or any part thereof, are not received by the tenth day of
International Revenue the second month following that in which the Local Union is billed
by the International Union, the Local Union shall be subject to such
(A) The operating revenue of the International Union shall remedial or corrective action as the International Executive
be derived as follows: Committee may deem just and proper. A Local Union may appeal
1. From a fee payable by Local Unions of $5.00 on each any such remedial or corrective action to the International Executive
applicant for membership or reinstatement; Board within 30 days, except where the International Executive
2. From investments; Committee has imposed a trusteeship, in which case the procedures
3. From a monthly per capita tax payable by Local of Article 9(F) of this Constitution shall govern. "Financial
Unions on each active, affiliated, and nonactive member, based obligations," as used in this paragraph and in Article 15(N) of this
upon the membership on the last day of each month. For the period Constitution, do not include moneys owed by virtue of participation
from August, 2013 through September, 2013, such per capita tax in a voluntary fund maintained by the International Union.
shall be in the amount of $13.54. For the period beginning October, (E) All Local Unions shall pay to the International Union
2013, such per capita tax shall be in the amount of $15.04, except promptly, when due, all financial obligations, which shall from time
that the International Executive Board shall have the authority, to to time become due and payable under the provisions of the
the extent that it deems necessary, to increase such per capita tax by Constitution and laws of the International Union. The monthly per
up to an additional $1.50, effective no earlier than June, 2015. capita tax and fees set forth in this Article are the property of the
Additionally, the International Executive Board shall also have the International Union, and such funds may not be used by the Local
authority, following consultation with its professional advisers, to Union for any purpose other than their being transferred to the
increase such per capita tax, beginning with the month of January, International Union in accordance with this Article.
2014, by such amounts as it deems necessary to fund any increases (F) The provisions of this Article shall apply to any
after January 1, 2013, in the costs of the plans provided for in intermediate chartered body with any bargaining units and members
Articles 27 and 28 of this Constitution; directly affiliated with the intermediate chartered body, rather than
4. From a monthly per capita tax payable by the Local with a Local Union. Such intermediate chartered body shall pay the
Unions on each associate member based upon the membership on per capita tax and fees required by this Article on the members
the last day of the month. Such per capita tax shall be the greater of directly affiliated with it and on the employees who are employed in
thirty percent (30%) of the dues paid by the associate member to the bargaining units directly affiliated with it and who pay service fees
Local Unions or $2.00 per member; or dues to the intermediate chartered body pursuant to agency shop,
5. From a fee payable by Local Unions of $100 on each Rand formula, service fee provisions, or otherwise.
new paid-up life member; and
6. From all other lawful sources. ARTICLE 19
(B) From the monthly per capita tax on each member, International Publications
$1.00 shall be allocated to the United Food and Commercial
Workers International Union strike and defense fund. If the assets of (A) The United Food and Commercial Workers
the strike and defense fund exceed $30 million, the International International Union shall publish official membership publications
Executive Committee shall have the authority to transfer any or all and such other publications as the International President, in
of the excess to another fund of the International Union. consultation with the International Executive Committee, may
(C) Where employees pay service fees or dues to a Local determine to be necessary or advisable to assist in carrying out the
Union pursuant to agency shop, Rand formula, service fee objectives and principles of the International Union.
provisions, or otherwise, a Local Union, in recognition of services (B) Members of the International Union shall receive an
performed by the International Union and in discharge of its official membership publication without subscription cost. Other
obligations under the Constitution as a Local Union, shall pay to the persons may, at the discretion of its editor, receive an official
International Union monthly service fees equal to the per capita tax membership publication by subscription at such rates as may be
payments otherwise due on such employees. Where initiation determined by the International Executive Board, or on a
service fees are collected by a Local Union in lieu of regular complimentary basis.
initiation or reinstatement fees, the $5.00 fee set forth in Article (C) Any aggrieved member or chartered body may appeal
18(A)1 shall be remitted to the International Union. editorial decisions of the editor to the International Executive
(D) Payment of all financial obligations owed to the Committee, subject to further appeal to the International Executive
International Union shall be made by each Local Union and Board, whose decision shall be final.
received in the office of the International Secretary-Treasurer no
later than the tenth day of the month following that in which the ARTICLE 20
Local Union is billed by the International Union. All such financial Union Names, Symbols, and Marks
obligations shall be credited in the order in which they are owed. If
all such financial obligations, or any part thereof, are not received (A) The International Union shall develop and maintain
by the tenth day of the month following that in which the Local names, symbols, and marks of the Union, including union logos,
Union is billed by the International Union, the Local Union is union labels, union domain names, and union shop identification
delinquent in its payment and shall be charged a late payment fee, cards. It is through these names, symbols, and marks that the
equal to 2 percent of that portion of the last months financial International Union and its functions, products, and services have
obligations which has not been paid by the due date, and the been and will continue to be recognized. The International Union
International Secretary-Treasurer shall send a notice of delinquency shall also copyright the content of any International Union
by certified mail to the Local Union. If all such financial publications as it deems appropriate. All such names, symbols,
- 15 -
marks, and copyrights shall be the exclusive property of the Executive Committee, except that no such amendments shall be
International Union. The International Executive Board may made which reduce benefits or restrict eligibility.
prescribe rules, regulations, and standards governing the issuance,
use, or display of all such names, symbols, marks, and copyrights; ARTICLE 23
provided that in Canada such rules, regulations and standards shall Collective Bargaining Contracts
be developed in consultation with the National Director, who may
also hold the title of National President. (A) The terms of proposed collective bargaining contracts
(B) Each chartered body shall be licensed to use, solely for or proposals for renewal or any modifications of existing contracts,
the purposes of such chartered body, and not for the private use of whether proposed by the employer or the Local Union, shall be
any other entity, the names and logos of the United Food and submitted to the International President, upon his or her request, for
Commercial Workers, and, shall conform to the general art, color, review prior to any membership action thereon. Such review shall
and design themes of the logos, and to make limited excerpts from be for the purposes of determining whether the aforementioned
copyrighted publications of the International Union. Any other use terms conform to the applicable established policies, practices, and
shall occur only in accordance with any applicable rules governing objectives of the International Union, including any strategic
such use as may be established by the International Executive bargaining plans adopted by the International Union, relating to
Board. wages, hours, and other working conditions, either in the locality
(C) The International Executive Board shall have the involved or nationally, and enabling the International Union to
authority from time to time to issue a union shop identification card discharge its obligations in the event such proposed terms are found
or such other indicia which indicates that a store, establishment, or to be injurious to the best interests of the membership of other Local
facility is under an existing collective bargaining agreement with the Unions or the International Union. If the International President
International Union or any of its chartered bodies. Only exercises his or her authority under this paragraph, terms of
establishments recognized as Union by the laws and principles of proposed collective bargaining contracts or proposals for renewal or
the International Union may display the union shop identification any modifications of existing contracts shall not be submitted to the
card or other such indicia, provided the proprietor or persons duly membership for its action pending completion of review or
authorized to conduct such establishment shall have signed a following any disapproval by the International President. Any
collective bargaining agreement with a chartered body or the membership action on the aforementioned terms or proposals
International Union. No chartered body shall sell, rent, lease, or pending completion of review or following any disapproval by the
charge any fee for the union shop identification card or other such International President shall be void and without effect.
indicia. (B) The International Union, in approving or disapproving
(D) Union logos, union labels, union domain names, or any the terms of a proposed collective bargaining contract as above set
other identification of the Union may be used only on products forth, shall not thereby become a party to the contract, or assume
manufactured, processed, grown, or handled by businesses whose any liability with respect thereto, unless the International Union,
employees are represented by the International Union or any of its following specific authorization by the International Executive
chartered bodies. No chartered body shall sell, rent, lease, or charge Board, becomes a party to and signs such contract.
any fee for the union logos, union labels, union domain names, or (C) Local Unions shall, upon request, file executed copies
other identification of the Union, without specific authorization in of all collective bargaining contracts, including all letters of
writing from the International Executive Committee. understanding, memoranda of agreement, or other addenda
concerning such contracts, and any subsequent modifications
ARTICLE 21 thereof with the International Union.
Parliamentary Rules (D) 1. The affected membership may submit initial
proposals for a collective bargaining contract or renewal of such a
(A) The Conventions of the International Union, meetings contract to the President of the Local Union involved or to a
of the International Executive Board, and meetings of all chartered representative or committee designated by such President prior to
bodies shall be conducted in accordance with common the commencement of negotiations. Initial proposals shall be
parliamentary procedure designed for the conduct of orderly and referred to the affected membership or a committee of the affected
democratic meetings, unless otherwise provided. membership for approval, as directed by the President of the Local
(B) Wherever a requirement for a majority vote, two-thirds Union.
majority vote, plurality vote, or other such vote is set forth in this 2. Following the approval of such initial proposals by the
Constitution, it shall be applied with respect to those present and affected membership or a committee of the affected membership,
voting and/or all valid ballots cast and counted, as applicable, unless the President of the Local Union involved or his or her designated
the voting requirement in the applicable provision of this representative or committee shall meet with the employer and
Constitution expressly provides otherwise. endeavor to arrive at an agreement. The current status of such
meetings with the employer shall be reported as regularly as
ARTICLE 22 practical to the affected members.
3. The proposal judged by the President of the Local
Death Benefits Union or negotiating committee to be the employers final proposal
for a collective bargaining contract or renewal of an existing
The UFCW Death Benefit Plan, as amended effective January, contract shall be submitted to the affected membership for its
1983, shall be maintained in effect for those members who meet the consideration. A majority vote of those present and voting shall be
eligibility and participation requirements set forth in the Plan. The necessary to accept or reject the proposal.
Plan may be amended by majority vote of the International
- 16 -
4. In the event of rejection of the employers proposal, arising under a collective bargaining contract, shall perform such
the President of the Local Union shall, upon request, report all duties in conjunction with the Local Union as will assist the Local
pertinent facts to the International President. Union.
5. No strike or other economic action shall be taken by (E) 1. Following approval of a strike or other economic
any Local Union in connection with a contract proposal, unless the action by the Local Union, the President of the Local Union shall
affected membership, at a meeting or meetings thereof, has request authorization from the International Executive Committee to
approved the same through a two-thirds majority vote of members strike or take other economic measures, and shall advise it of the
voting on the action separately or combined with the question of action taken by the affected membership and the Local Union and
approval of the contract proposal. In the event the affected submit all information required for strike authorization as
membership constitutes less than a majority of the membership of determined by the International President and, upon request, any
the Local Union, the Local Union Executive Board may disapprove other information deemed necessary for facilitating disposition of
such strike or other economic action. such request. No Local Union shall engage in a strike or other
6. In the event of rejection of the employers proposal economic measures without first receiving the authorization of the
judged by the Local Union President or negotiating committee to be International Executive Committee and otherwise complying with
the employers final proposal for a collective bargaining contract or the applicable provisions of this Article.
renewal of an existing contract and the failure of the affected 2. In the event of a dispute concerning the interpretation,
membership of the Local Union to approve a strike or other application, or enforcement of a collective bargaining contract,
economic action by a two-thirds vote, the Local Union Executive efforts shall be made by the Local Union to amicably adjust the
Board shall, after notifying the International President and receiving dispute, pursuant to the provisions of the collective bargaining
acknowledgment of such notice, have authority to accept or reject contract. No strike or other economic action respecting the
such offer. foregoing shall take place without the approval of the Local Union
7. The affected membership, for purposes of voting on and the authorization of the International Executive Committee, to
the proposal judged to be the employers final offer for a collective whom a request for such approval must be directed, accompanied by
bargaining contract or contracts or renewal of an existing contract or all information required for strike authorization as determined by
contracts or on a proposal to strike or take other economic action, the International President and, upon request, any other information
shall be either the affected membership in a single Local Union or deemed necessary for facilitating disposition of such request.
in two or more Local Unions, as separately determined by the 3. Any authorization by the International Union of strikes
President of each Local Union involved prior to any such vote. or other economic action taken by a Local Union shall be
Where such affected membership is in two or more Local Unions, considered not to have been given if such authorization was
the results of any such vote shall be determined by aggregating the obtained without full disclosure by the Local Union of the
votes of all the affected members, by a majority of the Local Unions information required in Article 23(E).
involved based upon a separate vote of the affected membership of 4. The strike action, or any other economic action
each, or separately by each Local Union based upon a vote of each authorized by the International Executive Committee, shall not
Local Unions affected membership. Where the affected constitute the International Union a party or a participant in any
membership is in two or more collective bargaining units of the such dispute or impose any liability on the International Union or its
same Local Union, the results of any such vote shall be determined officers. Such authorization is solely for the purpose of assuring
by aggregating the votes of all the affected members or separately compliance with the provisions of this Constitution and recognition
by each unit based upon a vote of the affected membership in each that amicable means of adjustment have been exhausted and that the
unit, unless otherwise prohibited by law. The method of determining best interests of the membership have been protected. Such
such results shall be separately determined by each Local Union authorization is also a necessary step to obtain consideration for
President prior to any such vote. strike or defense benefits.
8. Adequate notice of all meetings required by Article 5. No member shall cross or work behind a legal picket
23(D) shall be given to the affected membership. line established by a United Food and Commercial Workers Local
9. Whenever in the judgment of the Local Union Union and sanctioned by the United Food and Commercial Workers
President it would be preferable to conduct a mail referendum for International Union. No member shall cross or work behind a legal
contract ratification, strike vote, or vote on other economic action, picket line established by a union other than the United Food and
he or she may direct the conduct of such a referendum. Whenever in Commercial Workers International Union, provided such picket line
the judgment of the International Executive Committee it would be has the sanction of the Executive Board of the United Food and
preferable to conduct a mail referendum for contract ratification, Commercial Workers Local Union in whose jurisdiction it is
strike vote, or vote on other economic action, it may direct the established and, provided further, the United Food and Commercial
conduct of such a referendum. Any such mail referendum shall be Workers Local Union has notified its membership of such sanction.
conducted in accordance with procedures established by the (F) 1. Disbursements for strike, lockout, or defense
International President. purposes shall be made from the strike and defense fund or from the
10. Acceptance in the manner provided by the applicable general funds of the International Union, when authorized by the
provisions of Article 23(D) shall be required before any terms of International Executive Committee. Disbursements, when made,
proposed collective bargaining contracts or proposals for renewal or shall be subject to such qualifications, rules, and regulations as may
any modifications of existing contracts may be agreed to by the be deemed necessary by the International Executive Committee.
Local Union. The International Executive Committee is authorized to discontinue
11. A representative assigned by the International disbursements for strike, lockout, or defense purposes whenever the
President to assist a Local Union in preparing for or arriving at a International Executive Committee shall so determine.
satisfactory collective bargaining contract, or in adjusting a dispute
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2. No Local Union shall receive strike or defense to the Local Union respecting the status of the trust fund and all
benefits, unless strike authorization or approval for other economic matters pertaining thereto.
action has been obtained from the International Executive
Committee. ARTICLE 25
3. The financial aid allowed shall not be payable for the Duties and Obligations
first seven days of the strike or lockout and shall apply only to those
members who have been on strike or locked out for fourteen days in (A) Every member of this International Union agrees, in
succession. Only those members who are on authorized strike or consideration of the rights and benefits conferred pursuant to the
who are locked out shall be entitled to receive such benefits, except terms of this Constitution, to comply with the duties and obligations
that the International Executive Committee is authorized to provide stated in this Article and that termination of membership shall not
for the payment of financial aid to members who respect authorized terminate liability for violations of such duties and obligations
and legitimate picket lines of the International Union or any of its occurring during the period of his or her membership.
chartered bodies. (B) No member may be disciplined, except for violating
4. The International Executive Committee is authorized his or her duties and obligations by committing any one or more of
to establish rules and regulations, not inconsistent with this the following offenses:
Constitution, governing the payment of strike, lockout, or defense 1. Violating any provisions of the Constitution or laws of
benefits. the International Union or the approved bylaws or established rules
5. Each member receiving strike, lockout, or defense of the members Local Union;
benefits must sign his or her name on forms required by the 2. Advocating or attempting to bring about the
International Union. These forms, when so signed, must be withdrawal from the International Union of any Local Union or any
countersigned by a Local Union officer and shall be sent, with all member or group of members, and/or working in the interest of or
other information and documents required by the International accepting membership in any organization dual to the International
Executive Committee pursuant to Article 23(F)1 and 4, to the Union;
International Secretary-Treasurer by the Local Union President at 3. Deliberately and improperly interfering with any
the close of each week. officer or representative of the International Union or any Local
6. The payment of strike, lockout, or defense benefits Union in the discharge of his or her duties, or with the performance
under this Article by the International Union constitutes simply the of the legal or contractual rights or obligations of the International
performance of an obligation under circumstances when its Union or any of its Local Unions;
members are involved in economic disputes and shall in no sense 4. Deliberately engaging in conduct in violation of the
make the International Union a party to, or a participant in, such responsibility of members toward the Union as an institution;
economic action. 5. In the case of any officer or representative of the
(G) In no event shall any owner-operator who is an active International Union or of any Local Union, failing to faithfully
member pursuant to Article 4(B)1 of this Constitution participate perform the duties of his or her office or position, accepting dual
with any active members who are employees in the formulation, compensation or expenses for the performance of duties related to
ratification, interpretation, application, or enforcement of the terms his or her office or position, or embezzling, misappropriating,
of a collective bargaining contract. fraudulently receiving, wrongfully handling, or failing to account
(H) Where an intermediate chartered body or the for the funds of the International Union, a Local Union, or any
International Union is a designated bargaining representative for a employee benefit fund.
collective bargaining unit, references in this Constitution, with (C) Any member may be charged, tried, and disciplined for
respect to collective bargaining contracts, to the Local Union, Local violation of any of the above offenses, or for offenses set forth in
Union President, or Local Union Executive Board shall be the Local Union bylaws, in accordance with the procedures
understood to refer to the designated bargaining representative, its provided for in this Constitution.
President, and its Executive Board or Executive Committee, as (D) Elected and appointed representatives of the
applicable. International Union and its Local Unions serve in a position of trust
and responsibility and obtain information and confidences and
develop abilities which should not be employed in a manner
ARTICLE 24 injurious to the best interests of the International Union or its Local
Pension and Health and Welfare Trusts Unions; therefore, all such representatives, in the event of
termination for any reason whatsoever, assume the obligation not to
(A) Local Unions shall, without delay, file with the office seek or obtain employment or position or work with, or in, any dual
of the International President executed copies of all pension and or other organization antagonistic to or in conflict with the
health and welfare trust documents, including all amendments and objectives, activities, policies, or jurisdiction of the International
other pertinent descriptive and operational documents necessary to Union or any of its Local Unions. This obligation shall continue for
clearly set forth benefits and administrative details in effect in such a period of one year from termination and extends to such
trusts. geographical areas as may be necessary to protect the International
(B) Local Union officers or employees, when serving as Union or any of its Local Unions. This provision shall in no respect
trustees of welfare and pension funds, shall do so as representatives be applied in derogation or limitation of any rights provided for
of the Union and shall not receive any remuneration for services under the United Food and Commercial Workers International
performed for such welfare and pension funds except for reasonable Union Pension Plan for Employees or the United Food and
expenses incurred. Such Union representatives shall report regularly Commercial Workers Health Insurance Plan for Retirees.
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(E) 1. Members and chartered bodies shall resolve any shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to reply in writing to the
dispute relating to the interpretation or application of the Local charges, if he or she so desires.
Union bylaws or rules or the Constitution or laws of the 8. On motion of the accused before trial, or upon its own
International Union exclusively through the remedial procedures motion, the Local Union Executive Board may dismiss without trial
provided therein. Resolution of any such dispute pursuant to such any charges which, after assuming the charging partys facts are
procedures shall be final and binding. true, fail to allege actions which would constitute violations of the
2. No member shall institute an action outside the Union International Constitution or laws or the Local Union bylaws or
against the International Union, Local Union, or any of their officers rules. Such dismissal shall be subject to appeal as provided in
or representatives without first exhausting all remedies provided by Article 26(C).
the Local Union bylaws and rules and the Constitution and laws of 9. On motion of the accused before trial, or upon its own
the International Union. motion, the Local Union Executive Board may dismiss without trial
(F) "Local Union" as used in this Article shall apply, any charges it finds are of such a nature that the interest of the Local
where appropriate, to intermediate chartered bodies. Union does not justify the expenditure of time, money, and other
resources necessary for the conduct of a disciplinary proceeding or
ARTICLE 26 where it finds that the undisputed material facts warrant dismissal of
Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals the charges. Such dismissal shall be subject to appeal as provided in
Article 26(C).
(A) 1. A member shall be charged and tried in the Local 10. Except for charges processed pursuant to Article
Union through which he or she is a member at the time the charges 26(A)16, the trial on the charges shall be held as soon as
are filed, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. Any practicable, but no later than 60 days following the date on which
person no longer a member may be charged and tried in the Local the charges are filed. However, upon request of either party, for
Union through which he or she last held membership for actions good cause shown, an adjournment to a later date, not to exceed 100
committed while he or she was a member. days from the date the charges are filed, may be granted by the
2. Charges may be filed by an active member of the Local Local Union Executive Board. The Local Union Executive Board
Union through which the accused is a member, or, where the shall have the power, upon its own motion, to postpone any
accused is no longer a member, by an active member of the Local scheduled trial, provided such postponement shall not be beyond
Union through which the accused was a member at the time of the 100 days from the date the charges are filed. Any such Executive
alleged violation, or by a representative of the International Union. Board decision to postpone the trial beyond the scheduled date or to
3. More than one charging party may join in the same set set a trial for 60 days beyond the date of the charges being filed
of charges, but the charges must name one of the charging parties as must be served upon all parties immediately. Every effort shall be
the representative of the others to be responsible for filing papers, made to schedule the trial so that it does not conflict with the
receiving papers, and trying the case. Where the charges fail to working schedule of the parties, and at least 14 days notice of the
designate such representative, then the first charging member named trial date shall be given in writing. The written notice to the
in the charge shall be considered the representative of the others. charging and accused parties shall state that the parties have the
4. Charges and other formal documents referred to in right to have other members of the Local Union attend the trial,
Article 26 sent by mail or submitted in another generally accepted subject to reasonable accommodations of space. Any request for the
manner other than in person shall be considered filed as of the date postponement of the trial date must be received by the Executive
of postmark or other indicia of transmission. Charges and other Board at least three days before the scheduled trial date, unless a
formal documents referred to in Article 26 delivered in person shall satisfactory showing is made of inability to comply with this
be considered filed as of the date of delivery. requirement. The request must include good cause for such a
5. Charges shall be filed with the Local Union Executive postponement. In the event the accused fails to appear for a duly
Board within six months after the basis for the alleged violation has noticed trial, it shall nevertheless proceed.
been discovered or should have been discovered. 11. The trial shall take place before the Local Union
6. The charges shall specify the Article or Articles of the Executive Board, which for purposes of Article 26 shall mean those
International Constitution or laws or the Local Union bylaws or members of the Local Union Executive Board serving for purposes
rules allegedly violated and shall also set forth a short and plain of trial. The President of the Local Union shall be the chairperson of
factual statement of the act or acts considered to be in violation, the Executive Board for purposes of the trial proceeding. No
including available information as to dates and places, in such a charging party or accused member or a witness may serve on the
manner and sufficient detail as to fairly inform the accused of the Executive Board in the conduct of disciplinary proceedings. Where
specific acts which are alleged to constitute violations of the the chairperson is unable to serve for any reason, the remaining
International Constitution or laws or the Local Union bylaws or members of the Local Union Executive Board shall designate one of
rules. Either upon motion by the charged parties or the Local Union their number to act as chairperson. On motion filed with the Local
Executive Board, charges failing to comply with this requirement Union Executive Board, prior to trial, either party may ask that a
shall be dismissed by the Local Union Executive Board, without particular Board member be excused from participating in the
prejudice to the refiling of charges within ten days which do comply proceeding if he or she thinks that he or she cannot receive a fair
with this requirement. Dismissal of refiled charges shall constitute trial before that Board member. The Executive Board shall give
final action, subject to appeal as provided in Article 26(C). precedence to consideration of such motion. For purposes of trial, a
7. A true and correct copy of the charges and a copy of quorum of the Executive Board shall consist of three of its
the Constitution and Local Union bylaws shall, without delay, be members, and a quorum is necessary throughout the trial. If an
served upon the accused party by the Local Union Executive Board Executive Board member is absent during any portion of the trial,
by certified mail, return receipt requested, or in person. The accused he or she may not participate further in the proceeding. All
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questions of order, procedure, and admissibility of evidence shall be 15. The decision of the Executive Board shall become
decided by the chairperson, subject to being overruled by a majority immediately operative unless stayed by the Local Union Executive
vote of the Board upon motion by a member of the Board. Board or unless a stay is directed by the International President
12. The accused and charging parties shall have a fair and following an appeal as set forth in Article 26(C).
impartial trial and shall have the right to present witnesses and other 16. Where it appears to the International President that a
evidence in their behalf and to examine any witnesses. The accused fair and impartial trial cannot be held before the Local Union
shall have the right to refuse to testify. A charging or accused Executive Board, the International President is authorized to appoint
member may be assisted, advised, or represented by another not more than six members from outside the Local Union to conduct
member of the Local Union. At the commencement of the trial, the the trial; except that, when said Local Union is in Canada, such
chairperson of the Board shall advise the parties of their rights as set appointment shall be made following consultation with the National
forth above in this Article, and shall read the charges to the accused. Director, who may also hold the title of National President. The trial
The accused shall then plead guilty or not guilty to each charge. In board so selected shall hear the matter within 150 days from the
the event the accused elects not to appear or to respond, he or she filing of the charges in accordance with the provisions of this
shall be deemed to have entered a plea of not guilty and the trial Constitution as far as they are applicable and render judgment
shall proceed. Throughout the trial, there shall be a presumption of thereon as soon as practicable. The parties shall be advised of the
innocence in favor of the accused. The charging party shall present decision by certified mail.
his or her case first and shall have the burden of proving the 17. Decisions rendered pursuant to Article 26(A)16 shall
allegations contained in the charges. At the close of the charging become immediately operative unless a stay is directed by the
partys case, either the accused or a member of the Executive Board International President following an appeal as set forth in Article
shall have the right to move to dismiss the charges because the 26(C).
charging party has failed to present record evidence that establishes (B) 1. All charges against International officers in their
a violation of the International Constitution or laws or the Local capacity as representatives of the International Union shall be filed
Union bylaws or rules. with and tried by the International Executive Board in accordance
13. A detailed written record of the trial proceedings shall with procedures set forth in Article 26(A) as far as they are
be made and preserved and shall constitute the trial record, provided applicable, and all decisions of the International Executive Board
that no fine, nor loss of membership rights or Union office, shall be shall be immediately effective, unless a stay is directed by the
imposed unless a stenographic record and transcript are kept of the International Executive Board following an appeal to the next
trial proceedings. regular International Convention as set forth in Article 26(B)2. The
14. Upon the completion of the trial proceedings, the International President shall be empowered to direct that all charges
Executive Board shall, within 45 days, determine the innocence or filed against International representatives be tried by the
guilt of the accused, based solely on the record evidence. The International Executive Board in the same manner. In case of such
parties shall be advised of the decision in person or by certified charges, the International Executive Committee shall have the
mail. A verdict of guilty shall require a two-thirds majority vote of power to suspend the charged officer or International representative
the Executive Board. If the decision is that of guilty, the Executive prior to trial.
Board shall affix appropriate penalties, provided that such discipline 2. An International officer or representative who has been
shall be reasonable and fair, and, provided further, that no discipline found guilty of any offense pursuant to a trial by the International
shall be imposed without stating with specificity what the discipline Executive Board, or the charging party when the accused has been
is being imposed for. If any officer or representative of the acquitted, may appeal to the next regular International Convention
International Union or any of its chartered bodies is found guilty, he for redress. Any such appeal to the Convention shall be filed with
or she may be disciplined as provided in this paragraph and, in the International Secretary-Treasurer within 30 days from the date
addition, may be suspended or removed from office or position, the adverse ruling is delivered to the appealing party.
subject to the conditions above; provided that, if the Local Union (C) 1. A member who has been found guilty of any offense
Executive Boards decision is to remove an officer of the Local as herein set forth, or the charging party when the accused has been
Union, the officer may appeal the decision to the membership acquitted, may appeal to the International President for redress,
within 15 days from the date the adverse ruling is delivered to the subject to a further appeal to the International Executive Board.
officer, in which case, the membership shall be sent not less than 15 2. A notice of appeal to the International President shall
days written notice of a membership meeting, which shall be held be filed no later than 15 days from the date the adverse ruling is
within 40 days of the Executive Boards decision and at which the delivered to the appealing party; however, the International
members shall vote by secret ballot whether to remove the officer, President, for good cause shown, may extend the time within which
subject to appeal pursuant to the applicable provisions of Article a notice of appeal may be filed. A notice of appeal must briefly state
26(C). If charges alleging serious misconduct have been filed why the party believes the decision should be reversed.
against an officer of the Local Union and, following trial by the 3. When an appeal is taken, the International President
Local Union Executive Board, the officer is found innocent, or the shall send a copy of the notice of appeal to the Local Union
officer is found guilty but removal from office is not imposed as Executive Board involved and to the other party. Thereafter, the
discipline, the Executive Board shall announce the decision at the Local Union Executive Board shall immediately transmit a full and
next membership meeting following the exhaustion of appeal rights complete copy of the trial record and charges, together with all other
or, within 30 days following said exhaustion, provide other pertinent documents, to the International President, and it shall
reasonable notice to the membership indicating that charges were immediately transmit a full and complete copy of the trial record to
filed against the officer and giving the date of the trial and the the appealing party and the other party in the case.
Executive Boards verdict. 4. The appealing party may file a written statement in
support of his or her appeal with the International President, stating
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wherein the decision being appealed is erroneous, within 40 days International President may be considered by the International
from the date the trial record is sent to the appealing party by the Executive Board in its sole discretion.
Local Union. The International President shall mail a copy of any
such written statement to the other party. The other party may,
within 30 days after such written statement has been sent to him or
ARTICLE 27
her, file a responsive statement. A request for an extension of the Pension Plan
time limit set out herein must be filed with the International
President before the expiration of the time limit in question, and the (A) The International Union, its chartered bodies, and, to
International President can, for good cause shown, extend the time the extent applicable, affiliated funds shall maintain the pension
limits. plan and trust known as the "United Food and Commercial Workers
5. The International President shall have authority to International Union Pension Plan for Employees" and any spinoff or
obtain any additional information in such form as he or she may successor plans and trusts, covering eligible officers and employees
prescribe from all parties concerned, in the event he or she believes of the International Union, its chartered bodies, and any
such additional information is necessary in order to give full participating affiliated funds. The International Union shall maintain
consideration to the appeal. the pension plan and trust known as the "United Food and
6. Upon failure of any party to comply with the foregoing Commercial Workers International Union Pension Plan for
requirements, the International President shall have the power to Canadian Employees," covering eligible officers and employees of
decide the appeal on the papers before him or her, and the party the International Union and its chartered bodies. Hereinafter in this
failing to discharge its obligations as set forth above shall forfeit all Article and Article 28, the pension plans and trusts described in this
further right of appeal from the action of the International President. paragraph will be referred to as "the Plan" or "the Plans".
After all statements have been or could have been filed, the (B) The Plans shall be funded (1) by the contributions of
International President shall consider the appeal and render a the Plans participants as may be provided for in the Plan
decision within three months of the date that all statements have documents, (2) if applicable, by contributions of the participating
been or could have been filed, unless the International President affiliated funds on behalf of their participating employees, and (3)
determines that the issues are of such complexity or the appeals by allocation of such portion of the International per capita tax and
pending are so numerous as to warrant an extension to four months, other additional employer contributions as may be necessary to fund
or unless both the charging and accused parties agree to an the pension benefits provided for in the Plans. The amount of such
extension of time. The International President shall give his or her per capita tax allocation and additional employer contributions shall
reasons for the decision in writing, a copy of which shall be mailed be determined by the International Executive Board after
to each party and the Local Union Executive Board. consultation with the Plans actuaries. No contributions of the
7. Either party may appeal from the decision of the International Union, its chartered bodies, or participating affiliated
International President to the International Executive Board by funds may revert to them except upon satisfaction of all the
filing a written notice of appeal with the International Secretary- applicable Plans liabilities and in accordance with the terms of the
Treasurer within 30 days of the date the decision has been mailed. Plan and applicable laws and regulations.
The notice of appeal must briefly state why the party believes the (C) The International Executive Committee shall be
International Presidents decision should be reversed, and it may responsible for the general administration of the Plans.
also contain a more complete statement setting out wherein said (D) The Plans may be amended in the same manner as the
decision is erroneous. International Constitution provides for amendments to the
8. The International Secretary-Treasurer shall Constitution, except that the Plans may be amended by a majority
immediately acknowledge receipt of the appeal and shall make vote of a quorum of the International Executive Committee in cases
available the charges, together with the trial record and all other where it deems an amendment necessary to qualify the Plans for tax
records pertinent to the appeal, to the International Executive Board exempt status or to maximize tax advantages to the Plans
for review. The International Secretary-Treasurer shall immediately participants, to conform to laws and regulations applicable to the
send a copy of the appeal to the involved Local Union Executive Plans, to make plan design changes, or otherwise to administer the
Board and the other parties. Plans. Any amendments implementing plan design changes shall be
9. The other party may, within 30 days after the appealing adopted after the International Executive Committee has obtained
partys notice of appeal has been sent to him or her by the such professional advice as it shall determine is necessary,
International Secretary-Treasurer, file a responsive statement. It including, but not limited to, the advice of the Plans actuaries, and
shall be the duty of the International Secretary-Treasurer to send a after authorization by the International Executive Board.
copy of any statement so filed to the appealing party and the Local
Union Executive Board immediately after it has been filed in his or ARTICLE 28
her office. Retiree Health Plan
10. After the statements have been or could have been
filed, the International Executive Board shall proceed to consider (A) Salaried officers and employees of the International
such appeal at its next regular meeting, unless both the charging and Union and of its chartered bodies, and, to the extent applicable,
accused parties agree to an extension of time, and either affirm or employees of participating affiliated funds, who are retired under
reverse the decision of the International President. The International the Plan or Plans as described in Article 27 and who meet the
Executive Board shall give its reasons for the decision in writing, a eligibility requirements set forth in the United Food and
copy of which shall be sent to each party and the Local Union Commercial Workers Health Insurance Plan for Retirees
Executive Board involved. Issues which were not raised before the (hereinafter in this Article referred to as "the Retiree Health Plan"),
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shall receive retiree health and welfare benefits only at such time (C) No officer or employee of the International Union or
and in such amount as allowed under the Retiree Health Plan. its chartered bodies receiving pension benefits from the United Food
(B) The cost of providing retiree health and welfare and Commercial Workers International Union Pension Plan for
benefits shall be paid by the International Union, its chartered Employees, other than pension benefits that must commence as a
bodies, participating affiliated funds, salaried officers and result of applicable law, shall perform any services for the
employees of the International Union and its chartered bodies, International Union or its chartered bodies or represent them in any
employees of participating affiliated funds, and/or participants and capacity, except upon temporary assignment after due authorization
beneficiaries of the Retiree Health Plan. The International Executive and in a capacity not involving duties of a continuing nature, subject
Committee shall have the authority to determine the allocation of to the approval of the International Executive Committee.
costs to be paid by any of the foregoing sources, subject to approval
by the International Executive Board. ARTICLE 30
(C) Surviving spouses and dependents, as defined by the Intermediate Chartered Bodies
Retiree Health Plan, of retired officers and employees of the
International Union and its chartered bodies and, to the extent (A) The International Executive Board shall have exclusive
applicable, employees of affiliated funds who had satisfied the authority to establish intermediate chartered bodies, such as
applicable eligibility requirements of the Retiree Health Plan shall regional, state, provincial, district, and trades councils, state
be eligible to receive retiree health and welfare benefits according to associations, and regional and joint boards, with which Local
the terms and conditions of the Retiree Health Plan. Unions shall affiliate. Affiliation with an intermediate chartered
(D) Retired under this Article shall mean that the officer or body shall be mandatory for all Local Unions determined by the
employee is currently receiving pension benefits from one of the International Executive Board to be within the jurisdiction of such
Plans described in Article 27 and has left employment with the intermediate chartered body, unless otherwise directed by the
International Union, any of its predecessor unions, a chartered body, International Executive Board. Such intermediate chartered bodies
or an affiliated fund, if applicable. shall be subject to the Constitution and laws of the International
(E) The International Executive Committee shall Union and shall be chartered for such geographical area, trade, or
administer the Retiree Health Plan and shall be empowered to appropriate grouping as the International Executive Board may from
establish and provide retiree health and welfare benefits and make time to time direct. Charters issued by the International Executive
such changes and modifications therein as it deems reasonable; to Board for such bodies shall be subject to the direction and control of
issue interpretations and regulations governing the operation of such and revocation by the International Executive Board. Should any
plan; to administer such plan either separately or as integrated in an dispute arise as to the jurisdiction of an intermediate chartered body,
appropriate way with the United Food and Commercial Workers it shall be decided by the International President, in consultation
International Union Health and Welfare Plan for Employees; and to with the International Secretary-Treasurer, subject to an appeal to
do all other things which are reasonably necessary to accomplish the the International Executive Board, except as provided in Article
purposes of this Article, including amending such plan or changing 8(F). A Local Union which, as determined by the International
its specifications to conform to changes in the law; except that any Executive Committee, has failed to affiliate or remain affiliated with
changes and modifications which the International Executive an intermediate chartered body that has jurisdiction for such Local
Committee, following consultation with its professional advisers, Union shall be assessed a penalty on the next per capita statement of
has determined would significantly alter the Retiree Health Plans the International Union following such determination; and such
benefit design, or any changes in eligibility requirements for receipt penalty, which shall be payable to the International Union, shall be
of retiree health and welfare benefits, shall be authorized or ratified equal to 2 percent of the total amount which the Local Union is
by the International Executive Board. billed for International per capita tax on said statement. The Local
Union shall be assessed such penalty each month until the
ARTICLE 29 International Executive Committee has determined that the failure
Honorary Officers, Other Retired Officers, and to affiliate or remain affiliated has been remedied.
Retired Employees (B) 1. Intermediate chartered bodies shall adopt and amend
bylaws for their government as they deem appropriate, provided
(A) In recognition of the contribution of International they conform to the Constitution and laws of the International
Presidents and International Secretary-Treasurers to the growth and Union and are approved by the International President. Regardless
progress of the International Union, International Presidents and of approval, if any conflict should arise between such bylaws and
International Secretary-Treasurers who retire or have retired while the Constitution and laws of the International Union, or
serving in either of those offices shall be honored with the title of interpretations of either, such Constitution, laws, or interpretations
International President Emeritus or International Secretary- shall control. In approving bylaws and bylaw amendments, the
Treasurer Emeritus. They shall constitute the honorary officers of International President shall have the authority to make such
the International Union. modifications in the bylaws or bylaw amendments as required to
(B) In a similar spirit of recognition, a Local Union may conform them to the provisions of the Constitution and laws of the
express appreciation to its Presidents or Secretary-Treasurers who International Union and the requirements of law. Any intermediate
retire or have retired while serving in either of those offices by chartered body aggrieved by the approval of or failure to approve its
conferring a similar honor, as may be authorized by and in bylaws or amendments to its bylaws may appeal to the International
accordance with the Local Unions bylaws. Those upon whom this Executive Board.
honor is conferred shall constitute the honorary officers of their 2. Bylaws of intermediate chartered bodies shall provide
Local Unions. for the collection of a per capita tax from the Local Unions affiliated
with the body; for the holding of a Convention, which shall meet at
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least every four years; for the establishment of an Executive Board, (B) Where a charter is applied for within the jurisdiction of
which shall meet at least annually; for the election of a President, an existing Local Union, it shall not be issued until the existing
who shall be the chief executive officer, a Secretary-Treasurer, at Local Union has had an opportunity to present its views to the
least two Vice Presidents, a Recorder, and such other officers as the International President and International Secretary-Treasurer. The
bodies may deem appropriate. Unless otherwise provided in decision of the International President and International Secretary-
approved bylaws, the term of all intermediate chartered body offices Treasurer to grant, to modify, or not to grant such charter shall be
shall be four years. In the event applicable law allows a term longer final, subject to an appeal to the International Executive Board.
than four years, the body may amend its bylaws to provide for such (C) No Local Union shall entertain a resolution to dissolve
longer term. Bylaw amendments establishing terms of office shall or to withdraw from or surrender its charter to the International
be effective for the next election after their adoption. Union unless notice that such resolution is to be entertained is
3. If a Local Union, or a portion of that Local Unions mailed to each member of the Local Union by certified mail at least
membership, is determined by the International Executive Board to 60 days prior to the regular meeting at which such resolution is to be
be within the jurisdiction of more than one intermediate chartered acted upon. Such resolution shall be read at the regular meeting
body, the Local Union shall pay the required per capita tax to the prior to the regular meeting at which such resolution shall be
intermediate chartered body which is determined by the entertained. At least 60 days prior to the regular meeting at which
International Executive Board to be the primary intermediate such resolution is to be entertained, notification by certified mail
chartered body for that Local Union, or applicable portion thereof; that such resolution has been proposed shall be given to the
and it shall pay per capita tax, which shall be at an amount to be International President by the President of the Local Union. The
determined by the Local Union, but no less than five cents per vote at such meeting shall be conducted by secret ballot. A Local
month, to the other intermediate chartered body or bodies with Union cannot withdraw from the International Union, dissolve, or
which that Local Union, or applicable portion thereof, is affiliated surrender its charter so long as seven or more active members object
with, on each of the members of the Local Union, or applicable thereto. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, or any other
portion thereof; provided that, if the per capita tax to the other provision of the International Constitution, the Local Unions
intermediate chartered body is less than five cents, the applicable chartered in Canada may withdraw from the International Union as
per capita tax for said Local Union shall be that lower amount. a body in the manner provided for by the International Executive
(C) The duties and responsibilities of intermediate Board.
chartered bodies, their elected and appointed representatives, and (D) If a Local Union has fewer than 50 active members for
their members under the Constitution and laws of the International each of three consecutive months, the International Executive
Union shall be the same as those of Local Unions, their elected and Committee, after the issuance of a direction to such Local Union to
appointed representatives, and their members; and all procedures show cause why it should not be dissolved and consideration of any
and requirements applicable to Local Unions and their response, may dissolve the Local Union.
representatives and members shall be applicable to intermediate (E) If the International Executive Committee shall
chartered bodies and their representatives and members, except determine that any Local Union is defunct, dissolved, or withdrawn,
where the International Executive Board determines that such or if it expels a Local Union, it shall direct that all assets, property,
duties, responsibilities, procedures, and requirements are books, and records held in the name of or on behalf of such Local
incompatible with the purposes of such bodies. Union, along with the Local Unions charter, be delivered
immediately to the International Secretary-Treasurer, or his or her
ARTICLE 31 designated representative. Such charter shall be canceled and such
Local Union Charters assets, property, books, and records shall be held in safekeeping by
the International Union for a period of one year. If such Local
(A) The International Union shall grant a charter upon the Union shall be reorganized during that period, such assets, property,
joint approval of the International President and International books, and records shall be returned to the Local Union with a
Secretary-Treasurer; provided that, if the Local Union to be reissued charter by the International Union. If no such
chartered is not a pre-existing organization or the successor to a pre- reorganization occurs, such assets, property, books, and records
existing organization, a charter shall be issued following approval of shall, without further proceedings, become the property of the
an application which has been signed by seven or more persons who International Union. The officers and members of such Local Union
are eligible for membership in this International Union and which shall be responsible for compliance with this Article within 30 days
has been submitted to the International Secretary-Treasurer. A of such determination under penalty of being prosecuted by law, or
newly chartered Local Union that was an organization prior to its forfeiture of membership and benefit in this International Union, or
chartering by this International Union shall be exempt from the both.
payment of the fee required by Article 18(A)1 on all members of the (F) Members of defunct, withdrawn, dissolved, or expelled
organization as of the date of the chartering. The International Local Unions shall be transferred to such Local Union as may be
President, in consultation with the International Secretary-Treasurer, directed by the International Executive Committee. Such transfer
shall determine the jurisdiction of Local Unions and may modify the shall become effective immediately.
jurisdiction of Local Unions from time to time, subject to an appeal
to the International Executive Board. The International Executive ARTICLE 32
Board may waive the application of any provision of this Local Union Duties and Powers
Constitution for a period not to exceed the first full term of office
following the date the charter is issued where such waiver is (A) 1. Local Unions shall adopt bylaws, which shall in no
necessary to effectuate the chartering. way conflict with the Constitution and laws of the International
Union, or interpretations of either. Bylaws and bylaw amendments
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properly adopted by the membership or as required by the (C) All Local Unions shall be required to abide by and
Constitution must be filed with and approved by the International conform with all of the provisions of the Constitution and laws of
President to be effective. In approving bylaws and bylaw the International Union.
amendments, the International President shall have the authority to (D) All Local Unions are expressly prohibited from
make such modifications in the bylaws or bylaw amendments as are contracting or incurring any indebtedness chargeable to the
required to conform them to the provisions of the Constitution and International Union without the written consent and authority of the
laws of the International Union and the requirements of law. International President, with the approval of the International
Regardless of such approval, if any conflict should arise between Executive Board.
such Local Union bylaws and the Constitution and laws of the (E) Local Unions may affiliate with state and local bodies
International Union, or interpretations of either, such Constitution, of a national American labor federation with which the International
laws, or interpretations shall control, subject to an appeal to the Union is affiliated, and state and local labor bodies of a national
International Executive Board. American labor federation to which the International Union has
2. Proposals to adopt or amend Local Union bylaws shall approved its Local Unions to affiliate or Provincial Federations of
(1) be signed and submitted to the Local Union Executive Board by Labour and Labour Councils of the Canadian Labour Congress.
20 percent of the Local Union membership, provided that, if the
Local Unions membership is greater than 2,000, the signatures of ARTICLE 33
10 percent of the membership or 400 members, whichever is Local Union Membership Meetings
greater, shall be required, or (2) be proposed by the Local Union
Executive Board. The Executive Board shall make a (A) Each Local Union shall hold at least one regular
recommendation on amendments submitted to it not later than 90 meeting of the membership each month; provided, however, that a
days after they are submitted. Notice of such amendment, Local Union may provide, through a bylaw provision, for not less
containing the Executive Boards recommendation thereon and the than one regular membership meeting every calendar quarter;
date, time, and location of the membership meeting(s) at which the provided further, that such quarterly meetings shall not be more than
amendment will be voted upon, shall be mailed to each member at four months apart. Such regular meetings shall consist of a single
least 15 days prior to such meeting(s). The text of the amendment meeting for all members; provided, however, that a Local Union
and the Executive Boards recommendation shall be read or may elect, through its bylaws, to hold a regular series of meetings
distributed to the membership at such meeting prior to voting. for all of its members on an area or divisional basis. Regular
Amendments shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of meetings of the membership, whether held as a single meeting or as
active members voting. At the discretion of the Local Union a series of meetings, must be held within the time, in the manner,
Executive Board, the vote may be conducted by mail referendum in and with the frequency provided in this Article and in any
accordance with the applicable provisions of this paragraph, applicable provisions of the Local Unions bylaws, except upon the
provided that the Local Union shall mail members their ballots and approval of the International President.
the proposed amendment at least 15 days prior to the receipt (B) A Local Union shall call a special meeting of its
deadline for return of the ballots and that the Local Union shall hold membership whenever requested in writing by 10 percent of the
an informational meeting for discussion of the proposed membership, as quickly as is practical and reasonably convenient,
amendment. provided that, where a regular membership meeting is scheduled
(B) Local Unions or members thereof shall not seek or within a 30-day period of such a membership request, the Local
solicit financial assistance from any other chartered body other than Union President may defer such requested meeting to the date of the
an intermediate chartered body with which the Local Union is regularly scheduled meeting. A special meeting shall also be called
affiliated, from any other labor organization, or from members when directed by the Local Union Executive Board or President.
thereof, in connection with a strike or other economic action, except Special meetings shall be held in the same manner as the Local
with the approval of the International President, subject to an appeal Union holds its regular meetings.
to the International Executive Board. Local Unions shall not seek or (C) Local Unions may hold informational meetings of a
solicit funds or advertising using the name of the International portion of their membership on an occasional or regular basis as
Union or otherwise implying the endorsement of the International may be determined by the Local Union. Such informational
Union, unless the activity which is the subject of the solicitation has meetings of the Local Union membership, except as provided in
been approved by the International Union, or authorize the use of Article 23, may pass upon recommendations to be referred to the
the name of the International Union other than as provided in regular meeting or to a special meeting of the membership for its
Article 20, and members of Local Unions shall not seek or solicit action thereon.
funds or advertising using the name of the International Union or (D) Adequate notice shall be given of the time and place of
any Local Union or otherwise implying the endorsement of the all meetings not held on a periodic basis at a set time and place, so
International Union or any Local Union, except with the approval of that all members involved have an opportunity to attend. Adequate
the International President, subject to an appeal to the International notice shall also be given of the purpose of all special meetings.
Executive Board. Local Unions or members thereof shall not furnish (E) Not less than seven members shall constitute a quorum
a complete or partial list of the membership of the International at any membership meeting; provided that in Local Unions with 12
Union or of any Local Union to any person other than those whose members or less, the quorum shall be 50 percent of the membership.
governmental position or International or Local Union office or (F) All business at meetings of Local Unions shall be
employee benefit fund position entitles them to have a list, without recorded in the language predominantly used in the territory covered
specific authorization in writing from the International President. by the jurisdiction of the Local Union.
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ARTICLE 34 Unions bylaws, provided that there is no other grievance procedure

Local Union Officers authorized by the Local Union.
4. The Local Union President shall determine the
(A) The constitutional officers of Local Unions shall be compensation and expenses, or expense policy, for all personnel
President, Secretary-Treasurer, Recorder, and not less than three employed or retained by the Local Union, subject to the approval of
Vice Presidents, all of whom shall constitute the Executive Board of the Local Union Executive Board.
the Local Union. 5. The Local Union President shall be the custodian of the
(B) 1. The President shall be the chief executive officer of union shop identification cards, or other such indicia, union logos,
the Local Union and shall be responsible for enforcing the union labels, union domain names, and other identification of the
Constitution and laws of the International Union and the bylaws and Union as are issued pursuant to Article 20.
rules of the Local Union. The President shall have the authority to 6. The Local Union President shall forward to the
interpret the bylaws of the Local Union, subject to an appeal to the International Secretary-Treasurer a monthly membership report,
Local Union Executive Board, provided that any such giving an accurate record and summary of the membership as of the
interpretations or decisions on appeal are consistent with the last day of the month for which the report is submitted. The report
Constitution and laws of the International Union. The President, or shall list each newly initiated and reinstated member during the
the Presidents designated representative, shall preside at meetings month in which the Local Union first collects all or any part of the
of the Local Union and the Local Union Executive Board and shall initiation or reinstatement fee or any dues from the member. The
decide all questions of order, subject to an appeal to the Local report shall indicate whether reinstated members are reinstating
Union or Local Union Executive Board, as appropriate, provided following a suspension, withdrawal, military leave, or paid-up life
that any such decisions on appeal are consistent with the membership status. The report shall also list the names of all
Constitution and laws of the International Union. The President, by outgoing members of the Local Union during the month, indicating
virtue of office, shall be a delegate or representative to any whether by suspension, withdrawal, military leave, retirement,
convention or meeting to which the Local Union is entitled to and death, or other categories designated by the International Secretary-
elects to send delegates or representatives, except as provided in Treasurer. The monthly membership report shall be sent to the
Articles 8(I)3 and 15(E). The President shall have general International Secretary-Treasurer no later than the tenth day
supervision over the affairs of the Local Union. Subject to the following the end of the month for which the report is made, unless
provisions of the respective trust agreements and collective an extension for forwarding has been requested by the Local Union
bargaining agreements, the President, or the Presidents designated and granted by the International Secretary-Treasurer. The monthly
representative, shall be a trustee of all employee benefit trusts on membership report shall be made in the format provided, approved,
which the Local Union is entitled to a trustee, and the President or mandated by the International Union. Local Unions with more
shall appoint any other trustees to which the Local Union is entitled than 600 members shall make the report in an electronic format
on such trusts. The President, or the Presidents designated authorized by the International Union.
representative, shall have the authority to appoint stewards, or to 7. The Local Union President shall ensure that the home
determine that stewards in designated locations be elected by the address, date of birth, and social security number, if permitted under
affected membership, and shall have the authority to remove applicable law, or unique identification number of each member is
stewards in either instance, except as otherwise provided in the sent to the International headquarters at the time of reporting
Local Unions bylaws. The President shall appoint all committees as affiliation, as well as all changes of address when they occur. New
may be necessary and shall perform such other duties as are Local Unions, when chartered, shall furnish the home addresses,
required by the Presidents office. The President shall vote where dates of birth, and social security numbers, if permitted under
that vote would be determinative of the outcome or in all cases applicable law, or unique identification numbers of all members in
where a secret ballot vote is conducted. The President may appoint the first report. A copy of this report shall be kept on file by the
sergeants-at-arms to assist in properly conducting the Local Union Local Union.
meetings. 8. The Local Union President shall receive and properly
2. The President shall disburse the Local Unions funds receipt all money collected.
and, except for disbursements required to be made from the funds of 9. The Local Union President shall make an itemized
the Local Union by the Constitution or laws of the International statement, which shall contain accounting categories substantially
Union or the approved bylaws of the Local Union, disbursements similar to those required in the Local Union trustees financial
shall be authorized or ratified by the Local Union Executive Board. report provided for in Article 36(D), including a statement of assets,
Disbursements shall be made in accordance with Article 36(C). The liabilities, and net assets, at each regular meeting of the Local Union
President shall invest and reinvest the surplus funds of the Local Executive Board of all moneys received and paid out by the
Union, upon the approval of the Local Union Executive Board, President, the accuracy of which shall be certified by the trustees of
according to standards applicable to fiduciaries. the Local Union. The President shall make the Local Union
3. The Local Union President may employ or retain such financial records available to the trustees at their request. The
personnel as may be necessary to conduct the affairs of the Local President shall make such itemized statement available for
Union. The Local Union President may terminate the employment inspection by members at the Local Union on a reasonable basis.
of any such person at the end of an assignment or in the best interest The President shall also make or distribute a financial report at a
of the Local Union; except that, the Local Union President may regular meeting or series of regular meetings of the membership not
terminate the employment of any Union Representative for less than once a year.
reasonable cause, subject to an appeal to the Local Union Executive (C) The Secretary-Treasurer of the Local Union shall assist
Board and such further appeal as may be provided in the Local the President in the carrying out of the Presidents duties and
responsibilities and shall conduct the Secretary-Treasurers office
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under the general supervision of the President. The Secretary- Local Union office, provided that said member maintains
Treasurer, by virtue of office, shall be a delegate or representative to continuous active membership in the Local Union.
any convention or meeting to which a Local Union is entitled to and (B) The constitutional officers of the Local Union shall be
elects to send more than one delegate or representative, except as elected as provided in Article 35(C); and unless otherwise provided
provided in Articles 8(I)3 and 15(E). in the Local Unions bylaws, the term of all offices shall be three
(D) The Vice Presidents shall assist the President in the years. In the event applicable law allows a term longer than three
discharge of the Presidents official duties. They shall be years, the Local Union may amend its bylaws to provide for such
numerically designated for election purposes only. longer term. Bylaw amendments establishing terms of office shall
(E) The Recorder of each Local Union shall report the be effective following the next election after their adoption. Terms
minutes of each Local Union membership and Executive Board of office shall expire on December 31, unless the Local Unions
meeting, keeping an accurate and permanently bound or unalterable bylaws provide that they shall expire on the last day of another
electronically stored record of all proceedings. month.
(F) The Executive Board of the Local Union shall have full (C) 1. Nominations shall be conducted during the six-
and complete charge of all business of the Local Union not month period preceding the expiration of the term of office. Not less
otherwise delegated to a specific officer or officers, or reserved to than 15 days prior to nominations, notice shall be mailed by the
the membership. It shall act upon all appeals properly presented to Local Union to each member at his or her last known home address,
it. It shall meet not less often than once a month, provided that a setting forth the times, dates, and places for conducting the
Local Union may provide, through a bylaw provision, for an nominations. The nominations shall be conducted at such times and
Executive Board meeting not less often than once each calendar places as will afford all active members a reasonable opportunity to
quarter; provided further, that such quarterly meetings shall not be nominate.
more than four months apart. The Local Union President shall be 2. Elections shall be conducted during the six-month
authorized to call additional meetings of the Executive Board period preceding the expiration of the term of office, as provided in
whenever the President deems it advisable or whenever requested the Local Unions bylaws. Not less than 15 days prior to elections,
by a majority of the Executive Board. When the Local Union notice shall be mailed by the Local Union to each member at his or
President deems it necessary to act promptly, the Executive Board her last known home address, setting forth the times, dates, and
may meet by teleconference call, or the Local Union President may places for conducting the election. The elections shall be conducted
conduct a vote of the Executive Board by mail, telephone, or other at such times and places as will afford all active members a
form of communication he or she deems appropriate. A majority of reasonable opportunity to vote. If the Local Union members are so
its members shall constitute a quorum. widely dispersed that they must travel an unreasonable distance to
(G) 1. All Local Union officers who are entrusted with any vote at a single polling place, the Local Union shall provide for
books or records of a Local Union shall maintain and keep such multiple polling places. Any active member in the Local Union, as
books or records in good order and shall at all times have them defined in Article 4(B) of this Constitution, shall be eligible to vote
available for authorized audit, examination, or inspection. in the Local Unions elections.
2. All officers at the expiration of their respective terms 3. Notice of nominations and election may be combined
of office, or when removed or when their offices become vacant, into a single notice, which shall be mailed not less than 15 days
shall deliver to their duly elected successors, and if there is no prior to nominations.
successor then to the duly elected trustees of the Local Union, all 4. No member may run for more than one office in any
books, papers, moneys, and other property in their possession election, and no member may hold more than one Local Union
belonging to the Local Union or International Union, and they shall elected office at any one time. The regular employees of the Local
not be relieved from their bonds or obligations until they have Union shall not constitute more than 50 percent of the membership
complied with this requirement. of the Local Union Executive Board.
3. The system of bookkeeping used by the Local Union 5. The Local Union President shall select a general
shall be in accordance with practices approved by the International chairperson, who shall be a member of the United Food and
Secretary-Treasurers office. Commercial Workers, to supervise the conduct of the nominations
(H) Compensation and expenses, or the expense policy, for and election and not less than three members to act as election
Local Union officers shall be established by the Local Union judges to assist the general chairperson. The general chairperson
Executive Board, with such further approval as may be required by and election judges, who together shall constitute the election
the Local Unions bylaws. committee, shall not be candidates for Local Union office. The
general chairperson shall establish the applicable dates, times,
ARTICLE 35 places, manner, and procedures for the nominations and election.
Local Union Elections The election committee shall maintain custody of all ballots and
election registers during the conduct of the elections. Where
(A) An active member in the Local Union, who has been multiple polling places are used, at least one election judge or the
an active member in the Local Union, or who had been a member of general chairperson shall supervise the election at each polling
another organization merged with the Local Union, for a continuous place.
aggregate of at least 12 months immediately preceding the month in 6. Each eligible member desiring to vote shall sign an
which nominations are held, or an active member in the Local election register authorized by the general chairperson of the
Union who has been an active member in the International Union election. The voter shall be given a ballot authorized by the general
continuously for at least 24 months immediately preceding the chairperson and shall be provided an opportunity to vote his or her
month in which nominations are held, shall be eligible to hold any ballot in secrecy. Ballots shall bear no number or marks which
might identify the voter. After marking his or her ballot, the voter
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shall fold and place it in a secured ballot receptacle provided by the election. Where the election for an office other than President or
election committee. Alternative procedures for voting by machine, Secretary-Treasurer results in a tie or where no nominee for Local
adequate to ensure the secrecy of the ballot, may be provided. Union President or Secretary-Treasurer receives a majority of votes
Candidates may have observers, who shall be active members of the cast, a runoff election between the two nominees with the higher
Local Union. Adequate safeguards to ensure a fair election shall be number of votes shall be conducted.
provided by the Local Union officers and election officials. 12. When nominations have been completed and there are
7. Where the election is conducted at a single polling unopposed candidates, such unopposed candidates shall be deemed
place, the results shall be tallied and recorded by the general elected by acclamation.
chairperson of the election and the election judges at the close of the 13. a) A Local Union may provide in its bylaws for
voting. nominations to be conducted by petition. Such Local Union bylaw
8. Where the election is conducted at multiple times or provisions shall establish procedures for nomination by petition, and
polling places, the general chairperson of the election and not less such procedures shall be consistent with the provisions of this
than three election judges designated by the general chairperson Article. Such bylaw provisions shall establish a number of
shall meet not later than the second day following the last day on signatures of active members of the Local Union required for
which the election was held and at a time and place to be specified nomination of an active member for a specific office. The number
by the general chairperson to tally and record the results of the of signatures required shall not exceed 2 percent of the average
election. As may be determined by the general chairperson prior to monthly active membership of the Local Union, based on the
the balloting, the ballots may be counted at the close of each polling number of active members on which the Local Union pays per
place, provided that, the general chairperson or at least one election capita tax to the International Union, for the twelve-month period
judge is present, and provided further, that the general chairperson ending with the next to last month prior to the month in which the
and not less than three election judges designated by the general notice of nominations is mailed to the membership. If the Local
chairperson shall tally and record the final results of the election as Unions bylaws provide that any of its Vice Presidents shall be
provided above in this paragraph. nominated by a designated portion of the Local Unions
9. The general chairperson of the election may determine membership, such as by the members in a designated geographical
to conduct the election by a mail referendum in its entirety or in area or trade division, the average monthly active membership shall
outlying areas in lieu of or in addition to the election procedures be deemed to refer to the average monthly active membership in
specified in Article 35(C). If a mail referendum is conducted, that portion of the Local Unions membership, the number of
members shall be provided with two envelopes for returning mail signatures required for such Vice President shall be adjusted
ballots, one of which shall be a secret ballot envelope with no accordingly, and all signatures required for nomination of such Vice
identifying number or marks, and the other of which shall be a President shall be from the active membership in such designated
ballot return envelope which shall be pre-addressed to a post office portion of the Local Unions membership.
box used solely for the purpose of the mail referendum and which b) Not less than 30 days prior to the deadline for the
shall either contain a label with the members name and address or receipt of nomination petitions, notice shall be mailed by the Local
clearly ask the member to print his or her name and address. The Union to each member at the members last known home address,
general chairperson shall establish a deadline for the receipt of setting forth the manner for conducting the nominations, the actual
return mail ballots, which shall be no earlier than 15 days or later number of signatures required for nomination petitions, the deadline
than 30 days after the date upon which the ballots are mailed to the date for the receipt of petitions, and all other relevant requirements
members; provided that, if separate notice setting forth the manner for the filing of petitions, including what each petition is required to
and the dates that the ballots will be sent to the membership and that contain. Notice of nominations and election may be combined into a
the return mail ballots must be received has not previously been single notice, which shall be mailed in accordance with the time
mailed to each member at his or her last known home address, the requirements of this paragraph.
receipt deadline shall be no earlier than 20 days after the date upon c) The top of each page of the petition shall indicate the
which the ballots are mailed to the members. On the day of the member who is being nominated and the specific office for which
receipt deadline, after 12:00 noon, at least two members of the he or she is being nominated. If a member is being nominated for a
election committee shall together pick up the mail ballots and return Vice President position, the petition shall specify the numerically
them unopened to the place specified by the general chairperson, designated Vice President position for which he or she is being
and thereupon the election committee shall open and count the nominated. Unless otherwise specified in the Local Unions bylaws,
ballots. If only a portion of the election is conducted by mail ballot, any petition may nominate more than one member for office,
the receipt deadline shall be within the limits provided above and, in provided that each member is being nominated for a different office
addition, the same as the date established for the close of voting in and that the office for which each member is being nominated is
the non-mail portion of the election, and the election committee specifically indicated. Each petition shall contain the signature,
shall open and count the mail ballots following the close of voting printed name, and other identifying information, as determined by
in the non-mail portion that day. Adequate safeguards to ensure the the general chairperson of the election, of each member signing the
secrecy of each voters ballot and the fairness of the mail petition. Petitions shall be filed at the Local Union office by mail or
referendum shall be provided by the Local Union officers and in person. The original signatures are required to be filed, and
election officials. transmission by facsimile, computer, or other form of electronic
10. Write-in candidates and proxy voting shall not be transmission shall not be valid. If a signature on any petition is not
permitted. accompanied by a printed name or the other identifying information
11. A plurality of votes cast shall be required for election, required by the general chairperson, but the identity of the member
except as to the offices of Local Union President and Secretary- can be determined from the signature, the signature shall be deemed
Treasurer, where a majority of votes cast shall be required for valid and shall be counted.
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14. The ballots and all other records pertaining to the the duties of such office until a new President is elected by the
nominations and elections, including the membership mailing lists Local Union Executive Board.
which were used to send the notices of the nominations and (E) If any officer shall fail to attend three successive Local
elections, shall be preserved for not less than one year by the Local Union Executive Board meetings, without satisfactory excuse, the
Union President. office shall be declared vacant by the Local Union Executive Board.
15. A copy of the results of the election shall be
immediately mailed to the International President. ARTICLE 36
16. Formal installation of the newly elected officers may Local Union Board of Trustees
be either before or after the start of their term of office to suit the
convenience of the Local Union, but in any event, during either the (A) Three Local Union Executive Board members, by
month preceding or the two months following the start of their term virtue of their offices, shall constitute the Local Union Board of
of office; provided, however, that no officer shall be deemed to be Trustees. Two of these shall be the President and the Secretary-
in office unless bonded where required by the Constitution and laws Treasurer, and the Local Union Executive Board shall annually
of the International Union. designate one of the other members of the Executive Board to be the
17. No funds of the International Union or any of its third trustee.
chartered bodies shall be used to promote the candidacy of any (B) The trustees shall be responsible for ensuring that all
person for any elective office within any chartered body. finances of the Local Union are managed in accordance with the
18. No publications sponsored by or supported by the Constitution and laws of the International Union and the approved
International Union or any chartered body shall be used to promote bylaws of the Local Union. The trustees shall be responsible for
the candidacy of any person for elective office within any chartered ensuring that the funds and property of the Local Union are properly
body. received and managed for the sole use and benefit of the Local
19. In the event any candidate for the office of President Union and in accordance with standard accounting practices.
dies between nominations and the completion of the election, the (C) The signatures of two of the three trustees shall be
election shall be postponed. New nominations for all offices and an required on all checks, electronic transfers and all other financial
election for same shall be conducted prior to the conclusion of the documents, and the trustees shall be responsible for ensuring that all
present term of office, unless compliance with the other time banks and other financial institutions holding funds or property of
provisions of this Article or the Local Unions bylaws is not the Local Union are so instructed.
possible. Notice of the rescheduled nominations and election shall (D) The trustees shall examine the financial records of the
be mailed to the membership pursuant to the provisions of Article Local Union. The trustees shall make a quarterly financial report to
35(C)1, 2, and 3. the International Secretary-Treasurer on forms supplied or approved
20. Not more than 15 days subsequent to the election, all by the International Secretary-Treasurer and on such schedule as he
challenges to the election shall be submitted to the general or she may determine, and they shall also promptly submit a copy of
chairperson of the election. The Local Union general chairperson said report to the Local Union Executive Board. The trustees shall
and election judges shall consider any such challenge and take such also file with the International Secretary-Treasurer copies of all
remedial action as they deem appropriate. Not more than 15 days audits required by this Constitution and all annual financial reports
subsequent to such decision, an aggrieved party may appeal such required by the federal government within 30 days of their
decision to the International President. Where the general completion.
chairperson of the election and the election judges fail to render a (E) The trustees shall employ a certified public accountant
decision within 30 days of the Local Union election, the challenging or a chartered accountant to assist them in the performance of their
party may appeal to the International President not later than 15 duties and to perform a complete audit of the Local Union not less
days thereafter. than once a year, except that in Local Unions whose membership at
21. The decision of the International President may be the end of the fiscal year is less than 2,500, the trustees may employ
appealed to the International Executive Board not later than 30 days a certified public accountant or a chartered accountant to perform a
after such decision has been rendered. review and issue a report thereon, and except further that, Local
22. The International President or International Executive Unions whose membership at the end of the fiscal year is less than
Board shall take whatever steps are deemed necessary to resolve the 250 shall not be subject to the requirements of this paragraph.
challenge to the election and enforce their respective decisions. (F) The trustees shall ensure that Local Union officers,
23. Any challenge or appeal which could have been representatives, and employees are bonded as directed by the
presented in compliance with these filing requirements, but was not, International Secretary-Treasurer and in accordance with Article
shall be deemed to have been waived. 11(L).
(D) 1. Where vacancies occur in any office of a Local (G) The title to a headquarters building or other real
Union, the Local Union Executive Board, not later than 90 days property held by the Local Union shall be vested by proper
after the vacancy occurs, shall fill the vacancy for the balance of the conveyance in its own name, if applicable state or provincial law
term. However, a vacancy in the office of Local Union President permits; in the names of the individual members of the Board of
shall be filled no earlier than 30 days nor later than 90 days after the Trustees and their successors in office, to be held in trust for the
vacancy occurs. Any member filling a vacancy must satisfy the sole use and benefit of the Local Union; or in a separate building
eligibility requirements of Article 35(A) as applicable to the filling corporation whose corporate documents have been approved by the
of vacancies. International President; except that, a headquarters building or other
2. In the case of a vacancy in the office of Local Union real property which has been vested prior to January 1, 2004, in the
President, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Local Union shall perform name of a corporate trustee or the Board of Trustees and their
successors in office may continue to be vested in that manner.
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ARTICLE 37 Constitution. Every Local Union shall be responsible for any and all
Local Union Funds benefits due members or their heirs where a member is not eligible
for benefits in the International Union through the neglect or fault of
(A) The general or special funds or property of a Local a Local Union or any of its officers to remit per capita taxes, or to
Union shall be used only for such purposes as are specified in the perform any other duties incumbent upon them, within the time
Constitution and laws of the International Union or the Local Union limit fixed by this Constitution.
bylaws, as may be established by proper resolution of the Local (D) Any Local Union may include in its bylaws a provision
Union Executive Board, or as may be required to transact and for payment by the Local Union of all or a specified portion of the
properly conduct the business of the Local Union. dues of such of its members who are temporarily incapacitated due
(B) The Local Union shall, under no circumstances, use to illness or disability, are unemployed due to an authorized strike
any of its funds for loans or donations to officers and employees. or a lockout, or are officers or stewards not in the primary
The Local Union Executive Board may authorize financial employment of the International Union or any of its chartered
assistance to members in the event of a strike, lockout, or other bodies.
economic action, or in the case of a personal disaster. (E) 1. Dues shall be due and payable on or before the first
(C) Any disposition of the property of a Local Union for day of the month for which they are due.
less than fair market value at any time or liquidation of a substantial 2. Any member two calendar months in arrears for dues
portion of the assets of a Local Union in contemplation of the Local and fees to the Local Union shall stand suspended if they are not
Unions becoming defunct, dissolved, withdrawn, or expelled shall paid on or before the first day of the third month. After the
be subject to the prior review and approval of the International expiration of such period, no Local Union shall accept dues without
President, subject to an appeal to the International Executive Board. a reinstatement application and the required fee. The effective date
of suspension shall be the first month for which dues and fees are
not paid. The responsibility for maintaining membership rests with
ARTICLE 38 the member; suspension, therefore, when it occurs, is the voluntary
Local Union Revenue act of the member involved.
(F) A suspended member working within the jurisdiction
(A) 1. Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, of the International Union may, upon application, be reinstated in
reasonable dues, initiation and reinstatement fees, and general or the Local Union within whose jurisdiction he or she is working,
special assessments shall be established, increased, or levied by upon the payment to the Local Union of the regular reinstatement
Local Unions by a majority vote by secret ballot of the members. fee or dues of that Local Union, provided that such reinstatement
Not less than 15 days written notice of such proposed action shall shall not relieve a suspended member of any past financial
be sent to the membership prior to voting. obligations.
2. No Local Union may provide for monthly dues for any (G) The provisions of this Constitution relating to a
member which are less than two times the current per capita tax of members financial obligations shall not be construed as
the International Union, unless otherwise approved by the incorporating into any union-security contract those requirements
International Executive Board, provided that Local Unions may for good standing membership which may be in violation of
provide for monthly dues for affiliated members which are not less applicable law, nor shall they be construed as requiring any
than the current per capita tax of the International Union and for employer to violate any applicable law. However, all financial
associate members participating in a specific associate program obligations imposed by or under this Constitution and Local Union
approved or established by the International Executive Board which bylaws (and in conformity therewith) shall be legal obligations of
are less than the current per capita tax of the International Union. the members upon whom imposed and shall be enforceable in a
An applicant for membership shall pay an initiation or reinstatement court of law.
fee, unless otherwise provided pursuant to this Constitution, plus the
current months dues and assessments. ARTICLE 39
3. In order to ensure the financial health of the
International Union and its Local Unions, the monthly dues in each
Constitutional Amendments
Local Union shall be increased in the amount of $3.00 per month for
each member effective October 1, 2013. If the International (A) This Constitution can be amended only by a two-thirds
Executive Board exercises its authority pursuant to Article 18(A)3 vote at a duly constituted Convention of the International Union.
of this Constitution to increase the per capita tax by an additional (B) All amendments to this Constitution shall be effective
amount effective June, 2015, or later, the monthly dues in each immediately upon adoption, unless otherwise specified in such
Local Union shall be increased by an additional amount equal to amendments.
twice such increase in the per capita tax, effective the first day of
the month such per capita tax increase is effective. ARTICLE 40
(B) Each Local Union shall maintain an accurate record of Repeal
the dues and other moneys collected from each member. All moneys
collected by the Local Union for initiation fees, reinstatement fees, All laws or parts of laws previously enacted by this
dues, assessments, etc., shall be the property of the Local Union, International Union and interpretations of the International
with the exception of the monthly per capita tax and fees as set forth President, International Secretary-Treasurer, or International
in Article 18, which are the property of the International Union. Executive Board in conflict herewith, are hereby repealed.
(C) Each Local Union shall be responsible for the money
of all members paid to the Local Union and not forwarded to the
International Secretary-Treasurer in accordance with the
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INDEX TO THE UFCW INTERNATIONAL CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE PAGE ARTICLE PAGE
ACTIVE MEMBERS (See also Membership International Officers or Representatives,

Classifications and Membership Rights Following Trial by International Executive
and Privileges) .............................................................................4 (B) 2 2 Board of............................................................................... 26 (B) 2 20
.............................................................................................. 5 (A) 3 International President, To ......................................................... 26 (C) 1-6 20
.............................................................................................. 5 (D) 3 Officers, By Local Union ........................................................... 26 (A) 14 20
AFFILIATED MEMBERS (See also Membership Service ....................................................................................... 26 (C) 2 20
Classifications and Membership Rights and Stay While Appeal is Pending .................................................... 26 (A) 15 20
Privileges) .................................................................................... 4 (C) 2 ............................................................................................ 26 (A) 17 20
.............................................................................................. 5 (B) 3 ............................................................................................ 26 (B) 1 20
.............................................................................................. 5 (D) 3 Time Limit for Filing ................................................................. 26 (C) 2 20
............................................................................................ 38 (A) 2 29 ............................................................................................ 26 (C) 7 21
AMENDMENTS TO INTERNATIONAL Trial Record ............................................................................... 26 (C) 3 20
............................................................................................ 26 (C) 8 21
CONSTITUTION ................................................................ 39 29
Written Statements in Support of or
Amendment Procedure ............................................................... 16 (G) 13
Against ................................................................................ 26 (C) 4 20
............................................................................................ 39 (A) 29
............................................................................................ 26 (C) 7 21
Effective Date ............................................................................ 39 (B) 29
............................................................................................ 26 (C) 9 21
AMENDMENTS TO INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENTS, LOCAL UNION
PENSION PLAN ................................................................. 17 (D) 14 Applicants for Membership ........................................................ 38 (A) 2 29
AMENDMENTS TO LOCAL UNION Establishment or Levy of ........................................................... 38 (A) 1 29
BYLAWS ............................................................................... 32 (A) 23 Property of Local Union............................................................. 38 (B) 29
APPEALS (See also Appeals, Disciplinary) ASSOCIATE MEMBERS (See also Membership
Bylaws, Local Union Conflicts with Classifications and Membership Rights and
International Constitution .................................................... 32 (A) 23 Privileges) ....................................................................................4 (D) 2
Bylaws, Local Union Interpretation......................................... 34 (B) 1 25 ..............................................................................................5 (C) 3
Bylaws of Intermediate Chartered Bodies, ........................................................................................... 38 (A) 2 29
Approval or Disapproval of Amendments AUDIT, INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF .......................... 13 10
to ......................................................................................... 30 (B) 1 22 AUDITS OF CHARTERED BODIES
Charters, Local Union ................................................................ 31 (B) 23 International Union, By .............................................................. 11 (M) 10
Constitution and Laws, Interpretation of Local Union, By ......................................................................... 36(D)-(E) 28
International ....................................................................... 10 (E) 1 9 BOARD OF AUDIT, INTERNATIONAL .......................... 13 10
Death Benefits Standing ............................................................... 4 (G) 2 2
Disciplinary Decisions Dismissal of Charges ......................... 26 (A) 6 19
BOARD OF TRUSTEES, LOCAL UNION (See
............................................................................................ 26 (A) 8-9 19 also Trustees, Local Union Board of) ...................................... 36 28
Disciplinary Decisions In General ........................................... 26 (C) 20 BONDS
Editorial Decisions ..................................................................... 19 (C) 15 International President ............................................................... 10 (H) 9
Election of Delegates to International International Secretary-Treasurer ............................................... 11 (J) 10
Convention .......................................................................... 15 (I) 12 Local Unions and Intermediate Chartered
Election of Local Union Officers ............................................... 35 (C) 20-23 28 Bodies.................................................................................. 11 (L) 10
Executive Board, Local Union ................................................... 34 (F) 26 ............................................................................................ 36 (F) 28
Exhaustion of Internal Union Remedies.. ................................... 25 (E) 2 19 Trusteeships, During ....................................................................9 (F) 2b) 7
Expulsion of Local Unions ........................................................... 9 (H) 8 BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES,
Extension of Active Membership During LOCAL UNION ................................................................... 34 (B) 3-4 25
Unemployment ......................................................................4 (B) 1 2 BYLAW AMENDMENTS, LOCAL UNION ..................... 32 (A) 23
Financial Assistance, Solicit....................................................... 32 (B) 24 BYLAWS OF INTERMEDIATE CHARTERED
Financial Obligations Owed International Union, BODIES .................................................................................. 30 (B) 22
Remedial or Corrective Action for ....................................... 10 (E) 1 9
Jurisdiction of Intermediate Chartered
BYLAWS OF LOCAL UNIONS............................................ 32 (A) 23
Bodies.................................................................................... 8 (F) 5 ............................................................................................ 34 (B) 1 25
............................................................................................ 30 (A) 22 CANADA
Jurisdiction of Local Unions ........................................................ 8 (F) 5 Audit, Inspection, and Examination of
............................................................................................ 31 (A) 23 Chartered Bodies ................................................................. 11 (M) 10
Meetings, Local Union Questions of Order ............................. 34(B)1 25 Disciplinary Trial Board, Appointment
Membership of Members Employed by of Outside ............................................................................ 26 (A) 16 20
International or Intermediate Chartered Headquarters of International Union, National .............................1 (B) 1
Bodies.................................................................................... 4 (J) 3 Intellectual Property, Registration of .......................................... 11 (G) 10
Paid-up Life Membership............................................................. 4 (E) 2 2 Jurisdictional Disputes .................................................................8 (F) 5
Resolution of Disputes ............................................................... 10 (E) 1 9 Name, International ......................................................................1 (A) 1
............................................................................................ 25 (E) 1 19 Name, Local Union ......................................................................1 (A) 1
Termination of Employment of International National Director, Appointment of ............................................ 12 (C) 10
Personnel ............................................................................. 10 (F) 9 Real Property of International Union ...........................................9 (C) 6
Termination of Employment of Local Union Special Consideration to Chartered Bodies ..................................8 (F) 5
Business Representatives .................................................... 34 (B) 3 25 Trusteeships .................................................................................9 (F) 1 6
Trusteeship, Disciplinary Decisions ..............................................................................................9 (F) 2a) 7
During ...................................................................................9 (F) 2d) 7 ..............................................................................................9 (F) 3a) 7
Trusteeship, Hearing on Justification and Vice Presidents, International.......................................................7 (A) 4
Continuation of ......................................................................9 (F) 4a) 7 ............................................................................................ 12 (C) 10
Trusteeship, Inquiry on Petition for ............................................................................................ 17 (D) 14
Removal of ............................................................................9 (F) 5d) 8 ............................................................................................ 17 (P) 14
APPEALS, DISCIPLINARY (See also Appeals Withdrawal from International Union ........................................ 31 (C) 23
and Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals) ............................... 26 (C) 20 CENTRAL LABOR BODIES, STATE
Additional Information............................................................... 26 (C) 20 AND LOCAL ........................................................................ 32 (E) 24
Decision of International Executive Board ................................. 26 (C) 10 21 CHARGES AND TRIALS (See also Disciplinary
Decision of International President ............................................ 26 (C) 6 21 Proceedings and Appeals) .......................................................... 26 19
Dismissal of Charges ................................................................. 26 (A) 6 19 CHARTERED BODIES, INTERMEDIATE ........................1 (A) 1
............................................................................................ 26 (A) 8-9 19 ............................................................................................ 30 22
International Executive Board, To .............................................. 26 (C) 1 20 CHARTERS OF INTERMEDIATE
............................................................................................ 26 (C) 7-10 21 CHARTERED BODIES ........................................................... 30 (A) 22
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CHARTERS OF LOCAL UNIONS ...................................... 31 23 Delegates, Nonseating of............................................................ 15 (N) 12

Applications ............................................................................... 31 (A) 23 Delegates, Number of ................................................................ 15(B)-(C) 11
Issuance of ................................................................................. 31 (A) 23 ............................................................................................ 15 (K) 12
Loss or Surrender of .....................................................................9 (H) 8 Delegates, Vacancies ................................................................. 15 (D) 11
............................................................................................ 31(C)-(F) 23 Election of International Officers ............................................... 17 13
Within Jurisdiction of Another Frequency .................................................................................. 14 (A) 10
Local Union ......................................................................... 31 (B) 23 Messengers ................................................................................ 16 (H) 13
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING CONTRACTS Parliamentary Procedure ............................................................ 16 (A) 13
(See also Contracts, Collective Bargaining) ............................... 23 16 ............................................................................................ 21 (A) 16
CONSTITUTION AND LAWS, INTERNATIONAL Place .......................................................................................... 14 (A) 10
Presiding at ................................................................................ 16 (B) 13
Amendments .............................................................................. 16 (G) 13
Proceedings, Record of .............................................................. 16 (C) 13
............................................................................................ 39 29
Quorum ...................................................................................... 16 (I) 13
Intermediate Chartered Bodies Subject to ....................................1 (A) 1
............................................................................................ 30 (A) 22 Reading Clerks ........................................................................... 16 (H) 13
Interpretation.............................................................................. 10 (E) 1 9 Reports ....................................................................................... 16 (D) 13
Local Unions Subject to ............................................................... 1 (A) 1 Resolutions ................................................................................ 16 (F) 13
............................................................................................ 32 (C) 24 Roll Call Vote ............................................................................ 16 (J) 13
............................................................................................ 17 (H) 14
............................................................................................ 34 (B) 1 25
Rules .......................................................................................... 16 (A) 13
Members Subject to ................................................................... 25 (A) 18
Secretary .................................................................................... 16 (C) 13
............................................................................................ 25 (B) 1 18
Sergeants-at-Arms ...................................................................... 16 (H) 13
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ............................... 16 (G) 13
Time........................................................................................... 14 (A) 10
............................................................................................ 39 29 Vote Apportionment, Local Union ............................................. 15 (B) 11
CONTRACTS, COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ............... 23 16 ............................................................................................ 15 (K) 12
Affected Membership in Two or More Voting Procedure ....................................................................... 16 (J) 13
Local Unions or in Two or More ............................................................................................ 17 (H) 14
Bargaining Units of Same Local Union ............................... 23 (D) 7 17 CONVENTIONS, SPECIAL
Executive Board, Acceptance or
Rejection of Contract Proposal
INTERNATIONAL...............................................................8 (I) 5
by Local Union .................................................................... 23 (D) 6 17 DEATH BENEFITS................................................................... 22 16
Executive Board, Disapproval of Plan ............................................................................................ 22 16
Strike by Local Union .......................................................... 23 (D) 5 17 Standing of Potential General Member ........................................4 (G) 2 2
Filing of Contracts with International Union .............................. 23 (C) 16 DELEGATES (See also Conventions, Regular
Intermediate Chartered Body as Bargaining International; Election of Delegates to Regular
Representative ..................................................................... 23 (H) 18 International Conventions; and Election of
International Representative's Assistance ................................... 23 (D) 11 17 International Officers)
International Union as Bargaining Convention, Regular International ............................................. 15 11
Representative .......................................................................8 (B) 4 Convention, Special International ................................................8 (I) 1 5
............................................................................................ 23 (H) 18 ..............................................................................................8 (I) 3 5
Mail Referendum Vote ............................................................... 23 (D) 9 17 ............................................................................................ 15 11
Meetings, Notice of .................................................................... 23 (D) 8 17 International Officers ................................................................. 15 (O) 12
Membership Approval of Contract Proposals ............................. 23 (D) 3 16 International President ............................................................... 10 (I) 9
............................................................................................ 23 (D) 10 17 International Secretary-Treasurer ............................................... 10 (I) 9
Negotiations ............................................................................... 23 (D) 2 16 International Union, Representing .............................................. 10 (I) 9
Proposals, Approval by International Local Union .................................................................................8 (I) 3 5
President of .......................................................................... 23(A)-(B) 16 ............................................................................................ 15 11
Proposals by Membership .......................................................... 23 (D) 1 16 ............................................................................................ 34 (B) 1 25
Ratification by Membership ....................................................... 23 (A) 16 ............................................................................................ 34 (C) 25
............................................................................................ 23 (D) 3-10 16 DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS AND APPEALS
Rejection by Membership .......................................................... 23 (D) 6 17 (See also Appeals, Disciplinary) ................................................ 26 19
Strike Benefits............................................................................ 23 (F) 17 Appeals ...................................................................................... 26 (B) 2 20
Strikes, International Executive Committee ............................................................................................ 26 (C) 20
Approval of ......................................................................... 23 (E) 17 Appointment of Trial Board by
Strikes, Membership Vote on ..................................................... 23 (D) 5-9 17 International President from Outside
CONVENTIONS, REGULAR INTERNATIONAL Local Union ......................................................................... 26 (A) 16 20
(See also Election of Delegates to Regular Charges ...................................................................................... 26 (A) 1-9 19
International Conventions and Election of Charges against International Officers ....................................... 26 (B) 20
International Officers) ................................................................ 14 -17 10 Charges, Answer to .................................................................... 26 (A) 7 19
Alternate Delegates, Election of ................................................. 15 (C) 11 Charges, Contents of .................................................................. 26 (A) 6 19
............................................................................................ 15 (E) 11 Charges, Service of .................................................................... 26 (A) 7 19
Alternate Delegates, Number of ................................................. 15 (C) 11 Decision ..................................................................................... 26 (A) 14 20
Alternate Delegates, Seating of .................................................. 15 (D) 11 Dismissal of Charges ................................................................. 26 (A) 6 19
Amendments to Constitution ...................................................... 16 (G) 13 ............................................................................................ 26 (A) 8-9 19
............................................................................................ 39 (A) 29 ............................................................................................ 26 (A) 12 20
Business ..................................................................................... 14 (A) 10 Notice ........................................................................................ 26 (A) 10 19
Call ............................................................................................ 14 (B) 11 Penalties ..................................................................................... 26 (A) 14 20
Committee, Constitution ............................................................ 16 (G) 13 Postponement of Trial ................................................................ 26 (A) 10 19
Committee, Credentials .............................................................. 15 (A) 11 Represented by Another Member ............................................... 26 (A) 12 20
............................................................................................ 15 (I) 2 12 Rights of Parties at Trial ............................................................ 26 (A) 12 20
Committee, Election................................................................... 17 (F) 14 Stay of Trial Board Decision ...................................................... 26 (A) 15 20
Committees, Appointment of ..................................................... 16 (E) 13 ............................................................................................ 26 (A) 17 20
Date ........................................................................................... 14 (A) 10 Time Limit for Filing Charges ................................................... 26 (A) 5 19
Delegates, Apportionment of ..................................................... 15 (B) 11 Trial Board ................................................................................. 26 (A) 11 19
Delegates, Election of ............................................................... 15(C)-(K) 11 Trial Board of Members from Outside
Delegates, Expenses of............................................................... 15 (M) 12 the Local Union ................................................................... 26 (A) 16 20
Delegates, Fraternal ................................................................... 15 (P) 13 Trial Date ................................................................................... 26 (A) 10 19
Delegates, International Officers as ............................................ 15 (O) 12 Trial Record ............................................................................... 26 (A) 13 20
Delegates, Local Union President and Trusteeship, During a ...................................................................9 (F) 2d) 7
Secretary-Treasurer as ......................................................... 15 (E) 11 Verdict ....................................................................................... 26 (A) 14 20
............................................................................................ 34 (B) 1 25 DISSOLUTION OF INTERNATIONAL UNION ..............1 (A) 1
............................................................................................ 34 (C) 25
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DISSOLUTION OF LOCAL UNION (See also Number Elected ......................................................................... 15(B)-(C) 11

Withdrawal from International Union by ............................................................................................ 15 (K) 12
Local Union) .............................................................................. 31(C)-(F) 23 President and Scretary-Treasurer as Delegates
............................................................................................ 37 (C) 29 or Alternate, Local Union .................................................... 15 (E) 11
DUES (See also Fees) ..................................................................... 38 29 Procedures In General ............................................................. 15 (E) 11
Active Members ...........................................................................4 (B) 2 Proxy Vote Prohibited ................................................................ 35 (C) 10 27
Affiliated Members ......................................................................4 (C) 2 Publications, Nonuse of Union ................................................... 35 (C) 18 28
............................................................................................ 38 (A) 2 29 Runoff Election .......................................................................... 15 (E) 11
Associate Members ......................................................................4 (D) 2 Secret Ballot............................................................................... 15(E)-(F) 11
............................................................................................ 38 (A) 2 29 ............................................................................................ 35 (C) 6 26
Dispensation ................................................................................8 (E) 5 Tally of Results .......................................................................... 35 (C) 7-8 27
Establishment of ........................................................................ 38 (A) 1 29 Time(s), Date(s), and Place(s) of Election .................................. 35 (C) 2 26
Failure to Pay ............................................................................. 38 (E) 2 29 Time(s), Date(s), and Place(s) of Nominations ........................... 35 (C) 1 26
............................................................................................ 38 (F) 29 Voting Procedure ....................................................................... 15 (E) 11
General Members .........................................................................4 (G) 3 2 ............................................................................................ 35 (C) 6 26
Increases, Adoption of ............................................................... 38 (A) 1 29 Write-in Vote Prohibited ............................................................ 35 (C) 10 27
Legal Obligation ........................................................................ 38 (G) 29 ELECTION OF INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS ............ 17 13
Local Union Payment ................................................................. 38 (D) 29 Election Committee.................................................................... 17 (F) 14
Local Union Responsibility ........................................................ 18 (E) 15 Election Records, Preservation of .............................................. 17 (M) 14
............................................................................................ 38(B)-(C) 29 Election, Time of ....................................................................... 17 (C) 14
Mandatory Increases .................................................................. 38 (A) 3 29 Eligibility to Hold Office ........................................................... 17 (A) 13
Minimum ................................................................................... 38 (A) 2 29 Funds, Nonuse of Union ............................................................ 17 (K) 14
Nonactive Members .....................................................................4 (E) 2 Majority Vote Requirement........................................................ 17 (J) 14
Payment by Local Union ............................................................ 38 (D) 29 Nominations, Acceptance of ...................................................... 17 (E) 14
Payment Date ............................................................................. 38 (E) 1 29 Nominations, Procedures for ...................................................... 17 (D) 14
Records, Local Union ................................................................ 38 (B) 29 Nominations, Time of ................................................................ 17 (C) 14
Reinstatement from Suspension ................................................. 38 (E) 2 29 Observers ................................................................................... 17 (I) 14
............................................................................................ 38 (F) 29 Office, Limit to One ................................................................... 17 (E) 14
Suspension for Nonpayment of Dues ......................................... 38 (E) 2 29 Protests ...................................................................................... 17 (N) 14
............................................................................................ 38 (F) 29 Publications, Nonuse of Union ................................................... 17 (L) 14
DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS .............. 25 18 Report in Official Membership Publications .............................. 17 (O) 14
Bylaws, Violation of Local Union .............................................. 25 (B) 1 18 Runoff Election .......................................................................... 17 (J) 14
............................................................................................ 26 (A) 6 19 Term of International Office ...................................................... 17 (B) 14
............................................................................................ 25 (C) 18 Unopposed Candidates ............................................................... 17 (G) 14
Constitution, Violation of International ...................................... 25 (B) 1 18 Voting Procedure ....................................................................... 17 (H) 14
............................................................................................ 26 (A) 6 19 ELECTION OF LOCAL UNION OFFICERS ................. 35 26
Contractual Rights, Interference with ......................................... 25 (B) 3 18 Challenge and Appeal to Election .............................................. 35 (C) 20-23 28
Disciplinary Offenses ................................................................. 25 (B) 18 Death of Candidate for President................................................ 35 (C) 19 28
Discipline ................................................................................... 25(B)-(C) 18 Election Committee.................................................................... 35 (C) 5-8 26
............................................................................................ 26 19 Election Records, Preservation of .............................................. 35 (C) 14 28
Dual Compensation .................................................................... 25 (B) 5 18 Eligibility to Hold Office ........................................................... 35 (A) 26
Dual Unionism ........................................................................... 25 (B) 2 18 Eligibility to Vote ...................................................................... 35 (C) 2 26
Duties and Obligations, Agreement to Executive Board, Limit on Regular
Comply with ........................................................................ 25 (A) 18 Employees on ...................................................................... 35 (C) 4 26
Exhaustion of Internal Union Remedies ..................................... 25 (E) 2 19 Funds, Nonuse of Union ............................................................ 35 (C) 17 28
Faithful Performance of Duties of Union Installation of Officers ............................................................... 35 (C) 16 28
Office or Position ............................................................... 25 (B) 5 18 Mail Referendum ....................................................................... 35 (C) 9 27
Funds, Mishandling .................................................................... 25 (B) 5 18 Majority Vote Required ............................................................. 35 (C) 11 27
Funds, Unauthorized Solicitation of ........................................... 32 (B) 24 Nominations ............................................................................... 35 (C) 1 26
Interfering with Officers or ............................................................................................ 35 (C) 3 26
Representatives .................................................................... 25 (B) 3 18 ............................................................................................ 35 (C) 13 27
Intermediate Chartered Bodies, Applicability to......................... 25 (F) 19 Notice of Election ...................................................................... 35 (C) 2-3 26
............................................................................................ 30 (C) 23 ............................................................................................ 35 (C) 13b) 27
Legal Obligations, Interference with .......................................... 25 (B) 3 18 Notice of Nominations ............................................................... 35 (C) 1 26
Membership Lists, Furnishing .................................................... 32 (B) 24 ............................................................................................ 35 (C) 3 26
Penalties ..................................................................................... 25 (C) 18 ............................................................................................ 35 (C) 13b) 27
............................................................................................ 26 (A) 14 20 Observers ................................................................................... 35 (C) 6 26
Picket Line, Crossing or Working Office, Limit to One ................................................................... 35 (C) 4 26
behind ................................................................................. 23 (E) 5 17 Plurality Vote Required .............................................................. 35 (C) 11 27
Removal from Office or Position ............................................... 26 (A) 14 20 Procedure ................................................................................... 35 (C) 26
Resolution of Disputes ............................................................... 25 (E) 1 19 Proxy Vote Prohibited ................................................................ 35 (C) 10 27
Responsibilities of Elected and Appointed Publications, Nonuse of Union ................................................... 35 (C) 18 28
Representatives after Termination ....................................... 25 (D) 18 Records, Preservation of ............................................................ 35 (C) 14 28
Responsibility to Union.............................................................. 25 (B) 4 18 Results, Copy of ......................................................................... 35 (C) 15 28
Violation of ................................................................................ 25 (B) 18 Runoff Election .......................................................................... 35 (C) 11 27
Withdrawal, Advocation of ........................................................ 25 (B) 2 18 Secret Ballot............................................................................... 35 (C) 6 26
ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO REGULAR Tally of Results .......................................................................... 35 (C) 7-8 27
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS........................... 15 11 Term of Office ........................................................................... 35 (B) 26
Time(s), Date(s), and Place(s) of Election .................................. 35 (C) 2 26
Alternates ................................................................................... 15 (C) 11
............................................................................................ 15 (E) 11 Time(s), Date(s), and Place(s) of
Nominations ........................................................................ 35 (C) 1 26
Challenge to Election ................................................................. 15 (I) 12
Unopposed Candidates ............................................................... 35 (C) 12 27
Dates of Nominations and Election ............................................ 15 (F) 12
Election Committee.................................................................... 35 (C) 5-8 26 Vice Presidents .......................................................................... 34 (D) 25
Voting Procedure ....................................................................... 35 (C) 6 26
Election Records, Preservation of .............................................. 15 (J) 12
Write-in Candidates Prohibited .................................................. 35 (C) 10 27
Eligibility to Be Delegate ........................................................... 15 (H) 12
Eligibility to Vote ...................................................................... 15 (G) 12 EMPLOYEES, INTERNATIONAL UNION
Funds, Nonuse of Union ............................................................ 35 (C) 17 28 (See also Representatives, International Union) ......................... 10 (F) 9
Mail Referendum ....................................................................... 35 (C) 9 27 EMPLOYEES, LOCAL UNION............................................ 34 (B) 3-4 25
Nominations ............................................................................... 15(E)-(F) 11 ............................................................................................ 35 (C) 4 26
............................................................................................ 35 (C) 1 26 EXECUTIVE BOARD, INTERNATIONAL........................8 4
Notice of Nominations and Election ........................................... 15 (F) 12 Board of Audit, Selection of....................................................... 13 10
- 32 -
Canadian Chartered Bodies, Special Executive Committee, Members of

Consideration for ...................................................................8 (F) 5 International ..........................................................................9 (A) 6
Certified Public Accountant, Employment of ............................... 8 (A) 4 4 ............................................................................................ 12 (A) 10
Chair Meetings .............................................................................8 (A) 5 4 Number ........................................................................................7 (A) 4
Collective Bargaining Authority ..................................................8 (B) 4 Numerically Designated for Purposes
Composition of ............................................................................7 (A) 4 of Nomination and Election ................................................. 17 (C) 14
.............................................................................................. 8 (A) 2 4 Seniority ......................................................................................7 (A) 4
............................................................................................ 12 (C) 10 EXPENDITURES, INTERNATIONAL (See also
Constitution, Invalidity or Impairment Funds, International) .................................................................. 10 (D) 8
of Portion of ..........................................................................8 (M) 6 EXPENDITURES, LOCAL UNION (See also
Convention, Report to ................................................................ 16 (D) 13 Funds, Local Union) .................................................................. 34 (B) 2 25
Delegation of Powers ...................................................................8 (H) 5 EXPULSION OF LOCAL UNIONS .......................................9 (H) 8
Dues and Fees, Dispensation of Local Union ............................... 8 (E) 5
............................................................................................ 31(E)-(F) 23
Expenses ...................................................................................... 8 (C) 4 ............................................................................................ 37 (C) 29
Fees, Dispensation of Local Union ...............................................8 (D) 5
Fiscal Year, Establishment of ....................................................... 8 (A) 4 4
FEES (See also Dues and Revenue, International
Union)
Intermediate Chartered Bodies of Charters,
Initiation and Reinstatement .........................................................4 (B) 1 2
Establishment, and Jurisdiction ............................................ 30 (A) 22
............................................................................................ 30 (B) 3 23 ..............................................................................................6 (A) 3
..............................................................................................6 (D) 3
Laws, Power to Enact ...................................................................8 (A) 1 4
..............................................................................................8 (E) 5
Meetings ...................................................................................... 8 (A) 5-6 4
............................................................................................ 38 (A) 1-2 29
Members, Number of ...................................................................7 (A) 4
.............................................................................................. 8 (A) 2 4 ............................................................................................ 38 (B) 29
............................................................................................ 12 (C) 10 ............................................................................................ 38 (E) 2 29
Mergers between Local Unions .................................................... 8 (K) 6 ............................................................................................ 38 (F) 29
Mergers of International Union with Other International .................................................................................8 (D) 5
............................................................................................ 18 (A) 1 15
Organizations.........................................................................8 (J) 5
............................................................................................ 18 (A) 4 15
Special Conventions .....................................................................8 (I) 5
............................................................................................ 18 (C) 15
EXECUTIVE BOARD, LOCAL UNION ............................ 34 (A) 25
............................................................................................ 18(E)-(F) 15
............................................................................................ 34 (F) 26
............................................................................................ 38(B)-(C) 29
Appeals to .................................................................................. 34 (B) 1 25
Service ....................................................................................... 18 (C) 15
............................................................................................ 34 (B) 3 25
............................................................................................ 34 (F) 26
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, SOLICITATION BY
Bylaw Amendments ................................................................... 32 (A) 2 24 LOCAL UNIONS AND MEMBERS OF ...................... 32 (B) 24
Compensation of Personnel Employed or FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS OWED TO
Retained by Local Union, Approve ...................................... 34 (B) 4 25 INTERNATIONAL UNION BY LOCAL
Composition ............................................................................... 34 (A) 25 UNIONS (See also Per Capita Tax, International;
............................................................................................ 35 (C) 4 26 and Revenue, International Union) ............................................ 15 (N) 12
Disciplinary Trials, Conduct ...................................................... 26 (A) 19 ............................................................................................ 18 (D) 15
Duties in General ....................................................................... 34 (F) 26 FINANCIAL REPORTS AND STATEMENTS,
Employees of Local Union on Executive LOCAL UNION ................................................................... 34 (B) 9 25
Board, Limit on Regular ...................................................... 35 (C) 4 26
............................................................................................ 36(D)-(E) 28
Expenditures, Authorize or Ratify .............................................. 34 (B) 2 25
Extension of Active Membership,
FUNDS, INTERNATIONAL
Request for ............................................................................4 (B) 2 Approval of Expenditures .......................................................... 10 (D) 8
Meeting Attendance ................................................................... 35 (E) 28 Collection................................................................................... 11 (B) 9
Custody ...................................................................................... 11 (A) 9
Meetings .................................................................................... 34 (F) 26
Deposit ....................................................................................... 11 (B) 9
Paid-up Life Membership, Vote on
Disbursements ............................................................................ 10 (D) 8
Proposals to Grant .................................................................4 (E) 2
Quorum ...................................................................................... 34 (F) 26 Financial Statements .................................................................. 11 (B) 9
............................................................................................ 13 10
Salaries and Expenses of Local Union
Fiscal Year ...................................................................................8 (A) 4 4
Officers, Approve ................................................................ 34 (H) 26
Investments ................................................................................ 10 (D) 8
Special Membership Meeting, Call ............................................ 33 (B) 24
Strike or Other Economic Action, Approval of .......................... 23 (D) 5 17 ............................................................................................ 11(D)-(E) 9
Trustee, Designate Third ............................................................ 36 (A) 28 Management .............................................................................. 10 (D) 8
Vacancies in Office, Fill............................................................. 35 (D) 28 Revenue ..................................................................................... 18 15
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, INTERNATIONAL ...........9 6 FUNDS, LOCAL UNION
Composition .................................................................................9 (A) 6 Approval of Expenditures .......................................................... 34 (B) 2 25
Disbursements ............................................................................ 34 (B) 2 25
Convention, Report to ................................................................ 16 (D) 13
Delegation of Powers ...................................................................9 (D) 6 ............................................................................................ 36 (C) 28
Dissolution of Local Unions....................................................... 31 (D) 23 Financial Assistance, Solicitation of........................................... 32 (B) 24
Editorial Policy, Establish .......................................................... 10 (C) 8 Financial Reports ....................................................................... 34 (B) 9 25
Liquidation of Assets ................................................................. 37 (C) 29
Expulsion of Local Unions ........................................................... 9 (H) 8
Loans or Donations to Officers and
Health and Welfare Plan for Retired Employees
Employees, Prohibition of ................................................... 37 (B) 29
of Union, Administration of ................................................. 28 (E) 22
Property, Disposition of ............................................................. 37 (C) 29
Intermediate Chartered Bodies, Failure of Local
Union to Affiliate or Remain Affiliated with ....................... 30 (A) 22 Successors, Transfer to............................................................... 34 (G) 2 26
Use of Funds .............................................................................. 18 (F) 15
International Officers or Representatives,
............................................................................................ 37 (A) 29
Suspend ............................................................................... 26 (B) 20
............................................................................................ 38(B)-(C) 29
Investments, Approval of ........................................................... 10 (D) 8
Local Union Officers or Member, Suspend ..................................9 (H) 8 GENERAL MEMBERS .............................................................4 (G) 2
Original Jurisdiction .....................................................................9 (G) 8 ..............................................................................................5(C)-(D) 3
Pension Plan for Employees of Union, HEADQUARTERS, INTERNATIONAL ..............................1 (B) 1
Administration and Amendment of ...................................... 27(C)-(D) 21 Canada .........................................................................................1 (B) 1
Real Property, Hold Title to ......................................................... 9 (C) 6 Location .......................................................................................1 (B) 1
Real Property, Manage .................................................................9 (B) 6 Management ................................................................................9 (B) 6
Strike Authorization ................................................................... 23 (E) 17 ..............................................................................................9 (E) 6
Trusteeships .................................................................................9 (F) 6 Title .............................................................................................9 (C) 6
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS, HEADQUARTERS, LOCAL UNION .................................. 36 (G) 28
INTERNATIONAL............................................................. 12 10 HONORARY MEMBERS .........................................................4 (H) 2
Duties and Responsibilities ........................................................ 12(A)-(B) 10 ..............................................................................................5 (C) 3
Election ...................................................................................... 17 13 ..............................................................................................6 (H) 4
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HONORARY OFFICERS, OTHER RETIRED Affiliations ................................................................................. 30 (A) 22

OFFICERS, AND RETIRED EMPLOYEES .............. 29 22 ............................................................................................ 32 (E) 24
Honorary Officers, Local Union ................................................. 29 (B) 22 Bylaws ....................................................................................... 32 (A) 23
President Emeritus and Secretary- Constitutional Obligations .......................................................... 32 (C) 24
Treasurer Emeritus, International......................................... 29 (A) 22 Financial Assistance, Solicitation of........................................... 32 (B) 24
Services by Retired Officers and Employees .............................. 29 (C) 22 Indebtedness .............................................................................. 32 (D) 24
INITIATION AND REINSTATEMENT FEES LOCAL UNION ELECTIONS (See also Elections,
(See also Dues and Fees) .............................................................. 4 (B) 1 2 Local Unions) ............................................................................ 35 26
.............................................................................................. 6 (A) 3 LOCAL UNION EMPLOYEES ............................................. 34 (B) 3-4 25
.............................................................................................. 6 (D) 3 ............................................................................................ 35 (C) 4 26
.............................................................................................. 8 (E) 5 LOCAL UNION EXECUTIVE BOARD (See also
............................................................................................ 38 (A) 1-2 29 Executive Board, Local Union) ................................................. 34 (A) 25
............................................................................................ 38 (B) 29 ............................................................................................ 34 (F) 26
............................................................................................ 38 (E) 2 29 LOCAL UNION FUNDS (See also Funds, Local
............................................................................................ 38 (F) 29 Union) ....................................................................................... 34 (B) 2 25
INTERMEDIATE CHARTERED BODIES ....................... 30 22 ............................................................................................ 37 29
Affiliation of Local Unions with ................................................ 30 (A) 22 LOCAL UNION HEADQUARTERS AND OTHER
Bargaining Units and Members Directly REAL PROPERTY ............................................................. 36 (G) 28
Affiliated with ..................................................................... 15 (B) 2 11 LOCAL UNION MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS (See
............................................................................................ 18 (F) 15
also Meetings, Local Union Membership) ................................. 33 24
Bylaws ....................................................................................... 30 (B) 22
Collective Bargaining Contracts ................................................. 23 (H) 18
LOCAL UNION OFFICERS (See also Officers,
Local Union; and specific officers) ............................................ 34 25
Duties and Obligations of Members ........................................... 25 (F) 19
Duties, Responsibilities, Procedures, LOCAL UNION REVENUE (See also Dues
and Requirements ............................................................... 30 (C) 23 and Fees) .................................................................................... 38 29
Establishment ............................................................................. 30 (A) 22 LOCAL UNIONS (See also specific topics
Jurisdiction...................................................................................8 (F) 5 beginning with words "Local Union") ........................................ 23 16
............................................................................................ 30 (A) 22 ............................................................................................ 31 - 38 23
............................................................................................ 30 (B) 3 23 LOGO, UNION ........................................................................... 11 (G) 10
Officers ...................................................................................... 30 (B) 2 22 ............................................................................................ 20 15
............................................................................................ 30 (C) 23 ............................................................................................ 34 (B) 5 25
Per Capita Tax ........................................................................... 30 (B) 2-3 22 MAIL REFERENDUM VOTE (See also Contracts,
INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF AUDIT............................ 13 10 Collective Bargaining; and Elections, Local Union)
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS, REGULAR Collective Bargaining Contract Ratification ............................... 23 (D) 9 17
(See also Conventions, Regular International)............................ 14 -17 10 Election of Local Union Officers ............................................... 35 (C) 9 27
INTERNATIONAL ELECTIONS (See also Election MEETINGS, LOCAL UNION EXECUTIVE
of International Officers) ............................................................ 17 13 BOARD................................................................................... 34 (F) 26
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS, LOCAL UNION MEMBERSHIP................ 33 24
(See also Executive Board, International) ....................................8 4 Informational ............................................................................. 33 (C) 24
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Notice ........................................................................................ 33 (D) 24
(See also Executive Committee, International) ............................. 9 6 Parliamentary Rules ................................................................... 21 16
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE Quorum ...................................................................................... 33 (E) 24
PRESIDENTS (See also Executive Vice Presidents, Regular Meetings ....................................................................... 33 (A) 24
International) ............................................................................. 12 10 Special Meetings ........................................................................ 33 (B) 24
............................................................................................ 17 (C) 14 MEMBERSHIP, APPLICATIONS FOR ..............................4 (I) 2
INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (See also ............................................................................................ 38 (A) 2 29
Headquarters, International) ......................................................... 1 (B) 1 MEMBERSHIP CARDS .......................................................... 11 (K) 10
INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS (See also Officers, MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS (See also
International; and specific officers) ..............................................7 4 specific classifications and Membership Rights
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT (See also and Privileges) .............................................................................4 1
Active Membership ......................................................................4 (B) 2
President, International) ............................................................ 10 8
Affiliated Membership .................................................................4 (C) 2
INTERNATIONAL REVENUE (See also Revenue, Appropriate Local Union, Membership in ....................................4 (J) 3
International) .............................................................................. 18 15
Associate Membership .................................................................4 (D) 2
INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER Classifications ..............................................................................4 (A) 1
(See also Secretary-Treasurer, International) .............................. 11 9 Eligibility .....................................................................................4 (A) 1
INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS Employers ....................................................................................4 (K) 3
(See also Vice Presidents, International) .................................... 12 10 Expelled Persons ..........................................................................4 (A) 1
............................................................................................ 17 (C) 14 General Membership ....................................................................4 (G) 2
JURISDICTION OF INTERMEDIATE Honorary Membership .................................................................4 (H) 2
CHARTERED BODIES ......................................................8 (F) 5 Nonactive Membership ................................................................ 4 (F) 2
............................................................................................ 30 (A) 22 Ineligibility ..................................................................................4 (G) 2
............................................................................................ 30 (B) 3 23 Nonmembers ................................................................................4 (A) 1
JURISDICTION OF INTERNATIONAL Owner-Operators..........................................................................4 (F) 2
UNION ......................................................................................3 1 Paid-up Life Membership.............................................................4 (E) 2
Resigned Membership, Persons Who Have ..................................4 (A) 1
JURISDICTION OF LOCAL UNIONS............................... 31 (A) 23
Rights and Privileges ...................................................................5 3
Determination ............................................................................ 31(A)-(B) 23
Suspended Persons .......................................................................4 (A) 1
Disputes ....................................................................................... 8 (F) 5
Voiding of Honorary or Paid-up Life
............................................................................................ 31 (A) 23 Membership ...........................................................................6 (H) 4
LATE PAYMENT FEE ON FINANCIAL Withdrawal Status, Persons on .....................................................4 (A) 1
OBLIGATIONS OWED INTERNATIONAL ..............................................................................................6(A)-(D) 3
UNION (See also Per Capita Tax, International; MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS, LOCAL UNION
and Revenue, International Union) ............................................. 18 (D) 15 (See also Meetings, Local Union Membership) .......................... 33 24
LOCAL UNION BOARD OF TRUSTEES (See MEMBERSHIP REPORT OF LOCAL UNION,
also Trustees, Local Union Board of) ......................................... 36 28 MONTHLY .............................................................................4 (I) 2
LOCAL UNION BYLAWS ..................................................... 32 (A) 23 ............................................................................................ 34 (B) 6-7 25
LOCAL UNION CHARTERS (See also Charters of MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES
Local Unions) ............................................................................ 31 23 (See also Membership Classifications; and specific
LOCAL UNION DUTIES AND POWERS ......................... 32 23 classifications) .............................................................................5 3
- 34 -
Active Members ...........................................................................5 (A) 3 Trustees, Local Union Board of ................................................. 36 28

.............................................................................................. 5 (D) 3 Vacancies ................................................................................... 35(D)-(E) 28
Affiliated Members ......................................................................5 (B) 3 Vice Presidents .......................................................................... 34 (A) 25
.............................................................................................. 5 (D) 3 ............................................................................................ 34 (D) 26
Associate Members ......................................................................5 (C) 3 ORIGINAL JURISDICTION ...................................................9 (G) 8
General Members .........................................................................5(C)-(D) 3 OWNER-OPERATORS (See also Membership
Honorary Members ......................................................................5 (C) 3 Classifications).............................................................................4 (F) 2
Nonactive Members .....................................................................5(C)-(D) 3 ............................................................................................ 23 (G) 18
Nonmembers ................................................................................5 (C) 3 PAID-UP LIFE MEMBERS ......................................................4 (E) 2
Paid-up Life Members..................................................................5 (B) 3 ..............................................................................................5 (B) 3
MERGERS BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL ..............................................................................................6 (H) 4
UNION AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS...................8 (J) 5 ............................................................................................ 18 (A) 4 15
MERGERS BETWEEN LOCAL UNIONS ..........................8 (K) 6 PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE AND
MERGERS BETWEEN LOCAL UNIONS AND RULES .................................................................................... 21 16
NON-UFCW ORGANIZATIONS ....................................8 (K) 6 Chartered Bodies, Meetings of .................................................. 21 (A) 16
MILITARY LEAVE STATUS .................................................5 (D) 3 International Conventions .......................................................... 16 (A) 13
.............................................................................................. 6(E)-(H) 3 ............................................................................................ 21 (A) 16
MINUTES International Executive Board, Meetings of .............................. 21 (A) 16
International Executive Board Meetings .................................... 11 (A) 9 Voting Requirements ................................................................. 21 (B) 16
Local Union Meetings ................................................................ 34 (E) 26 PENSION AND HEALTH AND WELFARE
NAME AND HEADQUARTERS, PLANS .................................................................................... 24 18
INTERNATIONAL .....................................................................1 1 File with International President................................................. 24 (A) 18
............................................................................................ 11 (G) 10 Trustees...................................................................................... 24 (B) 18
............................................................................................ 20 15 ............................................................................................ 34 (B) 1 25
............................................................................................ 32 (B) 24 PENSION PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES OF
NAME, LOCAL UNION ............................................................1 (A) 1 UNION, INTERNATIONAL............................................ 27 21
............................................................................................ 32 (B) 24 Administration ........................................................................... 27 (C) 21
NOMINATIONS (See also specific topics Amendments to Plan .................................................................. 27 (D) 21
beginning with word "Election" or "Elections") Contributions ............................................................................. 27 (B) 21
Delegates to Regular International Convention .......................... 15(E)-(F) 11 Name ......................................................................................... 27 (A) 21
............................................................................................ 35 (C) 1 26 Per Capita Tax Allocation .......................................................... 27 (B) 21
International Officers ................................................................. 17(C)-(E) 14 Plan Design Changes ................................................................. 27 (D) 21
Local Union Officers ................................................................. 35 (C) 1 26 PER CAPITA TAX, INTERMEDIATE
............................................................................................ 35 (C) 13 27 CHARTERED BODIES .................................................... 30 (B) 2-3 22
NONACTIVE MEMBERS ........................................................4 (F) 2 PER CAPITA TAX, INTERNATIONAL (See also
.............................................................................................. 5(C)-(D) 3 Revenue, International Union) ................................................... 18 (A) 3-4 15
NONMEMBERS ...........................................................................4 (A) 1 ............................................................................................ 18(E)-(F) 15
.............................................................................................. 5 (C) 3 ............................................................................................ 38(B)-(C) 29
OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES, PERSONNEL, INTERNATIONAL (See also
INTERNATIONAL...............................................................2 1 Representatives, International Union) ........................................ 10 (F) 9
OFFICERS, INTERNATIONAL (See also specific PERSONNEL, LOCAL UNION ............................................ 34 (B) 3-4 25
officers; Executive Board, International; and ............................................................................................ 35 (C) 4 26
Executive Committee, International) ............................................7 4 PICKET LINES ......................................................................... 23 (E) 5 17
Election ...................................................................................... 17 13 PREAMBLE Preamble 1
Executive Board, International ..................................................... 8 4 PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL ........................................ 10 8
Executive Committee, International .............................................9 6 Bond .......................................................................................... 10 (H) 9
Executive Vice Presidents, Charters, Approve ...................................................................... 31 (A) 23
International ........................................................................ 12(A)-(B) 10 Checks, Cosign .......................................................................... 10 (D) 8
............................................................................................ 17 (C) 14 Chief Executive Officer ............................................................. 10 (A) 8
Number ........................................................................................ 7 (A) 4 Committees, Appointment of Convention .................................. 15 (I) 2 12
.............................................................................................. 8 (A) 2 4 ............................................................................................ 16 (E) 13
Pledge .......................................................................................... 7 (B) 4 ............................................................................................ 16 (G) 1 13
President, International .............................................................. 10 8 Constitution and Laws, Interpret ................................................ 10 (E) 1 9
Retired Officers .......................................................................... 29 (A) 22 Convention, Preside at ............................................................... 10 (B) 8
............................................................................................ 29 (C) 22 ............................................................................................ 16 (B) 13
Salaries and Expenses ..................................................................8 (C) 4 Convention, Report to ................................................................ 16 (D) 13
............................................................................................ 10 (F) 9 Delegates of International Union, Appoint ................................. 10 (I) 9
............................................................................................ 10 (J) 9 Departments, Divisions, and Offices,
............................................................................................ 11 (N) 10 Establish and Maintain ........................................................ 10 (F) 9
Secretary-Treasurer, International .............................................. 11 9 Disputes, Resolution of .............................................................. 10 (E) 9
Terms of Office .......................................................................... 17 (B) 14 Documents, Sign Official ........................................................... 10 (B) 8
Vacancies ................................................................................... 17(P)-(Q) 14 Editor of Official Membership Publications ............................... 10 (C) 8
Vice Presidents, International ....................................................... 7 (A) 4 Election ...................................................................................... 17 13
.............................................................................................. 8 (A) 2 4 Executive Board Meetings, Convene and Chair ...........................8 (A) 5 4
............................................................................................ 12(B)-(C) 10 Expenditures, Approve ............................................................... 10 (D) 8
............................................................................................ 17 (C) 14 Investments of International Union ............................................ 10 (D) 8
OFFICERS, LOCAL UNION (See also specific Jurisdiction of Intermediate
officers; and Executive Board, Local Union) ............................. 34 25 Chartered Bodies ...................................................................8 (F) 5
Chief Executive Officer ............................................................. 34 (B) 1 25 ............................................................................................ 30 (A) 22
Constitutional Officers ............................................................... 34 (A) 25 Jurisdiction of Local Unions ........................................................8 (F) 5
Elections .................................................................................... 35 26 ............................................................................................ 31(A)-(B) 23
Executive Board ......................................................................... 34 (A) 25 Personnel of International Union,
............................................................................................ 34 (F) 26 Employ and Supervise ......................................................... 10 (F) 9
President .................................................................................... 34 (B) 25 Property Management ................................................................ 10 (D) 8
Recorder .................................................................................... 34 (A) 25 Purchases, Approve .................................................................... 10 (D) 8
............................................................................................ 34 (E) 26 Represent International Union .................................................... 10 (I) 9
Retired Officers .......................................................................... 29(B)-(C) 22 Salary and Expenses................................................................... 10 (J) 9
Salaries and Expenses ................................................................ 34 (H) 26 Trusteeships, Administration of ...................................................9 (F) 6
Secretary-Treasurer .................................................................... 34 (C) 25 Vacancy ..................................................................................... 17 (Q) 14
Terms of Office .......................................................................... 35 (B) 26 PRESIDENT, LOCAL UNION .............................................. 34 (B) 25
- 35 -
Business Representatives ........................................................... 34 (B) 3 25 Coverage and Eligibility ............................................................ 28 (A) 21

Bylaws, Interpret Local Union ................................................... 34 (B) 1 25 ............................................................................................ 28(C)-(D) 22
Chief Executive Officer ............................................................. 34 (B) 1 25 Surviving Spouse and Dependent Coverage ............................... 28 (C) 22
Collective Bargaining Contract REVENUE, INTERNATIONAL UNION (See also
Negotiations and Ratification............................................... 23 (D) 16 Per Capita Tax, International) .................................................... 18 15
Committees, Appoint ................................................................. 34 (B) 1 25 Agency Shop Fees ...................................................................... 18 (C) 15
Delegate to Conventions or Meetings ...........................................8 (I) 3 5 Delinquencies ............................................................................ 15 (N) 12
............................................................................................ 15 (E) 11 ............................................................................................ 18 (D) 15
............................................................................................ 34 (B) 1 25 Dispensation of Fees ....................................................................8 (D) 5
Disbursement of Funds .............................................................. 34 (B) 2 25 Fees Payable by Local Union on Applicants
Duties and Responsibilities ........................................................ 34 (B) 25 for Membership or Reinstatement ........................................ 18 (A) 1 15
Election ...................................................................................... 35 26 ............................................................................................ 18 (C) 15
Election Committee, Appoint ..................................................... 35 (C) 5 26 Intermediate Chartered Bodies, Applicability to......................... 18 (F) 15
Employees of Local Union ......................................................... 34 (B) 3-4 25 Investments ................................................................................ 18 (A) 2 15
Executive Board, Member of ..................................................... 34 (A) 25 Late Payment Fee on Financial Obligations ............................... 18 (D) 15
Financial Statement and Report .................................................. 34 (B) 9 25 Local Union Obligation to Pay ................................................... 18 (E) 15
Investments ................................................................................ 34 (B) 2 25 ............................................................................................ 38(B)-(C) 29
Meetings, Preside at ................................................................... 34 (B) 1 25 Other Lawful Sources ................................................................ 18 (A) 5 15
Membership Reports .................................................................. 34 (B) 6-7 25 Paid-up Life Members, Fee Payable by
Moneys, Receipt of .................................................................... 34 (B) 8 25 Local Union on ................................................................... 18 (A) 4 15
Salary and Expenses................................................................... 34 (H) 26 Payment ..................................................................................... 18 (D) 15
Sergeants-at-Arms, Appoint ....................................................... 34 (B) 1 25 Per Capita Tax Amount .............................................................. 18 (A) 3 15
Special Membership Meeting, Call ............................................ 33 (B) 24 Remedial or Corrective Action
Stewards, Authority Regarding .................................................. 34 (B) 1 25 for Delinquencies................................................................. 18 (D) 15
Trustees of Employee Benefit Trusts ......................................... 34 (B) 1 25 Service Fees ............................................................................... 18 (C) 15
Trustee on Local Union Board of Trustees ................................. 36 (A) 28 Strike Fund ................................................................................ 18 (B) 15
Union Shop Identification Cards, Logos, Subscriptions to Membership
and Labels ........................................................................... 34 (B) 5 25 Publications ......................................................................... 19 (B) 15
Vacancy ..................................................................................... 35 (D) 28 REVENUE, LOCAL UNION (See also Dues; Fees;
Vote ........................................................................................... 34 (B) 1 25 and Assessments, Local Union) ................................................. 38 29
PUBLICATIONS, INTERNATIONAL ............................... 19 15 SALARIES AND EXPENSES, INTERNATIONAL
Appeal of Editorial Decisions .................................................... 19 (C) 15 UNION
Complimentary Copies............................................................... 19 (B) 15 Executive Board ...........................................................................8 (C) 4
Copyrights ................................................................................. 20(A)-(B) 15 Personnel ................................................................................... 10 (F) 9
Editor ......................................................................................... 10 (C) 8
President .................................................................................... 10 (J) 9
Subscription ............................................................................... 19 (B) 15
Secretary-Treasurer .................................................................... 11 (N) 10
RATIFICATION OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Vice Presidents Not in Primary Employment
CONTRACTS (See also Contracts, Collective of International Union............................................................8 (C) 4
Bargaining) ................................................................................ 23 (A) 16 SALARIES AND EXPENSES, LOCAL UNION
............................................................................................ 23 (D) 3-10 16 Officers ...................................................................................... 34 (H) 26
REAL PROPERTY OF INTERNATIONAL Personnel ................................................................................... 34 (B) 4 25
UNION (See also Headquarters, International) ..........................9(B)-(C) 6 SEAL, INTERNATIONAL...................................................... 11 (I) 10
.............................................................................................. 9 (E) 6 SECRETARY-TREASURER,
REAL PROPERTY OF LOCAL UNION............................ 36 (G) 28 INTERNATIONAL............................................................. 11 9
RECORDER, LOCAL UNION Audit Chartered Bodies .............................................................. 11 (M) 10
Duties and Responsibilities ........................................................ 34 (E) 26 Bond .......................................................................................... 11 (J) 10
Election ...................................................................................... 35 26 Bonding of Officers, Representatives
Executive Board, Member of ..................................................... 34 (A) 25 and Employees .................................................................... 11 (L) 10
REGULAR INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION Charters, Approve and Issue ...................................................... 31 (A) 23
DELEGATES (See also Conventions, Regular Checks, Cosign .......................................................................... 10 (D) 8
International; and Election of Delegates to Constitution Furnish to Local Unions ...................................... 11 (K) 10
Regular International Conventions) ............................................ 15 11 Convention Proceedings ............................................................. 16 (C) 13
REGULAR INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION Convention, Report to ................................................................ 16 (D) 13
PROCEDURE (See also Conventions, Convention Secretary ................................................................. 16 (C) 13
Election ...................................................................................... 17 13
Regular International; and Election
of International Officers) ............................................................ 16 13 Financial Statements .................................................................. 11 (B) 9
Funds, Collect and Deposit ........................................................ 11 (B) 9
REGULAR INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS Membership Cards Furnish to Local Unions ........................... 11 (K) 10
(See also Conventions, Regular International)............................ 14 -17 10 Office Conduct in Consultation with
REINSTATEMENT, MEMBERSHIP International President ......................................................... 11 (O) 10
(See also Fees) ........................................................................... 38 (A) 1-2 29 Property, Custody of .................................................................. 11 (A) 9
............................................................................................ 38 (B) 29 Remit Per Capita Tax to Bodies with Which
............................................................................................ 38 (E) 2 29 International Is Affiliated ..................................................... 11 (H) 10
REPEAL OF LAWS AND INTERPRETATIONS Salary and Expenses................................................................... 11 (N) 10
IN CONFLICT WITH INTERNATIONAL Seal, Use of International .......................................................... 11 (I) 10
CONSTITUTION ................................................................ 40 29 Vacancy in Office of International
REPRESENTATIVES, INTERNATIONAL President .............................................................................. 17 (Q) 14
UNION .................................................................................... 10 (F) 9 Vote Results, Notification to Executive
Board of............................................................................... 11 (F) 10
Assigned to Assist Local Unions ................................................ 10 (G) 9
............................................................................................ 23 (D) 11 17 SECRETARY-TREASURER, LOCAL UNION ............... 34 (C) 25
Employment ............................................................................... 10 (F) 9 Delegate to Conventions or Meetings ...........................................8 (I) 3 5
REPRESENTATIVES, LOCAL UNION (See also ............................................................................................ 15 (E) 11
............................................................................................ 34 (C) 25
Employees, Local Union) ........................................................... 34 (B) 3-4 25
Duties and Responsibilities ........................................................ 34 (C) 25
RETIRED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF Executive Board, Member of ..................................................... 34 (A) 25
INTERNATIONAL UNION AND Trustee ....................................................................................... 36 (A) 28
CHARTERED BODIES .................................................... 29 22 Vacancy in Office of President ................................................... 35 (D) 2 28
RETIREE HEALTH PLAN .................................................... 28 21 SERGEANTS-AT-ARMS
Administration ........................................................................... 28 (E) 22 Local Union Meetings ................................................................ 34 (B) 1 25
Changes and Modifications ........................................................ 28 (E) 22 Regular International Conventions ............................................. 17 (H) 14
Cost............................................................................................ 28 (B) 22
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SERVICE FEES PAYABLE BY LOCAL Power to Impose ..........................................................................9 (F) 1 6

UNION TO INTERNATIONAL ..................................... 18 (C) 15 Termination..................................................................................9 (F) 7 8
SIGNATURES ON CHECKS OF Trustee, Appointment of ..............................................................9 (F) 2a) 7
Trustee, Reports of .......................................................................9 (F) 2f) 7
INTERNATIONAL UNION ............................................. 10 (D) 8
Trustee, Rights of .........................................................................9 (F) 2b) 7
SIGNATURES ON CHECKS OF Trustee, Supervision of ................................................................ 9 (F) 2a) 7
LOCAL UNION ................................................................... 34 (C) 25 UNION LABEL........................................................................... 20 15
SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS ...............8 (I) 5 ............................................................................................ 34 (B) 5 25
STATE AND LOCAL CENTRAL LABOR UNION LOGO ........................................................................... 11 (G) 10
BODIES, AFFILIATION WITH .................................... 32 (E) 24 ............................................................................................ 20 15
STEWARDS, LOCAL UNION............................................... 34 (B) 1 25 ............................................................................................ 34 (B) 5 25
STRIKE BENEFITS, INTERNATIONAL ......................... 23 (F) 17 UNION NAMES, SYMBOLS, AND MARKS .................... 11 (G) 10
STRIKE AND DEFENSE FUND, ............................................................................................ 20 15
INTERNATIONAL............................................................. 18 (B) 15 ............................................................................................ 32 (B) 24
............................................................................................ 34 (B) 5 25
............................................................................................ 23 (F) 1 17
STRIKES ...................................................................................... 23 16
UNION SHOP IDENTIFICATION CARD ........................ 11 (G) 10
............................................................................................ 20 15
Approval .................................................................................... 23 (D) 5 17
Authorization of International Executive ............................................................................................ 34 (B) 5 25
Committee ........................................................................... 23 (E) 17 VACANCIES IN INTERNATIONAL UNION
Benefits, International Strike ...................................................... 23 (F) 17 OFFICE .................................................................................. 17(P)-(Q) 14
Mail Referendum Vote ............................................................... 23 (D) 9 17 VACANCIES IN LOCAL UNION OFFICE ...................... 35(D)-(E) 28
Picket Lines, Honoring............................................................... 23 (E) 5 17 VICE PRESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL ......................... 12 10
Strike and Defense Fund, International ...................................... 18 (B) 15 Additional Vice Presidents ...........................................................8 (A) 2 4
............................................................................................ 23 (F) 1 17 Canada, From ...............................................................................7 (A) 4
Vote ........................................................................................... 23 (D) 5-9 17 ............................................................................................ 12 (C) 10
SUSPENSION FOR NONPAYMENT OF DUES ............. 38(E) 2-(F) 29 ............................................................................................ 17 (D) 14
TERMS OF OFFICE, INTERNATIONAL ............................................................................................ 17 (P) 14
UNION .................................................................................... 17 (B) 14 Duties......................................................................................... 12 (B) 10
TERMS OF OFFICE, LOCAL UNION............................... 35 (B) 26 Election ...................................................................................... 17 13
Employment of International Union,
TRIAL BOARDS (See also Disciplinary Not in Primary ..................................................................... 12 (C) 10
Proceedings and Appeals) .......................................................... 26 19
Nomination ................................................................................ 17 (D) 14
TRIALS, DISCIPLINARY (See also Number ........................................................................................7 (A) 4
Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals) ...................................... 26 19 ..............................................................................................8 (A) 2 4
TRUSTEES, LOCAL UNION BOARD OF ........................ 36 28 ............................................................................................ 12 (C) 10
Bond .......................................................................................... 36 (F) 28 Numerically Designated for Purposes
Certification of Itemized of Election ........................................................................... 17 (C) 14
Financial Statement ............................................................. 34 (B) 9 25 Seniority ......................................................................................7 (A) 4
Certified Public Accountant or Vacancies ................................................................................... 17 (P) 14
Chartered Accountant .......................................................... 36 (E) 28 VICE PRESIDENTS, LOCAL UNION
Checks, Sign .............................................................................. 36 (C) 28 Duties and Responsibilities ........................................................ 34 (D) 26
Composition ............................................................................... 36 (A) 28 Election ...................................................................................... 35 26
Financial Records, Examine ....................................................... 36 (D) 28 Executive Board, Member of ..................................................... 34 (A) 25
Financial Reports ....................................................................... 36 (D) 28 Numerically Designated for Purposes
Headquarters Title ...................................................................... 36 (G) 28 of Election ........................................................................... 34 (D) 26
Responsibilities In General ..................................................... 36 (B) 28 VIOLATION OF DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS
TRUSTEES' REPORT, LOCAL UNION ........................... 36 (D) 28
OF MEMBERSHIP (See also Disciplinary
TRUSTEESHIPS ..........................................................................9 (F) 6 Proceedings and Appeals and Duties and
Appeals ........................................................................................ 9 (F) 2d) 7 Obligations of Members) .......................................................... 25 -26 18
.............................................................................................. 9 (F) 4a) 7 WITHDRAWAL STATUS (See also Military Leave
.............................................................................................. 9 (F) 5d) 8 Status) ..........................................................................................6(A)-(D) 3
Autonomy, Suspension of ............................................................ 9 (F) 2e) 7 ..............................................................................................6 (H) 4
Bond of Trustee ...........................................................................9 (F) 2b) 7 Deposit of ....................................................................................6 (D) 3
Disciplinary Proceedings.............................................................. 9 (F) 2d) 7
Effective Date ..............................................................................6 (B) 3
Duration ....................................................................................... 9 (F) 5a) 8
Eligibility .....................................................................................5 (D) 3
Election of Officers ......................................................................9 (F) 6 8
..............................................................................................6 (A) 3
Hearing on Justification and
Maintenance of Continuous Membership,
Continuation of Trusteeship ...................................................9 (F) 1 6
Procedure for .........................................................................6 (C) 3
.............................................................................................. 9 (F) 3 7
Reinstatement without Fee ...........................................................6 (D) 3
Inquiry on Petition for Removal ...................................................9 (F) 5 8 Voiding of ....................................................................................6 (D) 3
Meetings, Membership .................................................................9 (F) 2f) 7
..............................................................................................6 (H) 4
Membership Votes .......................................................................9 (F) 2e) 7
.............................................................................................. 9 (F) 6 8
WITHDRAWAL FROM INTERNATIONAL
Nonliability of International ......................................................... 9 (F) 8 8 UNION BY LOCAL UNION (See also
Officers, Appointment of Interim .................................................9 (F) 2c) 7 Dissolution of Local Union) ....................................................... 31 (C) 23
Officers, Charges Against Former ................................................9 (F) 2d) 7 ............................................................................................ 31(E)-(F) 23
Officers, Suspended .....................................................................9 (F) 2c) 7 ............................................................................................ 37 (C) 29
Petition for Removal ....................................................................9 (F) 5b) 8
Power of Trustee ..........................................................................9 (F) 2 7
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2013 UFCW International Constitution

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What is the purpose of the UFCW International Union?

What are the main sections covered in the UFCW constitution?

Constitution of the

United Food and Commercial Workers

Preamble .......................................................... 1 Article 21 Parliamentary Rules ........................... 16

(H) Members in withdrawal or military leave status or ARTICLE 8

ARTICLE 34 Unions bylaws, provided that there is no other grievance procedure

INDEX TO THE UFCW INTERNATIONAL CONSTITUTION

ACTIVE MEMBERS (See also Membership International Officers or Representatives,

CHARTERS OF LOCAL UNIONS ...................................... 31 23 Delegates, Nonseating of............................................................ 15 (N) 12

DISSOLUTION OF LOCAL UNION (See also Number Elected ......................................................................... 15(B)-(C) 11

Canadian Chartered Bodies, Special Executive Committee, Members of

HONORARY OFFICERS, OTHER RETIRED Affiliations ................................................................................. 30 (A) 22

Active Members ...........................................................................5 (A) 3 Trustees, Local Union Board of ................................................. 36 28

Business Representatives ........................................................... 34 (B) 3 25 Coverage and Eligibility ............................................................ 28 (A) 21

SERVICE FEES PAYABLE BY LOCAL Power to Impose ..........................................................................9 (F) 1 6

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