Local #22 Bylaws

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_______________________________________________
 
BYLAWS
 
of
 
BAKERY, CONFECTIONERY, TOBACCO WORKERS
AND GRAIN MILLERS INTERNATIONAL UNION
 
LOCAL NO. 22
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
______________________________________________________________________________
Revised February 9, 2011
 
Table of Contents
 
Organization……………………………………………………………………………………   Page 3
Preface…………………………………………………………………………………………...             4
Preamble…………………………………………………………………………………………          5
Article I Name…………………………………………………………………………………..           6
Article II Governance………………………………………………………………………….            6
Article III Local Union Officers, Titles, Duties and Terms of Office ………………….            9
Article IV Nominations, Elections and Installation of Officers…………………………           16
Article V Delegates to Conventions and Conferences ………………………………….           20
Article VI Shop Stewards and Grievance Handling ……………………………………..             21
ARTICLE VII Membership, Dues and Initiation Fees……………………………………..           23
ARTICLE VIII Meetings ……………………………………………………………………….            26
ARTICLE IX Standing Committees, Negotiating Committees, Hearing Procedure…          27
ARTICLE X Bylaw Amendments and Relation to the International Constitution……          28
ARTICLE XI Local Union Property …………………………………………………………..         29 
Article XII Union Trustees to the Minnesota Bakers’ Union Pension Trust Fund…..          30
Article XIII Official Local Union Publication ………………………………………………           30
 
 
 
 
 
ORGANIZATION
   
The lot of the organized worker is insecure as long as there are unorganized workers. Decent wages and good working conditions can be more readily secured when all workers are members of the union – and the union can speak and bargain for all.
    
The standard of living of the workers in our industries can be raised rapidly only through the medium of organization and collective bargaining.
 
Mindful of this situation, the union has undertaken a crusade to gather all workers who are not now members within our fields. This can be achieved only through the cooperation of every union member. All union members must consider themselves as  organizers. Each worker must, in his or her own way, con­tact non‑union members, point out to them the advantage of trade unions, impress upon them the need for collective bargain­ing and direct the non‑union workers to our local union for help and guidance.
 
Let us all cooperate in this drive. If we all pool our resources, we must win. We cannot afford to lose.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PREFACE
 
TO ALL MEMBERS OF BCTGM LOCAL 22:
Your Local has duly enacted these Bylaws in order to give you a clear understanding of the Rules and Regulations essential for its functioning.
 
We urge you to read and to thoroughly understand these Bylaws so that the cooperative endeavor of the membership will result in the maintenance and further strengthening of our organization.
The Membership should not look upon the penalties defined herein as restrictions upon honest endeavor, but as a protection of the many against a few. Let our motto be "Fair Dealings to One Another in Our Union."
 
Order is the result of discipline, and discipline is most effective when it arises out of understanding and agreement. To accomplish this aim, all members are strongly urged to study the Bylaws contained here so that Union meetings will be effective and orderly.


 
It is hoped that these Bylaws will give you a clear knowl­edge of the whole orderly, democratic procedure, to inspire you with a desire to shoulder courageously your share of the respon­sibility for more effective self‑government and to foster and deepen a respect for democracy – rule of the people by them­selves.
 
It is the policy of this Local Union to treat all members equally in the Union and to represent all members equally when dealing with those outside the Union. No member, therefore, will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age or national origin. All references to one gender in these Bylaws shall refer to both genders.
 
 
 
 
PREAMBLE
We, the workers engaged in the baking, confectionery, tobacco, grain milling and kindred industries, in order to preserve and maintain our integrity as individuals, union members and employees; to make a more perfect Union; to improve our conditions, protect and serve our interests and welfare, and procure a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work; to safeguard the rights of each and every member; and to establish and administer collective bargaining with employers, do enact these Bylaws.
Being an affiliate of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, and subject to the Constitution of said organization, we hereby also adopt the following articles as being the Bylaws under which we shall govern our local union, its members and its activities.
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
BYLAWS
of
 BAKERY, CONFECTIONERY AND TOBACCO WORKERS AND GRAIN MILLERS INTERNATIONAL UNION
 LOCAL NO. 22
 
ARTICLE I
Name
This organization shall be known as Local No.22,  Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) and environs,
 
ARTICLE II
Governance
A.   The governing bodies of this Union shall be:
          1.   Executive Board
          2.   General Membership Meeting
B.   Executive Board
1.   Composition ‑ The Executive Board is the governing body of the local union between membership meetings and shall consist of the elected officers as provided in Article III, A, together with one representative from each of the following units: LFHI Mitchell Road, Pan-o-Gold St Cloud, Sara Lee Roseville, Sara Lee LaCrosse, Loft House, Baldingers, Dakota Growers, Happy Potato Chips, Old Dutch, Pearson’s Candy, Rye Krisp. Two representatives will be elected from the Retail sector. Should a new unit be organized with 30 or more members, that unit will be entitled to elect at least one additional representative to the Executive Board.
2. Principal Officer ‑ The President is the principal officer of the local union and is in charge of the day‑to‑day activities of the Local Union subject to the supervision of the Executive Board and the policies adopted by the membership meetings. The President shall preside over meetings of the Executive Board and be responsible for maintaining and supervising the local union office and officers and employees of the local union as well as other duties as listed in Article III B 2 of these bylaws and by the International Union Constitution.         
3. Function ‑ The Executive Board shall function as the governing body of the local union between General Membership Meetings. They shall be empowered to transact all the business of the local union subject to approval of the membership. The Executive Board shall give a report to the member­ship at each General Membership meeting on actions they have taken in the period since the previous meeting, and submit them for approval.
4.   Meetings – the Executive Board shall meet once each month at a date and time designated by the Executive Board. 
a.    Fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Executive Board present shall constitute a quorum.
b.    Failure of Executive Board members to attend two consecutive, regularly scheduled monthly meetings, unless properly excused, shall be just cause to declare the office vacant at the meeting immediately following.
5. Order of Business for Executive Board Meetings:
a.    Call Meeting to order
b.    Roll call of Officers and members
c.    Reading of Minutes of previous meeting
d.    Communication and bills
e.    Reports of Officers, Committees and Delegates
f.     Unfinished Business
g.    New Business- Good and welfare of local union
h.    Adjournment


C.   General Membership Meetings
1.   The membership shall have the final say on all actions taken by the Executive Board.
2.   Meetings ‑ Membership Meetings shall be held monthly at a time and place set by the Executive Board. 
           3.   Order of Business at membership meetings shall include:
               a.   Call meeting to order;
               b.   Pledge allegiance to the flag;             
    c.   Roll call of officers;
              d.   Read minutes of previous meeting;
e.   Read communications and review bills
f.   Read monthly membership, financial, trustees' and other reports to the       International Union;;      
               g.   Executive Board report and recommendations for membership approval;


               h.   Reports of officers, committees and delegates;
               i.   initiate new members;
               j.   Complete unfinished business;
               k.   New business;
               l.   Good and welfare of the Local and International Union;
               m. Adjourn meeting.
4. Nominations for office, election of officers and installation of officers are included in agenda when applicable.
D.  Parliamentary Rules ‑ All questions of parliamentary procedure at meetings of the local union not resolved by these Bylaws and the Constitution of the International Union shall be decided by Roberts' Rules of Order, Revised. Ignorance of the by-laws or rules of procedure will not be an excuse for their violation.
E.  Presiding officer- The President of the local union shall preside over meetings of the Executive Board and the General Membership and shall supervise the conduct of meetings with the assistance of the other officers. The Vice President will preside in the absence of the President.    
ARTICLE III
Local Union Officers, Titles, Duties and Terms of Office of Officers and Executive Board Members
A.   Titles ‑ The elected officers of Local No. 22 who also serve on the Executive Board shall be the following:
President
Vice President
Financial/Recording Secretary-Treasurer
Additional officers who shall not sit on the Executive Board shall be:
Trustees (3)
Sergeant-at-Arms
B.   Duties- The duties of the officers shall be-
1. The President, Vice President and Financial/Recording Secretary-Treasurer will be full-time business representatives of the local union in addition to the duties of the offices they hold. In that capacity, they will perform the duties defined by the principal officer.  The President, with the approval of the membership, shall create such staff positions as are necessary to ensure the efficient functioning of the local union.


2.   President ‑ The President shall preside at all meetings of the Local union, preserve order and enforce its rules. The presiding officer shall decide all Parliamentary questions and usage, appoint or cause to be elected required committees and see that the International Constitution and these Local Union Bylaws are maintained and observed. The presiding officer shall have the deciding vote whenever the vote of the local shall be equally divided on any question. The President shall be a delegate to the International Convention as well as all conventions and councils in which the local union participates.
The President shall, together with the Financial Secre­tary‑Treasurer, sign all checks of the Local Union.         


3.   Financial/Recording Secretary‑Treasurer – The Financial/Recording Secretary-Treasurer shall be a delegate to the International Convention.
a. In the capacity of Financial Secretary‑Treasurer, the officeholder shall
1)    receive and keep a correct account of all money income of the Local Union;
2)    keep a correct account of all receipts and disbursements of the funds of the Local Union and all other funds in which the Local Union participates;
3)    be the custodian of the seal of the Union;
4)    together with the President, sign all checks of the Local Union;
5)    maintain a record of each member's dues in a manner to permit rendering a clear record thereon at meetings whenever called upon to do so;
6)    maintain a current and correct list of members’ names and addresses for mailing and other purposes. The use of Local 22 mailing list shall be for labor-connected purposes only, and must be approved by the membership and the Executive Board.
7)    receive all money collected at Local Union meetings and give the President a written receipt at the close of the meeting;
8)    deduct the amount due in per capita payment to the Interna­tional Union from dues collections and shall make a prompt remit­tance of the amount of such per capita payment to the Interna­tional Secretary‑Treasurer;
9)    after the last meeting of each month, submit to the International Secretary‑Treasurer a complete report of all receipts and expenses of the Local Union and of all funds in which the Local Union participates and a record of membership in the Local Union on blanks supplied or approved by the International Office, keeping a copy of said report in the files of the Local Union;
10)give notice of delinquency in writing to delinquent members or post suitable notices of delinquency at their places of employment at least twenty‑four (24) hours before they may be expelled for delinquency in dues or assessments, pursuant to Article XIX, Section 6(c) of the International Con­stitution;
11)make a report of the names of expelled members to the International Secretary- Treasurer;
12)keep a correct account of all receipts and disbursements of strike costs, a report of which shall be made by him to the International Office at least every two (2) weeks during the strike period;
13)have the responsibility of having an inde­pendent, competent accountant engaged, at least annually, for an audit of the books and records of the Local Union;
14)remit all monies due to the International union. 
15)pay out no monies other than those above stated unless ordered to by the Executive Board and local union membership. 
16)be responsible, jointly with the Trustees, for the proper custody of all bonds and other securities and shall arrange for facilities whereby such bonds or securities may be released from custody for sale, exchange or audit purposes only through orders signed by himself, the President and the Recording and Corre­sponding Secretary and bearing the seal of the Local Union. 
17)at no time keep more than fifty ($50) cash of the Local funds in his possession unless otherwise directed by the Local Union and not expressly disapproved by the Internation­al Secretary‑Treasurer; all monies in excess of that sum shall be deposited to the credit and in the name of the Local Union in a bank designated for that purpose by the Union. 
18)perform all other duties prescribed by these Bylaws and the International Consti­tution for Financial Secretaries and Treasurers.
     b. In the capacity of recording secretary, the officeholder shall
1)    keep correct minutes of all Local meetings which he shall read in the beginning of each meeting;
2)    keep a correct list of all standing and special committees, with notes of their functions and when they are to report;
3)    keep all letters, dispatches and documents in his possession and read them when so ordered by the President;
4)    keep the roll of officers, and read their names when ordered by the President and mark the absentees;
5)    send reports of general interest to the official publication to be published; and receive all communications and dispose of the same. 
6)    immediately after the election of officers, forward to the International Secretary‑Treasurer the names and addresses of all elected officers. 
7)    perform all other duties as prescribed by the International Constitution.
4. Vice President ‑ The Vice President shall assist the President in the discharge of his office, fill his place in his absence, including presiding as acting chairman at meetings of the Executive Board, and shall have such other duties as are customarily incidental to his office. The Vice President shall be a delegate to the International Convention.


5. Trustees –The Trustees of the Local Union shall arrange for proper banking facilities and audit the books and accounts of the Local financial officers at least once every three months covering quarterly periods designated by the General Executive Board of the International Union, for which purpose they shall obtain proper bank statements. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall serve as the Chair of the Trustees.
a.    The Trustees shall provide to the International Secretary‑Treasurer, as well as the financial officers of the Local Union, re­ports showing the financial condition for each period, at times prescribed by the International Secretary‑Treasurer on forms supplied or approved for that purpose, which reports shall be submitted and read at the Local Union Executive Board meeting. 
b.    If the union engages the services of public accountants, copies of their reports must be furnished by the trustees to the International Secretary‑Treasurer, and either the report(s) or a summary of the report(s) shall be submitted to the Local membership. 
c.    The Chair of the Trustees shall be responsible to the Local Union and the International Union for the proper functioning of the Trustees in each case. The names and addresses of the Trustees must be furnished to the International Office.


6.   Sergeant‑at‑Arms ‑ The Sergeant‑at‑Arms shall assist the President in keeping order and shall permit no one to enter Local meetings except members and such persons as may be granted permission by the Union.  
C.   Fidelity Bond ‑ Every officer, employee or agent of the Local Union who in any way handles money of the Local Union shall, at the Local's expense, furnish a fidelity bond in such amount and from such company as is required by Federal law, and as is approved by the General Executive Board of the International Union. Applications for such bond shall be made through the International Secretary‑Treasurer.
D.   Term of Office – with the exception in section 1 below, the term of office for all elected officers and members of the Executive Board shall be for a period of three years. Elections shall take place in January of the election year on a date specified by the Executive Board at least thirty (30) days in advance.
1. The term of office of those officers elected under the 2004-2005 period of trusteeship by the International Union shall commence upon election and terminate on the first Monday in February, 2008 upon completion of elections held that month.
  1. The elected officers and Executive Board members shall take office on the first Monday in February following their election to office and shall continue therein until their successors have been elected and installed.
  2. Regardless of when they are elected, the initial term of representatives of newly organized units shall terminate at the same time as that of then current unit representatives to the Executive Board and will thereafter also be three years.
E. Vacancies-
  1. Should an officer or Executive Board position become vacant within thirty (30) days of the election, the candidate receiving the next highest number of votes in the election for that position shall fill the vacancy. Should there be no other candidate, the position shall be filled by the Executive Board with approval of the affected membership.
  2. Should the office of President, Vice President or Financial/Recording Secretary-Treasurer become vacant after more than 30 days have passed since the election, but with more than one year remaining in the officer’s term, the position shall be filled by nomination and election by the membership within sixty (60) days following the procedures outlined in Article IV. 
  3. Should the office of President, Vice President or Financial/Recording Secretary-Treasurer become vacant with less than one year remaining in the term, the office shall be filled by appointment by the Executive Board with the approval of the membership, provided the candidate meets the qualifications set forth in Article IV.
  4. Should the office of Trustee or Sergeant-at-arms become vacant more than thirty days following the election, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Executive Board with the approval of the membership.
  5. Should any of the Unit Executive Board Positions (Retail, LFHI Mitchell Road, Pan-o-Gold St Cloud, Sara Lee Roseville, Sara Lee LaCrosse, Loft House, Baldingers, Dakota Growers, Happy Potato Chips, Old Dutch, Pearson’s Candy, Rye Krisp) become vacant more than thirty days following the election, the vacancy shall be filled from the respective unit by appointment by the Executive Board with the approval of the affected membership.
F. Compensation – Officers working full time as union representatives shall receive such salaries and expenses as are set forth in these bylaws. Changes in compensation shall be through amendment of the By-Laws following the procedure in Article X after a recommendation has been made by a majority of the Executive Board.  Compensation for unelected union staff shall be determined annually by the Executive Board upon recommendation of the President and Financial/Recording Secretary-Treasurer, subject to approval by a majority vote of the membership at a General Membership Meeting.
1.   OFFICERS’ SALARIES:
 
a.    Beginning January 1,2006, the yearly base salaries of the officers shown in Article III Section F subsection 1d, may be increased each January (by a majority vote of the membership) by the average percentage amount increase received by local union members in contracts negotiated by all the officers in the previous calendar year.
b.    The President, Financial/Recording Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President shall each receive weekly expenses of $115.00.
c.    A newly elected Officer will start at $50.00 less per week the first year, $25.00 less per week the second year, and $12.50 less per week the third year.  If re-elected to a new term he/she will receive in the fourth year the full rate listed in Section D below. The newly elected officer will also receive the same expenses and any increases as the other continuing Officers.
d.    The President, Financial/Recording Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President shall receive the following base weekly salaries as of January 22, 2006:
 
Yearly             New                1-2yr               3-4yr               4yr+
·         President                         $52,327.08    $956.29          $981.29          $993.79          $1,006.29
·         Vice-President                $50,509.16    $921.33          $946.33          $958.83          $971.33
·         Financial Sec-Treas.     $50,723.40    $925.45          $950.45          $962.95          $975.45
 
 
e.    Officers must take all their vacation before the end of each year. Any officer who is not re-elected or resigns will have such vacation due prorated from January 1 of that year to the end of their term as an officer.
f.     Vacation entitlement for above named Officers shall be at the level of the shop from which they last worked. In the event that shop is no longer under contract, vacation entitlement shall be based on the “Retail contract”.
 
2. OFFICERS’ PENSION - The Union will pay contributions for all elected full time officers into the Minnesota Bakers Union Pension Fund at $2.95 per hour.
 
3. OFFICERS’ HEALTH BENEFITS - The union will pay contributions for all elected full time the officers into the Twin Cities Bakery Workers Health & Welfare Fund.
 
4. Officers on official local union business shall receive the current IRS mileage rate for out of town travel to Duluth, St. Cloud, MN and LaCrosse, WI. and any new Bargaining Unit Groups in excess of 50 miles one way from the Union office.
 
5. Executive Board members shall receive $35.00 per meeting per month for expenses for each meeting of the Executive Board attended.
 
            6. Trustees will receive quarterly compensation of $35.00.
 
            7. Executive Board members from St. Cloud, Duluth Retail, and La Crosse WI. shall be reimbursed for mileage only, not lost wages, for attending Executive Board meetings. All mileage reimbursement will be calculated from the nearest point of the member’s shop or their home address to the meeting place and back.
Article IV
Nominations, Elections and Installation of Officers and Executive Board Members
A.   Eligibility to Vote and/or Hold Office ‑ Only members who are in good standing will be eligible to vote. Only union members employed in the same unit as the unit representative are allowed to vote for that representative. In order to hold office in the local union, including a position on the Executive Board, a member must possess the following qualifications:
  1. Candidates must be dues-paying members, continuously in good standing, of the International Union and local union for at least two (2) continuous years next prior to election, and
  2. must have worked for at least two (2) continuous years prior to election in any branch of the trade under the jurisdiction of the International Union except for periods of lay-off not to exceed twelve (12) continuous months or as a full-time officer of the International Union or a local union, provided that no member readmitted to membership after holding a retiring card and ceasing to pay dues within the prior two years shall be eligible to run for local union office. 
  3. Union officers and Executive Board members must continue to meet the requirement of good standing as a condition for remaining in office after being elected; failure to do so shall immediately terminate the term of office and the local union shall arrange for the selection of a successor as per Article III, Section E. 
  4. Members who are more than two (2) months in arrears with their dues are not members in good standing and shall not be allowed to vote or hold office. 
  5. Any member who retires, or is employed in an industry not covered by a contract with Local 22 (other than serving as a full time officer) automatically relinquishes his/her eligibility for union office, including officer, Executive Board member and/or delegate to any convention or conference wherein the local union participates with the exception of delegates to labor central bodies.
  6. Candidates for Unit Executive Board members (Retail, LFHI Mitchell Road, Pan-o-Gold St Cloud, Sara Lee Roseville, Sara Lee LaCrosse, Loft House, Baldingers, Dakota Growers, Happy Potato Chips, Old Dutch, Pearson’s Candy, Rye Krisp) must have been employed in the unit at the time of the elections and for sixty (60) days prior to the election to be eligible to represent that unit. Should a unit representative no longer be employed in the unit, the representative’s seat is automatically vacated.
B.   Election Board ‑ Three (3) members of the Election Board shall be elected by the membership prior to the nominating meeting.  Members of the Board shall not be an officer of the local or candidate for local union office. The Election Board shall have exclusive custody of the Post Office box receiving returned mail ballots, and of the ballots themselves. The Election Board shall be responsible for counting the ballots and they shall make an official report of the election to the meeting at which the officers are installed. Candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected to office.  
C.   Nominations ‑ Nominations of Local Union officers shall take place at a General Membership Meeting called specifically for that purpose. Such meeting shall be held in the month of November prior to the month of the election on a date determined by the Executive Board. Nominations for the position of unit representatives shall take place at unit meetings called in the geographic area near the unit specifically for that purpose within two weeks before or after the nominating meeting for officers. The Financial/Recording Secretary or his/her designee shall have the records of all members available at the nominating meetings.
  1. The President of the local shall notify all members of the Local Union at least one month in advance of the date of nominations by posting a notice in the shop(s), and through a notice in the official Publication of the local union, the Dough Twisters News.
  2. Any qualified member may accept nomination for one office only. 
  3. All prospective nominees must be nominated and seconded by union members in good standing at the nominating meeting. For unit representatives, the members making and seconding nominations must be from the same unit as the representative.  A member must be present when nominations are open in order to be nominated for an office and, if nominated, make known his or her acceptance immediately when called on or the nomination will not be accepted; provided, however, that any member seeking nomination that cannot be present and is nominated and seconded may submit in writing an excuse to the Executive Board, and indicate the member’s desire to be a candidate and the office desired.
  4. Candidates having no opposition shall be declared elected.
  5. All candidates nominated shall draw for position on the ballot. The members nominated shall have their names placed on the ballot opposite the office for which they are a candidate.
  6. Candidates withdrawing after accepting the nomination but prior to printing shall not have their name placed on the ballot.
  7. Posting of Nominations ‑ The names of all members nominated for office who qualify and accept shall be posted in all shops and the Local Union headquarters, on a sample of the official ballot, prior to the election.
  8. No write-in candidates will be allowed.
 
D.   Procedure for Election of Officers and Executive Board members ‑ The election for Local Union officers shall be held January of the election year on a date determined at least thirty days in advance by the Executive Board. 
  1. Notices of the election, set­ting forth the date, time and polling method and procedure by which the election is to be held shall be sent to all members directly to their last known home address at least fifteen (15) days prior to the election, and shall be included in a notice in the official publication (The Dough Twisters News) and be posted in each union shop. 
  2. Such notices shall also include the offices to be filled, and which elected office holders shall by reason of their office(s), be delegates to International Conventions and other conventions or conferences. If an officer is also to be a delegate to the International Convention, the ballot shall reflect that immediately following the title of the office.
  3. Ballots for election of Officers, Executive Board members for the Local Union and Delegates to the International Convention shall be mailed to members in good standing at their last known address. Ballots are to be printed with the names of candidates for every office and marked as to how many shall be elected for each office. Instructions included with the ballots will clearly indicate the procedure for returning the ballot, the procedure for keeping the returned ballot secret and the deadline for returning the ballot.
  4. All candidates shall have the right, once within 30 days prior to the election, to inspect a list containing the names and last known addresses of all members of the Local Union. 
  5. Candidates for election may insert up to 100 words in support of his or her candidacy in an edition of the Official Publication (The Dough Twisters News) received immediately prior to mailing of ballots or along with the ballots.
  6. Each candidate shall have the right to have one observer at the counting of the ballots. The observer may not interfere in any way with the counting of the ballots. On conclusion of the count, the ballot box with ballots inside will be sealed and all ballots and other records pertaining to the election will be kept for a mini­mum of one year from the date of election.
  7. All protests concerning the election of Local Union officers shall be conducted as stated in Article XVI of the International Constitution.      


 E.   Oath of Office ‑ Upon being installed, each Local Officer shall take the following oath:
                 I, (giving name), do solemnly swear that I will to the best of my ability perform the duties of my office faithfully and honorably on behalf of the membership. And that I will always conduct myself in this office according to the strictest requirements and standards of conscience and integrity, and the provisions and spirit of the Constitution of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Interna­tional Union and the Bylaws of my Local Union and that I will carefully preserve and guard all Union property that may be left in my charge and that upon the expiration of my term of office, I will turn over such property to my duly elected and installed successor.
Article V
Delegates to Conventions and Conferences
A. Delegates to the International Convention (in addition to the elected full time officers) shall be elected by secret ballot vote of the membership in the election immediately prior to the convention. The qualifications for International Union Convention Delegates will be the same as those for local union officers and as provided in Article III Section 5 of the International Union Constitution. All delegates to the International Convention must be elected by the membership following the same procedures as used for officers’ elections in Article IV of the By-laws.
B. Full time elected officers will automatically be delegates to all other conventions or conferences. Additional delegates to all other conventions and conferences shall be elected by the Executive Board.
  1. In the event there are working conferences or other conventions called by the BCTGM, its affiliates or other Labor organizations, officers and members who are actually working in or have responsibility for the specific area which is the subject of the conference or convention will be selected by the Executive Board
  2. The Executive Board shall determine the number of delegates to attend such conferences and/or conventions.
C. All duly elected delegates to out-of-town conferences or conventions shall receive a daily expenses allowance in accordance with the current IRS “High-Low Method”, plus reasonable hotel and transportation expenses.
 
Article VI
Shop Stewards and Grievance Handling
A.   Shop Steward Elections ‑ Shop stewards will be elected from the unit to be represented, by the members of that unit. Notice of nominations and elections shall be posted in the unit at least one week in advance. Nominations and elections may be held on the same day.


B.   Eligibility ‑ In order to hold office as a shop steward, a member must possess the same qualifications as required to be an officer of the local union.
 
C. Stewards shall be elected for the term of the contract. Stewards will be elected from their respective Units. Notice of nominations and election of Stewards shall be posted at least one week in advance. Nominations and elections may be held on the same day. Officers may appoint temporary shop stewards, with the approval of the Executive Board.
 
D. One steward may be elected to represent a plant or shop. Where there is more than one shift or department, the Executive Board shall determine the additional number of stewards necessary to conduct the work of the local union.
  1. Shops with more than 100 members may elect a Chief Steward/Shop Chairperson whose responsibilities will include coordinating the efforts of all stewards in the plant or shop and serving as principal liaison to the local union officers.
  2. A Chairperson from a unit in LaCrosse and St. Cloud will be paid $50.00 per month and be given necessary supplies to perform duties as assigned by the President of the Local Union. 
E. Shop stewards elected to represent a specific shift shall resign as steward should they change shifts. This provision will not apply in the case of shifts changed for vacation or temporary relief work.
F.  A steward should attend a majority of the scheduled monthly meetings, unless a reasonable excuse is submitted. Stewards must perform the duties of a shop steward as defined by the local union Executive Board. Failure to perform such duties shall subject the steward to removal by the Executive Board.
G. The duties of a steward include the following:
  1. Assist union representative in enforcing the terms of the union contract.
  2. Settling grievances,
  3. Give applications to all new employees within three (3) weeks of employment.
  4. Report to local union officers as soon as possible all grievances and contract violations which are not settled.
  5. Stewards shall be required to fill out and submit to the local Union monthly steward reports and any other reports requested by the Local Union.
 
H. If a grievance is resolved satisfactorily a letter must be sent to the grievant stating what was agreed upon.
I. Grievances not settled by the steward must be written and referred to the local union Officers. The Officers shall use their best judgment to settle the grievance. A grievance that cannot be settled by local union Officers shall be referred to the Executive Board, which shall have the authority to bring the grievance to arbitration.
J. If a grievance cannot be resolved due to lack of cooperation by the grievant, or if the officers decide not to proceed, a certified letter must be sent, notifying the member(s) of their appeal rights.
K. Members who feel that they did not secure the best possible resolution of their grievance have the right to appeal to the local union Executive Board at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
1.    If the member appears before the Executive Board, and the Executive Board rejects their appeal, a letter will be sent to their last known address notifying the member of the decision of the Executive Board.
2.    All appeals shall be limited to thirty (30) minutes unless the Executive Board approves an extension of time.
L. Shop Stewards shall be compensated on a quarterly basis in an amount equal to their paid dues for each month in which a report was filed. Payments shall be based on full calendar months of service as a steward or chairperson.
ARTICLE VII
Membership, Dues and Initiation Fees


A.   Any wage earner employed in an industry covered by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union and residing within the jurisdiction of this Local union shall be eligible for membership under the provisions of the Constitution of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union.  Bakery owners may not participate in the official business of the union.
B.   New members are requested to take the oath of membership described in the Constitution of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union which reads as follows:
I, (giving name), solemnly promise to maintain the Constitution of the International Union and the Bylaws of this or any other Local Union with which I may become affiliated as they are now constituted or may later be changed;
I promise to maintain the dignity of this organization and to further its objectives;
I furthermore promise that I will not join or render aid or comfort to any organization hostile to the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union;
I also promise that I will, whenever possible, purchase Union Label goods and patronize only those establishments that display Union cards and Union service buttons.
           C. Applications for membership – All applications for membership must be in writing using the form provided by the International union. Initiation and dues shall be collected by dues check off. The Local union will waive the initiation fees of employees of a newly organized plant and for new employees hired in the first thirty (30) days after the plant is organized.
D. Initiation fees shall be determined according to the wage scale in the Union contract using the following formulas:
  1. Wage scale starting at less than $9.00 per hour shall have an initiation fee of $120.
  2. Wage scale starting at $9.01 and up per hour shall have an initiation fee of $160.
  3. Initiation fees can only be changed using the procedure for dues outlined in Article VII Section E 1.
  4. The local union’s portion of the initiation fee may be waived for members of other unions which recognize (when deposited) withdrawal cards issued by BCTGM L.22 and waive their initiation fees. However, the International Union’s portion of the fees will be remitted by the local, whether or not the local chooses to collect the same.
 
E.  Dues for members will be as follows:
·         For those members whose wages are $9.00 or less, dues shall be $28 per month;
·         For those members whose wages are $9.01 or more, dues shall be $30 per month
all  payable on the first day of the month following thirty (30) calendar days of employment and every first day of the month thereafter
  1. Except for those increase provided for under the International Constitution, Article XVI, Section 4, dues for Local 22 can only be changed by a majority vote of the membership at a General Membership meeting after receiving advance notice. Notice of a meeting to change the dues must be posted in individual shops and in the official publication at least two weeks prior to the General Membership meeting. The vote to change the dues shall be by secret ballot.
  2. Members sick or unemployed shall have the option of paying half dues based on the rate paid when last working, or taking a withdrawal card. Withdrawal cards will only be issued to members who have fully paid their initiation fees and whose dues are paid through the current month.
  3. Members in arrears of dues for two months shall be sent a reminder notice by the Financial/Recording Secretary-Treasurer. Members in arrears for more than two (2) months shall be considered not in good standing and shall have the rights and privileges of membership suspended. Members six (6) months or more in arrears of dues shall be subject to expulsion for non-payment of dues. Members expelled may only be readmitted by payment of a new initiation fee and reinstatement fee in accordance with the International Constitution.   
  4. Full-Time Officers will pay their own dues set at the highest rate.
F. Withdrawal Cards: Issuance of Withdrawal Cards shall be the same as provided in the International Constitution, Article XX, Retiring Cards.
  1. Members who no longer work (for any reason) must apply for a withdrawal card to avoid paying a new initiation and reinstatement fee upon return to work in a BCTGM represented facility.
  2. Failure to secure a withdrawal card will subject the member to expulsion from the union after six (6) months. In order to secure a withdrawal card a member’s dues must be paid up to and including the current month in which application is made for the card. Members will pay the issuance fee as provided in Article XX Section 3 of the International Constitution.
  3. The holder of a withdrawal card will not be permitted to participate in local union meetings.
  4. No holder of a withdrawal card may accept employment within the jurisdiction of this International union, unless he or she returns the withdrawal card to the Local union.
  5. Failure to return a withdrawal card within two (2) weeks after returning to work shall subject the holder to revocation and voiding of his/her card. The member will then have to pay a new initiation fee and reinstatement fee in order to resume active membership.
  6. Members retiring under a pension plan or Social Security who have had ten (10) years or more of membership, or disabled members drawing Social Security at any age shall be issued retiring cards at no cost if requested by the members.
G.   It shall be the duty of every member when they change their address to report the same to the local Financial Secretary‑Treasurer. Members who fail to notify the Financial/Recording Secretary-Treasurer within one week shall not be exempt from the application of any rules because of the failure to receive proper written notice.     
ARTICLE VIII
Meetings
A. Executive Board meetings shall be held as prescribed in Article II Section B. General Membership meetings shall be held as prescribed in Article II Section C. Unit meetings shall be held as needed. Special meetings for contract preparation, negotiations and contract ratification may be called as needed by the President.
  1. Members of a specific shop or plant may petition the Board to convene a meeting for their specific location. There must be at least sixty percent (60%) of the membership of a Unit signing the petition before a meeting is scheduled.
  2. Notice for all meetings, unless otherwise indicated in these bylaws, shall be by posted notice in union facilities or notice in the official publication, The Dough Twisters’ News.
  3. Members must present membership cards or valid photo ID upon request to the Sergeant-of-Arms in order to attend Local union meetings.
B. Members shall always conduct themselves in an orderly manner in meetings and abide by the instructions of the presiding officer.
C. Members attending meetings under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be barred from entering or expelled from the meeting.
D. Contract proposals can only be submitted at a shop meeting specifically called for that purpose. Contract proposals must be adopted by a majority in attendance at the meeting.
 
ARTICLE IX
Standing Committees, Negotiating Committees and Hearing Procedure
A.   There shall be the following standing committees of the local union:
1.    Committee on By-Laws
2.    Social Activities
3.    Label Promotion and Legislation
B. Each standing committee shall consist of six (6) members, except the By-Laws Committee which shall have thirteen (13) members.
C. Each standing committee shall elect a secretary. A majority of members must be present to establish a quorum. The chair of each committee shall be as follows:
a.    Bylaws- President of the Local Union
b.    Social Activities- Financial/Recording Secretary-Treasurer
c.    Label Promotion and Legislation- Vice President
D. Negotiating Committees- There may be up to five members from a bargaining unit on a Negotiating Committee. The Negotiating Committee shall be elected by the members of the represented unit whose contract is to be negotiated.
1.    The specific number of members serving on the Negotiating Committee up to five will be determined by the members in good standing at the time of the first proposal meeting using the following formula:
a.    0-100 members in good standing, up to 3 on the committee
b.    101 and over in good standing up to 5 on the committee
 
2.    Members serving on the Negotiating Committees may be compensated at their straight time hourly rate for actual time lost up to a maximum of 40 hours time lost per week
E. Hearings - All questions of violations of these Bylaws and the International Constitution by local union members and officers shall be decided by the same procedure as outlined in Article XXII of the International Constitution.
1.    Exhaustion of Remedies ‑ Every member, officer or Local Union against whom disciplinary action has been taken shall be obliged to exhaust all remedies provided for in these Bylaws and by the International Constitution before resorting to any other court or tribunal. Failure to do so will subject the member, officer or affiliate to expulsion or revocation of char­ter and to liability for all legal, court and similar expenses resulting from such failure.


ARTICLE X
Bylaw Amendments and Relation to the International Constitution
A. These Bylaws and Amendments thereto become effective on adoption after the second reading by a majority of the membership of the Local Union who vote thereon.
1)    The time and place of that meeting and the subject of By-Laws amendments shall be posted at least a week in advance in all union shops and plants.
2)    Written copies of the proposed changes in the bylaws will be available on request at least one week prior to the meeting to review them. 
3)    Should there be any conflict between these Bylaws and the Constitution of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, the Constitution of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union will pre­vail.
4)    Except for the International Constitution and the Local Bylaws there shall be no other governing rules for this local union.


B. International Constitution ‑ The Local Union acknowl­edges that the Constitution of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union supersedes any provisions of these Bylaws herewith or hereinafter adopted which may be incon­sistent with such Constitution. The Local Union hereby re‑adopts, as its Constitution, such International Constitution, and incorporates herein by reference, as though fully set forth herein, all such provisions of such Constitution, as it may be interpreted, modified, or amended from time to time, which are applicable to Local Union matters and affairs, and shall perform all the duties imposed upon a Local Union by such Constitution.


C. Neither this Local Union, nor any of its officers, business representatives or employees, has the power to make any contract or agreement nor to incur any liability which shall be binding upon the International Union or any of its affiliates other than this Local Union unless the written consent of the governing body or executive officer thereof has first been obtained authorizing such action. Neither this Local Union nor any of its officers, representatives or employees has been authorized or empowered to act as an agent of the International or any of its affiliated bodies and shall not be deemed an agent for any such body unless expressly authorized in writing by the governing body or execu­tive officer of such body to act in that capacity.
 
ARTICLE XI
Local Union Property
A. All records created by Local officers, staff or stewards while conducting Union business are the property of the Union and are to be kept under direct Local Union control.
B. If the Local Union dissolves, secedes or has its charter revoked, the disposition of the property of such local union shall be in accordance with Article XVI, Section 8 of the Inter­national Constitution.
 
Article XII
Union Trustees to the Minnesota Bakers’ Union Pension Trust Fund
A. The union trustee positions on the Minnesota Bakers’ Pension Trust Fund (the “Pension Fund”) shall be held by the full-time elected officers.
B. One trustee and one alternate trustee may be appointed by the Local Union Executive Board, subject to the approval of the membership. Should the position of Trustee appointed by the Executive Board become vacant, the Alternate trustee will fill the vacancy. Should the position of Alternate trustee become vacant, the Executive Board  will appoint a replacement, subject to approval by the membership.
C. Union trustees and the alternate trustee on the Pension Fund will serve without compensation.
D. Should a union trustee retire or other wise terminate his or her employment with the union or in a local 22-represented facility, his or her term as a trustee will end at the next meeting of the Pension Fund trustees and his/her successor (or in the case of the Board appointed trustee the alternate trustee) will take his or her position as trustee at that meeting.
Article XIII
Official Local Union Publication
A. The Dough Twisters’ News is published as needed but not less than three (3) times per year and is recognized as the official publication of BCTGM Local 22.
1.    The “Dough Twister News” shall be sent to retired members upon request. The cost will be borne by the Local Union.
2.    The Local union  policy on harassment and any other operating policies adopted by the membership shall be made available to members through an annual publication in the Dough Twister,  as well as in New Member Classes or Regular Membership Meetings
 
 
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