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CONSTITUTION 2005 American
Postal Workers
Union, AFL-CIODetroit District Area Local Upon
approval of this Constitution, the changes herein shall go into effect the
month in which approved unless otherwise specified herein. PREAMBLE We,
the Postal and Support Service Workers of America, in order to form
a more perfect union establish this constitution. We,
who come from the diverse crafts, believe that in unity there is strength. We
believe that all Postal Workers and all members of Labor have the right to
economic, political and social justice. That
all men and women have the inherent right to expect to have decent
shelter, food and clothing. That
they and their children have the right to the best of education. The investment of the Worker’s lifeblood in giving service
gives him and her that right. We
further believe that all men and women are created equal with the right to
determine their own destiny and we believe that all postal and Support
Service Workers have the right, regardless of race,
color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, handicap,
political affiliation, age, or religion to hold their heads high and to
have respect for themselves as individuals. We
believe, therefore, that in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence
and the U.S. Constitution, all men and women are free and have the right
to come together to promote the common cause of all. We
believe, therefore, that in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence
and the U.S. Constitution, all men and women are free and have the right
to come together to promote the common cause of all. We
believe also that all members have basic rights within our union and shall
be secure in those rights. In
order to give life to the Preamble of this Constitution, itself, the
Member’s Bill of Rights has been established. MEMBER’S
BILL OF RIGHTS 1.Every member has the right to be respected as a human being.2.Every member has the right to be respected as a Brother or Sister of this union. 3.Every
member has the right to freedom of speech and the right to be heard. 4.Every
member has the right to the freedom to listen. 5.Every
member has the right to freedom of the press. 6.Every
member has the right to participate in the activities of this union. seek
any office or the right to vote in this Union because of race, color,
creed, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, handicap, political
affiliation, age, or religion. 8.Every
member has the right to support the candidate of his/her choice and to
participate in that right with others. 9.Every
member has the right to a fair trial, to be represented by an individual
of his/her choice and to proper appeal procedures. 10.Every member has the right to be secure in his/her basic rights without fear of political, economic, physical or psychological intimidation. ARTICLE
I Name Section
1.The
name of this organization shall be the American Postal Workers Union -
Detroit District Area Local, AFL-CIO. ARTICLE
II Objectives Section
1.It
shall be the objective of the APWU-Detroit District Area Local to secure
through collective bargaining and legislative effort a better standard of
living for the members of the APWU and their families. Section
2.The
APWU - Detroit District Area Local affirms its belief in a single union of
all Postal and Support Service workers in non-supervisory levels.
The APWU will make every efforts to bring into being a single union
of all postal and Support Service workers by merger with other
postal unions, and initiating intensive all-out organizing campaigns
reflecting the APWU - Detroit District Area Local’s philosophy. Section
3.The
APWU-Detroit District Area Local will vigorously oppose any labor union
outside the Postal and Support Service from moving into the postal or
support service field. Section
4.The
APWU-Detroit District Area Local will continue to organize the
unorganized. Section
5.The
APWU-Detroit District Area Local will continue to unite within ONE
organization regardless of sex, sexual orientation, religion, race, age,
creed, color, handicap, political affiliation or nationality, all
employees under the jurisdiction of the APWU. Section
6.Our
major objectives will be: To educate our membership in the history of the
Labor Movement: To develop and maintain an intelligent and dignified
membership. To support the election of candidates who favor the passage of
improved legislation in the interest of all Labor: To work for the repeal
of laws which are unjust to Labor and to the Postal and Support Service
workers such as, the denial of the “Right to Strike” and the denial of
the “Right to actively work for Political Candidates of their choice”.
To educate all members in the area of economic, political and
social justice. Section
7.The
APWU-Detroit District Area Local will continue to engage in legislative,
political education, civic welfare, and other activities which further
directly or indirectly the joint interest of the membership of this union
in the improvement of general economic and social conditions. Section
8.The
APWU-Detroit District Area Local will work as an autonomous local,
affiliated with the American Postal Workers Union, AFL0CIO and the
Michigan Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, together with other unions for the
solidification of the entire Labor Movement.
The Detroit District Area Local’s Executive Board may provide
assistance, financial, or otherwise to Labor and other organizations in
the United States and other parts of the world having the purposes and
objectives similar or related to those sought by this organization. Section
9.The
APWU-Detroit District Area Local is established as an industrial union,
including in its membership Postal Workers and Support Service Workers
of all Crafts and job titles who were classified as supervisors or
managers. Section
10.All
Postal crafts will be established on a departmental basis within the
structure of the APWU-Detroit District Area Local.
Each craft department shall be headed by its own Director and other
necessary officers who shall come from that craft and shall be elected by
members of that craft only. Support
Services shall be represented by its
own Facility Director who will represent all job classifications in
their respective Facility. Section 11. It is recommended that any and all
Representatives (Stewards and Officers) of the Detroit District Are Local
are not to enter into an agreement or settlements with any post office
Management official that is outside of their respective Craft without
consultation of the President of the Local. ARTICLE
III Membership
Section
1.Any
non-supervisory employee regardless of level or grade within the
jurisdictional claim of the Detroit District Area Local is eligible for
membership. Those accepted for membership shall pay whatever dues are
required by this Organization. Section
2. No
person eligible under the above provisions shall be denied membership,
because of sex, sexual orientation, race, age, creed, color, handicap,
political affiliation, nationality or religion. Section
3.HONORARY
MEMBERSHIP - Any person may be accepted as an honorary member of this
Local after recommendation is made by the Board and is voted on by the
membership at the next General Membership Meeting.
No honorary member shall be eligible to hold Local Office or be
elected as a delegate to a convention or have the right to vote. Section
4.RETENTION
OF MEMBERSHIP - Members of this Local who have resigned from the Postal
Service or who may have been promoted to positions exercising supervisory
authority may maintain their membership without voice or vote by paying
full union dues required by this Organization. Members of this local who retire from the Postal
Service may maintain full membership with all rights of such membership be
continuing to pay full dues to the local within thirty (30) days of the
effective date of their retirement. The cost to retain such retiree
membership shall be the cost of full dues unless the retiree has been a
full dues paying member of this local for at least ten years prior to
their retirement. If the
retiree meets this requirement, their dues to retain full local and
National membership with all privileges shall be 50% less than full dues. Failure to do so will prohibit them from acquiring full
membership, unless they are re-employed by the USPS in an area within the
jurisdiction of the APWU. All retirees who desire to become members of the APWU
Retirees Department, shall pay twenty-four ($24.00) dollars per capita tax
per year to the National Union. Section
5.Federal
classified employees may be accepted as associate members for Health Plan
participation only. They
shall pay $35.00 per annum for this privilege. Section
6.All members of the APWU-Detroit District Area Local shall be in
their respective craft division. Section
7.New
members of the APWU-Detroit District Area Local shall not be charged an
initiation fee for joining. Section
8.All
members will be considered members in good standing upon signing Form 1187
or paying dues in full for one year in advance.
Members who pay their yearly dues 12 months in advance at the
beginning of the year, shall receive a 10% discount. Section
9.The
Detroit District Area Local reserves the right to deny membership to any
person who holds office or organizes for another Postal Union. Section
10.REINSTATEMENT
- Any cash paying member removed from the rolls for not paying dues shall
be required to pay all back dues to make him/her current plus six
(6) months in advance BEFORE reinstatement. Section
11.Any
member removed under Article XV of the National Constitution shall only be
reinstated by a referendum vote of the entire membership of the APWU-Detroit
District Area Local, and the member shall pay the cost of the mail
referendum vote. Section
12.Any
member who enters a non-pay status, where Union dues are not deducted,
will not be required to pay those delinquent dues, except if through a
settlement or award, the member is made whole, the member will be liable
for back payment of dues. ARTICLE
IV Jurisdiction Section
1.The
National Postal Union - Detroit Branch, the United Federation of Post
Office and General Services Maintenance Employees - Local No. 30, National
Federation of Post Office Motor Vehicle Employees - Local No. 55, and the
National Association of Special Delivery Messengers have combined to form
the APWU-Detroit District Area Local.
The Detroit District Area Local claims jurisdiction over Postal or
other Mailhandling and equipment handling/repairing Operations,
including but not limited to sorting machines (first, second, third class,
parcel post sack, etc.): all areas and levels of postal, private
and federal maintenance, RCI/Serco,
motor vehicle service and maintenance, all transport and special
delivery of mail and all postal technicians: and all technical advancement
in the area of mail processing. Section
2.The
APWU-Detroit District Area Local also claims jurisdiction in all areas of
personnel accounting technicians, timekeeping, computer technicians, any
operations that transmit messages by electronic or other means, mailbag
depositories and supply centers; and all non-supervisory levels and grades
of Postal Service which are directly or indirectly involved in
mailhandling processes within the 480-481, 482 and 483 areas. ARTICLE
V Meetings
Section
1.Membership
meetings are to be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the second Sunday
of each month, with the exception of July, August, and December.
If there is no quorum by 1:15 p.m., the meeting is automatically
adjourned. Section
2.A
quorum for all meetings shall consist of twenty-five (25) members. Section
3.If
any holiday falls on the second Sunday of the month,
or the prior Friday or Saturday or Monday, the meeting will
be moved to the first Sunday of the month. Section
4.The
meeting date of any specific meeting may be changed by a majority of the
members present and voting at a previous meeting. Section
5.Special
meetings of this Local shall be called by the President at the
President’s discretion or upon written request of thirty-five (35)
members in good standing. Duly
authorized special meetings must be announced at least five (5) days
(excluding Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays) prior to the date of each
meeting (Special) to be held. The
announcement must state the reasons and the objective for calling the
special meeting. The
President will have the option to place the petition as first order of
business at a regular membership meeting if the petition is received
within two weeks prior to a regularly scheduled membership meeting. Section
6.Emergency
meetings as determined by the President or a majority of the Executive
Board can be called immediately. If
time does not permit posting, representatives are to be called and given a
list of people to call specifying meeting time and place.
Postings, announcements, and PA Systems, or whatever means
available to make sure that as many members as possible are notified of
the specific meeting time and place. Section
7.Only
members will be permitted to participate in any meeting.
Non-members and visitors must be cleared with the Chair before
being seated. The President
will introduce all non-members and guests. ARTICLE
VI Representation Section
1.Representation
of all APWU National conventions, and the Detroit Metropolitan AFL-CIO
Conventions, and all state conventions shall be determined in the
following manner: A.Automatic delegates as specified in Article I of
the By-Laws of this Organization: and B.Elected delegates as determined by the Executive
Board, in accordance with the formula specified in Article 1 of the
By-Laws. C.Each Craft shall be entitled to at least one
Delegate. Section
2.Representation
to any National, regional or district conferences, seminars or other union
functions shall be the President and the appropriate officers and/or
representatives as determined by the President to be necessary. ARTICLE
VII General
Officers Effective
January 1, 2006 Section
1. PRESIDENT A.
The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Local Union and
shall exercise supervision
over the affairs of the Local Union. B.
It shall be the duty of the President to: (1)
Preside over all Steward, Officer, Staff, Executive Board, and
Membership Meetings of this Local: (2)
Appoint all regular and full-time stewards, and alternate stewards,
and all chief stewards in January of each year to serve a one year term. (3)
Appoint all committees not herein provided for, in January of each
year to serve a one year term: and; (4)
Sign all official
documents of the Local. C.
The President shall call a meeting of the Executive Board whenever he/she
deems it advisable, but not less than monthly.
He/she shall fix the time, place and agenda and preside over such
meetings. D.The
President shall fill all vacancies, but if the vacancy is in the craft
departments, the affected Craft Director’s recommendations shall be
considered (that consideration is defined as amended, rejected, approved,
or substituted) before vacancy is filled.
In the event of a vacancy of a craft director position, the
affected craft council recommendations shall be considered before the
vacancy is filled. In the
event of a temporary absence of the President, Executive Vice-President or
Secretary Treasurer, the President shall authorize lost time as necessary
to part time officer(s) to fill the vacancy. E.
The President shall be authorized to perform Public Relations on behalf of
the Detroit District Area Local and to have the necessary assistance as
needed. F.
The President is responsible for enforcement of this constitution and all
written policy statements of the Local.
He/she is responsible for all work of the union; and all officers,
stewards , and committee members shall work under his/her supervision.
The President is vested with the authority to assign duties and
responsibilities beyond those itemized in this constitution to any
officer, as may be necessary
to achieve the objectives of this constitution and Local.
In the event that any officer fails for any reason to adequately
discharge his/her duties as outlined in the Constitution, By-Laws or
Policy Statements of this Local, the President shall have the authority to
assign those duties and responsibilities to another officer, steward or
committee member as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of this
constitution and the goals of this Local.
In any such event, the Executive Board shall meet and fully
discuss all options prior to a decision being made to reassign an officers
duties. G.The
President is specifically authorized between meetings of the Executive
Board or General Membership meetings to direct the expenditure of funds as
may be necessary to carry out the objectives of this constitution and for
such other activities designed to promote the welfare or effectuate the
purpose of this Local; except that unless authorized by the Yearly Budget
as approved by the membership, a single expenditure of $1,500 or more
will require prior approval of at least one of the other full time
officers...a single expenditure of $2,500 or more will require prior
approval of the Executive Board...a single expenditure of $5,000.00 or
more shall require prior approval of the membership at the membership
meetings before payment. All expenditures, bills, vouchers, shall be approved and
signed by the President and shall be paid by the Secretary-Treasurer by
check, cosigned by the President and Secretary Treasurer. The President shall have the power to invest the surplus
funds of the Local, subject to applicable laws and regulations, and the
approval of the Executive Board. Advances
of funds will be authorized by the President, in writing, prior to
advancing the funds. H.
Subject to an appeal to the Executive Board, the President shall interpret
this constitution and the policies of the Local and decide all questions
arising thereunder. He/she
shall regulate and/or make final decision on any controversy, dispute or
grievance between officers, stewards, or members for which this
constitution does not provide a specific remedy. I.
The President during January of each year shall publish a written report,
detailing the progress made toward achieving of the objectives and goals
of this Local during the
previous year and detailing the general condition of this Local.
The President shall also outline his/her plan and goals for the
following year. J.
The President shall be the Official Editor of all Publications of the
Detroit District Area Local, and all Bulletins, Newsletters, and
Announcements on Union stationery. K.
The President shall be paid a salary equivalent to 1.55 of a PS L4vel 6,
Step 0, to be paid in Bi-weekly installments.
The President shall receive such other benefits as listed in
Article XVII of this Constitution. Effective
January 1, 2006 Section 2.EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT A.
The Executive Vice President shall perform the duties of the President or
the Secretary-Treasurer in the event of their absence or inability to
attend to their office. The
President or the Executive Vice President shall, if necessary, direct the
Craft Officers to perform their necessary duties. B.
The Executive Vice President shall be authorized to sign checks in the
absence of the President or Secretary Treasurer. C. The Executive Vice President shall be responsible for servicing the suburban work areas represented by this Local. He/she shall visit each facility no less than one every month or as deemed necessary. He/she may direct any officer or steward of this Local to assist in carrying out this mandate, after approval of the President. D.
The Executive Vice President shall be responsible for monitoring all
committee work and shall coordinate the Education Committee’s
activities. He/she shall
initiate training for stewards and officers on the Grievance Procedure,
Labor History, and other related areas. E.
All Committee Chairpersons shall make written reports to the Executive
Vice President monthly and hold bi-monthly planning meetings to coordinate
activities. The Executive
Vice President shall make a written report to the President and Staff on
the progress of work assigned to him/her.
The Executive Vice President shall investigate any complaint
against Stewards, Officers, Committee Chairpersons, Committee Members, or
appointees, for failure to carry out responsibilities and/or assignments
in accordance with Article XVI, Section 2. F.
It shall be the duty of the Executive Vice President to render assistance
to the President as he/she may require and to perform any other work under
his/her direction as he/she may request. G.
The Executive Vice President shall under the direction of the President,
and with the assistance of the Special Assistant coordinate all joint
coordinate all joint labor management meetings (such as: Local
negotiations, safety, scheme, general labor-management meetings, etc.).
With the assistance of the Special Assistant, and other appropriate
officers and stewards, the Executive Vice President shall be
responsible for all Grievance Appeals and Arbitrations, including
preparing cases for arbitration and presenting locally certified cases;
Implementing Awards; and Notification.
(1) All written grievance appeals shall be channeled through
his/her office. (2) He/she shall be responsible for resolved
grievance being implemented, craft(s) being notified as well as the
arbitration process, including preparation of the case, contacting
witnesses, and locating documents citings, and preparing briefs. H.
The Executive Vice President shall receive a salary equivalent to 1.5 that
of a PS Level 5, step 0, to be paid in bi-weekly installments.
He/she shall receive other benefits as listed in Article XVII of
this Constitution. Effective
January 1, 2006 Effective
date for Hospital Plan duties January
1, 2007 Section 3. SECRETARY-TREASURER A.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep and/or maintain all of the records of
this organization. He/she
shall have an up-to-date record of the name, address, and telephone number
of each and every member of this organization separated by crafts and work
locations. Prior to
membership meetings, he/she will supply the Sergeant-At-Arms with an
up-to-date membership roster. He/she
shall maintain a training record and correspondence of each
steward/officer and appointee and shall insert such record into his/her
personnel file. B.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep a systematic set of books in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles.
He/she shall submit the books for inspection or audit without any
notice, to the President, Trustees, the Staff or Executive Board or any
accounting firm designated by the President. C.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall disburse all monies of this Local by check,
counter-signed by the President or other authorized officer. D.
No monies shall be disbursed by the Secretary-Treasurer for lost time
without a properly completed Local lost time voucher, with appropriate
completed and signed 3971's, if applicable.
The Secretary Treasurer will keep written record of all Officers
and Stewards’ time used for union business while claiming lost time. Further, he/she shall keep records, reports, and hours of all
Officers and Stewards office work and field activities. E.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible for scheduled meetings and
activities in the Union Office so as to avoid conflicts.
All Officers and committee chair persons shall submit a list of
their meeting times and places to the Secretary-Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer shall post a monthly schedule in the
Union Office of all meetings and events.
He/she shall manage the Union Office, including but not limited to
overseeing Office Personnel, and assuring the smooth operation of the
day-to-day business. Office hours shall be 9am to 5pm Monday through
Friday. The Office shall be
officially closed on all postal holidays.
Office personnel vacancies (secretarial) shall be filled by the
Secretary-Treasurer and the President. F. In the absence of the President and Executive Vice President, the Secretary-Treasurer shall perform the duties of the President. In the event of the death or resignation of the President, the Secretary-Treasurer shall call an Executive Board meeting in no less than ten (10) days for the purpose of electing a new president. A two-thirds vote of the Executive Board present and voting by secret ballot shall prevail in the selection of the new president. If there are more than two candidates running, and no selection is possible on the first vote, then the candidate having the least number of votes shall drop out. This process will continue until a new president has been selected. G.It
shall be the duty of the Secretary-Treasurer to render assistance to the
President as he/she may require and to perform other work under his/her
directions as he/she may request. The
Secretary-Treasurer shall make monthly written reports of finances by line
items to the President and Staff, and monthly financial reports to the
membership. The Union Office
will be closed for official business the week between Christmas and New
Years. H.
Records of this Local are to be kept at the Union Office. I.Beginning
in calendar year 2007, the Secretary-Treasurer must schedule at least a
one week annual leave vacation each year, giving a two week notice to the
President of the selected week. During
this one week vacation, the President shall appoint one Executive Board
Officer and the Trustees shall select one Trustee who shall retain access
to review all financial books, records, reports, payroll, files, and
documents in the office to secure efficient handling of the Local’s
finances. Any discrepancies shall be brought to the attention of the
President, Executive Board and Trustees. J.
The Secretary Treasurer shall service and render assistance to all members
of the APWU Health Plan. (1)
He/she shall keep a record of all members of this Local who are members of
the APWU Health Plan. (2)
He/she shall keep on hand a supply of hospital and drug claim forms, and
other hospital plan information which will be necessary to properly and
efficiently service all members. (3)
He/she shall establish contacts with hospitals and clinics within the
Detroit Metropolitan area;
and supply them with information concerning the APWU Health Plan and any
necessary forms. (4)
He/she shall establish a Health Plan Committee consisting of health plan
members with the Secretary Treasurer as Chairperson.
They shall be granted necessary lost time and expenses as approved
in advance, by the President.
K. In coordination with the Executive Vice President, the Secretary
Treasurer will develop a training program for Stewards and Officers
concerning the hospital plan of the American Postal Workers Union.
This training program will be included in the Steward Training
Seminars. L.In
January of each year, the Secretary Treasurer will submit to the Executive
Board, for approval, a list of goals which he/she intends to accomplish
during that year. In
addition, at least six weeks, prior to OPEN SEASON FOR THE HEALTH PLAN,
he/she shall submit to the Executive Board, for approval, his/her plan for
OPEN SEASON CAMPAIGN to sell the APWU Health Plan. M.
The Secretary Treasurer will publish an article if applicable, in local
publications, concerning the Health Plan.
He/she shall be responsible for publicizing all changes in the
Health Plan. N.
The salary of the Secretary-Treasurer shall be equivalent to 1.5 that of a
PS Level 5 step 0, to be paid in bi-weekly installments. He/she shall receive other benefits as listed in Article XVII
of this Constitution. Effective
date January
1, 2006 Section 4.RECORDING SECRETARY A.
The Recording Secretary shall keep a complete and permanent record of
official meetings of the organization, including regular and special
meetings of the Executive Board. These
records will contain all complete reports as submitted by the
Secretary-Treasurer, Trustees, and all committee reports.
These records will also include all written resolutions adopted by
this organization’s constitution. B.
The Recording Secretary shall prepare and keep up-to-date a master set of
the constitution of this organization and have it available for all
regular and special meetings of this organization.
An up-to-date copy shall be available for inspection at the union
office. C.
The Recording Secretary shall maintain records in a secure file in the
office of this Local. The
minute book shall be updated and maintained beginning January 1, 1991. He/she shall keep record of all leave used by full-time
Officers. This record shall
be a part of the financial record of the Local and available for
inspection or audit. He/she
shall immediately bring to the attention of the President and Executive
Board any discrepancies in any records. D.
He/she shall perform such secretarial duties as assigned to him/her by the
President. In the absence of
all senior officers, the Recording Secretary shall fill all vacant chairs
and proceed to conduct a meeting, if a quorum for such a meeting is
present. E.
The salary of the Recording Secretary shall be $1,600.00 per year (paid in
monthly installments), plus lost time as needed and authorized, in
advance, by the President. In
the event the officer fails to fulfill his/her responsibility under this
section and their job description, they shall be given reasonable advance
notice that payment of his/her salary for that month shall be forfeited,
pending appeal to the Staff for final disposition.
He/she shall also receive $50.00 for each general membership
meeting they attend, to be paid annually. ARTICLE
VII Department
and Administrative Offices Section 1. LEGISLATIVE
DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 A.
The Director of Legislation shall be charged with the responsibility of
developing the Legislative Program for the APWU-Detroit District Area
Local. He/she shall work
under the direction of the President as the Liaison Officer between this
Local and members of Congress, Michigan State Legislators, City and County
Governments in all areas represented by this Local.
He/she shall be Chairperson of the Legislative Committee. B.
The Director of Legislation will coordinate with the Executive Vice
President a training program for the Officers and Stewards involving
matters pertaining to Local, Regional and National Legislation.
This training program will be a part of the yearly Steward Training
Seminar. C.
In January of each year, the Director of Legislation will submit to the
Executive Board for approval, a list of goals he/she intends to accomplish
during the year. The
Legislative Department goals will relate to: (1)Local,
Regional and National Elections (2)Voter
Registration (3)Voting
in all elections (importance of
voting and getting out the vote) (4)National
and Local APWU elections (5)Letter
writing to all officials (Local and National) (6)Various
bills pending in the Michigan House and Senate (7)Bills
pending before the U. S. Congress
(8)Information on present laws, such as the Hatch Act, etc. (9)
Political Action Fund (10)Representing
the Local at Legislative Activities D.
The Director of Legislation will publish an article, when applicable, in
Local publications concerning legislative information. E.
The Director of Legislation shall make written reports periodically, but
not less than bi-monthly, to the President, Executive Vice President, and
the Executive Board. F.
It shall be the duty of the Director of Legislation to render assistance
to the President as he/she may require and to perform other work under
his/her direction as he/she may request. G.
He/she shall receive a salary of $1200.00 per year (paid in monthly
installments), plus necessary lost and expenses as approved, in advance by
the President. In the event
the Officer fails to fulfill his/her responsibility under this section and
their job description, they shall be given reasonable advance notice that
payment of his/her salary for that month shall be forfeited, pending
appeal to the Staff for final disposition.
He/she shall also receive $50.00 for each General Membership
meeting they attend, to be paid annually. Section 2. ORGANIZATION
DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 A.
The Director of Organization shall be responsible for the following: (1)
Maintaining and increasing the membership in this union and directing the
organization of the unorganized. (2Conducting
at least one organizational drive per year. (3)Developing
n ORGANIZATIONAL PACKET to
assist the Stewards, Officers, and Committees in their efforts to gain new
members. (4)
When notified in advance, the Director of Organization, shall be
required to attend new employee orientation, under the direction of the
President. (5)
The Director of Organization shall be charged with the responsibility of
developing an Organization Committee.
The Organization Committee shall consist of rank and file members
and/or stewards whose sole purpose is to organize the non-members in work
facilities represented by this Local. B
.In coordination with the Executive Vice President the Director of
Organization shall plan a training program for the Officers and Stewards
to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for organizing.
This training program will be part of the yearly Steward Training
Seminars. C.
In January of each year, the Director of Organization shall submit to the
Executive Board, for approval, a list of goals he/she intends to
accomplish during the year. D.
The Director of Organization will publish an article when applicable in
Local publications concerning organizational efforts. E.
The Director of Organization shall make written periodic reports but not
less than bi-monthly, to the President and Executive Vice President.
The reports shall include how many individuals sign up each month,
what offices they are assigned to, what crafts they are in, and how many
leave the union or who are dropped from the membership. F
.It shall be the duty of the Director of Organization to render assistance
to the President as he/she may require and to perform other work under
his/her direction as he/she may request. G.
The Director of Organization shall be compensated $5.00 for each
new member… regardless of who signs the member, which shall be paid
monthly. In addition, he/she
shall be compensated in accordance with Article II of the By-Laws per each
member he/she personally signs up. The
Director of Organization will be compensated for any necessary lost time
and expenses approved, in advance, by the President.
In the event the Officer fails to fulfill his/her responsibility
under this section and their job description, they will be given
reasonable advance notice that pending appeal to the Staff for final
disposition. He/she shall also receive $50.00 for each General Membership
meeting they attend, to be paid annually. Section 3. HUMAN
RELATIONS DIRECTOR EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 A.
The Director of Human Relations shall prepare and direct programs in the
area of equal opportunity civic programs, community service programs,
retirement programs and all other related programs.
He/she shall be chairperson of the Human Relations Committee.
The Committee shall place posters on all APWU bulletin boards
informing the membership of the purpose of the Human Relations Committee
and where the Committee members can be reached.
The Director of Human Relations shall be responsible for
assisting all members on OWCP (Office of Workers Compensation Programs)
and their individual claims, as well as educating members on proper
procedures and guidelines on the entire OWCP Program. B.In coordination with the Executive Vice President
the Director of Human Relations will plan a training program for Stewards,
involving Human Relations goals and functions.
This training program will be included in the yearly Steward
Training Seminars. C.In January of each year, the Director of Human
Relations will submit to the Executive Board, for approval, a list of
foals that relate to the needs of the general membership, outside of the
National Contract; such as: (1)Babysitting services (Child Care Centers, etc.) (2)Transportation Problems (3)Health Problems (4)Home Care and/or Problems (5)Youth Guidance (6)Financial Difficulties (7)Consumer Information (8)Nursing Services (hospital information, etc.) (9)Combatting Crime (10)Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (11)Family Problems (12)Community Services (13)E.E.O. Problems and/or Cases (14)Retirement Information (15)Veterans Assistance (16)Workers' Compensation (OWCP) D.The Director of Human Relations will publish am
article, if applicable, in local publications concerning Human Relations.
Periodic new bulletins will be published detailing Human Relations
activities. E.He/she shall make periodic written reports, but not
less than bi-monthly, to the President and Executive Vice President.
He/she shall recommend any services or programs that he/she
believes this Local should provide to members or their families. F.It shall be the duty of the Director of Human
Relations to render assistance to the President as he/she may require and
to perform other work under his/her direction as he/she may request. G.He/she shall receive a salary of $1,200.00 per year
(paid in monthly installments), plus necessary lost time and expenses, as
approved, in advance, by the President.
In the event the Officer fails to fulfill his/her responsibility
under this section and their job description, they will be given
reasonable advance notice that payment of his/her salary for that month
shall be forfeited, pending appeal to the Staff for final disposition. He/she shall also receive $50.00 for each general membership
meeting they attend, to be paid annually. SECTION 4. SPECIAL
ASSISTANT A.The Special Assistant shall be appointed by the
President. It shall be a
part-time position, limited to no more than 1,000 hours per year.
The Special Assistant shall work at the Post Office ether the day
before, or the day after all Postal Holidays. B.The duties of the Special Assistant shall include,
but not limited to, assisting all stewards and officers in preparing and
appealing all grievances, from step one (1) through arbitration, including
conducting grievance and arbitration hearings.
The Special Assistant shall assist the Executive Vice President and
Craft directors in setting up and conducting training whenever necessary.
The Special Assistant shall assist the President, and other
officers in setting up and conducting Labor Management meetings in all
offices represented by this Local. C.He/she shall be compensated by receiving lost
times, plus ten (10%) percent, not to exceed the restrictions listed
above, plus necessary mileage and expenses.
He/she shall receive $50.00 for each General Membership meeting
they attend, to be paid annually. SECTION 5.SERGEANT(S)-AT-ARMS (2) A.It shall be the duty of the Sergeant(s)-at-Arms to
preserve order at all union meetings
under the instruction
and directions of the President. B.Sergeant(s)-at-Arms shall inform the chair of all
non-members and guests attending the meeting before seating them. C.They shall assist the President in the distribution
of materials and the count of votes. D.They shall keep attendance records at all meetings
and shall have available all meetings and up-to-date list of all members
of the Local. Attendance
books shall be closed one hour after regular membership, and special
meetings convene. E.He/she shall receive $50.00 for each general
membership meeting they attend, to be paid annually. SECTION 6. BOARD
OF TRUSTEES (5) EFFECTIVE JANUARY
1, 2006 A.The Trustees shall have official custody over the
property of this Local, and shall keep an itemized log of same.
They are charged with the safekeeping of policies, deeds and other
documents. B.They shall audit the books of all financial
officers and committees semi-annually.
In addition, the Trustees are to make surprise audits and
inspection of the books of all financial officers and committees. They shall immediately report their findings to the President
and at the next general membership meeting for insertion in the minutes of
the meeting. C.The books of this Local shall be submitted to the
Board of Trustees for auditing every six months. A report of the same shall be submitted at the following
membership meeting. D.They shall investigate and examine all financial
transactions of gravity to include but not limited to vouchers, invoices,
LM2, IRS reports, etc. not less than monthly and report their findings and
recommendations immediately
to the President and the Staff, and make a report at the next general
membership meeting. (1)They shall also review the monthly bank statements
prepared by the designated Accounting Firm.
They should compare disbursements with the Disbursement Journal
(The trustees shall bring to the attention of the President, in writing,
for the proper resolution of all discrepancies noted.) E.They shall elect a Chairperson from their ranks. F.They shall be empowered with the authority to call
a meeting with the Executive Board on questions or problems of a critical
or urgent nature. This action
shall be unanimously agreed upon by all Trustees. G.There shall be five (5) Trustees, one elected
from the Maintenance Craft, one elected from the Motor Vehicle Craft, one
elected from the Mailhandler Craft and two elected from the Clerk Craft
(the Clerk Craft for the purposes of the Trustees shall also include all
members from Support Services) H.They shall receive $50.00 for each general
membership meeting they attend to be paid annually. SECTION 7. FACILITY
DIRECTOR EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 A.An installation with 100 or more employees to be
represented, shall be entitled to a Facility Director named for that
facility, excluding the George W. Young Facility.
All facility directors shall be members of the Executive Board, and
Staff. (1)If an installation drops below 100 employees
during a Facility Director/Director(s) term of office, the elected Officer
shall remain in his/her elected position until the end of their elected
term of office or they retire, resign or they are no longer employed by
the USPS or a Support Services employer. B.The Facility Director will make sure the
stewards at their respective facilities complete their training courses. C.He/she shall be responsible for planning periodical
mini-meetings, when necessary, for their facilities. D.The Facility Director shall jointly with the
affected Craft Director make recommendations to the President for stewards
and chief stewards at their respective facilities. E.The Facility Director shall survey all
stewards and chief stewards of all crafts at their respective facilities
for items for Labor Management meetings at their facilities.
He/she shall call a meeting of all stewards and chief stewards,
whenever necessary, after consulting with the President. F.Each Facility Director shall submit a
bi-monthly report to the Executive Vice President of all grievances
resolved at Step 1 and Step 2. The
Facility Director shall review and sign all grievances processed
through their facilities. except for those grievances involving Craft
Directors. They shall make
the final determination on grievances being processed to Step 2 for their
facilities. They shall then
channel all grievances through the Executive Vice President. G.It shall be the duty of the Facility Director
to publish a quarterly newsletter for their facility. They shall also submit an article for local publication when
applicable. H.If a situation arises where it becomes necessary to
seek guidance concerning any issue or any policy changes the Facility
Director shall consult with the President, the Executive Vice
President, and the affected Craft Director. I.It shall be the duty of the Facility Director
to render assistance to the President as he/she may require and to perform
other work under his/her direction as he/she may request. J.Each Facility Director shall be trained for
and perform Arbitration as needed. K.There shall be a 480 Director responsible for
serving all Members who work for the Southeastern Michigan District of the
Local (Royal Oak). The
position shall be appointed by the President from recommendations received
from the 480 members and officers of the local. 1)The 480 Director shall serve on the Executive Board
of the Detroit District Area Local. The
480 Director may be a dual position; however, if
the position is held by a current Officer, the Officer shall
receive only one salary. 2)If Membership drops below 100 employees in the
Southfield Post Office, and the position held by the Southfield Vice
President is lost due to the membership drop, the position of 480 Director
shall become an elected position beginning the first election cycle after
the Southfield Post Office drops below 100 employees.
All members in the 480
District shall be eligible to vote for the 480 Director. LFor any extended absence of a Facility Director, the President
shall appoint a steward from that facility to fill the vacancy. M.Salary of the Facility Director shall be $1,500.00
per year (paid in monthly installments).
The Facility Director shall
incur such other obligations and benefits as listed in Article XVII of
this Constitution.. In the
event the Officer fails to fulfill his/her responsibility under this
section and their job description, they will be given reasonable advance
notice that payment of his/her salary for that month shall be forfeited,
pending appeal to the Staff for final disposition.
He/she shall also receive $50.00 for each general membership
meeting they attend, to be paid annually. Section 8. ASSISTANT BMC FACILITY DIRECTOR He/she shall work under the direction of the BMC
Facility Director and shall perform the duties of the BMC Facility
Director in his/her absence. He/she
shall be appointed by the President. Section 9. ASSOCIATE
EDITOR EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 A.The Associate Editor shall be appointed by the
President. Under the
directions of the President, the Associate Editor shall be responsible for
managing and editing of all materials submitted by officers or members of
the APWU for publications in the Detroit Area Postal Worker. B.The Associate Editor shall be responsible for the
publication of the Detroit Area Postal Worker, at least once each quarter/
He/she shall determine the content and layout for the paper and
supervise the printing until completion. C.The Associate Editor shall maintain membership in
the APWU National Postal Press Association.
He/she shall attend the APWU National Postal Press Association's
Editors Conference, held bi-annually, for updated labor press information
and training. D.The Associate Editor shall receive a salary of
$600.00 per year (paid in monthly installments), plus necessary lost time,
and expenses as approved in advance by the President. He/she shall also receive $50.00 for each general membership
meeting they attend, to be paid annually. ARTICLE IX Craft Directors Section 1. CRAFT
DIRECTORS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 A.The Craft Director shall where feasible review and
sign all grievances processed through their respective craft.
They shall direct their respective craft stewards on the
preparation, and processing of grievances through the grievance procedure.
They shall then channel all grievances through the office of the
Executive Vice President. B.The Craft Director shall exercise supervisory power
over the Stewards, the Chief Stewards, and the Assistant Director of their
respective craft. Further,
the Craft Director shall have supervisory powers relating to their craft,
over the Facility Director. After
prior approval of the President for all lost time, the Craft Directors
shall be responsible for signing all pay vouchers relating to their
respective crafts to verify a stewards/members
proper rate of pay and authorized pay hours for Craft Council
Meetings and all training for their respective Crafts.
The Craft Director shall NOT be responsible for signing pay
vouchers for those members who are on Local Committees.
These Committees Members' vouchers shall be signed by the
President. C.Before making policy decisions affecting a large
number of craft employees, the Craft Director shall consult the President
or the Executive Vice President. Once
a policy or important decision is made, the Craft Director shall make a
written report to the President and the staff. D.The Craft Directors shall make recommendations to
the President, in writing, for filling of all vacancies within their
respective crafts; and in December of each year shall recommend to the
President, in writing stewards for their respective crafts.
The recommendation for full-time stewards and stewards representing
employees across craft lines shall be a joint recommendation of all
affected Craft Directors. E.The Craft Director shall call a meeting of the
Craft Council whenever he/she deems it necessary, but not less than
quarterly. The Craft Council
shall be made up of all Craft Officers, Full-time Stewards, Regular
Stewards, and Alternate Stewards. The
Craft Council will serve as an advisory body, alerting the union to the
problems of various work areas or employees; and recommending appropriate
corrective action. F.The Craft Directors are jointly charged with the
responsibility of visiting every work location represented by their
respective crafts bi-monthly, except as provided in Article VII, Section
2C. In order to fulfill this
mandate, they are to coordinate their field visits.
They may utilize their subordinate officers or stewards, after
approval of the President. Each
Craft Director shall make a monthly written report of field work to the
President and Staff. G.All Craft Directors shall be trained for and
perform Arbitration upon request. It
shall be the duty of the Craft Directors to render assistance to the
President as he/she may require and to perform other work under his/her
direction as may be required. H.In the absence of the Craft Directors of 30 days
or more, not to include vacation or special assignment, payment of his/her
salary during this absence shall be forfeited until their return to full
duty. I.The salaries of the Craft Directors shall be as
follows: (1) Clerk
Craft Director - $3,600.00 (2) Maintenance
Craft Director - $2,400.00 (3) MVS
Craft Director - $2,100.00 They shall receive such other benefits as listed in
Article XVII of this Constitution. In
the event the Officer fails to fulfill his/her responsibility under this
section and their job description, they will be given reasonable advance
notice that payment of his/her salary for that month shall be forfeited,
pending appeal to the Staff for final disposition.
He/she shall also receive $50.00 for each general membership
meeting they attend, to be paid annually. Section 2. ASSISTANT
CRAFT DIRECTORS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 A. The
Assistant Craft Directors shall work under the direction of their
respective Craft Directors and shall ender assistance to the Craft
Director as he/she may require. B. In
the absence of 30 days or more, the Assistant Craft Director shall assume
the duties of the Craft Director. C. The
Assistant Craft Directors shall be responsible for inspecting the bulletin
boards to insure that these bulletin boards are kept current. D. The
Assistant Craft Directors shall be responsible for all duties listed in
Article IX, Section 4 of this Constitution. E. The
salary of the Assistant Craft Directors shall be as follows: (1) Assistant
Director of the Clerk Craft - $1,800.00 (2) Assistant
Director of the Maintenance Craft - $1,200.00 (3) Assistant
Director of the MVS Craft - $1,050.00 They shall receive lost time and expenses as
necessary when approved in advance, by the President. When replacing the Craft Director, the Assistant Craft
Director shall receive the salary of the Craft Director only until the
Craft Director returns to full duty not to include vacation or special
assignment. In the event
the Officer fails to fulfill his/her responsibility under this section and
their job description, they will be given reasonable advance notice that
payment of his/her salary for that month shall be forfeited, pending
appeal to the Staff for final disposition.
He/she shall also receive $50.00 for each general membership
meeting they attend, to be paid annually. Section 3.STEWARDS (Full-time, Chief and Alternate) EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 A.Stewards shall be appointed, as needed by the
President, upon recommendations of the Craft Directors, and Facility Vice
Presidents. All new
appointees will serve a ninety (90) day probationary period, and shall
then be evaluated, in writing, by the Craft Directors, and Facility Vice
Presidents. Based on the
recommendations of the Craft Directors and the Facility Vice Presidents,
the President shall make a decision on whether to certify the steward to
finish his/her stewardship for that year. 1.FULL TIME STEWARD-Those stewards, who through a
Labor Management agreement, work eight hours per day on union business at
the Postal Service's expense. 2. CHIEF
STEWARD-Lead steward on any given tour, and at any Facility. 3. ALTERNATE
STEWARD-Those stewards who are utilized on an as needed basis. B. The
duties and responsibilities of stewards include: 1.
Take Union's position on the workroom floor and support Local
officers: 2. Attend
all necessary training sessions: 3. Attend
all regular membership meetings, unless properly excused: 4. Attend
all union activities and functions, unless properly excused: 5.
Support COPA (Committee on Political Action): 6. Attend
all Steward/Officer meetings, unless properly excused: 7. Process
grievances: 8. Keep
him/herself informed and their union informed of union functions and
activities: 9. Keep
bulletin boards current: 10. Inspect their unit daily to insure a safe work
environment: 11. Identify non-members and make every reasonable
effort to sign them up: 12. Other duties as instructed by the President: 13. Cooperate with the various committees and
departments in their projects, such as but not limited to: (a) Letter-writing
campaigns for Legislation and VIP programs, (b) Informing
the Human Relations Committee of people on extended Sick Leave, (c) POWER
Committee, (d) Entertainment
Committee's affairs - Picnic and Dances; and (e) Education
Committee. 14. Be
present on-the-floor as much as possible - good attendance and appearance
are a MUST if Stewards are to do their job on the workroom floor. He/she shall also receive $50.00 for each General
Membership meeting they attend, to be paid annually. Section 4. ARCHIVIST
(Records Coordinator) A.The Records Coordinator shall be appointed in
January of each year by the President to serve a one-year term. B.The following are the duties and responsibilities
of the Records Coordinator. The
Records Coordinator shall: (1)Prepare inactive records for transfer to Storage
Room or transfer to Archives, according to Retention and Disposal
Schedule. (2)Prepare inventories of all material in storage or
Archives. (3)Retrieve records from storage or Archives. (4)Maintain up-to-date collection of APWU, USPS
Manuals, Publications, etc. C.Other related duties shall include: (1)Prepare chronology of Detroit Area Local, (2)Research on files, and (3)Assist in revising file system. D.The Records Coordinator shall be compensated by
receiving the necessary expenses and lost time. He/she shall also receive $50.00 for each General Membership
meeting they attend, to be paid annually. ARTICLE X Nominations and Elections of Officers and Delegates Section 1At the regular membership meeting in October of every
third year, beginning in 1985, the nomination of officers will be held.
(The term of the officers of this Local shall be for a period of
three (3) years. Section 2.Delegates to any Central Labor Body which the APWU-Detroit
District Area Local may become affiliated with shall be in accordance with
the By Laws, Article 1. Section 3.Delegates to the APWU National Convention shall be
nominated and elected. Nominations
will take place at the General Membership Meeting six (6) months prior to
the National Convention. The
election will take place in conjunction with the General Membership
Meeting five (5) months prior to the National Convention. Section 4.A.All members of this Local shall be eligible to
hold office. B.All members are eligible to represent this Local at
any National, State or Local convention provided they have fulfilled
attendance requirements. All
nominated members must have attended at least five (5) membership meetings
within the twelve months prior to nominations, except in the year when
there is an election being conducted at the State convention, there will
be no meeting requirements to attend the State Convention. C.Any member called into the Armed Forces or is on
official Postal Service business or Union business (authorized by the
President) and collecting per diem shall be automatically excused from any
meeting occurring during his/her service. D.Any Retired National, Regional, or Local Officer
who pays full dues to the Detroit District Area Local shall be, upon
request, an automatic delegate without compensation, except those elected
under this Article. E.Any member requesting to be a delegate shall be
certified by the President, providing they have met the requirements in
Article X, without compensation from the Local. Section 5.No member who hold office or organizes for another
Postal Union shall be an officer or delegate of the Detroit District Area
Local. Section 6.In accordance with Article 2(b,c) of the National
Constitution, an postal
employee eligible to be a member of the American Postal Workers Union who
voluntarily holds a managerial, supervisory or
EAS position with responsibility for issuing or recommending
discipline, or applying or interpreting the National Agreement for the
equivalent of one (1) pay period in a year shall be ineligible to hold
office any level of the APWU or to be a delegate to any convention held by
the APWU or any subordinate body of the APWU, so long as the employee
continues to serve in such position and for a period of one (1) year from
the time the employee vacates such position. Any postal employee who has submitted an application
to a managerial, supervisor, or EAS position with responsibility for
issuing or recommending discipline or for applying or interpreting the
National Agreement shall withdraw such application prior to acceptance of
nomination for any office in the APWU. Any postal employee who shall voluntarily, after
August 31, 1984, holds, accepts or applies for any managerial or
supervisory position, EAS position or the PASS Program, for any period of
time, whether one (1) day or a fraction thereof, either detailed, acting,
probationary or permanently, shall immediately vacate any office held by
that member in the national, local, area local, district council, state or
regional organization, any department of the APWU, the Postal Press
Association, or any subordinate body of the APWU which receives financial
support or uses the name of the American Postal Workers Union. Section 7.Cut off date for new members to vote in the officers
election shall be the August 31st immediately prior to nominations. Section 8.In the month preceding the month in which the
nominations takes place, the Executive Board shall select an outside
ballot association that will conduct the election under the supervision of
the Election Committee. The
Executive Board shall appoint an Election Committee of not more than five
(5) members. No candidate in
any election shall be a member of the Election Committee having
supervision over such election. The
Election Committee shall have a supervisory role over the outside ballot
association for enforcement of the following rules. A.It shall be the duty of the Outside Ballot
Association to procure all required printed envelopes of a proper size and
design in sufficient number to cover the eligible membership.
These envelopes to be addressed, so that one (1) of each can be
mailed to each member in good standing. B.The Outside Ballot Association shall rent suitable
Post Office boxes. C.Any unopposed candidate duly qualified for the
office after nominations for that office have been closed shall be
declared elected and his/her name shall NOT appear on the ballot.
The Outside Ballot Association shall cast a unanimous ballot for
the unopposed candidates and the Outside Ballot Association shall certify
and sign the results of the unanimous ballot.
The election results shall be posted in the union office and in
every unit. D.When
the polls have been closed, the Chairperson of the Outside Ballot
Association and not less than two (2) members of the Outside Ballot
Association shall pen the Post Office Lock Box containing the election
results, then the entire Outside Ballot Association will assemble for the
purpose of tabulating the votes cast in said election. E.The Outside Ballot Association is hereby instructed
to accept and tally any part of a legal ballot which was correctly voted
and to reject the part or whole of a ballot which is incorrectly voted. F.When the votes have been tabulated, the Chairperson
of the Outside Ballot Association shall prepare a written report of the
results. The report shall
also include the total number of legal ballots cast in said election for
delivery to the Recording Secretary for insertion in the minutes. Section 9.Recording Secretaries Responsibilities: Following the meetings at which nominations were
made, it shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to publish a bulletin containing the names of all nominees
for offices s they will appear on the official printed ballot. This bulletin shall be mailed to each unit of the APWU-Detroit
District Area Local for posting on their respective bulletin boards. Section 10.Secretary-Treasurer's Responsibilities: It shall be the duty of the Secretary-Treasurer to
inform the Outside Ballot Association to delete from the official printed
ballot the name(s) of any candidate(s) who may be deceased or promoted to
supervisor positions or otherwise disqualified from serving as Officer(s)
or Delegate(s) from this union to a National Convention. B.The Secretary-Treasurer shall supply the Outside
Ballot Association with a
mailing list of all members eligible to vote as of August 31 of the
election year. Section 11A.Within 72 hours after the meeting in which
nominations take place for an officers election, a certified letter will
be sent to all nominees with notification of their nomination. B.All nominees must submit a letter of acceptance to the Outside Ballot Association
within seven (7) days of the date the notification was mailed.
Failure to do so will automatically remove the name from
nominations. No candidate
shall stand for election for more than one office. The Outside Ballot Association will order the printing of a
sufficient number of official ballots to cover the enrolled membership of
this union. These printed
ballots, after inspection by the Outside Ballot Association shall be
promptly prepared for mailing. In
placing an order for an official election ballot, the Outside Ballot
Association shall be guided by the following rules. C.As soon after receipt of the nominees acceptance to
the Outside Ballot Association, or after the nominees name has been
automatically removed from the nominations, but not later than 30 days
after such receipt, an official ballot will be mailed to every member in
good standing as defined in Article III Section 8.
A ballot shall be accompanied by a printed copy of the voting
instructions contained in Section 20 of this Article and two (2)
envelopes. A small envelope,
without any writing, or other means of identification upon it
and a large envelope shall be stamped and printed upon it for the
purpose of identification of the words:
Ballot of _____________________ (Voter's name and address must be
filled in), and shall be addressed to:
OUTSIDE BALLOT ASSOCIATION, DETROIT DISTRICT AREA LOCAL, APWU,
AFL-CIO: c/o Box ________ (suitable box number,
city, state and zip).. The
word "BALLOT" shall be printed in bold letters in the lower
left-hand corner. No other
matter shall be enclosed, except the printed instructions, ballots,
proposed amendments to the constitution. Section 12.All ballots shall be headed in bold faced type
"OFFICIAL BALLOT, AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION, DETROIT DISTRICT
AREA LOCAL, AFL-CIO, Election of officers:
DELEGATES " AS THE CASE MAY BE, INCLUDING THE DATE ON WHICH
BALLOTING WILL BE CONCLUDED. IN
THE CASE OF ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO A NATIONAL CONVENTION, THE NAME OF
THE "CONVENTION CITY" shall be included in such heading. Section 13.Immediately below such heading shall be printed in
8-point type the complete text of Section 20 of this Article for guidance
of the member casting said
ballot. Section 14.Any candidate in any election shall have the right
to submit his commonly known name to the Outside Ballot Association in
writing, as he desires it to appear on the ballot and it shall so appear. The names of all candidates shall be arranged on the
ballot in one column. If an
incumbent is running, his/her name shall be listed on the ballot first,
with such notation indicating
they are incumbent. All other
names shall be listed in alphabetical order and so indicated on the ballot
in the following sequence:
PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY-TREASURER, RECORDING
SECRETARY, DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATION, DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZATION, DIRECTOR OF
HEALTH PLAN, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RELATIONS, and SERGEANT-AT-ARMS (2). Section 16.All other officers will be elected by their
respective crafts, except for the Facility Vice Presidents, who shall be
elected from all craft members working at their respective Facilities. The
delegate(s) for the SCF 480 Installations shall be elected by all craft
members working at those Installations.
The delegate(s) from the SCF 481 Installations shall be elected
from all craft members from those Installations. Section 17.Propositions and amendments to this Constitution
which shall be ordered by vote of the membership shall appear by
"YES" or "NO". Section 18.Directly above the nominees for each office or
delegate shall appear in parentheses the following language: "VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN.." indicating the number of
officers or delegates to be elected under each title in said election. Section 19.Different color coded ballots shall be mailed to
each craft member containing the names of candidates for general offices. Section 20.VOTING The member voting shall indicate his/her choice for
each of the officer's names by making a cross (X), place, check (
) or fill in dot ( )
if electronic ballots are used opposite the name of the candidate for
whom he/she wishes to vote. On
propositions or amendments, the member voting shall indicate his/her
choice by making a cross (X), place, check (
) or fill in dot ( )
if electronic balloting/voting is used in either "Yes" or
"No" box to the left of the proposition or amendment.
The voter shall then seal his/her ballot in the small envelope,
without writing , or other means of identification upon it, and enclose
this envelope in the larger one and complete his/her name and address in
the upper left hand corner, under the heading "Ballot of
_______________" in the designated box not later than 15 days after
the date of mailing of ballot. Section 21.At 9:00am of the 16th day, the polls shall be
declared closed. In the event
that day is a Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday, time will be extended until
the next weekday. Section 22.A recount must be made in the event of a tie in the
election of any office. In
the event a special election is needed that election shall be held in
accordance with Section 11C of this Article. Section 23.A plurality of legal votes cast in any election
shall be sufficient for election as an officer and/or delegates to a
National Convention. Section 24.Each candidate shall have the right to have a
challenger(s) present when the votes are tabulated, provided that such
challenger(s) shall be a member of the organization in good standing.
A candidate shall have the right to be present as an observer
during the tabulating process. Section 25.After the election committee officially notifies
the membership of the newly elected officers, there will be a two (2) week
transition period, commending on the first full service week after
notification, or within a seven (7) day period after notification. B.Newly elected officers of this Local shall be
sworn in after the transition period.
Newly elected part time officers shall receive their new salaries
beginning on January 1st. The
incumbent part time officers
shall receive their constitutional salaries through the month of December,
even though they will no longer officially hold their positions. Newly elected full time officers shall receive lost
time at the regular postal rate until the first full pay period after
installation, at which time they will receive their officers salary. The incumbent, if not elected, shall have the option
of remaining on union LWOP. annual leave, or accumulated sick leave until
January 1. If the incumbent
remains on LWOP, he/she shall not receive lost time from the Local unless
the newly elected President authorizes such an expenditure to help the
officers during the transitional period. B.Newly elected
officers of this Local shall be sworn in after the transition
period. Section 26.All ballots, including used, unused, and challenged
ballots, envelopes used to mail in marked ballots, tally sheet, and
related election documents shall be preserved by the Union for a period of
three (3) years. ARTICLE XI Governing Authority Section 1.MEMBERSHIP - The affairs of this Local shall be
governed by its membership in accordance with this constitution and the
policies of the Union in the following manner: A.Through actions taken at membership meetings or by
referendum of the membership; B.Through actions and decisions by the Executive
Board made between regular membership meetings; C.Through actions and decisions of the Staff
between Executive Board meetings; and D.Through the actions and decisions of the President
on a day-to-day basis. Section 2.EXECUTIVE BOARD EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 A.The Executive Board shall meet at the discretion of
the President and/or a majority of the Executive Board.
They shall meet at least once a month.
A report of the Executive Board meeting shall be submitted at each
regular membership meeting. The
Executive Board shall have
responsibility to interpret all rules, orders, and regulations and to
insure that this Constitution conforms with existing laws.
They shall be empowered to invite other officers to their meetings
for technical assistance as need. The
Executive Board shall be authorized to interview and receive bids from Law
Firms and Accounting Firms effective fiscal year of 1992.
The Executive Board of the APWU-Detroit District Area Local is
listed in the order of succession of officers and shall consist of: President Executive Vice President Secretary Treasurer Recording Secretary Clerk Craft Director Maintenance Craft Director Motor Vehicle Service Craft Director a. PMC b. BMC c. Southfield d. Ann Arbor e. AMC f. 480
Director g. Support
Services Director h.
Assistant Craft Directors (in the absence of the Craft Director of 30 days or more only) Section 3.STAFF A.The Staff shall meet at the discretion of the
President, or on the request of three (3) or more members of the Staff.
The Staff shall be responsible for governing the affairs of the
Local on a week-to-week basis and shall be responsible for enforcement of
this Constitution. The Staff
shall be composed of: (1) President (2) Executive
Vice President (3) Secretary-Treasurer (4) Clerk Craft Director (5) Maintenance
Craft Director (6) Motor
Vehicle Service Craft Director (7) Facility
Director (8) Assistant
Craft Directors (in the absence of the Craft Directors of 30 days or more
only) Section 4.NEGOTIATING TEAM A.The
Negotiating Team shall be responsible for the Negotiations of all Local
contracts. (1) MAIN
TABLE NEGOTIATION (a) President,
Chief Spokesman (b) Executive
Vice President (c ) Craft
Director (Clerk, Maintenance, MVS) (d) Assistant
Craft Directors (in the absence of the Craft Directors of 30 days or more
only (e) Highest Ranking
Union Official at Installation where negotiations occur (f) Technicians,
as necessary (2) CRAFT
NEGOTIATIONS (a) Craft
Director (b) Assistant
Craft Directors (c ) Technicians,
as necessary ARTICLE XII Fiscal Year
and Revenues Section 1.The Fiscal year of this Organization shall begin
January 1 and end December 31. Section 2.The rates of dues shall not be increased nor shall
any general or special assessment be levied upon the membership by the
Detroit District Area Local, unless accomplished in the following manner: (1)The increase in dues or the special or general
assessment is proposed upon written request of thirty five
(35) members in good standing and presented at a regular membership
meeting, or upon the vote of the majority of the members of the Board; and (2)By either of the following two methods of voting: (a)By majority vote by secret ballot of the members
in good standing voting at a general or special membership meeting after
twenty-one (21) days notice of the intention to vote upon the question; OR
after being presented at a regular or special meeting for the first
reading and then put on the table (for not less than 21 days) until the
next regular or special meeting for final action. (b)By a majority vote of the members in good standing
voting in a membership referendum conducted by secret ballot.
If a referendum is selected, the referendum shall be conducted
according to the procedures for electing officers set forth in Article X,
Section 8A, Section 10B and Section 20, of this Constitution.
In lieu of an election committee, the President may oversee same
subject to direction of the Executive Board. (3)All ballots used under either procedure above,
including used, unused, and challenged
ballots, enveloped used to mail in marked ballots, tally sheets and
related election documents shall be preserved by the Secretary-Treasurer
for six (6) years from the date of announcement of official results of the
voting. (4)The Executive Board, shall decide, at a special or
general meeting, by a majority of its members present and voting, which
method of voting set forth in Section 2 (above) shall be utilized.
If neither method is so approved by the Executive Board then, in
that event, the President shall make the decision.
In any event, the decision as to which method of voting to use
shall be made not later than fifteen days following the formal proposal of
same under Section 1 (above). B.This section shall not apply to membership dues
increases passed by the National American Postal Workers Union. Section 3.The APWU-Detroit District Area Local shall
remit a monthly sum equal to a minimum of one percent per union member to
the auxiliary, if activated. Section 4.An independent firm shall be hired to audit
the books of this Local at the end of each term of office, or whenever
deemed necessary by the Executive Board, the membership or if existing
laws demand. ARTICLE XIII - PROHIBITIONS Section 1.No criticism, reflections, argument or
debate touching on a member's craft,
creed, age, color, nationality, sex, political affiliation or
religion shall be allowed at any meeting of the APWU-Detroit District Area
Local. ARTICLE XIV Amendments Section 1.This Constitution, any Article or Section thereof,
may be amended upon written request of 35 members in good standing and
presented at a regular meeting for a first reading and then laid on the
table until the next regular or special meeting for final action. Section 2.An amendment must be sanctioned by a two-thirds
(2/3) vote of the members present and voting at a general membership
meeting. Proposed amendments shall be made a part of
and posted with the notices of the meeting at which they will come
up for final action. A referendum vote may be called
for at the request of 20% of the eligible membership or by a simple
majority vote of members voting at the regular membership meetings.
Amendments made by referendum must be approved by a majority of
votes cast. Section 3.Any proposed amendment failing to receive the
required two-thirds (2/3) vote of all present and voting cannot be
re-introduced within three (3) months after the date at which it came up
for final action. Section 4.The Recording Secretary shall furnish copies of
adopted amendments to all members who make application for same. Section 5.No resolution directly affecting another craft may
be initiated or voted upon unless the craft affected by this amendment
initiates or votes upon this amendment or resolution and passes it by a
two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at a special meeting. Section 6.MERGER AGREEMENTS
- This Constitution shall automatically be amended by secret ballot
vote of the majority of the members voting at a general membership or in
referendum. All Locals
involved in the merger must approve the merger agreement. ARTICLE XV RECALL OF OFFICERS There shall be no recall provision in this
Constitution and By-Laws, or in the Constitution or By-Laws of any APWU
subordinate body. Removal of
officers is governed by Article XV. ARTICLE XVI Membership Protection Section 1.MEMBERSHIP GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE - Any member in good
standing of the APWU-Detroit District Area Local who believes that he/she
has been denied the benefits of the Constitution or benefits or services
as offered by the Local or who has been inadequately represented under the
Grievance-Arbitration Procedures negotiated in any Collective Bargaining
Agreement; that member shall be entitled to redress that grievance in the
following manner: A.Submit to the President of the Detroit District
Area Local, all documents to the alleged grievance in the following form: (1) Date of Grievance or occurrence; (2) Name of the Union Official and other individuals
involved; (3) Name of any witness(es) and all evidence; and (4) Settlement requested. B.The President upon receipt of the items as listed
in Part A above shall investigate and respond by certified mail within 14
days. (1)GRIEVANCES UNDER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS (a)If the conditions that brought about the grievance
remains and the Collective Bargaining Agreement permits, the President
shall direct the Craft Director to see that a grievance is filed. (b)If benefits, services or protections cannot be
rendered because they are no longer timely, the matter shall be brought
before the Executive Board for determination of an appropriate award. C.If the
grieving member is not satisfied with the final determination by the
President or Executive Board, he/she may appeal to the membership at the
next regularly scheduled membership meeting under "Unfinished
Business". D.This procedure must be exhausted
before initiating proceedings in civil litigation.
Acceptance of an award or decision shall be a waiver of any further
appeals or proceedings under this or any other forum. Section 2.INFORMAL PROCEDURE - Written Complaints - Any
written complaint received by the Local
in reference to any of its officers or stewards shall be handled in
the following manner. A.The letter complaint will be forwarded to the
officer whom the complaint is against, and the Executive Vice President
within 10 days shall meet with that officer to investigate the complaint,
unless the complaint is against the Executive Vice President in which case
the President shall designate another officer to conduct the
investigation. The
investigation shall include a minimum of an interview with the officer or
steward whom the complaint is against as well as an interview with the
complaining party and affected craft officer. B.The Executive Vice President will complete his
investigation within thirty (30) days.
Immediately upon conclusion of his/her investigation he/she shall
prepare a written report and shall submit that report with any
recommendations to the next meeting of the Staff.
The officer or steward whom the complaint is against shall be
present at that meeting. The
complaining party shall receive a copy of the Executive Vice President's
investigative report. (1)If the Staff cannot informally resolve the
complaint at that Staff meeting, they shall within 10 days make written
recommendations to the President for further action.
The complaining party and the officer against whom the complaint is
lodged shall receive a copy of the recommendations. C.The President shall take whatever action he/she
deems necessary to resolve the specific complaint, as well as any actions
that may be necessary to prevent a reoccurrence of a similar complaint. D.The President shall within ten (10) days inform, in
writing, both the complaining member as well as the officer whom the
complaint is lodged against of the actions he/she has taken. E.If either party is dissatisfied with the actions
taken by the President or the Staff, that party may appeal to the
Executive Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. The Executive Board's decision may be appealed to the next
regularly scheduled membership meeting. SECTION 3.FORMAL CHARGES - Offenses which shall subject an
officer or member of the Local to disciplinary action shall be those as
listed in Article XV of the National Constitution.
Those violations
include violations of the provisions of the National Constitution and
By-Laws of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO or the Constitution
and By-Laws of the APWU Detroit Area Local; or for failure to perform
duties and responsibilities as specified in the Constitution and By-Laws
herein. An Officer or Member found guilty of any of the
offenses listed in Article XV of the National Constitution, after the
filing of charges and holding of hearings as required by Article XV may be
disciplined by probation, suspension, expulsion or other appropriate
disciplinary action. B.Any member in good standing with the APWU-Detroit
District Area Local may initiate the proceedings of Article XV of the
National Constitution by filing charges with the Secretary Treasurer
of this
Local. Secretary Treasurer shall promptly transmit by
registered mail and regular mail a copy of
the charges to the accused as his/her last known address.
Accompanying the charges will be a written notice of the time and
place of the hearing which shall be held, not less than one week from the
date of the mailing of the notice. For the purpose of implementing Article XV, the Executive
Board of this Local shall serve as the Trial Board, and the accused shall
be afforded an impartial trial with the right to appear personally and be
represented by any member of this Union, or by an attorney…If the
accused so desires. The
Executive Board shall reduce their decision to writing, including a
synopsis of the testimony, the verdict of "GUILTY" or "NOT
GUILTY" and the recommended disciplinary action. C.The Secretary-Treasurer shall read the report at
the next regular membership meeting and submit the question sustaining the
report as to guilt or innocence to the membership. If guilt is determined, the question of accepting or
rejecting the proposed disciplinary action shall be submitted to the
membership. D.The accused party shall have further appeals as
specified in Article XV of the National Constitution. E.PROCEDURES - charges must be submitted to the
Secretary-Treasurer of Treasurer, or, if the Secretary-Treasurer and
Treasurer are charged. then to the highest-ranking officer not charged, of
the local, state or regional organization, of which the charged member(s)
or officer(s) is a member, with the exception of National Officers. Charges against national officer(s) are to be submitted to
the APWU National Secretary-Treasurer, or the highest ranking officer not
charged. All charges are to
be submitted within one hundred twenty (120) days of the time the charging
party(ies) first became aware. or reasonably should have been aware, of
the alleged offense(s). Upon
receipt of the charges, the secretary-treasurer or treasurer of the local,
state, or regional organization or highest ranking officer not charged
with whom such charges are filed shall promptly transmit by express mail
or certified mail, including a return receipt, a copy of the charges to
the charged and charging parties at the last know address of each.
Accompanying the charges shall be written notice of the time and
place of the hearing, which shall be held not less than one (1) week after
the date of mailing of the notice. ARTICLE XVII Benefits Section 1.Full-time officers of this Local shall have life
insurance and retirement benefits paid at the same level and type as paid
while at the Postal Service in full.
Hospital benefits shall be pad in full providing he/she is a member
of the APWU Health Plan. This union shall pay the portion that the Postal Service would pay
if a member of any other Health Plan, beginning open season 1991. Section 2.Full-time Officers of this Local shall receive
thirty days Annual Leave and thirteen days of Sick Leave per year, and
paid holidays as provided in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Full-time Officers may accrue Sick
Leave. Full-time
Officers shall receive NO overtime. In addition, in the event of an extended illness,
full-time Officers shall receive such Sick Leave as necessary, subject to
approval of the Executive Board. B.Full-time officers who leave employment of the
APWU-Detroit District Area Local for the following reasons: (1)To hold another Full-time union position, or (2)To return to active Postal Service employment,
will be entitled to make a claim for unused accrued Sick Leave under the
following conditions: (a)The former Full-time Officer remains a member in
good standing with the APWU: (b)The claim does not exceed the unused accrued sick
leave hours. The hours
paid shall be at the rate of pay the officer earned his/her leave. Any full-time officer who leaves office for any
reason will be compensated for their unused accrued sick leave at their
current postal pay level and step. Section 3.LOST TIME - Any officer or member of this
organization who, after losing time from work due to union business,
enters into a status that they have lost vacation, Annual or Sick
Leave shall submit a statement to the Secretary-Treasurer, substantiating
the loss of annual or sick leave. For the purpose of this Constitution.
LOST TIME shall be
defined as "WAGES OR SALARY, including ANNUAL OR SICK LEAVE
lost due to official union business".
Night differential shall be deemed "LOST TIME" for all
officers and stewards who are able to substantiate actual work without pay
status with the appropriate pay documents, signed by the appropriate
official. Normally, lost time
will be paid on the Postal Pay Day in which the pay was lost. Section 4.EXPENSES AND MILEAGE All other officers will be paid for actual mileage
and expenses, as approved, in advance, by the President.
They will be required to submit receipts and odometer readings with
their claims. Mileage will be
paid at the maximum rate allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.
In addition car expenses may be established at a rate determined by
the Board yearly. Section 5.OFFICE HOURS AND FIELD WORK A.30 Hours (per month) - $3,000.00 or more B.15 Hours (per month) - $1,500.00 or more C.10 Hours (per month) - $1,000.00 or more D. 6
Hours (per month) - less than $1,000.00 (2)The time spent in office work or field work (time
outside of regular tour ) must be done without any claim for lost time. Section 6.All members in good standing for five (5)
consecutive years prior to retirement will receive $300.00 maximum from
the APWU as retirement. B.Disability retirees will be afforded the same
benefits as a regular retiree, and if they meet the requirements of the
APWU as stated in paragraph A. However,
in the event that this disability retiree returns to work, that member
would not be entitled to receive a payment of a second benefit. C.Three hundred dollars ($300) shall be paid
upon the death of an active member in good standing of the
APWU-Detroit District Area Local to the beneficiary of that member upon
submission to the President and/or his designee of a death certificate and
a signed statement, noting the proper beneficiary. D.A member in good standing will receive a Memorial
Bible, upon the death of immediate family member(s) - Father, Mother,
Sister, Brother, Son, Daughter, or Spouse. BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I Delegates for Convention and Central Labor Body EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 Section 1.The Detroit District Area Local Delegation to the
National Convention shall be as provided herein. A.The election of the following shall also establish
their election as a national delegate, if automatic delegate cannot attend
convention position shall remain vacant.
If less than a full delegation is sent, the order shall be as
follows: (1) President (2) Executive
Vice President (3) Secretary-Treasurer (4) Recording
Secretary (5) Clerk
Craft Director (6) Maintenance
Craft Director (7) MVS
Craft Director (8) Facility
Director a. PMC b. BMC c. Southfield d. Ann Arbor e. AMC f. 480 Director g. Support Services (9 Director of Legislation (10) Director of Organization (11) Director of Human Relations (12) Assistant Clerk Craft Director (13) Assistant Maintenance Craft Director (14) Assistant MVS Craft Director B.A separate election for delegates will be conducted
for the following: (1)MVS Craft, regardless of work location no more
than 2 (2)Combined SCF 480 Installation (Clerk and
Maintenance) no more than 1 (3)Combined SCF 481 Installation (Clerk and
Maintenance) no more than 1 (4)Detroit Installations, Clerk - excluding station,
branches and AMC no more than 3 (5)AMC Detroit (Clerk Craft)
no more than (6)Detroit Installation (Maintenance Craft) no
more than 2 (7)Detroit BMC (Clerk Craft) no more than 1 (8)Detroit BMC (Maintenance) no more than 1 (9)Ann Arbor Installation all Crafts no more than
1 (10)Southfield Installation
all Crafts no more than 1 (11)PMC all Crafts
no more than 2 (12)Detroit East side City Stations all Crafts no
more than 1 (13)Detroit West Side City Stations all Crafts no
more than 1 The Detroit District Area Local Executive Board will
determine the total number of delegates to be sent to the convention, as
well as the number of delegates
to be elected in each separate election within the quota set above.
The number of delegates to be elected must assure craft representation at
the convention, roughly proportionate to their percentage of total
membership. Section 2.All members of the Executive board shall be
automatic delegates to all State Conventions.
The Executive Board shall determine the additional delegates, if
needed. Section 3.The Local Delegation to the Detroit Metropolitan
AFL-CIO Convention shall be
provided herein: A.The election of the following shall also establish
their election as delegates to the Metropolitan Detroit AFL-CIO
convention. If less than a
full delegation is sent, then the order shall be as follows: (1) President or his/her designee (2) Executive Vice President (3) Secretary-Treasurer (4) Recording Secretary (5) Clerk Craft Director (6) MVS Craft Director (7) Maintenance Craft Director Section 4.CHAIRPERSON OF THE DELEGATION The Local President shall be the Chairperson of all
convention delegations. Section 5.All delegates are mandated to attend all sessions of
the convention and/or delegate meetings as required by the President.
All delegates must sign in and out on convention floor, unless
excused by the President. All
delegates shall receive such funds for travel, lodging, food and expenses
as determined by the Executive Board and approved by the membership.
No delegate shall receive lost time. Section 6.The Unit Rule shall apply in voting at all
Conventions. Section 7.Any member of the American Postal Worker
Union-Detroit District Area Local, AFL-CIO, who is a member in good
standing and who has attended five membership meetings within the
twelve-month period prior to the nominating shall be eligible to run for a
position as delegate to the National Convention. A.In the vent there is no qualified candidate for any
of the elections called for by this Article, no election will
be conducted. The President shall serve as the delegation for that Section
or shall appoint a member from the Section
with the approval of the Executive Board to serve as delegate. ARTICLE II Member's Benefits Section 1.Any member who signs up a new member on a dues
withholding form shall be paid the maximum allowance per application from
the APWU-Detroit District Area Local, plus any compensation as offered by
the National APWU Organization, and it shall be paid monthly. ARTICLE III Expenses and Mileage Section 1.All Officers, and stewards will be paid actual
mileage and expenses as approved, in advance, by the President.
They will be required to submit receipts and odometer readings with
their claims. Mileage will be
paid at the maximum rate allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.
In addition car expense may be established at a rate determined by
the Board yearly. ARTICLE IV Code of Ethics EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 Section 1.Every Officer, Steward and Committee member is
expected to faithfully execute their duties as provided in this
Constitution, and By-Laws, and further execute any assignments the
President may designate to
them. A.The Union Officers and Stewards are expected to
attend membership and Steward/Officer meetings. B.Officers and Stewards are expected to know the
positions of the Union and to communicate those positions on the workroom
floor. C.Stewards and Officers are expected to faithfully
comply with and execute all
policy statements of the Local. Failure
to fulfill any of these duties and responsibilities may result in
disciplinary action, including expulsion in accordance with Article XV of
the National Constitution. D.In the event any position is appointed to an
elected officer and/or steward of this Local, he/she shall not receive
dual stipend for each general membership meeting they attend. ARTICLE V Meetings Section 1.ORDER OF BUSINESS A.Call meeting to order B.Roll Call of Officers C.Reading of minutes of previous meeting D.Reading or minutes and recommendations of Executive
Board Meeting(s) E.Report of Officers F.Report of Committees GCommunications and Bills HUnfinished Business I.New Business J.Good and Welfare of the Union KAdjournment Section 2.In the absence of
other authority, the deliberations of this Local shall be governed
by the ROERT'S RULES OF ODER. All
Question of Order and Procedure shall be decided by the Chair, unless the
decision of the Chair is appealed in which case the question will be
placed before the members in attendance at that particular meeting. ARTICLE VI Training All newly elected officers will receive the training
necessary to fulfill their duties and responsibilities under this
Constitution and By-Laws. Approved
training will be at the Local's expense. Section 2.All stewards and members in good standing
with APWU Detroit District Area Local shall be prohibited from out-of-town
training, seminars and Educational Conferences (including facility and
craft conferences), at the local expense, unless they have met the meeting
requirements in Article X, Section 4, of this constitution of attending at
least five (5) membership meetings within the twelve (12) months prior to
the training. ARTICLE VII Committees EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 Section 1.Upon appropriate recommendations, the President will
appoint the necessary number of committee members.
Retirees and Auxiliary Members
may participate on these committee. (1)Legislative (2)Human Relations Committee (3)Organization Committee A.These Committees will assist the President and/or
Chairperson of each committee as directed in the Local's Legislative,
Human Relations, and Organization efforts. B.The Director of each of these above mentioned
offices, shall be the Chairperson of each of these committees. Section 2.ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE A.Upon recommendations, the President will appoint ht
necessary number of committee members.
The President shall appoint a Chairperson of the Entertainment
Committee. B.The Committee will meet upon call by the President
and/or Entertainment Chairperson as directed by the President. (1) The Entertainment Committee shall be responsible
for executing: (a) free picnic for the entire membership each year: (b)A Christmas Party per year; (c )Annual
Steward Appreciation Day; (d)Any other social/entertainment function of the
Local; C.
All title supervisors, managers, and postmasters are prohibited
from attending any union entertainment
committee functions, unless they
are full paying members. (1)Any proceeds realized by the Entertainment
Committee shall go into the APWU-Detroit District Area Local's General
Fund. Section 3.BUDGET COMMITTEE A.The Budget Committee shall consist of the Budget
Controller as appointed by the President, the Secretary Treasurer, the
Chairperson of the Trustees, Craft Directors, and at least one Rank and
File member. The President
may appoint other members as necessary, B.The Budget Committee shall summarize the entire
union's financial plans which shall include: (1)Individual Departments and Committees Budgets for
the year: such as, but not limited to Arbitration , Education, SOAR,
Public Relations, Newspaper, Human Relations, Legislation, Health Plan
Crafts, POWER, Retirees. (2) Each line item is to be budgeted. C.The Budget Committee shall have three basic
functions: (1) Estimating Income; (2) Estimating Expenditures; and (3) Keeping Financial Records. D.All Financial Officers, Department Heads and
Committee Chairpersons shall record their actual expenditures.
These records shall be submitted monthly to the Budget Controller. (1)Each Craft Director, Facility Director, Department
Heads, and Committee Chairpersons shall submit a proposed budget for their
respective section and/or department by December 1 of each year. Section 4.POWER COMMITTEE A.Upon recommendations from the POWER Committee, the
President shall appoint a chairwoman (coordinator) in January of every
second year. B.The Committee will meet upon call of the President
or Chairwoman. C.The Chairwoman and committee is charged with the
responsibility to: (1)Coordinate local activities with the National
APWU-POWER Committee (2)Conduct and coordinate with the appropriate
departments and committee programs that are designed to increase the
membership's interests, ability, and desire to fully participate in their
Union, with emphasis on women's issues (3) Report to the Staff, Executive Board of
membership body as necessary any policy or activity of the Union that
tends to exclude
participation of women or other groups of our membership. (4)Write articles for the newspaper to educate the
membership on the role of women in the Labor Movement - past, present, and
future. D.The POWER Committee shall receive lost time and
expenses as necessary when approved in advance by the President. Section 5.EDUCATION COMMITTEE A.Upon appropriate recommendation by the Executive
Vice President, the President shall appoint the necessary number of
committee members. The
Education Committee shall work under the jurisdiction of the Executive
Vice President and shall submit a report of their goals to the Executive
Board and membership in January of each year.
The Executive Vice President shall solicit interested members to be
involved in the Education Committee from among the general membership.
(NO OFFICERS) B.The Education Committee will be responsible for
conducting programs to educate our members in the history of the Labor
Movement. C.The Education Committee shall develop and maintain
an intelligent and dignified membership. D.The Education Committee shall educate all members
in the area of economics. politics, and social justice. E.The Education Committee shall further initiate
training programs to include the members and their families in Community
Service Affairs. F.The Education Committee shall receive lost time
and expenses as necessary when approved in advance by the
President. Section 6HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE Upon recommendations, the President shall appoint a
Safety and Health Committee. The
Safety and Health Committee shall work under the jurisdiction of the
President. The Safety and
Health Committee shall be responsible for investigating and correcting,
where possible, safety and
health violations in Postal Installations.
There shall be a Safety and Health Committee Chairperson, appointed
by the President. The
Chairperson shall be responsible for the following duties: (a)Attend all safety and health meetings, seminars
and training classes when deemed necessary and approved in advance by the
President. (b)Chair Safety and Health Committee Meetings, and
coordinate the activities of the Safety and Health Committee. (c ) Report directly to the President and appropriate
Craft Directors, of safety and health violations in all installations. (d)Make reports on Safety and Health issues to the
membership, upon request of the President. The Safety and Health Committee Chairperson shall
receive lost time as necessary, and approved in advance by the President.
He/she shall also receive $50.00 for each General Membership
Meeting they attend, to be paid annually. Section 7 RETIREMENT COMMITTEE A.The Retirement Committee will be responsible for
organizing and educating our retired members in areas including, but not
limited to, our Union History, Human Relations, Legislation, Organization
and to achieve the objectives of this constitution, and goals of this
Local. B.The Retirement Committee shall consist of retired
full dues paying members with full voice and cote, and retirees who do not
wish to pay full dues. The
retirees who do not pay full dues shall not have a voice or vote in the
daily activities or run in local and/or national elections of
the Union, or in the General election of officers.
Dues for those retirees who do not pay full dues shall be $24.00
per year. C.There shall be a retirement committee President
appointed by the Detroit District Area Local President.
The Retirement Committee President shall: (a)Assist the local in various membership mailings. (b)Chair the monthly Retiree Meetings. ( c )Notify Retirees of upcoming meetings and events. (d)The Retirement Committee shall receive expenses
as necessary when approved in advance by the President of the Detroit
District Area Local. (e)The President of the Retirement Committee
shall receive $50.00 for each General Membership meeting they attend, to
be paid annually. (f)The President shall be a full dues paying member. ARTICLE VIII Bonds Section 1.The President,
Executive Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer shall be the only
officers authorized to sign checks. All officers who have fidicuary
responsibility shall be
bonded. A.Officers who are required to be bonded shall have
the expense of such bonds borne by the Local. ARTICLE IX Amendments Section 1.Amendments to these By-Laws may be made in
the same manner as prescribed for Amendments to the Constitution. Section 2.Any amendment to the constitution ratified
by the membership pursuant to a membership referendum may not be rescinded
or modified for a period of at least one (1) year. PLEASE READ ENTIRE CONSTITUTION BEFORE CASTING YOUR VOTE.
ALL CONSTITUTION UPDATES ARE IN BOLD FACE TYPE. -CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE-
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