Your
Union Constitution
Governance
is a system of rights, responsibility and authority for establishing
the policies of the union. It rests upon a contract between the
membership and the leadership that is codified in the union’s
constitution and bylaws. In essence, governance is how the union
decides to set goals, objectives and policies.
The
A&R Constitution
Online
Version Table of Contents
ARTICLE VI
ELECTIONS
Section One.
Any active member
may be nominated for any elective office or position by having a
letter filed with the Secretary, who shall give a receipt for such
letter. The nomination must be seconded by at least one other active
member. The letter must be filed at least forty five (45) days
before the Annual Convention. A list of all candidates so nominated,
specifying the office or position sought by each, shall be mailed to
each active member at least fifteen (15) days before the Annual
Convention.
Section Two.
(a) The convention
committee shall ensure that a mail ballot with a pre-addressed,
first class postage paid return envelope is mailed to each active
member at least thirty (30) days before the annual convention.
(b) The mail ballot
will be used for the election of officers, Member Representatives,
delegates to the annual convention of the AFT CT, Connecticut
AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Connecticut
Professional Employees Federation (CPEF), representatives to the
CPEF committee and the approval of constitutional amendments.
(c) The convention
committee shall ensure that an independent, impartial, qualified
organization be used to run the election.
Section Three.
Each officer elected by
a mail ballot shall be elected by a majority of the total votes cast for
all duly nominated candidates for that office. A run-off election shall
be held between the top two vote-getters if no candidate has received
such a majority. If a tie vote occurs between or among the top two or
more vote-getters, a run-off election by mail ballot between or among
such candidates whose votes are tied.
Section Four.
All candidates for
Member Representative shall be elected by a mail ballot, which shall
list candidates for full terms separately from candidates for unexpired
portions of terms, with the terms appropriately designated. Each
eligible voter may vote for as many candidates as there are positions to
be filled, for full terms and for unexpired portions of terms
respectively and separately. The highest vote-getters shall be declared
elected in descending order of votes received until all such positions
are filled, for full terms and for unexpired portions of terms
respectively and separately. If a tie vote between or among candidates
for Member Representative prevents determination of the appropriate
number of highest vote-getters, it shall be resolved by a run-off
election by a mail ballot between or among such candidates whose votes
are so tied.
Section Five.
A&R delegates to
the AFT CT Annual Convention, shall be elected by a mail ballot for a
term of one year. Not later than its regular January meeting, the
Representative Assembly may establish the number of such delegates to be
elected, such number to be not less than ten (10) and not more than the
maximum number of A&R AFT CT Convention delegates authorized by the
AFT CT Constitution. If the Representative Assembly does not so act by
such time, the maximum authorized number of A&R AFT CT Convention
delegates, or the number filing candidacies under Section One of this
Article, whichever is less shall be elected. All procedures for voting
for A&R AFT CT Annual Convention delegates, and for voting
determination of those elected, shall be the same as the procedures
specified for Member Representatives in Section Three of this Article,
except that all candidacies for A&R AFT CT Annual Convention
delegate shall be for full terms. Any vacancy in the position of A&R
AFT CT Annual Convention delegates shall be filled for the unexpired
portion of the term by a majority of those present and voting at a
regular or special meeting of the Representative Assembly.
Section Six.
A&R delegates to
the Connecticut AFL-CIO Annual Convention, shall be elected by a mail
ballot for a term of one year. Not later than its regular January
meeting, the Representative Assembly may establish the number of such
delegates to be elected , such number to be not less than ten (10) and
not more than the maximum number of A&R AFL-CIO Convention delegates
authorized by the AFL-CIO Constitution. If the Representative Assembly
does not so act by such time, the maximum authorized number of A&R
AFL-CIO Convention delegates, or the number filing candidacies under
Section One of this Article, whichever is less shall be elected. All
procedures for voting for A&R AFL-CIO Annual Convention delegates,
and for voting determination of those elected, shall be the same as the
procedures specified for Member Representatives in Section Three of this
article, except that all candidacies for A&R AFL-CIO Annual
Convention delegates shall be for full terms. Any vacancy in the
position of A&R AFL-CIO Annual Convention delegates shall be filled
for the unexpired portion of the term by a majority vote of those
present and voting at a regular or special meeting of the Representative
Assembly.
Section Seven.
A&R delegates to
the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Convention shall be elected by
a mail ballot in each even number years, for a term of two years. Not
later than its regular January meeting, the Representative Assembly may
establish the number of Such A&R AFT Convention delegates to be
elected, such number to be not less than ten (10) and not more than the
maximum number of A&R AFT Convention delegates authorized by the AFT
Constitution. If the Representative Assembly does not so act by such
time, the maximum authorized number of delegates or the number filing
candidacies under Section One of this article, whichever is less shall
be elected. All procedures for voting for A&R AFT Convention
delegates, and for determination of those elected, shall be the same as
the procedures specified for Member Representatives in Section Three of
this Article, except that all candidacies for A&R AFT Annual
Convention delegate shall be for full terms. Any vacancy in the position
of A&R AFT Convention delegates shall be filled for the unexpired
portion of the term by a majority vote of those present and voting at a
regular or special meeting of the Representative Assembly.
Section Eight.
A&R delegates to
the Connecticut Professional Employees Federation (CPEF) Annual
Convention shall be elected by a mail ballot, for a term of one year.
Not later than its regular January meeting, the Representative Assembly
may establish the number of such A&R CPEF Annual Convention
delegates to be elected, such number to be not less than ten (10) and
not more than the maximum number of A&R CPEF Annual Convention
delegates authorized by the CPEF Constitution. If the Representative
Assembly does not so act by such time, the maximum authorized number of
A&R CPEF Annual Convention delegates, or the number filing
candidacies under Section One of this Article, whichever is less shall
be elected. All procedures for voting for A&R CPEF Annual Convention
delegates, and for determination of those elected, shall be the same as
the procedures specified for Member Representatives in Section Three of
this article, except that all candidacies for A&R CREF Annual
Convention delegate shall be for full terms. Any vacancy in the position
of A&R CPEF Annual Convention delegate shall be filled for the
unexpired portion of the term by a majority vote of those present and
voting at a regular or special meeting of the Representative Assembly.
Section Nine.
A&R Representatives
to the CPEF Executive Committee shall be elected by a mail ballot, for a
term of two (2) years. The number of such A&R CPEF Executive
Committee Representatives shall be as specified in the CPEF
Constitution. All procedures for voting for A&R CPEF Executive
Committee Representatives, and for determination of those elected, shall
be the same as the procedures specified for Member Representatives in
Section Three of this Article, except that all candidacies for A&R
CPEF Executive Committee Representative shall be for full terms. Any
vacancy in the position of A&R CPEF Executive Committee
Representative shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by
a majority vote of those present and voting at a regular or special
meeting of the Representative Assembly.
Section Ten.
All contested positions
shall be elected by mail ballot. All uncontested positions shall be
filled at the annual convention by the secretary casting one vote for
any such positions.
Section Eleven.
All elections shall be
held under the supervision of the Convention Committee, whose authority
shall include determination of the method of the order of candidates on
the ballot, resolution of questions concerning elections arising under
this Constitution, and determination of election results.
Section Twelve.
The Secretary, or
Secretary's designee, shall ensure the retention of all ballots cast at
all elections for at least one year.
Section Thirteen.
Before assuming office,
each officer and Member Representative shall take the following oath:
"I, (name),
do solemnly swear that my every action as an (officer/member
representative) of the Administrative and Residual Employees Union
will be taken, according to my best judgement, for the benefit of its
members; and that I will, to the best of my ability, uphold and adhere
to the Constitution of this Union and the principles of the labor
movement."
ARTICLE VII
CONVENTION
Section One.
A Convention Committee
and an amendment advisory committee shall be appointed by the
Representative Assembly no later than October. The convention Committee
shall handle arrangements for the Annual Convention. The amendment
advisory committee shall advise the Representative Assembly and the
Convention Committee on proposed amendments to the constitution.
Section Two.
The Annual Convention
shall be held in April. The date, time and place shall be set by the
Convention Committee no later than January 1st.
Section Three.
No later than seventy
five (75) days prior to the Convention date, the Convention Committee
shall mail a Convention Call to each active member. The call shall
specify (a) the date, time, place and purposes of the Convention: and
(b) the procedures and deadlines under this Constitution for filing (i)
nominations of candidates, (ii) proposed Constitutional amendments and
(iii) proposed resolutions, and (iv) for registering as a delegate and
voting by absentee ballot.
Section Four.
A Credentials Committee
shall be appointed by the Representative Assembly no later than January.
Section Five.
Any active member may
register as a delegate with the Credentials Committee at the Convention.
Registration of delegates will close when the Credentials Committee's
report has been accepted by the Convention. Only registered delegates
may vote except as otherwise provided herein.
Section Six.
There shall be no
registration fee.
Section Seven.
The President shall
convene and chair the Convention.
Section Eight.
The agenda shall be
established by the Convention Committee and shall include the following
items:
- Officers' Reports
- Credentials
Committee Report
- Adoption of Budget
- Old Business
- New Business
- Election Results
- Installation of
Newly Elected Officials
- Good and Welfare
Section Nine.
Proposed amendments to
this Constitution shall be initiated either by petition to the President
by at least 10% of the membership as of the time of filing of such
petition, or by approval of a majority of the Representative Assembly
members present and voting at a regular or special meeting. Any proposed
amendments so initiated must be filed with the Secretary at least forty-
five (45) days before the Convention. An amendment shall be adopted if
it is approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the eligible voters voting on the
question through a mail ballot.
Section Ten.
The A&R Union dues
shall be determined by a majority vote of those present and voting on
the question. Any proposal concerning dues filed in accordance with
Article VIII, Section Five (b) must be sent to all active members at
least fifteen (15) days before the Convention.
Section Eleven.
Any proposed resolution
must be filed with the secretary at least seven (7) days before the
Convention. The Secretary shall compile all the proposals and a copy of
the compilation shall be made available at the Convention to each
registered delegate.
Section Twelve.
The Convention shall
have the sole authority to (a) adopt a budget; and (b) change A&R
Union dues.
Section Thirteen.
Policies and
resolutions adopted by the Convention shall rule where any conflicts
arise with policies or resolutions adopted by the Representative
Assembly.
Section Fourteen.
All business shall be
conducted under Robert's Rules of Order (latest edition) unless
otherwise provided for herein.
Section Fifteen.
A special Convention
may be called by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire membership of
the Representative Assembly excluding any vacancies, or by a petition
signed by at least 20% of the active membership as of the time of
filing of the petition. Such vote or petition shall specify the
purpose(s) of the Special Convention. The Special Convention shall be
held within sixty (60) days after (a) such vote or (b) the filing of
such petition with the Secretary, on a date to be set by the
Representative Assembly. A Special Convention Call, specifying the
date, time, place, purposes and procedures for the Special Convention,
shall be mailed to each active member not later than fifteen (15) days
prior to the Special Convention date. Said Special Convention may
exercise any of the powers of the Annual Convention except the
election of officers or Member Representatives, provided that it may
only deal with the purpose(s) specified by the vote or petition
calling such Special Convention.
Section Sixteen.
A special mail ballot
constitution amendment convention may be called by a two-thirds (2/3)
vote of the entire membership of the Representative Assembly excluding
any vacancies, or by a petition signed by at least 20% of the active
membership as of the time of the filing of the petition. Such vote or
petition shall specify the purpose(s) of the special constitution
amendment convention. The special constitution amendment convention
shall be held with sixty (60) days after (a) such vote or (b) the
filing of such petition with the secretary, on a date to be set by the
Representative Assembly.
ARTICLE VIII
FISCAL OPERATIONS
Section One.
The Representative
Assembly shall establish and maintain the policy for the receipt and
disbursement of Union funds and shall be empowered to borrow funds from
an institutional lender.
Section Two.
The Union's fiscal year
shall be from July I to June 30.
Section Three.
Financial records,
statements and reports shall conform to generally accepted accounting
principles.
Section Four. Revenues.
- The chief source of
revenues shall be the dues paid by the members, supplemented by agency
fees collected from non-members.
- Dues shall be paid by
all active members.
- Agency fees shall be
paid by all bargaining unit employees who are non-members.
- Both dues and fees
shall be the same sum of the following:
i. the total of all
dues and assessments levied by the American Federation of teachers; ii.
the total of all dues and assessments levied by the Connecticut
Federation of Educators & Professional Employees; iii. the total of
all dues and assessments levied by the AFL-CIO and state/labor councils;
and iv. the total of all A&R Employees Union dues and assessments
levied by the Union membership at the A&R Annual Convention.
- Associate and retiree
fees shall be established by the Annual Convention.
- Bargaining unit
employees on unpaid leave of absence for reasons other than A&R
Union duties shall be exempt from dues and fees during those times.
Section Five. Budget
Committee.
- A Budget Committee
shall be appointed as provided for in Article XI
- The Budget Committee
shall prepare the annual operating budget, which shall include all
revenues, operating expenses, and capital outlays. On or before
February 1, the Budget Committee shall hold an open meeting, which
will be announced not later than thirty (30) days prior to the
meeting. At the meeting the general membership may propose budget
items for consideration. Budget resolution proposals, including
proposals concerning dues, by individual Union members for the annual
pending budget shall be submitted no later than February 15 preceding
the Annual Convention.
Section Six. Budget.
- The Representative
Assembly shall act on the Annual Budget, after compilation by the
Budget Committee and before submission to the Annual Convention by
majority vote of those Representative Assembly members present and
voting at a duly called meeting. If disapproved, the Budget Proposal
shall be sent back to the Budget Committee with recommended changes
and again acted on at a subsequent meeting of the Representative
Assembly before the Annual Convention.
- The budget shall be
approved by the Annual Convention, which shall have the right to amend
the proposed budget. Failure to act on the budget shall constitute
approval.
Section Seven. Audit.
The Representative
Assembly shall contract for an annual audit of the Union's financial
records, which shall be completed for presentation to the Representative
Assembly by January 1 of each year. The Representative Assembly shall
review the audit and report the results to the members.
ARTICLE IX
STEWARD COUNCIL
Section One.
The Steward Council
shall consist of all Stewards serving the Union.
Section Two.
All Stewards will be
volunteers from the active membership. Any member may apply for
appointment as a Steward by letter to the Chief Steward.
Section Three.
When a vacancy in an
authorized Steward position exists, the Chief Steward shall make a
nomination to fill such vacancy, subject to approval by the Steward
Council. Any nomination so made and approved shall become a final
appointment upon acceptance, or shall be cancelled upon rejection, by
the Representative Assembly.
Section Four.
The Steward Council
shall be maintained on a statewide basis. Officers shall include the
Chief Steward and one or more Assistant Chief Stewards to be appointed
by the Chief Steward at his or her discretion to serve at his or her
pleasure.
Section Five.
Stewards shall
actively administer the collective bargaining contract for the
protection of members' rights and benefits; shall encourage all
bargaining unit employees to join the Union; shall encourage all
members to participate in appropriate Union activities; and shall
perform such other duties as may be delineated by the contract or the
Steward Council By-Laws, or assigned by the Chief Steward, the
Representative Assembly or the Annual Convention.
Section Six.
The Steward Council
shall approve and maintain By-Laws for its operation. Such By-Laws,
including any amendments thereto, shall be effective upon approval by
the Representative Assembly.
