CWA LOCAL 9586 BYLAWS

ARTICLE  I  - NAME

This Local shall be known as Local 9586 Communications Workers of America.

ARTICLE  II – JURISDICTION

Jurisdiction of the Local shall be the jurisdiction assigned by the National Union and appearing on the face of the Local Charter.

ARTICLE  III – OBJECT

The objectives of Local 9586 shall be to represent and serve the workers within it’s jurisdiction in accordance with the Bylaws and Rules of the Local and the Constitution and policies of the National Union.  This Local shall adhere to all policies; programs and objectives as set forth by the Convention.

ARTICLE  IV – LOCAL STRUCTURE

            The structure of the Local shall consist of the following:

  1. Membership
  2. Officers
  3. Executive Board
  4. Chief Stewards
  5. Stewards
  6. Committees

ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP

            Section 1 – Eligibility

Any person eligible for membership in the Communications Workers of America, as defined in Article V of its Constitution, shall be eligible for membership in this Local after acceptance at membership meeting.  Members performing work within the Local’s assigned jurisdiction, or if employed on a temporary, part-time or full-time basis by the Union.

Section 2 - Application

Membership in the Local shall be obtained after payment of the Local initiation fee of $5.00 upon the approval at a Membership Meeting on behalf of the Local.  The names of new members will be provided at the Membership Meetings.

 

Section 3 – Transfers

The transfer of membership from this Local to the jurisdiction of another Local and from another Local to the jurisdiction of another Local and from another Local to the jurisdiction of this Local shall be made in accordance with Article V of the Union Constitution.

ARTICLE  VI – LOCAL DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

            Section  1 – Local Dues

 

Each member of the Local shall pay a minimum dues equal to two and a quarter hours pay per month or an amount established by the Membership.  Membership dues may be changed only by a majority of those voting on the question by secret ballot mail referendum, or by a majority secret ballot vote in a meeting where a quorum is present, if the question has been advertised on bulletin boards at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the meeting or by notice mailed postage prepaid to each member at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the meeting.

            Section 2 – Local Special Assessments

The membership of this Local may levy a special assessment only in the same manner as provided for changing Local dues.  However, any special assessments levied shall be in compliance with Article VI of the Union Constitution.

ARTICLE  VII – GOVERNING AUTHORITY

            Section 1 – Membership

The affairs of the Local shall be governed by its membership in accordance with the Constitution and policies of the Union in the following manner:

  1. Through action taken in membership meetings by referendum of the membership.
  2. Through actions and decisions of the Local Officers between meetings of the Executive Board.
  3. Through actions and decisions of the Executive Board between membership meetings.
  4. The action and decisions of the Executive Board and Officers of the Local between Local meetings may be overruled by the membership in the Local meeting or by referendum.

 

 

 

Section  2 – Executive Board

The Local Executive Board shall consist of the following: President, Executive Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Vice Presidents-three (3) Area Vice President “Lancaster”, one Executive Board Member from each of the following areas: Northern, Central, Southern, Ocean, and ADT.

 

ARTICLE VIII – LOCAL MEETING

            Section 1 – Regular Meetings

Regular meetings of this Local shall be held on the first Wednesday of every other month.  The meeting date may be changed by the Local President or a majority vote of the Executive Board when it conflicts with a holiday, and fifteen (15) days advance notice is given by use of bulletin boards or U.S. Mail.
           
            Section 2 – Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by a majority vote of the Local Officers, or by a petition signed by ten percent (10%) of the Local membership.  Upon receipt of a proper petition the Local Officers shall call a special meeting to be held within ten (10) days.

            Special 3 – Area or Group Meeting

Members within one area or departmental group may call for an educational, organizational or informational meeting upon request of the Local Officers and Executive Board.
 
            Section 4 - Meeting Expense

Expenses incurred in holding meetings under the provisions of this Article VIII shall be paid by the Local.

 

ARTICLE IX – LOCAL DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONVENTION

  1. The Local Officers, excluding the Area Vice President “Lancaster”, shall be automatic delegates to the CWA National Convention or any Special Convention called by the Union.  The Local President shall be the Chair of the Delegation.

 

  1. The election of the additional delegates and alternates to the Union Convention shall be elected by a plurality of the membership voting by referendum ballot conducted not more than 120 days, nor less than 30 days in advance of the Union Convention.
  1. The Local shall determine the Convention vote assigned to each delegate in accordance with Article VIII of the Union Constitution.

 

  1. It shall be the duty of the Secretary/Treasurer of the Local to certify

the Local delegates to the Union Convention to the Secretary-Treasurer of the National Union within the time limits specified in Article VIII of the Union Constitution.

 

ARTICLE X – LOCAL COMMITTEES

  1. The Local shall have the following regular Committees:

 

  1. Education Committee
  2. Election Committee
  3. Organizing Committee
  4. Legislative Political Action Committee
  5. Membership Committee
  6. Community Services Committee
  7. Safety Committee
  8. Member’s Assistance Program Committee (MAP)
  9. Equity Committee
  10. Women’s Committee
  11. Retiree’s Committee
  1. The President, with the approval of the Executive Board or the Membership, may appoint such other Committees as may from time to time be necessary.

 

  1. Members of all Committees shall be appointed by the Local President subject to the right of the Membership to overrule such appointment.
  1. Vacancies on Committees shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

 

  1. A member of any Local Committee may be removed by the Local President, subject to the right of the Membership to overrule the action of the Local President in a Membership Meeting.
  1. Duties of Committees:

 

  1. Education Committee – The Education Committee shall assist in developing the Local’s educational programs and with the Local Officers, be responsible for effectuating the Union’s and Local’s Educational Programs.
  1. Election Committee – The Election Committee shall conduct all nominations and elections and referenda of the Local.

 

  1. Organizing Committee – The Organizing Committee shall assist the Local Officers and Stewards in organizing all non-union employees within the Local’s Jurisdiction and assist in the development of external organizing projects.
  1. Legislative Political Action Committee – The Legislative and Political Action Committee shall assist in developing and pursuing the program of the Union and the Local in the Legislative field.  It shall be responsible for the Local’s program to register each qualified voter.

 

  1. Membership Committee – The Membership Committee shall recommend acceptance of new members at membership meeting in accordance with the Bylaws and rules of this Local and Article V of the Constitution and policies of the Union.  The committee sixty days prior to a local officer election shall review and update membership records.
  1. Community Services – The Community Services Committee shall assist in developing all Community Services Programs.

 

  1. Safety Committee – The Local Safety Committee shall be responsible for developing all safety programs within the Local.
  1. The Member’s Assistance Program Committee – Shall assist members and their families when needed with problems related but not limited to alcohol and drug abuse, and family problems.

 

  1. Equity Committee – The Equity Committee shall develop ways in which to eliminate or avoid discrimination based on sex, race, color, age or religion, on the job and within the Local.
  1. Women’s Committee – The Women’s Committee shall assist in strengthening our Union by promoting active participation of women at all levels.  To educate and inform all members of issues concerning women on and off their jobs.

 

  1. Retiree Committee – The Retiree Committee shall develop new ways for active participation from our retired members.  To educate and advise our future retirees of issues concerning our senior members in general.

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI – MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

  1. The Order of Business at a Local Membership Meeting shall be:

 

  1. Call to order.
  2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
  3. Roll Call of Officers and Executive Board Members.
  4. Distribution and action on the minutes of previous Membership and Executive Board Meetings.
  5. Written Financial Report.
  6. Reports of Officers and Executive Board.
  7. Reading of Communications.
  8. Report of Committees.
  9. Unfinished Business.
  10. New Business.
  11. Good and Welfare.
  12. Adjournment.
  1. The Order of Business may be suspended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present.

 

 

ARTICLE XII – LOCAL OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS, STEWARDS AND THEIR DUTIES.   

            Section 1 – Local Officers.

  1. The Officers of the Local shall be:

 

  1. Local President.
  2. Executive Vice President.
  3. Local Secretary/Treasurer.
  4. Three (3) Vice Presidents
  5. Area Vice President - Lancaster
  1. The duties of Local Officers shall be as follow:

 

1.         The Local President shall:

  1. Be responsible for the conduct of all Local Business.
  2. Preside at Local Membership, Local Executive Board and Local Officers meeting.
  3. Prosecute grievances and appeal them to higher levels of the Union when not satisfactorily settled.
  4. Supervise all Local Committees.
  5. Approve all bills to be paid and countersign all checks drawn on the Local Treasury.
  6. Perform whatever additional duties may be assigned by the Local or required by the policies or Constitution of the Union and
  7. Supervise any employee of the Local.
  8. Be the Local’s representative on the Verizon Bargaining Council and/any future Bargaining Councils that may come under the jurisdiction of the Local.
  1. The Local Executive Vice President shall:

 

  1. Work under the direction of the Local President and shall perform such duties as assigned by the Local President, Local Officers, and the Local Membership; and
  2. In the absence of the Local President, the Executive Vice President will assume all duties and authorities of the President.
  1. The Local Secretary-Treasurer shall:

 

  1. Maintain a record of the Local Membership and record and maintain the minutes of the Meetings of the Local, the Local Executive Board, or Local Officers;
  2. Furnish the District Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of the National Union with copies of any changes in these Bylaws within ten (10) days after such changes are made; and
  3. Be custodian of all assets of the Local;
  4. Report to each Membership Meeting on the financial status of the Local;
  5. Be bonded, as must any other person who handles Local funds or other property in accordance with the Union Constitution or any State or Federal Law;
  6. Cause the payment of all bills approved by the Local President, and
  7. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Local, Local Executive Board, or the Local President.
  1. The Local Vice President shall:

 

a.         Work under the direction of the Local President and shall perform such duties as assigned by the Local President, Local Officers and the Local Membership
     
Section 2 – The Local Executive Board Members and Area Vice President-
“Lancaster” shall:

  1. Meet monthly and be responsible for the conduct of the Local.

 

  1. Work under the direction of the Local President and shall perform such duties as assigned by the Local President, Local Officers, and the Local Membership.

 

Section 3 – The Local President shall have the right to appoint and/or remove a Chief Steward as needed.  The Chief Steward shall work under the direction of the Local President, Local Officers and the Local Membership.

 

Section 4 – Local Stewards

  1. The Local shall have as many Stewards as may be appointed by the Local President, subject to the right of the Local Membership to overrule such appointments.  Any steward may be removed by the Local President, subject to the approval of the Local Executive Board and the Local Membership.  The names of new Stewards will be provided at Local Membership Meetings.

 

  1. The duties of Local’s Stewards shall be as follows:
  2. See that the job is Union by signing the workers for whom they are responsible and keeping them signed.
  3. See that the Contract is observed by Management and the members.
  4. Report all grievances immediately and assist in processing them.
  5. See that the Membership is informed at all times about the Union policies, programs, bargaining, political action, legislation, and other important Union activities, and constantly work for participation by the membership.
  6. Work under the direction of the Local President.
  7. Participate in Local Committees, and
  8. Perform whatever duties may be assigned by the Local, and the Local Executive Board, or the Local President.

 

ARTICLE XIII – CONDUCT OF MEETINGS, OTHER LOCAL BUSINESS AND QUORUM 
 

  1. Membership meetings and any other business of the Local shall be conducted under these Bylaws and rules of the Local and in conformity with the Union Constitution.  On questions where the Local Bylaws, the Local rules, of the Union Constitution do not clearly apply, Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern.
  1. Those members present at a General Membership Meeting shall constitute a quorum.

 

  1. A majority of the Executive Board or a majority of the Executive Committee or a majority of the members of a committee shall constitute a quorum for those bodies.

ARTICELE XIV – NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF LOCAL OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.

               
Section 1 – Nominations

  1. A person may nominate themselves or be nominated by any other member in good standing of the Local by submitting in person or by certified mail a form signed by the Nominee no later than the date nominations are closed as set by the Nomination Election Committee in accordance with Article XIV, Section 3 of the Bylaws.   Write in ballots will not be accepted or counted.

 

  1. The nominating form may be drawn upon a plain sheet or paper or upon a standard nominating form available upon request from the Local office.
  2. The Nominating Form must contain the following:
  3. Title of the office sought.
  4. Name of the candidate.
  5. A statement, signed by the candidate, that he/she will serve if elected.
  1. The Nomination of a person for the Office of President, Executive Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, local wide Vice Presidents One, Two, Three (1,2,3) all constitute the Nomination of that person as a delegate to C.WA. Conventions during the term for which the election is being conducted, in accordance with Article IX, Section A of these Bylaws. Nominations and elections for the offices of Vice Presidents will be numbered One, Two and Three (1, 2, 3).  The sequence of numberings is for election identification purpose ONLY, all Vice Presidents will have equal standing.

 

C.        Nominations for Local Officers and Executive Board Members shall be opened and closed at the same meeting in the month of September, every third year.  Notice of such nominations, including the office or offices to be filled, the time(s), place(s), proper form for the submission of nominations, and “Election Rules and Procedures” shall be mailed to each member at their last known address at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Local Meeting at which time such nominations will be open.

 

Section 2 – Elections

  1. Election of Local Officers and Executive Board Members shall be by mail referendum of the membership in the month of October of every third year.

 

  1. Ballots will be mailed (Via U.S. Mail) to members within ten (10) days after the close of nominations.  Each member eligible to vote will receive:
  1. Notice of election and instructions for voting.
  2. One official, unmarked ballot.
  3. One ballot envelope.
  4. One return-addressed envelope with voters name attached.
  5. Items One through Four will be mailed to each eligible voter at his/her last known address at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date when they must be returned in order to be counted.  These items will be mailed 1st class to assure prompt delivery and forwarding, if necessary.

 

  1. Those members who will not be at their regular mailing address during the period of the election may make arrangements with the Election Committee, five (5) days prior to the mailing of the ballots, for mailing of their ballot to a temporary address.
  1. All ballots used and unused, must be accounted for.  A certification to the exact number printed and mailed will be obtained from the printing source and/or Election Committee.  Arrangements with postal authorities will be made to have all undeliverable ballots returned to the designated secure P.O. Box for accounting and possible re-mailing.  Envelopes will be imprinted with the “Ballot Enclosed” prominently displayed. 

 

  1. Instructions to Members will include:
  1. The cutoff date for counting the returned marked ballots.
  2. “Mark” the squares next to the Candidate of your choice.  Do not mark the ballot in any other way.
  3. Clear instructions on returning of ballots.

 

  1. All ballots will be returned to a P.O. Box which will be obtained by the Local and held at the Post Office until secured by the Election Committee.  Arrangements will be made with Postal Authorities not to release ballots except to authorize Election Committee Officials in the presence of candidates’ observers, if requested by the candidates.  Ballots will be picked up at the designated time and place, brought to the Local Office, and tallied promptly by the Election Committee in the presence of the candidates’ observers, if requested by the candidates.  In conducting the tally, election officials will establish the identity and eligibility of each voter, separate the ballot envelope from the return envelope (thereby preserving the secrecy of the ballot), and after all ballot envelopes are removed, begin the tally.  Only election officials may handle the ballots and only in view of the candidates’ observers, if requested.  Only expenses incurred by the Election Committee will be paid for the Local.

 

Section 3 – Local Election Committee

  1. The nomination and election of Local Officers, Executive Board Members, and delegates to the CWA Convention shall be conducted under the supervision of the Election Committee.  This Committee shall have the authority and responsibility to see that nominations and elections are conducted in accordance with the Union Constitution and these Bylaws, with reasonable opportunity for each member to nominate and vote for the candidate of his/her choice.

 

  1. The Election Committee shall also conduct any referenda submitted to the membership, except where superseded by CWA Constitution.
  1. A member shall not be permitted to serve on the Election Committee if he/she is a candidate for any office of the Local or a candidate for delegate to the CWA Convention.

 

  1. The Secretary-Treasurer must preserve the ballots and other election materials for at least one (1) year.
  1. All questions concerning the conduct and challenge of elections shall be determined by the Election Committee, subject to the right of appeal to the Executive Board of the Membership of the Local.

 

Section 4 – General Provisions

  1. The nominee in any election receiving the majority of the votes cast, shall be declared elected.  If no nominee has a majority on the first ballot, the vote shall be taken again and the two (2) nominees having the greatest number of votes on the first ballot shall be the nominees on the second ballot, except Convention Delegates, where plurality vote shall apply.

 

  1. Only members of the Local in good standing shall be eligible to vote or hold office.
  1. The term of office shall be for three (3) years or until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified.

 

  1. The Officers and Executive Board Members shall take office at the regular or special meeting in the month of November except when filling of vacancies.
  1. No elected Officer or Executive Board Member of the Local shall be qualified to take office unless and until he or she meets the qualifications and requirements set forth in these Bylaws, the CWA Constitution, or any applicable state or federal law.

 

Section 5 – Vacancies
           
            A.        A vacancy in the office of Local President shall be filled by the  
                        Local’s Executive Vice President.

B.         Vacancies in any office shall be filled either by appointment of the Local Officers and Executive Board, subject to approval of the appointment by the Local membership or by election in the same manner as that required for regular elections.  Vacancies in the offices of E.V.P. or Secretary/Treasure must be filled in the manner described above within sixty (60) days of the vacancy.

ARTICLE XV – STRIKES

The calling, conduct, and termination of strikes affecting this Local shall be at all times carried on in compliance with the rules prescribed by the Union and Article XVIII of its Constitution.

ARTICLE XVI – CHARGES, TRIALS AND APPEALS

            Section 1 – Charges
             
Members of this Local may be fined, suspended or expelled in the manner provided in these Bylaws, for any of the acts enumerated in Article XIX of the Union Constitution.

            Section 2 – Trials
                       
Any accused member, including Officers, of this Local shall be tried under provisions of Article XX of the Union Constitution.

            Section 3 – Appeals

A member or Officer of the Local, upon being found quilty by a Local Trail court, may appeal as provided in Article XX of the Union Constitution.

            Section 4 – Local Trail Court

A trial court of this Local shall be selected in conformity with Article XX, Section 3 of the CWA Constitution.

 

ARTICLE XVII – RECALL OF LOCAL OFFICERS

Any elected Officer of this Local may be recalled in accordance with the provisions of Articles XXI and XXII of the Union Constitution.

 

ARTICLE XVILL – AMENDMENTS TO THE LOCAL BYLAWS
           
These Bylaws may be amended by either of the following methods.

  1. Majority vote of the members voting at a Local Meeting, if the proposed amendment has been introduced at a previous Membership Meeting or has been advertised to the Membership by use of bulletin boards or U.S. Mail postage prepaid or by Local Newspaper, at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the meeting; or

 

  1. Referendum of the Membership pursuant to Article XXII, Section 4 of the CWA Constitution.

 

ARTICLE XIX – REFERENDUM OF THE LOCAL

  1. The Local Election Committee shall submit any question to a referendum of the membership when directed to do so by action of the Executive Board or by a regular or Special Membership Meeting.

 

  1. Questions submitted to referendum shall be determined by a majority vote of those voting on the question.

 

ARTICLE XX – FISCAL YEAR AUDIT

A.        The fiscal year of this Local shall be from October 1 of each year to and including September 30 of the succeeding year.

B.         The financial records of this Local shall be audited by a certified auditor selected by the Local Executive Board at the end of each fiscal year.  The results of such audit shall be made available for the inspection of any member of the Local.

 

ARTICLE XI – OATH OF OFFICE

Each elected Officer of the Local, after meeting all other qualifications, shall be duly installed upon taking the following oath:

“I (give name) hereby accept the office of (name of office) of Local 9586 – Communications Workers of America, with full knowledge of the responsibilities and duties of such office.  I promise to faithfully discharge my duties according to the Bylaws and rules of the Local and Constitution and policies of the union.  I further promise to give my successor in office all books and records in my possession.  I shall at all times endeavor to serve my Local and the Union to the best of my ability, so help me God.

ARTICLE XXII– ADOPTION

  1. These Bylaws were adopted March 2, 1977, amended September 5, 1979, November 2, 1983, February 11, 1987, July 6, 1988, November 2, 1988, September 5, 1990, May 6, 1992, January 1, 1993, July 7, 1993, September 4, 1996, February 3, 1999, August 4, 1999, September 3, 2003 and June 7, 2006

 

B.         A copy of current Bylaws shall be made available to the members upon request.

 

GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES OF LOCAL 9586 EXECUTIVE BOARD AREAS

NORTHERN                         Azusa, Glendora, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Hastings, Baldwin Park, Covina, La Puente, Rowland and Maple Grove C.O.s, Monrovia Training Center, Covina DAC-FAC Office, Covina Phone Mart, and Irwindale Yard.

CENTRAL                             Artesia, Bellflower, Florence, Downey, Imperial, Norwalk, Alondra, La Habra, Rio Hondo, Pico, Valley View, Whittier South and Whitwood C.O.s, Bellflower Public Communications, IBM Building, Downey DAC FAC, Downey and Santa Fe Springs Phone Marts and Santa Fe Springs Yard.

SOUTHERN                          California, Long Beach Main, Clark, Termino, Uptown and Market C.O.s, Long Beach Phone Mart , Bixby Yard, Lew Davis Building and Personnel Office.

OCEAN                                  200 Ocean.

LANCASTER                        All bargaining unit employees in the Lancaster Exchange.

ADT                                        All bargaining unit employees employed by ADT that were formerly Westec Security and Edison Security

 












 


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