BY-LAWS OF LOCAL 229

Article 1 - Name 

This organization shall be known as Local 229 National Automobile, Aerospace, Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada (CAW - Canada), Syndicat national de l’Automobile, de l’Aerospatiale, du Transport et des autres travailleurs et travailleuses du Canada (TCA - Canada).  

Article 2 - Jurisdiction 

It will operate as an amalgamated local in the Districts of Rainy- River, Kenora and Thunder Bay. 

Article 3 - Constitution and By-Laws

 The constitution of the Local Union shall be the Constitution of the National Auto Workers of Canada, CAW – TCA, and these by-laws shall be in all respects subordinate to all said Constitution and all applications and interpretations thereof. 

Article 4 - Fiscal Year 

The fiscal year of this Local Union shall begin on January l, and end on December 31. 

Article 5 - Purposes and Objectives  

1. To unite in one organization regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, creed, colour, ancestry, nationality, place of origin, family relationship, disability, age, job classification, or political affiliation, all workers under the jurisdiction of this Local Union. 
    
2. To improve working conditions, create a uniform system for shorter hours and higher wages, the right to equal pay for work of equal value, and to maintain, protect and further the interest of all workers. 

 
3. To educate members so that they realize that the power of the Union rests on their collective strength. 
    
4. To educate our membership in the theory of the labour movement and to develop and maintain an intelligent and dignified membership to vote and work for the election of political candidates and the passage of improved legislation in the interest of all labour. 
    

5. To strive for the removal from legislation all provisions restricting the right to      bargain freely and gain justice through all available means. 
    

6. To establish and maintain the closest possible co-operation with other CAW        Locals and other Unions. 
    

7. Dedicated to the realization of the legitimate aspirations of those who toil for a    living, Local 229 will not deviate from the pursuit of peace, freedom and security      for all people. 
    

8. Local 229 will at all times hold true to the high ideals and principles of social       justice on which the labour movement was founded. 
    

9. To regulate relations between employees and employers, including but not         limited to the right to bargaining collectively on behalf of the employees in any    organization under the jurisdiction of the Local Union.
    

10. To provide a democratic form of government within the National Union. 
     

11. To promote the health and safety of the membership. 
     

12. To defend the right of rank-and-file union members to ratify all agreements with  employers. 
     

13. To defend the right to strike. 
     

14. To organize workers into the Local Union. 
     

15. To promote employment by the reduction of the work week with no loss of pay or benefits, and the elimination of overtime. 
     

16. To promote the right and freedom of Canadian workers to belong to labour        organizations that are effective, democratic and not dominated by any element     foreign to, or not in the best interests of the people of Canada. 
     

17. To promote an equitable distribution of wealth within Canadian society. 
     

18. To promote co-operation and mutual support among workers of every country. 
     

19. To conduct education work among our membership in accordance with the         objectives and policies of the National Union.
     

20. To oppose racism. 
     

21. To defend the union. 
     

22. To promote effective environmental policies. 
     

23. To oppose sexual harassment and harassment of any kind. 

The objectives of this Local Union shall be the same as those of CAW-Canada as  provided for in Article 2- Objectives of the National Union Constitution. 

Article 6 - Membership 

Section 1 -    This Local union shall be composed of workers eligible for membership in the National Union, CAW - Canada and over whom the Amalgamated Local Union is granted jurisdiction by the National Union. 

Section 2 -    Eligibility for and acceptance into membership in the Amalgamated Local Union shall be governed by the Constitution of the National Union. 

Section 3 -    A membership card will be provided to each member. 

Section 4 -    The membership card shall be shown at each meeting to the Sergeant-at-Arms/Guide to indicate their membership. 

Section 5 -    It shall be the duty of each member to conscientiously seek to understand and exemplify by practice the intent and purpose of her/his obligation as a member of the Amalgamated Local Union and the National Union. 

Section 6 -    It shall be the duty of each member to participate in all Local, Provincial and Federal elections through registration and balloting. 

Section 7 -    Every person, prior to her/his acceptance as a member, shall be given the membership oath provided for by the Constitution of the National Union. 

Section 8 -    The national Union and the Amalgamated Union shall be the exclusive representative of each member of this Amalgamated Local Union for the purpose of collective bargaining and execution of any contracts.

Section 9 -    Each member of this Amalgamated Local Union does hereby irrevocably designate, authorize and empower the National Union and this Amalgamated Local Union, and each of them exclusively to appear and act for her/him and in her/his behalf before any board, court, committee and other tribunal in any matter affecting her/his status as a worker or as a member of this amalgamated Union or the National Union, and exclusively to act as her/his agent to represent and bind her/him in the presentation, prosecution, adjustment and settlement of all grievances, complaints or disputes of any kind or character arising out of the employer - employee relationship, as fully and to all intents and purpose as she/he might or could do if personally present. 

Section 10 -   Each member in good standing of this Local Union has the right to nominate and vote, express opinions on all subjects before the Local Union, to attend all membership meetings and express views, arguments and opinions on all matters and business, including candidates for office, properly before the meeting: to meet and assemble freely with other members and generally, to participate in the activities of the Local Union in a responsible manner consistent with good conscience in order to present and discuss factually and honestly the issues and personalities upon which the membership must base its decisions.

A member in exercising the foregoing rights and privileges shall not take any irresponsible action which would tend to jeopardize or destroy, or be detrimental to, either the Local or National Unions as organizations, or their free democratic heritage, or which would interfere with the performance by this Local Union or the National Union of its legal or contractual obligations as a collective bargaining agent, or interfere with the legal or contractual obligations of this Local Union as an affiliate of the National Union.  Violation, or abuse of these rights and privileges of membership, or engaging in conduct prohibited by this section, shall be considered conduct unbecoming a union member. 

Section 11 -  The membership shall strive to obtain the objectives set forth in the Constitution and additional objectives as established as the policy of the National Union; to maintain free relations with other organizations; do all in its power to strengthen and promote the labour movement; to co-operate with National Board Members, the National Representatives and help promote organizational activities. 

Section 12 -  The Local Union may employ service and organizational staff.  Staff who are employed by the Local union shall be CAW Local 229 members and members of the National Union.                                      

Section 13 -  The membership shall have the right to disaffiliate from the CAW if the majority of its members indicate its desire by a democratic vote after a full and open debate and in accordance with the Constitution of CAW Canada. 

Article 7 - General Membership Meetings 

Section 1 -    Local Union General Membership meetings shall be held every month in Thunder Bay.  The times, dates and place of the meeting shall be established by the Executive Board.  General membership meetings can be suspended for July and August by a majority vote of the membership at the June meeting. 

Section 2 -    For purposes of General Membership meetings, members in attendance shall constitute quorum. 

Section 3 -    The President of the Local, upon receiving a written petition signed by the majority of the Executive Board or at least twenty-five members in good standing, shall call a special meeting and the petition shall mention the aim or aims of said meeting and discussions will be restricted to these aim(s) only. 

Section 4 -    Each Unit of the Local shall hold bi-monthly membership meetings. 

Section 5 -    Members shall be notified at least seven (7) days prior to all meetings by workplace bulletins.  The agenda shall be included in all notices.  Any election to be held at General Membership Meetings shall be included on the agenda.  Only members in good standing shall attend membership meetings. 

Section 6 -    The membership shall sign in at each meeting in the Sergeant-at-Arms registration book. 

Section 7 -    Those members who do not have their membership card upon their person, must have another member in good standing vouch for them. 

Section 8 -    It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all membership meetings.  In her/his absence, the Vice-President shall preside. 

Section 9 -    Minutes shall be taken at all General Membership Meetings by the Recording Secretary. 

Section 10 -  The regular order of business shall be as follows:  

1. Opening of meeting

2. Reading of agenda

3. Minutes of previous meeting

4. Financial report

5. Recommendations of Executive Board

6. Actions taken by Executive Board

7. Correspondence

8. Reports from Officers, Committees, Delegates

9. Unfinished Business

10. New Business

11. Elections (if required)

12. Good and Welfare

13. Closing

A copy of the previous meeting minutes, financial report and Recommendations will be distributed to each member present at the General Membership Meeting. 

Section 11 -  All discussions and debates shall be governed by Bourinot’s Rules of Order. 

Section 12 -  The members shall confine their remarks to the order of business of the motion under discussion and shall be allowed a maximum of five (5) minutes.  A member shall speak only once upon the matter under discussion except in the case of the sponsor of a motion or resolution who shall be allowed to discussion close on the motion or resolution. 

Article 8 - Powers of Administration 

Section 1 -    This Bylaw inscribes the will of the membership for democratic control of the Union, consistent with the opportunity and responsibility of the officers to provide effective leadership.  It is the determination of the members, in accordance with the provisions of this Bylaw, that the Bylaw guards this principle as it relates to the operation of the Union as a whole and as herein set out. 

Section 2 -    The membership is the highest authority of this Local Union and shall be empowered to take or direct any action not inconsistent with the Constitution or Bylaws. 

Section 3 -    Between general membership meetings, the highest authority shall be the Executive Board of this Local, which shall meet at least once each month. 

Section 4 -    Between meetings of the Executive Board, the administrative authority of the Local shall be vested in the President of the Local. 

Article 9    Executive Board      

Section 1 -    The Executive Board of the Union shall consist of President, Financial Secretary, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Sergeant at Arms/Guide, Retired Member, Director of Outlying Area, Director of Women’s Issues, and three trustees. 

Section 2 -    Executive Officers shall serve for a period of three (3) years. 

                   Section 3 -    In the event that the office of President becomes vacant, the Vice-President shall assume that office for the balance of the term.  In the event any of the other offices become vacant during the regular term of office, it will be promptly filled.  The Executive Board shall have the authority to appoint a member to fill the vacancy until the result of such election becomes known.  The election must be held within 60 days. 

Section 4 -    The duties of the Executive Officers shall be those set down in the National Constitution, Article 37, plus others deemed necessary by the General Membership in the administering of the local union affairs. 

Section 5 -    The Executive Board shall consist of the above named Executive Officers,  plus a Retired Member from the Retiree’s Chapter.  This position is elected  at the same time as the Executive Officers and for a three (3) year term. All members of the Executive Board shall have voice and vote.

Section 6 -    A simple majority of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum at all  Executive Board Meetings.

Section 7 -    The Executive Board shall meet monthly between membership meetings.  Special meetings may be called by the President.  Whenever a majority of the Executive Board requests the President, by letter or petition, to call a meeting thereof, it shall be mandatory upon the President, to do so within five (5) days of receipt of such letter or petition. 

                   The Executive Board shall exercise the Executive functions of the Local Union between General Meetings.  The Executive Board shall enforce the Bylaws of the Local Union and its own decisions.  It shall report upon all matters which, in its judgment, require consideration by the Local Union or which may have been committed to the Executive Board.  The Executive Board shall be further empowered to appropriate funds or defray normal expenses that are incurred between the General Membership meetings.  All such appropriations of the Executive Board shall be subject to the approval of the membership at the next General Meeting.

Section 8 -    The Executive Board may recommend that the Union hire employees when they are needed.  The Executive Board shall have power, subject to the provisions of this Constitution and Bylaws, to appoint sub-committees from its own membership and pass upon and approve applications for membership and reinstatement.

Section 9 -    Minutes will be taken of all Executive Board Meetings by the Recording  Secretary and shall be available to the membership at the meetings.

Section 10 -  The decisions of the Executive Board shall be decided by a majority vote of those members present and voting. 

Section 11 -   All decisions and recommendations of the Executive Board shall be      referred to the next General Membership Meeting for approval, and/or        information. 

Section 12 -  The Executive Board shall appoint at least one of its members to each of the standing committees in a liaison advisory capacity, except, the Unit Bargaining Committee and the Election Committee.         

Section 13 -  The Executive Board shall not make any unnecessary expenditure without prior consent of the membership.  All expenses shall be referred to the next General Membership Meeting.  A financial statement reporting revenues and expenditures shall be reported to the next General Membership Meeting. 

Article 10 - Executive Council   

Section 1 -    Executive Council - The Executive Council shall consist of the Executive  Board of this Union together with representation from the Units on the  following basis: 

                   Each Unit shall consist of at least one delegate, normally the Unit                    Chairperson. 

For purpose of clarity, a Unit as defined in this Constitution shall mean  a Bargaining Unit with an employer, having a signed agreement with this  Local Union or where negotiations are proceeding for the renewal thereof. The following formula will increase representation for larger units: 

                   Up to 200 will have 1 representative;

                   between 200 and 400 will have 2 representatives;

                   between 400 and 600 will have 3 representatives;

                   between 600 and 800 will have 4 representatives;

                   between 800 and l000 will have 5 representatives etc. 

Section 2 -    Executive Council - The Executive Council is established to provide      broad  representation to all units of the Local. 

                   The Executive Council shall be responsible to keep the Executive Board  informed of problems and progress of the various areas of the Local Union. 

                   It shall review the work of the Executive Board annually.  The Council members shall be responsible to keep their Units informed of the work of the Executive Board. 

                   The Executive Council shall make any recommendations they deem necessary for consideration and action of the Executive Board. 

The Executive Council shall meet annually to conduct the business of the Local and attend education sessions.  

Executive council decisions shall be decided by a majority vote of those members present and voting.  

Article 11 - Delegates from the Local 

Section 1-     All delegates from the Local shall be elected by a single plurality vote and by secret ballot. 

Section 2 -    A member to be eligible for nomination as a delegate, to all councils and conventions shall be a member in continuous good standing in accordance with the National Constitution. 

Section 3 -    Alternate delegates will replace regular delegates unable to attend and shall have preference according to the amount of vote received in the election. 

Section 4 -    All delegates must give a written report at the next general membership meetings. 

Section 5 -    All delegates shall be elected at a properly advertised General Membership meeting except where otherwise specified in the Constitution or these by-laws. 

Section 6 -    CAW Council shall be elected at the same time as the Executive Board elections.  All conditions in Section 1 will apply. 

Section 7 -    The President and the Financial Secretary will be automatic observer to CAW Council, if not elected as delegates. 

Section 8 -    CAW Convention Delegates will be elected as per the National Constitution Article 9, prior to the Convention 

Article l2 - Establishment and Governing of Units 

Section 1 -    Each bargaining unit of the Local Union shall be known as a Unit of the Local Union.  Where a workplace has a full-time and a part-time work force with bargaining unit descriptions which are, to all intents and purposes, identical, the full-time and part-time employees in that workplace shall constitute a single bargaining unit for the purpose of this section. 

Section 2 -    All Units will elect workplace representatives in accordance with Article 17, Section 3, of the Bylaws. 

Section 3 -    Unit Meetings shall be held at least once every two months in accordance with the By-Laws of this Local Union.  A Unit may, by membership vote, suspend meetings during the months of July and August. 

Section 4 -    The meeting shall be presided over by the Unit Chairperson and minutes be shall be recorded by the Unit Recording Secretary. 

Section 5 -    Resolves of all Unit Meetings which affect the policy of the Union as a whole shall be subject to the approval of the Local Union as a whole.  Copies of the minutes shall be submitted to the Local Union Recording Secretary within a week of the Unit Meeting              

 Article 13 - Stewards and Committee Persons 

Section 1 -    The duties of Stewards and Committee persons shall be as follows: 

1.       To attend all steward and unit meetings.

2.       To attend all general membership meetings; unless the Executive Board permits the member to be absent with cause (e.g. - outlying areas).

3.       To become completely familiar with all of the provisions of the collective agreement and to investigate all grievances.

4.       To be completely familiar with the grievance procedure.

5.       To receive complaints and grievances of their department or unit and make every effort to conform with the grievance procedure to satisfactorily adjust and settle all grievances.

6.       To call a special meeting of their department or unit upon written request of at least twenty-five (25) per cent of the members in good standing in their area.

7.       To see that all the workers under their jurisdiction become members and remain in good standing.

8.       To assist and co-operate fully with health and safety committee in the prevention and investigation of accidents.

9.       To carry out to the best of their ability in harmony with the other committees of the local and the Executive Board the decisions of the union.

10.     To turn over all papers, documents funds and/or other union property at the conclusion of their office to their successor and to assist her/him in all ways possible.

11.     To support campaigns of the Local and National Union within there area of representation. 

Section 2 -    All vacancies shall be filled by an election within sixty(60) days where possible.  The alternate (runner-up in the election) will assume the duties of the Committee Person or Steward until the results of the elections are known.  In the event the election committee for the unit cannot find a replacement, the Unit Chair shall be empowered to appoint a Committee Person or Steward until an election can be held.   

Section 3 -    Recall Procedure 

A Steward, Committee Person, or Unit Chairperson may be recalled by the members they represent for failure to perform the duties of their office.  A valid petition, setting forth specific complaints of the shop steward’s, committee person’s or Unit Chairperson’s failure to perform the duties of their office, shall be signed by at least twenty-five (25) per cent of the members in good standing they represent.                  

The Unit will notify the workplace representative of the specific complaints and will give due notice to the member of a special meeting for recall.  Twenty-five percent (25%) of the current members working under the jurisdiction of the Steward or the Committee Person must be present at the recall meeting to establish a quorum. 

                   A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting is necessary to recall. 

Article 14 - Bargaining Committees 

                   The Bargaining Committee of each unit shall consist of the, Unit Chairperson, Committee Members,  the President of designated representative of the Local, and a National Representative.                  

Article l5 -  Standing Committees    

Section 1 -    This Local Union shall have the following standing committees:                

1. Constitution and Bylaws

2. Political Action/Union in Politics Committee

3. Health, Safety and Environment and WSIB

4. Recreation

5. Community Services

6. Civil, Peace and Human Rights

7. Women’s

8. Newspaper and Communications

9. Organizing

10. Health Care Committee

11. Licensed Professionals and Skilled Trades

12. Retired Members

13. Election

14. Finance

15. Union Label

16. Education

17. Attendance and Excuse

Section 2 -    All other committees shall be considered a sub-committee of the above committees. 

Section 3 -    There shall be a Chairperson and a Secretary for each committee and also a Treasurer when deemed necessary, to be elected by the members of the committee. 

Section 4 -    All committees shall be elected by secret ballot vote at a properly advertised membership meeting. Members will serve for a three (3) year term. 

Section 5 -    The dates of elections of all committees shall be placed on the bulletin boards, at least seven (7) days prior to the election.  Members from outlying units may submit their names in writing. 

Section 6 -    All standing committees shall perform all duties assigned to them by the Constitution and By-laws and such additional duties as they may be directed to perform from time to time by the Executive Board or the Membership. 

Section 7 -    All standing committees shall have the power to appoint new members to their committees, with Executive Board approval. 

Section 8 -    Each committee shall hold a regular meeting once a month unless it’s deemed unnecessary.   Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson and must be called when requested by a majority of the members of the committee or when ordered by the Local Executive Board or the General Membership.  A simple majority of the committee members shall constitute a quorum for the conducting of business at all committee meetings. 

Section 9 -    The duties of the officers and members of each committee shall include: 

                   Chairperson: 

1.       Call and preside at all committee meetings 

2.       Shall direct the activities of the committee in accordance with these bylaws and the National Constitution. 

3.       Shall have authority only to the extent of carrying out the decisions of the committee that have been approved by the membership. 

4.       Shall submit a written report of their activities to the Executive Board Meetings, and to the General Membership Meetings. 

5.       Shall be responsible for the functioning of all sub-committees established by her/his particular committee.                            

                   Secretary: 

1.       Shall keep minutes of all committee meetings and shall furnish the Recording Secretary of the Local with a copy of the same. 

2.       Shall collect and file reports of their committee members. 

3.       Shall notify all members of the committee as to the time, date and place of all regular or special meetings, sufficiently in advance to enable them to attend and shall keep the members informed between meetings. 

4.       Shall devise a reporting system when deemed necessary with the    stewards and committee persons of the Local so that all matters      receive immediate and rightful attention.

   Committee Member: 

1.       Shall attend all meetings of their respective committee and all General Membership Meetings. 

2.       Shall co-operate with each member of their committee and shall work for benefit of all the members of the Local Union. 

3.       Shall carry out all assignments directed by the General Membership   to the best of their ability.

Section 11 -   All members interested in serving on a committee who are unable to attend the General Membership Meeting when the election is held for the committee may stand nominated for the committee if she/he is nominated at the meeting by a member in good standing and she/he has stated her/his desire to serve in writing before the meeting. 

Article 16 - Sections 

Section 1 -    The Union may establish sections as determined by the Local.  Such          sections may be added to from time to time, as becomes necessary to serve the best interest of the Union and its membership as a whole. 

Section 2 -    Sections established are the following: 

1. Hospital section

2. Long Term Care section

3. Office and Clerical section

4. Homemaker section

5. Private Sector section

6. Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Municipalities section.

Article 17 - Local Union Elections 

Section 2 -    Subject to Article 17, Section 4(e) of these Bylaws, all members in good standing of Local 229 shall be eligible to run for any office or position in the Local Union except where the Constitution or these by-laws specifies more restrictions.  A member’s right to vote begins on the first day of the month for which dues are paid. 

1. The Local Union Election Committee shall be a Standing Committee elected a General Membership Meeting in every third year by a single plurality vote and by secret ballot, prior to the General Election of the Executive Board. 
    

2. The Election Committee shall be elected for a three (3) year term and shall have a membership up to a maximum of ten. 
    

3. They shall draft rules and regulations for the conducting of elections which shall not be inconsistent with these by-laws or the National Constitution and which must have the prior approval of the General membership before they are put into practice.

Section 3 -    The nominating and election of Stewards, Committee Persons and Unit Chairpersons shall be as follows: 

1. All members in good standing shall be automatically nominated for each office for which they are eligible if they accept the nomination in writing within five (5) days of the notice of nominations being posted. 
    

2. Following the closing of nominations, a notice containing both the time and place of elections and the time and place of any possible run-off election, shall be given at least ten (10) days in advance of the election. 
    

3. Stewards, Unit Chairpersons, and Committee Persons shall be elected by a single plurality vote and Secret ballot.
    

4. All Units will elect such other shop stewards and committee people as may be necessary to conduct the business of the unit.  All workplace representatives, including unit chairpersons, shall be elected by secret ballot as soon as possible after being certified CAW Unit for a three (3) year term.
    

5. Voting hours shall be arranged so as to provide the maximum opportunity for the eligible voters to conveniently cast their ballots.

Section 4 -    The nominating and electing of Executive Officers shall take place in the following manner: 

1. A notice of Nominations shall be posted for a period of seven (7) days.   There shall be at least seven (7) days between the closing of nominations and the election, and at least fifteen (15) days notice of any run-off elections. 
    

2. Executive Officers and Bargaining/Grievance Arbitration Chairs shall be  elected by simple majority of the votes cast for the office. 
    

3. The election of Executive Officers shall take place every three (3) years during the months of May or June.
    

4. Voting shall take place in the same manner as Section 3(e) of this Article.

Section 5 -    The election of all other standing committees shall be held at the General Membership Meetings when they are deemed necessary.  When one of these elections is necessary, it shall be placed on the agenda of the meeting and shall be posted at least (7) days prior to the election.

Section 6 -    There shall be no proxy voting. 

Article 18 - Finances 

Section 1 -    The initiation fee of this Local Union for newly organized members shall be twenty dollars  ($20.00).  One dollar ($1.00) of each initiation fee received by the Local Union shall be forwarded to the National Secretary-Treasurer.  Five dollars ($5.00) will be set aside for New Member Orientation in accordance with Article 17, Section 1 of the CAW Constitution. 

Newly organized units will pay an initiation fee as per the CAW-Canada National Constitution, Article 6.

Section 2 -    The Union dues of Local 229 shall be the minimum as set down in Article l7, Section 2 of the CAW Constitution, plus any additional dues that may be levied by membership action by secret ballot vote in accordance with Article 44, Sections l and 2 of the CAW Constitution.   There shall be no dues increase under Article 17, Section 3 of the CAW Constitution without a majority of the affected members who cast ballots approving the increase in a secret ballot vote called in accordance with the provisions of Article 44, Sections 1 & 2 of the CAW Constitution.

Section 3 -    The compensation of any member of this amalgamated Local Union shall be approved lost time only when that representative or member is performing necessary duties for and on behalf of the Local Union during the time for which she/he would otherwise be compensated by the employer.  The amount which the Local Union representative or member would otherwise have received from her/his employer for the same period of time for which she/he is being compensated by the Local Union. The Local Union will not be responsible for the payment of lost time at  overtime rates or premium rates.

Section 4 -    The signing officers of the Local shall be the President and the Financial Secretary.  In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall be the alternate and, in the absence of the Financial Secretary, the a designated trustee shall be the alternate. 

Section 5 -    Members’ expenses will be paid in accordance with the Members Travel and Expense Policy approved by the General Membership.

Article 19 - Attendance Rules

Section 1 -

(a)      All members of the Executive Board must attend two out of every three Membership meetings and two out of every three Executive Board meetings, plus two out of every three Committee meetings and two out of every three Unit meetings to which they have been appointed to in an advisory position unless properly excused.

(b)      All members of the Bargaining Committee must attend two out of every three membership meetings and two out of every three Bargaining Committee meetings plus two out of every three Unit Meetings unless properly excused. 

(c)      All stewards must attend two out of every three membership meetings and two out of every three steward meetings unless properly excused. 

(d)      All delegates to Councils and/or Conventions must attend two out of every three membership meetings unless properly excused. 

(e)      All members of all other standing committees must attend two out of every three Membership meetings, unless properly excused. 

Section 2 -    When education programs are arranged for the membership or smaller groups, all union representatives affected must attend two (2) out of three (3) consecutive education classes provided that the courses are for a prescribed and reasonable length of time.  

Section 3 -    Failure of any elected official to comply with the above attendance rules shall result in automatic removal from their respective office or position and they shall not be permitted to run for any elective office for the balance of the term of the office from which they were removed, except for delegate(s) to our National Convention. 

Section 4 -    The President of Local 229, along with the Chairperson of each Standing committee shall comprise the Attendance and Excuse Committee with the President as the Chairperson of the Committee. 

Section 5 -    The Attendance and Excuse Committee shall determine the validity of excuses given for failure to attend the required number of meetings by any elected or appointed official. 

Section 6 -    Any affected member may appeal the decision of the Attendance and Excuse Committee at the next Membership Meeting. 

Section 7 -    In order to minimize the possibility of any controversy over whether or not a member actually attended a meeting which she/he is required to attend, a Registration Book will be given to each Committee Secretary to be signed by the members attending such meetings.  For General Membership Meetings the Sergeant-at-arms will have a registration book which all elected committee members will be required to sign. 

Section 8 -    Any member appointed to a Committee shall be subject to the same attendance rules as the elected representatives. 

Section 9 -    All applications for excuse must be submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the committee prior to the meeting or in the case of an emergency within 24 hours of the conclusion of the meeting or the member will automatically be considered to be absent without excuse. 

Article 20 - Strikes and Strike Committees 

Section 1 -    All strikes shall be called or terminated only in strict conformance with Article 46 of the CAW Constitution

Section 2 -    A Strike Committee shall be established in each Unit when required. 

Article 21 - Amendments 

These Bylaws may be amended by presenting a motion in writing setting forth the amendments sought to a membership meeting.  The motion shall be read to that meeting and referred to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee which will report to the succeeding membership meeting, the notice of which must contain a notice of the particular bylaw amendments that will be considered.  If approved by two-thirds of the membership vote thereon at this succeeding meeting, the amendment shall be considered adopted by the membership.