The name of this organization shall be the Tucson Area Local-255 American Postal
Workers Union, AFL-CIO, hereinafter referred to as TAL.
To the extent applicable, the constitution of the American Postal Workers Union,Back to Table of Contents
AFL-CIO, including the Preamble and the Members' Bill of Rights, is adopted as the
Constitution of the TAL, an autonomous chartered by the American Postal Workers
Union, AFL-CIO.
Section
1. Classes of Members:
(a) Regular Members: Any non-supervisory employee, regardless of levelBack to Table of Contents
or grade, within the jurisdictional claim of the TAL is eligible under these provisions
shall not be denied membership because of sex, race, age, creed, color, political
affiliation or nationality. Members of the TAL who retire from the Postal Service
may maintain Regular Membership with all rights of such membership, including
voice and vote, by continuing to pay the national per capita dues rate. All members
of the TAL shall be in their respective craft divisions.
(b) Fraternal Members: Members of the TAL who resign from the Postal
Service, or who have been promoted to positions exercising supervisory authority,
are granted the right to maintain Fraternal Membership. No Fraternal Member
shall be eligible to hold office or to be seated as a delegate at a convention, not have
the right to voice or vote. Fraternal Members shall pay all per capita dues.
(c) Retired Members: Members of the TAL who retire from the Postal
Service that do not wish to maintain Regular Membership may be carried on the rolls
as retired members by meeting the requirements of the American Postal Workers
Union, AFL-CIO; they shall have the same rights as Fraternal Members.
Section 2. Application Procedures:
Application for membership shall be made by completing and signing anBack to Table of Contents
Authorization for Deduction of Union Dues (1187). Such applications shall be read
at the next regular meeting and be entered into the minutes.
(a) 1. The revenues of the TAL shall be derived from the current dues perBack to Table of Contents
member, per pay period, plus all increases in accordance with the National Constitution.
2. A special assessment may be levied in an emergency by a three-fourths
vote of all members present, providing written notice has been given each member
at least four days before the meeting. The vote shall be by secret ballot.
(b) 1. Any member neglecting or refusing to pay dues or assessments for
three months shall be suspended from the rights of membership. The treasurer shall
give such written notice of suspension and such suspension shall be reported to the
members at the next regular meeting.
2. Suspended members may be reinstated by the payment of the full
payment of the full amount in arrears at the time of reinstatement.
3. Any member six months in arrears shall be dropped from membership.
Any person whose name has been submitted to the Executive Board at least thirtyBack to Table of Contents
days prior to a general election may be elected to Honorary Membership. No
Honorary Member shall be eligible to hold office or be seated as a delegate at a
convention, nor shall such Honorary Member have a right to voice or vote. The TAL
shall pay all dues and assessments for all Honorary Members.
Section
1.
General Provisions.:
(a) The officers of the TAL shall be a President, a Vice-President, a
Recording Secretary, a Treasurer, a Clerk Craft Director, a Maintenance Craft
Director, a Motor Vehicle Craft Director, a Director of Industrial Relations,
and a Station Coordinator. These Officers shall comprise the Executive
Board of this Local.
(b) With the advance approval of the Executive Board, reimbursement is
authorized for leave without pay. LWOP not approved in advance will not be
paid except in cases where prior approval was not possible due to scheduling
In this case LWOP will be paid on the advice of the President and will be discussed
and included in the minutes of the next Executive Board Meeting.
(c) The paycheck for any officer may be withheld by decision of the
Executive Board. If monthly articles are required of the office and are not
provided, checks will be automatically withheld unless excused by the Executive
Board.
(d) Upon leaving office, each officer shall deliver to the Chairman of theBack to Table of Contents
Board of Trustees, all books, records, reports, papers, monies, and other property
belonging to the TAL.
(e) All officers carrying financial trust shall be bonded.
Section
2.
Duties and Salaries.:
Officers shall perform duties prescribed by these By-Laws and by the
Parliamentary authority adopted by the TAL; in addition, when so directed by the
President, officers other than Trustees shall serve on committees (Trustees are not
prohibited from serving on committees).
(a) PRESIDENT: It shall be the duty of the President to:
(1) Preside at all meetings of TAL and of it's Executive Board;
(2) except as otherwise provided, appoint the necessary committees;
(3) fill all officers vacancies, permanent or temporary, from any cause
whatsoever, subject to approval by a majority of the members of the Executive
Board, until such vacancy is filled by general election;
(4) sign all orders drawn by the Secretary and countersign all checks;
(5) Submit a monthly report to the Editor by the 20th of each month for
publication in the local newsletter.
Effective March 2002, the President shall be a full time paid officer of this local
commensurate with that of the highest level and step represented by the TAL,
currently Level 9, Step P, but never less than Level 9, Step O. The President
shall receive reimbursement of mileage related to the duties of the office at an
amount set by the Executive Board. The President shall be paid all necessary
and approved expenses. The President shall receive all benefits granted
Postal employees and the Tucson Area Local shall pay the employer's share of all
benefits including Civil Service Retirement Plan and/or FERS benefits; all Life
and Health Insurance benefits, and FICA Retirement Act as amended. In the event
the President is under Civil Service Retirement, and required to pay social
security, the Union shall compensate the President, adding the required social
security percentage into the salary. The President shall be allowed the
appropriate number of hours of annual leave as computed by the USPS years of
service schedule, and sick leave shall be granted at the rate of 4 hours per pay
period. Whenever Postal Employees are granted a pay raise, the same dollar
increase shall automatically accrue to the full time paid Tucson Area Local
President, including all cost of living adjustments, and contractual bonuses.
The President shall not carry over more than 320 hours of annual leave per year.
As of PP 1 1990 the President of the TAL shall be paid for all unused sick leave
at the end of each calendar year.
Back to Table of Contents
(b) VICE-PRESIDENT: At the direction of the President, it shall be the
duty of the Vice-President to be responsible for the activities of all crafts, all
Associate Offices represented by the Tucson Area Local. and to advise and
assist all chief stewards and stewards for all crafts. The Vice-President shall
submit a monthly report to the Editor by the 20th of each month for publication
in the newsletter. The Vice-President shall assist in the business of the TAL
and act as President in the President's absence. The Vice-President's salary
shall be $350.00 per month, plus all necessary and approved expenses.
Back to Table of Contents
(c) RECORDING SECRETARY:
The Recording Secretary shall record all minutes of the Board Meeting and
report action of the Board to the General Membership at the Regular Monthly
Meeting. Business discussed at the Board Meeting and referred to the General
Membership Meeting shall be reported by the Recording Secretary in the form
of a motion with the Board's concurrence.
The Recording Secretary shall keep a record of all members present at the
Executive Board and General Membership meetings.
The Recording Secretary shall take all minutes of the General Membership
Meting and type and copy them for distribution at the following meeting. The
Recording Secretary shall receive $125.00 per month plus all necessary and
approved expenses.
Back to Table of Contents
(d) TREASURER
1. Keep a record of all members present at the meetings.
2. Disburse all monies by check, countersigned by the President or
Vice-President.
3. Maintain a complete roster of members and report changes to
the State and National offices.
4. Issue a receipt to each member upon payment of dues, except
those who are on voluntary dues check off.
5. Report the financial condition of the TAL to the membership on
a monthly basis, stating the money on deposit, amount received, etc.
6. Keep a regular and systematic book of accounts and submit same to
examination whenever desired by the Executive Board of Trustees.
7. Make a full financial report annually, as of the end of the fiscal
year.
8. Report all taxes quarterly and annually.
9. Prepare a yearly budget with the assistance of the President,
Vice-President and the Trustees. The budget shall be acted upon by the membership
of the January meeting. The budget may be altered at any regular meeting by a
two-thirds vote of the members present.
The treasurer's salary shall be $350.00 per month plus $50.00 for each tax
report submitted.
The treasurer's salary shall be $650.00 per month.
Back to Table of Contents
(e) CRAFT DIRECTORS:
There shall be a Craft Director for each of the four crafts under the
jurisdiction of the APWU. Under the direction of the President, each Craft
Director shall submit a monthly report of events in the craft to the editor by
the 20th of each month for publication in the official newsletter. Directors
shall provide additional information pertaining to their craft at the monthly
meeting.
Craft Directors will make recommendations for appointments of
stewards in their respective craft and will train the stewards in their respective
crafts. Shop stewards will report to the Craft Director and/or the President and
the Craft Directors shall keep a detailed report of the grievances filed in their
craft.
The Craft Directors shall receive a monthly salary as follows:
Clerk Craft Director: $300.00 a month, plus necessary and approved
expenses.
Maintenance Craft Director: $100.00 a month, plus necessary and
approved expenses.
Motor Vehicle Craft Director: $75.00 a month, plus necessary and
approved expenses.
Back to Table of Contents
(f) STATION COORDINATOR:
There shall be a station coordinator who will be the contact person
for the Station stewards to assist in grievances, fixed credit shortages, assist
with station problems and meet at step two of the grievance procedure for stations
not having a Step 2 Designee.
The station Coordinator shall be an elected position to take place
effective January 1999. The Station Coordinator shall also serve as an Executive
Board member.
The Station Coordinator shall be paid $150.00 per month, plus
necessary and approved expenses.
(g) DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
Under the supervision of the President, the Director of Industrial
Relations shall be responsible for providing all crafts with training and
information that's not craft specific. The DIR shall be responsible for
maintaining and updating the reference library, maintaining the grievance log
and for reviewing all appealed grievances. The DIR will also serve as the
Legislative Director for the Tucson Area Local. The Director of Industrial
Relations shall be paid $150.00 per month plus necessary and approved expenses
effective March 2002.
(g) APPOINTMENT/DISMISSAL OF STEWARDS
The appointment and dismissal of Union Stewards shall be determined
by the majority of an official panel. The official panel shall consist of the
President, Vice-President, Director of the Craft and the Board of Trustees. A
vote at least five of the constitutes an official vote. In the case of a
dismissal of a steward, the specific steward shall have the right to appeal to
the Board. The appeal must be in writing not more than 30 days after the
dismissal. Both the dismissal and the results of the appeal will be given to
the steward in writing by certified mail within 30 days of the specific action.
Said steward will be notified 10 days in advance of any meeting or hearing
for dismissal and will have the right to provide testimony on his behalf.
(h) TRUSTEES:
There shall be three trustees, who shall have general supervision
over all the property of the TAL and be responsible for it.
1. They shall audit all accounts and records of the officers on Committees
before the installation of the next Officers, and report the results to the
members at the next regular meeting.
2. They shall investigate immediately any financial transactions of gravity
and report their findings to the membership for final action. For that purpose,
they are empowered to procure legal advise at the expense of the Tucson Area
Local.
3. They shall hold all agreements, contracts securities, and such other
property as the members of the Executive Board may direct, and make proper
provisions for the safety of same by deposit in a vault of a reliable safe
deposit company, in the name of the Tucson Area Local.
4. They shall receive all books, reports, papers, property, etc. from all
outgoing Officers, inventory and sign for them, and then turn all necessary
items of same over to the Officer's successor.
5. The Trustees shall elect a Chairman.
6. They shall prepare a budget and financial support for the official organization
and funds for Legislative activities, salaries, health and welfare, delegates to
the State and National Conventions, and such other funds that are deemed
necessary. The budget shall be acted upon by the membership at the January
meeting of the membership. The budget may be altered at any regular meeting by
a 2/3 vote of the membership present.
7. Each Trustee shall be reimbursed their dues per month, plus necessary
expenses.
Section 3. Nominations.:
(a) Notice that nominations will be held at the January meeting in theBack to Table of Contents
election year will be announced in the monthly publication immediately prior to
that meeting.
(b) The President shall appoint an Election Committee, not to exceed three
Union members, naming one person as the Chairperson and that Chairperson shall
hold nominations for the election as the last order of business at the January
meeting of the election year.
(c) Election Committee Members shall be paid $100.00 total per person.
(d) The term of office shall be three years.
(e) No person may be nominated to appear on the ballot running for more
than one office.
(f) There shall be no write-in candidates. Where only one person is
nominated for an office, that person shall be automatically declared elected to
that office at the close of nominations and that office will appear at the bottom
of the ballot as being nominated and duly elected.
Section 4. Elections.:
(a) Members wishing to run for office must be a member in goodBack to Table of Contents
standing and their dues and assessments paid current. No member who has
applied for a Supervisory position or acted as a 204b in the two years prior to
the nominations shall be allowed to run for or hold any office in the Tucson Area
Local.
(b) Election of officers of the TAL shall be by secret referendum ballot,
mailed within seven working days after nominations. The order of the candidates'
names on the ballot will be randomly drawn by the Election Committee. No other
identifying information will be placed on the ballot. All Candidates will have
the opportunity to submit an article of 150 words or less. This article will be
due 5 days after nominations and is to be mailed at the same time as the ballots.
To permit interested persons to witness the ballot counting, the information as
to time and place of the teller's meeting shall be printed on the ballot.
(c) The Election Committee shall determine the time, date and place of the
ballot counting, not to exceed 7 calendar days after the deadline for the ballots
to be in the box.
(d) Outcome: Results shall be announced on all bulletin boards and at the
next regular membership meeting. Results also shall appear in the official
publication of the TAL. Officers-elect shall be installed at the March membership
meeting and assume office immediately thereafter.
Section 5. Temporary
Supervisors.:
An officer that exercises supervisory authority will be removed from officeBack to Table of Contents
by the Executive Board.
Section 6. Recall.:
(a) Any Officer may be deposed from office for misconduct or neglect ofBack to Table of Contents
duties in office as follows:
1. Upon petition signed by at least ten members or upon majority vote of the
members present at a meeting, a committee of five shall be appointed to conduct
a confidential investigation.
2. Within sixty-five days after appointment the Investigatin Committee shall
either report a resolution to the membership exonerating the officer or report
resolutions preferring charges.
3. If the membership adopts resolutions ordering trial, the charges shall be
communicated to the accused officer within seventy-two hours, with the formal
trial being held before a Trial Committee of seven members elected by the members
present at the meeting at which the resolutions ordering the trial were adopted,
on the Sunday following the regular meeting and with advance notice of the trial
appearing in the Official Organ.
4. All votes during the trial shall be by secret ballot.
5. The Trial Committee shall report its findings to the membership by
posting on all bulletin boards, by insertion into the Official Organ, and at the
next regular meeting of the Tucson Area Local. If the decision is guilty, a
secret ballot shall be taken with two-thirds required for removal from office.
(b) An officer against whom the provision of subsection (a) of this section
are invoked shall be suspended from performing official duties until cleared or
removed from office.
1. Upon having sufficient proof that a Local Officer or Officers have acted
dishonestly or otherwise detrimental to the best interest of the membershi[p,
twenty-five (25%) of the members eligible to vote for the Officer(s) can file
a petition for recall with the Exeeutive Board. The petitions shall include
the Social Security number and craft of each signer.
2. A copy of the charges, which shall be made in duplicate form, must be
submitted with petitions for recall. The Executive Board shall send one )1)
copy of charges to the Officer(s) against whom the charges have been
preferred. The Officer(s) who has had recall prceedings filed against
him/her shall be given an opportunity for defese at an official hearing by
the Executive Board. Fifteen (15) days shall be allowed him/her to reply to
the charges, same to be in writing. If after fifteen (15) days the Executive
Board has failed to receive a reply, it shall proceed with the recall election.
Copies of the charges and the reply, each of which shall contain no more
than one thousand (1000) words, and a statement from the Executive
Board, shall be sent out with each ballot. It shall reqire two-thirds (2/3) of
the votes cast to recall an Officer.
3. In the event that at some time a conflict may arise between any of these
provisions and the Recall provisions of the National Constitution and By-
laws, the provisions of the National Constitution shall prevail.
ARTICLE 5. MEETINGS.
Section 1. :
The regular meetings of the TAL shall be held on the second WednesdayBack to Table of Contents
of each month unless otherwise ordered by the members of the Executive Board, at
such place and hour as the members of the Executive Board shall decide. Prior to
each meeting, the Secretary shall give at least four days advance notice in such
a manner as to bring the notice before all the membership.
Quarterly meetings for member Associate Offices will be held if requested by the
members in those offices.
Section 2. :
Special meetings may be called by the Executive Board on it's ownBack to Table of Contents
initiative, or when requested by any member, and shall be called upon the written
request of ten members of the TAL; the request must be addressed to the President.
The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the call; no other business shall
be transacted except that mentioned in the call of the special meeting. Except
in cases of emergency, at least four days' notice shall be given.
Section 3. :
Seventeen members in good standing shall constitute a quorum.Back to Table of Contents
Section 4. :
No criticism, reflection, argument, or debate touching on any member's age, race
color, nationality, sex, or political affiliation shall be allowed at
any meeting of the TAL.
Section 5. :
On motions that require a two-thirds vote for adoption, three-tenths
of those present and voting may order that a vote be counted.
Section 6. :
Any vote related to charges or proposed charges before or after a trial
of a member or an officer shall be by secret ballot.
ARTICLE 6. Executive Board.
Section 1. :
The President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Clerk Craft Director,Section 2. :
Maintenance Craft Director, Motor Vehicle Craft Director, and Station Coordinator
and Director of Industrial Relations shall constitute the Executive Board; in the
absence of a Craft Director the appropriate Assistant Craft Directors shall serve
on the Board.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Board, regular meetings of the ExecutiveSection 3. :
Board shall be held each month, one hour prior to regular membership meetings.
Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President and shall be called
upon the written request of any member of the Board.
The Executive Board shall have general supervision of the affairs of theBack to Table of Contents
TAL between it's business meetings, make recommendations to the members, and
shall perform such other duties as are specified in these By-Laws. The Board shall
be subject to the orders of the membership, and none of it's acts shall conflict
with action taken by the membership.
ARTICLE 7. STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1.
A Budget Committee shall be comprised of all Executive Board members and
three Trustees. This Committee shall convene by January 5 (to review the budget
as prepared under Article 4,Section 1,D.7.)
Back to Table of Contents
Section 2. An Election Committee consisting of three members shall take chargeBack to Table of Contents
of conducting all elections including providing necessary ballots, providing for
their security and processing election appeals.
Section 3. An Entertainment Committee shall be responsible for makingBack to Table of Contents
recommendations to the membership concerning social events, and making
arrangements for such events.
Section 4. The Grievance Review Committee will meet monthly to review
Back to Table of Contents
all grievances appealed from the TAL. The committee shall be
comprised of the President, Vice-President, Craft Directors, Station
Coordinator and the Director of Industrial Relations. The Committee will
have the authority to withdraw/close grievances. Anyone wishing to appeal
the decision of the committee will have the opportunity to do so at the
next meeting of the GRC.
Section 5. A Stewards' Committee shall be comprised of all shop stewards.Back to Table of Contents
Section 6.
A Negotiating Committee that includes representation from eachBack to Table of Contents
bargaining unit for which the TAL is the local bargaining agent shall be responsible
for local negotiations. The Negotiating Committee shall be appointed by the
President.
Section 7. Such other committees, standing or special, shall be appointedBack to Table of Contents
by the President as the members of the Executive Board shall from time to time
deem necessary to carry on the work of the Tucson Area Local
ARTICLE 8. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY.
The Rules contained in the current edition of "ROBERT'S RULES OFBack to Table of Contents
ORDER NEWLY REVISED" shall govern the TAL in all cases to which they are
applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with: (1) these By-Laws, (2) any
special rules of order the TAL may adopt, or (3) any statues applicable to this
organization.
ARTICLE 9. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS.
Section 1. :
All proposed amendments to these By-Laws must be in writing and signedSection 2. :
by at least three members in good standing. Copies shall be placed on bulletin boards
at all units, not more than twenty five days, nor less than ten days prior to the
meeting at which the proposed amendments will be brought before the assembly.
Proposed amendments may also satisfy the posting requirement by being published
in the Official Organ in the issue preceding the meeting at which the proposed
amendment will be read. This proposed amendment will be included on the front
page of the paper, with the names of those proposing the amendment included.
Proposed amendments shall not be considered at the meeting at which they
are brought before the assembly, but shall become special orders for the next regular
meeting thereafter. These By-Laws shall be amended by a two-thirds vote of all
members present at the meeting at which the proposed amendments are considered.
The vote shall be by secret ballot.
At the meeting at which the proposed amendments are being considered,Back to Table of Contents
a two-thirds vote of the members present may put the proposed amendment to a vote
by secret ballot as defined in ARTICLE 10, Section 1. The amendments will be
submitted for vote as a single package within the time frame outlined in Section 3.,
or they will be combined with the election balloting materials at the next regular
election of the TAL. This matter will also be decided by a two-thirds vote of the
members present.
ARTICLE 10. ABSENTEE VOTING.
Section 1. :
Absentee voting shall not be permitted except in cases where the By-LawsBack to Table of Contents
provide that a vote shall be taken by secret mail ballot; such ballots shall be
distributed with three envelopes per voter (one business rely, one with a statement
that the voter's signature is required for validation, and one plain); completed ballots
shall be placed in the plain envelope with the voter's signature, then the latter
envelope when sealed shall be placed in the business reply envelope which shall be
sealed.
ARTICLE 11. JURISDICTION.
The Tucson Area Local claims any jurisdiction that it derives from affiliationBack to Table of Contents
with the American Postal Workers' Union, AFL-CIO.
ARTICLE 12. DELEGATES.
Section 1.
(a)Conventions. All Delegates to the State and National Conventions shall be elected by the(b) Assemblies/Conferences/Training Seminars. All potential attendees to Assemblies,
membership, except for the President, who shall be ex officio a delegate, and each
Craft Director, who shall be a delegate to the respective State and National
Conventions. Determination of the total amount of monies to be spent for each
Convention shall be made by the Budget Committee during the January Budget
meeting.
One month prior to the election of Delegates, the President shall notify allBack to Table of Contents
members who have attended at least six meetings in the twelve months immediately
prior to the month of election, that they are eligible for election as a Delegate.
Notification will be made at the Union meeting held one month prior to the
election. Those wishing to be a delegate shall sign the official delegate list.
Delegates shall be elected by a majority of the members present and voting at
said meeting. Each member notified must submit their letter requesting to be
placed on the ballot to the President, no later than one week prior to the meeting
at which elections are held. No member holding office in any other Union
representing Postal Employees may be elected or appointed as a Delegate to any
convention (this clause does not refer to State and National offices in the
American Postal Workers' Union, AFL-CIO).
ARTICLE 13. APPOINTEES.
The President shall appoint the following officials:Back to Table of Contents
( a) An Executive Secretary shall perform duties determined by the President or the
Executive Board, with pay as decided by the Executive Board in accordance with the
OPEIU contract. The OPEIU contract will also establish the proper pay rate. The
The Executive Secretary shall not perform executive functions.
(b) Editor - The President shall appoint an editor for the local newsletter.
The editor or assistant editor shall be sent to all necessary training classes
held by the APWU and the PPA. Necessary and approved expenses for this training
shall be paid by the Tucson Area Local. The editor shall receive a monthly
salary of $100.00 plus necessary and approved expenses.
(c) Webmaster- The President shall appoint a Webmaster who shall be responsible
for the maintenance, expansion and update of the TAL web page. The Webmaster shall
receive a monthly salary of $75.00 plus necessary and approved expenses.
(d) Deaf/Hard of Hearing Liaison - The President shall appoint a Deaf/Hard of
Hearing Liaison to assist as intermediary to the Deaf/Hard of Hearing members.
The Deaf/Hard of Hearing Liaison shall be sent to all necessary training classes
and seminars held by the APWU and will be an automatic delegate to the APWU
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Conferences. The Deaf/Hard of Hearing Liaison must be fluent in American
Sign Language (ASL). Necessary and approved expenses for training
and conferences shall be paid. NOTE: Language concerning compensation for delegates
traveling to training seminars and conferences is contained in Article 12, Section 1.
The Deaf/Hard of Hearing Liaison shall have their dues rebated.
ARTICLE 14. ORDER OF BUSINESS.
Section 1.
(a) Opening CeremoniesSection 2.
(b) Roll Call of Officers
(c) Reading and Approval of Minutes
(d) Reports of Officers, Boards, and Standing Committees
(e) Application for Membership
(f) Reports of Special Committees and Delegates
(g) Special Order
(h) Unfinished Business and General Orders
(I) New Business
(j) Good of the Union
(k) Announcements
(l) Program
(m) Adjournment
Reports under agenda items (d) and (f) above shall be published in theSection 3.
Official Organ to the maximum extent possible; reports during meetings shall be
limited to items which were not included in the written reports and, on request of a
member, to clarification of a written report.
The order of business may be transposed at any time by a majority voteBack to Table of Contents
of the members present.