Local 481 Bylaws

Section 1.

This Local Union shall be known as the Automotive & Allied Industries Employees of San Diego County, Teamsters Local Union No. 481, and is chartered by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Section 1.

The jurisdiction of this Local Union shall be as provided in its Charter and as determined by the Local Union Executive Board, the Joint Council of Teamsters No. 42 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Section 1.

The principal office of this Local Union shall be located in the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, State of California. The Union may have such other offices as may be determined by the Executive Board.

Section 1.

The objects of this Local Union shall be:

1. To unite into one labor organization all workers eligible for membership, regardless of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sex, or sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected group or class;
2. To engage in organizing workers to provide the benefit of unionism to all workers and to protect and preserve the benefits obtained for members of this organization;
3. To secure improved wages, hours, working conditions and other economic advantages through organization, negotiations, and collective bargaining, through advancement of our standing in the community and in the labor movement through legal and economic means, and other lawful methods;
4. To provide educational advancement and training for employees, members and officers;
5. To safeguard, advance, and promote the principle of free collective bargaining, the rights of workers, farmers and consumers, and the security and welfare of all the people by political, educational and other community activity;
6. To engage in cultural, civic, legislative, political, fraternal, educational, charitable, welfare, social and other activities which further the interest of this organization and its membership, directly or indirectly.
7. To provide assistance, financial, moral or other to other labor organizations or other bodies having purposes and objectives in whole or in part similar or related to those of this organization;
8. To engage in community activities which will advance the interest of this organization and its members in the community and in the nation, directly or indirectly;
9. To protect and preserve the Union as an institution and to perform its legal and contractual obligations;
10. To carry out the objectives of the International Union as an affiliate thereof and its duties as such an affiliate;
11. To receive, manage, invest, expend or otherwise use the funds and property of this organization to carry out the duties and to achieve the objectives set forth in these By-Laws and the International Constitution and for such additional purposes and objects not inconsistent therewith as will further the interest of this organization and its members, directly or indirectly;
12. To educate its members, members of sister labor organizations, the public generally, and employers, of the importance and benefits of union organization; to educate the foregoing in matters of political action, and to assist its members and others in any matters which bear a reasonable relation to the wages, hours and working conditions of members, and the economic and political conditions of the families of members.

Section 2.

It is recognized that the problems with which this labor organization is accustomed to deal are not limited to unionism or to organization and collective bargaining alone, but encompass a broad spectrum of economic and social objectives as set forth above, and as the Union may determine from time to time; we therefore determine and assert that the participation of this labor organization, individually and with other organizations, in the pursuit and attainment of the objectives set forth herein is for the benefit of the organization and its members.

Section 1.

Eligibility to membership shall be as set forth in the International Constitution and applicants for membership shall comply with and be subject to the requirements imposed by these By-Laws and the International Constitution. Every applicant to membership in this Union must be employed in the craft or the various employments over which this Union has jurisdiction.

Section 2.

Section 3.

Any member who has not paid their dues for the prior month shall not be a member in good standing until their financial obligations are paid in full to date. Payment of such obligations after their due date shall not restore good standing status for such month or months in computing the continuous good standing status required by Article XVII, Subsection 3(b) of these By-Laws as a condition of eligibility for office.

Section 4.

Only members in good standing may attend meetings, nominate or second candidates for union office or vote on union matters.

Section 1.

Every member by virtue of their membership in this Local Union is obligated to adhere to and follow the terms of the Union's By-Laws and the International Constitution with respect to their rights, duties, privileges and immunities conferred by them and by statute. Each member shall faithfully carry out such duties and obligations and shall not interfere with the rights of fellow members.

Section 2.

Because the objective of this Union, as set out above, is designed to improve and increase the economic conditions of members, members of other unions, and of workers generally, it is desirable and necessary that this Union be preserved as an institution. The preservation of the organization as an institution, and the attainment of the objects of this Union, is dependent in no small part upon this Union having the exclusive jurisdiction to organize and to represent workers engaged in the craft and in the area of jurisdiction.

Section 3.

Every member of this Union is required, therefore, to refrain from fostering, encouraging or advocating, individually, or in concert with others, dual unionism; or from fostering or encouraging secession from this Union. It shall also be a violation of these By-Laws for any member, singly or in concert with others to conduct themselves so as to interfere with the legal, or contractual obligations of this Union to its members, other unions, employers and others.

Section 4. Negotiations, Ratifications of Agreements, Strikes and Lockouts.

Every member by virtue of his membership in this Union covered by a collective bargaining agreement at his place of employment authorizes this Union to act as his exclusive bargaining representative with full and exclusive power to execute agreements with his employer governing terms and conditions of employment and to act for him and have final authority in presenting, processing and adjusting any grievance, difficulty or dispute arising under any collective bargaining agreement or out of his employment with such employer, in such manner as the Union or its officers deem to be in the best interest of the Union in accordance with Article XII and other applicable provisions of the Constitution of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The Union and its officers, business representatives and agents may decline to process any such grievance, complaint, difficulty or dispute, if in their sole discretion and judgment, such grievance, complaint or dispute lacks merit. The provisions of Article XII, Section 2 relating to area, multi-area, national company-wide or industry-wide contracts, shall supersede any provision of this Section.

If a settlement cannot be reached in connection with the negotiation or modification of a collective bargaining agreement between the members of this Local Union and an employer after the officers have used reasonable means of achieving a settlement through the process of collective bargaining, the matter shall be subject to the strike procedure, conditions and qualifications set forth in the Constitution. The Local Executive Board may, in its discretion, provide that the strike vote be limited to the members employed in a particular division, craft, or place of employment. In such cases where area-wide, conference-wide, or national agreements are involved, it is understood that the specified majorities of the members covered by such agreements must vote to strike as set forth in Article XII, Sections 1 and 2 of the Constitution, and, in such event, such strike vote shall apply to this Local Union, irrespective of the individual vote of this Local Union on that question.

Strike votes shall not be required in any case where a collective bargaining agreement then in existence authorizes such strike for the purpose of enforcing the terms of such agreement. Nor shall a strike vote be required for a strike in support of demands that an employer agree to the terms and conditions of an agreement already negotiated and approved on a state, multi-state, multi-area, multi-employer or national, company-wide or area basis of which unit such employer is a member. In either case, the Local Union Executive Board, subject to the approval of the General President, may call the strike in support of its position, and may also, with the approval of the General President, terminate such strike without vote.

Pursuant to your submissions and the authority vested in the office of the General President by Article VI, Section 4, of the International Constitution, the proposed amendments to Article are The Secretary-Treasurer shall submit to Joint Council two (2) copies of all proposed collective bargaining agreements with a company in an industry in which there is an area standard established by pre-existing agreements or amendments thereto, or where otherwise directed to do so by the Joint Council, for approval before submission to the employer. If no Joint Council exists, such proposals shall be submitted to the State Conference for its approval. In those cases where the proposed agreement is for operations which are already subject to an area-wide agreement, or a prospective area-wide agreement is already planned, the proposed agreement shall be submitted to the Director of the appropriate Trade Conference or Division for approval before submission to the employer.

Ratification of agreements or amendments shall be subject to vote in the same manner as provided for in connection with bargaining demands as set forth in Section 27(A), or in the case of area-wide, conference-wide or national agreements in accordance with the Constitution and rules adopted by such bargaining group, except that where the General Executive Board has directed the Local Union to refrain from executing such agreement, no proposed agreement shall be considered ratified by any vote until and unless it is specifically approved by the General Executive Board.

Where a final contract proposal has been reduced to writing at the time it is to be submitted for vote, copies of the written proposal shall be made available to the affected membership. True copies of final agreements arrived at by the Local Union shall be filed by the Secretary-Treasurer with the Economic and Contracts Departments of the International Union within sixty (60) days after execution, together with a list of the names and locations of employers and number of employees covered by such agreements. The Secretary-Treasurer shall, as of January first of each year, submit to the Economic and Contracts Departments of the International Union a list of agreements in effect, showing the name of the employer or employers, parties thereto, location or locations, and the expiration date.

Section 5.

No member shall interfere with the elected officers, business representatives or business agents of this organization in the performance of their duties and each member shall, when requested, render such assistance and support in the performance of such duties as may be required by them, provided that this does not interfere with the individual's rights as a member. Each member shall adhere to the terms and conditions of pertinent collective bargaining agreements and shall refrain from any conduct that would interfere with the performance by this Union of its legal or contractual obligations.

Section 6.

No member shall be permitted at any assembly or meeting of other members to engage in any of the conduct herein described.

Section 7.

Every member shall follow the rules of order at all meetings of the Union.

Section 8.

All members shall keep the Union informed of changes of address. Failure to comply with this rule shall be no excuse for not receiving notices of any nature from the Union.

Section 9.

Any member leaving their job, changing their job or going on a new job, shall report such change immediately to the Union Office.

Section 10.

All members must carry their identification cards and receipt at all times and present the same upon demand by any authorized representative of the Union.

Section 11.

Membership in this Union shall not vest any member with the right, title or interest in or to the funds, property or other assets belonging to the Union now or hereafter and no member shall have a property right to membership in this organization.

Section 12.

The Executive Board shall have the power, subject to approval of the membership, to adopt and enforce the other reasonable rules as to this subject matter.

Section 1.

The officers of this Local Union shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, Recording Secretary and three Trustees. These officers shall constitute the Executive Board of the Union. The term of office of all officers shall commence on the first of January in the year following the election.

Section 2.

Any officer of the Union who absents himself for three (3) consecutive meetings without a proper excuse shall be subject to charges for failing to perform his duties and may be removed from office only after he has been afforded a full and fair hearing in strict compliance with Article XIX of the International Constitution.

Section 3.

The officers of the Local Union shall perform the duties prescribed for their respective offices by the International Constitution, these By-Laws, the general duties of their office, and those duties assigned by the Executive Board and/or membership.

Section 1.

It shall be the duty of the President to preside at meetings of this Union, to preserve order therein, and to enforce the International Constitution, these By-Laws and the rules of order adopted by the Executive Board; and in general, to perform all duties incident to the office of President, and such other duties as may be provided by the Executive Board from time to time.

Section 2.

The President shall decide all questions of order, subject to an appeal to the membership; shall have the right to vote in the election of officers; shall cast the deciding vote when a tie occurs on any question; and shall announce the result of all votes.

Section 3.

The President shall perform such other duties as the International Constitution and these By-Laws may require.

Section 1.

It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to preside at Union meetings in the absence of the President. The Vice-President shall perform such other duties and render such assistance as may be directed by the Executive Board.

Section 1.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall be the executive and administrative head of this Union. Except as limited by this Constitution and By-Laws or the International Constitution, the Secretary-Treasurer is authorized and directed to supervise, direct and control all of the administrative functions of this Union.

Section 2.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall perform all the duties imposed upon the Local Union Secretary-Treasurer by the International Constitution, by these By-Laws and in general perform all duties incident to the office and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the Executive Board. The Secretary-Treasurer shall see that all notices shall be given in accordance with the provision of these By-Laws or as required by law.

Section 3.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall have custody of the Local Union seal and records of the proceedings of all meetings of the Union and the Executive Board, as prepared by the Recording Secretary, or such person as is authorized to take such proceedings, and shall keep important documents, papers, correspondence, as well as files on contracts and agreements with employers.

Section 4.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall receive all monies paid the Local Union, giving receipt thereof for any dues, initiation fees, or other fees, assessments or fines. All monies received from any source whatever shall be deposited in such reliable bank or banks in the name of the Local Union at least twice a month or more often, if possible, as the Executive Board may designate from time to time.

Section 5.

The Secretary-Treasurer may from time to time provide the terms and conditions of employment for employees and representatives of this organization including, but not limited to such fringe benefits as vacations with pay, holidays, sick leave, time off for personal leave, and in connection therewith any disability or sickness, health and welfare and retirement benefits and activities, and facilities relating thereto, and may from time to time provide changes therein, as well as additional compensation and allowances.

Section 6.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall be authorized and empowered to call strikes where a question of organizing or a violation of an existing collective bargaining agreement is concerned, and shall be authorized and empowered to present proposals to employers, where the Secretary-Treasurer determines that there is an existing standard or industry-wide agreement covering a like craft or employment.

Section 7.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall have the authority to expend such funds as may be authorized or required by the International Constitution, the Constitution or By-Laws of other organizations with which this Union may be affiliated, these By-Laws, or the Executive Board of this Local Union, or by majority vote of the members present at a regular or special general membership meeting or meetings, and the usual and ordinary re-occurring expenditures reasonably necessary for this Union to function. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also have authority to lease, purchase or dispose of fixed assets for the organization up to $10,000.00 in amount for any one asset, and that authority be granted to the Local Union Executive Board to lease, purchase or dispose of fixed assets up to $20,000.00 in amount for any one asset, and that authority to lease, purchase or dispose of fixed asset amounting to more than $20,000.00 be approved by the general membership.

Section 8.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall have general charge and supervision of all employees of this organization and shall have the power to appoint, suspend or discharge organizers or other employees or professional assistance and services. Business Agents, Assistant Business Agents or Representatives shall be appointed and may be removed at will only by the appointing authority. Representatives shall, in all cases where the duties of the officers, business agents or employees are not specifically prescribed by these By-Laws, the Constitution or resolutions of the Executive Board, obey the directions and order of the Secretary-Treasurer. He may delegate any of his functions to officers or representatives. Business agents who are not officers shall not exercise executive functions or determine policy. He is authorized to set the salaries for such employees.

Section 9.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall also have charge of all labor disputes involving this Union.

Section 10.

Section 11.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall preside at meetings of the Local Union Executive Board, shall enforce the International Constitution, these Bylaws, and Rules of Order adopted by this Union and shall ensure that all officers perform their respective duties. He shall also have the right to serve on all committees by virtue of his office.

Section 12.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall be empowered and directed to attend any and all meetings which have a reasonable effect on the activities of this Union.

Section 13.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall provide each new member with a free copy of the International Constitution, upon request. The Secretary-Treasurer shall provide any member with a copy of the International Constitution and of these By-Laws.

Section 14.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall make available to the Trustees all documents necessary for them to verify and complete the monthly Trustees' Report, including, but not limited to, items identified in subparagraph Section (4).

Section 15.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall make available for inspection by the International Auditor any documents necessary for the Auditor to complete the audit schedules or to complete assignments from the General Secretary-Treasurer.

Section 16.

Upon completion of an election of officers that results in a new principal executive officer, the incumbent principal officer or designee shall meet with the principal officer-elect during the period between the date of the election and the end of the term of office to review pending grievances, open contract negotiations and the Local's financial records.

Section 1.

It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to attend meetings of the Executive Board; to take minutes of the proceedings of the Union and the Executive Board, which need not be verbatim; to keep a record of the names of members comprising each committee. In his absence, the President shall appoint a member to act as Recording Secretary Pro Tempore and such Recording Secretary Pro Tempore shall have the duties herein set forth. Minutes shall accurately record the motions made at meetings and shall include the names of the members making and seconding a motion, whether the motion was adopted or rejected, and the results of any division of the house or secret ballot votes. Minutes at meetings shall specifically include all financial transactions approved at the meeting. Minutes of meetings shall be the official records of the Local Union and shall be maintained at the Local Union's principal business office.

Section 1.

It shall be the duty of the trustees to conduct or have conducted a monthly examination of the books of the Local Union and the results thereof shall be reported at the next regular membership meeting. They shall sign the books of the Secretary-Treasurer if they have found them correct and the bank balances verified. In the event that a trustee declines to sign the books, the trustee must state in writing to the Local Union Secretary-Treasurer his reasons for declining to do so and shall also advise the General Secretary-Treasurer of those reasons. A trustee's disagreement with an expenditure properly authorized by the Executive Board or membership shall not be a valid basis for refusing to sign the books. Trustees shall not sign blank reports. The trustees' reports shall be sent to the General Secretary-Treasurer as required by the International Constitution. They shall receive and review the original surety bond covering each officer, employee, and representative of the Local Union required to be bonded, and retain it at the Local Union's principal office. They shall have the duty to see that such bonds are current and enforceable. In the event of the unavailability of a trustee, the remaining trustees or trustee shall perform the above functions. In performing their functions, the trustees may avail themselves of the services of the Certified Public Accountants retained by the Local Union Executive Board.

Section 1.

Except as may be otherwise provided in these By-Laws, the Executive Board is authorized and empowered to conduct and manage the affairs of this organization, and to manage, invest, expend, contribute, use, lend, and acquire Local Union funds and property in the pursuit and accomplishment of the objectives set forth in the Constitution of the International Union and these By-Laws and resolutions adopted in furtherance thereof. Any action or expenditure reasonably related to the objectives or purpose of this Union and not contrary to any provisions of these By-Laws or resolutions adopted in accordance therewith is authorized. The Executive Board is hereby empowered, in addition to such other general powers conferred by these By-Laws to:

1. Make and change rules and regulations not inconsistent with these By-Laws or the International Constitution for the management and conduct of the affairs of this Local Union; and to transact all business between membership meetings, except as may be otherwise provided for herein;
2. The Executive Board shall fix the salary of the Secretary-Treasurer with the approval of the membership. Policies establishing benefits, including, but not limited to, sick leave, vacation, travel and car allowances for officers and employees shall be written and compiled in a Policies and Procedures Manual maintained and updated by the Executive Board.
3. Provide for the payment of attorneys, accountants, and such other special or expert services as may be required for the organization; to secure an audit of the books of this organization by a certified public accountant at least once a year;
4. On behalf of the Union, its officers, employees or members, to initiate, defend, compromise, settle, arbitrate or release, or to pay the expenses and costs of any legal proceedings or actions of any nature, subject to the provisions of Article IX, Section 9 (c) of the International Constitution, if, in its judgment, it shall be necessary or desirable to protect, preserve, or advance the interest of the organization;
5. Fill all vacancies in office, which occur during the term of such office for the entire remainder of the unexpired term, in the manner provided in Article XXII, Section 9 of the International Constitution;
6. Designate substitutes for the President or Secretary-Treasurer for the purpose of signing checks;
7. Determine the manner in which referendums shall be held;
8. The Executive Board shall affiliate this Union with such other organizations as may be required by these By-Laws or the International Constitution, and may affiliate this Union with other organizations that have, in whole or in part, objectives and purposes similar to those of this Union, except that they may not affiliate with a dual organization;
9. To do all acts, whether or not expressly authorized herein, which the Board may deem necessary or proper for the protection of the property of the Local and for the benefit of the organization and members;
10. The Board shall have the power to appoint or to provide for the election of delegates or representatives and alternates to all affiliated bodies, conferences, or conventions (except the International convention which is subject to the rules of the International Constitution) with the approval of the membership.

Section 2.

The Executive Board shall hold regular meetings at least once a month without other notice than this By-Laws, and may hold other meetings at such time and place as shall be determined by the Secretary-Treasurer by notifying the entire Board. The meeting of the Local Union Executive Board shall be no less frequent than meetings of the Local Union.

Section 3.

A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board. The action of a majority of the Board present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board.

Section 4.

On matters requiring action by the Executive Board, when the Executive Board is not in formal session the Executive Board may act by telegram, letter, electronic mail or telephone. When the Secretary-Treasurer requires action by the Executive Board, he may obtain same by telegraphing, writing, electronic mailing or telephoning to the members of the Executive Board and such members may take action on the matter brought to their attention in the same manner. Such action so taken by the majority of the members of the Executive Board shall constitute action of the Board as though the Board were in formal session; provided, however, that any such action must be recorded in the minutes of the Executive Board and ratified by a majority of the members of the Executive Board at its next meeting.

Section 5.

The Board shall determine the unit or units of membership which will vote on matters relating to collective bargaining agreements and strikes and may provide for sectional membership meeting on either a shift, geographical, or craft or other similar basis.

Section 6.

The Executive Board shall have the power and the duty to adopt reasonable rules pertaining to the conduct of meetings, not inconsistent with this Constitution, and shall have the power and the duty to adopt reasonable rules as to the responsibility of every member to this Union as an institution and to require every member to refrain from conduct that would interfere with this Union's legal or contractual obligations. Such rules shall include, among other things, prohibitions and restraints on members to refrain from advocating in any respect, dual unionism, or secession, but shall not restrict any of the rights of members protected by law.

Section 7.

The Executive Board may, in any matter where a vote or ballot is required, determine whether the vote shall be taken at a regular or special meeting, or by a referendum vote, or referendum mail ballot of the members affected. The Board will determine the rules and procedures under which any votes or ballots will be conducted, and determine what notice shall be given the members, subject to these By-Laws, the International Constitution, resolutions of the membership, and applicable law, if any.

Section 8.

Any action taken by an officer in good faith and within the scope of his authority and power under these By-Laws shall not be the basis for any personal liability against such officer.

Section 9.

The Local Union Executive Board shall not have the authority to bind the Local Union for personal services to be rendered to the Local Union or its Executive Board, such as, but not limited to, legal, accounting, consulting, public relations and editorial services, by contract, agreement, or otherwise, beyond the expiration of the term of the Executive Board in office at the time such action is taken. This shall not prevent the Local Union Executive Board from entering into a bona fide collective bargaining agreement with another Union covering Local Union employees; provided, however, that if the Local Union employees form a union following the Local Union officer election, or a new collective bargaining agreement covering such employees is negotiated after the Local Union officer election, the newly organized unit shall not be voluntarily recognized, or the new collective bargaining agreement shall not be entered into on behalf of the Local Union, until such action is approved by the officers-elect.

Section 10.

Section 11.

If the Executive Board is deadlocked for two consecutive meetings on any matter within its exclusive authority under this Section of the By-Laws, the matter shall be referred to the membership for resolution.

Section 12. Bonding.

Section 13.

All officers of the International Union and affiliated bodies when installed after election shall be required to take the following oath of office: I, _____, do sincerely promise, upon my honor as a trade unionist and a Teamster, that I will faithfully use all of my energies and abilities to perform the duties of my office, for the ensuing term, as prescribed in the Constitution and By-Laws of this Union. As an officer of this great Union, I will, at all times, act solely in the interest of our members, devote the resources of our Union to furthering their needs and goals, work to maintain a Union that is free of corruption, to preserve and strengthen democratic principles in our Union and to protect the members' interests in all dealings with employers. I will never forget that it is the members who put me here, and it is the members whom I will serve. I further promise that I will faithfully comply with and enforce the Constitution and laws of the International Union and By-Laws of this Union, that I will, at all times, by example, promote harmony and preserve the dignity of this Union. I also promise that at the close of my official term, I will promptly deliver any money or property of this Union in my possession to my successor in office.

Section 14.

The elected officers and business agents of this Local Union shall be delegates to other subordinate bodies and conventions thereof, by virtue of their office or elected position. The principal executive officer shall have first priority. After the principal officer, the remaining delegates shall be selected from the salaried elected officers and elected business agents (if any) in the following priority: president, secretary-treasurer, vice president, recording secretary, trustee in order of number of votes received in the most recent election; elected business agents in order of number of votes received in the most recent election.

Section 1.

The nature of the activities of this Union are such that the officers, representatives, and key administrative employees must participate in cultural, civic, political, fraternal and educational activities in addition to their specifically assigned duties; that such activities benefit the Union and its members; the officers, representatives, and key administrative employees must be considered to be on continuous call; therefore the Secretary-Treasurer shall be empowered and directed subject to the approval of the Executive Board to:

1. Pay the expenses, either by reimbursement or directly, of officers, representatives, and employees incurred in connection with the activities of the Union. However, officers who are full time employees of the Local Union shall not receive additional payments for attendance at Executive Board or membership meetings.
2. Pay the expenses, either by reimbursement or directly of officers, representatives, or employees for authorized trips outside the territory of the Union;
3. Provide automotive transportation to officers, representatives, or employees, either in the form of an allowance, or the furnishing of a leased or Union owned car, as the Executive Board may decide and provide maintenance therefor. The Executive Board is empowered to sell, exchange or lease automobiles, or arrange financing therefor on behalf of the Union.
4. Any employee expense report is subject to inspection by any member in good standing upon demand by that member. No reproduction of said report by member shall be made without authorization from the Executive Board.
5. Any such allowance must be of a reasonable amount, based upon the financial condition of the Local Union and the expenses the allowance is expected to cover. All policies adopted be the Executive Board shall be written and included in the policies and procedures Manual referenced in Article XIII (13), Section 1,B. of these Bylaws.
6. Where allowances are provided, officers and employees may not be reimbursed for additional expenses for items intended to be covered by the allowance without specific additional authorization by the Executive Board and approval by the membership. In no event shall an officer or employee receive more than one payment for the same expense.

Section 2.

Any personal benefit derived from the operation of this Article above, is declared extra compensation to such officers, representatives and employees for the continuous on-call character of their employment.

Section 1(a).

Initiation fees for membership in this organization shall be based on whether the Employee is in a part-time/no benefits position or whether the Employee is either full-time or qualified for medical benefits.

Employee Status	Initiation Fee
Full-time or qualified for medical benefits	$150.00
All other employees	$50.00

The Executive Board may establish a uniform reduced initiation fee for unorganized employees.

Section 1(b).

Any Employee paying an initiation fee in the “all other employees” category who subsequently becomes either fulltime or qualified for medical benefits shall, upon becoming fulltime and/or qualified for medical benefits, pay a supplemental initiation fee of $100.00 as a result of their becoming “fulltime” or “qualified for medical benefits.”

Section 2.

1. The dues of this Local Union for each month shall be payable on or before the last business day of the month at the office of the Secretary-Treasurer.
2. Dues shall be computed as set forth in Article X, Section 3 (d) of the International Constitution.
3. All members when paying dues shall pay in full through the calendar month during which payment is made.
4. Any member who shall be three months in arrears in the payment of dues, fines, assessments, or other charges, at the end of the third month shall automatically stand suspended and shall not be entitled to any rights or privileges of membership.
5. Any member being suspended because of being three (3) months in arrears of dues may be reinstated by the payment of a reinitiation fee equal to initiation fee plus all dues accruing during his suspension.

Section 3.

Any member, who shall be three months in arrears in the payment of dues, fines, assessments, or other charges, shall automatically stand suspended at the end of the third month and shall not be entitled to any rights or privileges of membership. Any member who has been automatically suspended for failure to pay dues and other charges shall be under a continuing obligation to pay dues during the period of his suspension. Upon payment of the delinquent dues and reinitiation fee, the member shall be restored to good standing status. However, payment of dues shall not restore good standing status if fines and other charges due are not paid. The Local Union Executive Board shall have the power to waive, or reduce, on a non-discriminatory basis, the payment of delinquent dues, assessments and/or reinitiation fees for good cause shown.

Section 4.

The first money received from an applicant for membership must be applied to the payment of dues for the month in which the applicant is first obligated to pay dues. Should this Local Union permit an applicant to pay an initiation fee on a deferred basis, the installment payments must be allocated to first satisfy the member's dues obligation. Membership for new members shall date from the first month for which dues are paid once full payment of the initiation fee is completed.

Section 5.

1. Reasonable notice shall be given by the Secretary-Treasurer to the membership at least 15 days prior to the meeting at which the membership will consider the question of whether or not such dues, initiations or reinstatement fees, general or special assessments shall be changed or levied. The notice shall indicate that an increase or assessment is to be voted on. Such meeting may be general or special.
2. At the regular or special meeting called provided in this section voting shall be by secret ballot of the members in good standing.
3. A majority vote by secret ballot of the members in good standing voting at such meeting shall decide the issue.

Section 1. Transfer Cards.

Transfer cards shall be issued upon written application of the member and approval of the Secretary-Treasurer of the Local Union into which a member seeks to transfer. Transfer cards will be issued in conformity with the requirements set forth in Article XVIII, of the International Constitution.

Section 2. Withdrawal Cards.

Section 3.

No member seeking to resign from membership in any Local Union may do so except by submitting such resignation in writing to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Local Union. Any member who resigns before he has paid all his dues, assessments, fines, and other financial obligations owing to any subordinate body shall be obligated to pay such obligations to his former Local Union. All members acknowledge that any obligations owing at the time of resignation shall be collectible by the Local Union in any appropriate forum. This shall not relieve any member of any obligation to comply with any other provision of this Constitution regarding acquisition of membership in good standing.

Section 1. Time of Nomination and Elections.

Meetings as hereinafter established for nominations of officers shall be held in the month of November subject to the provisions of the International Constitution. Elections shall be held not less than thirty (30) days after nominations have been closed. The Local Union Executive Board shall set the time and place of nominations and elections and such time and place and other relevant arrangements shall be convenient to the greatest possible attendance by all the members. This Local Union shall elect its officers by secret ballot not less often than once every three (3) years. Incumbent officers shall continue to perform the duties of their office until their successors have been duly elected, qualified, and installed.

Section 2. Notice of Rules, Nominations, Meetings and Election.

At least twenty (20) days prior to the date of nomination meeting, specific notice of the date, time and place of the nomination meeting and the offices to be filled shall be mailed or shall be published in any Union publication mailed to the membership of the Local Union (except that notice of nominations and election may be combined); each member shall be advised in such notice that the election rules are set forth in the By-laws which are available upon request.

Section 3. Eligibility of Members.

Section 4. Nomination Procedures.

Section 5. Elections.

Section 6. Duties of Secretary-Treasurer in Connection with Nominations and Election.

Section 7. Nomination and Election Protests.

Section 1. General Membership Meetings.

Section 2. Special Meetings.

Twenty percent (20%) of the members in good standing of the Local Union may submit a written petition for a special meeting to the President of the Local Union, setting forth the reasons therefor, and the President shall call the special meeting within a reasonable time. If the Local comprises employees of more than one employer, then no more than half of such twenty percent (20%) shall be from the same employer. If the President does not call such meeting, the Local Union Executive Board shall call such meeting within fifteen (15) days of the original petition. The President may, on his own motion, call a special meeting. Reasonable notice of the date, time, and place of any special meeting, and of the questions to be presented, shall be given the membership.

Section 3. Quorum.

The quorum of a general or special membership meeting shall be fifteen (15). The Local Union Executive Board shall establish the number constituting the quorum for division, craft or place of employment meetings.

Section 4. Referendum.

When a referendum is permitted by the General President, reasonable notice shall be given through the Secretary-Treasurer of the time, date, place and question upon which the referendum is to be held. In a referendum, only members affected shall be permitted to vote concerning matters not affecting the entire membership. The Local Union Executive Board shall, at least ten (10) days in advance of the referendum, adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of the referendum subject to the approval of the General President.

Section 5. Eligibility.

Subject to the provisions of Article VI, Section 1(h) of the International Constitution, every member eligible to vote in an election under Article XVI shall be eligible to vote on any question before the membership meeting or in a referendum.

Section 6. Conduct.

The Local Union Executive Board or the presiding Chairperson at any meeting is authorized to exclude from any meeting any member against whom charges are pending. If it should appear to the presiding Chairperson that any member is so conducting himself to constitute a threat to the orderly conduct of the business of the meeting, he may order him ejected, subject to appeal to the membership. At any time when in the judgment of the presiding Chairperson of the meeting it appears that the meeting has become so disorderly as to prevent proper deliberation of the matters which might properly come before the meeting, the presiding Chairperson shall have the right to adjourn such meeting forthwith, upon his own motion, and without second, and even though there may be other motions upon the floor. There shall be no appeal from such action since it is taken as a result of conditions which would prevent orderly consideration of the appeal by the meeting. If such action is taken by the presiding Chairperson, the time and place for a subsequent meeting, if there is to be one, shall be determined by the Local Union Executive Board. If no such determination is made, then the next meeting shall be the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Local Union Executive Board may at any time prior to or at a meeting disqualify from attendance at such meeting those members as to whom it has reasonable cause to believe that their presence at such meeting will cause disturbance or disorder. The presiding Chairperson can detail members or other persons to remove persons who have been ordered removed, or to prevent attendance of members who are under the influence or disorderly, without calling upon the police. The rights of members to attend meetings, which come before such meetings are subject to the above powers and duties of the presiding Chairperson and of the Local Union Executive Board.

Section 7. Rules of Order.

Section 8. Warden and Conductor.

“A warden and conductor may be appointed by the chair and may be removed by him. If appointed, the warden shall have charge of the inner door and shall admit only those entitled to be in attendance. He shall not allow any member “under the influence” to enter the meeting place. He shall assist the chair in maintaining order. It shall be the duty of the conductor to assist the warden and to bring the proposed new members to be obligated as members. He shall also escort all guests to the chair. He shall perform the duties of the warden in the absence of the warden.”

Section 1.

Each member of this Union shall have the right to fair treatment in the application of Union rules and law in accordance with the International Constitution and these By-laws. In applying the rules and procedures relating to Union discipline, the essential requirements of due process of law (notice, hearing, and judgment based upon the evidence) shall be observed, without, however, requiring the technical formality followed in courts of law. Recognizing that these requirements of fairness and due process of law will be administered by groups of laboring men and women, this Local Union adopts the following procedures which supplement the requirements of Article XIX of the International Constitution. The following procedural guides are designed to attain justice both to the individual member and the organization, and in instances where deviations from such procedures are not such as to substantially affect the members' substantive rights, these procedures are not to constitute technically precise requirements of strict pleadings of courts of law.

Section 2. Trial and Appeals.

Section 1.

1. The proposed amendment shall be submitted in writing at a regular meeting of the Local Union only in January of each year upon initiation by petition of nine (9) members in good standing.
2. The proposed amendment shall be read at two (2) consecutive regular meetings of the membership not less than thirty (30) days from the date of submission, and voted upon at the following regular meeting. A two thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present and voting shall be required for adoption.
3. Amendments to these Bylaws are subject to the approval of the General President, as provided in Article VI, Section 4 of the International Constitution, and shall not be effective until such approval has been given.
4. Nothing contained in Article XXII of these Bylaws shall preclude the Local Union Executive Board, in the exercise of its discretion, from directing that a membership vote be conducted by mail referendum after appropriate notice and with safeguards to ensure the integrity of the balloting.
5. Within twenty working days after adoption of the amendment, the principal officer of this Union shall submit the amendment(s) to the International Union for final approval.

Section 2.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep a master copy of these By-Laws and all other amendments that may be added or repealed.

Section 1.

The Union hereby readopts as its Constitution, the Constitution of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and incorporates herein by reference as though more fully set forth herein all such provisions of said Constitution as it may be interpreted, modified or amended from time to time.

Section 2.

Should there be any conflict between any of the provision of these By-Laws and the Constitution of the International Union, the provisions of the International Constitution shall govern.

Section 3.

Should any question arise not specifically covered by these By-Laws, such question shall be determined by the provision of the International Constitution. All proceedings in debate, not herein provided, are to be governed by Robert's Rules of Order.

Section 4.

Neither this Local Union, nor any of its officers, business representatives, or employees, has the power to make any contract or to incur any liability which shall be binding upon the International Union or any of its affiliates other than this Local Union unless the written consent of the governing body or executive officer thereof has first been obtained authorizing such action. Neither this Local Union nor any of its officers, representatives, or employees has been authorized or empowered to act as an agent of the International Union or any of its affiliated bodies and shall not be deemed an agent for any such body unless expressly authorized in writing by the governing body of such body to act in that capacity. No agreement or contract shall be binding upon this Local Union unless executed and delivered by its duly authorized officers, and a contract for personal services shall not be binding beyond the expiration of the term of the Executive Board at the time such contract or agreement is made. This shall not prevent a Local Union Executive Board from entering into a bona fide collective bargaining agreement with another union covering Local Union employees, subject to the requirements of Article XXII, Section 2(b) of the International Constitution.

Section 1.

Local Union 481 shall, at its own expense, provide retiree medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits to its eligible and former employees through the San Diego County Teamsters-Employers Insurance Trust Fund, so long as that coverage is available.

Section 2.

“Eligible employees are defined as those individuals who are either:

1. Eligible, as of the effective date of this Amendment, to receive retiree medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits as a result of their employment with Local Union 481 because the Local's former participation in Trust funds provides such coverage; or
2. Who: i.) Have ten years of continuous service with the Local Union; and ii.) Have retired directly from employment with Local Union 481; and iii.) Are eligible to draw and actually draw a pension from the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust at the time they retire from Local Union 481.”

Section 3.

These benefits shall be provided for the natural life of the Employee/former Employee. Upon the death of the Employee/former Employee, no additional benefits will be provided to the surviving spouse, if any.

Section 4.

The benefits provided in this Section shall be treated as accrued benefits under 29 U.S.C. Section 1054.

Section 5.

The benefits may only be altered, modified or eliminated only for employees who are first hired after this Article has been amended.