Graphic Communications Conference/ International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 777 M Fayetteville, Arkansas Back Home

Local 777M By-Laws GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS MIDSOUTH LOCAL 777-M BYLAWS ARTICLE 1:    NAME, ORGANIZATION, AND JURISDICTION Section 1.1:    The name of this organization shall be Graphics Communications Conference/ International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union Midsouth  Local 777M. Section 1.2    This local has been organized, established and exists by virtue of a charter issued by the Graphics Communications Conference/ International Brotherhood of Teamsters (hereinafter referred to as the International), and pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of the International. Section 1.3:    The jurisdiction of the Local shall be as provided in and as determined pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of the International. ARTICLE 2:        MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS Section 2.1:    The Local shall hold a regular meeting during the third week of every month; such specific time to be determined by the Local. All affiliated chapters shall hold their respective membership meetings during the first two weeks of the month as determined by the individual chapters. Section 2.2:    Special Membership meetings may be called at anytime, on not less than forty-eight (48) hours written notice of the time, place, date, and agenda thereof to every member. Written notice given by the President, by the majority of the Local Executive Board, or by at least twenty percent (20%) of the membership may call for a Special Membership meeting. No business shall be conducted at any such meeting unless stated in the agenda contained thereof. Section 2.3:    A quorum for the purpose of transacting business at any regular or special meeting shall consist of at least five (5) members or fifty percent (50%) of the Executive Board. Section 2.4:    Unless otherwise specifically provided in these Bylaws, or in the Constitution and Laws of the International, all decisions at any membership meeting shall be by a majority of membership present and voting. Section 2.5    Roberts Rules of Order shall govern all Parliamentary Procedures in this Constitution. Article 3:        OFFICERS AND DUTIES Section 3.1:    The Officers of the Local shall be: President, Vice-Presidents (one from each affiliated chapter), Secretary-Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, and one member from each affiliated Chapter elected to the Executive Board. Section 3.2:    President. The President, in addition to the duties specified in Chapter 7.2 of the Constitution and Laws of the International, shall preside at all meetings of the Local and Executive Board Meetings, shall countersign all checks, bank withdrawal slips, or other authorization for the withdrawal of the Local, unless otherwise provided for in these Bylaws. The President shall enforce the Provisions of the Constitution and Laws of the International, of these Bylaws, and all duly adopted rules, resolutions, and regulations of the Local. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all special and standing committees and shall designate members of such committees as are not otherwise provided herein. He or she will be the Local’s Delegate to any Central Labor or similar councils or bodies; shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Local, and shall transact other such business as usual to such office; except as such duties may be delegated by him or her to other Local Officers. He or she will report to each Local meeting all matters of importance that transpired since the last Local meeting. Section 3.3:    Vice Presidents. It shall be the duty of the Vice-Presidents to perform all duties of the President, in case of the President’s absence or when called upon by the President, and to perform such duties as may be required by the President, the Local Executive Board or the Local. He or she shall be the chief officer and will oversee the training and the responsibility of the Chief Stewards, and Shop Stewards at his/ her respective Chapter. Additionally, each Vice President shall report to the President regarding the status of all outstanding grievance matters; be an ex-officio member of all Chapter Committees; and be accountable to the President, then the Secretary-Treasurer, and ultimately to the Local for his or her actions. Section 3.4:    Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary shall perform the duties specified in Chapter 7.5 of the Constitution and Laws of the International and such other duties as may be required by the President, Executive Board, or the Local. Section 3.5:    Secretary-Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible for conducting all business of  the Local not otherwise specifically  provided for herein. It shall also be the duty of the Secretary-Treasurer to: a.    Transact all financial business of the Local. The Secretary-Treasurer  shall receive all fees, dues, fines, assessments, rents, interest payments, donations and all monies of any kind paid to the Local or any affiliated Chapter. He or she shall provide receipts for and properly record all monies received. He or she shall, under the direction of the Executive Board, set up and maintain accounts in responsible banks or financial institutions, into which he or she shall deposit all monies collected on behalf of the Local or any affiliated Chapter. He or she shall pay all bills properly owing by the Local. He or she shall make all such disbursements of Local funds only by check drawn on the appropriate bank or financial institution and signed by himself or herself and the President of the Local or a Vice President so designated by the Executive Board.     b. Keep all financial records of the Local. c. Keep all membership records of the Local, including the register of the  Local in which shall be recorded: (1) each member’s name and address, (2) the date and manner (by transfer or Initiation) by which the individual first became a member in good standing, and (3) the date and kind of each change, if any, in the individual’s standing in the Union (i.e., suspended, expelled, withdrawal, or death.). The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep accurate books and records of all financial transactions, receipts, bills, disbursements, accounts, monies, investments and assets of the Local. He or she shall submit all such books and financial records annually, or more often if required by the Local Executive Board, to a Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”) for audit, requiring from such CPA an Auditor’s Report. He or she shall read the Auditor’s Report to the Local Executive Board and provide a copy of such Auditor’s Report to each Board member. d. Be in charge of the offices and headquarters of the Local. He or she shall make provision for the necessary office space for all full-time officers, business representatives, organizers and office staff. He or she shall arrange for appropriate security for the offices and headquarters of the Local; e. Supervise all personnel of the Local. The Secretary-Treasurer, subject to approval by the Executive Board, shall hire office workers to staff the Local Headquarters (and other offices, if any) and staff representatives and organizers as are necessary to conduct the business of the Local in an effective and efficient way. He or she shall exercise general supervision over the day-to-day work performed by all paid officers and employees of the Local. The Secretary-Treasurer shall have the right to discipline, suspend, or discharge from employment by the Local any paid staff representative, organizer, or other employee of the Local, subject to approval by the Executive Board; f. With the President, be responsible for all contract negotiations, including developing and carrying out all negotiating strategies, authorizing payment of the expenses of negotiations, lost time and transportation related thereto for negotiating committees, and sending all notices required for collective bargaining and strike action; g. Be an ex officio member of all Local Committees; h.  Make all reports and filings with the Graphic Communications Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and with all governmental bodies and regulatory agencies as may be required of the Local and of its affiliated Chapters; i. Furnish notices of all regular and special meetings of the Local and Executive Board; he or she shall notify the various employers of the officers and members of the Local in order to insure maximum attendance; j. Devote full time to the performance of the duties of the office, if so determined by the Local Executive Board: k. Be accountable, solely to the Executive Board for his or her actions; and l. At the end of his or her term of office, arrange to have all Local accounts examined by a Certified Public Accountant and deliver to his or her successor all monies, books, papers, keys and other properties of the Local. Section 3.6:    Sergeant-At-Arms. The Sergeant-At-Arms shall assist the President in preserving order when necessary, shall introduce all applicants for initiation, and shall serve as “keeper of the door” at all Local meetings. Section 3.7:     Executive Board. (A)The Executive Board shall consist of all Officers of the Local and one member from each affiliated chapter. Only the Vice Presidents and the one (1) designated representative from each chapter as provided for in these by-laws shall have voting rights. In the event of a tie vote, the President shall cast the deciding vote. In the event a vacancy occurs, except as provided for in section 8.3, the President will appoint a member to fill the unexpired term of the member with approval of the remainder of the Executive Board.         (B) In addition to the duties specified in the Constitution and Laws of the International, the Executive Board shall investigate and render decisions respecting all applications and applicants for membership, all disputes among members of the Local and between employees represented by the Local and their Employers, all disciplinary actions against members, all other matters referred to it by the Local or pursuant to these Bylaws. All acts of any Officer shall be subject to review by the Local Executive Board.      (C) The Local Executive Board shall be responsible to the general membership. Minutes shall be kept of every meeting and all decisions made and actions taken by the Executive Board including vacancies shall be set forth in the minutes. The minutes shall be presented for approval by the membership at the earliest membership meeting following thereafter. The President or a majority of the Executive Board may call meetings of the Executive Board. A majority of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business. Section 3.8    The Local shall bond every Officer, Shop Steward, or employee who has fiscal responsibility in the Local Union; in an amount consistent with the laws of the United States. A copy of the bond shall be filled with the Secretary –Treasurer of the International Union. The cost of the Bond to be bore by the Local. Article 4:        ELECTIONS Section 4.1:    Each Officer shall be elected by a secret ballot and a plurality of the votes cast at a regular membership meeting, or by mail ballot, to serve a term of three (3) years unless sooner removed pursuant to these Bylaws.   Section 4.2:    Nominations for Local Office shall be made at membership meetings in October. Elections shall be held at the regular membership meetings, or by mail ballot, in December, and the Officers elected shall be installed in office at the regular January Meeting. Section 4.3:    All elections and referendums shall be conducted by an Election Committee consisting of a Chairperson and at least one representative from each affiliated chapter but not less than five total. The Board shall safeguard the honesty and secrecy and tabulate the results of every election and referendum. The Election Committee shall be elected by secret ballot by a plurality of the members voting and shall serve for a term of not more than three (3) years, or until their successors are chosen. Nominations for the Election Committee will be conducted at the September meeting. The election of the Election Committee shall take place at the October nominating meeting before any nominations are made for any Local Office. Incumbent officers, candidates for any such office, and sponsors of referenda shall not be eligible to serve on the Election Committee. Any vacancies to the Election Committee shall be filled by the President; appointing a member, with the approval of the Executive Board. Section 4.4:    No member shall run for more than one (1) Office. The order of nomination shall be: President, Secretary-Treasurer, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Executive Board ( Chapter Chief Steward or Chapter Financial-Recording Secretary).  In the event a member shall be nominated for more than one (1) Local Office, the member shall select one (1) Local Office for which he or she wishes to run. However, a member may run for and hold Local Office and Chapter Office. No member shall be nominated for, be installed in, or remain in Office without meeting all of the following requirements:     (A)    Having been a member of the Local continuously for the entirety of a two (2) year period immediately preceding nomination or for one-half the entire period of the Local’s existence, whichever is less. He or she must be in good standing and actively engaged or available for work at the Trade for at least one (1) year immediately prior to nomination, or as a full time salaried Officer, Representative or Organizer of the Local; or as a full time Salaried Officer, Representative, Organizer, or employee of the International. May be on approved leave therefore while engaged in a governmental capacity, in city, state provincial, or National Labor Body, or combination thereof. (B)    Having never been convicted of an offense injurious to the cause of the International Union or of the Local Union, during a sanctioned strike or recognized lockout or involving corruption, financial malpractice, the endangerment of Union funds, or property, or the gross impairment of the democratic process. (C)     Having never been found guilty by the International or any Local thereof of contempt of the organization or of intentionally assisting any opposing party (other than a government or agency thereof) in any legal proceeding involving the International or any Local thereof, except as a witness truthfully testifying under oath in response to subpoena. (D)     Not being a Foreman or Supervisor, and having no financial interest in any business that has any employee eligible to be members of the Local. (E)    Must have attended at least 50% of  his/her chapter meetings, advisory or Executive Board meetings, or Steward’s meetings during the preceding 12 months prior to nominations. Section 4.5:    No nominee shall be placed on the ballot and the nomination shall automatically be void, unless within ten (10) days after the nomination, such nominee advises the Chairperson of the Election Committee in writing accepting. Nominees not present at the meeting at which nominations are made shall be informed by the Recording Secretary personally following the date of the nomination of the Office for which they have been nominated and asked to reply within three (3) days of notification if they accept or decline the nomination. Any such nominee failing to reply within the specified time shall be deemed to have declined the nomination. Only votes for the candidates duly nominated and properly on the ballot shall be counted. The names of the nominees shall appear on the ballot in alphabetical order of their last names. Section 4.6:    At least fifteen (15) days prior to the December membership meeting the Recording Secretary shall mail to all members at their last known address a notice of the election, which shall include the names of all candidates, the Offices to which they have been nominated, and the date, time, and place of the election. The election shall be a secret ballot and may include the use of voting machines. The Election Committee shall open and count such ballots and tabulate and announce the results to the membership. Each nominee may have an observer present at the counting of the ballots. Section 4.7:    In the event no candidate for Office can be elected because of a tie vote the Election Committee shall immediately schedule a run-off for said Office to be conducted in accordance with the procedures specified in Section 4.6 between the candidates receiving the highest number of votes. Section 4.8:    Objections to an election shall be filed with the Recording Secretary within five (5) days after the official announcement of the results. Objections must be filed in writing and only a member in good standing may file. The objections shall be heard by the Election Committee and a   decision shall be filed with the Recording Secretary within five (5) days after it’s decision. Thereafter appeals may be made in accordance with Article IV Sections 3 and 4 of the International Constitution and Laws. Section 4.9:    The election results reported by the Election Committee shall be presumed valid and the installation of Officers shall take place in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws pending a final appeal in the appeal process. The Recording Secretary shall preserve for one (1) year after the election the ballots and all other records pertaining to the election.     Section 4.10:    Delegates and alternates to the International Convention shall be elected in accordance with the Constitution and Laws of the International no later than the 31st day of March preceding the Convention. Each Delegate or alternate shall be elected for a term of four (4) years. Section 4.11:    (A) All Officers with the exception of the Secretary- Treasurer may resign from the Office at any time by submitting a letter of resignation to the Executive Board. Should the Secretary-Treasurer wish to resign, he or she shall submit his letter of resignation along with all books and financial records of the Local that are in his or her possession to the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall then conduct an audit of those records and such resignation shall be effective upon completion of the audit, and acceptance by the Executive Board.     (B) If any Office shall become vacant for any reason the Executive Board shall appoint an eligible member to hold Office until a successor is elected as provided herein, except that if the Office of the President becomes vacant, the Local Executive Board shall appoint one of the Vice Presidents of the Local to fill the vacancy.     (C) If such vacancy occurs in the Office of President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, or Secretary/Treasurer at anytime more than six (6) months prior to the next regular election, a special election shall be held to fill such vacancy in the same manner as provided for regular elections, except that the nominating meeting shall be the first regular meeting or special meeting following the occurrence of the vacancy, and the new Officer shall be installed as soon as possible after the results have been tabulated.     (D)    If such vacancy occurs in any Office other than those set forth in subsection (B) above or if such vacancy occurs in any Office within six (6) months prior to the next regular election the vacancy shall be filled by a member of the Local Executive Board. Section 4.12:    The Local shall in December of 2009 and every four years thereafter either at its regular meeting or special meeting called for that purpose, nominate candidates for International Office pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of the International. Section 4.13:    Commencing with the elections of December 2009, all Officers and Stewards will be elected to concurrent three (3) year terms. The Local shall designate three (3) existing Officers or Executive Board members not authorized to sign checks to fulfill the function of trustees as required by Article X, Section 8, of the IBT Constitution. Section 4.14:    In the event that there is no opposition to a candidate for any Local or Chapter Office, that nominee shall be accepted and installed in office. He or she shall be declared elected without a ballot; provided that the nominee was properly nominated and otherwise eligible to hold office.   Article 5:        COMMITTEES Section 5.1:    The Local shall have the following Committees: (A)    Organizing Committee: This committee shall establish and maintain a current roster of names and addresses and other permanent information regarding all eligible GCC/IBT workers in the jurisdiction of the Local. It shall also establish and maintain a file of all unorganized graphic communication establishments not represented by the GCC/IBT listing equipment, wage rates, and other pertinent information. The committee shall strive ceaselessly to organize all graphic communication workers into the GCC/IBT and the Local. (B)    Negotiations Committee: This committee shall gather all possible facts and statistics to enable it to prepare a package for negotiations with the employer. They shall seek the approval of both the International and the Local for this package and shall work with diligence to negotiate it with the employer in order to secure for themselves and their fellow members the best wages and conditions. (C)    Educational Committee: This committee shall gather and disseminate in printed form or through classes, seminars, or forums information pertaining to Unionism, the graphic arts industry, apprenticeships, education training and retraining, and to other matters of educational value to the membership. (D)    Health and Safety Committee: This committee shall develop a program to improve the health and safety conditions in the workplace and shall endeavor to put such a program in the workplace. (E)    Merger Committee: This committee consisting of the Local Executive Board shall perform the duties set forth in Article XV of these Bylaws. (F)    Political Actions Committee: This committee shall keep members informed of political issues, distribute material received from the International’s Political Action Committee and the AFL-CIO and raise money for voluntary contributions to the International’s Political Contribution’s Committee. (G)    Financial Committee: This committee will be composed of all chapter financial officers and will advise and assist the Secretary-Treasurer and the Executive Board in financial matters. Section 5.2:     The Local shall have special committees as may from time to time be created by the President or Local Executive Board. Section 5.3:    Every committee shall have a Chairperson and at least two (2) additional members. The President shall choose the Chairperson and members of each committee unless otherwise directed by the Executive Board. Article 6:        MEMBERSHIP Section 6.1:    Any worker within the jurisdiction of the Local who satisfies the requirements in the Constitution and Laws of the International is eligible to become a member. Any person who is expelled from the International or any Local thereof shall not be eligible for membership unless he or she first obtains the consent of the expelling body. Section 6.2:    Obligation of Membership:     I   (name)                    solemnly promise to faithfully discharge the duties of membership in the Graphic Communications Conference/ International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Local Union to which I am admitted as a member. I will observe the Constitution, Laws, and Bylaws. I will take an affirmative part in the business and activities of my Union and accept and discharge my responsibilities during a sanctioned strike or recognized lockout. By my conduct, I will maintain the dignity of my Union, support the fundamental principal of Union Democracy, and work for the improvement of the economic status and welfare of my fellow members. I will not knowingly engage in any conduct to undermine the wage and work standards established by contract or other requirements of the Union. I will exhaust all forms and avenues of appeal as provided for by the International Constitution and Laws affecting the Local or the International Union before seeking redress from any outside agency. I further promise not to wrong a Brother or a Sister member or see them wronged if in my power to prevent. To which I pledge my most sacred honor. Section 6.3:    Initiation fees shall be paid by the Local from the treasury. Article 7        DUES Section 7.1:    Dues shall be two and one-half (2 ½) straight time hours per month to be paid on weekly basis, unless otherwise set by a vote of the Executive Board of the Local. Section 7.2:    Any member who fails to pay dues, fines, or assessments within thirty (30) days following the date on which such dues, fines, or assessments are due shall automatically be in bad standing. Upon continued failure to make such payment within a further period of thirty (30) days, such member shall upon five (5) days written notice hereof be expelled or suspended without recourse to the provisions of Article XXI of the Constitution and Laws of the International unless within five (5) days the indebtedness is paid in full. Such member shall be reinstated as a member in good standing only after paying the full amount of all dues, fines, and assessments whether or not sixty (60) days in arrears dues to the Local. A member who is in bad standing or who has been suspended or expelled shall not be entitled to vote, to receive notice of meetings, to be a candidate for or hold any Office or to enjoy any right, privilege, or other benefit of membership or be covered by any plan relating to. Section 7.3:    Dues for all Officers and Stewards paid to the International Union shall be refunded by the Local. Article 8:    CHAPTER OFFICERS AND RULES Section 8.1:     Each Chapter Officer shall be elected by a secret ballot and a plurality of the votes cast at a regular chapter meeting or by mail ballot to serve a term of three (3) years unless sooner removed pursuant to these Bylaws. Section 8.2:    Chapter Offices shall consist of: Vice President of the Local, Chief Steward, and Chapter Financial/Recording Secretary. The Vice President shall be the primary officer at each Chapter and shall oversee and direct all other Chapter Officers within the guidelines set forth by the President of the Local or the Local Executive Board. Section 8.3:    By virtue of office, the Chapter Financial/Recording Secretary shall also be a member of the Executive Board of the Local. Additionally, the Chapter Chief Steward shall serve as alternate to the Local Executive Board and be responsible for the following:     a.)    Assume the duties as Executive Board Member in the event that either the Vice President of that Chapter or the Chapter Financial/Recording Secretary is unable to fulfill such duties. b.)    Attend Local Executive Board meetings with voting rights, in the event that either of the primary Local Executive Board members from that Chapter are unable to attend a meeting of the Board. Section 8.4:    Immediately prior to Chapter nominations, the Local Executive Board will evaluate the necessity of adding more, or eliminating Chapter Offices. However, each Chapter will retain at least the three Offices described in Article 8.2. Section 8.5:     Nominations for Chapter Office shall be made at chapter meetings in October. Elections shall be held at the regular chapter meeting, or by mail ballot, in December and the Officers elected shall be installed in office at the regular January meeting. Nominations and elections will follow the same guidelines as Local nominations and elections and will be held concurrently unless otherwise specified in these by-laws or so determined by the Executive Board of the Local. Section 8.6:     No member shall run for more than one Chapter office. In the event a member is nominated for more than one office, he or she must select one office for which they wish to run. However, a member my hold a Chapter Office and a Local Office. Section 8.7:    No member shall be nominated for, nor hold Chapter Office, unless he or she meets the following requirements:         a.)    Be a member in good standing of his/her particular Chapter. b.)    Be eligible, according to Article 4.4, to hold Local Office.     Section 8.8:    Officers of Local Chapters must notify the Secretary-Treasurer of the Local as soon as practicable of all those newly admitted to membership and all other changes in membership status, such as withdrawals, expulsions, transfers, retirements, and deaths. Also, the Secretary-Treasurer must be notified promptly of all those newly hired in their respective bargaining units. Section 8.9:     Each Chapter shall select Stewards by secret ballot in December of every                         three (3) years and assume duties in January at the regular membership             meeting. Nominations for Shop Stewards shall be held immediately after nominations for Local and Chapter Offices. The number of stewards needed shall be determined by the  Local Executive Board, but no less than one per shop. Section 8.10:   In order to be eligible to serve as a Steward, a member must have been a                         Member of the Local for one (1) year or more, must be in good standing,                           and cannot be a member of management. Section 8.11:   In the event a Stewards vacancy occurs, a member shall be appointed by the President to fill the unexpired portion of the Stewards term. Section 8.12:    Chapter Rules. It is the intention of the Local that each Chapter shall have the right to conduct its own affairs, make its own rules, and settle its own disputes insofar as such is done consistent with the collective bargaining agreement, the laws of the Local, and the laws of the International Union. Article 9:        COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND STRIKES Section 9.1:    Collective Bargaining proposals shall be made only in accordance with Chapter 13 of the Constitution and Laws of the International and Collective Bargaining Contracts entered into only in accordance with Chapter 13.2 of the Constitution and Laws of the International. Section 9.2:    No supervisor, owner, operator, or person having financial interest in any business having employees shall be permitted to vote in connection with any Collective Bargaining agreement or any aspect relating thereto. Section 9.3:    No strike shall be called and no strike conducted except in accordance with Chapter 13A of the Constitution and Laws of the International. Article 10:        APPRENTICES Section 10.1:    Regulations concerning apprentices as set forth in the Constitution and Laws of the International shall be observed and apprentice training programs approved by the International’s General Board shall be instituted whenever possible. Article 11:        DISCIPLINE Section 11.1:    Any member or Officer of this Local shall be subject to discipline after charges and a hearing thereon in accordance with Article XXI of the Constitution and Laws of the International for any of the following offenses: (A)    Willfully violating the provisions of the obligation of membership. (B)    Willfully failing to comply with the Bylaws of this Local or the Constitution and Laws of the International or willfully failing to comply with Collective Bargaining Policy of the International or Local to the detriment of the organization. (C)    Engaging in corruption or financial malpractice with respect to the funds or property of the organization. (D)    Attempting to secede, merge, dissolve, or destroy the provisions of these Bylaws or the International Constitution and Laws. (E)    Bringing false charges with malicious intent against a member, Officer, or other official of the International Union, Local, or Grouping. Section 11.2:    The disciplinary penalties, which may be imposed on a member, shall include censure, fines, temporary suspension, and disqualification to hold or removal from Office of other Official position, expulsion or combination thereof. No disciplinary action shall be taken against a member except after charges and a hearing in accordance with Article XII of the International Constitution and Laws. Article 12:        ASSESSMENTS AND FINES Section 12.1:    The Local Executive Board may levy a per capita assessment on the members in accordance with Article 7 of these Bylaws. The International in accordance with the Constitution and Laws of the International may also levy assessments on the members. Section 12.2:    All assessments and fines are due and payable on the day of the levy unless an assessment or fine specifically sets forth a different date of payment. All monies paid to the Local by or for a member shall be applied first to the payment of any unpaid fines or portion thereof, and finally to the payment of dues, such monies to be applied in each instance first to the indebted which earliest become due and last to the most recent assessment, fine, or dues, as the case may be. Article 13:        FUNDS AND PROPERTY Section 13.1:    Officers and members of this Local shall not be loaned funds of the Local, nor shall they use funds of the Local for purposes not related to the Local’s official activities. Section 13.2:    The funds of this Local are to be held in trust for the benefit of the membership, and shall not leaned, invested, or otherwise dealt with in a manner which redound to the personal profit or benefit of any Officer or employee of the Local. This Local shall not invest in, or make loans to, any business enterprise. Provided, however, that publicly traded securities of widely held corporations may be purchased, so long as no individual holding is substantial enough to affect or influence any employer’s decision. Section 13.3:    On order of the International President or his representative, the Local Officers shall submit all books and records to a designated Union Representative for audit. Section 13.4    All Local Union records shall be retained for seven (7) years at the Local’s Union Office. Article 14:        REPRESENTATION Section 14.1    The Local shall be the exclusive representative of each member for the purpose of collective bargaining and the negotiation and execution of the Collective Bargaining Agreements, and is irrevocably authorized and empowered by each member to handle, settle, or dismiss any and all grievances, complaints, and disputes arising out of every member’s employment. Section 14.2    The Local has no power to make any contract or incur any liability binding on the International without the prior written consent of the International, and in the absence of such prior written consent, the International shall not be liable under any contract or for any act or omission of this Local of any of its Officers or members. Article 15:        LOCAL AFFILIATION Section 15.1    The Local shall maintain its affiliation with the local Allied Printing Trades Council within its jurisdiction and to the fullest extent possible, with State and Local bodies of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. Article 16:         AMENDMENTS Section 16.1:    These Bylaws may be modified, amended, repealed, or new bylaws may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members voting at any regular or special membership meeting; provided that written notice has been given to all members advising them of the specific proposed changes to be considered at the meeting. Section 16.2:    Any modification, amendments, repeals, or new bylaws shall be subject to the approval provisions contained in Chapter 4.1 of the Constitution and Laws of the International.                        THESE BYLAWS HAVE BEEN VOTED IN BY THE MEMBERSHIP OF MIDSOUTH LOCAL 777-M, EFFECTIVE _______________, AND FORWARDED TO THE GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS FOR ACCEPTANCE/APPROVAL.         __________     President     GCC/IBT Local 777M