Name:
Aims and Objectives:
The principal aim of the union is the regulation of relations between workers and employers or employers’ associations and to end the exploitation of workers by organising and uniting all workers and tenants, regardless of gender, race, ethnic origin, religion, class, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or caring responsibilities.
To achieve the union’s principal aim, the other objects of the union shall be:
To achieve for its members higher wages, shorter hours, improved working conditions, and management and control of their workplace; to promote and safeguard the economic interests of its members and their families, and to assist members in obtaining employment;
To educate members in trade union principles;
To provide advice and assistance to members in all matters pertaining to their status as workers;
To provide means for the expression of the collective opinion of its members on matters affecting their interests;
To unite and empower members to achieve social and economic justice;
To advance, defend, and protect civil liberties and civil rights;
To eliminate all forms of discrimination, such as discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or nationality;
To build working class solidarity and consciousness and to work towards a socialist republic;
To work towards, lobby in favour of, and generally advocate for the adoption of legislation in the best interests of its members and the people generally, and advocate against any legislation that may be considered detrimental to its members; and
To be a strong political voice fighting on behalf of members interests, inter alia by conveying to the proper quarters the interests of members, their grievances, and secure prompt attention and address; by securing representation on any executive or advisory body whose powers may affect members; and to generally influence the political agenda locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, so as to promote a socialist vision for:
Guiding Principles
The policy of the Union and its methods of operation shall be such as to facilitate and stimulate the broadest possible rank and file participation in the formulation and execution of the program of the Union, and, in particular, to fully involve the members at every step of their grievance procedure and in collective bargaining with their employer; and to encourage development of the most effective leadership.
There shall be full respect for all differences of opinion, and all members shall have full freedom of expression.
Majority rule as provided in this statute shall prevail, and all members shall be bound by and respect and support the decisions of the majority.
Eligibility for Membership
The following shall be entitled to apply for membership with the union:
All wage or salaried workers;
All retired workers;
All working‐class students, apprentices, home‐makers, prisoners or unwaged volunteers, irrespective of whether they are currently receiving wages;
All workers employed in democratically-run co‐operatives;
All self-employed workers.
The above persons shall be entitled to apply for membership with the union, provided that:
They are at least sixteen years of age;
They apply for membership by means of the prescribed form and pay the admission fee;
They attend a membership meeting and are successfully inducted;
Their membership is formally entered into the register of members.
The Union has the exclusive right to refuse every application without explanation. This decision cannot be appealed from.
The following persons shall not be eligible for membership with the union:
Law Enforcement Officers, certified by the government to enforce the law;
Prison Guards, whether employed by the government or a private company;
Persons whose primary income (over 50% for at least 90 days) comes from being a landlord, provided that this shall not apply to persons who collect rent from housemates, rent out the other half of a duplex, or rent out their second home.
Membership application
An applicant for membership in the Union shall file an application with the Union by means of the prescribed form.
Rights and Privileges of Members
Every member of the Union in good standing shall have the right to enjoy the following full benefits of membership:
To vote on Union matters directly affecting the members as employees and tenants;
To vote on all strike calls and strike settlements directly affecting the members as employees;
To receive such strike benefits as the Union shall in its judgment fix and determine;
To vote in all Union elections in accordance with this Statute;
To attend all regular and special membership meetings of the Union and participate in discussion and vote on all questions;
To utilize all services provided by the Union and to participate in all social, educational, and cultural activities;
To receive a fair and open hearing in accordance with the provisions of this statute on any charge brought by or against the member.
Duties of Members
A member of the Union shall have the duty and obligation to strengthen and defend the Union and its membership.
A member shall attend all General Membership Meetings and regular and special meetings.
A member shall observe orderly procedure and decorum at all meetings.
A member shall comply with decisions of the Union made pursuant to this Statute.
A member shall abide by and carry out all of the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
A member shall assist in organizing the unorganized and participate in such activities as they may be called upon to perform by the Union.
Each member must notify the Union’s membership department of any subsequent change of address, and in the absence of such notice the Union shall be entitled to treat the address shown on that member’s application form as the member’s address for all correspondence.
Each member must notify the Union’s membership department of any subsequent change of workplace or contribution category status.
A member must not knowingly, recklessly, or in bad faith, provide the Union, or a third party, with false or misleading information relating to a member or any aspect of the Union’s activities.
When acting as a representative of the Union at a meeting of an organisation or body outside the Union a member shall speak and vote in accordance with the policy of the Union and with any decision taken by the Union’s representatives at that meeting which is consistent with the Union’s policy.
Dues and Good Standing
Every member shall share in the cost of maintaining and operating the Union as provided by this statute.
A member shall be considered to be in good standing if they pay dues as required under the statute, or if they authorize the Employer to check-off dues pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.
Members of the Union shall pay monthly dues based on the following schedule:
Dues for all members shall be €5 per month or €50 per year;
Following a collective agreement in the respective workplace, dues shall be two hours of pay per pay period pro rata (minimum of 4 weeks pay period), not counting overtime and rounded to the nearest euro, to a maximum monthly cap of €100 and a minimum of €10;
A member in good standing who becomes unemployed may maintain membership in good standing during the period of such unemployment by the payment of dues of €3 per month. Unemployed members in good standing shall have the same rights and be governed by the same rules as a member.
The term "Monthly Earnings" as used here shall mean the contractual rate of pay.
All dues and assessments, if any, shall be paid to the Union.
Membership dues shall only be changed by a vote of the membership amending this statute.
Five per cent (5%) of all dues collected shall be set aside by the Union for a Strike and Legal Defence Fund. This amount can be adjusted upwards based on the determination of the Executive Council and its best estimates of the Union's needs in this matter.
Suspension for Non-Payment of Dues
If the member fails to make a timely payment or appeal, the member shall be deemed suspended and shall lose all rights, privileges, and benefits of membership.
A member who wishes to contest the notice of non-payment may appeal in writing to the Office of the Secretary-Treasurer within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the notice of non-payment setting forth the basis for their challenge. The Secretary-Treasurer's decision shall be final.
Whenever a member authorizes an Employer to check off their dues pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement and provided the Employer complies with such authorization within a reasonable period of time, the member shall be considered to be in good standing, and no such member shall become ineligible to run for office, to nominate candidates, or to vote in a Union election solely by reason of an Employer's failure to forward dues to the Union, within a reasonable period of time.
Termination for Non-Payment of Dues
A member who has been suspended for non-payment of dues for a period of two (2) months shall be sent a certified letter to the last known address notifying the member that they must pay up all financial obligations to the Union within ten (10) days from the date of mailing of such letter in which case they shall be reinstated to good standing. Failure to make timely payments or an appeal in accordance with the section above shall result in termination of membership.
Resignation
A member shall choose to resign in writing either by electronic means or otherwise.
Reinstatement from Termination or Resignation
A member whose membership has been terminated or who resigns may apply for reinstatement to membership in the Union at any time after the lapse of at least six months from termination or resignation.
Should the union accept the person’s reinstatement, he shall pay all back dues and other monies due from them to the Union plus a re-initiation fee of €25.
Aims of Division
4.2.1 The section's aims are to organise, campaign, protest and mobilise, both independently as well as alongside our industrial, young and retired members, in order to progress matters of interest and/or concern to our community and wider industrial membership, provided that such activities are not inconsistent with the general policy and objectives of the Union.
4.2.2 The student membership fee shall be of €5 a month.
4.2.3 Membership status shall continue so long as the member pays the monthly fee and does not violate any of the provisions of this statute or act in a manner detrimental to the welfare of the Union.
Rights and Privileges of Student Members
The Student Members Division may enact such rules and regulations, and adopt such programs and policies as in its judgment will best effectuate the purpose for which the Division was formed, provided, however, that any such rules and regulations, programs and policies are not in conflict with this statute or policies and programs of the Union.
Student Workers
If the student is also working in a Union-represented bargaining unit, they are considered as general members and student members but must pay the fees of a general member.
Obligations of Student Members
Student members shall be bound by the same standards of conduct as other members.
The Union shall establish a Retired Members Division consisting of all retired members of the Union.
Eligibility for Membership
A member who receives Social Security shall be eligible for membership in the Retired Members Division. The retired membership fee shall be €5.00 per month beginning with the first year of retirement. Membership status shall continue so long as the member pays the monthly fee and does not violate any of the provisions of this statute or act in a manner detrimental to the welfare of the Union.
Rights and Privileges of Retired Members
The Retired Members Division may enact such rules and regulations, and adopt such programs and policies as in its judgment will best effectuate the purpose for which the Division was formed, provided, however, that any such rules and regulations, programs and policies are not in conflict with this statute or policies and programs of the Union.
Retired members may have the right to be reinstated to active membership, with the payment of a re-initiation fee, upon resumption of work as an employee in a Union-represented bargaining unit.
Obligations of Retired Members
Retired members shall be bound by the same standards of conduct as other members
General Membership:
The General Membership of the Union shall be the supreme authority of the Union in the following respects:
It shall have the power and authority to adopt and/or amend the Statute, rules, and regulations.
It shall vote on all general strikes and settlements.
It shall have the power and authority to set dues and initiation fees for the members of the Union.
It shall have the power to expend such funds of the Union as it deems necessary.
Officers
The officers of the Union shall be a President and a Secretary-Treasurer.
President
The President shall function as the Chief Executive of the Union. The President shall direct, coordinate, guide, and supervise all of the affairs of the Union and the activities of its Officers, Organizers, and personnel subject to the review of the Executive Council.
The President shall sign all official documents.
The President may call regular and special meetings of the Union and shall have the right to preside at such meetings or to delegate such right to another Officer.
The President shall appoint Committees not otherwise provided for, subject to the approval of the Executive Council. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.
The President may recommend to the Executive Council sub-dividing the Union into appropriate sections for the proper and efficient administration of the Union.
The President shall have the power, jointly with the Secretary-Treasurer, to sign checks, promissory notes, and other instruments for the payment of money against the accounts of the Union.
The President shall have the power to make such disbursements as may be required by the Union subject to the approval of the Executive Council.
The President shall direct and be in charge of collective bargaining on behalf of the Union.
The President or a designee appointed by the President shall sign all collective bargaining contracts on behalf of the Union.
The President may appoint and assign Organizers, representatives, and such other staff personnel as the Union requires, subject to approval by the Executive Council. Apart from those elected, the President may terminate or discipline all such personnel subject to the approval of such action by the Executive Council. In addition, the President may fill vacancies which may occur subject to the approval of Executive Council.
The President may delegate such power to other Officers as they deem proper for the good and efficient administration of the Union.
The President shall be a member of the Executive Council.
Secretary-Treasurer
The Secretary-Treasurer shall assist the President in the administration of the Union.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall have the power jointly with the President to sign checks, promissory notes, or other instruments for the payment of money issued against the accounts of the Union.
In case of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Secretary-Treasurer shall assume the powers of the President. If less than two-thirds (2/3) of the term remains, the Secretary-Treasurer shall serve out the term. If more than two thirds (2/3) of the term remains, a special election will be held and the Secretary-Treasurer shall serve until a successor is installed. In either case, for the period of the Secretary-Treasurer's service as Acting President, the Executive Council shall appoint an Acting Secretary-Treasurer upon the recommendation of the Acting President.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall be a member of the Executive Council.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall be the chief fiscal officer of the Union and shall receive and collect all monies due the Union subject to review by the Executive Council.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall have the responsibility to disburse such funds as authorized by the President and/or the Executive Council.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall maintain and preserve proper books and records of the membership, operations and finances of the Union. Such books and records shall at all times be subject to inspection by the President and Executive Council and any other authorised body as the case may be.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall be in charge of, preserve and maintain for safekeeping all monies, properties, securities, and other evidence of investment of the Union subject to review by the Executive Council.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare and submit a certified annual report to the President and the Executive Council and such other additional reports as the President or the Executive Council may require.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall submit all books and records of the Union for certified audit, examination and inspection each year and at such times as the President or the Executive Council may require.
Delegates
Delegates shall be responsible for the execution of Union decisions and the enforcement of the applicable collective bargaining agreement on behalf of the members they represent.
Delegates shall be members of the bargaining units they represent.
Should a Delegate for any reason whatsoever cease to be a Delegate, the position shall be declared vacant and an officer or representative of the Union shall arrange for the election of a new Delegate within four (4) weeks from the date of vacancy.
A Delegate may be removed from their position by a majority vote of the members comprising their group or department, that they represent, attending a meeting noticed for this purpose.
A Delegate who fails to attend two (2) consecutive meetings without proper excuse shall be dropped as a Delegate.
A Delegate shall have the duty to uphold this Statute, to attend all Delegates and other Union meetings at which their attendance is required or desirable, to faithfully enforce and implement the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement at their institutions and to represent members at grievance meetings in good faith to whom they are responsible. Delegates shall have the responsibility of involving their members in all affairs of the Union. They must at all times act responsibly and in the best interest of the Union and its members and to refrain from any acts detrimental to the good and welfare of its members.
Executive Council
The Executive Council shall consist of all the Officers of the Union, a representative elected by the Retired Members Division, a representative elected by the Student’s Member Division, and a rank-and-file member.
There shall be an Executive Committee which shall be a standing Committee of the Executive Council. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the President, Secretary-Treasurer, and such other ex-officio staff and officers as the President and Secretary-Treasurer shall invite. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for implementation of Union policy and programs.
The Executive Council shall have the following powers:
To adopt an annual budget for the Union.
To receive and act upon reports of the President and other Officers of the Union on the state of the Union as a whole, including, but not limited to the financial condition of the Union, its collective bargaining situation and the status of the various funds in which the Union has an interest.
To approve and authorize the disbursements of such funds as in its discretion may be required to promote the aims and objects of the Union.
To invest or reinvest the funds of the Union as it shall consider prudent, necessary and desirable in the interest of the Union and its members.
To formulate plans, programs and policies for the Union.
To determine the assignments and responsibilities of Officers and all staff positions consistent with, and in addition to, those already provided in this Article.
To appoint and assign organizers, representatives and such other staff personnel as the Union requires and to terminate and otherwise discipline such personnel.
To fill any and all vacancies which may occur.
To fix and authorize the expenditure of salaries of the office, technical and professional employees of the Union.
To call strikes, subject to the approval of the members directly involved.
To determine the number of officer and elected organizer positions.
Special meetings of the Executive Council may be called when the President or when a majority of the Executive Council considers it necessary.
The Executive Council shall meet at least monthly.
Decisions taken by the executive council should, wherever possible, be communicated with the members.
Vacancies
In the event of a vacancy, the Executive Council shall either approve the President's appointee to that position, designate a successor, or hold a special election to fill the vacancy for the unexpired portion of the term.
No Dual Salaries or Membership
No paid organizer, officer, or unlimited staff member shall hold any other paid position or job within or without the Union. No officer or member of the Executive Council may be an active member, officer or employee of any other labour organization.
All income from Fees, Fines, Contributions, Donations and revenue derived from any activity or from other sources shall constitute Solidarjetà funds.
The President shall have the power, jointly with the Secretary-Treasurer, to:
sign checks, promissory notes and other instruments for the payment of money against the accounts of the Union; and
make such disbursements as may be required by the Union subject to the approval of the Executive Council.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall, jointly with the President, have the power to:
sign checks, promissory notes or other instruments for the payment of money issued against the accounts of the Union;
be the chief fiscal officer of the Union and receive and collect all monies due the Union subject to review by the Executive Council;
have the responsibility to disburse such funds as authorized by the President and/or the Executive Council;
maintain and preserve proper books and records of the membership, operations and finances of the Union. Such books and records shall at all times be subject to inspection by the President and Executive Council and any other authorised body as the case may be;
be in charge of, preserve and maintain for safekeeping all monies, properties, securities, and other evidence of investment of the Union subject to review by the Executive Council; and
submit all books and records of the Union for certified audit, examination and inspection each year and at such times as the President or the Executive Council may require.
The executive council shall have the power to:
adopt an annual budget for the Union;
approve and authorize the disbursements of such funds as in its discretion may be required to promote the aims and objects of the Union;
invest or reinvest the funds of the Union as it shall consider prudent, necessary and desirable in the interest of the Union and its members;
fix and authorize the expenditure of salaries of the office, technical and professional employees of the Union.
The funds of Solidarjetà shall be divided under the following headings:
Solidarjetà general fund;
Five per cent (5%) of all dues collected shall be set aside by the Union for a Strike and Legal Defence Fund. This amount can be adjusted upwards based on the determination of the Executive Council and its best estimates of the Union's needs in this matter;
Policy and campaign funds; and
Any other funds determined by the Executive Council.
Elections
All general elections for Officers, other Executive Council members and delegates shall be held every five (5) years.
The election of Officers, other Executive Council members shall be held in April.
The election of Delegates shall be conducted during the month of May.
Each section shall be entitled to and shall elect Delegates on the basis of one (1) Delegate for each thirty (30) members or any major fraction thereof. Wherever possible, Delegates shall be elected on a departmental basis and for such purpose, a department with less than sixteen (16) members may be combined with another department.
The membership shall be informed of the dates, times, places and offices to be filled in any election of Officers, other Executive Council members and Organizers at least fifteen (15) days prior to the election. Notice of such election in the Union publication shall be deemed sufficient.
Voting shall be by secret ballot.
To be elected to the position of President or Secretary-Treasurer the candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.
The Single-Transferable vote method should be used.
Every candidate shall have the right to an observer who is a member of the Union at the polls and at the tabulation of the ballots and during the mailing, receipt and opening of mail ballots, subject to the rules of the Election Board.
Election Board
During the month of November in the year preceding an election year, the Executive Council shall appoint the Election Board.
The Election board shall consist of five (5) members and five (5) alternates.
The Executive Council shall determine the proportions. The Election Board shall designate three (3) of its members as follows: one (1) each as Chairperson and Secretary. A third shall be designated as Co-Chairperson who will preside only in the absence of the Chairperson.
To be eligible for the Election Board one must be:
a member of the Union in good standing for not less than six (6) months; and
not a candidate for any of office in the election, except for the position of Delegate.
The Election Board shall conduct and supervise the Nominations and Elections of the Union in accordance with the provisions made therefore by this Constitution and in so doing the board may adopt such initial rules which are necessary to conduct the nominations and elections, subject to the approval of the Executive Council.
The Election Board shall make and announce to the candidates an initial determination of eligibility of candidates. Any objection to the Election Board's determination of a candidate's eligibility must be filed by that candidate in writing with the Board within three (3) days of such announcement.
The Election Board shall certify in writing the candidates who will run in the election.
The Election Board shall meet promptly after the holding of the election and announce the results of the election.
The Election Board shall hear and determine all objections to the conduct of the elections. All such objections must be received by the Board in writing within ten (10) days after the election has been conducted.
The Election Board shall preserve the ballots and all other records pertaining to the election for a period of not less than one (1) year.
Any and all appeals from decisions of the Election Board regarding the conduct of the election shall be deemed waived unless made in writing and filed with the President of the Union within ten (10) days after the announcement by the Election Board of its decision. All such appeals timely made shall be considered and decided by the Executive Council and its decision shall be final and binding.
Nominations for Officers and Delegates
Not later than the last business day in January in an election year, the Election Board shall make available to the membership nomination petitions for Officers and Rank-and-File Executive Council members.
To be a candidate for office the Candidate must be a member of the Union in good standing for at least one (1) year prior to the election.
A nominating petition for a candidate shall require the signatures and the ID number of no less than two percent (2%) of the appropriate members in good standing. The required numbers of signatures will be based upon the membership as of the month immediately preceding the election.
Nominating petitions shall be submitted to the Election Board not later than the last business day in February in the election year.
No individual may be a candidate for more than one office and/or position in the elections for officers.
Installations
The newly elected officers shall be installed no later than July 1st of the election year and shall immediately thereafter assume their office.
Incumbents who have not been re-elected to a position and/or any officer or organizer retiring or resigning shall turn over all Union records and property of whatever nature appertaining to their office or position to their successors immediately after the installation meeting, or leaving their office, position or employment with the Union. The Union shall have the right to withhold any severance pay and/or any other monies due any person who fails to comply with the above.
Departing rank and file Executive Council members relinquishing their positions shall turn over to their successors all records and property of whatever nature appertaining to their office or position.
It is the objective of Solidarjetà to provide a democratic and orderly procedure for its members in order to hear and determine grievances, complaints and/or charges and appeals (hereinafter called collective "complaints") brought by or against a member or Officer.
The following shall be included among the grounds for filing such complaints:
disloyalty of a member to the Union;
incompetence, insubordination, or failure of an organiser to perform the functions assigned to his office or position;
corrupt or unethical practices;
involvement in criminal activity;
harassment in any way of other members or persons;
disorderly conduct;
conduct calculated to bring the Union into disrepute;
violation of the statute;
failure to enforce the collective bargaining agreements;
violation of Union decisions;
scabbing;
strike breaking, or violation of wage or work standards established by the Union, or any activity detrimental to its good and welfare.
To this end, a hearing board of not less than 3 and not more than 7 members shall be elected by the Delegates.
Complaints against a Member or Representative
A member shall have the right to bring a complaint against another member, for any of the reasons set forth in this statute. A complaint by a member against another member shall be filed with the Secretary-Treasurer. A complaint against the President, a member of executive board, an organiser or representative shall be filed with the Secretary-Treasurer. A complaint against the Secretary-Treasurer shall be filed with the President.
A hearing shall be held on any such complaint within sixty (60) days of the receipt of the complaint. Notice of the hearing date, time and place shall be sent by the Secretary-Treasurer to the parties concerned in the complaint. It shall be the duty of such Secretary-Treasurer to convene the Board for the Hearing. If the complaint is against the Secretary-Treasurer, the President shall take upon these duties.
The Board shall hear the parties and their witnesses and based on all the evidence, oral and documentary, presented, shall render its decision. The Board may dismiss the complaint, impose a reprimand, a censure and/or fine up to a maximum of €100. It may also issue a suspension or expulsion from the union.
It is the collective responsibility of the board to maintain and preserve the records of the hearing, including the Board's decision, copies of which shall be forwarded to the parties and the President of the Union.
Annual General Meetings
The Annual General Meeting of Solidarjetà shall be held in the last week of May or first week of June each year.
All members of Solidarjetà must be notified of the meeting at least one week before the date thereof. At the meeting, the reports of the work that was done in the preceding year, the plan for the current year, as well as the audited financial accounts are read and approved.
Extraordinary General Meeting
The Executive Council of Solidarjetà have the right to propose, for specific reasons, an Extraordinary General Meeting, which shall be convened within a month or less of their request.
All members of Solidarjetà shall be notified at least one week before the date thereof.
The dissolution of the Union can be agreed only by the members at an extraordinary general meeting dedicated only to the discussion of a resolution proposing the union's dissolution, where all members of good standing are informed of the same meeting at least one week before the date thereof.
For the union to be dissolved, there has to be agreement by 85% of the members present or by court order as the case may be.
By means of an ancillary majority vote, there shall also be a clear decision as to the final disposal of the Union’s funds, assets, and liabilities.
Each active member has the duty to give their contribution in any process involving dissolution until everything is officially finalized.
The interpretation of this statute between a general meeting and another is that of the members. In the event of a situation which the statute does not speak about, the decision of organisers present at the meeting of the members shall be final.
Amendments to this statute may be initiated by:
A majority vote of the Executive Council
A petition signed by at least five (5%) per cent of the members of the Union who are in good standing or 100 members, whichever is the highest.
The Executive Council shall submit the proposed amendment(s) to a vote of the Union membership within one hundred and twenty (120) days from the date of initiation of the amendment(s) or receipt of a valid petition. The vote may be conducted at membership meetings or by mail ballot.
A copy of the proposed amendment(s) shall be sent to the members of the Union at least fifteen (15) days before the meeting(s) at which such amendment(s) are to be submitted to a vote. A copy of any proposed amendment(s) appearing in the Union publication and sent at least fifteen (15) days before such meeting shall be deemed good and sufficient notice for this purpose. A mail ballot setting forth the proposed amendments mailed at least fifteen (15) days before the deadline for mailing back the ballot shall be deemed good and sufficient notice.
These amendment(s) shall become effective upon its adoption unless otherwise provided for.
The members shall have the right to reverse any policy or action of the Executive Council by a majority vote of the members participating in a referendum. Such a referendum may be initiated by a petition signed by at least fifteen per cent (15%) of the members of the Union who are in good standing.
The Executive Council shall submit the proposed referendum issue to a full vote of the Union membership - at a meeting(s) or by mail ballot - within one hundred and twenty (120) days from the date of receipt of a valid petition.
A copy of the proposed referendum shall be sent to the members of the Union at least fifteen (15) days before the meeting(s) at which such referendum are to be submitted to a vote. A copy of any proposed referendum appearing in the Union publication and sent at least fifteen (15) days before such meeting shall be deemed good and sufficient notice for this purpose. A mail ballot setting forth the proposed referendum mailed at least fifteen (15) days before the deadline for mailing back the ballot shall be deemed good and sufficient notice.
Any referendum approved by a majority of the members voting shall become effective upon its adoption unless otherwise provided for.
The objects of the Union shall include the furtherance of the policy objectives of the union.
The money in the policy and campaign fund shall only be spent:
on the production, publication or distribution of any literature, document, film, sound recording or advertisement the main purpose of which is related to a policy reform supported by the union;
on donations to political causes;
Participation in a conference or meeting that are related to the policy objectives of the union
other expenditure regarding lobbying or campaigns with a political cause;
or transferred to the Union's Strike and Legal Defence Fund following a decision by the Executive Council.
Any payments in the furtherance of such policy objects shall be made out of a separate fund of the Union (hereinafter called the policy fund).
A member who is exempt from the obligation to contribute to the policy fund of the union shall not be excluded from any benefits of the union, or placed in any respect either directly or indirectly under any disability or disadvantage as compared with other members of the union (except in relation to the control or management of the policy fund) by reason of his being so exempt.
Contribution to the policy fund of the union shall not be made a condition for admission to the union.
The union shall ensure that a copy of the policy fund rules is available, free of charge, to any member of the union who requests a copy
A member cannot be required to make a contribution to the policy fund of the union unless they have given notice of their willingness to contribute to that fund (an “opt-in notice”).
A member of a trade union who has given an opt-in notice may withdraw that notice by giving notice to the union (a “withdrawal notice”).
A withdrawal notice takes effect at the end of the period of one month beginning with the day on which it is given.
A member of a trade union may give an opt-in notice or a withdrawal notice:-
by delivering the notice (either personally or by an authorised agent or by post) at the head office or a branch office of the union;
by sending it via e-mail.
The provisions of the Employment and Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 452 of the Laws of Malta, as amended from time to time, as well as any regulations promulgated thereunder, shall, in so far as they affect the union, be presumed to be incorporated in this statute.
Any rules, regulations, by-laws, forms, appendices, schedules, or footnotes annexed to this statute shall be considered as forming an integral part thereof.
Proceedings of the union or any part thereof shall be conducted according to the generally acknowledged rules of procedure, except where specifically departed from in writing by means of rules or regulations.
Meeting procedures shall be minuted in a Minute Book as they occur. Minutes shall be read, approved, and signed by the President at the subsequent meeting. Any member may insist for the insertion or amendment of some particular minute, if its accuracy is agreed upon.
The legal representation of the union shall be vested jointly in the President and General Secretary.
This Statute was approved at the General Meeting on the 8th of September 2023.
Gabriel Apap
Secretary-Treasurer
Matthew Attard
President