How Do I Find Out What New Rules I Will Have to Follow?

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Every union has a document that is sort of like an employee handbook – a set of rules that all members are expected to follow. For the International union (the parent union), this is called the Union Constitution. The union local also has a similar document called the Union Bylaws. If a union is elected to represent you, you will be expected to follow all of the rules in both of these documents.
IAM Constitution

What kinds of things are covered by these rules?

The structure of the union

  • How officers are elected
  • The relationship between the International union and its locals
  • The powers and duties of the union leaders

The operations of the union

  • How the business of the union is conducted
  • How the constitution is revised
  • Strikes

Union membership

  • Financial issues, like dues, fees, fines and special levies
  • Duties of members
  • Penalties for members who violate rules

Questions you should ask before you submit to a new set of rules:

  • Can I see the Constitution and Bylaws?
  • Can I be punished if I violate a rule? What does punishment look like?
  • Do I have any say in what is in the rules?
  • Who has a say in changing the rules?

Things you should know:

  • Most of the power in a union resides in the President of the International Union. In most cases, the President
    • Interprets the constitution and approves local bylaws
    • Can remove officers of union locals
    • Has final approval of all contracts and strikes
  • You could be fined or put on trial for violating union rules
  • In some states, the union could demand you could lose your job for rule violations

The U.S. Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights, was written to protect the democratic processes upon which the country was founded, and the rights of its individual citizens. A union constitution is not the same. It is written not to protect union members, but to protect the union and union leadership.