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Facts (you can check!) Safe environment Respect Open mind Informed decision Your commitment to each other

WHO: XXXX local XX WHERE: location here WHAT: NLRB election WHEN: Day & Date here SECRET BALLOT WHY?

*Only members can vote on Contracts Strikes Stewards & officers Every union member* must follow the union’s constitution and local bylaws. A union’s constitution spells out  The powers of union officials  Rules all members must follow  How decisions are really made 238 pages!

ARTICLE II SECTION 2- MEMBERSHIP Section 2(a)...Each person upon becoming a member thereby pledges his honor; to faithfully observe the Constitution and laws of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the Bylaws and laws of his Local Union; to comply with all rules and regulations for the government of the International Union and his Local Union...and at all times to bear true and faithful allegiance to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and his Local Union. ARTICLE II SECTION 2- MEMBERSHIP Section 2(a)...Each person upon becoming a member thereby pledges his honor; to faithfully observe the Constitution and laws of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the Bylaws and laws of his Local Union; to comply with all rules and regulations for the government of the International Union and his Local Union...and at all times to bear true and faithful allegiance to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and his Local Union. Members “pledge” to follow this union’s constitution and bylaws. All members must bear “true and faithful allegiance” to the Teamsters. Criticizing the union or its officials is a violation of the constitution.

As a union member you can be put on trial by your union. Article XIX Section 1 – TRIAL AND APPEALS (a). A member or officer of a Local Union charged by any other member of the Local Union with any offense constituting a violation of this Constitution shall, unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, be tried by the Local Union Executive Board. Article XIX Section 1 – TRIAL AND APPEALS (a). A member or officer of a Local Union charged by any other member of the Local Union with any offense constituting a violation of this Constitution shall, unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, be tried by the Local Union Executive Board. Article XIX Section 7 Crossing a picket line Trying to get rid of the union “Disrupting” a union meeting Any violation of the “Teamsters oath of loyalty” In the IBT you can be put on trial for

Unions fine members for violating union rules. If you refuse to pay fines the union can Dock your pay Take you to court Demand you lose your job

You must pay union dues, assessments, fees, and fines or lose your job.

Nothing herein contained shall be construed to prohibit any Local Union from adopting a dues scale higher than the one provided herein. Article X, Section 3.d. 1. Your local union dues could be higher 2. Unions want dues deducted directly from your paycheck. 3. Dues can go up at any time without your consent IBT minimum dues = 2.5 hours of your pay per month

For political campaigns To cover shortages The union can also levy “special assessments” at any time. To pay for strikes or drives From the index of the IBT constitution ASSESSMENTS AS EMERGENCIES , AS FINES AS LEGAL OBLIGATIONS BY SUBORDINATE BODIES VOTING ON For any reason Without a vote Without your consent Teamsters members are legally obligated to pay all assessments.

But isn’t the union a democracy ruled by its members? International Teamsters President James Hoffa Teamster.net In the Teamsters union, the International president Interprets the constitution and approves all bylaws Can remove any elected local official Has the last word on all contracts and strikes Members have little direct control over union decisions.

Did the organizer offer you a copy of the union’s rules before you signed a card? Why not?

Read Talk Union’s constitution & bylaws Ask family and friends if they ever regretted not reading the fine print What type of things could I be put on trial or fined for by the union? What if I can’t afford to pay my dues, assessments or fines? Will the union have me fired or take me to court? Challenge

In right to work states you cannot be forced to pay dues, fees, fines or assessments as a condition of employment. If you do join the union in a right to work state you still pay dues, and are subject to union rules, fees, fines assessments. Even if you choose not to join the union, non- members must: Follow the union contract Allow union leaders to settle any disputes you have (whether you agree or not) Are not allowed to run for union office Cannot vote on your contract Will be put under pressure to join Also remember, if you don’t join the union, you: