MIDDLE GEORGIA DISTRICT LODGE NO. 131

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS AND AEROSPACE WORKERS
AFL-CIO

Section 1.       This organization shall be known as the Georgia-Florida District Lodge No.  131, of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO.

ARTICLE II

Section 1.        To bring within its folds all Local Lodges in the following counties in the State of Georgia:  Atkinson, Baldwin, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brooks, Calhoun, Clay, Clinch, Colquitt, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dooly, Doughterty, Eichols, Grady, Harris, Houston, Jones, Lanier, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marion, Mitchell, Monroe, Muscogee, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Steward, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Twigg, Ware, Webster and Worth as well as Columbia, Hamilton and Madison counties in the state of Florida that are not affiliated with Railroad Districts or Airline Districts.  The District Lodge shall aid the Local Lodges and members in its jurisdiction in securing mutual protection, in harmonious action, in close cooperation in all matters relating to collective bargaining, organizing, and the general welfare of the members of the IAM.

ARTICLE III

Section 1. The District Lodge shall have control over all Local Lodges under the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers within its jurisdiction subject to the provisions of the IAM Constitution.

Section 2. The District Lodge may recommend the raising and lowering of initiation and reinstatement fees for any given time in any affiliated lodge within its jurisdiction, providing said recommendation does not conflict with the IAM Constitution.  Above changes shall first be approved by the Office of the International President before becoming effective.

Section 3. In the month of August of each election year, the District Lodge, with the approval of the International President, shall decide the number of Business Representatives to be elected.  The activities of the Business Representative(s) shall at all times be subject to the direction of the District Lodge.  In case of an emergency requiring action on the part of the Business Representative(s) such action shall be subject to the approval of the District Lodge.

Section 4. In case of dispute arising in the jurisdiction of the District Lodge regarding the question of membership, the lodge affected shall turn over for inspection or examination, its duplicate monthly reports to any committee, elected or appointed, by the District Lodge to investigate the dispute.

Section 5. The District Lodge shall have the power to remove from office any officer(s) or Business Representative(s) of the District Lodge for incompetency or for any act which the District Lodge considers detrimental to the cause of our Association, by the filing of proper charges and a trial in accordance with the IAM Constitution.

Section 6. In the event of a jurisdictional dispute between two (2) or more affiliated lodges, District Lodge No. 131 shall have authority to settle same by constitutional means for the best interests of the membership.

Section 7. Upon entering the third week of a legally sanctioned strike, any member Lodge in good standing with District Lodge 131 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers shall be given a support contribution of $1000.00. This contribution shall be contingent upon the financial condition of the District Lodge. If the current adjusted book balance of the District Lodge is less than $30,000.00, the supporting contribution shall be reduced to what is considered reasonable.

ARTICLE IV

Section 1. Each affiliated Local shall be represented by four delegates, whose qualifications are set forth in these bylaws.

Section 2. Candidates for District delegates must have been a member in continuous good standing in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers for a period of not less than one (1) year, and a member of an affiliated lodge for a period of not less than six (6) months.  This section does not apply to newly organized lodges.

Section 3. District delegates and alternate, or alternates, shall be elected in the same manner as local lodge officers to a 4-year term, unless otherwise relieved of their duties in accordance with the IAM Constitution.

Section 4. Any vacancies occurring for delegate or alternate shall be filled in accordance with District Lodge Bylaws for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Section 5. Affiliated lodges shall immediately after the election of District delegates and alternate, or alternates, send written credentials over the lodge seal, giving names, addresses, phone numbers and official titles, if any, of every delegate and alternate to the District Secretary-Treasurer and furnish the District office with a copy.

I, (give name) do solemnly pledge my word and honor as a person, before these witnesses, that I will discharge all duties devolving on me as a delegate to this District Lodge.  And that I am not now nor shall not, while a delegate to this District, become a member of any labor organization whose purpose is dual to our International Association. That I will attend all meetings of the District when possible to do so.

ARTICLE V

Section 1. The officers of the Middle Georgia District Lodge No. 131 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers shall consist of the following:

President
Vice-President
Secretary-Treasurer
Sentinel
Three (3) Trustees

Section 2. The Executive Board of the District Lodge shall consist of all elected Officers of the District Lodge.

Section 3. All officers of the District Lodge shall be elected by the delegates to the District from among the delegates that make up the District Lodge.

Section 4. Officers of the District shall be elected for four (4) year terms at the regular meeting of the Lodge in January of each four years and shall begin their duties on the date of their election and installation.  They shall serve until the installation of officers at the January meeting in the succeeding four years unless otherwise relieved of their duties.  The new officers of District Lodge No. 131 will serve until the District meeting in January 1990.

Section 5. Any vacancy occurring in the office of the President shall be filled by the Vice President for the unexpired term.  All other vacancies of office between elections shall be filled at the next regular meeting by the delegates for the unexpired term with proper notice served.

ARTICLE VI

Section 1. The term of the Directing Business Representative and the Business Representative(s) shall run from (January) of his election for a period of four (4) years.

Section 2. The Secretary-Treasurer shall notify each affiliated Local Lodge by November 1 preceding each election year of the pending election for a Directing Business Representative and Business Representative(s) to be held at the regular meeting of the District Lodge in January following such notice. 

The Directing Business Representative and the Business Representative(s) shall have been a member of the IAM for at least two (2) years at the time of nomination.  He shall have been a member of an affiliated Lodge or Lodges of District No. 131 for at least one (1) year prior to that time and meet all other qualifications as set forth in the IAM Constitution.

Section 3. At the meeting in January of each election year, the newly seated delegates shall conduct an election to fill the position of Directing Business Representative and Business Representative(s).  To be declared elected, a nominee must receive a majority vote of those delegates present and voting.  If there are more than two (2) qualified nominees balloting shall continue until one (1) nominee receives a majority vote of the delegates present.  The nominee receiving the least number of votes in each ballot shall be deleted from the next succeeding ballot.  The representative so elected shall serve for four (4) years until the January meeting of the next election year.

Section 4. Any vacancy in between regular election years in the position of Directing Business Representative and Business Representative(s) shall be appointed by the delegates on a temporary basis at a regular or special meeting for a period not to exceed six (6) months.  A regular election to fill the unexpired term shall be held in accordance with the regular procedure at a meeting of the Lodge following temporary replacement.

The District, when the need arises, may elect additional Business Representatives and/or District Lodge Organizers.  They shall be elected by the delegates to the District Lodge for terms to coincide with that of the Business Representative, but the election shall be from those persons who qualify as outlined for the Business Representative.  The District Lodge shall give sixty (60) days written notices to all affiliated Locals of its intention to employ such persons and the starting salary offered prior to actually employing them.  They shall work under the direction of and report to the Directing Business Representative.

ARTICLE VII

Section 1. The Directing Business Representative shall exercise control of the District office and maintain it on an efficient basis for rendering such service to the members of the affiliated Lodges as is authorized and directed by the District Lodge.  He shall employ and supervise the office employees.  He shall review all proposed working rules and agreements to be negotiated with any and all employers and delete or rewrite to the approval of the affected members, provisions that are in conflict with the policies of the IAM, and he shall file or cause to be filed in the District office copies of all agreements consummated with employers.  He shall conduct all correspondence with respect to matters concerning collective bargaining with employers, etc.

He shall compile or cause to be compiled a statistical record of the schedule of working hours, overtime rules, and the wage rate paid each of the classifications represented by the District Lodge.  He shall cause to be compiled information regarding the various laws which affect the conditions of employment, the social welfare, and the pay conditions of the members represented by the District Lodge.  He shall assist all Shop Stewards in all such matters as is necessary.

The Directing Business Representative shall prepare a brief written report of his year's activities and present to the District.  This report is to be presented no later than January 31 of each year.

Section 2. The President shall preside at all meetings of the District Lodge and of the District Executive Board, decide all questions and disputes that may arise where no provisions exist in these bylaws to cover same, and to enforce the laws as set forth in the IAM Constitution and District Lodge Bylaws.  He shall countersign all checks drawn by the Secretary-Treasurer for payments properly authorized by the Lodge or these bylaws.  He shall be an official member of all committees.

He shall appoint such committees as are provided for by these bylaws or are authorized by the action of District Lodge.  On a roll call vote or secret ballot, the President may vote, but when a yes or nay vote is taken, he does not vote unless to break a tie.

Section 3. It shall be the duty of the Vice President to assist the President at all times in preserving order at the District Lodge meetings, and in the absence of the President, he shall preside at the District Lodge meetings and the District Lodge Executive Board meetings.  The Vice President shall inspect all bills presented to the Lodge, and shall be authorized to countersign checks when the President is absent.

Section 4. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep a correct record of the proceedings of all meetings of the District Lodge, and of the District Lodge Executive Board.  He shall draw all orders passed by the Lodge, attest the same by signature, present all communications pertaining to District Lodge affairs, and conduct all correspondence as instructed by the Lodge.  He shall not conduct correspondence over the seal of the Lodge unless instructed to do so by the action of the Lodge or Executive Board.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall receive all monies due the Lodge, transact all business with the bank designated by the Lodge, keep a correct account of all receipts and disbursement, and make a report at every meeting of the financial condition of the Lodge.  At the close of June and December he shall present his books to be audited by the Auditing Committee and be present when the books are audited.  He shall pay all bills ordered by the District Lodge Executive Board of delegate body, and render semi-annual statements of receipts and disbursement to each affiliated Lodge.  He shall make such reports to the Grand Lodge as are required of a District Lodge. He shall render an annual financial report to all Locals by January 31 of each year.

Section 5. The Trustees shall be the custodians of the Lodge property and shall keep an inventory of all office equipment, etc. owned by the Lodge and shall keep in a safety deposit box with an inventory, all securities and/or bonds or other valuables that may be owned by the Lodge.  They shall serve as outlined in the IAM Constitution.

Section 6. All Officers, employees or other individuals in this District Lodge who are responsible for, or handle funds of or for the District Lodge, shall be bonded in accordance with the IAM Policy relating thereto.

ARTICLE VIII

Section 1. The District Lodge shall hold its regular meeting quarterly in the months of January, April, July and October on the 3rd Saturday at 2:00 P.M., in Macon, Georgia.  Special meetings may be called by the President.  The President shall call a special meeting upon the request of one-third (1/3) of the total delegates, not more than three (3) of which shall come from any one affiliated Lodge. 

The Secretary-Treasurer shall notify each delegate by mail at his last known address as to the time and place of all meetings of the Lodge.

Section 2. The Executive Board shall meet at 1:00 p.m. on the 3rd Saturday of January, April, July and October. The Executive Board shall meet during the interim months at a time agreed on by the Board members. The President may call special meetings of the Executive Board whenever he deems it necessary. In between regular meetings of the Lodge, the Executive Board shall have authority to pay current bills of the Lodge and conduct such other business as is necessary, consistent with the IAM Constitution and District 131 Bylaws. However, no motion involving travel, lodging, mileage or per diem (other than what is required of Business Representatives) exceeding $150.00 shall be in order unless brought before a quarterly meeting open to all District Delegates or the ending book balance for the prior month exceeded $10,000.00.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall notify each Lodge by mail as to the time and place of all meetings of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE IX

Section 1. Five (5) members of the delegate body shall constitute a quorum for regular meetings.  Two (2) of which must be Executive Board members.

Four (4) members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum of that body.

ARTICLE X

Section 1. The revenue of the District Lodge shall be derived from per capita tax on all regular dues paying members of each affiliated Local Lodge (except those members paying per capita to a Railroad or Airline District) which shall be the minimum District Lodge per capita tax plus 25¢ and each January 1 thereafter the per capita tax will increase in an amount equal to the minimum District Lodge per capita tax increase in accordance with the IAM&AW Constitution.

Affiliated Locals shall render a report to the Secretary Treasurer of the District by the 15th of each month on forms furnished by him.  The report shall show the number of unemployed stamps issued, the number of dues stamps of each classification sold and shall be accompanied by a check to cover the amount of per capita tax as shown by the report.

Section 2. Semi-annually, audits shall be conducted as specified in accordance with the IAM Constitution, the Auditing Committee, assisted by the Trustees and the Secretary-Treasurer, shall proceed with the work of examining the books and accounts of the District Lodge for the preceding six (6) months' period.

ARTICLE XI

Section 1. District Lodge No. 131 shall affiliate with the Georgia State Council of Machinists and The Georgia State AFL-CIO and such other bodies as shall be an aid in carrying out the purpose of the Lodge.  When delegates are selected from the Lodge to an affiliated body, the President shall be the first (1st) delegate, and any other delegate and/or alternates shall be elected.  The remainder of delegates or alternate delegate positions shall be filled by election from the District members present.  The District Lodge Board shall dispatch its delegates to such bodies whenever the Lodge or Executive Board deems funds to be available.

ARTICLE XII

Section 1. The starting salary of a new Business Representative shall be governed by the delegates to District No. 131 and the IAM Constitution.

Section 2. The starting salary of the Business Representative shall be $600.00 over the minimum salary per month, as set forth in the IAM Constitution, after two (2) years it will increase to $800.00 over minimum. The second term of office shall be $1000.00 over minimum, the third term shall be $1400.00 over minimum and the fourth term shall be $1800.00 over minimum. These salaries shall be paid on the 15th and 30th (or last day of month).  The Directing Business Representative shall receive an additional $100.00 per month salary. For purposed of Sections 2 and 6 of this Article, any member elected and completing fifty percent or more of an unexpired term shall be considered as having completed a full term.

Section 3. When utilizing their personal vehicle for the conduct official business of District 131, the Business Representatives and/or Organizer shall be allowed an amount recognized by the U.S. Government for all miles actually driven during a given month. When on authorized business overnight, they shall be furnished with a means of payment for allowable expenses plus $26.00 per diem each day. If in a city covered by Federal per diem guidelines the higher per diem will be provided.

Section 4. Any Representative of District Lodge 131 shall not receive hotel expenses or per diem when meal and lodging are provided.

Section 5. Delegate(s) of a Local Lodge (which receives special dispensation on regular dues) will be paid at the rate of 20¢ a mile for one (1) vehicle per Lodge for any meeting upon presenting a travel voucher to the Secretary-Treasurer.

Section 6. Vacation for Business Representative is as follows:
Tenure with District Lodge 131

First Term of Office -- Two (2) weeks
Second Term of Office -- Four (4) weeks
Third Term of Office -- Five (5) weeks
Fourth Term of Office -- Six (6) weeks

Section 7. This District shall make every reasonable effort to provide Representative(s), Officer(s), Organizers(s), and the staff the opportunity to enjoy the following holidays with their families:

                                             1.      New Year's Day
                                             2.      New Years' Eve
                                             3.      Good Friday
                                             4.      Memorial Day
                                             5.      Independence Day
                                             6.      Labor Day
                                             7.      Thanksgiving Day
                                             8.      Friday after Thanksgiving
                                             9.     Christmas Eve
                                          10.    Christmas Day
                                          11.     Employee's Birthday

Section 8. When a Representative(s), Organizer or Staff cannot be released from assignment on any of the Holidays designated they will be granted a compensatory day off at another later date as workload and assignment will permit.  Holidays shall be added to vacation when coinciding.

Section 9. This District Lodge shall provide Health and Welfare coverage (term life insurance equal to one year's salary) and Dental Plan for all full-time Representative(s), Organizer(s), and/or staff and their dependents.

Section 10. District Lodge131 shall provide any Business Representatives or Organizer (and current spouse) with twelve (12) or more years of service and who is sixty-two (62) years of age, who is not covered under a group insurance plan provided by his/her previous, hospitalization and medical insurance (including Vision and Dental) upon retirement. When the eligibility age for Medicare is reached, insurance shall be reduced to supplemental coverage only. In the event of disability, insurance shall be continue for all full time Representatives, Organizers and/or staff and their dependants. The Business Representative or Organizer shall pay twelve percent (12) of the cost of such coverage. Sections 9 and 10 are subject to review and may be amended as provided for under Article XIII of District Lodge 131 bylaws.

Section 11. The Secretary-Treasurer of the District shall receive a monthly expense allowance for the amount approved at the January quarterly meeting of each year, open to all District Delegates.

ARTICLE XIII

Section 1. Any Local Lodge or five (5) delegates desiring a change in these bylaws shall give notice in writing to the District Secretary-Treasurer and other affiliated lodges of the District thirty (30) days prior to the regular District Lodge meeting, and such notices shall specify the exact changes desired and the purpose for such changes.  The Secretary-Treasurer shall notify all District Delegates.  All changes must be adopted by majority vote of the District Lodge delegates at the next regular meeting and approved by Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE XIV

The order of business of this Lodge shall be as follows:

                        1.       Pledge to Flag
                        2.       Roll call of officers and delegates and noting of  absentees    
                        3.       Introduction of visiting members
                        4.       Examination and seating of new delegates
                        5.        Reading of minutes and acting on same
                        6.        Executive Board report and recommendations
                        7.        Nomination and election of officers
                        8.        Report of Secretary-Treasurer
                        9.        Communications and bills
                     10.         Reports of Committees and Delegates
                     11.         Report of Business Representative and Organizer
                     12.         Unfinished business
                     13.         New business
                     14.         Anything for the good of the IAM
                     15.         Adjournment

STANDING COMMITTEES

                      1.          Bylaws Committee
                      2.          Audit Committee
                      3.          Budget Committee
                      4.          Organizing Committee
                      5.           Legislative & MNPL Committee
                      6.           Community Service Committee

Committees shall be appointed in January of each year, serving a one year term.  The Chairman and the majority of the committee shall be appointed by the President.  The minority of the committee shall be appointed by the Vice President.

SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Special Committees shall encompass all those committees, other than standing committees that the president and delegates deem necessary.  The responsibilities and duration of special committees shall be determined by the president and delegates.

Nothing in these bylaws shall be construed or applied in a manner that will conflict with the provisions of the IAM Constitution.  All matters arising and not specifically covered by these bylaws shall be governed by the IAM Constitution.