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LOCAL 26 BY-LAWS
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CONTENTS

Article i

Name

Article ii

Objectives

Article iii

Meetings

Article iv

Membership

Article v

Officers

Article vi

Duties of Officers

Article vii

Election of Officers

Article viii

Conventions, Meetings and Delegates

Article ix

Fiduciaries

Article x

Political Action Committee

Article xi

Amendments

Article xii

Misconduct, Trials, and Appeals

Article xiii

Matters not Provided for

ARTICLE I

NAME

Section 1. This organization shall be known as the Rock Island Fire fighter’s Association, Local No. 26 of the International Association of Fire fighter’s, AFL – CIO – CLC.

Section 2. References in this Constitution and By – Laws to “Local”, “Local Union” or “Association” shall refer to the Local as set forth in section 1 above, and references to “International” shall refer to the International Association of Fire fighter’s, and references to “The State” or “the State Association” shall refer to the Associated Fire fighter’s of Illinois.

Section 3. This Local Union, its Officers, Representatives and Members, shall recognize, observe and be bound by the provisions of the Constitution and By – Laws of the International Association of Fire fighter’s and the interpretations rendered by the International General President, the resolutions, decisions and directives of the Executive Board or Officers of the International when made in conformity with the authority granted by the Constitution and By – Laws of the International and resolutions adopted and policies established by the delegates at conventions. Article 13 of the Constitution and By – Laws of the International is recognized as providing the basic rules governing this Local.

Section 4. This Association shall be affiliated with the International Association of Fire fighter’s, AFL – CIO – CLC, The Associated Fire fighter’s of Illinois, The Illinois State Federation of Labor and the Quad City Federation of Labor.

Section 5. It is the obligation and responsibility of every Member of Local 26 to comply with the provisions of this Constitution and By – Laws and the decisions of the Associations Officers in conformity therewith, and they shall refrain from any conduct which interferes with the performance by the Association of their obligation under law or contract, or any conduct which defeats or subverts the lawfully established and declared policies and objectives of the Association, or which may defame it or any of its Officers or Members.

ARTICLE II

OBJECTIVES

Section 1. The object of this Association shall be to provide protection for its Members from any species of injustice, to improve their working conditions, and to place the occupation of Fire fighter upon a higher plane of intelligence and skill in order to increase the efficiency of the Fire department of the City of Rock Island, Illinois.

Section 2. Whereas this Association is formed to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Rock Island from fire and other serious hazards, its Members shall not strike or participate in any sympathetic strikes.

Section 3. The influence or sympathy of the Association as an organization shall not be enlisted or used in favor of any religious sect. No Member of the Association shall discuss any religious matters at meetings of the Association or criticize the religious beliefs of any Member.

Section 4. This organization shall be non – partisan and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles, but shall be used for the dissemination of information about those candidates for political office who have expressed themselves or declared themselves favorable or have demonstrated their support by their voting record. Information disseminated pursuant to this section shall be solely devoted to furthering the best interest of the Members of Local 26.

ARTICLE III

MEETINGS

Section 1 Regular meetings of this Local shall be held at least once a month during the months of September through May. No regular scheduled meetings will be held during the months of June, July, and August.

Section 2. A special meeting may be called by the President, or upon written petition of not less than seven Members. All Members in good standing shall be notified in writing of such special meeting at least seven days prior to the same. The notice shall state the business to be considered at such meeting, and no other business than that stated shall be in order at such meeting.

Section 2.1. An emergency meeting may be called if deemed necessary by the Executive Board. All Members shall be notified in writing of an emergency meeting at least three days in advance.

Section 3. Five Members or more shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 4. Every Member in good standing shall have the right to attend any meeting and to participate in such meeting in accordance with the recognized rules as set forth in the manual of parliamentary procedure adopted by this Local. Members shall conduct themselves in such a manner as not to interfere with the legal or contractual obligations of the International or this Local.

Section 5. This Association shall not voluntarily dissolve as long as there are three dissenting votes.

Section 6. The rules contained in Atwood’s Rules for Meetings shall govern the meetings of this Local in all cases not in conflict with this Constitution and By – Laws or the Constitution and By – Laws of the International, or interpretations of these documents.

ARTICLE IV

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. All persons of good moral character appointed to the Fire department by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners shall upon completion of their probationary period with the Fire department be eligible for membership in Local 26, subject to the Constitution and By – Laws of this Association.

Section 2. Application for membership in this Association must be accompanied by any initiation or other fee charged by any of the affiliated associations listed in article I, section 4.

Section 3. For meritorious service to this Local or for distinguished public service, persons may be elected honorary members by majority vote. Honorary members shall not pay initiation fees or dues and shall have no voice or vote in the Local. Such membership may be revoked for cause.

Section 4. When any Member in good standing becomes separated from the fire service, the Local Union may allow said Member to retain his active membership or, in lieu thereof, upon request of said Member shall issue him a withdrawal card; provided, however, that that a Member who is duly elected as an Officer of the International Association of Fire fighter’s, or elected or appointed as a representative of or to an affiliated labor organization, shall retain his active membership in this Local.

Section 5. Members who fail to pay their dues or assessments within the periods prescribed by the International Constitution and By – Laws, or as required by this Constitution, shall be notified by the Local Officer whose duty it is, that they are delinquent and will be automatically suspended and lose their good standing if payment is not made within sixty days following such notification. Delinquent and suspended Members are not entitled to voice or vote in the Local or in the affairs of the Association.

Section 5.1. The suspended Member may be reinstated in the Association upon payment of all arrearages provided, however, that in exceptional cases the Executive Board shall have the power to wave such arrearages when circumstances warrant such action.

Section 6. The dues of this Association shall be one and three quarter percent ( 1.75 % ) of the base Fire fighter’s salary as per the current in effect wage schedule. One quarter percent ( .25 % ) of the collected dues shall be deposited into an account for the purpose of maintaining a fund for legal and contract negotiation expenses. A separate accounting of this fund shall be maintained by the Secretary / Treasurer. All dues shall be collected by payroll deduction and deposited by the Secretary / Treasurer to the general fund and legal fund of this Association.

Section 7. The maintenance and replacement of all television sets, radios, VCR, or microwave ovens owned by Local no.26 shall be referred to a three Member t.v. committee, appointed by the President. Any recommended replacement of the above items shall be authorized by the Executive Board, and or the Union body prior to purchase. The cost of repairs and replacement shall be dispersed by the Secretary / Treasurer from the general fund.

Section 8. Increases in rates, initiation fees, reinstatement fees, dues or assessments shall require notice of such proposed to be given to the Members in good standing at least thirty days in advance of the date on which the vote for such increase is to occur. The proposed increase shall become effective upon a majority vote of the Members in good standing, by secret ballot, at a regular or special meeting.

Section 9. Upon completion of twenty (20) years of honorable affiliation with Local no. 26, a Member shall be entitled to and presented with a “TWENTY YEAR BADGE” from Local 26. This badge is to be miniature in size and similar in design to that which is in use on the department at the time of the presentation. The badge shall be “gold plated” and upon the face of the badge shall be the following information: (a) LOCAL No. 26,

(b) I.A.F.F., (c) 20 YEARS, (d) CENTER SCRAMBLE, (e) MEMBERS NAME.

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 1. The Officers of this Association shall consist of a President, a First and a Second Vice President, a Secretary / Treasurer, an Inside Guard and an Outside Guard.

Section 2. Such Officers shall hold office for their term or until their successors are elected and qualified. Their term of office shall be two (2) years and the terms of President, Second Vice President, and Inside Guard are to be staggered so as not to be concurrent with the terms of the Secretary / Treasurer, First Vice President, and Outside Guard. A duly elected Officer shall forfeit his office if his membership with Local 26 is terminated.

Section 3. Should a vacancy occur in the office of President, the First Vice President shall serve as acting President until the next regular election. Should a vacancy occur in the office of Secretary / Treasurer or a Vice President, the Executive Board will meet to elect a successor until the next regular election.

Section 4. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, both Vice Presidents, and three elected Trustees. The Trustees shall be elected for a three year term with terms staggered so that one Trustee is elected each year. Should a vacancy occur for the position of Trustee the Executive Board will meet to elect a successor to serve until the next regular election.

ARTICLE VI

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. President: It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of this Association, to preserve order and decorum therein, to sign all orders on the treasury for such money as shall be authorized and ordered by the Association, and to sign all official documents. He shall act as chairman of the Executive Board. He shall appoint all committees subject to the approval of the Executive Board. He shall cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie. He shall transact any other business as may pertain to his office, and shall hold secret all confidential matters and information in his possession and divulge it only to members in good standing. He shall receive a salary equal to three percent (3 %) of the current Fire fighters base salary. The President of local 26 shall not pay Union dues during his tenure of office and shall be refunded any dues he pays to this Association during the year.

Section 2. The President of local No. 26 upon completing a term in office, shall be presented by the Local, a badge denoting that he is a past President of Local 26. The badge shall be presented to the retiring President upon the completion of his tenure in office and upon being succeeded in office by a fellow Member. This badge shall be “gold plated” and upon the face of the badge shall be the following information: (a) the individuals name, (b) the year(s) of office, (c) the words “LOCAL No.26”, (d) the words “PAST PRESIDENT”.

Section 3. Vice Presidents: In the absence of the President, the first Vice President shall act and perform the duties of the President. In the absence of both the President and the first Vice President, the second Vice President shall perform the duties of the President.

Section 4. Secretary / Treasurer: It shall be the duty of the Secretary / Treasurer to keep a record of all proceedings of this Association. He shall be custodian of the official seal. He shall be custodian of money received and shall place it in a local bank. He shall serve as Secretary to the Executive Board. It shall be his duty to provide the place and dates of all regular meetings throughout the year. He presents to the membership, at the end of each year an annual statement of itemized receipts and disbursements. He shall prepare a monthly financial report of receipts and disbursements and balances of all monies for each meeting throughout the year. He shall receive a salary equal to three percent ( 3% ) of the current Fire fighters base salary. The Secretary / Treasurer of Local no. 26 shall not pay Union dues during his tenure of office and shall be refunded any dues that he pays to this Association during the year.

Section 5. Inside and Outside Guards: It shall be the duty of the Inside Guard to examine all present at each meeting and report to the President the presence of anyone not entitled to a seat in the said meeting. It shall be the duty of the Outside Guard to have charge of the door and assist the Inside Guard in preserving order when called upon to do so. They shall conduct all candidates through initiation ceremonies and see that Members comply with the ritual and they shall perform all other duties pertaining to their office.

Section 6. Executive Board : The Executive Board shall supervise all of the Associations business not otherwise provided for. Five members shall constitute a quorum. The Executive Board shall meet at the call of the President or quorum. The Executive Board shall also serve as the grievance committee and will stand ready to take up questions involving the rights and privileges of all Members.

ARTICLE VII

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1. The President of this Association shall announce as a special order of business the date and time of election of officers. The election shall be held during the November meeting each year.

Section 2. Nominations for officers shall be a special order of business at the monthly meeting in October each year.

Section 3. All contested elections shall be conducted by Australian ballot. Any nominee for office who, at the close of nominations, has no opposition will be declared the winner by acclimation.

Section 4. Three election judges shall be appointed by the chair at the election meeting, none of which shall be a candidate for office.

Section 5. All duly accredited Officers shall have the right to vote on all questions, including the nomination and election of Officers, that come upon the floor at any regular meeting.

ARTICLE VIII

CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, AND DELEGATES

Section 1. All Delegates to A.F.F.I. or I.A.F.F. conventions shall be elected in accordance with the Constitution and By – Laws of the International Association of Fire fighters, ARTICLE IV, Section 4.

Section 2. Delegates to conventions, and Members attending seminars or meetings as representatives of Local 26 shall be allowed the following expenses:

(a) The current I.R.S. per diem amount allowed for the city hosting the event. Any amount required over the I.R.S. standard must be proven by receipts or no payment shall be allowed.

(b) An amount per mile equal to the current I.R.S. standard. This amount can be applied to a maximum of one auto per four delegates, or the actual amount required for other modes of transportation if necessary.

Section 3. The replacement for any Member who is attending to Union business for Local 26 shall be paid the hourly rate according to step B for Fire fighter of the current in affect Collective Bargaining agreement between Local 26 and the city of Rock Island. Members shall be selected for replacement according to Section 10.3 ( rotation of overtime ) of the above mentioned contract, excluding the 12 hour minimum clause.

Section 4. The President of this Association shall be authorized to spend up to $100.00 on legitimate Union business without prior approval from the body. Receipts shall be obtained for all expenses and presented to the Secretary / Treasurer so as to be included in the monthly financial report.

ARTICLE IX

FIDUCIARIES

Section 1. A Fiduciary committee of not less than four Members shall be appointed and charged with the following responsibilities:

(a) The books and accounts of this Local shall be audited annually and the last such report of audit shall be presented to the general membership and forwarded to the International Secretary / Treasurer over the seal of Local 26 no later than 180 days from the close of the fiscal year.

(b) This committee shall be responsible for developing and presenting to the general membership for approval an annual budget.

(c) This committee will be responsible for the research, recommendation, and administration of any financial investments made by Local 26.

In the event this committee has less than four volunteers the Executive Board will be charged with these responsibilities.

ARTICLE X

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Section 1. The purpose of the Political Action Committee shall be to meet the need for sound political education and action among the Members of Local 26. It shall encourage Members and their families to register and vote, and to exercise their full rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The committee will co-ordinate any efforts to assist in the political campaign of any politicians deemed appropriate by Local 26, and shall be advisory only in its endorsements of candidates and in no way shall it’s authority supersede the provisions of ARTICLE II Section IV.

ARTICLE XI

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. This Constitution and By – Laws made under its own provisions, may be amended by a two – thirds vote, at a regular meeting, provided that each Member in good standing is notified in writing of the proposed amendment at least fifteen days in advance of the meeting at which the vote will be taken.

Section 2. Any amendments approved by the general membership shall be effective immediately upon approval by the International Association of Fire fighters.

ARTICLE XII

MISCONDUCT, TRIALS, AND APPEALS

Section 1. Any Member charged with misconduct as defined in ARTICLE XV of the International Constitution and By – Laws shall be served with written specific charges as required in ARTICLE XVI of the International Constitution and be given a reasonable amount of time to prepare his defense and afforded a hearing as provided in ARTICLE XVII of the International Constitution.

Section 2. Appeals may be made in accordance with ARTICLE XVIII of the International Constitution and By – Laws. Such appeal must be filed by the Member with the President of the International within thirty (30) days of any action taken against him.

ARTICLE XIII

MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR

Section 1. In matters not provided for, the Constitution of the International Association of Fire fighters shall apply.

This Constitution and By – Laws as amended, is to take effect May 1, 2002 and shall remain in effect unless amended by the Local 26 Membership.

2002 By – Laws Committee

Darrel Unzel

Tim Gibbons

Jeff Yerkey

Terry Smith

Jeff Hindman

Mike Mandel

Chris Rogers

HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS

STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOEL BRUNSVOLD No. 1

STATE REPRESENTATIVE MIKE BOLAND No. 2

CONGRESSMAN LANE EVANS No. 3