Bylaws

Bylaws

PART I
Constitution and Bylaws
Section 1: Constitution
The Constitution of the National Treasury Employees Union, as amended at the last National Convention of the National Treasury Employees Union, and hereafter referred to as the NTEU Constitution, is hereby adopted as the Constitution of this organization.

Section 2: Bylaws
The Bylaws of this organization shall be referred to hereafter as the “Chapter Bylaws” or “these Bylaws.” The Bylaws of the National Treasury Employees Union, as amended at the last National Convention of the National Treasury Employees Union, are hereafter referred to as the NTEU Bylaws. The Chapter Bylaws set forth rules for the local administration and functions of the organization. Consistent with Article II, Section 2 of the NTEU Constitution, any part of the Chapter Bylaws that are contrary to or in conflict with any provisions of the NTEU Constitution or the NTEU Bylaws shall not be enforced by this organization and shall have no force or effect. The Chapter Bylaws adopted by this organization on June 30, 1987, as amended January 9, 1990, October 21, 1992, and February 12, 1998, and constitute a complete restatement of the Chapter Bylaws, and therefore supersede all previously adopted Chapter Bylaws and any amendments thereto.

Section 3: Statement of Purpose

The purposes of this organization shall always be consistent with the purpose of the National Treasury Employees Union. This organization shall exist for the purpose of promoting dignity, respect, and quality of life for its members in the work place and in the community. In doing so, this organization shall strive to provide the highest quality of service for its members, including job-site representation, negotiations, legislative action, other member benefits programs, social functions, community visibility projects, public relations and other such services. In order to do so, this organization recognizes that it must have strength through membership, effective leadership, effective administration, and an effective communication system. To these purposes, this organization is committed.

PART II
Name, Principal Office, Jurisdiction and Fiscal Year
Section 1: Name
The official name of this organization shall conform to the national designation. This organization shall be known as the National Treasury Employees Union, Chapter 46, and is referred to below as Chapter 46.
Section 2: Principal Office
The principal office of Chapter 46 shall be maintained in Dallas, Texas, Headquarters.
Section 3: Jurisdiction
Chapter 46 shall have jurisdiction concurrent and consistent with the jurisdiction granted in the Charter issued by the National Treasury Employees Union, as amended pursuant to the NTEU Constitution and the NTEU Bylaws.
Section 4: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of Chapter 46 shall be from October 1 to September 30.

PART III
Membership
Section 1: Persons Eligible for Membership
Consistent with Article V, Sections 1 and 2 of the NTEU Constitution, any employee, former employee, or retired employee of the Federal Government, as defined in Part VII of the NTEU Bylaws, who is within Chapter 46 jurisdiction as defined in Part II, Section 3 of the Chapter Bylaws, is eligible for membership in Chapter 46, regardless of race, creed, national origin, sex, age, handicapped condition, or religion.
Section 2: Membership
A member of Chapter 46 is any eligible person, as defined in Part III, Section 1 of the Chapter Bylaws, who has fully complied with the requirements of becoming a member as set forth in Part VII of the NTEU Bylaws.
Section 3: Classification of Members
To the extent that such classifications are not in conflict with the definitions contained in Part VII of the NTEU Bylaws, members of Chapter 46 shall be classified as follows:

Retirees - former employees of the Federal Government who are presently drawing an annuity under the U.S. Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employee Retirement System.
Former Employees - former employees of the Federal Government who are not Retirees.
Active Employees - current employees of the Federal Government.
New Employees - active employees who have never before been members of Chapter 46 or who have not been members during the twelve months prior to becoming members.
Associate Members - persons who are not otherwise eligible for membership in this organization, and who shall not enjoy the privileges of membership or be voting members on those matters relating to the organization.

PART IV
Dues and Funds
Section 1: Revenue

How Prescribed - The revenue of Chapter 46 shall be obtained from the dues paid by members and from other sources as may be determined by the members of the Chapter Executive Board.
Amount of Dues - Except as provided for by Section 3 below, the annual dues paid by each active member to Chapter 46 shall be at the rate of 20% of the annual national per capita dues rate established by majority vote of the delegates at a regular or special National Convention of the National Treasury Employees Union. This change to be effective pay period 1 in 2009.
Proration of Funds - A new employee as defined in Part III, Section 3(D) of the Chapter Bylaws, who becomes a member during the fiscal year and elects to pay the annual per capita dues on a cash payment basis shall pay for only those months or fractions thereof remaining in the fiscal year at the time he/she becomes a member.

Section 2: Method of Payment

Annual per capita payments shall be made to the National Office of the National Treasury Employees Union (hereafter, the National Office) at the beginning of each fiscal year except for those members who are dues withholding. The National Office shall issue renewal bills to all members who are not on dues withholding at the beginning of each fiscal year. Retired and former employees will be permitted to pay dues on an annual basis with payment due on October 1. All other members will be permitted to pay dues on an annual basis with payment due October 1, or on a quarterly basis with payment due on the first day of October, January, April, and July of each fiscal year. Per capita payments collected by Chapter 46 shall be forwarded to the National Office.
Dues withheld for members on a dues withholding program will be paid directly to the National Office, which will then remit to Chapter 46 its share within ten (10) days.

Section 3: Increase in Dues
A decision to increase Chapter 46 dues which is not tied to an increase in the national annual per capita dues rate, as described in Part IV, Section 1(B) of the Chapter Bylaws, shall occur only in a general or special meeting for which at least fifteen (15) days advance notice has been provided to all members. The person or persons who call a general meeting or special meeting pursuant to Part V, Section 2 and 3 of these Bylaws, shall provide the required notice to members. The meeting notice for the purpose of this section shall state the amount and effective date of the proposed increase. Notice shall be by first class mail to all members, and may be contained in a chapter newsletter, other publication, or a separate letter. Dues increases referred to in this section shall be levied only after a majority vote by ballot of the members voting.

PART V
Chapter Meetings
Section 1:
Chapter 46 shall hold at least one general meeting per year for members, which shall be considered the annual meeting. Reports by each Chapter 46 officer and committee will be presented.
Section 2:
A special meeting of Chapter 46 may be convened by a written call of:

The President,
A majority of the Executive Board, or
Twenty-five members of Chapter 46.

Section 3:
Except as otherwise provided for in the Chapter Bylaws, NTEU Constitution, NTEU Bylaws, or required by law, notice of the location and known agenda items of all general and special meetings will be provided to Chapter 46 members by the President of Chapter 46 or by the other person or persons calling the meeting, at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of a special meeting or a meeting at which a vote of the membership is conducted, and at least seven (7) days prior to the date of all other general meetings. Except as otherwise provided for in the Chapter Bylaws, NTEU Constitution, NTEU Bylaws, or required by law, such notice may be provided by mail to all members, and/or by posting on all official bulletin boards in all locations where Chapter 46 members are employed.
Section 4:

All members of Chapter 46 shall have the right to attend and speak at all general and special Chapter 46 meetings concerning business that directly relates to the National Treasury Employees Union or Chapter 46.
Each member shall be entitled to one (1) vote at any regular or special meeting, and in the election of officers.
The Chapter 46 officers present at any regular or special meeting shall rule on any challenge to a member’s right to vote at said meeting. The Chapter 46 Election Committee shall rule on any challenge to a member’s right to vote in the election of Chapter 46 officers. Members shall have a right to appeal such rulings pursuant to the applicable provisions of the NTEU Constitution and NTEU Bylaws.

Section 5:
A quorum at any meeting of Chapter 46 shall consist of the members present. Each member shall be entitled to one (1) vote at any regular or special meeting and in the election of officers.
Section 6:
The order of business at a regular meeting shall be determined by the Chapter 46 President with the consent of the Chapter 46 Executive Board. The order of business at a special meeting shall be that contained in the written call for the meeting.

PART VI
Executive Board
Section 1:

The Chapter 46 Executive Board shall be composed of the:
President;
Executive Vice President;
First Vice President, Legislation;
Second Vice President, Distant Posts-of-Duty;
Third Vice President, Membership;
Fourth Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer.

All elected officers and officers appointed to serve elective office vacancies shall at times be collectively referred to in these bylaws as “Executive Board Members.”
Section 2:

The Chapter 46 Executive Board shall have jurisdiction over all matters not specifically reserved to the Chapter 46 members, including but not limited to the authority to:

Develop and approve an annual plan and budget consistent with the goals and purposes of Chapter 46 and the National Treasury Employees Union, and oversee the collection of funds necessary to implement the plan and support the budget;
Approve all expenditures and establish procedures for the payment and accounting of all expenditures;
Fill any elective office vacancy by a majority vote of the Board.
Recommend to the National Treasury Employees Union that a grievance be invoked for arbitration, and commit Chapter 46 funds to support any such arbitration;
Designate and authorize representatives of Chapter 46 to bargain with agency management concerning negotiable changes;
In the absence of Chapter 46 officials who have designated or delegated authority to do so, designate and authorize the chains of succession to be used in the event that officers or other persons with designated or delegated responsibilities are temporarily absent or otherwise unable to perform their responsibilities;
Oversee all functions and responsibilities of Chapter 46;
Delegate duties and tasks to appropriate Executive Board members and/or other members of Chapter 46, provided that such delegation is not inconsistent with the oversight responsibilities of the Executive Board;
Assist with all organizational work of Chapter 46 and to carry out the policies and objectives of Chapter 46 within the specific areas of responsibility and assigned duties attendant to the position held by each member of the Executive Board;
Upon the Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer receiving sworn charges against any officer or member of Chapter 46 for malfeasance, misconduct or dereliction of duties; or for denial of a right guaranteed by law or Executive Order to members; or for corruption or financial malpractice by a Chapter 46 officer; or for failure to carry out the legitimate objectives or policies of Chapter 46; or to assure the performance of collective bargaining agreements or other Chapter Officer duties as a bargaining representatives; or to restore democratic procedures in Chapter 46, the Chapter 46 Executive Board shall preside over a general meeting of the Chapter 46 members which shall serve as the court of first jurisdiction.

1. The Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer shall send a copy of the charges to the accused by certified mail.

2. Upon requesting a hearing within thirty (30) days after receipt of charges, the accused shall be provided the opportunity to appear in person and present witnesses before the members of Chapter 46. Such hearing shall be conducting by the Chapter 46 Executive Board in the same manner as required for a general meeting of the members at which a vote will be taken. No agenda items shall be considered other than the charges against the member(s) and/or officer(s), unless at the meeting, the majority of members vote otherwise.

3. At the conclusion of the hearing, members of Chapter 46 present may, by a majority of those voting, take such action as may be appropriate under the circumstances, including but not limited to acquitting, suspending, or expelling the accused from its membership.

4. An Executive Board member or other Chapter 46 member shall not take part in conducting the hearing that concerns accusations against him/herself, and shall not vote on a motion concerning action against him/herself.

5. An Executive Board member or other Chapter 46 member suspended or expelled by vote of the membership may appeal to the National Executive Board of the National Treasury Employees Union, provided that such appeal is filed in writing thirty (30) days after the adverse action is taken and the member is notified in writing by certified mail of his/her right to appeal.

Section 3:
The Chapter 46 Executive Board shall convene for regular meetings quarterly at a time and place designated by the Chapter 46 President. Written notice shall be provided to all Executive Board members by the Chapter President at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting date. A quorum for the purpose of a regular meeting of the Executive Board shall consist of a majority of its members.

Section 4:
Special meetings of the Chapter 46 Executive Board shall be convened by:
A. Written call to all Executive Board members by the Chapter President; or

B. Written call by a majority of the Executive Board members to all other Executive Board members. The President must convene such special meetings within thirty (30) days after receipt of the written call.

Section 5:
A. The order of business at a regular meeting of the Executive Board shall be as follows unless suspended by a majority of voting members of the Executive Board, or by the Chapter President with the consent of a majority of voting members of the Executive Board:
1. Call to order and roll call
2. Report of the President
3. Report of the Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer
4. Report of the Executive Vice President
5. Reports of the other Vice Presidents
6. Report of the Director of Public Relations
7. Report of the Director of Negotiations
8. Report of the Chief Steward
9. Unfinished business
10. New business
11. Adjournment

B. The order of business at a special meeting of the Executive Board shall be that contained in the written call for the meeting.

Section 6:
All decisions made at a regular or special meeting of the Executive Board shall be by majority vote of those present. Each present elected officer of the Executive Board shall be entitled to one (1) vote.

Section 7:
The Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer will report all action of the Executive Board in writing at the next regular meeting of the Chapter, and maintain a record of such reports for five (5) years, or longer if so directed by the Chapter President, the Executive Board, or if such action is contested or reasonably might be contested.

PART VII
Chapter Officers
Section 1: Officer Designations
The officers of this Chapter shall be those designated in Part VI, Section 1.A through F of the Chapter 46 Bylaws.

Section 2: Qualifications
A. Any member of Chapter 46 who is also a member of the National Treasury Employees Union and not prohibited by law from becoming an officer of this Chapter is qualified to be elected to any office of this Chapter. An elected officer shall be considered to have resigned from office immediately upon losing such qualification status.

B. Any elected officer who acts as a supervisor in excess of thirty (30) consecutive calendar days, or in excess of ninety (90) calendar days during any consecutive twelve (12) month period, shall immediately be deemed to have lost qualification status to remain an elected officer, and shall be considered to have resigned from office at that time.

Section 3: Terms of Office
A. Terms of elective office for Chapter 46 officers shall be three (3) years. Officers will assume their elected positions at the beginning of the Chapter’s fiscal year which immediately follows a timely conducted election. Otherwise, officers will assume their elected positions sixty (60) days following the completion of the election.

B. An officer appointed to fill vacant positions on the Executive Board shall serve until an elected successor begins his/her term, or until a majority of voting Executive Board members determines that it bests serves the interests of Chapter 46 and the National Treasury Employees Union to replace the appointed officer.

C. During their terms of office, the elected President, elected Executive Vice President, and elected Vice Presidents of Chapter 46 identified in Part VI Section 1.A through F above are considered delegates to those District Conferences and National Conventions of the National Treasury Employees Union which are conducted pursuant to the NTEU Constitution and NTEU Bylaws

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Section 4:
Failure to attend more than two consecutive regular meetings of the Executive Board, or failure to substantially carry out the responsibilities and duties set forth in this Part of the Chapter 46 Bylaws shall be sufficient cause to remove an officer from his/her Executive Board position for dereliction of duty, unless the officer establishes to the remainder of the Executive Board’s satisfaction that a severe hardship or other good cause temporarily prevented requisite attendance and/or performance. At such time as an officer is reasonably believed to have committed such a dereliction of duty, the Executive Board may initiate proceedings in accordance with Part VI, Section 2.J, or Part VII, Section 3.B of these Bylaws to effect remedial action.

A. The duties of the President shall include, but not be specifically limited to, the following:
1. Administer and manage the affairs of Chapter 46, both personally as well as through the delegation of duties, consistent with the NTEU Constitution and NTEU Bylaws, in accordance with the Chapter 46 Bylaws, and to the greatest extent possible, as set forth in relevant provisions of the NTEU Administration Manual;

2. Issue proper notice calling all regular and special meetings of the membership and Executive Board of Chapter 46.

3. Preside at all regular and special meetings of the membership and of Executive Board of Chapter 46, and preside over all meetings of the Executive Board Advisory Council;

4. Sign, or delegate the authority to sign, all documents pertaining to official business of Chapter 46;

5. Promptly inform the Executive Board of all major policy decisions made by the President, and of all proposed management actions that reflect significant changes in policy, practice, or conditions of members’ employment;

6. Appoint the Chapter 46 Director of Public Relations, Director of Negotiations, Chief Steward, Steward(s) at Large, Membership Services Coordinator, and Committee Chairpersons; and if necessary to serve the best interests of Chapter 46 and the National Treasury Employees Union, remove such persons from their appointed positions with the consent of a majority of voting members of the Chapter 46 Executive Board;

7. Appoint members to Chapter 46 committees with the consent of the appropriate committee Chairperson, and maintain ex-officio membership on each committee;

8. Supervise the performance of administrative and clerical duties by any paid employees of Chapter 46, or in the absence thereof, perform or delegate such duties to appropriate persons. Such duties include but are not limited to:

a. Conduct correspondence and maintain copies in a permanent file that, in the absence of the responsible person, can be accessed by other appropriate persons;

b. Keep members fully advised of union activities by distributing literature, copies of documents, and other communications;

c. Maintain a petty cash fund in an amount determined by the Executive Board;

d. Maintain an accurate and current record of all receipts and expenditures of the Chapter, and require that all Chapter expenditures be evidenced by a receipt before reimbursement is made, with exceptions subject to approval only by the Executive Board;

e. Submit quarterly financial reports to the Chapter 46 Executive Board, using generally accepted accounting techniques, and submit any other reports requested by the Executive Board and the National Office of the National Treasury Employees Union;

f. Submit the Chapter 46 books and records for audit on demand by the Chapter 46 Executive Board or the National Office of the National Treasury Employees Union;

g. Assist the Chapter 46 Election and Nominations Committee to the extent authorized by law, Department of Labor Regulations, the NTEU Constitution, the NTEU Bylaws, and the Chapter Bylaws;

h. Maintain official Chapter files and a system of files that contain all documents necessary to properly operate the Chapter, including but not limited to:

1)Research files and/or the Case Access System;
2)Representation files;
3)Minutes and reports pertaining to meetings of the Chapter Executive Board, Chapter committees, general and special meetings of the Chapter;
4)Correspondence;
5)Memos and documents from the National Office of the National Treasury Employees Union;
6)Training materials;
7)All Chapter financial books, records, and supporting documents, the original of which the Chapter President shall provide to his/her successor immediately upon leaving office;
8)All documents pertaining to Chapter compliance with requirements of the Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service, and other such agencies;
9)Official notices of changes in working conditions;
10)Vacancy announcements;
11)Notices, bargaining unit lists, membership lists, and other documents that the agency is contractually required to provide to the Chapter;
12)Documents required for Chapter planning and coordination of Chapter functions, such as a master calendar of events that includes but is not limited to deadlines and schedules relating to negotiations, Executive Board meetings, committee meetings, training, grievances, arbitration invocation, new employee orientation meetings, Chapter social events, and the like;

9.Perform all other duties that are necessary to protect and advance the interests of the membership, Chapter 46, and the National Treasury Employees Union.

B. The duties of the Executive Vice President shall include, but now be specifically limited to, the following:

1.Unless the President makes a designation otherwise, perform the duties of the President during the President’s temporary absence or inability to serve;

2. Assist the President in all duties and functions of the President, and to the extent possible, serve as a joint participant in any discussions with management concerning union business;

3. Serve as the Acting President of Chapter 46 for the remainder of the elected President’s term in the event that the elected President vacates the office.

C. The duties of the Vice President, Legislation shall include, but not be specifically limited to, the following:

1. Under the guidance and leadership of the National Office of the National Treasury Employees Union and the President of Chapter 46, develop and coordinate legislative action throughout the year in the geographic area served by Chapter 46;

2. In furtherance of 1. above, chair the Legislative Action Committee of the Executive Board, and to the extent authorized by law, involve members of the National Treasury Employees Union in the geographic area served by Chapter 46 in voter registration drives, voter education campaigns, “get out to vote” drives, and related efforts, such as polls, surveys, election notice distributions, visits to Congressional offices, legislative “town meetings,” and fund raising for campaign contributions.

In addition, the Vice President, Legislation shall;
3. Unless the President designates otherwise, perform the duties of the Executive Vice President during his or her temporary absence or inability to serve;

4. Serve as an assistant to the President;

5. Serve as the Acting President of Chapter 46 for the remainder of the elected President’s term in the event that the elected President vacates the office, and the Executive Vice President is permanently unable to serve or continue serving, or the position of Executive Vice President is vacant at the time that the President vacates the office.

D. The duties of the Vice President, Distant Posts of Duty, shall include but not be limited to:

1. Under the guidance of the President of Chapter 46, develop and coordinate actions involving members of the posts-of-duty throughout the year; and

2. Serve as the Chapter 46 representative concerning the unique needs and concerns of those members in the posts-of-duty and ensure that the President, the Executive Board, affected members and their stewards, and/or the National Office of the National Treasury Employees Union are promptly notified of significant issues affecting members in the posts-of-duty. In doing so, the Vice President, Distant Posts-of-Duty shall be under the overall authority of the President.

In addition, the Vice President, Distant Posts-of-Duty shall:
3. Unless the President designates otherwise, perform the duties of the Vice President, Legislation during his or her temporary absence or inability to serve; and

4. Serve as an assistant to the President.

E. The duties of the Vice President, Membership shall include, but not be specifically limited to, the following:

1. Develop and coordinate a membership recruitment and retention program that covers the bargaining unit served by Chapter 46, so as to ensure that at least 70% of all persons eligible to join Chapter 46 are dues paying members of the Chapter;

2. In furtherance of 1. above, supervise and guide the Membership Services Coordinator, chair the Membership Committee of the Executive Board, ensure that trained representatives of the Chapter participate to the extent authorized under the term agreement and any local agreement in all new employee orientation and training sessions, involve all chapter leaders in membership recruitment and retention efforts, and coordinate membership recruitment and retention efforts with all other areas of Chapter activity.

In addition, the Vice President, Membership shall:
3. Unless otherwise designated by the President, perform the duties of the Vice President, Legislation during his or her temporary absence or inability to serve;

4. Serve as an assistant to the President; and

5. Serve as the Acting President of Chapter 46 for the remainder of the elected President’s term in the event that the elected President vacates the office, and the Executive Vice President and Vice President, Legislation are both permanently unable to serve or continue serving, or the positions of Executive Vice President and Vice President, Legislation, are all vacant at the time that the President vacates the office.

F. The duties of the Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer shall include, but not be specifically limited to, the following:

1. Record and keep minutes on all official meetings of the Chapter members and of the Executive Board;

2. Conduct correspondence as may be necessary or as the Chapter President shall direct, and maintain copies in a permanent file;

3. Under the direction of the Chapter President, and in coordination with any Chapter 46 employees and volunteers, maintain custody of all books, records, papers and effects related to the affairs of the Chapter, and transfer these items to the Chapter President on demand and at the termination of his/her tenure of office;

4. At the direction of the Chapter President, distribute literature, copies of documents and other communications to the Chapter members;

5. Under the direction of the Chapter President, and in coordination with any Chapter 46 employees and volunteers, maintain a correct and current record of the membership with the name, address and dues status of each member;

6. Receive and promptly deposit all funds of the Chapter in a depository approved by the Executive Board;

7. Safeguard all Chapter 46 funds entrusted to the Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, and make payments from funds only as authorized by these Bylaws and the Executive Board, or pursuant to any authority conferred upon or delegated to the Chapter President;

8. Promptly remit to the Administrative Controller of the National Headquarters of the National Treasury Employees Union, as provided by the NTEU Constitution, all per capita dues collected from the members of Chapter 46, and send an accompanying list of names and Social Security numbers of those members;

9. Submit complete and accurate financial reports at each Chapter 46 Executive Board Meeting, and promptly provide all other reports requested by the Executive Board;

10. Submit the complete Chapter 46 books, accounts, records, and receipts for audit on demand by Executive Board or by the National Office of the National Treasury Employees Union;

11. Furnish a surety bond to the Chapter 46 Executive Board, the premium of such bond to be paid the Chapter, and immediately notify the Executive Board if for any reason such bond is no longer in force;

12. Timely and accurately prepare and file Internal Revenue Service Form 990, any required Department of Labor submissions, and any other submissions required by law, regulation, or by the national headquarters of the National Treasury Employees Union; provide a copy of each such submission and any response thereto promptly to the President, and to the Executive Board at its next meeting; and

13. Keep accurate and current records of all receipts and expenditures of the Chapter, according to generally accepted accounting procedures.

G. The duties of the Director of Public Relations shall include, but not be specifically limited to, those prescribed by the President and approved by a majority of voting members of the Executive Board.

H. Unless the President designates otherwise, the duties of the Director of Negotiations shall include, but not be specifically limited to, serving as the Chapter 46 representative concerning negotiable changes in members’ conditions of employment. The Director of Negotiations shall receive, either directly or through the President, all management notices of proposed negotiable changes; coordinate and participate in developing the Chapter’s response to such proposals; coordinate and participate in the bargaining process; and ensure that appropriate Chapter action is taken to protect members’ interests. In doing so, the Director of Negotiations shall be under the overall authority of the President and shall;

1. As appropriate, promptly inform the President, the Executive Board, affected members and their stewards, the Chapter Negotiations Committee, and/or the National Office of the National Treasury Employees Union concerning negotiable changes proposed by management;

2. Recommend to the Chapter President the names of qualified persons to serve on a committee of the Executive Board which shall be called the Negotiations Committee;

3. Develop and implement a training program for members of the Negotiations Committee which will ensure that Chapter members’ interests are adequately represented at the bargaining table;

4. With the consent of the Chapter President, and in conjunction with affected members and appropriate persons on the Negotiations Committee, develop bargaining proposals and submit timely demands to negotiate;

5. With the consent of the Chapter President, coordinate the preparation for the presentation of the Chapter’s bargaining process; and

6. Perform other related duties as determined by the President.

I. The duties of the Chief Steward shall include, but not be specifically limited to, those prescribed by the President and approved by a majority of voting members of the Executive Board. Such duties shall at least include administering the Chapter 46 program which provides direct representation to members and others who the Chapter is required by law to represent. In administering the program, the Chief Steward shall, with the concurrence of the President, recruit, appoint, and train an Assistant Chief Steward, two Stewards-at-Large, a sufficient number of Stewards to provide adequate coverage of all portions of the Chapter 46 bargaining unit, a cadre of steward trainees, and any other persons necessary to carry out the Chapter’s representation program.

J. In addition to the responsibilities and duties listed above, Executive Board members shall:

1. Contribute information and articles to the Director of Public Relations;

2. Coordinate the activities of the Membership Committee in their immediate areas and under the direction of the President, and build membership to the highest possible level;

3. Report directly to the President any and all problems of the members in their areas and keep the President informed as to the progress in solving such problems;

4. Distribute information and assist the President as his/her spokesperson in their respective areas; and

5. Serve as an ex-officio member on all standing committees of Chapter 46.

PART VIII
Chapter Elections
Section 1: Eligible Voters
All members of Chapter 46, as defined in Part III, Section 1, of these Bylaws, are eligible to vote in all Chapter elections and to nominate candidates for all elective Chapter offices.
Section 2: Election of Chapter Officers
In accordance with the NTEU Constitution and the NTEU Bylaws, all elected Chapter officers shall be selected in the following manner:
A. No less than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled election, the Chapter 46 Election and Nomination Committee shall mail, to each member at his/her last known address, a Notice of Nominations and Notice of Election which shall:

1. Identify all elective offices to be filled, which are identified in Part VI, Section 1.A through 1.F, of these Bylaws;

2. Specify the date, time and place of the scheduled election and the manner in which the election will be conducted (e.g., by meeting of the members or by mail); and

3. State that nominations must be submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the Election and Nominations Committee at least fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled election date; provided, however, that if the election is conducted at a membership meeting of the Chapter, and there is no bona fide candidate for a specified elective office at the time of the meeting, a majority of members voting at the meeting shall have the authority to authorize nominations and acceptance of nominations for that specified elective office from the floor on the date of the scheduled election.

B. As soon as reasonably possible after receiving a proper nomination for an elective office, but no later than the day following the close of nominations, the Chairperson of the Election and Nominations Committee shall notify all nominees of their nomination for office by telephone if possible, and in addition, immediately provide such notice in writing either by certified mail with a return receipt requested by the Chairperson, or by hand delivery for which a signed and dated receipt is returned to the Chairperson.

C. A person eligible for an elective office shall become a bona fide candidate only upon proper nomination for that office and proper acceptance of the nomination for that office. Proper acceptance of the nomination must be submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the Election and Nomination Committee within a reasonable period of time specified by the Chairperson, but in any event no later than five (5) days prior to the scheduled election date, unless a Chapter has authorized nominations from the floor on the date of the election.

D. Beginning in 1988, the election of all Chapter 46 officers shall take place every third (3rd) year in July (i.e., 1998, 2001, etc.). The election shall be held on the date, time and place specified in the Notice of Election, and the election shall be by secret ballot placed in boxes, unless the Chapter Executive Board has authorized the use of some standard type of election mechanical device insuring secret ballot by machine vote. In the alternative, a mail referendum ballot procedure may be established which will insure that all members will receive a ballot, that an envelope is provided in which to place the ballot, that a return envelope is furnished in which to mail the ballot and which identifies the voter, that the confidentiality of the ballot is maintained, and that the ballots will be secured until counted.

E. The bona fide candidate for each office who receives a plurality of members’ votes cast for that office shall be selected thereto. Where the nominee is unopposed, there shall be no necessity for the election of such nominee, and he/she shall be declared duly elected, effective as of the conclusion of the term of the previous incumbent.

F. The Chapter 46 Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer shall maintain for at least one (1) year, or until after the next National Convention of the National Treasury Employees Union, which ever is longer, all used, unused and challenged ballots, envelopes used to mail marked ballots in the case of a mail ballot election, tally sheets, and related documents.
Section 3: Challenges to Elections
Any person who wishes to challenge an election conducted under these Bylaws must do so pursuant to Part IV of the NTEU Bylaws.

Part IX
Committees

The President shall appoint, on or about October 1 of each year, a Chairperson and, except as otherwise specified, the necessary and practical number of members to the Standing Committees listed below. The President shall publish for the information of the membership the names of the Chairpersons and the members of each committee. Appointees shall serve for one (1) fiscal year and may succeed themselves with the consent of the Executive Board.
Section 1: Committee on Election & Nominations
The Committee on Election and Nominations shall consist of three members and a Chairperson for the purpose of conducting a democratic election of Chapter officers as provided in the NTEU Constitution.
A. This Committee shall conduct the election of Chapter 46 officers pursuant to the NTEU National Bylaws and these Bylaws.

B. In addition, this Committee shall count the ballots and post the results of the election on the official bulletin boards at all posts-of-duty served by the Chapter. The newly elected officers shall be notified of their election in writing by the Chairperson of this Committee.

C. A tie vote for any office except that of the President shall be determined within thirty (30) days after the general election by a vote of the elected officers who are then in office. A tie vote for the office of the President shall result in the continuation of balloting until one (1) candidate receives a plurality of the properly cast votes.

D. The Chairperson shall immediately make a written report on the results of the election to the National Office of the National Treasury Employees Union.

Section 2: Committee on Membership
The Committee on Membership shall consist of the Chairperson, normally the Vice President, Membership, and additional members, and shall exist for the purpose of increasing and retaining the number of active employee members in Chapter 46. The Committee’s functions shall include but not be limited to the following:
A. Develop a membership and member services recruitment program directed towards all employees in the Chapter 46 jurisdiction so as to ensure that an effective membership program is conducted on a continual basis;

B. Accept and promptly forward to the Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer any dues collected, together with all applications for cash dues paying membership;

C. Distribute and accept membership applications, requests for transfers of memberships from other chapters or to other chapters, assist with execution of Form 1187 and Form 1187T for dues withholding, and promptly forward such item to the Treasurer; and

D. Ensure that all orientation sessions include a presentation by the Chapter and a solicitation of membership from all new employees.
Section 3: Legislative Action Committee
The Legislative Action Committee shall consist of Chairperson, normally the Vice President, Legislation, and Committee members. The Committee’s purpose is to ensure active Chapter participation in ongoing legislative efforts conducted at the national and local level.
A. The Committee shall keep abreast of all legislative issues as they apply to Federal employees, and develop and carry out programs to inform employees in the jurisdiction of Chapter 46 of the nature of the issues, the position of the National Treasury Employees Union, and what employees can do to promote the position of the National Treasury Employees Union;

B. Coordinate efforts designed to inform Senators and Members of Congress concerning the positions on legislative issues taken by the National Treasury Employees Union. These efforts should include, but are not limited to:

1. Regular and periodic personal visits;

2. Community meetings and “town meetings;”

3. Regular and periodic letter-writing campaigns;

4. Telephone calls using a pre-established “telephone tree;”

5. Seminars to educate members concerning the legislative positions taken by the Union on important issues, the basis for those positions, and the importance of member participation in legislative activity; and

6. Informational picketing by the Chapter and, as appropriate, in coordination with other organizations.

Section 4: Other Committees
Other committees of the Executive Board deemed necessary to accomplish the purposes of Chapter 46 include the following:
A. Training Advisory Committee
B. Safety and Health Committee
C. Labor-Management Relations Committee
D. Equal Employment Opportunity Committee
E. Employee Assistance Committee
F. Negotiations Committee

Section 5: Additional Responsibility of Chairpersons
With the exception of the Committee on Elections and Nominations, and in addition to those Committee functions listed above, the Chairperson of each Committee shall annually review the purpose, responsibilities and duties of his or her Committee and, in advance of the first Executive Board meeting of each fiscal year, submit a fiscal year plan of action to the Executive Board for approval. Thereafter, each Chairperson shall submit a quarterly report to the Executive Board which describes the extent to which the plan has been accomplished, together with a description of the Committee’s intended actions for the next quarter.

Part X
Delegates and Proxies
Section 1: Delegates to National Convention and District Conferences

A. Unless voluntarily waived in writing, the elected Chapter 46 President, elected Executive Vice President, and elected Vice Presidents identified in Part VI, Section 1.A through F of these Bylaws, are entitled to serve as ex officio delegates of Chapter 46 at National Conventions and properly convened District Conferences. In a majority of voting members of the Chapter Executive Board determine that it will best serve the interest of Chapter 46 for additional delegates to attend at Chapter expense, such delegates shall be determined by election of the members of Chapter 46 pursuant to the NTEU Constitution and NTEU Bylaws, and consistent with Department of Labor requirements.

B. At a meeting not less than sixty (60) days prior to any National Convention or District Conference, a majority of voting members of the Chapter 46 Executive Board shall determine the amount of delegate expense that will be paid by Chapter funds. Unless voluntarily waived in writing, each delegate is entitled to receive an equal amount of reimbursement. The Chapter President and the Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer shall ensure that all delegates are properly provided with approved funds for travel and other expenses up to but not exceeding their entitlement.

C. Any member of Chapter 46 who wishes to attend a National Convention or a District Conference as a delegate at his/her own expense must be elected pursuant to the NTEU Constitution and NTEU Bylaws, and consistent with Department of Labor requirements.

D. The Chairperson of the delegation shall be the elected Chapter 46 President, or in his/her absence, the highest ranking elected or appointed chapter officer who attends as a delegate. The Chairperson of the delegation shall ensure the execution and timely filing of all necessary Convention documents, ensure that all delegates are provided with necessary Convention preparation information, and ensure strict compliance with all requirements of the NTEU Constitution, NTEU Bylaws, and applicable Department of Labor provisions.

Section 2: Proxies
For the purposes of representation at a National Convention or District Conference, Chapter 46 may designate by proxy any member or members of the National Treasury Employees Union who is elected pursuant to Part IV of the NTEU Bylaws. Such designation shall be made on a form prescribed by the Administrative Controller of the National Treasury Employees Union. There shall be a statement made that the authority to issue and assign a proxy is given pursuant to a vote of the Chapter membership at a properly called and conducted regular or special meeting of the members of Chapter 46, held upon fifteen (15) days notice mailed to each member at his or her last known address. The designee to whom the proxy is assigned shall be named therein, and it shall be signed by the President and Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer of Chapter 46.

Part XI
Miscellaneous
Section 1: Rules of Order
In the absence of any controlling provision to the contrary, all meetings of the Chapter 46 Executive Board, Chapter 46 Committees and Chapter 46 members shall be governed by the parliamentary rules and usage contained in the current edition of Robert’s “Rules of Order, Revised.”

Section 2: Distribution
Copies of these Bylaws shall be distributed to all persons who are members of Chapter 46 at the time of distribution, to the National Office of the National Treasury Employees Union, and shall be available for review on request by any member of Chapter 46.

Section 3: Amendments
Amendments to the Chapter 46 Bylaws shall be submitted in writing to the Chapter Executive Board for their recommend-ations and consideration. The President shall report every proposed amendment and Executive Board recommendation at the next regular or special membership meeting of Chapter 46. The majority of voting members present at such meeting may adopt such amendments, provided that notice of the proposed amendment was given in writing at a previous properly called regular or special membership meeting of Chapter 46, and/or all Chapter members were properly notified at least fifteen (15) days before the meeting at which the vote occurs.

Section 4: Effective Date
These Bylaws shall become effective at midnight on the day on which they were approved.

Section 5: Conflict of Interest
A Chapter 46 officer who is determined by the majority of voting members of the Chapter Executive Board to have a conflict of interest between his/her status as a Chapter officer and another appointive or elective position in or outside of the Union shall be so advised and, if the conflict is not resolved, shall be subject to removal from his/her Chapter office pursuant to Part VI, Section 2.J, or Part VII, Section 3.B of these Bylaws.

Section 6: Payment for Performing Chapter Duties
No officer shall receive remuneration from Chapter 46 except as specifically approved by a majority of the Executive Board present at duly convened meeting of the Executive Board. Any officer may receive remuneration from Chapter 46 as reimburse-ment for necessary and approved expenses incurred in the performance of his/her duties. The Chapter Executive Board may authorize the hiring and removal for cause of an Executive Assistant or clerical employee of the Chapter, and any other full-time employees deemed necessary to accomplish the purposes and serve the interests of Chapter 46. The Executive Board shall determine the amount and type of compensation, the duties and the hours of work for any such employees.