Note: 2005 Changes in By-laws are in bold print.

BY-LAWS

 COMMUNICATION

WORKERS

OF

AMERICA

LOCAL 3371

 ASHLAND

MOREHEAD

HAZARD

   

INDEX

 


ARTICLE I
NAME
This Local shall be known as Local 3371, Communications Workers of America.

ARTICLE II
JURISDICTION
Jurisdiction of this Local shall be the jurisdiction assigned by the Union and 
appearing on the face of the Local charter.
 

ARTICLE III
OBJECTS
The object of local 3371 shall be to represent and serve the workers within its 
jurisdiction in accordance with the Bylaws and Rules of the Local and the Constitution and 
the Policies of the Union and any additional employee groups assigned.

ARTICLE IV
LOCAL STRUCTURE
The structure of the Local shall consist of the following:
(1) The Membership
(2) The Executive Board
(3) The Officers
(4) Stewards
(5) Committees

ARTICLE V
MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 – ELIGIBILITY
Any person eligible to membership in the Communications Workers of America, as 
defined in Its Constitution, shall be eligible for membership in the Local if performing 
work within the Local's assigned jurisdiction, or if employed on a part-time of full-time 
basis by the Union.


SECTION 2 – APPLICATION
Membership in the Local shall be obtained after the approval of any Membership 
Committee authorized to accept or reject membership on behalf of the Local, subject to the 
right of the Local to over-rule the decision of a Membership Committee.


SECTION 3 – TRANSFERS
The transfer of membership from this Local to the jurisdiction of another Local and 
from another Local to the jurisdiction of this Local shall be made in accordance with the 
Union Constitution.


SECTION 4 – TERMINATION
Membership in the Union shall be terminated when any member shall accept a 
position which would render the person ineligible for membership.


SECTION 5 – RETIRED MEMBERS
All members of the Union who are or may be retired by reasons of age or disability 
shall be members of the Retired Members' Clubs, with such right and prerogatives as may 
be granted by the Convention or Executive Board. Such members may attend the 
Convention, will be issued appropriate credentials, be seated in space reserved for such 
members and may have a member address the Convention for a predetermined time when 
considered appropriate by the Convention.


ARTICLE VI
LOCAL DUES, FINES & ASSESSMENTS

SECTION 1
Each member of the Local shall pay membership dues in the amount established by 
Executive Board per month, passed by members, but not less than National dues. 
Membership dues may be changed only by a majority of those voting on the question by 
secret ballot referendum or by a majority secret ballot vote in a meeting where a quorum is 
present, if the question has been advertised on bulletin boards at least seven (7) days in 
advance of the meeting, or by notice mailed postage prepaid to each member at least seven 
(7) days in advance of the meeting.


SECTION 2 – LOCAL SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS
The membership of this Local may levy a special assessment only in the same 
manner as provided for changing Local dues. However, any special assessments levied 
shall be in compliance with the Union Constitution.

ARTICLE VII
GOVERNING AUTHORITY

SECTION 1 
The affairs of this Local shall be governed by its membership in accordance with 
the Constitution and Policies of the Union in the following manners:
(a) Through action taken in membership meetings and by referendum of the 
membership.
(b) By actions and decisions of the Executive Board between membership 
meetings.
(c) The actions and decisions of the officers of the Local between Local meetings 
may be over-ruled by the membership in a Local meeting or by referendum.

ARTICLE VIII
LOCAL MEETINGS

Regular meetings of the Local shall be held once a month on the date set by each 
district or by each contract group. Special meetings shall be called by a majority vote of 
the Executive Board, or by petition signed by 10 percent of the total membership. Upon 
receipt of a proper petition, the Executive Board shall call a special meeting to be held 
within ten (10) days. The Secretary shall notify the Stewards of a special meeting.

ARTICLE IX
LOCAL DELEGATES TO
NATIONAL CONVENTION

The Local shall determine in the amount of delegates and alternates to Conventions 
and Conferences. In the event this Local desires to send a delegate or delegates and their 
alternates, the officers by virtue of offices shall be the delegates and alternates as follows:

(a) President
(b) Executive Vice-Presidents (1) Alltel (1) Cingular 
(c) Secretary
(d) Treasurer
(e) Chief Stewards--number to be established by the Executive Board

If more than one (1) delegate is voted to go then any equal number of delegates from 
each contract entity will be offered to go. If unable to equalize because of refusals to 
go then the number of delegates will be from officer who are willing to go. These rules 
can be set aside by the Executive Board by a majority vote.

It shall be the duties of the Local Secretary to certify the local delegates and their 
alternates to the Union Convention to the Secretary – Treasurer of the Union within the 
limits specified in the Union Constitution.

ARTICLE X
LOCAL COMMITTEES

(A) The Local shall have the following regular committees:
a. Educational & Organizing Committees
b. Election Committee
c. Web Page Committee
d. Legislative Committee
e. Membership Committee or Committees
f. Community Service Committee
g. Public Relations Committee
h. Auditing Committee
i. Building Committee
j. Equity Committee

(B) Members of all committees shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Executive 
Board, subject to the right of the Local membership to over-rule such appointments.
(C) Vacancies on committees shall be filled in the same manner as the original 
appointments.
(D) A member of any Local committee shall be removed by a majority vote of the 
Executive Board, subject to the right of the Local to over-rule the action of the 
Executive Board. A committee member may also be removed by action of the 
Local in a membership meeting.
(E) DUTIES OF COMMITTEE
1 Education & Organizing Committee: The Education Committee shall 
assist in developing the Local's educational program and with the Executive 
Board be responsible for effectuating the Union's and Local's educational 
program. Assisting the Executive Board and Steward in organizing all 
members within the local and all workers, both internally and externally, 
within the Local jurisdiction. 
2 Election Committee: The Election Committee shall conduct all nominations 
and election and referenda of the Local. This committee shall have the 
authority and responsibility to see that elections are conducted in accordance 
with the Union Constitution, Local Bylaws and any State or Federal Law 
governing such elections. 
3 Web Page Committee: The Web Page Committee shall assist in 
gathering information and keeping the web page up to date with 
information affecting the Local and approved by Local President and 
Web Page Committee. 
4. Legislative Committee: The Legislative Committee shall assist in 
developing and pursuing the program of the Union and the Local in the 
Legislative field. It shall be responsible for the Local's program to register 
each qualified voter.
5 Membership Committee: The Membership Committee or membership 
committees shall accept or reject membership in accordance with the 
Bylaws and Rules of the Local and the Constitution and Policies of the 
Union.
6 Community Services Committee: The Community Service Committee shall 
assist in developing all community service programs.
7 Public Relations Committee: The Public Relations Committee shall handle 
all public relations as directed by the Executive Board or the Local 
membership.
8 Auditing Committee: The Auditing Committee shall assist the Local 
treasurer in handling the finances of the Local and making periodic reports 
to the membership.
9 Building Committee: The Building Committee shall be appointed by the 
President and confirmed by the Executive Board. It shall be composed of six 
(6) members, (3) three from each employee group or equal number of 
members. The Building Committee shall manage and control, under the 
direction of the Executive Board and subject to the functions of the 
Secretary – Treasurer with respect to the making of disbursements 
connected therewith, any and all real estate which the Local may acquire for 
use as Local headquarters or for the furtherance of any legitimate object of 
the Local. The members of the Building Committee, for the time being, shall 
serve as trustees of the Local under the direction of its Executive Board, for 
the purpose of acquiring holding and title to, managing, controlling, 
borrowing money upon, pledging by way of mortgage or deed of trust any 
loan secured thereon. Leasing, letting, subletting and conveying in fee 
simple or in any lesser estate any and all real estate which may be acquired 
or otherwise dealt with for or on behalf of the Local. The foregoing powers 
shall be exercised only at such times and in such manners as the Executive 
Board may, from time to time, direct by resolution passed by the Executive 
Board. 
The Executive Board shall have the full and irrevocable power to 
appoint a substitute trustee or trustees to be exercised at any time, from 
time to time. Without notice and without specifying any reason 
therefore, the trustee or trustees so appointed to become fully vested 
with identically the same title and estate in and to the land, premises 
and property forming the subject matter of the trust, with all the rights, 
powers, trusts, with like effect as if originally named as on of the 
trustees.
10. Equity Committee: The Equity Committee shall assist in developing and 
pursuing the programs of the Union and the Local in ethnic affairs

ARTICLE XI
ORDER OF BUSINESS

The order of business at a Local meeting shall be as follows:
1. Call to order.
2. Roll call of officers.
3. Reading and action on minutes of previous meeting.
4. Report of officers.
5. Report of committees.
6. Unfinished business.
7. New business.
8. Adjournment.
The order of business may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the members present.

ARTICLE XII
LOCAL OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE
BOARD AND STEWARDS

SECTION 1
A. The Officers of the Local shall consist of: 
a. President.
b. Executive Vice-President (1) one from each contract group
c. Secretary.
d. Treasurer.

B. Duties of the Local Officers: 
1. The President shall:
(a) Preside at meetings of the Local and at meetings of the Local Executive 
Board and shall be responsible for the conduct of the Local.
(b) As needed prosecute grievances and appeal them to higher levels of the 
Union if not satisfactorily settled.
(c) Supervise all committees of the Local.
(d) Approve all bills to be paid by the Local Treasurer and countersign 
checks drawn on the treasury of the Local.
(e) Perform additional duties as assigned by the Local or required by the 
Constitution or Policies of the Union.
(f) To mainly do the administrative duties of the Local and interact with 
the International and as needed with the company . To oversee Local 
operation and approval expenses until approved by membership.

2. The Executive Vice-President shall:
(a) Work under the direction of the Local President and shall perform such 
duties as assigned by the Local President, the Local Executive Board and 
the Local.
(b) One (1) Executive Vice-President will be elected from each contract 
group represented by this Local, by the membership associated with 
that group, as long as they are a member in good standing. 
(c) Executive Vice-Presidents will be responsible for grievances and 
bargaining issues for each contract they are apart of. This includes 
grievances at local levels and appeals to higher levels of the Union, if 
not settled satisfactory. 

3. The Secretary shall:
(a) Maintain a record of the Local membership and shall keep minutes of all 
Local meetings and meetings of Local officers and Executive Board.
(b) Furnish both the District Director and Secretary-Treasurer of the Union 
with two copies of any changes in the Local Bylaws within ten (10) days 
after such changes are made.
(c) Be responsible for furnishing the Secretary-Treasurer of the Union with 
all the proper forms signed by the Local Officers which are required by 
State and Federal Laws immediately upon their execution.
(d) Perform such other duties as the Local or the Local President may 
assign.

4. The Treasurer shall:
(a) Be bonded, as must any other person who handles Local funds or other 
property, in accordance with the Union Constitution or any State or 
Federal Law, be custodian of al assets of the Local and make a report to 
each memberships meeting.
(b) Cause the payment of all bills approved by the Local President.
(c) Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Local President, the 
Local Executive Board or the Local.

SECTION 2 - EXECUTIVE BOARD
A. The Executive Board of the Local shall consist of:
1. The Local Officers
2. Ashland Chief Steward
3. Morehead Chief Steward
4. Hazard Chief Steward
5. (3) Cingular Chief Stewards
6. Any future contract groups Chief Stewards
B. Election of Chief Stewards
1. Ashland Chief Steward shall be elected by the members in the Ashland 
District.
2. Morehead Chief Steward shall be elected by the members in the Morehead 
District.
3. Hazard Chief Steward shall be elected by the members in the Hazard 
District.
4. Cingular Chief Stewards shall be elected by the members in their 
contract group. 
C. Duties of the Chief Stewards
Shall work under the direction of the Executive Vice President, associated 
with their contract group, and perform such duties as assigned by the 
Local President, the Local Executive Board and the Local.
D. The Executive Board shall have authority to expend an amount not to exceed 
$2000.00 without prior approval of the membership. The Expenditures from this 
amount shall be regularly reported to membership.

SECTION 3 – STEWARDS
A. This Local shall have as many Stewards as may be appointed by the Local 
Executive Vice President, associated with their contract group, with the 
approval of the Local.
B. The Stewards of the Local shall work under the direction of the Local President and 
Executive Vice President, associated with their contract group. They shall 
perform such duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Local President 
and Executive Vice President, associated with their contract group. 

ARTICLE XIII
CONDUCT OF MEETINGS, OTHER
LOCAL BUSINESS AND QUORUM

(a) Membership meetings and other business of this Local shall be 
conducted under these Bylaws and Rules of the Local and in 
conformity with the Union Constitution. On question where the 
Local Bylaws, Rules or the Union Constitution does not clearly 
apply, Robert's Rules of Order shall govern.
(b) The number constituting a quorum for Local meetings shall be 
the membership present in Ashland, Morehead or Hazard.
(c) A majority of the officers or a majority of the members of a 
committee shall constitute a quorum for these bodies.
(d) The regular meetings in Ashland shall constitute the regular 
business meeting for the Local in approving the Secretary's 
minutes and the Treasurer's report. 

ARTICLE XIV
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF LOCAL OFFICERS

SECTION 1 – NOMINATIONS
(a) Local officers shall be nominated at the regular meeting in the month of 
October every three years.

SECTION 2 – LOCAL ELECTIONS
(a) Election of Local Officers shall be by secret ballot and will be mailed to the last 
known address of the membership.
(b) Address changes may be requested seven (7) days prior to mailing date.
(c) Ballots shall be counted on the 1st Thursday in December.
SECTION 3 – LOCAL ELECTION COMMITTEE
(a) The nomination and election of Local officers and Executive Board members 
shall be conducted under the supervision of the Election Committee. This 
committee shall have the authority to and responsibility to see that nominations 
and elections are conducted in accordance with the Union Constitution, Local 
Bylaws and any State or Federal Law governing such elections.
(b) The Election Committee shall also conduct any referenda submitted to the 
membership. 
(c) A member shall not be permitted to serve on the Election Committee if a 
candidate for any office of the Local. 
(d) All questions concerning the conduct and challenges of election shall be 
determined by the Election Committee, subject to the right of appeal to the 
Executive Board and membership of the Local. 

SECTION 4 – GENERAL PROVISIONS 
(a) If no one nominee in any election receives a majority of the first ballot, a run off 
election shall be conducted and the two nominees receiving the greatest number 
of votes on the first ballot shall be nominees on the second ballot. 
(b) Only members of the Local in good standing shall be eligible to vote or hold 
office. 
(1) In Good Standing – Means that the member pays, or tenders 
payment of: initiation fee, periodic dues and assessments, 
subject to the provisions of the Local Bylaws and Union 
Constitution. 
(c) No elected officer of the Local shall be qualified to take office unless and until 
he or she meet the qualifications and requirements set forth in these Bylaws, the 
CWA Constitution, or any State or Federal Law.
(d) The term of office shall be for three (3) years.
(e) The officers and Executive Board members shall take office the first regular 
meeting in January after elections.

SECTION 5 – VACANCIES
A vacancy in the office of the Local President shall be filled by the Local Executive 
Vice President who has been a member of the Local the longest. Vacancies in 
other offices shall be filled by appointment of the Executive Board with the 
approval of the membership. 

SECTION 6 – BARGAINING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(a) Election of Bargaining Committee shall be by secret ballot and will be mailed to 
the last known address of the membership.
(b) Address changes may be requested by seven (7) days prior to mailing date.
(c) Each person should vote for (1) one more delegate than needed.
(d) The highest vote totals, to the number needed, will be elected with the next 
highest to be the alternate. Example: (If 2 needed the (2) highest vote total 
will be elected and the 3rd highest will be the alternate, etc). 
(e) In the event of a tie, and a mutual agreement can't be reached, a flip of coin 
will decide the winner. 
(f) Only members who are associated with the contract being bargained shall 
vote for delegates within that unit. Example: AllTel Only AllTel members 
vote and run. Cingular Only Cingular members vote and run. 
(g) The highest ranking officer will be automatically on the Bargaining 
Committee on the contract they are associated with. 

ARTICLE XV
STRIKES

SECTION 1
The calling, conduct, and termination of strikes shall at all times be carried out in 
compliance with the rules prescribed by the Communications Workers of America 
and it's Constitution. However, a strike called by affecting only this Local may be 
terminated either upon:
(1) Approval of a majority of the Executive Board.
(2) By a majority vote of the members present in a membership meeting. 

ARTICLE XVI
CHARGES, TRIALS AND APPEALS

SECTION 1 - LOCAL PROSECUTOR
(a) A Prosecutor, who is a member of the Local shall be appointed by the 
governing body of the Local to assist the accuser in the trial and presentation of 
evidence. If, after investigation, the Prosecutor is of the opinion that there is not 
probable cause to believe that a violation punishable under the Article has been 
committed, the Prosecutor shall report the findings in writing to the governing 
body of the Local with a recommendation that the charge not be prosecuted. 
Copies of the findings and recommendation shall be delivered to the accuser 
and accused. The recommendation shall become final unless appeals by the 
accuser within thirty (30) days after the receipt using the procedures established 
pursuant to the Constitution. 
(b) If the Prosecutor determines that probable cause does exist, the trial shall be 
held speedily with due notice to the accused. 
SECTION 2 – CHARGES
Members of this Local may be fined, suspended or expelled for any acts enumerated 
in the Union Constitution. 

SECTION 3 – TRIALS
Any accused person shall be tried under the provisions of the Union Constitution.

SECTION 4 – APPEALS 
A member or officer of this Local, upon being found guilty by a Local trial court, 
may appeal as provided in the Union Constitution.

SECTION 5 – LOCAL TRIAL COURT
(a) A trial court of this Local shall be composed of five (5) persons who are 
members of this Local and not parties to the proceeding. 
(b) Members of the trial court shall be selected by the members in a membership 
meeting of the Local.

ARTICLE XVII
RECALL OF LOCAL OFFICERS

An elected officer of this Local may be recalled in conformity with the provisions 
of the Union Constitution. 

ARTICLE XVIII
AMENDMENTS TO LOCAL BYLAWS

After adoption, these Bylaws may be amended by either of the following methods:
(a) By majority vote of the members present in a Local meeting if the 
proposed amendment has been introduced at a previous 
membership meeting or has been advertised to the membership by 
use of bulletin boards or U.S. Mail postage prepaid at least seven 
(7) days in advance of the meeting.
(b) By referendum of the membership.

ARTICLE XIX
REFERENDUM OF THE LOCAL

(a) The Local Election Committee shall submit any questions to a referendum of 
the membership, when directed to do so by action of a regular or special 
meeting.
(b) Propositions submitted to referendum shall be determined by a majority vote of 
those voting on the question. 




ARTICLE XX
FISCAL YEAR AND AUDIT

(a) The fiscal year of this Local shall be from October 1st, to and including 
September 30th of the succeeding year.
(b) The financial records of this Local shall be audited by a Certified Public 
Accountant (or by the Local Auditing Committee) at the end of each fiscal year. 
The results of such audit shall be made available and reported to the members.

ARTICLE XXI
OATH OF OFFICE

A person elected to an office of the Local after meeting all other qualifications, 
shall be duly installed upon taking the following oath:
"I (give name) hereby accept the office of (name of office) of Local (give 
local No.) Communications Workers of America, with full knowledge of the 
responsibilities and duties of such office. I promise to discharge my duties 
according to the Bylaws and Rules of the Local and the Constitution and 
Policies of the Union. I further promise to give my successor in office all 
books and records in my possession. I shall at all times endeavor to serve 
my Local and the Union to the best of my abilities, so help me God."

ARTICLE XXII
DONATIONS

All donations to members or organizations must be submitted to Local President in 
writing, seven (7) days prior to local meeting. Submissions must be made every month and 
voted on by members at the Local meeting. Maximum $250.00 individual or $500.00 
organization but can be amended by majority vote of the Executive Board and 
majority vote of the membership. 

ARTICLE XXIII
ADOPTION

These Bylaws shall be adopted upon the approval of the majority of the members 
voting upon their adoption in the membership meeting called for that purpose. An attempt 
shall be made to post updated Bylaws on all union bulletin boards. These Bylaws updated 
February 2005.