On Tuesday delegates approved six amendments to the UAW Constitution, including changes that reflect equality of sacrifice from International Executive Board officers and members and staff to help the union through difficult financial times and new language on appeals requirements.

Yvette Thompson-Gordon of UAW Local 1435 and a UAW Constitution Committee member explained that they carefully reviewed 87 proposed amendments.

“We were very thorough and realized that tough decisions had to be made,” said Peter Murphy Jr. of Local 2210, who also served on the committee. “And we felt that from what we had seen that had been accomplished.”

Salaries
Another change updates the constitution to reflect recent modifications in salaries and benefits of IEB officers, members and staff. The changes reflect wage freezes, furlough days, reduced paid holidays, and eliminated cost-of-living increases for UAW staff and officers. The change in benefits is the result of recent renegotiated contracts between the UAW and the Staff Council, which negotiates economics and benefits on behalf of UAW staff.

“We all know that we have experienced some difficult times in this economy,” said Jerry Arnold of Local 12 in Toledo, Ohio. We appreciate the support of the staff and the officers.”

Officers and Elections
Delegates approved a constitutional change that, after July 1. 2010, gives the IEB the option of reducing the number of vice presidents from four to three in the event an existing vice president position is vacated.

Appeals
Delegates also approved new language that requires appeals to be made in writing, except as otherwise provided for in the constitution, and includes an original physical signature. The change means that electronic submissions and electronic signatures will no longer be accepted on matters of appeal.

Stewards and Committeepersons
Newly approved language states that members in good standing who are on indefinite layoff from the employer may not be a candidate for, or vote in, an election for a nonexecutive local union office that has grievance handling, contract bargaining or contractual administrative duties unless specifically authorized to do so by local union bylaws or an applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Initiation Fees and Dues
New constitutional language authorizes transfers of up to $25 million annually through 2013 from the International Strike Assistance Fund to the union’s General Fund.

Public Review Board
Language on the Public Review Board changes the number of board members from seven to six. Also, in case a position is vacated, the IEB has the authority to reduce the number of board members to five.

Sandra Davis