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Graphic Communicator photo by Herald Grandstaff
Constitution and Laws Committee members meet during the GCIU convention. From left are: James Nielsen of Racine 254M; Nicholas D. Caruso of St. Paul 29C, committee secretary; Robert Lacey of Evansville 571M, chairman; Michel Cote of Montreal 41M; Sherrie A. Rasmusson of Providence 12N; James Speyer of Buffalo 261M; Edward A. Treacy of West Caldwell 612M; Bernard M. Gilston of New York 119B; John LaSpina of Nassau County 406C; Ellis H. Davis of Chicago 415S; and Augusta L. Goodwin of Dallas 525S.

Convention delegates amend GCIU constitution

By Susan Zachem

During three hours of debate, convention delegates considered 11 amendments to the GCIU constitution and approved eight of the proposed changes on issues ranging from International union elections and candidates for office to bargaining with multinational corporations.

Delivering the Constitution and Laws Committee's report to the convention were committee Chairman Robert Lacey of Evansville 571M and Secy. Nicholas D. Caruso of St. Paul 29C.

Approved amendments

Delegates approved amendments to the GCIU's constitution that will:

  • Require local unions to submit bargaining proposals to the International before entering into negotiations with shops owned by national and multinational chains. Locals also will be required to submit to the International initial employer proposals. The amendment also enabled the International to coordinate bargaining with chain shops among local unions.

  • In the event of a proposed merger between the GCIU and another union, require membership approval by referendum of the proposed merger and require that the vote on the referendum be considered separately by U. S. and Canadian members.

  • Require a reduction in the number of vice presidents from the current five to four beginning with next scheduled election for the term beginning June 4, 2004. The reduction will not apply to the vice president elected solely by Americans (A) or the vice president elected solely by Canadians (C). The amendment would require no special election should a vacancy occur during the current term that began June 4, 2000, in the vice president slots A, B, D or E.

  • Require that candidates for International office must have worked under a GCIU collective bargaining agreement for a minimum of three years.

  • Expand the GCIU's Board of Electors to seven members from the current five and require the board to meet no later than Jan. 15 following the Dec. 31 deadline for receipt of official nominating forms from local unions to certify the nominees and the nominations. The amendment also specified that the election of the General Board shall be by direct mail ballot conducted by the International secretary-treasurer in conjunction with the Board of Electors.

  • Allow non-GCIU members to be considered for positions as International organizers.

  • Expand the use of the Emergency Defense Fund to cover expenses related to alternative concerted activities, such as consumer boycotts and corporate campaigns, in support of bargaining demands. Uses of the fund previously were restricted to strikes, lockouts, sacrifice benefits and other emergencies. The payments for alternative activities must be approved by the General Board.

  • Require that vacancies on the General Board between scheduled elections be filled by appointment by the International president, subject to approval by the General Board.

Rejected amendments

Proposed constitutional amendments rejected by delegates would have: