1.1 Name

The name of this organization shall be the Boston Newspaper Guild, TNG-CWA Local 31245, AFL-CIO, CLC, herein called the Union or the BNG.

1.2 Members

The Union shall consist of its membership; and such affiliated bodies as it may establish (Article IV, Section 2.8 AFFILIATIONS, MERGERS).

The membership shall consist of employees in bargaining units for which the Union is the exclusive representative.

There shall be no discrimination against any member or any applicant for membership.

The highest authority in this Union shall be its members, voting by secret ballot.

1.3 Membership Meetings

Membership meetings shall be called by the President at least twice a year. The President shall also call a membership meeting within 30 days when requested to do so in writing by 10 percent of the membership or by a majority of the Governing Board.

Notice of membership meetings shall be posted on Union bulletin boards at least one week in advance of the meeting.

All membership meetings shall be governed by the rules of debate hereinafter provided.

1.4 Member in Good Standing

In order to be considered in good standing and to be eligible to participate in all of the benefits and activities of the Union, members must pay on time the full dues prescribed by this Constitution.

No member shall interfere with the elected officers of this Union in the performance of their duties, and each member shall, if possible, render such assistance and support in the performance of such duties as may be required of them, provided this does not interfere with their rights as members or under applicable law.

1.5 Dues

Any increase in dues or initiation fees or the levying of any general or special assessment shall be made only in accordance with the following procedure:

(a) Reasonable notice shall be given by the Recording Secretary to the membership at least fifteen (15) days prior to a general membership meeting called to discuss whether such dues, initiation or reinstatement fees, general or special assessments shall be changed or levied. Such notice shall be posted on Union bulletin boards. The notice shall also indicate that an increase or assessment is to be voted on at a later general or special election.

(b) Members shall also receive notice that an increase or assessment is to be voted on in the notice of elections provided under Section 3.2 of these bylaws.

(c) A majority vote by secret ballot of the members in good standing voting at such an election shall decide the issue.

Any member who fails to pay dues, as established under the authority of the Constitution and Bylaws, for a period of 30 days shall, at the discretion of the Governing Board, be suspended from membership under such terms as the Governing Board may determine, provided that written notice is given at least 10 days in advance of suspension.

1.6 Property Rights

The title to all property, funds, and other assets of the Union shall at all times be vested in the BNG Governing Board for the collective use of the membership of this Union, but no member shall have any severable proprietary right, title or interest therein.

No member of this Union shall have any right, title, or interest in or to the property of this Union, including the funds of this Union.

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