ARTICLE 1

General

Section 1: Local Number and Name
This organization shall be known as the Springfield Professional Firefighters Local 333 and shall be affiliated with the International Association Of Firefighters as Local No. 333.

Section 2: Definitions
References in this Constitution and By-Laws to "Local" or "Local Union" shall refer to the Local set forth in Section 1 above, and references to "Association" or "International" shall refer to the International Association Of Firefighters.
References to "notice" or "notice in writing" shall refer to postings on the Local's bulletin board and/or via e-mail on an approved Internet site.

Section 3: Compliance
This Local Union, its officers, representatives, and members shall recognize, observe, and be bound by the provisions of the Constitution an By-Laws of the International Association and the interpretations rendered by the International's General President, the resolutions, decisions and directives of the Executive Board of officers of the Association, when made in conformity with the resolutions adopted and policies established by the delegates at conventions. Article 13 of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association is recognized as providing the basic rules governing this Local.

ARTICLE 2

Objectives

Section 1: Goal
The objectives of this Local shall be for fostering and encouragement of a higher degree of skill and efficiency; the cultivation of friendship and fellowship amongst its members; and the elevation and improvement of the morale, intellectual, social and economic conditions of its members and fellow workers.

Section 2: Strike
It shall be deemed inadvisable to strike or to take any active part in strikes, as our position is peculiar to most bodies of organized workers, we being formed to protect lives and property of the community in case of fire or other hazards.

Section 3: Discrimination
Discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, national origin, religious beliefs, or political affiliation will not be permitted at any Union functions.

Section 4: Partisanship/ Endorsement
This Local shall be non-partisan and shall not be used for dissemination of partisan principles. This Local may with a 2/3 majority vote of members at a Regular or Special meeting, may endorse an individual seeking public office. This vote requires a 10-day notice prior to said meeting.

ARTICLE 3

Jurisdiction

The jurisdiction of the International is "All full-time, paid employees engaged In firefighting, emergency medical or rescue service activities, or related services."

ARTICLE 4

Membership

Section 1: Active
Any person of good moral character who at the time of making application is engaged in the service within the jurisdiction of this Local, as stated in Article 3 will be eligible for active membership. Anyone eligible for membership in this Local shall not be refused membership or, upon acceptance, be discriminated against based on gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or by reason of disability.

Section 2: Active-Retired
Members who have retired from this union or have otherwise withdrawn as members in good standing, may be allowed to return to this local as active retired members within one year from retirement date. This person is to pay ½ per capita to the IAFF.

Section 3: Honorary
For meritorious service to the Local, or for distinguished public service, persons may be elected honorary members by a majority vote. Honorary members shall not pay initiation fees, dues or other charges and shall have no voice or vote in the Local. Such membership may be revoked for cause.

Section 4: Maintenance of Good Standing
Membership in good standing includes any person who has fulfilled the requirements for membership in this Local and who has not voluntarily withdrawn, become ineligible for continued membership or been suspended or expelled as provide in the Constitution and By-Laws of the International Association of Firefighters or the Constitution of this Local.

Section 5: Separation
When any member in good standing is separated from the fire service, the Local Union shall issue a withdrawal card to said member. The Local Union may only issue withdrawal cards to those members who leave the fire service or EMS in good standing or who are precluded by law or local ordinance or contractually from maintaining union membership by virtue of their fire department position. A former member holding a valid membership card will not be charged a reinstatement fee upon reentry into the Union. A member, who is duly elected or appointed as a representative of or to an affiliated labor organization, shall retain his/her active membership in this Local.

Section 6: Delinquent Members
Members who fail to pay their monthly dues or assessments by the fifteenth (15) day following the month such dues are payable shall be notified by the Local officer whose duty it is, that they are delinquent and will be automatically suspended and lose their good standing if payment is not made within sixty (60) days following such notification. Delinquent and suspended members are not entitled to voice or to vote in the Local or in affairs of the International.

ARTICLE 5

Meetings

Section 1: Regular Meetings
This Local shall hold its regular monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. These regular monthly meetings shall be at 7:30 p.m. and be held at the Firefighters Clubhouse.

Section 2: Suspension of Regular Meetings
The regular monthly meetings for the months of June, July, and August may be suspended by a two third (2/3) majority vote of the members at the regular monthly meeting of April.

Section 3: Special Meetings
The President at the written request of seven (7) members in good standing may call a special meeting and if the Executive Board, by a majority vote, deems the issue necessary, a two (2)-session meeting may be called. The request shall state the business to be considered, and no other business than that stated in the request shall be in order at such a meeting. The Secretary shall give notice of said meeting at least seven (7) days prior to this meeting.

Section 4: Meetings for Nominations/Elections
In November there will be a special two (2)-session meeting held for nominations of officers. The first session shall follow the regular union meeting on Wednesday. The second session is to be held on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

In December there will be a special two (2)-session meeting held for the election of officers. The first session shall follow the regular union meeting on Wednesday. The second session is to be held on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Section 5: Executive Board Meetings
The Executive Board of this Local will normally meet on the last Wednesday of each month at a place and time designated by the President. Said meeting shall be open to all members in good standing, and any member shall have the privilege of the floor. Only the executive board members shall vote on the subject matter, should a vote be taken. In the event there is no business for the Executive Board to consider, the President shall have the right to cancel the meeting; however, there shall be a minimum of nine meetings held per year. The President may call additional meetings as deemed necessary.

Section 6: Quorums
Seven (7) members shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting. Four (4) executive board members shall constitute a quorum at any executive board meeting.

Section 7: Rights of Members
Every member in good standing shall have the right to attend any meeting and to participate in such meeting in accordance with the recognized rules as set forth in the manual of parliamentary procedure adopted by this Local. Members shall conduct themselves in such a manner as not to interfere with the legal or contractual obligations of the International Association of Firefighters or of this Local.

Section 8: Rules for Meetings
The rules contained in Atwood's Rules For Meetings shall govern the meetings of this Local in all cases not in conflict with this Constitution, the By-Laws of this Local or the Constitution and the By-Laws of the International Association of Firefighters or interpretations of these documents.

ARTICLE 6

Officers and Elections

Section 1: Number and Titles
The officers of this Local shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Guardian, and Two (2) Trustees. Each officer shall hold office for Two (2) yrs except the Guardian, And the Two (2) Trustees who will hold office for three years. The Secretary and the President shall be elected together and the Treasurer and the Vice-President shall be elected together.

Section 2: Eligibility for Office
Any member in good standing shall be eligible to be a candidate for office in this Local.

Section 3: Rights of Candidates
Every candidate for office shall have the right to request distribution of campaign literature, by mail or otherwise, to all members in good standing, at the candidates own personal expense. If the local grants this request, all other candidates for office shall receive the same privilege. " A candidate for office " includes a candidate for membership on the Executive Board. There shall be no discrimination in favor of or against any candidate with regard to the use of membership lists.

Section 4: Use of Funds Prohibited in Elections
No funds received by this Local through initiation fees, dues, or assessments or otherwise, shall be contributed or applied to promote the candidacy of any person in election of officers.

This section does not prevent the expenditure from Local funds for notices, factual statements of issues and other necessary expenses to conduct elections so long as they do not involve promotion of any candidate.

Section 5: Method of Nomination and Elections
All members in good standing shall be given at least fifteen (15) days advance notice of date, time, and place of the meeting which nominations shall be made. Any member in good standing may nominate eligible members for office. Any member nominated for office in this Local must accept said nomination and state his/her intention to serve in such office if elected. If the member being nominated for office is unable to accept said nomination in person, the member making the nomination must produce in writing the nominee's willingness to accept said nomination and his/her willingness to serve said office if elected. Nominations will only be accepted on the floor of the meeting stated above.

All members in good standing shall be given at least fifteen (15) days advance notice of date, time, and place of the meeting which elections shall be held. Elections shall be by secret ballot. If only one candidate is nominated for an office said member would be declared elected by acclimation. There shall be no voting by proxy in any election of local union officers. The candidate receiving the plurality vote shall be declared elected. The terms of all offices of this Local shall begin January 1 following elections for said office.

Section 6: Elections Committee
The President shall appoint an election committee, which shall be responsible for distribution and tabulating the ballots. Each candidate for office shall be entitled to appoint one observer who shall be permitted to witness the manner of distribution and casting of the ballots and attend the meeting of the Elections Committee at which the votes are tabulated. The ballot box shall be sealed between meetings or until all voting has been completed.

Section 7: Ballots Preserved
The secretary shall preserve the ballots and other records of an election of officers for one (1) year.

Section 8: Vacancies In Office
Vacancies upon the death, resignation, or removal from office of any officer; It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to appoint a member to serve out the term until an election is to be held. This position shall be filled within 30 days of the vacancy. The Executive board may choose to table the filling of said office till the next regularly scheduled elections if:
1. There is less than 3 months left of the term.
2. There is a 2/3-majority vote to do so by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE 7

Duties Of Officers

Section 1: President
It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Local and at meetings of the Executive Board. He/She shall be the executive head of the local. He/she shall be a member ex-officio of all committees. He/she shall appoint such committees as me be provided for in this Constitution and By-Laws and such special committees as may be authorized by the Local. Together with the Treasurer, he/she shall approve all orders and checks lawfully and properly drawn. He/she shall enforce strict observance of the Constitution and By-Laws of the International as this document relates to the Local, and the Constitution and By-Laws of the Local. He/she shall have general supervision of the activities of the other officers and the chair of committees.

The President must also by applicable law supervise the execution and filing of any reports to federal, state, or international association and see that records are to support reports so filed.

The President, by virtue of his/her election shall be a delegate of this Local to the convention of the International.

The President shall have an equal voice and vote in all matters brought to the executive board of this Local.

The President shall receive compensation for these duties in the amount of Eight (8) percent of an "F" step firefighter to be paid in quarterly installments.

Section 2: Vice President
The Vice-President shall assist the President in such a manner as the President may determine. In the absence of the President he/she shall preside at meetings of the Local and the Executive Board. If the office of the President becomes vacant, the Vice President shall be acting President until the office of President is filled by election by the Executive Board.

The Vice President shall have an equal voice and vote in all matters brought to the executive board of this Local.

Section 3: Secretaries
The Secretary shall conduct all correspondence of the local. All Local official correspondence shall bear the seal of the local and be signed by the Secretary and have the approval of the President. The Secretary shall forward the annual audit of the Local to the International not later than June 1 of each year. He/She shall insure accurate minutes from Regular, Special, Executive Board, and other official meetings of this Local are recorded and maintained. He/She shall transact any other official duties as directed by the President.

The Secretary shall have an equal voice and vote in all matters brought to the executive board of this Local.

The Secretary shall receive compensation for these duties in the amount of Two (2) percent of an "F" step firefighter to be paid in quarterly installments.

Section 4: Treasurer
The Treasurer is charged with collecting all monies and dues, providing receipts when required, pay all bills which have been authorized, maintain records of all monetary transaction of this local, make ready a financial report to be announced at each monthly meeting, provide all financial information required to the Secretary for the Locals annual audit to the International, submit his books to the Trustee's for audit and approval whenever called upon to do so, and shall discharge on behalf of this Local such duties as may be imposed upon him/her by applicable law.

The Treasurer shall have an equal voice and vote in all matters brought before the Executive Board of this Local.

The Treasurer shall receive compensation for these duties in the amount of Two (2) percent of an "F" step firefighter to be paid in quarterly installments.

Section 5: Trustees'
The Trustee's shall audit the books and accounts of the Local annually and report their findings at the Regular meeting in April. A copy of such report will be forwarded to the Secretary of the Local by May 1 to be forwarded to the International by June 1. They shall attend to the bonding of any Local members or employees who handle local funds or the Board of Trustees and the International Secretary/Treasurer in compliance with applicable law may require property in such amounts as. The expense of which shall be borne by the International up to $ 2500 of bond. Any additional bond that may be required shall be borne by this Local. The Local shall have sufficient bond to cover at least ten (10%) of its current liquid assets. They shall discharge on behalf of this Local such duties as may be imposed upon them.

The Trustee's shall have an equal voice and vote in all matters brought before the Executive Board of this Local.

Section 6: Guardian
The Guardian shall have charge of the door at all meetings. He/She shall assist in maintaining order when called upon to do so, will distribute ballots at the December meeting, and shall discharge on behalf of this Local such duties as may be imposed upon him/her.

The Guardian shall have an equal voice and vote in all matters brought before the Executive Board of this Local.

Section 7: Local Executive Board
The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Guardian, Treasurer, and two (2) Trustees. It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to exercise general supervision and control of the invested funds and property of the Local. It shall have the authority to act in the name of the Local during intervals between meetings, such acts being subject to confirmation by the membership at the next regular meetings of the Local. It shall provide for an annual audit of the Treasurer's books. It shall meet at the call of the President or on call signed by majority of its members. A majority shall constitute a quorum.

Article 8

Delegates And Alternates To Conventions And Conferences

Section 1 Delegates
The President by virtue of his office shall be a delegate of this Local to International and Ohio Association Conventions as well as any organizations this Local may in the future become affiliated with. Should the President for any reason be unable to attend these Conventions, except the IAFF Convention, the Executive Board shall select one of their Union bodys' members to represent the President at these conventions. Should the President be unable to attend the IAFF Convention, the members shall elect a member in good standing by virtue of secret ballot to attend this event. Delegates in addition to the President shall be elected by secret ballot of the members present.

Section 2 Alternates
Alternates to conventions shall be elected by secret ballot of the members in good standing attending said meeting where voting takes place. The credentials of delegates and alternates must certify to this method of election.

Article 9

Initiation Fees, Dues and Assessments

Section 1 The Initiation Fee's
The initiation fee of this Local shall be the amount set forth by the International and any amount that may be charged by the Ohio Association plus one (1) months union dues of this Local.

Section 2 Due's Structure
The Due's Structure shall be 1/12 of 1% of an "F" step firefighters annual salary. An additional charge of $4.00 will be added for the T.V. Microwave Fund, $5.00 for the Legal Fund and $5.00 for the P.E. Fund. All union dues and other money regularly due to the Local shall be paid by Payroll Deduction the second pay of each month. If a member wishes to change his deduction, he must submit in writing a request for change to the Treasurer.

Section 3 Assessments
Assessments may be made only in the following manner:

Each member in Good Standing shall be notified in writing at least 30 days in advance of the date on which the vote for assessment is to occur.

The proposed assessment shall become effective upon a majority vote of the members in good standing by Secret Ballot at a regular or special meeting.

Section 4. Non-Payment of Dues
Any member under suspension for not paying dues, fines, or assessments as required can be reinstated upon application and payment of a $10 Reinstatement Fee, plus all back dues and assessments and two (2) months dues must be paid in advance.

Section 5 Increases in fees
Increases in rates of Initiation Fees, Reinstatement Fees, Dues, or Assessments shall require notice of such proposed increase to be given to the members in good standing at least 30 days in advance of the date on which the vote for such increase is to occur. The proposed increase shall become effective upon a majority vote of the members present in good standing, secret ballot at a regular or special meeting.

Article 10

Misconduct, Trial, and Appeals

Section 1 Misconduct and Trials
Any member charged with misconduct as defined in Article 15 of the IAFF Constitution and By-Laws shall be served with written specific charges as required by Article 16 of the IAFF Constitution and By-Laws. Said Member shall be given reasonable time to prepare his defense and afforded a hearing as provided in Article 17 of the IAFF Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 2 Appeals
Appeals maybe made in accordance with Article 18 of the IAFF Constitution and By-Laws. Such appeals must be filed with the IAFF General President of this association within 30 days of the action to be appealed.

Article 11

Audit

Section 1
The Books and Accounts of this Local Union shall be audited annually and shall include an accurate accounting of all employees within this Local Union's Fire Department. This report shall be forwarded to the IAFF Secretary-Treasurer over the seal of the Local, not later than the first of June annually.

Section 2
The President of this Local or a 2/3 majority vote of members in good standing at a meeting can call for these records to be audited at any time.

Section 3
These records shall be audited by the Trustees of this Local as stated in Article 7 of this Constitution and By-Laws.

Article 12

Amendments

Section 1 Notice
This Constitution and By-Laws made under its provisions may be amended by a 2/3 vote of members present at a meeting. Written notice shall be given to all members in good standing no less than 15 days prior to a meeting where a proposed Constitutional change(s) is to be voted on. A 30-day notice must be given for changes that apply to monetary issues.

Section 2 Submissions
A proposed amendment to this Constitution or any By-Laws made under its provisions shall be submitted to the IAFF General President prior to its printing or issuance after it has been adopted by membership.

Article 13

Finances

Section 1 Revenues
The Revenues of this local shall be derived from the Initiation Fees, Dues, Assessments, Fines, and other authorized sources.

Section 2 Expenditure
The Funds of this Local shall be used on defraying necessary expenses and any benefits that may hereafter be provided.

Section 3 Minimum Balance
The Local shall maintain a balance of $400.00 at all times in the treasury and it shall require a 2/3 majority vote of the membership present at a meeting to bring the balance below $400.00.

Section 4 Expenditures
No one expenditure of more than $100.00 shall be allowed unless having received a favorable vote of 2/3 of the membership that is present at any meeting. This figure shall have a cap of $300.00 per requisition and be limited to one per calendar year for same request unless approved by a majority vote of the Executive Board of this Local.

Article 14

Legal

Section 1 Council
This Local shall not retain legal council for the purpose of adjusting any matter that may arise between its individual members and the fire division or officials of the City of Springfield, Ohio; through any violations of the rules and regulations of said division; and such council if any must be retained by the member in his capacity as an individual, and in no manner whatever shall this Local be charged with such services. It is not the purpose of this Local to interfere in any manner with the organization and management of the Fire Division by its officials, but rather to promote good order and discipline.

Section 2 Deduction
This Local thru payroll deduction shall assess $5 per month from all dues paying members in good standing. The revenue collected from this assessment shall be given to the Local Treasurer to be placed into an account under the heading "Legal Council". This fund is to be used to procure a representative who is knowledgeable in: Civil Service Law, Collective Bargaining Law and issues, and other matters of legal concern to preserve the integrity of this Local.

Section 3 Committee
This Local shall establish a committee to select a Legal Representative. Union members in this committee shall be the Union President or his representative, 3 members of the Executive Board, and 3 members in good standing from the union body. This committee shall compile a list of perspective Legal Council who are experienced and have a working knowledge Civil Service Law and Collective Bargaining issues. The final selection will be a majority vote of the Legal Council Committee. This Legal Representative should be present during all union matters between the City of Springfield, which is represented by their Legal Council.

Section 4 Purpose
It is not the purpose of this Local to interfere in any manner with the organization of the Springfield Fire Division or its officials, but rather to ensure that all members in good standing are treated universally with regard to Civil Service and Civil Laws.
Any member using the name of this Local, without the consent of the Executive Board for any purpose, shall be subject to the provision of Article 10.

Article 15

Committees

Section 1 Chair
All committees shall be appointed by the Executive Board and shall have charge for all matters for which they are appointed and shall be composed of not less than 3 members of this Local. Each committee is responsible for electing its own officers.

Section 2 Expenditures
Each committee duly elected by the Executive Board of this Local, shall be allowed an operating fund of $100.00 annually to be applied to their expenses so incurred in carrying out their mandates of our membership. Any balance left is to be returned to the Treasurer of this Local on the completion of their assignments along with an itemized account of all expenditures.

Section 3 Elimination

No committee shall be eliminated except by a 2/3 vote of the members present at any regular meeting.

Article 16

Retirement

Section 1 Badge
Upon the retirement of a union member in good standing from the fire division, he shall be presented with a suitable badge and the cost shall be borne by the Local. Once a year, all members in good standing who have retired shall be given a Dinner Party in their honor. The cost for this shall be borne by this Local. Every member in good standing the month before this scheduled event may attend this event at no cost.

Article 17

Standing rules of order

Rule 1
Any member using abusive, indecent, profane language, or starting a personal attack on a member shall be fined, punished, or expelled, as the trial board shall direct under Article 10.

Rule 2
No member shall be allowed in the meeting in an intoxicated manner.

Rule 3
No member shall leave the assembly without first having permission from the chair.

Rule 4
No member shall engage in conversation during the meeting without first having permission from the chair.

Rule 5
This organization shall have the right to declare further rules that may be needed for the dignity of the membership or for its future operation.