Okay, so I'm about halfway through the SMWIA Constitution.

Assuming that our constitution remains unchanged, we get a great deal larger and subsequently gain a great deal more clout nationally, however that won't mean much to us.

According to the "Merger Documents", any conflict between the two constitutions will result in SMWIA constitution prevailing. Under article 10, section 2, all members must pay dues each month. That would include part time drivers that don't work. Minimum dues mandated by their constitution are "the equivalent of two (2) hours pay plus per capita dues." I haven't found an explanation of what per capita dues are. Additionally, they have a mandatory initiation fee of a minimum $25.00, a re-initiation fee of a minimum of $25.00, so I guess if you were going to be gone more than a month, it might be cheaper to pay the re-initiation fee plus dues vs. paying dues for the month you don't work. They were kind enough to cap the initiation - re-initiation fee at $500.00. How generous!

Under Article seven, sec. 2(b), all transportation cost, plus reasonable living expenses (lodging plus per diem) for sending a delegate to convention shall be borne by the local, and not reimbursed by the international. Combine this with dues language under article 10, and our monthly dues would have to increase significantly. We're studying the need for an increase now without all the added expense. Given these added expenses, I should think our dues would need to double, roughly.

Additionally, the General President (SMWIA or SMART) has the authority to suspend individual members.

    Article three SEC. 3(a). Suspension. The General President shall have authority to suspend any member of this Association or of any local union affiliated therewith who, after charges and trial, has been found guilty of insubordination, treasonable conduct, violation of any provision of this Constitution, failure to comply with any valid order or decision of this Association or the officers thereof or any established policy of this Association.

It is very difficult to concentrate on reading their constitution from the UTU website. I have prepared a form letter link for you to request a hard copy if you so choose. I've printed thirty or so to be placed in the drivers room, primarily for the benefit of those that do not have computers.