ARTICLE I
TITLE AND RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING BY-LAWS
Section I-Organizational Title
This organization shall be known as the Rhode Island Alliance of Social Service Employees Local 580, Service Employees International Union, AFL-CIO.
Section 2-Relationship to Existing By-Laws
The Constitution and By-Laws delineated herein shall replace and render null and void all previous by-laws and shall constitute the sole Constitution and By-Laws of this organization, subject to amendment or replacement and shall take effect upon approval by SEIU.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this Local Union shall be, in general, the objectives of the Service Employees
International Union.
A. To unite Local 580 within the jurisdiction of the Service Employees International Union for mutual welfare, protection, and advancement.
B. To work for the establishment and maintenance of fair wages, hours, and working Conditions; and for the abolition of discrimination based race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, ancestry, age or disability.
C. To seek, organize, and unite all workers eligible for membership herein, for their mutual advancement, both social and economic.
D. To advance a better understanding among the members of this Local and the communities in which they live and work.
E. To provide constructive criticism, when needed, to existing service structures in relation to personnel policies and practices, hours of work, working conditions, grievance procedures, structural changes, etc.; and to foster human dignity as well as effective delivery of service to the community.
F. To cooperate and assist other Unions by moral, monetary, or other means when the objectives of such other Unions are, in nature, beneficial to this Union or its members either directly or indirectly.
G. To communicate and cooperate with the Service Employees International Union.
ARTICLE III
JURISDICTION AND MEMBERSHIP
Section I
This Local Union shall have such jurisdiction as granted and approved by the International Union in accordance with the International Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 2
Any person employed within the jurisdiction of this Union is eligible for membership.
A . Persons who operate as individuals may be eligible for membership, except that they may not hold office or vote on any wage and hour scale. Upon proof to the International President or the Executive Board of the International Union that the admission of such members would be detrimental to the Local Union, the Local Union may present such facts to the International President (or International Executive Board) for authority to refuse membership to such persons. The International President of or International Executive Board's decision is binding on the Local Union.
B. Disputes as to membership or eligibility for membership shall be decided by the International President with a right to appeal that decision to the International Executive Board, in writing, within ten days after notice of said decision is received.
Section 3
Every member by virtue of their membership in the Local Union, is obligated to adhere to and follow the terms of the International Constitution, this Local Constitution, and the working rules promulgated in accordance with this Constitution, with respect to their rights, duties, and privileges, and immunities conferred on him by statute. Each member shall faithfully carry out such duties and obligations and shall not interfere with the rights of fellow members.
Section 4
No member shall interfere with the elected officers or field representatives of this organization in the performance of their duties, and each member shall, when requested, render such assistance and support in that performance of such duties as may be required of them provided that this does not interfere with the individual's rights as a member. Each member shall adhere to the terms and conditions of pertinent collective bargaining agreements and shall refrain from any conduct that would interfere with the performance by this Local Union of its legal or Contractual obligations.
ARTICLE IV
CONVENTION - REPRESENTATION THEREIN
Section I
This Local may send delegates and alternates to the SEIU Convention which meets every four years in the Months of May, June, or July, or to any other special conventions called by the SEIU.
Section 2
In years in which the elected officers of the Local are the delegates and alternates, all of the officers of the Local Union elected in conformity with applicable statutes shall by virtue of such election be considered to be eligible delegates to any International Convention which may take place during their term of office. If at the time of the receipt of the convention call it shall appear that such number of elected officers is less than the number of delegates which the Local Union will be entitled to at an International Convention, then arrangements shall be made for nomination and secret ballot election, if required, of an additional number of eligible members as the convention delegates. To be eligible for such an election, the appointee must have been a Local 580 member in good standing for at least two years. Nominees for such a position, if unopposed, shall be deemed elected without necessity for further procedures. If the total number of elected officers is greater than the number which the Local Union is permitted to send to the convention, then the officers shall attend as delegates in the order listed in Sections 1 and 2 of Article 6, with chapter officers to be listed in accordance of length of membership in the Local Union, and following which the elected members of the Executive Board shall be listed in accordance with the length of the membership in the Local Union. The Executive Board of the Local Union shall determine the number of delegates and alternates which shall represent it at the convention.
Section 3
The President and Membership Secretary are responsible for properly processing delegate credentials.
Section 4
Reasonable funds shall be advanced to the delegates to cover their expenses, with reimbursement for any expenditures above this sum, at the discretion of the Executive Board upon presentation of proof of such expenditures.
ARTICLE V
CHAPTERS
Within the Local there shall be Rank and File Unit, Department of Business Regulation Chapter, a Library Services Chapter, a Department of Labor and Training Chapter, Public Utilities Commission/Department of Public Utilities Chapter and a Supervisory and Technical Chapter. The Local Executive Board may form new chapters upon the petition of at least 2/3s of those members involved, provided that the proposed chapter would include only employees covered, or to be covered, by a separate negotiated agreement at the time of its formation.
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
Section 1
The officers of this Local shall consist of seven (7) General Officers, and the Executive Board members elected from designated units. General Officers shall receive an increase in wages that commensurates with what the members receive through negotiations with the State. These Officers and their duties are as indicated in Sections 2 through 4 as follows.
Section 2
President: Shall be responsible for the general conduct of the program and business of the Local and shall preside at all annual and general meetings. The President shall also, ex-officio, be a member of all other committees, and may vote only in the event of a tie. The President and their representative shall have the power to call general meetings or a meeting of any particular committee.
First Vice President: Shall assist the President in their various duties. Shall assist the President in matters of communication within the Union. Shall serve as chairperson of the Grievance Committee. Shall be responsible for all grievances processed by this Union, including but not limited to writing, filing, presenting, preparing witnesses and communicating with all parties.
Second Vice President: Shall assist the President and First Vice President in any capacity so designated by the President. Shall serve as chairperson of the Steward's Committee. Shall have the responsibility for the education of the Shop Stewards and members as to their contractual rights and in the use of grievance procedure should contractual rights be violated.
Treasurer: Shall receive all dues and assessments; keep records of all income and expenditures; maintain checking and savings accounts in the name of the Local/Alliance and pay all authorized bills. Shall be empowered to maintain not more than $500.00 in cash within their possession. Shall make written quarterly reports and an annual report on the Local’s finances.
They shall promptly forward to the International Secretary-Treasurer copies of all annual audit reports and copies of all financial reports setting forth a statement of receipts and disbursements which are required by law.
Recording Secretary: Shall take minutes of all annual and General Membership Meetings and serve as secretary and take attendance of the Executive Board and Stewards. Shall maintain responsibility to send names, addresses, and zip codes of all general officers elected to office within fifteen (15) days after the election to the International Union.
Membership Secretary: Shall keep all membership records and application cards, and a record of all members admitted by initiation or otherwise; as well as rejections, suspended or expelled members, and non-dues-paying members. Shall maintain and coordinate a current file of the membership of the Local, and shall act (in the area of eligibility for membership) as liaison between the Union, its members, and their employers, shall send to the International Union an accurate record of all dues payments and other revenue and they shall forward to the International Secretary-Treasurer of the International Union the demographic information they require as to name address and social security number of all members initiated or readmitted, and of all other persons from whom revenue is derived, as well as those suspended for non-payment of dues or for any other cause; also a correct list of those who have signed withdrawal cards. The proper zip code shall be included for each address we have on file. Shall submit monthly membership list to the International through the electronic portal.
Shall also work with Shop Stewards to maintain and increase the membership in the various Local bargaining units. Shall act as Sergeant-at-Arms in that the Membership Secretary and/or a designated representative shall examine credentials of members entering meetings so as to prevent unauthorized persons from attending Local meetings. Shall also, upon direction from the President, assist in maintaining order during meetings. Shall perform other duties as designated by the President.
C.O.P.E. (Committee on Political Education) Secretary: Shall serve to develop liaison with legislative bodies, inform the membership of legislative developments, and recommend legislative avenues of benefits to this Union. Shall also carry out the C.O.P.E. functions required by SEIU. Shall assist the President in any capacity so designated by the President.
Local Executive Board
A. Composition-the Local Executive Board shall consist of the seven (7) General Officers, and members elected from designated units identified below.
1.Department of Business Regulation
2. BHDDH (Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals), including all members who work in hospitals, and non-hospital workers who are, or may become, members of this Local Union.
3. Office Rehabilitative Services (including Local members in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Disability Determination Service, Services for the Blind, and Veterans Affairs).
4. Department of Human Services (and all present and future locations)
5. Department of Children, Youth and Families (and all present and future locations)
6. Executive Office of Health and Human Services
7. Public Utilities Commission/Department of Public Utilities
8. Office of Library and Information Services
9. Department of Labor and Training
B. Duties - Each of the above-mentioned units shall have at least one Executive Board Member for each 75 Local members or majority fraction thereof with no delineated unit having less than one representative on the Board.
New bargaining units which are included in the Local, shall be granted at least one (1) Executive Board representative after approval by a majority vote of the Executive Board; if the new bargaining unit has seventy-five (75) or more members, its Executive Board representation shall be made according to the above formula.
The Executive Board shall be empowered to conduct Union business in all phases between general meetings, including authorization of money expenditures, considered in the best interest of the Union; in addition, this Board shall make all appointments to vacant positions in this Union's organization structure, as necessary, and in accordance with these By-Laws. The Board shall also appoint negotiating teams including the President and Vice Presidents, to conduct collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of this Union.
The Local Executive Board shall meet at least once each month. The President is empowered to call meetings of the Executive Board. A quorum shall consist of seven (7) members or one quarter of the Board, whichever is less. The Board may itself call an Executive Board meeting if a majority of its members so desire.
At Board meetings a simple majority of the Board in attendance shall be required to pass on an action. Actions of the Officers or Executive Board of this Union are subject to review by the membership at any general meeting.
The President, may, if necessary, seek the approval of the Executive Board by telephone, secure email, or current trends of secure communication in instances which require an immediate action. A majority of the Executive Board is necessary to approve the request of the President to institute a policy or procedure as the situation in question warrants.
C. Executive Board members shall also be Stewards.
D. Any Executive Board Member who is absent for three (3) consecutive meetings shall be required to show cause as to the existence of good and sufficient reason for the Executive Board not to declare the board seat in question vacant. If a seat is declared vacant by the Executive Board and if a vacancy occurs with more than half the term remaining, there will be an election held to fill the vacant seat. If a vacancy occurs with less than half the term remaining, the Executive board seat may remain vacant or the Executive board can elect to appoint a member to the vacant seat.
ARTICLE VII
TERMS OF OFFICE AND ELECTIONS
Section 1 - Terms of Office
A. Each term of office, for all elected officers, board members, and Stewards shall be for three (3) years (starting with the 2024 Election).
B. No member shall be eligible for nomination or election as a general officer in this Local Union unless they have been a dues-paying member continuously in good standing for two years prior to nomination. This applies to general officer, executive board, and steward positions. No member who has been convicted of a felony shall be eligible for nomination or election as a general officer.
C. Should the office of President be vacated, automatic succession to that office shall be limited to the First Vice President. After the rule of succession has been applied regarding vacancies in the office of the President, remaining vacancies may be filled by the Executive Board in accordance with its appointive powers (see Article IX). Automatic succession is limited to the office of President only.
Section 2- Election Procedures
A. General Officer elections shall be held in November as determined by the Election Committee rules as approved by the Executive Board with nominations being made at the October General Meeting. The Election Committee shall place names into nomination. In addition, nominations may be made from the floor prior to the close of the meeting. The Election Committee may choose a date between the second and third Monday of November to hold the General Officer election. The Election Committee’s proposed rules and regulations, plan, and schedule, must be approved by the Executive Board no later than the October Executive Board Meeting.
B. The election campaigns shall start three business days after the end of the October General Membership Meeting. Campaigning shall continue until the close of the election polls.
C. All candidates shall have the right to have a statement of their campaign issues published in the electronic R.I.A.S.S.E Newsletter. The Election Committee will publish these statements within five days after the October General Membership Meeting, and again no later than one week prior to the General Membership Election.
D. In the event where a candidate runs unopposed for an office, the Election Committee may choose to cast one vote for the unopposed candidate and thus avoid putting their name on the ballot.
E. Balloting shall be conducted by secret vote with no proxy or write-in votes permitted. The Election Committee shall determine how voting is to be conducted in their plan submitted to the Executive Board. It is always considered preferable to have an in-person vote. However, in the event that circumstances are such that in-person voting is not practical, the Election Committee shall submit to the Executive Board the names of businesses and price information on having an impartial, third party conduct the election by other means. The elections shall be decided for the candidate receiving the most votes cast for that office.
F. No candidate (including a prospective candidate) for any office in this Local Union or affiliated body or supporter of a candidate may solicit or accept financial support or any other direct or indirect support of any kind from any non-member of the International Union.
Section 3- Executive Board of Representatives
Within thirty (30) days of the election of the Local Officers, the general membership shall elect its representatives to the Executive Board. The length of office shall be three (3) years. Only members within a delineated unit (as identified in Article VI, Section IV-A) can vote for their representative. Elections are to be conducted by a secret ballot and there shall be no write-in or proxy votes permitted. The current sitting first vice president shall take the lead conducting the executive board election.
Section 4 - Stewards
Steward elections are optional and at the discretion of the Executive Board. If no election is to be held, any member in good standing desiring to be a Steward shall be included upon completion of training, provided that they have successfully passed probation and received the officers’ approval.
ARTICLE VIII
FIELD REPRESENTATIVE
The position of Field Representative may be a full or part-time position with the Local and is responsible to the President or their designee. Compensation for the position is set by the Executive Board and approved by the membership.
Duties: The duties shall include but not be limited to the following have responsibility for day-to-day operation of the Local Office in the absence of the office manager; they will take an active role in formulating and carrying out organizing efforts and building relationships with members. When feasible, they shall be a delegate to conferences and conventions.
Must make written monthly reports to the Executive Board regarding activities; shall, on a regular basis, visit all offices where SEIU members are employed in order to facilitate communication between the membership and this Local's Officers; shall perform other duties as directed by the Local Officers, Executive Board, or General Membership.
Filling of this Position: The filling of this position, should it become vacant, shall be according to the following procedure: Recruitment shall start with retired members before consideration of applicants outside the Local membership. Officers interview candidates and recommend one name to the Executive Board for confirmation at the next Executive Board meeting. The Executive Board and the Officers shall review the performance of the Field Representative on an on-going basis. Final authority on dismissing or retaining a Field Representative rest with the Executive Board.
At three-year intervals, retention of the person serving as Field Representative shall be voted on by the Executive Board. This vote of re-confirmation will take place in November and a majority of those Executive Board members voting must approve in order for the Field Representative to be retained. In the event that a majority of those Executive Board members voting do not approve of retaining the Field Representative, or in the event that this position becomes vacant for other reasons, the Executive Board shall make a determination whether or not to fill the position. If the position is to be filled, the Executive Board shall commence the selection process according to the procedure outlined above.
ARTICLE IX
COMMITTEES
The Executive Board of each Local Union shall appoint such committees as it deems necessary to carry out the organizing, political action, social and economic justice and retiree programs and policies of this Local. Where a committee(s) is not appointed for a specific purpose the Executive Board shall serve in that capacity.
Any committees formed shall have up to $1000 budget and provide receipts for all expenditures to the treasurer. Any committee budget expenditures in excess of $1000.00 must be approved Executive Board.
Committee Chairpersons shall report to the Executive Board of this Local Union as needed.
ARTICLE X
STRIKES AND LOCK OUT
The Local shall not strike without previous notification to the International President, or, where prior notice is not practicable, without notification as soon as possible after commencement of the strike, in which notice the Local Union or affiliated body has stated that it has complied with all applicable notice requirements. If the Local fails to give such notice, the International President may withhold sanction for the strike called by the Local. Based on the recommendations of the industry divisions of the International Union, the International Executive Board may limit this strike notification to fewer situations.
ARTICLE XI
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
The International Union shall be notified in writing when any collective bargaining negotiations or memorandum of understanding have been concluded and be advised of the number of employees covered.
Copies of collective bargaining agreements and Contracts entered into by this Union shall be filed with the International Department of Research upon signing.
Prior to the commencement of negotiations, Union leadership should solicit proposals from members to be considered for negotiations. Such proposals may be presented in writing and delivered electronically to the Union Email.
All statewide wages and healthcare tentative contract agreements which are negotiated must be brought back to the membership. The final contract agreement which has been negotiated must be brought back to the membership to be approved by majority vote.
ARTICLE XII
BILLS
Per the International Constitution, the Local shall secure and maintain surety bonds in the amounts and the form required by applicable statutes. The International Secretary-Treasurer may direct an increase in the amount of any bond whenever they deem it necessary and advisable and may direct bonding by any Local Union not required by statute to secure a bond.
ARTICLE XIII
DUES
The dues of this Union shall be $18.70 bi-weekly. As of July 1, 2025, the bi-weekly dues will be increased to $21.00.
Upon ratification by the membership of wage increases resulting from state-wide global negotiations, per capita dues changes to SEIU International or affiliates, the Executive Board shall review Local 580 dues structure.
Changes in the amount of dues shall be subject to ratification by the General Membership in accordance with the procedures as outlined in Article XV of these By-Laws.
This Local Union shall likewise pay any other obligation due to the International Union, and it shall have a right to pay any bills before it pays its full obligation to the International Union each month.
ARTICLE XIV
MEMBER BENEFITS
Section 1 - Scholarships
There shall be awarded each year two $2000.00 scholarships for college aged children of members. There will be an application process beginning in April and recipients will be randomly drawn from the applicants at the summer outing or during the June General Membership meeting if no outing is to be held.
Family members of any elected official (Officer and Executive Board) will not be eligible.
This practice will continue until such a time as the Executive Board determines that funds are not available to do so.
ARTICLE XV
QUORUM
A quorum shall consist of thirty (30) members at any properly called meeting of this Union (i.e., a General Membership Meeting of the Local, or a special meeting called with reasonable written notice of the membership.) A quorum at the Executive Board meeting shall consist of seven (7) members or one quarter of the Board, whichever is less.
ARTICLE XVI
AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the By-Laws of this Local Union may be made by a majority vote of the membership providing that:
A. The amendments have been submitted to the Executive Board fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting at which it is to be considered by the membership.
B. Written notice is given to all members with a copy of proposed changes attached including the text of the proposed Amendment and the date, time, place of any meeting at which a By-Laws Amendment is shall be voted on.
C. Approval by majority vote at two (2) consecutive membership Meetings is required for these By-Laws to be amended.
These By-Laws, as approved by the Membership, shall take effect only if approved by SEIU International Union.
In the event of any conflict between these By-Laws and those of SEIU, SEIU By-Laws
will prevail.
Copies of SEIU By-Laws and this Local Union's By-Laws and amendments thereto must
be provided to each member by this Local Union.
ARTICLE XVII
TRIALS AND APPEALS
Trials and appeals shall follow the procedures and be in accordance with the provisions of the International Constitution and By-Laws.
Subject to the provisions of applicable statutes, every member or officer of this Local Union against whom charges have been proffered and disciplinary action taken agrees, as a condition of membership or affiliation and the continuation of membership or affiliation, to exhaust all remedies provided for in the Constitution and By-Laws of the International Union and in this Constitution, and further agrees, not to file or prosecute any action in any court, tribuna1, or other agency until those remedies have been exhausted.
ARTICLE XVIII
RECORDS
All records of this Local Union pertaining to income, disbursements, and financial transactions of any kind whatsoever must be kept for a period of at least six years, or longer if required by applicable law.
ARTICLE XIX
DISSOLUTION
This Local Union cannot dissolve, secede, or disaffiliate while there are seven (7) dissenting members. In the event of succession, dissolution, or disaffiliation, all properties, funds and assets, both real and personal of this Local Union shall become the property of the International Union. Under no circumstances shall this Local Union distribute its funds, assets, or properties individually among its Membership.
ARTICLE XX
PROPERTY RIGHTS
The title to all property, funds, and other assets of this Local Union shall at all times be vested in the Local Executive Board for the joint use of the Membership of this Local Union; but no member shall have any severable proprietary rights, title, or interest therein.
Membership in this organization shall not vest any member with any right, title, or interest in or to the funds, property, or other assets of this Local Union, now owned and possessed or that may hereafter be acquired, and each member hereby expressly waives any right, title, or interest in or to the property of this Local Union, including the funds of this Local Union.
ARTICLE XXI
MEETINGS AND PROCEDURES
Section 1
This Local Union is obligated to hold monthly General Membership and Executive Board Meetings.
Section 2
Special meetings of the Local may be called by the President or by a majority vote of the Executive Board upon notice to the membership, which notice shall specify the business to be brought before such meeting, and only the business so specified shall be considered at the meeting except by unanimous consent of the members present. Where feasible, the notification procedure as outlined in Section 1 shall apply.
Section 3
The Manual of Common Procedure in the SEIU By-Laws will prevail at all meetings, where not applicable, the "Current Edition of Robert's Rules of Order’ will prevail.
ARTICLE XXII
AFFILIATIONS
The Local shall affiliate with bodies as determined by the Executive Board or as determined by the International Union.