Bylaws

American Federation of Government Employees, Local No. XXXX, AFL-CIO, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Headquarters R9 Bylaws

SECTION 1. The headquarters of the Local shall be the city designated by the President and within the geographic bounds of the Local. The President of the Local shall determine the mailing address of the Local.

SEC. 2. This Local is governed by the American Federation of Government Employees (hereafter “AFGE”)  Standard Local Constitution, as set forth in Appendix B of the AFGE National Constitution.

SEC. 3. Meetings

1. Membership meetings shall be held at a time and place selected by the Local. Membership meetings may be conducted using virtual platforms. 

2. Special meetings may be called by the President, two-thirds vote of the Executive Board, or upon written petition of at least ten percent of the membership. Five days' written notice of the specific purpose of the meeting must be given to the membership. No business other than that specified in the notice will be discussed.

3. A quorum of this local shall consist of the number of officers plus one and a minimum of half the general officers. A quorum of any committee shall consist of a majority of the members thereof.

4. The regular order of business will be:

   1. Roll call of officers

   2. Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting

   3. Report of financial condition by the Local Treasurer

   4. Reports of committees

   5. Unfinished business

   6. New business

   7. Public comment

   8. Adjournment

5. The time allowed for debate of any particular issue before the Local shall be 5 minutes and the time allowed for speeches will be 2 minutes. The time allowed for debate may be extended by a majority of those present and voting.

6. The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the proceedings of all meetings of the Local, when not inconsistent with the provisions of the standard local constitution, the AFGE National Constitution, or these bylaws.

Sec. 4. Unless otherwise specified by law (e.g., secret ballot election or dues) or by constitution, all questions before the local will be decided by vote of the members first by voice vote, then by a showing of hands. Only members of the Local in good standing shall be allowed to vote. Good standing shall be defined as those members who are current with dues and are not under charges.

SEC. 5. Standing committees

1. The general officers of this Local who comprise the Executive Board are as follows:

President

Vice President

Secretary

Vice Secretary

Treasurer

Vice Treasurer

Lead Steward

2. The Steward Committee will be composed of the Lead Steward and all local stewards.

SEC. 6. Officer duties

1. Duties of the President - The President shall serve as the chief executive officer of this Local and shall exercise general supervision over its affairs and operations. The President shall ensure that all officers fulfill the responsibilities of their respective offices and comply with the requirements set forth in the AFGE National Constitution and the standard Local Constitution.

The President shall keep the membership informed of the goals, objectives, and initiatives of AFGE, and shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, with the exception of the Election Committee, Audit Committee, and any committee of investigation or trial committee in which the President is either the charging party or is directly or indirectly involved in the matter giving rise to the charges.

By virtue of election to office, the President shall serve as a delegate to the district caucus, council meetings, the AFGE National Convention, and any other meetings or assemblies in which this Local is entitled to participate. The President shall preside over all meetings of the Local and shall sign all official documents pertaining to the office.

In the event the President is unable to perform the duties of the office due to illness, authorized leave, temporary duty assignment (TDY), or other legitimate cause, the President shall delegate the responsibilities of the office to the Vice President.

2. Duties of the Vice President - The Vice President shall serve as the principal assistant to the President and shall support the President in the execution of all duties associated with the office. The Vice President shall be second in the line of succession and shall assume the responsibilities of the President in the event of the President’s absence, incapacity, or other legitimate inability to perform the duties of the office, as provided for in the Local Constitution, Article VI, Section 3.

In fulfilling this role, the Vice President shall be prepared to exercise general supervision over the affairs of the Local, ensure compliance with the AFGE National Constitution and the standard Local Constitution, and oversee the performance of other officers in accordance with their constitutional obligations. The Vice President shall assist in keeping the membership informed of AFGE’s goals and objectives and may participate in committees and meetings as delegated or authorized.

The Vice President shall also be responsible for maintaining continuity of leadership and governance, and for executing any additional duties as may be assigned by the President or decided by a member vote.

3. Duties of the Secretary - The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining accurate and complete records of all proceedings of the Local, including the minutes of general membership meetings, executive board meetings, and any other official gatherings. The Secretary shall ensure that such records are properly documented and preserved in accordance with applicable constitutional requirements.

The Secretary shall maintain all documents related to union elections, including but not limited to nomination forms, meeting notices, and minutes of election-related meetings. These records shall be securely sealed and retained for a minimum of one year following the election, unless earlier release is authorized by a higher authority in connection with an election appeal or if the documents remain relevant to ongoing proceedings, pursuant to the AFGE National Constitution, Appendix A, Part I, Section 5(j).

The Secretary shall be the custodian of the official copy of the Local’s bylaws and shall ensure that such bylaws are kept current and reflect all duly adopted amendments. The Secretary shall conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Local when directed by the President and shall be responsible for issuing notices of meetings as required by the bylaws or as directed by the President or Executive Board.

The Secretary shall also perform any additional duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Local in accordance with its bylaws and charter.

4. Duties of the Vice Secretary - The Vice Secretary shall serve as the principal assistant to the Secretary and shall support the Secretary in the execution of duties associated with the office, as directed by the Secretary and in coordination and agreement of the President or Executive Board. The Vice Secretary shall be the second to the Secretary  and shall assume the responsibilities of the Secretary in the event of the Secretary’s absence, incapacity, or other legitimate inability to perform the duties of the office.

In fulfilling this role, the Vice Secretary shall be prepared to assume all the duties of the Secretary.

The Vice Secretary shall also perform any additional duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Local in accordance with its bylaws and charter.

5. Duties of the Treasurer - The Treasurer shall be responsible for the financial administration of this Local and shall maintain a bookkeeping system in accordance with the standards prescribed by the AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer (hereafter “NST”). The Treasurer shall present a financial report at each regular meeting of the Local and shall maintain an up-to-date roll of all members and standing.

The Treasurer shall receive all monies, dues, and other payments made to the Local, issue receipts for such transactions, and ensure that all funds are promptly deposited in a designated financial institution to the credit of the Local. Accurate records of all financial transactions shall be maintained and preserved in accordance with applicable regulations.

The Treasurer shall prepare and submit regular monthly reports to the AFGE NST, which shall include the names and addresses of new members, members who have terminated their affiliation with the Local, and any changes in members’ contact information. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for forwarding the per capita tax to the National Headquarters in compliance with the AFGE National Constitution. 

The Treasurer shall also perform any additional duties and responsibilities as outlined in the AFGE Financial Officers Manual or as may be assigned by the Local in accordance with its bylaws and charter.

6. Duties of the Vice Treasurer - The Vice Treasurer shall serve as the principal assistant to the Treasurer and shall support the Treasurer in the execution of duties associated with the office, as directed by the Treasurer and in coordination and agreement of the President or Executive Board. The Vice Treasurer shall be the second to the Treasurer  and shall assume the responsibilities of the Treasurer in the event of the Treasurer’s absence, incapacity, or other legitimate inability to perform the duties of the office.

In fulfilling this role, the Vice Treasurer shall be prepared to assume all the duties of the Treasurer.

The Vice Treasurer shall also perform any additional duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Local in accordance with its bylaws and charter.

7. Duties of the Lead Steward - The Lead Steward shall serve as the principal stewarding officer of this Local and shall act as a resource and advisor to all stewards, providing guidance, experience, and expertise in the resolution of grievances and workplace issues. The Lead Steward shall support the effective enforcement of the collective bargaining agreement and promote consistent and informed representation of the membership.

The Lead Steward shall mentor and educate newly elected stewards, offering instruction in contract interpretation, grievance handling procedures, and other essential representational skills necessary for effective advocacy. The Lead Steward shall maintain the official grievance files of the Local, ensuring that all documentation is organized, complete, and accessible in a centralized location for reference and compliance purposes.

The Lead Steward shall preside over regular meetings of the Steward Committee and shall coordinate the activities of stewards to ensure alignment with the Local’s goals, policies, and constitutional obligations. Additional duties may be assigned by the President or Executive Board in furtherance of the Local’s representational responsibilities.

SEC. 7. Elections

1. An Election Committee shall be constituted at a meeting preceding the start of the nomination procedure. See AFGE National Constitution, Appendix A, Part I, Section 2 for composition of the committee and Section 11 herein for formation of the committee. The Election Committee shall be formed in October of the year in which elections will be held.

2. Nominations of all officers shall be held in November of the year in which elections will be held. 

3. Elections shall be held in December after proper notice to local members, and installation shall be held in January. A runoff election, if necessary, shall be held as soon as possible by secure electronic methods. Outgoing officers will serve in an advisory capacity for 3 months post installation of the newly elected officers.

4. A quorum is not required for nominations and/or elections. See AFGE National Constitution, Appendix A, Part I, Section 3. 

5. Candidates shall not run for more than one office in the same election; however, candidacy as a delegate shall not be considered to be covered by this provision.

6. Voting in elections shall be conducted using secure electronic methods.

SEC. 8. Office Vacancy

1. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice President shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the President and shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. If the office of Vice President is also vacant at the time of such succession, the Secretary shall assume the office of President for the unexpired term. In the event that both the Vice President and the Secretary are unable or unavailable to serve, the Treasurer shall assume the office of President for the remainder of the unexpired term. See Local Constitution, Article VII, Section 4.

2. In the case of a vacancy in the office of Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary, the Executive Board shall appoint someone to fill the vacancy until an election is held to fill the office for the unexpired term. Nominations shall be held at the next regularly scheduled Local meeting after proper notice to the membership. The election shall be conducted by secure electronic methods. A runoff election, if necessary, shall be conducted by secure electronic methods, after proper notice to the membership.   

SEC. 9. All officers will be administered the “Oath of Union Officers” contained in the AFGE National Constitution upon their installation in office. Officers shall serve for 3 year terms, beginning in 2026. 

SEC. 10. The Local’s delegates to the AFGE National Convention, district caucus, and national council meetings, after proper notice to the Local’s members (see AFGE National Constitution, Appendix A, Part I, Section 3), shall be elected at a meeting of the Local, excepting the Local’s President who if elected to that office serves by virtue of office. At that or a subsequent meeting, the Local shall vote upon the authorization of funds for the delegates’ attendance at the AFGE National Convention, caucus, or council meetings. See AFGE National Constitution, Appendix A, Section 6(d).

SEC. 11. Such committees as may be established by the Local shall be composed of members in good standing. Committee members shall serve on a volunteer basis and will be affirmed by a vote of acclamation. Such informal vote may be conducted among members present at a duly convened meeting, or extended to a broader membership pool through electronic means, including email or other methods as determined appropriate by the Executive Officers. While informal in nature, these appointments shall reflect the consensus of participating members and remain in effect unless otherwise revised by formal action of the Local.

SEC. 12. Dues 

1. The dues shall be set by member’s grade level in the General Schedule or Wage Grade systems:

   1. Grades 1-8 will be $17 per pay period

   2. Grades 9-11 will be $22 per pay period

   3. Grades 12-15 will be $27 per pay period

2. Hardship considerations for dues may be made on a case by case basis. Hardship applications will be submitted anonymously to the Executive Board. Hardship dues consideration must be approved by a majority of Executive Board members. Discussion of hardship applications will occur in closed session to preserve anonymity.

SEC. 13. Bylaw Amendments

1. These Bylaws will be reviewed every 3 years to determine if they are meeting the needs of the Local, and conform with the Local and AFGE National Constitutions. The Bylaws will be reviewed by the Constitutional Committee formed for this purpose. The Constitutional Committee will be chaired by the Secretary with at least 3 other members. Formation of the Constitutional Committee will follow Section 11 of these bylaws.  Any amendments identified will be proposed to the membership for approval.

2. Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed either by the regular review process of the Constitutional Committee or by membership during the New Business section of any membership meeting.

3. Proposed Bylaw amendments must be approved by vote of the membership. Votes to approve proposed Bylaw amendments may not occur within the same meeting as the proposed amendment was presented to the membership.

SEC. 14. Retired Members

1. Members in good standing upon retirement may elect to continue membership in the Local. Retired members retain the same privileges and responsibilities as prior to retirement.

2. Membership dues for retired members in good standing shall be $50.00 per year, or at least $1.00 per month over the amount established by the National for retired members, whichever is greater. Dues will be due by January 1st of the year of membership. Membership in the first year of retirement will be pro-rated.

SEC. 16. This Local shall affiliate with any and all Central Labor Councils having jurisdiction over its members.

SEC. 17. The Local will be encouraged to develop a strategic action plan each year to include goals in all of, but not limited to, the following areas: Organizing and Workplace Representation to include Legislative and Political Mobilization, Strengthening the Local, Education, and Communications.