ARTICLE II. 

Objects and Purposes 

Section 1.

We subscribe to the belief that all persons are entitled to collectively negotiate the terms and conditions of their employment and compensation to be paid for their time and services under circumstances which give to them and their employers an equal voice in such matters.  Knowing that collective bargaining through a labor union is the only effective means whereby workers can acquire bargaining power equal to that of their employers, we shall undertake in proper and reasonable ways to encourage all employees to become and remain members of a union authorized to represent them for collective bargaining purposes.

Section 2.

The objects of this Local Union shall be:  to unite into one labor organization all workers eligible for membership, regardless of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, age, physical disability or sex; and to engage in organizing workers to provide the benefit of unionism to all workers and to protect and preserve the benefits obtained for members of this organization.

Section 3.

It shall be an object of ours to persuade and encourage persons working in employments under our jurisdiction to become and remain members in good standing of our Local Union; to engage in proper, reasonable and legal activities designed to persuade employees, employers and the public to the desirability of trade unions; to seek to incorporate in our collective bargaining agreements the maximum union security and job protection provisions permitted by law; to strive to protect and preserve our bargaining position and bargaining power; to seek proper, reasonable and legal means whereby we may protect our standards from the threat of diminution caused by persons outside of our organization working for less; to negotiate contracts for those we represent which will give them fair wages, reasonable hours of work and satisfactory terms and conditions of employment; and to exercise all rights permitted by law which tend to foster the interest and welfare of this Union in particular and the trade labor movement in general.

Section 4.

It shall be our further object and purpose to encourage and assist our members in the acquisition of additional knowledge and information so that they may be better able to evaluate and pass judgment upon the matters and things which influence their lives and the affairs of this Union; to encourage them to participate actively in the affairs of government and of their community; to encourage them to participate actively in the affairs of this Union; to instill in them the firm knowledge and belief that freedom and democracy cannot exist within this organization unless the will of the majority prevails over the will of the minority; to require that every member recognize his/her responsibility to this organization as an institution; and to require that our members refrain from conduct that would interfere with the performance of our legal or contractual obligations.

Section 5.

To the extent permitted by law, within the limits of the means and finances available to us, if authorized by a vote of the majority of the members attending a meeting, and within the scope of the authority conferred by such vote, this organization shall engage in political activities which tend to foster our welfare.  This shall include, but not be limited to, the dissemination of information, views, opinion, suggestions and appeals to any and all persons by any means available concerning any candidate for public office or political issue.  It shall also include financial contributions in support of the campaigns of candidates or for or against any political issue.

Section 6.

We recognize that the interests of this labor organization are not limited to matters of organization and collective bargaining, or even to those matters and things additionally set out in Article II, Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4, but extend to all types of economic, social and political activities, including but not limited to, activities of a cultural, civic, industrial growth, legislative, political, fraternal, educational, charitable, welfare and social nature which further the interests of this organization and its members, directly or indirectly.  Therefore, participation of this labor organization in any of such activities or which are in pursuance of any of the objectives and purposes set out in this Article, to the extent this Union may from time to time determine, shall be considered as for the sole benefit of the organization and its members.

Section 7.

It is recognized that the problems with which this labor organization is accustomed to deal cannot be resolved in isolation but require achievement of a broad spectrum of economic and social objectives as set forth above and as the Union may determine from time to time; we, therefore, determine and assert that the participation of this labor organization, individually and with other organizations, in the pursuit and attainment of the objectives set forth herein are for the benefit of the organization and its members.