Chicago GMB Draft Bylaws

Chicago IWW GMB Bylaws
Adopted [Date]
Preamble
Article I.
Article II.
Article III.
Article IV.
Article V.
Article VI.
Article VII.
Article VIII.
Article IX.
Article X.
Article XI.
Article XII.
Article XIII.
Article XIV.
Article XV.
Article XVI.

Name
Purpose
Membership
Relationship to the Industrial Workers of the World
Meeting Policies and Procedures
Officers, Delegates, and Branch Administration
Elections
Affiliated Industrial Union Branches (IUB's)
Affiliated IWW Shops
Committees
Finances and Dues
General Convention of the IWW
Direct Action and Labor Agreements
Conflicts between Members
Member Discipline and Expulsion
Bylaws: Access and Amendments

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PREAMBLE
We form the Chicago General Membership Branch of the Industrial Workers of the
World, to take part in the coordination of organizing our class, the working class, in order
that we may cast off the dictatorship of capital, and exercise democratic control, of, by,
and for the people, in social and economic spheres, for the betterment of all.
Chicago is a city of blooodshed. From the days of native massacres, slavery, and
slaughter of labor activists, through the hunger, want, homelessness, racism, sexism,
ignorance, greed, and injustice which continues today, the people of Chicago have been
deprived of full, fair, and just lives, so that the 1% can make a profit off of our misery and
disenfranchisement.
The 99% do not own the factories, fields, tools and other means which produce food,
housing and all the objects which sustain humanity, yet our lives and labor are used to
create vast wealth for those at the top of the capitalist pyramid scheme. Every dollar
that a corporation makes in profit, is a dollar whose value was created by a worker, and
stolen with the threat of starvation, poverty and suffering. It takes a society to create
wealth, we seek a society that decides how to use such wealth collectively and
democratically.
Chicago is also a city of struggle. Just as Chicago was a focal point for the movement to
abolish slavery, so we seek to make the city we live and work in a beacon for all those
who seek a life without the oppression of Capital. Chicago is one of the birthplaces of
the American and International labor movement, including struggles of Haymarket,
Pullman and countless others. Chicago is also the birthplace of the IWW, and the One
Big Union has deep roots in Chicago.
We seek not escape in fantasy, but to unite so that we may improve our material reality.
We shall fight for a society based on the principal of one person, one vote, as compared
to the boss class elected by shareholders, and appointed by CEO's. Our lives have
been compromised by the employing class, which has pit us against each other to
survive on scraps, but together we shall build a community, culture, and organization
stronger than their greed.
Chicago is a developed, global hub of transit and commerce, and the working class of
Chicago reflects this. We shall seek to unite all workers, regardless of occupation, age,
ethnicity, health, legality, family, language, education, gender, orientation, faith, ability,
employment status, or other identity, presentation, or background to take action, to
transform this metropolis from a hub of global exploitation, to a hub of global mutual aid
and solidarity.
We shall embrace and find strength in our diversity of experiences and perspectives,
because we know that working-class unity is the greatest self-help, and that our intersectional interests lay with each other, not with Capital. We shall seek to be
conscientiousness of ways in which oppressive interactions divide us and shall organize
to further equality and eliminate the perpetration of privilege acquired through
undemocratic, oppressive, or inequitable means.
We shall use all available means to achieve freedom. Direct Action, strikes, sabotage,
voting, boycotts, public advocacy, labor agreements, any activity which builds solidarity

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among the 99% and grows the One Big Union shall be in our tool box to be used as
necessary. We shall learn & refine our tactics and strategy as we struggle for justice,
studying the history of such struggle locally and globally, and sharing such knowledge
with each other.
We shall support building IWW enterprises and organizing in workplaces, with the
intention of taking action to improve work conditions, gaining a greater voice for workers,
and increasing the organizing capacity of the IWW so that we may move beyond the day
to day struggles with managers and bosses and the capitalist class, to build an economy
that works for all, to build the structure of the new society within the shell of the old so
that we may live in peace and harmony with the earth and each other.
As Chicago rebuilt from the great fire of 1871, so we shall renew Chicago, and help
others renew their locales. We shall transform this city from a place where the fruits of
our labor are stolen for the well-being of the few, into a city for all, where our labor is
used democratically for ourselves and the well-being of all.

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ARTICLE I—NAME
This General Membership Branch (GMB) is officially known as “Chicago GMB of
Industrial Workers of the World, aka Chicago IWW” (hereafter, “Chicago IWW”, “Chicago
GMB”, “Chicago IWW GMB” or “GMB”).
ARTICLE II—PURPOSE
§ 1. The Chicago IWW GMB strives to build local and regional working-class solidarity
as a General Membership Branch of the IWW through organizing, advocacy and
promotion of workers’ rights.
§ 2. The Chicago GMB incorporates by reference the principles, responsibilities and
rights stated in the most recent iteration of the Constitution, & General Bylaws of the
Industrial Workers of the World.

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ARTICLE III—MEMBERSHIP
§ 1. Membership
1.1 Membership shall be by voluntary association of members in good standing
of the Industrial Workers of the World who simultaneously reside or work in the
Chicago Metro (Chicagoland) area and pay dues in accordance with 1.4 and 2.1
below.
1.2 Membership rights include the right to attend, speak, and vote at official
Chicago IWW meetings and events, and rights of participation in the branch’s
administrative work and to be elected to officer positions, pending eligibility.
1.3 No Chicagoland wage or salaried worker meeting IWW membership eligibility
criteria in the Constitution, & General Bylaws of the Industrial Workers of the
World, Article II shall be excluded from Chicago IWW because of race, ethnicity,
sex, nationality, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or un- or
under-employment status.
1.4 To join the Chicago GMB, IWW members in good standing shall either be
1.4.1 a member of an Industrial Union Branch (IUB) affiliated with the
Chicago IWW GMB,
1.4.2 a member of an IWW shop affiliated with
1.4.2.1 the Chicago IWW GMB or
1.4.2.2 an IUB affiliated with the Chicago IWW GMB
1.4.3 submit an application to join the Chicago IWW GMB to a Chicago
GMB delegate. The application to join the Chicago IWW GMB shall
require the applicant to agree with the statement: “I agree to abide by the
bylaws and regulations of the Chicago IWW GMB, and will study its
principles and acquaint myself with its purposes.”
§ 2. Dues
2.1 Chicago IWW GMB members who have paid the most recent month’s dues
to a credentialed Chicago GMB delegate, or to the delegate for an affiliated
Industrial Union Branch are considered to be members in good standing of the
Chicago GMB. Dues may be paid to a branch delegate prior to the
commencement of a meeting.
2.2 A member who has not paid dues to Chicago GMB for two consecutive
months prior to the current month is considered to be in bad standing and forfeits
membership rights until dues are brought current in the manner described in 2.1
above.
2.3 Members who reside or work within the Chicagoland area who pay dues
directly to IWW GHQ are considered “at large” members of the Chicago GMB.
2.3.1 At large members and members of other GMB's may attend and
speak at meetings of the Chicago GMB
2.3.2 At large members and members of other GMB's shall not count
toward a quorum of and shall not vote at Chicago GMB meetings.
2.3.3 At large members and members of other GMB's shall not hold
officer positions or chair committees within the Chicago GMB..
§ 3. New Membership Packet
An elected branch delegate will issue the following to each new member of Chicago
GMB
3.1 Red Card (if needed), dues stamps and membership pin

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3.2 The current Preamble, Constitution, & General Bylaws of the Industrial
Workers of the World
3.3 The current Chicago GMB Bylaws
3.4 The One Big Union pamphlet
3.5 Chicago GMB Monthly Meeting Manual
3.6 Subscription(s) to the branch’s LISTSERV list(s), to the electronic version of
Industrial Worker, and to the electronic version of the IWW’s General
Organization Bulletin (GOB).
3.7 Any other relevant documents for Chicago IWW GMB members.
§ 4. Family and Friends of the IWW
Chicago GMB members are encouraged to integrate family members, friends and
associates into the IWW community, including this Branch. Family and friends may
attend meetings as guests, but shall not count toward a quorum. Guests shall have no
voice at a meeting unless a majority of members present grant such permission.

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ARTICLE IV—RELATIONSHIP TO THE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF THE WORLD
§ 1. Chicago GMB conforms to the purpose, structure, rights, and procedures in the
most current version of the IWW Constitution & General Bylaws of the Industrial
Workers of the World, and abides by said constitution. On matters in which these Bylaws
are silent, the provisions of the IWW General Executive Board’s Manual of Policies and
Procedures (MPP) shall apply.
§ 2. Chicago GMB affiliates with the IWW as General Membership Branch with all the
rights and responsibilities conferred upon GMBs by the IWW Constitution.
§ 3. Individuals’ and Chicago GMB’s role and rights within the IWW structure and in
relation to its General Administration (GA) are contained in the IWW Constitution and the
IWW General Executive Board’s Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP).
§ 4. GHQ and the GEB must be able to contact Chicago GMB membership directly on
our general membership LISTSERV.

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ARTICLE V—MEETING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
§ 1. The Chicago IWW GMB shall meet with the purpose to make official collective
decisions on behalf of the GMB. All GMB members are encouraged to participate in
GMB meetings and activities. No use of the GMB’s logo, signature, endorsement, etc
shall be made unless it has been approved in a meeting, or by ballot.
1.1 Chicago GMB’s legislative and policy decisions – such as elections of officers
and delegates and passage of motions – typically occur at monthly meetings of
the membership (monthly meeting). Such assemblies collectively afford Chicago
GMB officers the authority to speak or act on behalf of Chicago GMB, commit the
branch to an activity or delegate these privileges to specific Chicago GMB
members.
1.2 A Majority vote cast shall rule in the organization and its subordinate parts.
1.3 Any Chicago IWW GMB meeting, activity, or space must be held in publicly
accessible location that is ADA compliant, preferably exceeding ADA
requirements. GMB meeting, activity, or space locations shall be held where
there is no conflict of interest to either the goals of the GMB or with the personal
interests of officers. GMB meeting, activity, or space locations shall not be in
locations which are private residences. Effort shall be made to keep GMB
meeting, activity, or space locations short distance from public transit.
1.4 All GMB meetings, activities, and spaces shall be drug and alcohol free,
excepting the Mayday and Christmas fund raiser's, which may operate a cash
bar as a fund raiser, compliant with all relevant laws.
§ 2. Meetings shall be open to all workers, as described in Article III above. However, at
large members, members from other GMB's, members in bad standing and guests can
be asked, after a majority vote of the members present at the meeting (refer to Article V,
§7), to leave the meeting so that the body may freely consider issues that are sensitive
or confidential in nature.
§ 3. Notice of the monthly meeting location, time and any electronic attendance
platforms available with access information will be distributed by LISTSERV email by the
Branch Secretary no less than one week in advance of the meeting. The Branch
Secretary, or a members the task is delegated to, are also encouraged to contact all
Chicago IWW GMB members by phone, or by SMS to inform and encourage attendance
at the meeting.
3.1 Notice will include the tentative meeting agenda following the general format
of the Chicago GMB Monthly Meeting Manual.
3.2 Extra-ordinary or emergency meetings may be called by (a) a Branch
Secretary OR (b) by a majority decision of the other Branch officers and standing
committee chairs with 48 hours’ notice.
3.2.1 Such meetings may be called to conduct time-sensitive Branch
business that cannot wait until the next regularly-scheduled meeting.
3.2.2 The reason for the meeting and the resulting activities/outcomes of
it shall be reported to the next regularly-scheduled monthly meeting and
ratification shall be considered and voted on by a majority vote.
§ 4. In order to legally conduct business of the Chicago GMB, a quorum equal to 5% of
GMB members in good standing, 10% of the votes of GMB members in good standing,
and no less than five GMB members, excluding the GMB’s Secretary, Treasurer and any
paid officers of the IWW, must be present (refer to Article V, §7) at all times during the

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meeting. If the quorum is lost at any point during the meeting, the meeting is
automatically adjourned.
§ 5. Each meeting shall be chaired by the Branch Secretary. In the absence of the
Branch Secretary, the Branch Treasurer shall chair the meeting. A meeting recording
secretary will be elected in advance of calling the meeting to order.
5.1 The chair shall preside over the monthly meeting.
5.2 The recording secretary shall present the proposed agenda to the body,
making it readily available at the physical meeting location and to those attending
telephonically. This agenda will be amended as necessary and approved prior to
commencing.
5.3 The recording secretary shall take the minutes at the meeting.
§ 6. Members in good standing are entitled to cast one vote on each issue that comes
before the assembly. Per the IWW Constitution, Article II, Sec. 5(b), no paid official of
any part of the IWW shall be permitted to vote in Branch meetings.
6.1 Representatives from IUB's affiliated with the Chicago IWW GMB are entitled
to cast one vote for each member in their body, subtracting
6.1.1 members from their body that are present at the GMB meeting,
6.1.2 members of their body who are members of more than one affiliated
body who have not listed the representative’s body as their primary body.
6.1.3 members of their body who have availed themselves of approved
'absentee voter' means by the stated deadline.
6.1.4 votes that the IUB has made other representatives responsible for.
§ 7. Members in good standing are considered “present” when
7.1 Each individual presents to the Branch Secretary, in person or electronically,
a Red Card confirming membership and that dues payments are current and
7.1.1 The member is physically present at the meeting location or
7.1.2 The member is confirmed to be connected electronically and/or
telephonically through remote meeting platform(s) that the Branch
Secretary shall make available or
7.1.3 The member has availed themself of approved “absentee voter”
means by the stated deadline
§ 8. Detailed meeting procedure and voting rules shall be maintained in the Chicago
GMB’s Monthly Meeting Manual.
8.1 The Chicago IWW GMB's Monthly Meeting Manual shall contain a community
agreement on meeting decorum and a safer spaces policy.
8.2 The Chicago IWW GMB's Monthly Meeting Manual shall contain a regular
order of business, time limits on speakers and agenda items, details on how to
handle disruptions, and instructions overriding the provisions of the Monthly
Meeting Manual.

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ARTICLE VI—OFFICERS, DELEGATES AND BRANCH ADMINISTRATION
§ 1. To be eligible, one must be a member of the Chicago IWW GMB continuously in
good standing for 12 months for the Secretary and Treasurer positions, six (6) months
for all other positions. One must have completed an organizing training to be eligible for
any officer or delegate position.
§ 2. All officers and delegates must be members in good standing of the Chicago IWW
GMB at the time of their nomination and remain members in good standing throughout
their terms; this shall be verified at the beginning of each monthly meeting. Should the
officer’s or delegate’s dues not be current, they shall be given until the next GMB
meeting to become current or the GMB shall follow Article VII § 5 of these bylaws to
address vacancies.
§ 3. Officers
The Chicago GMB may create Officer Positions and elect officers to those positions by
majority votes, as it deems necessary. Officer positions must as a condition of their
creation specify: their life length, term length, duties, purpose, and budget. The duties of
officer positions not defined in these bylaws shall not contradict the duties of officer
positions defined in these bylaws. Officer positions defined in these bylaws shall be
indefinite, and shall be subject to the GMB's annual budget.
3.1 Chicago GMB Secretary
3.1.1 Shall be the responsible custodian of all branch documents,
records, funds and supplies. Maintains all official Chicago GMB
documents and media, including, but not limited to: contractual and
financial documents, Branch website, LISTSERV and social media logins
and passwords. Maintains a Policy Book documenting GMB policies
which have been voted on or have been past practice, which shall be
available to members. Maintains meeting minutes which shall be
available to members. Ensures smooth transition of these materials to
following Secretary or GHQ in the event of de-charter.
3.1.2 Maintains an up-to-date roster of members and their standing
(good, bad, at large) with the GMB to be made available to the
membership upon request, exclusive of personal contact information;
secures meeting venue(s) and notifies all members of the time and place
of meetings, and; distributes draft meeting agenda and prior meeting’s
minutes at each meeting.
3.1.3 Remits money owned to GHQ before the 28 th of each month;
transmits reports files, meeting minutes to GHQ. Transmits convention
delegate credentials no less than 15 days prior to the start of the
convention. Conducts ordinary Chicago GMB correspondence with
General Headquarters (GHQ), the General Executive Board (GEB), and
the General Secretary Treasurer (GST)
3.1.4 Completes, with the Branch Treasurer, and submits annual 990 and
LM tax forms required by law.
3.1.5 Is a co-signer on the Chicago GMB’s bank account.
3.1.6 Other applicable responsibilities and roles as provided elsewhere in
these Bylaws and MPP Section 7-2, as well as other responsibilities
necessary to achieve the union’s mission without violating these Bylaws
or the IWW Constitution.

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3.1.7 The term of office for Chicago GMB Secretary is one (1) year, with
the possibility of re-election to a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms
(see also Article VII, Section 4.8 below).
3.1.8 Completes, with Branch Treasurer, a draft annual strategic plan
outlining the Chicago IWW GMB's goals, and plans to achieve them. The
annual strategic plan shall be voted on by the GMB. A GMB secretary
shall not be eligible for re-election until a Strategic Plan has been adopted
for the preceding year.
3.1.9 Maintains monthly meeting manual. Adoption of the manual and
any changes to it shall be pending a vote by at a regular GMB meeting.
3.2 Chicago GMB Treasurer
3.2.1 Shall be the responsible custodian of all financial records of the
Branch. Maintains records of all income and expenses, including
transactions with delegates, and secures the Branch treasury.
3.2.2 Presents a complete and fully documented report to the Chicago
GMB monthly meeting and makes updated records available upon
request.
3.2.3 Completes, with the Branch Secretary, annual 990 and LM tax forms
required by law. Consolidates all delegate reports to ensure proper
accounting and reporting.
3.2.4 All debits of Branch funds not approved in the annual budget in
excess of $100 are subject to a documented motion approved by a
majority vote at a monthly meeting prior to disbursement. All debits are
subject to monitoring by the Chicago GMB Secretary.
3.2.5 Regular monthly expenses, once initially approved, may be reapproved on an annual basis, and are not subject to monthly votes.
3.2.6 Debits made on an emergency basis will be paid with the
agreement of both the the Branch Secretary and Branch Treasurer.
Emergency debits shall be reported to the next monthly meeting for a
vote considering ratification. If the debit is not ratified, the Branch
Secretary and Branch Treasurer shall either seek a refund for the debit, or
repay the GMB from their personal accounts.
3.2.7 Other applicable responsibilities and roles as provided elsewhere in
these Bylaws, as well as other responsibilities necessary to achieve the
union’s mission without violating these Bylaws or the IWW Constitution.
3.2.8 The term of office for Chicago GMB Treasurer is one (1) year, with
the possibility of re-election to a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms
(see also Article VII, Section 4.8 below).
3.2.9 Completes, with Branch Secretary, draft annual budget. The annual
budget shall be voted on by the GMB. If no budget is approved, the
Treasurer shall be directed to give the dues disbursement to GHQ, and
no other disbursements shall be paid.
3.3 Delegates
3.3.1 A delegate must be elected by a vote by the GMB, IUB, or shop
which they are seeking credentials for, and may not be a delegate for
more than one IWW body. Delegates are required to be credentialed by
the General Secretary-Treasurer. Delegates are empowered to initiate
new members into the union and the branch or IUB which they are a
delegate for. Delegates shall orient new members and direct them to an
appropriate Industrial Union, and is responsible for collecting dues and

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issuing stamps. Each delegate must issue a report of his or her activities
to the membership at every monthly meeting.
3.3.2 Delegates are responsible for encouraging members from whom
they collect dues to remain current on their dues. Each must complete
and submit monthly Delegate Report forms and monies collected to the
branch Treasurer, or their IUB Treasurer no later than one week after the
monthly meeting. Failure to turn in aforementioned reports for two
consecutive months will merit an immediate internal union investigation,
possible replacement, and other disciplinary measures in accordance with
the IWW Constitution and these bylaws. Delegates must further complete
an annual inventory clearance form and submit it by March 31 to GHQ.
3.3.3 The Chicago GMB shall require one delegate for every ten
members not in an affiliated IUB or Shop based on the number of
members on January 1 of that year.
3.3.3.1 If not enough delegates are eligible and elected to meet
this requirement, Chicago IWW GMB members may pay their
dues through the Branch Secretary or Branch Treasurer.
3.3.4 Additionally, the Branch shall require at least one delegate for every
job site, not already represented by an affiliated IUB or IWW Shop, where
a Chicago GMB union effort is taking place. These delegates shall be
actively connected to the workers at the job site. The GMB shall vote to
determine eligible job sites
3.3.4.1 If not enough delegates are eligible and elected to meet
this requirement, members of such eligible job sites may pay their
dues through other GMB delegates, the Branch Secretary or
Branch Treasurer.
3.3.5 Affiliated IUB's shall require one delegate for every ten members of
their IUB based on the number of members on January 1 of that year.
3.3.5.1 If not enough delegates are eligible and elected to meet
this requirement, members of IUB's affiliated with the Chicago
IWW GMB may pay their dues through their IUB's Branch
Secretary or Branch Treasurer.
3.3.6 Jurisdictional disputes shall be resolved as follows:
3.3.6.1 Members, not otherwise bound by legal contract, shall
have the ability to pay dues to the delegate of their choosing.
3.3.6.2 Jurisdictional disputes between GMB delegates and
delegates of affiliated IUB's, the IUB shall take precedence.
3.3.6.3 Jurisdictional disputes between Delegates of affiliated
IUB's shall be mediated by the Chicago GMB.
3.3.6.4 Jurisdictional disputes between delegates of the Chicago
GMB or affiliated IUB's and other delegates, the Chicago GMB
shall request the GEB to mediate.
3.3.7 Delegates have other applicable responsibilities and roles as
provided elsewhere in these Bylaws, MPP Section 7-1, and the Delegate
Manual, as well as other responsibilities necessary to achieve the union’s
mission without violating these Bylaws or the IWW Constitution.
3.3.8 There are no term limits for Delegates. Delegates’ terms begin
once they are elected and credentialed. Delegates' terms shall expire on
March 31st of the following year.
§ 4. Branch Administration

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4.1 Fiscal Year
The Chicago GMB will operate on a fiscal year commencing on July 1 and
concluding on June 30 of each calendar year.
4.2 Contact Information
The branch’s official e-mail account shall be [email protected], to which all
officers have access.
4.3 Document Retention / Destruction Policy
The Chicago IWW GMB shall seek to properly and accurately document all
official business consistent with Sarbannes-Oxley Act of 2002. Where possible,
digital records shall be used, with backups provided to GHQ. If possible, digital
records should replace paper records.
4.3.1 Permanent Records – do not destroy:
4.3.1.1 Annual financial statements and audits
4.3.1.2 Incorporation and tax-exempt status documents
4.3.1.3 General ledgers
4.3.1.4 Contracts
4.3.1.5 Labor Agreements
4.3.1.6 Meeting Minutes
4.3.1.7 Bylaws and other governing documents, all iterations
4.3.1.8 Membership and dues records – contacts, applications,
contributions, status, etc.
4.3.2 The following shall be kept for a period of at least 10 years:
4.3.2.1 Check registers
4.3.2.2 Tax filings (federal and state)
4.3.2.3 Accounting journals
4.3.3 The following shall be kept for a period of at least seven (7) years:
4.3.3.1 Bank statements and canceled checks
4.3.3.2 Official correspondence sent and received, including email
4.3.3.3 Vendor contacts
4.3.3.4 Purchase orders and invoices
4.3.3.5 Property lease documents
4.3.3.6 Equipment-related documents: purchase, lease, repair
4.3.3.7 Membership rosters
4.3.4 The following shall be kept for a period of at least five (5) years:
4.3.4.1 Shipping and freight records
4.3.4.2 Fire damage reports
4.3.4.3 Chicago GMB property inventory
4.3.4.4 Expense reports
4.3.5 The following shall be kept for a period of at least three (3) years:
4.3.5.1 Bank deposit slips
4.3.5.2 Insurance policies
4.3.5.3 Bank reconciliations
4.3.5.4 Petty cash records
4.3.5.5 Budgets
4.3.5.6 Interim Financial Statements
4.3.5.7 Travel records
4.3.6 Documents with expiration dates (e.g., licenses) may be destroyed
one year after expiration.
4.4 Members’ Right of Review
Any member has the critical right of review of the official documents maintained
by Chicago GMB, the content of the Chicago GMB’s official publications,

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including digital media, and email records relating to them or an organized
workplace by which the member is employed. Non-officer Branch members do
not have a right to have access to aforementioned login and passwords.
4.5 Cyber Security
Once any officer’s term ends or the officer steps down for any reason during a
term, the passwords of all banking, electronic payment platforms, websites,
email accounts, social media accounts and any other web presences held by
Chicago GMB must be immediately changed.
4.6 Members right to privacy.
Consistent with the IWW Constitution and Bylaws and the GEB’s MPP,
4.6.1 Members shall have the right to change their contact information,
contact preferences and other information with the Chicago IWW GMB.
4.6.1.1 Members have the right to accurate data, and may request
that their dues, membership, etc be corrected to the appropriate
officer or delegate.
4.6.2 The Chicago IWW GMB shall not share member’s information with
third parties outside of the union, without the consent of the members in
question, or the consent of the appropriate IWW governing body.
4.6.3 The Chicago IWW GMB may share appropriate members
information with the appropriate bodies, officers and delegates internal to
the IWW. Appropriate member’s information may include contact
information, dues status, branch membership status, and participation
level in events. Appropriate bodies may include Officers and Delegates of
the union, the General Administration, affiliated IUB’s and IWW shops,
and GMB committees.
4.6.3.1 Unless the IWW’s Constitution and Bylaws or the GEB’s
MPP require otherwise, members may request that their
information not be shared with IWW bodies, and the Chicago IWW
GMB shall honor this request to the best of their ability, as
allowed.
4.6.3.2 Signing a non-disclosure form in agreement shall be
required of anyone who accesses this member data as a condition
of such access.
4.6.4 The Chicago IWW GMB shall share appropriate statistical data
about members with other bodies in the IWW, and where appropriate,
with the public.
4.6.5 Absent a compelling reason or consent, the Chicago IWW GMB
shall not give members personal information or access to member’s
personal information to other individual IWW members.

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ARTICLE VII—ELECTIONS
§ 1. Elections, Who May Vote and Qualifications of Candidates
1.1 Chicago GMB members elect a Branch Secretary, a branch treasurer and
other eligible officer positions by majority vote via mail-in ballot voting. Delegates
are elected according to Article VI § 3.3 of these bylaws. The election process
begins in September with the election of the Election Committee and concludes
in December with the announcement of election results.
1.2 Eligible nominees and voters must be Chicago GMB members in good
standing. No nominee shall run for or hold more than one officer position at any
time.
1.2.1 Candidates must be in continuous good standing with the branch for
at least 6 months.
1.2.2 Candidates must be in good standing with the branch on the date of
their nomination and through the election. If successful, they must remain
in good standing with the branch throughout their terms.
1.2.3 Voters must be in good standing at the time they cast their ballot.
1.3 Nominations shall be made at the October monthly meeting and
communicated to the election committee. Nominations require a second, and
acclamation from the nominee, but no debate and no vote. All seconded and
acclamated nominations are put on the election ballots contingent upon memberin-good-standing status.
1.4 Ballots shall contain space for write-in candidates for all positions. Write-in
candidates do not have to be nominated. If elected, they must be members in
good standing throughout their terms.
§ 2. Election Committee
2.1 Chicago GMB September meeting shall elect, by majority vote, a threemember Election Committee. If there is a vacancy on this committee, the GMB
shall elect, by majority vote, a replacement committee member. The election
committee may use volunteers as needed. The election committee may make
decisions by majority vote provided they are consistent with the IWW's
Constitution and Bylaws, the MPP, the Chicago IWW GMB's Bylaws, and any
guidelines the GMB has approved which impact the election committee or it's
work.
2.2 Nominees for elected office are ineligible to serve on the election committee.
2.3 The duties of the Election Committee are:
2.3.1 vetting nominees’ eligibility to hold office
2.3.2 creating the ballots and preparing mail-in return envelopes
2.3.3 monitoring return mail for mail-in ballots
2.3.4 mailing out all ballots to membership before the November meeting
2.3.5 tracking the mailing process and ballots received
2.3.6 keeping records of all proceedings
2.3.7 counting, recording, and reporting the results of the votes at the
December monthly meeting
2.3.8 writing a report on the annual ballot due by the January GMB
meeting
2.3.9 with the Governance Committee, maintain and update a guide
which contains best and past practice for the election committee, to be
voted on by the GMB.

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§ 3. Ballot distribution and submission
3.1 Ballots are numbered for documentation, and the number of ballots produced
is equal to the number of active, eligible Chicago GMB members in good
standing.
3.2 Ballots cast must be sealed, mailed, and postmarked by the date specified on
the ballot.
3.3 A member may personally or via courier deliver a ballot to the Election
Committee before a “last call” deadline at the commencement of the December
monthly meeting. The envelope must be sealed to be valid.
3.4 Ballots turned in late, unsealed, to any Branch officer or to an Election
Committee member without the monthly meeting as a witness are void.
3.5 Ballots shall be simple and easy to understand, Sample ballots illustrating
voting procedures shall be provided with the ballot. Ballots shall list candidates
in random order.
3.6 Ballots for Branch Secretary and Treasurer shall be by Instant Runoff Ballots.
Ballots shall allow a voter to rank candidates for Branch Secretary and Branch
Treasurer in order of choice.
3.6.1 Directions provided to voters shall state:
“Vote for candidates by indicating your first-choice candidate, your
second-choice candidate and so on. Indicate your first choice by marking
the number “1” beside a candidate's name, your second choice by
marking the number “2” by that candidate's name, your third choice by
marking the number “3,” and so on, for as many choices as you wish. You
are free to rank only one candidate. Do not mark the same number
beside more than one candidate. Do not skip numbers.”
§ 4. Counting and Election Results
4.1 The day of the December meeting, the Election Committee counts the
ballots. Each ballot number is checked and recorded as being turned in. Ballots
described in 3.4 above are voided.
4.2 The Election Committee announces “last call” for ballot submissions at the
commencement of the meeting. Ballots turned in after this time are voided.
4.3 The Election Committee counts ballots in the presence of the monthly
meeting.
4.4 The Election Committee shall count ballots for the Branch Secretary and
Branch Treasurer using the Instant Runoff Ballots.
4.4.1 The first choice marked on each ballot shall be counted initially by
election the election committee. If any candidate receives a majority of
the first choices, that candidate shall be declared elected.
4.4.2 If no candidate receives a majority of first choices, the Election
Committee shall conduct the instant runoff consisting of additional rounds
of ballot counting.
4.4.2.1 In every round of counting, each ballot is counted as one vote for
that ballot's highest ranked advancing candidate. “Advancing candidate”
means a candidate for that office who has not been eliminated.
4.4.2.2 A candidate receiving a majority of valid votes in a round is
declared elected. If no candidate receives a majority of valid votes in a
round, the candidate with the fewest votes shall be eliminated, and all
ballots shall be recounted. This process of eliminating the candidate with

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the fewest votes and recounting all ballots shall continue until one
candidate receives a majority of the valid votes in a round.
4.4.3 If a ballot has no more available choices ranked on it, that ballot
shall be declared “exhausted” and not counted in that round or any
subsequent round. Ballots skipping one number shall be counted for that
voter's next clearly indicated choice, but ballots skipping more than one
number will be declared exhausted when this skipping of numbers is
reached. Ballots with two or more of the same number shall be declared
exhausted when such duplicate rankings are reached unless only one of
the candidates with the duplicate ranking is an advancing candidate.
4.4.4 Once a candidate has received a majority of valid votes in a round,
the election committee shall count ballots as though the majority winner
had been eliminated in order to calculate the succession should there be
a vacancy in the position by counting the ballots for as many rounds are
needed. The winner of this process shall be declared the Alternate for the
position.
4.6 The Election Committee presents the election results immediately preceding
adjournment of the meeting, during the “elections” part of the agenda.
4.6.1 Ties are decided by a coin toss conducted by the Election
Committee prior to adjourning the December monthly meeting during the
“elections” portion of the agenda.
4.6.2 The Branch formalizes election results through a seconded motion
to accept the election’s results. The motion must be carried by majority
vote. Discussion is “in order” prior to voting.
4.6.3 If the election results are not approved by the GMB within 1 week of
the December meeting, the Election Committee shall forward a report and
it's results to the GEB for ratification. If the GEB rejects the results, it may
appoint a new election committee made up of any IWW member in good
standing and either recount ballots or call for new elections.
4.7 Ballots are kept and securely stored for one year.
4.8 Officers’ terms begin on the first day of the new year, or if the first day of the
new year has passed, their term shall begin once they are elected and the results
are formally accepted.
4.8.1 Chicago GMB Secretary and Chicago GMB Treasurer may each
service a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms.
4.8.2 Any officer having served two consecutive terms must, thereafter, sit
out for a period of one (1) year before becoming eligible to run for
Chicago GMB Secretary or Chicago GMB Treasurer.
4.8.3 There are no term limits for delegates.
§ 5. Vacancies and Order of Succession
5.1 An office shall be considered vacant if officer
5.1.1 ceases to be a member of the IWW in good standing
5.1.2 resigns the office by written notice received by the GMB,
5.1.3 is recalled from office.
5.2 The order of succession for branch officer vacancies to finish the term of the
vacant position shall be:
5.2.1 The Alternate for the position as determined by the Election
Committee's count
5.2.2 An eligible GMB member elected at a regular branch meeting.

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5.3 If there are Delegate positions which no eligible and elected Delegate has
filled refer to Article VI § 3.3 of these bylaws.
§ 6. Recall
6.1 GMB officers shall be subject to a recall vote if a petition is signed by
6.1.1 5% of members in good standing as calculated on January 1 of that
year or
6.1.2 a majority of elected GMB and IUB delegates as calculated on
January 1 of that year.
6.2 Following receipt of the petition, an Election Committee shall be selected at
the next regular GMB meeting. The election committee shall issue ballots before
the next regular GMB meeting, no later than 30 days from their selection,
compliant with the relevant sections of § 2 and § 3. Officers and delegates shall
continue in office during the recall election.
6.3 Ballots shall be counted at the second regular GMB meeting after receipt of
the petition, pursuant to the relevant sections of § 4.
6.4 Delegates may be recalled by a majority vote at a regular meeting of the IWW
body which they are a delegate for.
§ 7. Referendum
7.1 Referendum shall be placed on the annual ballot if a petition is signed by
7.1.1 5% of members in good standing as calculated on January 1 of that
year or
7.1.2 a majority of elected GMB and IUB delegates as calculated on
January 1 of that year.

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ARTICLE VIII - AFFILIATED INDUSTRIAL UNION BRANCHES (IUB'S)
§ 1. Chartered IUB's may affiliate with the GMB. Both IUB and GMB must vote to
approve the affiliation. Members from each affiliated IUB shall be considered members
of the GMB.
§ 2. Each IUB shall elect at least one representative to the GMB. The IUB shall specify
how IUB representatives shall be elected, and how they shall be directed to vote. If an
affiliated IUB selects more than one representative to the GMB, the IUB shall specify
how their votes shall be divided. Representatives are encouraged inform their bodies
members on GMB matters and to poll their bodies members before votes.
Representatives shall be allowed to split their votes.
§ 3. Members of more than one IUB affiliated with the GMB shall notify the GMB which
IUB is their 'primary' IUB. That members vote on any GMB matters shall be counted
once, through their primary IUB.
§ 4. IUB's affiliated with the Chicago GMB shall not be affiliated with other GMB's.
§ 5. Affiliated IUB's shall remit a per-capita payment monthly to the Chicago GMB. The
remittance shall be for each Affiliated IUB member $1 per sub-minimum dues, $2 per
Minimum Dues, $3 per Regular Dues and $4 per Maximum Dues.
§ 6. Affiliated IUB's shall have annual budget's and strategic plans. Affiliated IUB's
secretaries shall not be eligible for re-election until a strategic plan has been approved
for the previous year. If no IUB budget is approved, the affiliated IUB's Treasurer shall
not be allowed to write disbursements other than for per-capita remittance to the
affiliated GMB and dues remittance to GHQ.

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ARTICLE IX – AFFILIATED IWW SHOPS
§ 1. IWW shops as defined in Article II Sec. 4 of the IWW Constitution, including IWW
Co-operatives and IWW Sole Proprietors shall be able to affiliate with the Chicago IWW
GMB or with an affiliated IUB. Both the Shop and the GMB or IUB must vote to approve
the affiliation.
§ 2. Members of shops affiliated with the Chicago IWW GMB shall be considered
members of the GMB. Members of shops affiliated with an IUB that is affiliated with the
Chicago IWW GMB shall be considered members of the IUB and GMB.
§ 3. Shops affiliated with the Chicago GMB or an affiliated IUB shall not be affiliated with
other GMB's or IUB's.
§ 3. Members of more than one shop affiliated with an IUB shall notify the IUB which
shop is their 'primary' shop. That members vote on any IUB matters shall be counted
once, through their primary shop. Members of more than one shop affiliated with
different IUB's shall notify the GMB which IUB is their 'primary' IUB. That members vote
on any GMB matters shall be counted once, through their primary IUB.
§ 4. Shops affiliated with an IUB affiliated with the Chicago IWW GMB shall elect at least
one representative to the IUB. Shops shall specify how their representative to the IUB
shall be elected, and how they shall be directed to vote. If a shop selects more than one
representative to the IUB, the shop shall specify how their votes shall be divided.
Representatives are encouraged inform their bodies members on GMB and IUB matters
and to poll their bodies members before votes. Representatives shall be allowed to split
their votes.
4.1 At IUB meetings, Representatives from shops affiliated with the IUB are
entitled to cast one vote for each member in their shop, subtracting
4.1.1 members from their body that are present at the GMB meeting,
4.1.2 members of their body who are members of more than one affiliated
body who have not listed the representative’s body as their primary body.
4.1.3 members of their body who have availed themselves of approved
'absentee voter' means by the stated deadline.
4.1.4 votes that the shop has made other representatives responsible for.
§ 5. The Chicago GMB, affiliated IUBs, and affiliated IWW Shops shall advocate for and
promote IWW shops.
5.1 The Chicago GMB, and affiliated IUBs, may work with affiliated IWW Shops
to support communication and organization among shops to initiate and pursue
programs of common technical, marketing, or administrative interest in working
together to raise industry standards, workers voices, labor conditions and wages
at IWW Shops.
§ 6. The Chicago IWW GMB and affiliated IUB's shall have line items in their budgets to
advocate for, and promote IWW shops.
6.1 The Chicago IWW GMB shall contribute monthly to said line item for each
member of a shop affiliated directly with the GMB: $1 per sub-minimum dues, $2
per Minimum Dues, $3 per Regular Dues and $4 per Maximum Dues.

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6.2 Affiliated IUB's shall contribute monthly to said line item for each member of a
shop affiliated with the IUB: $2 per sub-minimum dues, $3 per Minimum Dues,
$4 per Regular Dues and $5 per Maximum Dues.
6.3 IUB's and the GMB may accept assessments and allocate more to their line
items supporting promotion of affiliated shops as they see fit in their annual
budgets.

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ARTICLE X—COMMITTEES
§ 1. Chicago GMB may establish committees, sub-committees and ad hoc committees
at monthly meetings. Their life length, chair and structure, member quantity, volunteer
accessibility, purpose, budget and how, when, and where they meet must be specified
as a condition of their creation.
§ 2. All official statements and actions of committees shall be subject to approval at the
monthly meeting if they purport in any way (print, oral, etc.) to represent the position or
sentiments of Chicago GMB or the entire IWW union.
§ 3. All committees must issue monthly written reports for the duration of their existence.
Otherwise, excepting Standing Committees established by these bylaws, the monthly
GMB meeting must dissolve them the second monthly meeting in which they do not
submit a report. Sub-committees may meet during a committee meeting or separately
as needed.
§ 4. No one may chair more than one GMB committee. In the event of a committee
chair resigning, they may not be able to chair the same committee until the next calendar
year. Each committee chair is required to submit a report in writing before the monthly
meeting to the Chicago GMB.
4.1 Each standing committee shall elect its own chair. Standing
Committee Chairs are also required to report to the monthly assembly of
the Chicago GMB membership; those who fail to report for two
consecutive months will be considered to have resigned and will be
replaced. Standing Committee Chairs shall deliver annual reports to be
used in the development of the GMB's annual Strategic Plan. Standing
Committees shall have membership that is open to all members in good
standing of the Chicago GMB, and shall not be capped. Standing
Committees shall remain constituted for the length of their being in these
bylaws. Standing Committees shall draft their own structure, budget,
guidelines, bylaws and/or meeting rules, subject to approval by the GMB.
Standing Committees shall coordinate with the Governance Committee to
document their past and best practices in guides.
§ 5. The standing committees of the Chicago GMB are:
5.1 Communications
5.1.1 The Communications Committee shall seek to cultivate positive
representations and association of the Chicago IWW GMB to the public.
The Communications Committee updates the official Chicago GMB
website and all social media accounts operated by the Chicago GMB. The
Committee collectively serves as the editorial board of the IWW Blog. The
Chair may delegate responsibilities to committee members as warranted,
but is solely responsible for actual publication of official opinions,
responses, or statements of Chicago GMB.
5.1.2 Communications subscribes GHQ and GEB to the general
membership LISTSERV to afford them direct information transmission to
Chicago GMB members regarding urgent matters. It also provides logins
and account access to all officers.
5.1.3 Responsible for creating, maintaining and updating draft
communications LISTSERV guidelines, and for moderating the list

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according to these guidelines. Guidelines and any changes to them shall
be voted on by the GMB. All activity shall be consistent with the policies,
guidelines and rules of the IWW.org Administrative Committee and the
IWW’s Constitution and Bylaws.
5.1.4 Keeps up-to-date records of all persons interested in union efforts
and campaigns, facilitates contact with them and coordinates with other
committees or officers to address their interests or concerns.
5.1.5 Develops and maintains a press list. Coordinates with the IWW
Press Secretary and develops communications training materials and
hosts communications trainings in conjunction with the Education and
Outreach committee.
5.1.6 Other applicable responsibilities and roles as provided elsewhere in
these Bylaws, as well as other responsibilities necessary to achieve the
union’s mission without violating these Bylaws or the IWW Constitution.
5.2 Education and Outreach
5.2.1 The Education Committee is responsible for developing a union
curriculum, educational materials and unit plans consistent with the
Industrial Workers of the World standards and developing success
metrics and assessments with regards to the efficacy of educational,
organizing and campaign projects.
5.2.2 Maintains, coordinates and curates regular GMB publications,
such as informational pamphlets, booklets, guides, templates and/or
productivity tools.
5.2.3 Coordinates with IWW Store, sells IWW products as fundraiser for
GMB.
5.2.4 Social sub-committee – shall organize two fund raiser events a year.
One around Mayday and one around Christmas. May organize one social
event a month. Social events shall be open to members and nonmembers. Shall produce a report to the GMB after each event.
5.3 Membership and Retention
5.3.1 Holds quarterly membership drives.
5.3.2 Channels GMB members into active campaigns, creating GMB
internship positions, building a GMB support and volunteer base,
coordinating a presence of Chicago GMB members at relevant events,
and relaying initiate member information to the Branch Secretary or a
Branch delegate.
5.3.3 Responsible for having an annual membership audit – shall look
at GMB records to confirm that they are current, following best practices.
5.3.4 Shall coordinate with ad hoc judiciary committee to provide support,
guidance and assistance to those seeking safety.
5.3.5 Jr. Wobblies Sub-Committee – shall organize events and childcare
for children of members, and children who wish to support the union. Jr.
Wobblies may have their own Jr. Wobbly membership cards, but shall not
be expected to pay dues to participate. An adult member will be
moderator, but shall encourage Jr. Wobblies to participate in developing
programming, activities, etc on their own. Responsible for childcare at
Meetings and functions. Adult moderator shall submit to a background
check, and, unless the GMB votes otherwise, the moderator and their
term shall be voted on by the Membership & Retention Committee.
5.3.6 Diversity Sub-Committee – shall encourage participation of people
of color, LGBTQ, women, the differently abled, etc at every level of the

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GMB and union. Will coordinate with relevant union-wide committees.
Shall coordinate with Education and Outreach Committee to develop
programming, guides, activities, trainings, etc. to educate GMB members
about diversity issues, how to create safe environments, prevent
harassment and assault. Will work to develop accessibility for speakers
of multiple languages.
5.3.7 Production Sub-Committee –
5.3.7.1 Shall coordinate efforts to promote IWW shops, and efforts
to promote common interest among IWW shops. Subject to GMB
approval, may run promotions encouraging products of IWW
shops; encourage discounts at IWW shops for IWW members;
promote IWW sourced supply chains for IWW Shops; support
mergers where appropriate of IWW Shops; coordinate loans or
grants to IWW Shops; develop guides on how to become an IWW
Shop; share aggregate data, marketing, educational, legal,
administrative, financial and other strategies, research and advice.
5.3.7.2 Shall coordinate efforts to promote Chicago IWW GMB
owned non-profit enterprises.
5.3.7.3 Shall assist in coordinating member benefits such as
insurance, savings, discounts, etc.
5.4 Organizing
5.4.1 The Organizing Committee responds to requests for local organizing
received by the Chicago GMB, evaluates prospective organizing
campaigns, coordinates campaign actions and maintains the Organizing
LISTSERV. Assists workers in in non-IWW shops to build contacts, map
workplaces, research employers, build committees, take direct action, file
legal claims, and more. The Organizing Committee shall assist in
coordinating strike and other solidarity sub-committees. The Organizing
Committee also assists in working with attorneys to provide competent
and qualified legal aid and support.
5.4.2 The Chair must meticulously maintain committee meeting agendas,
minutes and other records as well as monitor organizing activities,
projects, goals and member accountability. Relevant communications are
transmitted between the General Executive Board (GEB), the General
Administration (GA) and the GMB. The Chair acts as Organizing
Department Liaison and provides a monthly report on local organizing
activities to the Organizing Department Board.
5.4.3 Assists with mediating jurisdictional disputes among IWW delegates
and bodies.
5.4.4 Shall work with Governance Committee to develop a best practices
guide detailing IWW organizing and campaign tactics, strategy and
logistics, subject to a GMB vote.
5.4.5 Bargaining Advisory Sub-Committee – shall work with Governance
Committee to assist members who are bargaining labor agreements.
Shall develop a best practices guide detailing what can, cannot, should,
and should not go into an IWW labor agreement.
5.5 Governance
5.5.1 Oversees governance-related operations of the Branch including,
but not limited to, updating and maintaining all policy documents and
coordinating completion of strategic projects, while documenting past and
best practices.

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5.5.2 Recommends amendments to Branch Bylaws as necessary to
conform to the IWW Constitution & Bylaws and MPP; or to eliminate
contradictions in these bylaws. Updates Bylaws per votes of the Branch
held in accordance with Article XVI below. Submits amended Bylaws to
IWW HQ within 60 days of amendment.
5.5.3 Chair or designee acts as “resident parliamentarian” during
meetings of the Branch.
5.5.4 Coordinate with the Judiciary Ad Hoc Committee to create, edit and
revise a recommended guidelines document, to use for charges,
mediation and immediate relief, that documents past and best practice
and details possible offenses and recommended actions to be taken,
subject to GMB vote.
5.5.5 Shall assist all committee's, affiliates, and other GMB bodies in
documentation of their policies and procedures.

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ARTICLE XI—FINANCES AND DUES
§ 1. The Chicago GMB checking account is available for inspection and auditing per
Article VI, 4.3 above. Any member shall be allowed to inspect a copy of the branch
account summary by appointment within one week of request.
§ 2. The fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th the following year.
§ 3. The Branch Treasurer shall present a semi-annual audit of the Branch’s financial
status for the preceding six months at a meeting that all Chicago GMB members have a
right to attend. Advance notice of no less than one week shall be announced by the
Treasurer, with the assistance of the Branch Secretary, in a manner consistent with
Article V, Section 3 above. The audit will be appended to the minutes of the next month’s
monthly meeting as part of the Treasurer’s report.
§ 4. Members in possession of funds or materials belonging to Chicago GMB shall be
held accountable by the membership for those funds and materials. A receipt shall be
furnished by the Treasurer or Secretary for disbursements or items valued in excess of
$15.
§ 5. Initiation fees, dues payments, and dues distribution cannot conflict with the
following provisions of the Preamble, Constitution, & General Bylaws of the Industrial
Workers of the World: Constitution Article II Membership; Article VIII Initiation Fees &
Dues; Article. X Transfers, Cards, etc., and; Article. XII Unemployed Members.
§ 6. Chicago GMB members pay their dues to an elected delegate or via electronic
funds transfer (EFT). Delegates shall transfer monies collected to the Branch Secretary
no later than one week following each monthly meeting. The Chicago GMB Secretary
provides dues, assessments, and any other monies to the Chicago GMB Treasurer
within one week for remittance to GHQ of its portion of dues and assessments.
§ 7. Financial Assistance
The GMB's budget shall include a line item to allocate funds to provide financial
assistance for members who pay at the sub-minimum level of dues, are unemployed,
disabled, homeless, or otherwise in need. The assistance may be used to cover costs
associated with attending and participating in GMB meetings and events, including but
not limited to travel, registration, meals, supplies needed. Assessments and donations
shall be collected for funding this item of the budget. The treasurer shall be responsible
for the disbursements, and for remaining within the budget for such funds.

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ARTICLE XII—GENERAL CONVENTION OF THE IWW
Chicago GMB, as a part of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), can influence the
overall structure and policy of the IWW. Members should be concerned with and
involved in doing so. Refer to the IWW Constitution, Article VI for how the General
Convention is conducted and participation.
ARTICLE XIII – DIRECT ACTION AND LABOR AGREEMENTS
The Chicago IWW GMB encourages members to use the means at their disposal,
including direct action and labor agreements, to organize with their fellow workers at
their workplaces to take action to improve work conditions, gain a greater voice for
workers, and increase organizing capacity.
§ 1. IUB's affiliated with the Chicago IWW GMB shall create their own rules for Labor
Agreements, and shall be able to collectively bargain with employers in accordance with
the IWW Constitution and Bylaws, and the Bylaws of the Chicago IWW GMB.
§ 2. Members of the Chicago IWW GMB shall be able to collectively bargain with the
intent of signing a labor agreement in their workplace in accordance with the IWW
Constitution and Bylaws, and the Bylaws of the Chicago IWW GMB. Where bargaining
takes place, a Bargaining Committee shall be composed of at least three Chicago IWW
GMB members in good standing who are employed at the workplace and in the
bargaining unit. Chicago IWW GMB members in good standing who are not employed
at the workplace shall be allowed to join the Bargaining Committee with a majority vote
of the Bargaining Committee members who are employed at the workplace and
members of the bargaining unit.
§ 3. Final approval of any labor agreement shall be voted on by those in bargaining unit
who are members of the GMB in good standing.
§ 4. Shops, as defined in Article II Sec. 4 of the IWW Constitution, including IWW Cooperatives and IWW Sole Proprietors, shall make their own business decisions including
but not limited to: prices of services or goods, business strategy's, accounts and billings,
supply chain, advertising, staffing, etc. Shops may apply for IWW Shop status and GMB
affiliation consistent with the IWW Constitution and Bylaws, and these bylaws.

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ARTICLE XIV—CONFLICTS BETWEEN MEMBERS
The Chicago IWW GMB strives to build solidarity among workers, however when that
solidarity is broken by the actions of Chicago IWW GMB members, the Chicago IWW
GMB shall take steps to rectify the situation. The provisions outlined in the IWW
Constitution’s General Bylaws Articles III and XIV govern Chicago GMB’s management
of conflicts within the branch or with other non-branch IWW members. Mediation is the
preferred method of conflict resolution. In all cases, the safety of members and the
public shall be the top priority, and members shall retain the right to file for terms of
immediate relief within the union or to file an official union complaint charges. While
members retain the right to confidentiality in proceedings, the complaint committee
process or terms of immediate relief in the IWW Constitution’s General Bylaws Articles III
shall override strict confidentiality where necessary.
ARTICLE XV—MEMBER DISCIPLINE AND EXPULSION
A member may be disciplined as set forth under this Article. The Branch will not accept
the resignation of a member against whom a complaint has been filed under this Article
until the proceedings to resolve the complaint have been completed. Once a complaint
has been filed, the Judiciary Ad Hoc Committee shall complete it's process regardless of
the status of the members who filed the complaint or who are the subject of the
complaint.
§ 1. A Judiciary Ad Hoc Committee shall be assembled at the beginning of each new
fiscal year, whose term is for that fiscal year only.
1.1 The committee shall be composed of five (5) members in good standing:
1.1.1 The Chair, who shall be appointed by the Branch Secretary
1.1.2 The chair of the Governance Committee
1.1.3 Three members nominated and elected by a monthly meeting of the
assembly
1.2 If a member of the Judiciary Ad Hoc Committee has a conflict of interest,
they shall step down from that particular complaint and will be replaced by a
vote at a monthly meeting of the Chicago IWW GMB
1.2.1 If the Branch Secretary has a conflict of interest, they shall not
appoint a member of the committee and the chair of the Judiciary Ad Hoc
Committee shall be selected among and by the Committee members.
§ 2. Jurisdiction. The Judiciary Ad Hoc Committee shall have original jurisdiction over
complaints that
2.1 Have been filed by a member of the IWW against a member of the Chicago
IWW GMB
2.1.1 Such complaint may be submitted on behalf of other members or
non-members, who are not required to be named, or to have authorized
such a complaint, consistent with the IWW Constitution and Bylaws and
these Bylaws.
2.2 The IWW General Executive Board (GEB) has asked the Chicago IWW GMB
to act as a neutral branch to hear, and which the Chicago IWW GMB has agreed
to hear.

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§ 3. The Judiciary Ad Hoc Committee shall have appellate jurisdiction over any disputes
originating with an affiliated IUB or affiliated IWW Shop of the Chicago GMB which may
jeopardize a member in good standing’s continued membership in the Branch.
§ 4. Potential Charges include any level of participation or contribution, intentional or
unintentional, towards
4.1 Failure to abide by these Bylaws, or the Constitution and Bylaws of the IWW
4.2 Theft, malfeasance, or corruption in connection with the affairs of the union
4.3 Failure to cure a conflict of interest or any appearance of impropriety
4.4 Conduct which results in negative perceptions regarding this Branch or the
One Big Union or which brings the Union into disrepute
4.5 Conduct which betrays IWW organizing efforts or the solidarity among
workers
4.6 Harassment, discrimination, or assault
4.7 Bringing false charges with malicious intent against a member, officer or
grouping of the union
§ 5. Process. A complaint that is filed based on §§2 or 3 above shall be made in writing
and delivered to the Branch Secretary. The ad hoc committee is prohibited from initiating
complaints. Should the complaint pertain to the Branch Secretary, the complaint will be
delivered to the Governance Chair.
5.1 receipt of a request for immediate relief shall constitute initiation of either a
complaints or mediation process. Complainant is encouraged to specify which.
5.2 Upon receipt of the complaint, a copy of the complaint shall be delivered to
the person(s) accused and the ad hoc committee members. The accused must
respond in writing within 30 days.
5.3 With the original complaint and the response(s) to it, the ad hoc committee
shall meet to determine whether the complaint has merit and should be pursued.
5.3.1 In considering merit the ad hoc committee shall consider the basis
in fact of the charges, the extant that solidarity was damaged, the
seriousness of the charges, the relation to the union and the union's
goals, the length of time since the accused offense, whether the accused
has been charged for the same or similar offense, the union's legal
liabilities, and any other contributing or relevant factors.
5.3.2 If it is determined that the complaint is without merit, the parties who
made the complaint and those who were accused will be notified in
writing within 30 days of receipt of the response to the original complaint.
5.4 If the complaint is found to merit further review, the parties will be notified
within 30 days of receipt of the response to the original complaint and given an
opportunity to meet, furnish additional evidence to support their side, and/or
make oral arguments on their own behalf. If any party opts not to participate in
this part of the process, a decision will be made on the evidence the committee
does have in its possession.
5.5 The ad hoc committee will issue its decision in writing to the Chicago GMB
membership via its LISTSERV at the earliest feasible time. The ad hoc
committee’s “findings of fact” are final, as are determinations that no further
investigation or action is warranted.
5.6 A motion to concur with the ad hoc committee’s remedy is subject to
ratification by a majority of the Branch membership if a member is to be
sanctioned (see § 6 below). The vote on the motion to concur with the ad hoc

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committee’s remedy shall be by secret (written) ballot. The outcome is final and
binding on all parties.
5.5.1 the GMB process is subject to the appeals process in the IWW
Bylaws Article III Sec. 8.
§ 6. Sanctions. Should the ad hoc committee recommend sanction against any member,
these will take one of the following forms:
6.1 Censure – written reprimand to be circulated in the branch, union or publicly,
with no loss of member status or benefits
6.2 Suspension from the branch or the union – the member loses member status
and benefits for a specified period of time, during which the member shall
continue to pay dues
6.3 Expulsion from the branch or the union – the member loses membership
status and benefits of membership. A member who is expelled may reapply for
membership one year after the date of expulsion, on condition of showing
significant and sincere efforts towards rectifying the cause of their expulsion.
6.4 Removal or disqualification from a union officer position in the branch or
union
6.5 Recommendation of pursuing legal action
6.6 Additionally the ad hoc committee may recommend restitution or remedial
actions from the member in question in the form of attending trainings,
apologizing for their actions, repayment of funds, payment of services for
complainant, or other actions to rebuild solidarity as condition for the lifting of
sanctions or to avoid further sanctions.

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ARTICLE XVI— BYLAWS: ACCESS AND AMENDMENTS
§ 1. A duplicate copy of these Bylaws shall be made available to any Chicago GMB
member upon request of any officer. The bylaws shall also be made available on the
GMB's website.
§ 2. Where there is a conflict between these bylaws and the Constitution and Bylaws of
the IWW, the Constitution and Bylaws of the IWW shall rule. Where there is a conflict
between a vote of the GMB or it's parts and these bylaws, these bylaws shall rule.
Where there is a conflict between these bylaws and an amendment of these bylaws, the
amendment shall rule.
§ 3. These Bylaws may be amended through the annual GMB ballot through Bylaws
Referendum.
3.1 Bylaws Referendum shall be placed on the annual ballot if a petition is signed
by
3.1.1 10% of members in good standing as calculated on January 1 of
that year or
3.1.2 a majority of elected GMB and IUB delegates as calculated on
January 1 of that year.
§ 4. Proposed amendments to these Bylaws shall be submitted in writing, clearly stating
the article(s), section(s) and/or paragraphs to be amended. The existing and proposed
text will appear side-by-side for easy comparison. If the Bylaws amendment represents a
wholly new addition, the proposal shall so state.
§ 5. Members must be given at least one month’s notice prior to the meeting at which a
vote to amend these Bylaws will be held.
4.1 Notice will include the written submission of the existing verbiage and
proposed amendment(s) side-by-side for easy comparison.
4.2 The meeting chair or recording secretary shall read each proposed
amendment at the meeting to all attendees.
4.3 Multiple proposed amendments shall be voted on individually.
4.4 Approved amendments will be incorporated in a new edition of the Bylaws,
and “Amended, [date of membership vote]” added below “Adopted [these Bylaws
adoption date]” on the first page.
4.4 A copy of the approved amended Chicago GMB Bylaws shall be transmitted
to General Headquarters within 60 days, consistent with Article XI, Sec. 3 of the
IWW Constitution. Copies will be made available to the membership via
electronic download sent via email or the Chicago GMB website.

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