8.06 Composition of Convention

8.06.01 Each Local Union shall be entitled to be represented at a Convention by the number of delegates determined as follows:

             0 to   200 members - 2 delegates
         201 to   350 members - 3 delegates
         351 to   500 members - 4 delegates
         501 to   700 members - 5 delegates
         701 to 1000 members - 6 delegates
       1001 to 1500 members - 7 delegates
       1501 to 2500 members - 8 delegates
       2501 to 4000 members - 9 delegates
           Over 4000 members-10 delegates

8.06.02 For the purpose of determining the representation of Local Unions at the Convention the average number of members for the four (4) highest months for whom per capita was paid to or collected by the National Union during the twelve month period preceding the seventh (7th) month prior to the month in which the Convention begins its session shall be the number of members for which the Local is entitled to delegates. Locals chartered after such time shall be allowed to elect delegates in accordance with this Section on the numbers in the Local at the time it was chartered, provided however, that duplicate representation because of shift in membership from one local to another shall not be allowed.

For Local Unions on strike during the time frames set out in the paragraph above the average number of members shall be based on the number of members receiving strike benefits from the Defense Fund.

8.06.03 Each Local shall elect the convention delegates to which it is entitled. It may also elect alternate delegates to the Convention in an amount not in excess of the number of delegates to which it may be entitled. The Local shall designate the alternate to replace a delegate. An alternate may exercise all of the rights of a delegate in the absence from the Convention of such delegate after being seated by the Convention. Delegates and alternate delegates shall be elected in a secret ballot election of the members of each Local and in conducting such election, all constitutional procedures shall be observed provided, however, that a Local's By-laws may provide that one or more of the executive officers of the Local shall automatically become delegates or alternates by virtue of the office to which they are elected.

8.06.04 Each Local shall determine the number of its delegates. A Local delegation, however, shall not exceed the maximum number as provided for in 8.06.01. Each Local shall assign the number of votes to which it is entitled equally among its delegates. The number of votes, which may be left over after such equal division shall be assigned to the Chairperson of the delegation of the Local.

8.06.05 A Local shall not be entitled to representation at the Convention if it is two (2) months or more in arrears in the payment of per capita tax or assessments at the time of the opening of the Convention.

8.06.06 Officers of the National Union shall be seated at the Convention as delegates, with the right to speak at the Convention but without the right to vote. Rank-and-File Board Members shall be seated at the Convention as delegates with the right to speak at the Convention and with the right to cast one vote on all issues that they would be eligible to vote on if they were a delegate from their own Local Union. Their vote shall not, however, be deducted from the number of votes their Local Union is entitled to.

8.06.07 The National Women’s Committee members shall be seated at the Convention as delegates with the right to speak at the Convention and with the right to cast one vote on all issues that they would be eligible to vote on if they were a delegate from their own Local Union. Their vote shall not, however, be deducted from the number of votes their Local Union is entitled to.

If the member of the Women’s Committee chooses to come to convention as a delegate from her Local, she would not be entitled to the one vote allocated to her as a member of the Women’s Committee.

Likewise, she would be entitled to cast only one vote if she is also a Rank-and-File Board member.

8.06.08 National Representatives of the Union shall attend the Convention, unless directed otherwise by the President. They shall have the right to speak at Convention but shall not have the right to vote.

8.06.09 Members employed on a full-time or part-time basis by the National Union may not be delegates to the Union's Convention, but are eligible to run for national office unless otherwise disqualified under this Constitution.