International Level
All UTU officers are elected and, where necessary, are bonded to insure fiduciary responsibility to the members of the union.
International Structure
The International Union consists of one convention delegate from each local plus all elected officers and boards. Delegates are elected by the members of each local to attend quadrennial conventions where they decide on ammendments to the Constitution and elect officers for the next four years.
The International President is elected to office every four (4) years at the Convention. He/she heads all union affairs and activities, presides at conventions, supervises officers and employees, interprets union laws, decides all disputes, and exercises general executive and administrative control of daily activities of the union.
The Assistant President is elected to the office every four (4) years at the Convention. He/she assists the President in carrying out all policies and programs of the union and in any other matter assigned by the President.
The General Secretary and Treasurer is elected to office every four (4) years at the Convention. He/she is the chief financial officer of the union. This officer collects all monies, pays all bills, countersigns cheques, documents and charters, keeps accurate records of finances, files all lawful reports and performs other duties required by convention or assigned by the President
The U.S. National Legislative Director is the chief legislative and political officer in the U.S. He/she coordinates the activities of the State Legislative Representatives. He/she furnishes recommendations regarding political activites to the President. The U.S. Legislative Director is responsible for the resolution of rail safety issues and the passage of legislation protecting the interests of the membership.
Intermediate Level
Each General Chairperson is elected by the members of the General Committee of Adjustment which is comprised of all the Local Chairpersons in each district on each property. The election to fill this position takes place every four (4) years at the convening of the General Committee of Adjustment. The General Chairperson handles all claims, grievances and discipline matters on a regional basis, with authority to make and interpret contracts on work rules and pay rates, and negotiate agreements with management officials on a national and regional level.
Each State Legislative Director is elected to office by members of the State Legislative Board which is comprised of Legislative Representatives of each local. The election to fill this position takes place every four (4) years. State Legislative Directors attend sessions of State Legislatures and keep close contact with state lawmakers to promote political and legislative interests of the members. They ensure compliance with the F.R.A regulations and the resolution of state safety matters.
Local Level
The local level is the point at which members have the most contact and input. Involvement in your local chapter is the best way to stay informed and make sure that you know where you stand.
Local Presidents are elected by members of their locals every three (3) years. It is the President's responsibility to preside at meetings, supervise the local affairs, decide disputes, appoint committees, countersign documents and cheques, and file necessary reports.
The Local Treasurer is elected by members of thier local every three (3) years. The Treasurer of the local is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the proper collection of dues, disbursement of funds, keeping accurate financail records and filing all reports required by law.
The Local Legislative Representative is elected to office by the members of the Local every four (4) years. Your local Legislative Representative attends the State Legislative Board meetings where proposals are submitted on behalf of the membership to alter legislation, including health and safety matters. Your L.R. also handles safety issues and other legislative matters.
The Local Chairperson is elected to office by the members of the Local every four (4) years. The Local Chairperson is the Chair of the Local Committee of Adjustment, which is made up of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary. Responsibilities include the handling of claims, grievances, discipline cases and disputes with management officials. He/she is available to the membership to assist in any of these areas of responsibility.
The Trustees are elected to office by the members of the local every three (3) years. Trustees, of which there are 3 in each Local, are responsible for supervising the financial affairs fo the Local and performing the annual audit of the Local's finances.
A Local's Delegate position is elected every four (4) years. It is the responsibility of the Delegate to attend the International Convention for the purposes of electing all International and National officers, and considering and voting on matters pertaining to the modification of the Constitution.