CTA BYLAWS - ARTICLE X, CHAPTERS (LOCALS)
SECTION 1 - Definition of Chapter (Local)
A chapter (local) is the basic unit of self-governance within the Association. It may be organized in a manner which comprises any compatible unit and complies with the minimum standards of chartering. (Adopted January 1976, Amended January 1998)
SECTION 2 - Purposes of Chapters (Locals).
The purposes for which chapters (locals) are organized shall include: (Amended January 1998)
a. Maintain and extend loyalty to the Association. (Amended January 1998)
b. Make available to members the services of the Association. (Amended January 1998)
c. Provide communication between the Association and its members. (Amended June 1971, January 1998)
d. Create opportunities at the local level for individual members to participate in the initiation and development of policy for the Association. (Amended January 1998)
e. Serve, as far as practicable, as the basis upon which representation to the State Council of Education and the Service Center Councils shall be determined. (Amended April 1960, June 1971, (January 1998)
f. Seek recognition or certification and provide representation for employees in matters relating to wages, hours of employment, health and welfare benefits, leave and transfer policies, safety conditions of employment, class size, procedures to be used for evaluation of employees, organizational security, processing grievances, educational objectives, course content and curriculum, and the selection of textbooks. (Amended May 1976, January 1998)
SECTION 3 - Unified Dues Requirements.
A chapter of the Association shall require that anyone admitted to Active membership in the chapter must also become a member of the Association and of the National Education Association through payment of membership dues. The chapter shall be responsible for payment and transmittal of dues to the Association on a timely basis (Adopted May 1975, Amended January 1998)
SECTION 4 - Rights of Active Members in Chapters (Locals)
Each chapter (local) shall guarantee its Active members an open nomination procedure and a secret ballot. No chapter shall discriminate against its Active members in their right to vote, seek office, or otherwise participate in the affairs of the chapter, the Association, or the NEA. Chapters with members in multi-track, year-round schools shall develop specific provisions to ensure that all members are afforded the right to participate in chapter, Association, and NEA activities. (Adopted January 1976, Amended January 1991, January 1998)
SECTION 5. Protection of Chapter Integrity.
The Association may establish a trusteeship over an affiliated chapter. (Adopted June 1993, Amended January 1998)
a. A trusteeship may be established and administered for the purpose of correcting corruption or financial malpractice, assuring the performance of collective bargaining agreements or other duties of a bargaining representative, restoring democratic procedures, or otherwise carrying out the legitimate objects of the Association.
b. The Board of Directors will adopt such rules and procedures as may be necessary to implement this Section. Those rules and procedures define the steps required to initiate, establish modify, and terminate trusteeships; delineate the powers and duties of trustees; and include a process for appealing actions of the Board of Directors – establishing, retaining, modifying or lifting trusteeship – to the State Council of Education for final adjudication. (Amended January 1998
SECTION 6 - Rules Governing Chapters (Locals).
The qualification, process of chartering and revoking charters, financial obligations, privileges and duties, and process of suspension or expulsion of chapter (locals) shall be as set forth in the Standing Rules of the Association. (Amended January 1976, January 1998)
SECTION 7 - Restrictions upon Merger.
No chapter affiliated by the Association as a governance affiliate shall enter into a merger requiring affiliation with any other organization, or the payment of dues either by individual members or by the chapter to any other organization, whenever such other organization is not affiliated with or by the Association. (Adopted February 1981)