Constitution of the
Graphic Communications International Union

Preamble

This International Union is part of and dedicated to the trend toward the formation of one Union in the graphic communications industry, and is predicated upon the long recognized need of those who work in our industry for the establishment of a united force, free from divisive conflict, to accomplish the organization of all workers within its authority, to advance the economic and other interests of all members, to safeguard, enhance, and insure their job security, to enlarge upon their opportunities, and to provide in every respect their continuing full share of reward in the growth and expansion of the graphic communications industry to which they contribute so substantially in the commitment of their working lives.
The International Union shall seek, in unity, and with all of the resources at its command, to realize the highest aspirations of its members as workers and as citizens. it deems such realization to be their right, and it shall protect that right against all threats of impairment from any source.
The International Union is dedicated to the the discharge of its responsibilities and the achievement of its objectives in accordance with the democratic principles, processes, and traditions which are embodied in this Constitution. As its basic charter, this Constitution establishes the International and the organic law governing its operation.
This Constitution is framed in two major parts. Part I embraces the provisions relating primarily to the structure, government and operations of the International as an organization of the entire membership.

Section 1: Name and Origin

This organization shall be known as the Graphic Communications International Union. It is established as the result of the merger of the Graphic Arts International Union and the International Printing and Graphic Communications Union. (The Graphic Arts International Union was the result of the merger of the Amalgamated Lithographers of American and the International Photo-Engravers Union in 1964, and the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders in 1972. The International Printing and Graphic Communications Union was the result of merger of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants Union of North America and the International Stereotypers and Electrotypers Union in 1973.)

Section 2: Location

The principal office and headquarters of the Graphic Communications International Union will be located in Washington, D.C., subject to the authority of the General Board, as specified in Article VIII, Section 1.

Section 3: Objectives

The objectives of the International Union shall be:

• a. to unite all workers, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex or age, eligible for membership, employed within its jurisdiction.
• b. to advance and extend the economic and other welfare interest of its members, including their job security and job opportunities by the establishment and implementation of laws and policies designed to accomplish such results and by continued improvement in the terms of collective bargaining agreements.
• c. to establish and regulate sound systems of apprenticeship so that high standards of workmanship may be maintained, and to create training and educational programs for its members in respect to new and advanced techniques and processes so that they may adapt to changing technologies and maintain and improve their skills and job proficiency.
• d. to establish and continue plans, programs and special funds covering and relating to the health and welfare, pension and mortuary needs of its members, and in cases of unemployment (whether due to strikes, lockouts, or otherwise) to protect, promote, and advance the welfare and interests of its members by such other actions consistent with the Constitution, as may be necessary and appropriate.
• e. to engage in legislative, political, civic, social, and other activities to promote and safeguard the well-being of the membership and their dependents.
• f. to act as an agency for the distribution of job opportunities and to establish and support programs to provide full employment for its members.

email: gciu@igc.org