Section 1. Board of Directors 1.1 Purpose
The Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the Union, entrusted with advancing the mission and values of the Union and providing strategic direction.
The Board provides leadership, accountability, and oversight to ensure that the Union remains transparent, member-driven, and effective in improving the working conditions, rights, and well-being of all represented employees.
Acting collectively, the Board embodies the voice and strength of members across all Regions and bargaining units and guides the Union’s long-term vision and priorities.
1.2 Composition
The Board of Directors shall consist of:
- a. The President;
- b. The Secretary/Treasurer;
- c. The Executive Vice President for Representation; and
- d. Regional Council Representatives elected by the membership as provided below.
Each Region shall elect one (1) Regional Sector Representative for each active sector within the Region to serve on the Board of Directors. Representation shall be limited to sectors with active membership within the Region.
The total number of Regional Council Representatives shall not exceed twenty-five (25).
Each Regional Council Representative shall be elected by members in good standing within their respective Region and sector.
To be eligible to run for Regional Council Representative, an individual must be a current member of a Regional Council.
1.3 Alternates
Each Regional Council Representative position shall include an alternate. The alternate shall be the individual who received the second-highest number of votes in the Regional Council Representative election.
When serving in place of the primary representative, the alternate shall assume the full rights and responsibilities of the position, including voting authority.
1.4 Board Member Responsibilities and Expectations
Board members shall:
- a. Uphold the Bylaws, policies, and principles of the Union;
- b. Participate in required training and development to ensure effective governance and understanding of
their roles and responsibilities;
- c. Act with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to the Union’s mission; and
- d. Support and advance the decisions of the Board once duly made.
1.5 Board Unity and Collective Responsibility
The Board of Directors shall operate as a unified governing body.
Board members are expected to:
- a. Engage in open and respectful discussion during deliberations;
- b. Respect the democratic decision-making process of the Board; and
- c. Publicly support and uphold Board decisions once they are adopted, regardless of individual positions
taken during deliberation.
Board members shall not act in a manner that promotes competing or conflicting agendas that undermine the unity, effectiveness, or credibility of the Union.
1.6 Board Training and Development
Board members shall complete training as required by the Union to ensure competency in governance, fiduciary responsibility, labor relations, and applicable laws.
The content, format, and timing of such training shall be established by the Union through policy.
1.7 Organizing Responsibility
Board members are expected to actively support and participate in the Union’s organizing efforts, including member recruitment, engagement, contract campaigns, and other Union-wide initiatives.
The Union shall provide the necessary training, coordination, and support to enable Board members to effectively carry out these responsibilities.
Specific organizing expectations and goals shall be established through Union policy and programs.
1.8 Powers and Responsibilities
The Board shall:
- a. Oversee the operations and affairs of the Union;
- b. Establish organizational policies and strategic goals;
- c. Approve the annual budget and monitor fiscal integrity; and
- d. Provide guidance and direction to the Executive Committee and staff in carrying out the work of the
Union.
1.9 Meetings
The Board shall meet quarterly, and a quorum is required for decisions.
Board meetings shall be conducted in a manner that promotes effective, orderly, and productive deliberation. Board members are expected to come prepared, review materials in advance, and engage in discussion in good faith.
Items for Board action shall generally be submitted in advance in accordance with Union policy, except in cases of urgent or unforeseen matters.
Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with recognized parliamentary procedure, as adopted by the Union.
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or by a majority of the members of the Board. Notice of any special meeting shall be provided within a reasonable time and in accordance with applicable law and Union policy.
1.10 Quorum
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of the Board, provided that at least two Officers are present.
1.11 Voting
Board members may vote, abstain, or recuse themselves as appropriate, including in cases of conflict of interest.
Voting results shall be recorded and made available to the membership.
1.12 Director Accountability and Removal
The President may take immediate action as outlined below when credible evidence arises that a member of the Board of Directors has:
- a. Failed to attend two (2) or more consecutive Board meetings or perform the duties of the office without
valid excuse;
- b. Abandoned responsibilities by refusing to participate in required duties; or
- c. Engaged in misconduct, malfeasance, or conduct detrimental to the Union;
The President may temporarily suspend or restrict the duties of the Director pending review when such conduct poses an immediate threat to the Union’s integrity, governance, or operations.
The affected Director shall be notified in writing of the action and the reason therefor.
A member-to-member charge shall be initiated and expedited in accordance with Article XVIII, Section 3 of the SEIU Constitution and Bylaws.
The Director shall have the right to respond under those procedures.
Temporary suspension shall remain in effect only as long as necessary to protect the Union and ensure proper resolution.
If the allegations are substantiated, the Director’s position shall be declared vacant and filled in accordance with these Bylaws.
If not substantiated, the Director shall be reinstated immediately.
Section 2. Committees
The President may establish standing, special-purpose, and ad hoc committees as needed.
The President shall appoint members in good standing to all committees, with the concurrence of the Board of Directors. Each committee shall consist of at least three (3) members.
Standing Committees
- a. Organizing Committee
- b. Finance Committee
The Finance Committee shall meet no fewer than two (2) times per year.
Ad Hoc Committees
- a. Representation Committee
- b. Bylaws Committee
- c. Legislative Committee
- d. Classification Committee
- e. Appeals Committee
An Appeals Committee shall be established on an ad hoc basis as needed to hear and decide appeals under these Bylaws.
Section 3. Executive Committee 3.1 Composition
The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Secretary/Treasurer, and Executive Vice President for Representation.
3.2 Authority and Purpose
The Executive Committee is empowered to act on behalf of the Board between meetings in matters requiring immediate attention, consistent with the policies and strategic direction established by the Board. Members of the Executive Committee shall demonstrate leadership in all areas, especially organizing and representation, and shall advance the mission of the Union.
The Executive Committee ensures continuity of Union operations where full Board action is impractical.
Decisions made within delegated authority shall not require subsequent ratification by the Board.
3.3 Meetings and Decision-Making
The Executive Committee may meet in person, electronically, or by teleconference, provided all participants can communicate directly.
The President may conduct electronic polling for non-controversial or time-sensitive matters.
3.4 Accountability and Reporting
The Executive Committee shall provide regular reports to the Board.
Section 4. Campus Structure
4.1 Campus Organization
Each Campus shall maintain a Campus Council to coordinate organizing, representation, and communication across all bargaining units and sectors represented by the Union at that Campus.
The Campus Council shall include:
- a. A Chief Steward;
- b. An Associate Chief Steward; and
- c. One (1) Unit Lead from each bargaining unit present at the Campus, serving in a coordination and
organizing role for their respective unit.
The Chief Steward and Associate Chief Steward shall represent all employees within CSUEU-represented bargaining units at that Campus, including but not limited to Units 2, 5, 7, and 9, employees of auxiliaries and foundations, student assistants, and any additional units that may be organized or affiliated with the Union in the future.
The term of office, nomination process, and election timelines shall be consistent with these Bylaws and the Union’s election policies.
In a single election, voting shall occur for statewide, Regional Council and Campus leadership. The electorate for Campus leadership shall consist of all regular members in good standing at the Campus.
4.2 Campus Council Responsibilities
The Campus Council shall serve as the primary body for organizing, representation, and coordination of Union activity at the Campus level.
The Campus Council shall:
- a. Coordinate representation efforts across bargaining units and sectors;
- b. Support organizing, recruitment, and member engagement;
- c. Facilitate communication between members, stewards, and Union leadership;
- d. Identify and advance Campus-level priorities; and
- e. Ensure alignment with Union-wide strategies, policies, and goals.
The Union shall support Campus Councils through training, resources, and staff assistance to ensure effective organizing and representation.
4.3 Campus Leadership Qualifications
To be eligible for election as Chief Steward or Associate Chief Steward, a member must be in good standing and employed within a bargaining unit at the Campus.
Both positions must have successfully completed the Union’s official Steward Training program prior to being accepted as a nominee for the position.
Additional training requirements may be established by the Executive Vice President for Representation or the Board of Directors.
4.4 Chief Steward
The Chief Steward shall serve as the primary representative of the Campus and shall act as the chair of the Campus Council.
The Chief Steward shall:
- a. Represent Campus members in Union functions and leadership spaces;
- b. Organize regular Campus meetings;
- c. Coordinate Campus-level activities, communications, and meetings;
- d. Support grievance handling and representation in coordination with Union staff and Officers;
- e. Ensure alignment with Union-wide strategies, policies, and goals;
- f. Serve as the primary point of contact between Campus members and Union leadership; and
- g. Delegate duties to appropriate stewards or Union staff as necessary.
4.5 Associate Chief Steward
The Associate Chief Steward shall be an elected position and shall assist the Chief Steward in carrying out their duties.
The Associate Chief Steward shall act in place of the Chief Steward when the Chief Steward is unavailable, absent, suspended, or otherwise unable to serve.
When serving in place of the Chief Steward, the Associate Chief Steward shall assume the full rights and responsibilities of the position.
4.6 Unit Leads
Each bargaining unit present at a Campus shall elect one (1) Unit Lead.
Unit Leads shall be elected by members in good standing within their respective bargaining units at the Campus.
Unit Leads shall:
- a. Represent the interests of their respective bargaining units;
- b. Participate in the Campus Council; and
- c. Support organizing, communication, and representation efforts at the Campus level.
4.7 Vacancies 4.7.1 Chief Steward Vacancy
If the Chief Steward position becomes vacant, the Associate Chief Steward shall assume the role on an interim basis.
A special election shall be held within thirty (30) days to fill the position for the remainder of the term.
4.7.2 Associate Chief Steward Vacancy
If the Associate Chief Steward position becomes vacant, the Campus Council shall select a replacement to serve the remainder of the term.
4.8 Recall of Elected Positions
The Chief Steward and Associate Chief Steward may be recalled by the membership upon submission of a petition signed by at least five percent (5%) of members in good standing at the Campus.
A recall election shall be held within thirty (30) days of receipt of a valid petition.
4.9 Trusteeship
4.9.1 General Authority
A Trusteeship may be imposed by the Executive Committee to ensure the continued representation of members, the proper administration of Union affairs, or the protection of the Union’s integrity and assets at the Campus level.
Trusteeship is intended as a measure to stabilize, support, and restore effective leadership and operations, and shall not be used as a punitive action.
4.9.2 Trusteeship Due to Vacancies
In circumstances where vacancies or the absence of effective leadership impairs the ability of a Campus to function, the Executive Committee may appoint a Trustee to support or assume Campus operations.
The Trustee may be appointed from within or outside the affected Campus and shall assume authority necessary to restore effective representation, communication, and administration.
The Trusteeship shall remain in effect only as long as necessary to restore functioning Campus leadership and shall conclude upon the successful election and transition of new leaders.
4.9.3 Trusteeship Due to Sustained Membership Decline
A Trusteeship may be considered when a Campus demonstrates a sustained decline in membership that materially impacts the Union’s ability to effectively represent members, maintain organizational stability, or carry out its mission.
In evaluating such conditions, the Executive Committee may consider membership levels, including where membership falls below seventy-five percent (75%) of eligible employees, as one of several indicators, but no single metric shall be determinative.
The Executive Committee shall consider the duration and trend of membership changes, as well as external factors such as layoffs, restructuring, or other conditions beyond the control of the Campus.
Prior to the imposition of a Trusteeship under this subsection, the Union shall make reasonable, good- faith efforts to support the Campus through organizing assistance, training, staffing support, and coordination.
Where a Trusteeship is imposed under this subsection, it shall be for the purpose of restoring effective representation, rebuilding membership strength, and supporting sustainable leadership at the Campus.
4.9.4 Trusteeship Due to Misconduct or Malfeasance
When credible allegations of misconduct, malfeasance, or actions detrimental to the Union arise, the Executive Committee may temporarily suspend or restrict the duties of affected Campus leadership and may implement Trusteeship pending review.
Such temporary action shall be taken only when the Executive Committee determines that the alleged conduct poses an immediate threat to the Union’s interests, reputation, or operations.
Affected individuals shall be notified in writing of the action and the reasons therefor.
Appropriate disciplinary procedures shall be initiated and expedited in accordance with Article III of these Bylaws.
Trusteeship under this subsection shall continue only as long as necessary to protect the Union and ensure proper resolution of the matter.
For purposes of this Section, “misconduct” shall include conduct as defined under the SEIU Constitution and Bylaws and any applicable Union policies.
4.10 Campus Stewards
Campus stewards shall support representation, organizing, and advocacy efforts at the Campus level.
4.11 Role of Campus Structure
The Campus structure is intended to support organizing, member engagement, and representation.
The Campus Council shall not function as a governing body of the Union but as a coordinating body aligned with Union-wide strategy and direction.
Section 5. Regional Councils
5.1 Purpose
Regional Councils shall serve as coordinating bodies for the Union within defined geographic Regions, as follows:
• Region 1 o Humboldt, Chico, Sacramento, Sonoma • Region 2 o East Bay, San Francisco, Stanislaus, San Jose, Monterey Bay • Region 3 o Fresno, Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, Channel Islands • Region 4 o Northridge, Pomona, Los Angeles, Dominguez Hills, Chancellors Office • Region 5 o San Bernardino, Fullerton, San Marcos, San Diego
Regional Councils exist to strengthen communication, alignment, organizing, and representation across Campuses and bargaining units within each Region.
5.2 Composition
Each Region shall establish a Regional Council composed of:
- a. Regional Sector Representatives elected by the membership withok, in the Region and sector; and
- b. Campus Chief Stewards from Campuses located within the Region.
Seat allocation and additional members or representatives shall be determined by Union policy.
5.3 Responsibilities
Regional Councils shall:
- a. Coordinate organizing, representation, and communication efforts across Campuses within the
Region;
- b. Facilitate collaboration among bargaining units and Campus Councils;
- c. Identify regional priorities and elevate them to the Board of Directors;
- d. Support the implementation of Union-wide strategies and campaigns; and
- e. Provide a forum for leadership development and member engagement within the Region.
5.4 Authority
Regional Councils shall function as coordinating and advisory bodies and shall not exercise independent governing authority over the Union.
All governance authority shall remain with the Board of Directors as defined in these Bylaws.
5.5 Meetings
Regional Councils shall meet regularly as determined by the needs of the Region and in accordance with Union policy.
Meetings may be conducted in person, virtually, or through a combination of methods that facilitate participation.
5.6 Representation and Alignment
Representation shall be limited to sectors with active membership within the Region.
For purposes of Regional Council representation, sectors may include:
- a. Bargaining Units 2, 5, 7, and 9;
- b. Bargaining Unit 15;
- c. Auxiliary organizations;
- d. University of California units; and
- e. Community College units.
Regional Sector Representatives shall serve as the primary link between the Regional Councils and the Board of Directors.
Regional Councils shall support and inform the work of the Board by ensuring that regional and sector perspectives are effectively communicated.