✅ Lesson 3 Summary — Key Takeaways

Our own constitutions turn the federal floor into specific, usable rights:

• Active members hold a full set of rights — vote, be nominated for and hold office, and serve as a delegate (Article V).
• “Good standing” just means current on your dues. Fall three months behind and you’re automatically suspended until reinstated — reversible, and not a disciplinary charge (Articles V and XII).
• Your voice in meetings is guaranteed — and members can even force a special meeting, not just wait for one (Article VI).
• Your vote is protected and secret, and with continuous good standing you can run for office yourself (Article IX).
• You have a right to know — to read the contract and to see how your dues are spent (Article VII; federal law; deeper detail in ST100).

Next, Lesson 4 covers the harder moment: what happens, and what your rights are, when the union brings internal discipline or an investigation — and where to get help.