Masonry Magazine April 1971 Page. 9
HOW DO THEY DO THIS?
Generally, the local union or MCAA representative would informally discuss with his fellow officers the need for IMI support and possible establishment of a coordinated local fund and program if none exists. With favorable reaction from his group, he would then arrange an informal discussion with officers of the other group.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
Arrangements should next be made for the proposal to be submitted to the joint Negotiation Committee. Negotiations can be opened at anytime when both parties are mutually agreeable. In the case of IMI, there should be prior mutual agreement that only the IMI proposal will be discussed and acted upon.
SHOULD LEGAL COUNSEL BE CONSULTED?
Yes. In establishing a local Trustees/Advisors body to govern the handling of funds collected for IMI, and for any local promotion fund and program, there are city, state, and federal regulations, taxes, liability insurance, and bonds to be taken into consideration for the protection of all concerned. Local legal counsel familiar with these regulations and local trusts should be consulted prior to renewing or amending the local agreement to establish a trust. The parties should also consult the national offices of BM&PIU and MCAA for guidance.
IS THERE A STANDARD AGREEMENT OR GUIDELINE AVAILABLE AS REFERENCE?
Yes. IMI can provide a sample agreement for use when a new contract is being negotiated. If one was recently completed, and it is necessary to reopen negotiation with an amendment, a sample amendment statement is available from IMI.
WHO HANDLES LOCAL COLLECTIONS, ACCOUNTING, AND DISPATCH OF FUNDS TO IMI?
There are several ways this can be done depending upon the local situation. For example:
(a) where there is a local promotion fund and program in existence, headed by a paid staff person, appointed volunteer, or other responsible individual, an additional 14 an hour for IMI should be negotiated in addition to the existing local amount and funneled through existing channels to the IMI national office,
(b) in metropolitan areas where no local promotion fund and program exists, IMI encourages creation of such, the appointment of a responsible individual, paid or otherwise, to supervise it and inclusion of the le an hour provision for IMI, in addition to the local fund support; if the number of workers in the metropolitan area does not make this financially feasible, consideration should be given to an alliance with other nearby cities for a regional or perhaps a statewide effort,
(c) where this is not possible, for example in a rural area or smaller city, IMI participation can be achieved by negotiating an additional 14 for IMI and having these funds funneled through existing fringe benefit channels; for example in conjunction with collection and accounting procedures set up for health and welfare plans, pensions, vacation funds, etc.
WHEN FUNDS ARE READY FOR DISPATCH TO IMI THROUGH ANY OF THE SUGGESTED ARRANGEMENTS, WHERE SHOULD THEY BE SENT?
All checks submitted to the local responsible official by mason contractors, ideally, should be converted to one check for the entire amount and then sent to the national IMI office. If this is not possible, each check should be endorsed over to IMI by the responsible local person and then sent to the national IMI office. In both cases, a cover letter indicating the total amount, the name of the local fund, the official's name and address, etc., should be attached.
Checks should be made out and sent to:
INTERNATIONAL MASONRY INSTITUTE
823 15th St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel: (202) 783-3908