PREAMBLE

WHEREAS, God has endowed all individuals with certain inalienable rights, among which are the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and,

WHEREAS, The trend of employers, assisted by combined capital, is to debase labor and deny its lawful and just share of what it produces; and,

WHEREAS, Experience has demonstrated the utility of concentrated effort in arriving at specific ends, and it is an evident fact that if the dignity of labor is to be preserved, it must be done by concerted and united action; and,

WHEREAS, We hold that all individuals are created free and equal, and that honor and merit make the person (and that self-preservation is the first law of nature, and that those who would be free must first strike the blow.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That knowing and looking to the righteousness and justice of our cause, we solemnly bind ourselves (by our most sacred honor) into one union to, by all lawful and just means, better our social and financial condition, by each for all, and all for each, sup- porting each other by influence and finances in all just demands for a fair rate of compensation for our labor, and for reasonable hours of work per day; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we recognize no rule of action or principle that would elevate wealth above industry, or the professional above the working person; that we recognize no distinction in society, except that based upon worth, usefulness and in good order, and no superiority except that granted by the great Architect or our existence; and, calling upon God to witness the rectitude of our intentions, we, the delegates here assembled, confirm and establish the following Constitution.

struction and maintenance of the structure or object.

C. The definitions of the branches of the trade shall be promulgated pursuant to Article XVI, Section E, except that a modification of those definitions shall require approval of all the members of the IU Executive Board and when presented to a Convention or General Board Meeting shall require approval by a two-thirds vote.

ARTICLE III Objects

A. The Objects of the International Union are:
(1) To organize all individuals engaged in work within its jurisdiction for their mutual benefit, aid and protection, through direct organizing activity and by assisting its affiliated Local Unions in their organizing activities;
(2) To promote or establish wages, hours and other working conditions for all such workers;
(3) To promote or establish programs to meet the cost of health care, retirement, unemployment and similar needs of all such workers and their families;
(4) To promote the health, welfare and safety of all such workers and their families;
(5) To promote, foster and develop programs to increase employment opportunities for such workers.
(6) To secure recognition by employers and the public of the right to engage in collective bargaining;
(7) To promote, foster and develop apprentice programs, training programs and other means to advance the skills, efficiency, and working knowledge of its members;
(8) To promote, foster and develop industrial peace and harmonious relations between employees and employers;
(9) To promote, foster and develop harmonious relations with other organizations in the labor movement;
(10) To promote, foster and develop programs which advance the social utility and efficiency of the industries employing its members;
(11) To promote, foster and develop a better understanding by government of the labor movement as a whole;
(12) To engage in legislative activity to promote, foster and develop the physical, economic and social welfare of its members and all other workers, and their families;
(13) To promote, foster and develop the interests of this International and its members as workers by such means as registration, voting, political education and citizenship activities involving its members and their families;
(14) To engage in such educational and research activity as may be appropriate;
(15) To engage in legal activities appropriate for the defense and advancement of the interests of the International, its affiliates and its members;
(16) To promote, foster and develop the trade jurisdiction of this International;
(17) To promote, foster and develop understanding of, and to improve the conditions of life of, the workers of all countries;
(18) To take such other actions as may tend to protect and promote the welfare and interest of this International, its affiliates and its members.

B. The Officers of the International Union and its affiliates shall dedicate themselves to achieving these objects by taking the following Officers Pledge:
"I _________________________ do hereby solemnly pledge that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office as _________________________ of this Union, during the term for which I have been elected, or until my successor is duly elected and installed, that I will support the Constitution of the International Union, and the laws, rules and regulations of this Union, and that I will enforce the laws thereof to the best of my ability without prejudice or partiality."