LabNet - Constitution

  1. The title of the association shall be 'LabNet - European Labour History Network'.
  2. The object of the association is to further the study of labour history in Europe. The association regards as Labour history the history of the working classes, including, but not limited to their organisations.
  3. Membership is open to all who wish to support the object of the association and who pay the membership fee. The membership fee shall be determined from time to time by the Executive Committee and agreed by the General Meeting. The General Meeting can decide that the membership is free.
  4. The Executive Council of the association shall consist of a Chairperson, secretary and treasurer and as many more persons as the General Meeting shall see fit to elect.
  5. It shall be the duty of the Executive Council to carry out the instructions of the General Meeting to the best of its ability. Between General Meetings the Executive Council shall have authority to act on behalf of the association and initiate action which it considers to be in the interests of the association. It shall also have power to co-opt members. It shall further have power to constitute sub-committees for specific purposes.
  6. The members of the Executive Council shall be elected at the General Meeting. Any member can nominate candidates before or during the General Meeting. The names of candidates proposed by the Executive Council or by one or more members at least three months before the General Meeting shall be made known to the members with the invitation for the General Meeting. All persons nominated must give the secretary written or verbal assurances of readiness to stand for office.
  7. There shall be a General Meeting held normally in conjunction with the bi-annual meeting of the association. The association shall notify all members in writing in advance of the time and place of the General Meeting, and shall include a copy of the Agenda and of any proposed Amendments to the Constitution. All members shall have the right to attend and vote.
  8. The association may be dissolved by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting at an Extraordinary General Meeting convened for the purpose for which 60 days notice shall have been given to members. Such resolution shall give instructions for the disposal of any assets held by or in the name of the association.
  9. The Executive Council may consult the membership by post or electronic mail in between General Meetings.

(Adopted Amsterdam, 18 February 1997)