Working Women into the Borderlands

Appendix Three: Selected Estatutos (By-Laws) and Artículos of the Unión de Obreras “Fraternidad Femenil” (Xicotencatl, Tamaulipas)

Appendix Three Selected Estatutos (By-Laws) and Artículos of the Unión de Obreras “Fraternidad Femenil” (Xicotencatl, Tamaulipas) To the Junta de Conciliación y Arbitraje, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas (Citing Article 109 from La Ley del Trabajo) . . . we attach the document that is required. Primer Acta In the Villa of Xicotencatl on September 23, 1924, at three o’clock in the afternoon a group of twenty female workers came together in the home of Antero Morales. In the compañero’s house on Hidalgo number 37 we agreed to organize ourselves in a Unión de Obreras . . . seeing the years of slavery to which the oppressed class has been subjected up to this day. We seek moral and intellectual betterment for its members. Having agreed that it will carry the name of Unión de Obreras “Fraternidad Femenil,” we adopt our slogan, “Liberty and Emancipation,” followed by the appointment of the executive committee made up by four members: General Secretary, Miss María de la Luz Ysaguirre Secretary of the Interior, Mrs. Eulalia González Secretary of the Exterior, Mrs. Juana J. de Hernández Secretary of Treasury, Miss Encarnación Vega This was followed by the majority of votes agreeing to hold the sessions on Thursdays and pay ten centavos as our dues. Being that there were no other pending issues we concluded the meeting at five p.m. Colleagues, we also have the honor of informing you that on the fifth of the present month it was concluded that our Cooperativa Agrícola was formed, and hope that while you are in office, you will continue to support us and hope for the success of this cooperativa. Having met all legal requirements we respectfully submit, 152 • Verso Runninghead “Liberty and Emancipation” Xicotencatl, Tamaulipas, August 11, 1925 the Executive Committee General Secretary Secretary of the Treasury María de la Luz Ysaguirre María Ynocencia Vega Capítulo Primero Foundations for the Unión de Obreras “Fraternidad Femenil,” Xicotencatl Article One It is determined that for the formation of the Cooperativa the quantity of 2,000 pesos in oro nacional will serve as the basis. . . . Its 200 . . . socias who constitute this organization will pay two pesos biweekly. Article Two . . . Each member cannot hold more than six shares. Article Three The organization’s capital can be increased with new members and reduced if there is a death or expulsion of a member. . . . Article Four Both the admission and expulsion of a member will be resolved by a general assembly made up of the shareholders. . . . Capítulo Segundo On the admission, retirement, and expulsion of the members Article Ten In order to be admitted as a member of the society it is required of the member to leave any job that is in conflict with the goals of the organization. . . . Article Eleven Every member who does not cover the dues will be dismissed by the board of Directors. . . . Article Twelve A member could also be excluded when she fails to follow through with her contractual obligations. As a member and a worker belonging to the organization, even 152 • Appendix Three Recto Runninghead • 153 if she remains as a volunteer . . . she has an obligation to contribute her personal labor for the good of the organization. . . . Article Thirteen In case of voluntary retirement . . . the organization will reimburse the expenses incurred for handing over their shares. . . . reimbursement will remain in the organization ’s treasury until it is verified and approved. . . . Article Fourteen In case of separation by death or voluntary retirement, her heirs and beneficiaries will only have the rights to the amount of the shares in the form and terms set in the previous article. Article Fifteen No member can retire before six months after their admission. Capítulo Tercero From the assembly Article Seventeen The general assembly of shareholders will take place on ordinary and extraordinary bases . . . every year, in the board of directors [hall]; except in case that the final part of the article is required, one or other assemblies should come together at least eight days in advance. . . . All should be notified sufficiently in advance and be informed of date and hour . . . for consideration and resolution by the assembly. Article Eighteen The shareholders should identify themselves as such to the audience in the assembly , stating their title. . . . Article Nineteen In order for a general assembly to take place there should be present at least half and one...