This is the complete text of the proposal to change the PTG membership requirements, to be decided on by Council, as it appears in the Council Agenda Book.

Proposal #6: Membership Application Procedures
Submitted by: Board

Amend Bylaws and Regulations and Codes as follows:

Bylaws, Article V, Section E delete entire existing section.

Amend Regulations & Codes, Article III, Section A by adding the following wording and renumbering subsequent section accordingly:

Article III, Section A—Application

1. Application fee shall be $150 and is nonrefundable. The Chapter’s portion of the processing fee shall be $75 and is non-refundable.

2. Applications from former PTG members will be processed in accordance with the provisions laid out in the Disciplinary Code. DS. Section 2)

3. Criteria for denying PTG new member applications.

a. Falsification of information on the application form.

b. Refusal to sign the application agreement to abide by the PTG Code of Ethics.

c. Failure to submit appropriate fees and dues.

d. Incidents during former membership involving misuse or abuse of PTG supplies, equipment or funds.

e. Incidents involving misuse of PTG logos and emblems.

f. Advertisement of PTG membership as a non-member.

4.  Upon completion of the application process, the PTG Home Office shall notify the applicant. The dues bill, pro-rated from the beginning of the month shall be sent, payable within 30 days. Following receipt of pro-rated dues, a PTG membership number shall be assigned.

Amend Article III, Section A by replacing the current text with the following:

1.   All applicants shall complete an official PTG Membership Application Form and submit it alone with the application fee to the Home Office.

2.  The home office shall send a copy of the application and the chapter’s portion of the application fee to the appropriate chapter which shall constitute official notice to the chapter.

3.  The local chapter shall contact the Home Office regarding any objections to the application. In order to be considered, such notice of objection (see Regulations. Article III. Section A) shall be received by the Home Office within 60 days of receipt of the original application by the Home Office.

Board Comments: The proposal would set uniform organization-wide procedures for joining the Piano Technicians Guild; we have repeatedly been told that we must have such uniformity in order to be in compliance with the antitrust laws.
The proposal imposes new membership requirements, including the payment of a higher application fee. The proposal sets uniform criteria by which chapters may evaluate their new applicants.

The proposal allows the home office to take applications,
both to ensure access to the organization by all those qualified to join,
and to be able to begin taking online applications, which has become expected in the modem world.

Bylaws Committee Comments: We feel this proposal will fill the need PTG has for uniformity in its application procedures and will allow PTG to be in compliance with antitrust laws. This committee has researched aspects of this issue for the last three years and have come to understand the legal requirements, ramifications and limitations our organization faces in moving into compliance with the law. The Chair of the Bylaws Committee attended the Mid Year Board meeting to assist the Board in developing this proposal. We recognize that some procedures may need to be addressed as this new process is implemented but these “growing pains” are to be expected and can be addressed as they arise. The Bylaws Committee recommends adoption.