By-laws of CUPE Local 3338, Simon Fraser University
PROLOGUE – EQUALITY STATEMENT……………………………………………………..2
A. NAME:..........................................................................................................……….2
B. OBJECTIVES:.............................................................................................……........2
C. MEMBERSHIP:.....................................................................................................….2
D. LOCAL OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE BOARD:...............................................................……….3
E. ELECTION OF OFFICERS & EXEC. BOARD & COMMITTEES:...........................................……3
F. DUTIES OF OFFICERS, EXEC. BOARD, & OFFICE STAFF:...............................................…..5
G. DUTIES OF COMMITTEES:.....................................................................................……6
H. VACANCIES IN LOCAL OFFICERS POSITIONS:...........................................................…..7
I. RECALL:..............................................................................................................….8
J. MEETINGS:.........................................................................................................…..8
K. DUES AND FINANCES:..........................................................................................…10
L. APPROVAL OF CONTRACTS:...................................................................................…10
M. STRIKES AND LOCK-OUTS:...................................................................................…11
N. DISCIPLINE:.........................................................................................................11
O. PROCEDURE:........................................................................................................11
P. REPRESENTATION AT OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS:.....................................................…..12
Q. STIPENDS…………………...............................…………………………………………………………………….12
Appendix “A”
A. ELECTIONS OF DELEGATES TO OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS:...............................................….12
B. EXPENSES OF DELEGATES TO OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS:....................................................12
C. DELEGATES’ RESPONSIBILITIES...............................................................................13
PROLOGUE – EQUALITY STATEMENT
Union solidarity is based on the principle that union members are equal and deserve mutual respect at all levels. Any behaviour that creates conflict prevents us from working together to strengthen our union.
As unionists, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We should neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic or homophobic hurts and thereby divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of ability, age, class, religion and ethnic origin.
Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue or humiliate. Harassment should not be treated as a joke. The uneasiness and resentment that it creates are not feelings that help us grow as a union.
Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different; and they reduce our capacity to work together on shared concerns such as decent wages, safe working conditions, and justice in the workplace, society and in our union.
CUPE’s policies and practices must reflect our commitment to equality. Members, staff and elected officers must be mindful that all sisters and brother deserve dignity, equality and respect.
- adopted by CUPE National, Nov. 2001
A. NAME:
This Local shall be known by name as “The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local No. 3338 (SFU)” and shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Local.”
B: OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of the Local shall be the same as those provided in Article II, section 2.1 of the C.U.P.E. Constitution.
C: MEMBERSHIP:
Application for membership in the Local shall be made in writing and may be accepted from the applicant by a Local Officer or designated authority. Each person signing an application for membership and paying the initiation fee will thereby agree to comply with the aims, principles, and policies of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
The initiation fee of this Local shall be five dollars ($5.00) for each person wishing to become a member except in the case where the laws or regulations of the Provincial or the laws or regulations of the Federal government require a lesser or larger initiation fee, in which case the provisions of the laws and regulations shall apply, instead of and in place of the By-law requirement..
D: LOCAL OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE BOARD:
1. As reference the C.U.P.E. Constitution B. 2.1 the Officers of the Local shall include the following: President, two (2) Vice-Presidents, Secretary-Treasurer, Recording-Secretary, two (2) Sergeants-at-Arm, and three (3) Trustees. In addition to the above, there shall also be two (2) Members-at-Large.
2. As reference the C.U.P.E. Constitution B. 2.2 the Local shall have an Executive Board consisting of the President, two (2) Vice-Presidents, Secretary-Treasurer, Recording Secretary, the two (2) Members at Large, and two (2) Sergeants-at-Arm. It will also include the Chief Steward, and the Chairperson of the following committees: the Contract Committee, the Communications Committee, the Union Safety Committee, the Pension/Retirement Committee, the Education Committee, and the Division Steward for each of the Divisions. The Trustees shall not be members of the Executive Board.
E: ELECTION OF LOCAL OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE BOARD, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
1. The Local Officers’ terms of office shall be for two (2) years, from April 1 to March 31, except for the Treasurer whose term of office shall be for two (2) years, from May 1 to April 30.
2. At the first election of officers in the Local the Trustees shall be elected so that one shall serve for a period of three years, one for two years and one for one year. Each year thereafter the Local Union shall elect one (1) Trustee for a three-year period or, in the case of vacancies occurring, elect Trustees to fill only the expired terms in order to preserve overlapping terms of office. Their terms shall run for three years from April 1 to March 31.
3. A nominee for any office must be a member in good standing of the Local. No person shall hold the same Local Office for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
4. The nomination of Local Officers shall commence at the regular monthly meeting in February and close at the regular monthly meeting in March.
5. Election of Local Officers President, two (2) Vice-Presidents, Secretary-Treasurer, Recording Secretary, two (2) Members-at-Large, two (2) Sergeants-at-Arm, and three (3) Trustees shall be by referendum vote.
The form of referenda for such elections shall be determined by a membership vote at the close of nominations. The form of vote shall be either a polling station or mail-out ballot. At least fourteen (14) days prior notice of the election shall be given to the membership. The person receiving the largest number of votes in any election shall stand elected. Where only one (1) person stands for a position, a “yes” or “no” vote shall be canvassed: a majority of “yes” votes is required to stand elected.
6. The two (2) Sergeants-at-Arm shall be responsible for the fair conduct of the balloting in all Local elections and shall be responsible for referenda.
In the event that a Sergeant-at-Arms is running for office and is therefore not available to act as a returning officer, the Local Executive shall appoint a returning officer accordingly. No member running for office shall be eligible to act as a returning officer in that election.
Each candidate will be allowed one (1) scrutineer at the ballot count and at each polling station. The results of the vote will be announced as soon as possible after the election.
7. Any protest alleging “unfair ballot” or other irregularities must be presented in writing to the Recording Secretary of the Local within seven (7) days of the results of the vote being announced. Upon receipt of such protest the Local Executive shall meet and if the protest is upheld another vote shall be conducted.
All ballots and voting lists shall be held by the Union Office for seven (7) calendar days following the election.
8. Each office or group of from approximately 5 to 20 members shall elect one (1) Shop Steward; elections to be held at least once annually.
9. Each of the Local’s Divisions shall hold an October election meeting for the purpose of electing a Division Steward who shall serve as a member of the Local Executive Committee and the Local Grievance Committee. Each Division shall also elect an alternate Division Steward who shall fulfill the duties of the Division Steward in his/her absence. At their discretion, members of a Division may elect an Executive Steward and a Grievance Steward to share the responsibilities of the position of Division Steward. The Division Steward shall be responsible for keeping a current membership list of all offices or groups within the Division, and for ensuring that each group is represented by a Shop Steward. In the event that a Division Steward is recalled or resigns, a by-election to fill the vacancy will take place at a meeting of the members within the Division, following two week’s notice.
Each of the Local’s Divisions shall hold an October election meeting for the purpose of electing one (1) member who shall serve on the Communications Committee, one (1) member who shall serve on the Union Safety Committee, one (1) member who shall serve on the Union Pension/Retirement Committee, one (1) member who shall serve on the Education Committee, and one (1) member who will serve on the Job Description Committee, as well as one (1) alternate for each position, who shall serve in the elected member’s absence.
In the event that a Division Steward or Divisional representative to a committee is recalled or resigns, a by-election to fill the vacancy will take place at a meeting of the members within the Division, following two week’s notice.
10. The Communications Committee, Pension/Retirement Committee, Education Committee, Contract Committee, Apprceiation/Fundraising Committee, and Safety Committee shall each elect from among its members a Chairperson to serve on the Local Executive, as well as an alternate who shall serve in the Chairperson’s absence.
The Stewards shall meet annually in March to elect from among themselves a Chief Steward, who will serve as Chairperson of the Grievance Committee and serve on the Local Executive Committee, as well as an alternate who shall serve in the Chief Steward’s absence.
In the event that a Chairperson of any of these committees is recalled or resigns, a by-election to fill the vacancy will take place at a meeting of the members within each committee, following two week’s notice.
Where a position falls vacant on any one of the above committees for a period longer than thirty (30) working days, the position may be filled by a majority vote at the General Membership Meeting after due notice is given.
11. The Chief Steward; the Chairpersons of the Contract Committee, Communication Committee, Union Safety Committee, Pension/Retirement Committee, Education Committee; the Division Steward for each Division and the alternates for all of these positions, shall be confirmed as members of the Executive Board by a majority of unspoiled ballots cast at the next General Membership Meeting following their election by their constituent bodies.
12. Designation of Divisions and assignment of offices or groups to a Division may be altered from time to time by a majority vote at a General Membership meeting, following two (2) weeks notice.
13. The Local’s representatives to the following committees (Joint Revaluation Appeal Committee, University Food Services Committee, Modified Work Week Joint Committee, Joint Working Conditions Committee, and the Joint Parking Appeals Committee, as well as the Union Day Care Representative, New Employees Representative and the Women’s Centre Board Representative) shall represent the interests of the Union; shall report regularly to the membership; shall not make any policy decisions without membership approval; and shall not withhold any information regarding the committees’ work from any member.
Election for Union representatives on these committees shall be held annually. At least fourteen (14) days prior notice of the election shall be given to the membership. Nominations will open either at a General Membership meeting, via the Union newsletter, or via Union e-mail. Nominations will close and the elections will be held at General Membership meetings. These representatives may be recalled following the procedure for recall of Local Officers. In the event that any of these representatives is recalled or resigns, a by-election to fill the vacancy will take place by majority vote at a General Membership meeting, following two (2) weeks notice.
14. Elections for Union representatives on the Contract Committee will be held no later than six (6) months prior to the expiry of the collective agreement. At least fourteen (14) days prior notice of the election shall be given to the membership. Nominations will open either at a General Membership meeting or via the Union newsletter or via Union e-mail. Nominations will close and the elections will be held at General Membership meetings. The Local shall elect three (3) Contract Committee representatives, one (1) alternate (the alternate shall be the nominee with the least number of votes), and one(1) recording secretary for bargaining. If a recording secretary for bargaining is not elected, one will be appointed by the Local Executive Board. These representatives may be recalled following the procedure for recall of Local Officers.
15. No candidate may be elected to any office who is not present at the nominating meeting unless written consent to serve in the office if elected is presented to the officer presiding over that meeting at the time of nomination.
F. DUTIES OF THE LOCAL OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS, & OFFICE STAFF:
1. The local President shall preside at all meetings of the Local and the Local Executive, and shall be a member ex-officio of all committees and of all Divisions, and shall be responsible for co-ordination between the Committees and Divisions and the Executive. She/he shall perform such other duties as are consistent with the C.U.P.E. Constitution B.3.1.
2. The Vice-Presidents shall assist the President, and shall assume the authority and duties of the President in her/his absence, as per the C.U.P.E. constitution B.3.2. Where two (2) Vice-Presidents are duly elected, they shall be designated as “1st” and “2nd” Vice-President, by majority vote at an Executive meeting, with the “2nd Vice-President” serving in the absence of the “1st Vice-President”.
3. The Recording-Secretary, as per the C.U.P.E. Constitution B.3.3., shall be responsible for taking accurate minutes of meetings of the Local and of the Local Executive and for making available to the Communications Committee all pertinent decisions. She/he may be responsible for official correspondence as directed by the Local membership or by the Local Executive.
4. The Secretary-Treasurer shall maintain accurately and properly such bookkeeping systems as shall be set up under the instruction of the Local Executive and as shall be consistent with the provisions of C.U.P.E. Constitution B.3.4. to B.3.9. She/he shall present financial statements at each membership meeting, and shall circulate an audited financial report to the Local Executive no later than May 31 of each year. This report shall be presented to the membership no later than the June General Membership meeting.
5. The Trustees shall audit the books of the Secretary-Treasurer and shall exercise general supervision over the property of the Local as is consistent with the National Constitution B.3.10 to B.3.12.
6. The Sergeants-at-Arm shall be responsible for the fair conduct of balloting in all Local elections, and shall act as the Returning Officers for all Local referenda. They shall assist the President (or designated Chairperson) in counting votes at all General Membership meetings, and shall eject any noncompliant members requested to leave any meeting of the Local by the Chairperson.
7. The Members-at-Large shall serve as liaison between the General Membership and the Executive. They shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board from time to time.
8. The elected officers shall normally assume their duties of office within seven (7) days after the results of the balloting have been announced, unless a protest is lodged under Section E.9 above.
9. The Business Agent shall co-ordinate the union offices, union business and union committees. The Business Agent is responsible for assisting in the interpretation, administration, and negotiation of the collective agreements between Local 3338 and the employers for each unit of the Local. She/he represents the Local in all dealings with the employers for each unit of the Local. She/he represents the Local in all dealings with the employers; provides information to members to ensure adherence to the contracts; advises members on policy and procedures; assists members in all disputes; provides representation to members in matters pertaining to the collective agreements; represents the Local in matters of interest between the employers and the Local not directly covered by collective agreements; displays knowledge of the trade union movement and the trade union perspective in dealing with members, the employers, C.U.P.E., judicial officials, the media, and the general public. She/he attends all Executive, Membership, Grievance and Contract Committee meetings; acts as the interim representative or alternate on committees that are mandated in the collective agreements or by legislation; may act as the Chair of committees in the absence of the Chairperson; supervises the Office Assistant position. She/he shall also be responsible for other duties as assigned by the Local Executive.
10. All cheques issued by the Local shall require the signature of the Secretary-Treasurer and one of the following: President, Vice-President or Recording-Secretary. When the Secretary-Treasurer is unavailable in the case of illness or vacation, or if this position is unfilled, any two (2) of the following may sign: President, Vice-President or Recording-Secretary.
Legal documents shall be signed by the Local President or Business Agent.
11. No agreements shall be entered into by a Local Officer or Committee member which change any terms or provisions of an existing labour agreement unless approval has been granted for such action by the membership of the bargaining unit to which the collective agreement applies.
G. DUTIES OF COMMITTEES:
1. The Communications Committee shall be responsible for all communications, including a Local Newsletter, notices of meetings, and communication of important decisions to the membership.
2. The Contract Committee shall be responsible for researching and presenting all contract proposals to the membership for discussion; for all negotiations with the University on behalf of the Local; and for reporting to and educating the Local Executive and the membership.
3. The Grievance Committee shall be responsible for ensuring the rights of individual members on the job are respected, and for representing the interests of individual members in respect to their working conditions.
4. The Education Committee shall be responsible for researching and providing for the needs of the membership regarding labour education courses and for making recommendations to the Executive regarding these courses.
The Education Committee shall also make recommendations to the Executive on behalf of members wishing to attend labour education courses.
The Committee shall be responsible for the dissemination of information on official functions to members and the Executive and for performing any related duties as designated by the Local Executive.
5. The Union Safety Committee shall be responsible for investigating and reporting on behalf of union members, any questions and complaints regarding working conditions. The Committee shall elect from among its members union representatives to sit on the University Safety Committee and the Joint Working Conditions Committee as per the collective agreement.
6. The Union Pension/Retirement Committee shall be responsible for investigating and reporting on retirement policies for Local members, and organizing events to honour retired members. The Committee shall elect one of its members to sit on the University Pension Advisory Committee.
7. The Union Appreciation/Fundraising Committee shall be responsible for the administration, planning and approval of the Local’s fundraising activities and appreciation and retiree programs. The Committee shall receive and disburse all funds raised according to criteria established at the time of this committee’s founding approval and keep an account of all such funds with the assistance of the Local’s Treasurer. This accounting shall be reported monthly to the Executive prior to presentation to the membership at each monthly General Membership meeting.
H. VACANCIES IN LOCAL OFFICERS POSITIONS
1. Any Local Officer or Executive Board member will have her/his office declared vacant if she/he misses three (3) consecutive Executive meetings without reasonable excuse.
2. By-elections shall be called by the Sergeants-at-Arm when positions elected by the membership at large become vacant unless such office becomes vacant with two months of the opening of annual elections, in which case the office shall remain vacant until the annual elections are held.
By-elections shall be held at any Local Membership meeting where the membership has received two weeks written notice. Method of vote to be held shall be decided by the Local Membership at that meeting.
I. RECALL:
1. Any Steward may be recalled at any time by a majority vote, by secret ballot, of the members of the office or group which that Steward represents. Vacancies shall be filled by election within seven (7) days.
2. A Division Steward or Division Representative on a Committee may be recalled by a majority vote, by secret ballot, of a General Division Meeting. Any such vacancy will be filled by a secret ballot election at a meeting of members in the Division within two weeks.
3. The Chief Steward may be recalled by a majority vote, by secret ballot, of a meeting of all Stewards, or by the Local membership according to the procedure for recall of Officers. In the case of recall of the Chief Steward, the Stewards shall meet within two weeks to elect a new Chief Steward.
4. Any Officer or representative of the Local may be recalled by referendum ballot of the Local membership according to the following procedures:
(a) Following receipt of a petition for recall signed by 25% of the Local membership, stating the specific complaints against the Officer, the Local Executive shall send written notice to all members, including a copy of the petition and a brief answer written by the Officer concerned, and announcing a Local membership meeting to discuss the recall. This notice shall be made approximately two weeks prior to the meeting. At that meeting, the Officer and/or a member appointed by her/him shall have the right to speak in answer to the petition.
(b) The referendum for recall shall be held prior to the next membership meeting but no sooner than two weeks. The ballot shall be carried out by the Sergeants-at-Arm in the usual manner.
(c) The Officer will be recalled if the motion for recall is approved by a
majority of votes cast.
J. MEETINGS:
1. Any member in good standing of the Local shall have the right to attend any meeting, including Executive and committee meetings, in which case the member shall have voice, but no vote.
2. General Membership Meetings of the Local shall be held at least once per month. Notice
of the precise date, time and place of each meeting shall be given to the membership at least oneweek prior to the meeting.
Special membership meetings may be held at any time by the call of the President or the Local Executive, by petition of 20 members of the Local, or by decision of a regular monthly meeting. Notice for such special meetings must be posted in a conspicuous place within each Division at least three days prior to such a meeting. Special membership meetings shall be scheduled by the Local Executive Committee, and be conducted by the President of the Local or her/his designate. Except where otherwise stated, the quorum for business at any membership meeting shall be twenty (20) members.
3. The Local Executive Board shall meet at least monthly at the call of the President or of any four members of the Executive Board. The quorum for business at any Local Executive meeting shall be a majority of the members of the Executive or four Executive members, whichever is the lesser amount. A majority of votes cast on any matter shall be decisive.
4. Meetings of Union Committees shall be at the call of the Chairperson of the Committee, of the President, or of any three members of the Committee concerned. The quorum for business of any committee shall be a majority of its members, and a majority of votes cast on any matter shall be decisive.
5. Meetings of the Stewards within any Division shall be at the call of the Division Steward or of any two Stewards, or of the Chief Steward. The Stewards within a Division may decide to hold meetings on a regular basis. The quorum for business at these meetings shall be one-third of the Stewards within a Division.
6. General Division meetings, of all members within a Division, may be called at any time by the Division Steward, or by written request to the Division Steward signed by any five (5) members of the Division, or, in the absence of a Division Steward or her/his alternate, by the Local Executive. The membership within a Division may decide to hold General Division Meetings on a regular basis.
The quorum for business at these meetings shall be fifteen percent (15%) of the members of the Division involved, or ten (10) Division members, whichever is the lesser amount.
7. The annual fiscal meeting of the Local (3338) shall be held following the presentation of the audit for the previous fiscal year. For purposes of the audit, the Local’s fiscal year shall be from January to December of each calendar year. A Projected Budget shall be presented for debate and approval no later than the June General Membership meeting following approval of the audit.
Any change of five hundred dollars ($500.00) or more in the categories, priorities, and amounts outlined in the budget for the ensuing year must be reported to and receive the approval of the membership meeting for which notice of the budgetary decisions to be made has been given to the membership.
There shall be no salaried officers or staff members other than the Business Agent and the Office Assistant unless it is so established by the membership meeting granting approval of the Local’s operating budget. Any such determined position shall be paid at the appropriate pay rate of the applicable job evaluation system in force between the Local and Simon Fraser University.
The Business Agent and the Office Assistant positions shall be paid at the appropriate pay rate of the applicable job evaluation system in force between the local and Simon Fraser University, as shall be established for both positions by the application of articles 15 & 17 of the collective agreement.
All Local personnel matters shall be dealt with by the Local President or her/his designate, as appointed by the Executive.
All C.U.P.E. Local 3338 salaried staff are covered by the Collective Agreement in force between the Local and Simon Fraser University, with the possible exception of some benefits, which will be determined on a case by case basis. This agreement, in conjunction with the previous paragraph, is in effect between Local 3338 (the employer) and all salaried staff (the employees). During strike or lock-out, any salaried staff shall not receive more than the strike benefits paid to other members. Any officer or steward or union member temporarily working on the legitimate business of the Local shall be paid at her/his regular job rate for any time lost from her/his job.
Whenever a Business Agent is employed, it shall be ratified at a regular meeting of the Local and the duties and conditions of employment shall be inscribed in the minutes of the meeting. If a Business Agent is from the bargaining unit, she/he shall have voice and vote at meetings of the Local and can be a delegate to District Council meetings, Provincial council meetings and/or National Conventions (ref. C.U.P.E. Constitution B.3.15). If a Business Agent is other than from the bargaining unit she/he shall be eligible for membership, by making application, paying the regular initiation fee, and being accepted as a member by a regular membership meeting unless there is an objection sustained by a majority vote of the members present (re. C.U.P.E. Constitution B.10.1 to B.10.4). Business Agents other than from the bargaining unit shall have voice but no vote at meetings of the Local, and will not be delegates of the Local (re. C.U.P.E. Constitution B.3.15).
K. DUES AND FINANCES:
1. Monthly dues shall be for each full-time and part-time member of the Local one and five-tenths percent (1.5%) per month of their regular wages and shall be payable each month. Dues can only be changed by a majority of votes cast in a referendum ballot of the Local Association membership.
Monthly dues for each member of the Local shall be automatically adjusted to incorporate any increases in the National per capita tax, as may be decided from time to time by resolution at a C.U.P.E. National Convention.
2. All monies in the hands of the Secretary-Treasurer shall be deposited in the name of the Local, and a complete record of all monies received and paid out shall be kept. The Trustees shall be responsible for inspecting the financial records of the Local as is consistent with the C.U.P.E. Constitution.
L. APPROVAL OF CONTRACTS:
1. Should there be no strike and/or lockout, any collective agreement and revisions of the
collective agreement must be approved by a majority of votes cast in a referendum of the Local. Seven days notice shall be given prior to the referendum vote, which shall be held after General Membership meeting(s) to discuss the collective agreement, held at time(s) and place(s) such as to give all members concerned an opportunity to attend before they vote.
2. Should a strike or lockout occur, any collective agreement and revisions of the collective agreement must be approved by a majority votes cast in a secret ballot vote of the Local.
Twenty-four (24) hours notice shall be given prior to the secret ballot vote, which shall be held after Special Membership meeting(s) to discuss the collective agreement, held at times(s) and place(s) such as to give all members concerned an opportunity to attend before they vote.
M. STRIKES AND LOCK-OUTS:
The Local shall not strike without the approval of the membership. Voting shall be by secret ballot and a majority of votes cast shall be necessary for a strike to take place.
N. DISCIPLINE:
Discipline within the Local shall be in accordance with the C.U.P.E. Constitution B.VI.
O. PROCEDURE:
1. Except as otherwise provided in these Local By-laws or the C.U.P.E. Constitution, Bourinot’s Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of all Local meetings and Local Executive meetings.
Decisions made by, or ratified by, a vote at any quorate Local General Membership Meetings or Local Executive Meetings shall not be reconsidered or rescinded by less than a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
2. The Local may, by a majority vote at a regular meeting, or at a special meeting called for that purpose, amend, add to or suspend any by-laws as it may deem advisable, provided that at least seven (7) days notice at a previous meeting or at least sixty (60) days written notice has been given and further provided that such by-laws do not conflict with the C.U.P.E. Constitution. The same shall not become effective until approved by the National President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
P. PRESENTATION AT OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. All delegates to official functions, i.e. conventions etc., shall be chosen by election at membership meetings.
2. Expenses and/or per diems for all delegates to an official function shall conform with the Local’s Policy Re Expenses for Union Business.
3. Compensation to delegates for any lost salary incurred by attendance at the official function shall conform with the Local’s Policy Regarding Wage Maintenance for Union Representatives.
4. Representation at educational institutes and seminars shall be on the recommendation of the Education Committee, subject to final approval by the Executive with reference to the Policy Statement: Delegates to Official Functions.
Q. Stipend for Union Activists
1. All activists elected or appointed to positions/duties on behalf of the local union shall
be paid a monthly stipend of eight dollars ($8.00) for the duration of their appointment. The monthly stipend will not be payable to union members already receiving a union salary and/or monthly honorarium.
Appendix “A”
Policy - Delegates to Official Functions
A. ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Except in special circumstances, Local 3338 will send full delegate entitlement to the following official functions: C.U.P.E. B.C. Division Convention, C.U.P.E. National Convention, B.C. Federation of Labour Convention, and the Canadian Labour Congress Convention.
2. Delegates to these official functions shall be elected as per the By-laws of Local 3338.
3. There shall be a separate election for each official function.
4. Alternates shall, if the delegate is unable to attend, be sent in the regular delegate’s place.
5. Alternates shall be either those with the next highest number of votes after each election for delegates or in the event the number of members running to be a delegate equals the number of delegates, then the Executive shall appoint alternates only if necessary.
6. If the membership at a regular meeting of Local 3338 by motion decides not to send a full delegation to a specific official function, then only the number allowed by the motion will be elected or if the election has already occurred, then the member gathering the least number of votes shall be dropped until the delegate size has been trimmed to the required number.
B. EXPENSES OF DELEGATES TO OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS: C.U.P.E. Local 3338
1. Expenses and/or per diems for delegates to official functions shall conform with the Local‘s Policy Re Expenses for Union Business.
2. The method of transportation, the need for a hotel room (and reservations), and the length of the stay shall be determined by the Executive based on the information provided by the Education Committee.
3. The cost of spouses traveling is the responsibility of the delegate.
4. The extra cost of the spouse being in the hotel shall be picked up by the Local.
5. Phone calls of a personal nature - home from the official function site - shall be the responsibility of the delegate.
6. Phone calls on behalf of the Local shall be reimbursed by or charged to the Local upon the delegate turning in the properly completed telephone call form indicating the nature of the business and to whom the call was placed.
C. DELEGATES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
1. It is expected that all delegates will act in a responsible, honourable manner as representatives of Local 3338.
2. All delegates shall submit a written report not more than thirty (30) calendar days after the official function has closed. This report can be submitted by the delegates as a whole.
3. Delegates are expected to attend all regular sessions of the convention.
