It’s that time again – to elect your OPSEU Local 329 Executive. Anyone wishing to become a steward must have two people from your area nominate you, either in writing or at the meeting. Anyone wishing to become an Executive Officer must first be sworn in as a steward.
The OPSEU Constitution gives an overall description of each of the Executive Officer positions:
PRESIDENT
The President shall enforce compliance with by-laws and regulations of the Union and Local; preside at Local meetings; be an ex-officio member of all Local committees; generally supervise the affairs and operations of the Local; carry out such other duties as may be prescribed by Local by-laws.As well, the President is an automatic delegate to Convention and BPS Conference for the Union. At the local level, the President is the co-chair of the Labour Management Committee, a member of the Return to Work Committee, the Fiscal Advisory Committee, Pay Equity Committee, and Collective Agreement Negotiating Committee. As full time book-off, the President is the most likely person to be representing members at grievances.
VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice-President shall perform all the Presidential functions during any absence of the President and accept and exercise such other duties and powers as may be designated by the Local Executive Committee or the President. The Vice-President may also attend all functions (including all regional meetings and Conventions) of the Union, in place of the President when the President cannot attend. As well, the Vice-President will be a member of the Pay Equity Committee.SECRETARY
The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Local and keep Minutes; distribute notices to all members of the Local, as required; answer and/or forward all pertinent correspondence; and forward all pertinent membership information to the appropriate union regional office.TREASURER
The Treasurer shall be responsible for proper administration of the assets of the Local, including the operating funds.CHIEF STEWARD
The Chief Steward shall coordinate and assist the Shop Stewards.TRUSTEES
Every Local shall elect an audit committee composed of at least two members to be known as Trustees. The Trustees shall be elected at a general membership meeting from among the members and may not hold any other office in any Local. They shall hold office for a two-year term, but at the first election in a Local the terms may be varied to provide subsequently for overlapping terms.The Trustees shall examine all books, records, and properties of their Local, including any Unit thereof, at least twice each year. All Officers of the Local are required to make available all necessary documents to the Trustees on reasonable notice. The Trustees shall file an audit report, in a form specified by Headquarters, to Headquarters at least once in every six months and shall also make a full report to the first general membership meeting following each audit.
This year, we will also be electing members to sit on the Pay Equity Team. You do not have to be a steward to be a member of this committee.