That’s right! We are bringing you revisions to 2626’s Bylaws. We want to make them better. Harder. Stronger. Or at least, less contradictory!
Bylaws revisions are quite technical and, let’s face it, can be pretty boring. Nevertheless, they are very practical and of real importance. Our Bylaws govern most of the Union’s activities, from General Assemblies to how we reach out to you. To tackle this dry subject, we’re presenting each proposed revision in plain language and with proper context. You can also find the full version of the proposals.
These revisions will be presented, debated, and voted on during our Winter General Assembly.
Proposal #1 — Reform Elections and General Assemblies
Context and problem
Sadly, despite our best efforts, sometimes we can’t get enough members to attend a general assembly (GA). What happens then is currently very ambiguous. We could hold a Special Stewards’ Council meeting, but it doesn’t happen automatically — even if enough union stewards are present and willing to discuss the business of the Union. This can stall progress on critical issues, prevent elections from taking place, etcetera.
Also, our elections procedures have many holes in them.
Proposed fix
- Have General Assemblies automatically convert into a Special Stewards’ Council should quorum not be met. This Council will then be granted the powers to deal with the GA’s business on an interim basis until the next scheduled GA.
- Change the quorum requirement from ‘65 members’ to ‘the lesser of 65 members or 2% of membership.’ This change will ensure that quorum will not be unattainable in the unlikely event that our membership should shrink.
- Clarify the procedures for replacing the President of Assembly when they have to be absent from a meeting.
- Update the Bylaws to reflect the fact that non-executive positions (for example, Member in Good Standing, President of Assembly, Trustees) are now elected during the Fall General Assembly.
What do you think about this fix? Let us know by writing to bylaws@2626.ca!
SEE FULL PROPOSAL ABOUT ELECTIONS & GA REFORM
SEE FULL PROPOSAL ABOUT PRESIDENT OF ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
Proposal #2 — Advertising in Student Newspapers
Context and problem
As our Bylaws currently stand, we must advertise our General Assemblies by placing an ad in The Fulcrum and La Rotonde. The thing is, these ads are costly and have a low impact. In terms of raising awareness and mobilizing our members, we use much more effective strategies such as going door to door, passing flyers, sending newsletters, and putting up posters on billboards around campus.
Proposed fix
- Newspaper ads should stop being mandatory means of advertising general assemblies. Instead, it should be up to the Executive Board to decide which advertising and communications methods should be used.
What do you think about this fix? Let us know by writing to bylaws@2626.ca!
Proposal #3 — Rewriting Rules of Absences
Context and problem
In its current form, Appendix A is very unclearly written, has some seemingly nonsensical provisions (such as penalizing 4 justified absences, but not 3 justified and 1 unjustified). It also does not cover what committees the Member in Good Standing or Executive Board members are expected to attend.
Proposed fix
- Include a requirement for Executive Board members to attend GAs. This is especially important because a minimum number of Executive Board members must be present to hold a valid GA.
- Introduce ways to deal with ‘motivated’ (justified) and ‘unmotivated’ (unjustified) absences.
- Create an explicit requirement for Executive Board members and for the Member in Good Standing to attend committee meetings.
What do you think about this fix? Let us know by writing to bylaws@2626.ca!
Proposal #4 — Removing the Status of Honorary Member
Context and problem
This status has been conferred in a rather haphazard fashion and carries with it a very unclear right to participate in certain union committees (including the Bargaining Committee) as a non-member.
Proposed fix
- Upon the suggestion of the local’s President, we propose to remove this status and find another way to honour these members.
What do you think about this fix? Let us know by writing to bylaws@2626.ca!
Proposal #5 — Fix Typos and Inconsistencies in the Bylaws
Context and problem
As they are currently written, the bylaws contain several typos, omissions, and inconsistencies between the English and French versions. They also don’t fully reflect some sections of the CUPE National Constitution.
Proposed fix
- Fix the various typos, omissions, and inconsistencies.
What do you think about this fix? Let us know by writing to bylaws@2626.ca!
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