October 16, 2019 at 12:00 PM
Most union members are familiar with their own collective agreement, also referred to as 'the contract'. The collective agreements are in essence the rules that both the company and the unionized workers have agreed to abide to in their respective workplaces. Unifor Local 2002 also has rules that it must abide by. They are called 'the Bylaws' which are the fundamental outline of our objectives, principles and most importantly govern how our union is run.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the bylaws:
Q1: WHAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF A BYLAW, AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT ME?
A: For example, the District Chairperson deals with management on your behalf. Article 4.9.01 in the Bylaws states: "Each District shall be represented by a District Chairperson who shall be elected by the District members to conduct the District affairs of the Local Union." Other articles go on to lay out the duties of the District Chairperson and how and when they are elected by the membership that they seek to represent.
Q2: HOW DO THE BYLAWS GET CHANGED?
A: The Bylaws are discussed, debated and voted on at a triennial convention. Our next Local 2002 Convention will be held May 20-23, 2020. Changes to the bylaws come from the membership through resolutions. This fall there will be resolution meetings in each region to allow our membership a chance to come up with changes that they would like to make to our bylaws. (Upcoming regional resolution dates to be announced).
Q3: WHAT IF I CANNOT ATTEND A REGIONAL RESOLUTION MEETING?
A: Many districts will have regular membership meetings where resolutions can be brought forward. If you are not able to attend a membership meeting then we encourage you to contact your Vice President to discuss any resolution that you would like to submit.
Q4: WHO VOTES ON OUR BYLAWS?
A: The delegates to convention vote on resolutions to change the bylaws. The delegates are selected from the elected leadership as laid out in the bylaws. The size of each district will dictate how many delegates each district is entitled to.
Q5: CAN I GO TO CONVENTION?
A: If you are not a delegate to Convention you may still attend as an observer at your own expense without voice or vote. Check with your District Chair or Vice President for more information.
Q6: ARE THERE LIMITS TO WHAT CHANGES CAN BE MADE TO THE BYLAWS?
A: The Local 2002 bylaws are subordinate to the Constitution of Unifor Canada and our bylaws must not contradict or be in conflict with those Constitutional rules.
Q7: WHERE CAN I FIND A COPY OF THE BYLAWS?
A: They are online at unifor2002.org or you can get a copy from your Vice President.
Q8: HOW CAN I SUBMIT A RESOLUTION?
A: Resolutions can be submitted at regional resolution meetings, district membership meetings or directly to your Vice President. Membership in Unifor entitles and encourages you to directly participate in its democracy. Resolutions from districts, the Executive Board, Trustees and various Local Committees are forwarded to Local 2002 headquarters for consideration by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. This Committee reviews resolutions to ensure they will not conflict with the Unifor National Constitution. If they are accepted the Committee assembles them for discussion, debate and voting at the Local 2002 Convention. All resolutions must be submitted by January 1, 2020.
Q9: WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION OR HELP WRITING A RESOLUTION?
A: If you have any questions or would like some assistance, your Vice President, workplace representative or the Constitution and Bylaws Committee are all great resources.
Q10: HOW MANY UNITS MAKE UP UNIFOR LOCAL 2002?
A: We currently have 24 units and administrate 35 collective agreements. Below is a list of units that are represented by Unifor Local 2002.
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/19-10-15 Convention 2020 intro en.txt