July 24, 2020 at 6:00 PM
Dear Unifor Local 2002 Members,
No one could have foreseen the devastating impact that COVID-19 would have on the global airline industry, let alone our daily lives. For many of us, the enduring economic effects have hit close to home and impacted our jobs and families. Many of our members are on layoff status, while several units within our Local are completely shut down leaving many of us to ponder what the future will hold. In other instances, the pandemic has created operating reductions in our workplaces resulting in reduced work schedules and pay.
As the pandemic was rapidly sweeping across Canada, Unifor National (Local 2002’s governing body) gave an extension to the current Local 2002 Executive Board term of office. It was the right thing to do amid the unfolding global crisis. Now, months later, we are still not free from the pandemic. Many of our members remain out of work, the economy is gradually re-opening and COVID-19 remains a serious health threat. However, we are seeing signs that Canada is flattening the curve and COVID-19 cases are easing in many provinces.
TRIENNIAL ELECTIONS
The regular triennial election cycle is coming this fall for District Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons, and Health and Safety representatives. These are the elections that are conducted every three years. This year we will be adding the elections that have been postponed to the list. We will be starting in August 2020 and proceeding until the end of October 2020. The election schedule will be communicated ahead of time, but you will (of course) also be informed when an election for your District or Region is taking place via email. We start by asking you – the members – for your understanding, your patience, and most of all, your engagement in the upcoming series of elections.
2020 - ELECTRONIC-VOTING
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will be conducting electronic voting only. This means that if you are at home, at work, self-isolating, or on vacation, you will be able to vote as long as you have an internet connection and a device to connect to the internet (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.). You will also have access to information about candidates to help you make an informed voting decision. Understandably, there will not be any workplace voting conducted in any of these upcoming elections. We will be guiding you through each election and all information including the electronic ballot will come to you via your personal email. There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to ensure that these series of elections happen as seamlessly as possible for you.
UPDATE YOUR VOTER PROFILE
If you would like to exercise your right to vote for your union leadership, it is imperative that Unifor Local 2002 has your personal email address. We strongly suggest that you Update your Voter Profile on the Local website using the following link:
www.unifor2002.org/Services-Departments/Elections/Update-Your-Voter-Profile
DEMOCRACY
Unifor is a union where democracy is the bedrock of its very foundation. At its core, the union advocates and defends the economic rights of working people, but it also demands that you – the membership – have the last say in who your Unifor leaders are. Democracy is something we must return to, whether it is convenient or not. We understand that the pandemic is still present, but we are strategizing to bring fair and secure elections to you in light of the COVID-19 crisis. As such, the Unifor Local 2002 Elections Committee will be launching into a series of elections for the following positions:
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Executive Board (President/Secretary-Treasurer/Regional Vice Presidents)
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District Chairpersons
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Vice-Chairpersons
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Health and Safety Representatives
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Board of Trustees
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Local Elections Committee
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Constitution and Bylaws Committee
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Regional Council and Quebec Council Members
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District Chairpersons on the Executive Board
PLEASE NOTE: the above-mentioned elections will only be conducted via electronic/online voting. Details will follow in the coming weeks.
LAYOFF STATUS
Members that are on layoff status will be able to vote and as well as run for office, provided you have recall rights and are a member in good standing. As per Article 2.2.04 of the Unifor Local 2002 Bylaws, "A member remains in good standing without paying dues for the period of a layoff or leave only for as long as he or she has recall rights as provided for in his/her collective agreement."
This is your Union. Voting is not just a right; it is a responsibility. Please stay safe, healthy, and connected.
In Solidarity
Your Unifor Local 2002 Elections Committee
[email protected]
/20-07-24 Message from the Elections Committee en.txt
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