Preamble

The members of OPSEU Local 205, adopt the following By-laws in order to clearly identify our aims and purposes, organizational structures and administrative procedures. These By-laws are drafted in accordance with OPSEU's Constitution and shall be in all respects subordinate to the said constitution and all applications and interpretations thereof.

1.0 Aims and Objectives

Our aims and objectives include.

• To uphold and abide by the OPSEU Constitution and applications and interpretations thereof.

• To advance our common economic and social interests.

• Encourage the settlement by negotiation and mediation of all disputes between members and their employers.

• To strengthen democratic labour principles in society and government.

• To encourage justice for working people and their families.

• To provide charitable and strike support to those in need.

• To co-operate with other unions and organizations with similar objectives

2.0 Organization

2.1 Democratic Principles

We will govern ourselves in a democratic manner. The will of the majority, as expressed at a membership meeting, shall be the supreme decision making body of our Local. There shall be a minimum of two general membership meetings per year at the time and place determined by the Local Executive Committee. . Roberts Rules of Order will be used as the guide for running meetings efficiently. The Quorum for a Local membership meeting is as stated in OPSEU's Constitution.

2.2 The Local Executive

Between membership meetings, a Local Executive Committee (LEC) is empowered to make decisions on behalf of the entire membership. This committee shall be composed of representatives (or "Stewards") elected by members within an office / work area. The LEC shall determine by work area subject to ratification at a general members meeting. The LEC should meet whenever necessary and directly before a general membership meeting to determine the agenda of the meeting.

2.3 Election of the Local Executive

At a general membership meeting, Officers of the Local will be elected from amongst the Unit Stewards. These Officers shall include the position of President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Officers shall provide leadership in advancing the aims and purposes of the Local and in meeting the needs of the membership. The specific duties of the Officers are outlined in OPSEU's Constitution. The term of office for Local Stewards and Officers shall be for two years. All of the above positions can be re-elected. Officers election to be held at a meeting in November of odd numbered years.

2.4 Stewards Elections

Stewards are to be elected at unit meetings in October of odd numbered years. Stewards Elections shall be conducted by two members of the LEC or one member of the LEC and either one staff representative or a Member of the OPSEU Executive Board. Stewards must be take the oath of office at either the election meeting or at the next General Members Meeting.

2.5 Membership

Each member in good standing of this local has the right to nominate and vote, express opinions on all subjects before the local, attend all general membership meetings and express views, arguments, opinions on all business properly before the meeting, they may participate in activities of the local in a responsible manner. These rights shall be at times subject to the rules of procedure governing meetings and other uniform rules and regulations contained in the Constitution and By-Laws.

2.6 Membership to Elect Trustees

A minimum of two trustees shall be elected at a general membership meeting to undertake bi-annual local audits. Trustees cannot hold any other positions in the local. The term of office is two years. A Trustee can be re-elected.

2.7 Committees of the Local

The Local shall have the following Joint Union - Management Committees in the various work locations.

• Local Enforcement Renewal Committee formally known as the Employee Relations Committee (LERC).

• Health and Safety Committee.

OPSEU Members on these Committees will be for a two year term at a time.

The LEC can establish other committees of the Local as needs arise (eg. Strike Support, etc). The Local President is Ex-officio member of all Local Committees if the membership so agrees.

2.8 Membership in other Labour Related Organizations

Local 205 will maintain its membership in the Southwest Area Council and elect delegates to attend area council meetings. The local's current entitlement is two members. Annual dues will be paid automatically. Local 205 will maintain its membership in the Hamilton & District Labour Council and elect delegates to attend general meetings. The locals current entitlement is three members. Annual dues will be paid automatically.

2.9 Convention

The number of Alternates may equal the number of Delegates entitled to attend the annual Convention, Regional meetings and Divisional meetings. The number of Observers may equal the number of Delegates entitled to attend the annual Convention. Allowable expenses paid for by the local for Alternates and Observers will include meals, and childcare. Local 205 will pay for 1 long distance call per day for a reasonable period of time while on union business. Delegates may request single accommodation for Conventions, Divisional meetings and Regional meetings. Since O.P.S.E.U. pays the shared accommodation rate, Local 205 and will pay the difference between the shared and single rate.

2.10 General Membership Meetings

The quorum at General Membership Meetings will be determined by the Constitution. Notice of such meetings must be posted at least 15 days prior to the meeting. The order of business shall be as set out in the constitution and shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order.

3.0 Financial Administration

The following financial administrative procedures are designed to protect the Locals assets, while allowing flexibility for the Local to address emergency issues and minor routine expenses. The fiscal year for the local will be January 1 to December 31 for the purposes of accounting of the local to match with OPSEU's Head Office's fiscal year.

3.1 Own Time

Local 205 will reimburse any member at the current OPSEU rate, when they have been required to perform at least 1 day of union business on said member's day off. The member may make a request to the LEC via a summary letter with some details and/or OPSEU expense claim form for prior approval before said event.

3.2 Member Privileges

Members may request single accommodation when attending an Educational. Since O.P.S.E.U. pays the shared accommodation rate, Local 205 will pay the difference between the shared and single rate for it's members after approval of the executive to attend said educational. In the event of an Regional or Divisional Meeting the members that are elected to attend may request single accommodation when attending the event. Prior approval must be obtained from the executive to allow for these expenses.

3.3 Cheque Signing

The Local may issue cheques signed by any two of the following officers: President, Treasurer, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President. The President shall be advised monthly of all cheques issued.

3.4 Local Executive Committee' Discretionary Powers

The Local Executive Committee shall be given the authority along for the disbursement of monies up to $500.00 at their discretion. Along with supporting documentation. Where a member is authorized to undertake an expense prior to the issuance of payment there must be a clearly set limit to this expense. Reimbursement of expenses must be supported by receipts that clearly reflect the nature and amount of the expense. Failure to produce such documentation will result in non payment,

5.0 Training

Any member of Local 205 must request in writing, in advance, for the Local to assist with the cost of Labour related training. The local will not cover lost wages. This will then be voted on by the local executive committee and then the general membership at the first general meeting following the request. If approved, proof of completion and passing of course must be submitted before payment is made. Upon membership approval for labour related training, the maximum amount payable is $200.00 per person per annum. Up to a maximum of $500.00 per calendar year may be allocated for this training.

6.0 Enforcement

The Local Executive Committee shall be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of these By-laws. Questions of interpretation can be referred to the Local Executive Committee.

7.0 Amendments

Amendments to the By-laws can be made by a two thirds (2/3) majority vote at a duly constituted general membership meeting with quorum present. At least thirty (30) days notice must be given of the intent to amend the By-laws. These amendment(s) should be available 21 days in advance of the meeting for member review via the Local's website.