B-38 BY-LAW 12 – STEWARDS - Election of Stewards

Sponsor: Shannan Little, SP, PRA/NWT | Disposition: Died on the Order Paper

Whereas the tradition of union leadership based directly on the shop floor is over 100 years old; and

Whereas the shop Steward was selected by rank and file members to directly represent their interests with the employer; and

Whereas a union Steward is an essential link between members and the employer and between members and elected officials; and

Whereas it is essential that there is a process whereby members of a workplace are able to select their representative Steward; and

Whereas currently the authority to appoint a Steward rests exclusively with the President thereby removing this power from rank and file members;

Therefore be it resolved that By-Law 12 be amended as follows:

By-Law 12.4 - Methods of Selection The following methods shall be used to ~~recommend appointments of Stewards by the President~~ appoint Stewards:

By-Law 12.4.1 - By Election By virtue of being elected by members in his area of jurisdiction.

By-Law 12.4.2 - By Appointment The authority to appoint a Steward rests ~~exclusively~~ with the President.

By-Law 12.5 - Re-Appointment of Stewardship The authority to renew a Steward's term rests ~~exclusively~~ with the President. Upon expiry of the term of Stewardship, a Steward may be re-appointed as follows:

By-Law 12.5.1 - By Re-Election Upon being re-elected by members in his area of jurisdiction.

By-Law 12.5.2 By Renewal - Subject to the recommendation of the appropriate Group Executive, by choosing to renew his term of office unless the member loses an election for the position of Steward.

Resolutions Sub-Committee Comments – If this resolution passes, it would change the authority of the President. The President’s exclusive authority over Steward appointments is a reflection of the important role they play as Institute representatives who can engage the Institute’s liability on several fronts (human rights, duty of fair representation, civil liability, etc.). It is an appropriate means to ensure that the liability risks associated with such responsibility is mitigated.

The 2016 AGM added the word “exclusively” to BL 12.4.2.