Locals have the authority to elect their own officers, adopt By-laws and establish a dues structure to provide the funds required to operate.
Local By-laws constitute the democratic framework within which the Local operates and enshrine the Local's power and authority. They provide guidelines for the protection of the democratic rights of the membership as well as the structure of the Local. They must not conflict with the By-laws of the Component, where applicable, and/or the PSAC Constitution and they need to be flexible enough so the Local can operate in crisis situations (e.g., strikes).
Locals generally are able to:
- Set their own dues rate and establish financial administration procedures;
- Elect officers to established positions within the Local;
- Conduct their own meetings on a regular and annual basis;
- Protect the rights and advance the interests of Local members in the workplace and in the larger union.
Local Officers
One of the Local Officer's most important job is to ensure that the integrity of the union is safe-guarded. This means each worker in the bargaining unit:
- is afforded the right to receive representation before the employer;
- is provided with the opportunity to sign a union card, and once they have signed
- has an opportunity for input in the affairs of their Union, at all levels;
- has an opportunity for input into the collective bargaining process and all other union vehicles which affect the interests of members;
- has the opportunity for voice, vote and to stand for office within the Local, once s/he has joined the union;
- receives information about the affairs of their union.
Local Officers also have to ensure that all policies of the Component and the PSAC are followed and that these are explained and understood by the membership.
Local Officers work with a wide assortment of people. At the worksite, they are in contact with members, supervisors and management. In the Local they work with the other Local Officers, Stewards, PSAC and Component Officers and union staff. In their communities, they work with other unions, coalition partners and community groups. Knowing how to communicate and how to listen effectively are indispensable abilities when dealing with people. Knowledge about the collective agreement, management and union policies, labour laws, as well as being diplomatic and tactful can only help in all your dealings with members.
Local By-laws outline the structure required for the Local to operate, including the number and type of Local Officers required. Usually the number of officers is determined by the number of members in the Local and the geographic breakdown. PSAC members are found in a wide range of occupational settings and work locations and, while every Local organization will be similar in structure, they will vary in size and composition. Normally the Executive consists of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Local Executives may also have a Health and Safety Officer, an Equity/Women's and/or Anti-Harassment Officer and an Education Officer. The Chief Steward is usually a member of the Local Executive and chairs the Stewards' Committee.
One important PSAC policy which requires a specific role for Local Officers is the PSAC Anti-Harassment: The Workplace and PSAC Anti-Harassment: The Union policies. We all benefit from harassment free workplaces. While the employer is ultimately responsible for this, unions can play a significant role in supporting the creation of harassment free workplaces. These responsibilities can range from initiating informal resolution if you become aware of a harassment incident; appointing an investigation committee and ensuring procedural fairness if a complaint is filed. Details on the roles and responsibilities for Local Officers can be found in the Policy 23A and 23B.
The President
- Is the Chief Executive Officer and coordinates the administration of Local affairs through the other officers and Local Committees.
- Presides at all membership meetings and executive meetings of the Local and is an ex-officio member of all committees of the Local.
- Decides, by application of the Rules of Order, all questions of law and order as chairperson.
- Is the chief spokesperson of the Local in its dealings with management.
The Vice-President
- Performs the duties of the President in case of the absence or resignation of that officer.
- Conducts meetings on behalf of the President or assumes the chair when the President vacates it for any reason during a meeting.
- Is responsible for specific portfolios as assigned by the Local.
- Assists chairpersons of committees as required.
The Secretary
- Is responsible for the secretarial the general duties of the Local.
- Records the minutes of all membership and executive meetings.
- Administers all communications emanating from or received by the Local.
- Administers the reports of committees.
- Works closely with the President on all Local matters.
- Maintains a filing system for the Local.
The Treasurer
- Is accountable to the Local Executive for all finances receivable and payable.
- Prepares and submits financial reports to each executive or general meeting.
- Collects and deposits Local funds.
- Carries out other duties as delegated by the Local.
- Alerts the Local to Rand members (dues paying members who have not joined the union) so that they can be signed up.
The Chief Steward
- Recruits Stewards, organizes and chairs the Stewards' Committee/Network;
- Sets up and maintains a communication system amongst the Stewards.
- Advises Stewards and provides guidance and support in specific technical areas.
- Ensures the proper application by management and members of existing collective agreements, arbitral awards, acts and regulations.
- Solves problems related to the organization, maintenance and efficiency of the stewards' network.
- Works closely with all Stewards, Executive Officers, Committees and Component staff.
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