Resolution on the CUPW Structural Review

RESOLUTIONS NOS. 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249 & 250

WHEREAS the structure of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers was developed largely to meet the needs of the membership of a union representing one bargaining unit, with one employer and one collective agreement;

WHEREAS the union now represents members in numerous bargaining units, employed by multiple employers with many different collective agreements;

WHEREAS the union is engaged in intensive organization campaigns, legal challenges and merger discussions that, if successful, will result in further and dramatic changes to the make-up of CUPW;

WHEREAS the union needs to have a structure that encourages and facilitates participation of all our members, including women and members of equity seeking groups as well as young workers and retirees, from all bargaining units;

WHEREAS the union needs a financially viable structure in order to continue to provide a high level of service and representation for all members of the CUPW;

The National Executive Board (NEB) will, within 6 months after the 2008 National Convention, appoint a small independent third party group to conduct a review of the union’s structure, finances, meetings, procedures and services.

The members of the third party group will have a trade union background, including with CUPW and/or another union, be familiar with trade union democracy and tradition, and have an understanding of the functioning of a national union with members in Canada and Quebec. The members of the third party group must also be familiar with the function and operation of the local, regional and national levels of the Union and understand the orientation of the Union as a participatory social union that is membership driven in line with our Constitution and Policies.

The National Executive Board will develop timelines, parameters and guidelines for the review and will appoint a member of the National Executive Committee to coordinate the work of the third party.

The National Executive Board will assign resources as required to assist the third party in conducting the review.

The review will include input from and consultation with all levels of the union, all locals and all elected officers and union representatives.

The review will include submissions and presentations from locals, interviews, surveys, focus groups and consultation with rank and file members, activists, officers and union representatives at all levels of the union, as well as retirees.

The review will consider issues such as geography, technology, membership density, equity, finances, participation, representation and services and will be guided by our union’s democratic principles and policies.

The mandate of the third party group includes ensuring the viability of our union, reviewing the costs associated with the structure and maintaining the quality of services to be provided to the members.

Regular progress reports will be provided to the National Executive Board and the National Executive Board will provide regular reports to locals and at national and regional presidents meetings.

The final report with recommendations shall be made available to the NEB and Locals six (6) to eight (8) months before Pre-Convention Area Council meetings are scheduled and to Area Council delegates no later than three (3) weeks prior to the first scheduled Area Council meeting, prior to the 2011 National Convention.

This third party group is financed by the Reserve Fund and its budget is spread out over two years, and cannot exceed half of the 2.5% paid out to the Reserve Fund annually.