Tuesday, February 16th 2016
Eaton Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto
*NEW: webcast available for members unable to attend in person!*

Dinner served from 5:00PM to 6:00PM
Meeting and webcast start at 6:00PM

You are invited to the first OPSEU Local 503 general membership meeting of 2016. Please join us for dinner at the Eaton Chelsea hotel on Tuesday, February 16th. At this meeting, we will:

1. Elect delegates, alternates and observers to the 2016 OPSEU convention
2. Vote on resolutions and constitutional amendments to submit to the 2016 OPSEU convention
3. Elect a new position on the Local 503 executive: Vice President of Communications
4. Begin planning the annual Local 503 family summer picnic

Please RSVP below no later than Thursday, February 11th. 

Elect delegates, alternates and observers to the 2016 OPSEU convention

OPSEU Annual Convention

https://opseu.org/opseu-annual-convention 

Over 1,500 Delegates, Alternates, Observers and Guests are expected to attend this year’s annual OPSEU Convention on April 14, 15, 16, 2016 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Convention is the union’s highest-ranking authority, where delegates debate and vote on policy and constitutional motions. Awards, presentations and guest speakers are also part of this three-day event.

13.5.1 All delegates and alternate delegates from Locals shall be elected for each Convention at a general membership meeting on the principle of winning a clear majority, with run-off ballots if necessary, except that the Local President shall be the first delegate automatically. [Source: OPSEU Constitution]

Local 503 has grown since the last convention, and now with over 501 signed up members, we are entitled to an additional delegate and alternate, bringing our number to four of each. At our meeting we will elect three delegates (the president is the automatic first delegate) and four alternates to Convention.

ANY SIGNED-UP LOCAL 503 MEMBER CAN RUN FOR ELECTION AS A DELEGATE, ALTERNATE OR OBSERVER! To stand for election, you must be at this meeting or have submitted a proxy letter of acceptance to the secretary, Laura Thompson, prior to the meeting.

DUTIES: Delegates to Convention debate and vote on policy resolutions, constitutional amendments and policy that shape our union and everything it does. Alternates attend convention and must be available to replace delegates should they have to leave Convention. Alternates and observers may participate in debate but they may not vote. Convention runs from 9:00AM to 5:00PM Thursday and Friday, and from 9:00AM to 12:00PM on Saturday. All elected Local 503 representatives are expected to be at Convention during these hours.

Expenses (wages, transportation, meals and hotel accommodation) are paid per OPSEU policy. Childcare is available onsite, or is reimbursable per OPSEU policy.

Vote on resolutions and constitutional amendments to submit to the 2016 OPSEU convention

Local executive members Laura Thompson and Jennie Miller will present resolutions for your approval that have been drafted and adopted by OPSEU's equity committees and caucuses, by the Greater Toronto Area Council, and by other region 5 locals like ours. Resolutions adopted at our meeting will be submitted to Convention.

Want to submit a resolution or constitutional amendment? Please refer to the OPSEU 2016 Convention Resolutions and Constitutional Amendments Guide, and bring your proposed resolution to the meeting. If you would like assistance in crafting your resolution, please contact us no later than Friday, February 12th.

Elect a new position on the Local 503 executive: Vice President of Communications

A new position on the Local 503 executive has been created to address our local's need for effective, timely and comprehensive communications: Vice President of Communications. Per the OPSEU Constitution, only stewards can run for a position on the LEC. We will hold an election for this position at our meeting.

ANY LOCAL 503 STEWARD CAN RUN FOR ELECTION! To stand for election, you must be at this meeting or have submitted a proxy letter of acceptance to the secretary, Laura Thompson, prior to the meeting. Candidates will have an opportunity to make a speech prior to the election. If you would like to become a steward so you can run for this position, please click here to volunteer as a Local 503 steward.

Duties: using new and familiar communications methods, the VP of Communications will be responsible for disseminating information regarding or of interest to the local, and will also:

• Develop and implement a strategic communications plan to engage and inform the Local 503 membership
• Maintain, update and expand the Local 503 website (www.opseulocal503.org)
• Send meeting announcements and invitations to members, the steward body and the local executive committee (LEC)
• Forward regional and central OPSEU communications
• Act as LEC liaison to the new Local 503 newsletter committee
• Work with the Secretary to post LEC, steward and general membership meeting minutes on the Local 503 website
• Strike a subcommittee to develop a strategy to facilitate communications, with our OCOT enforcement officers and EDU education officers
• Oversee audio/visual at general membership meetings to allow remote members to participate 

Begin Planning the Annual Local 503 Summer Family Picnic

In non-bargaining years, Local 503 hosts a summer family picnic for our members and their families. Our first picnic was two years ago in High Park. Many of you joined us with your kids (and your dogs!), we had a barbecue, and a great time was had by all. We're excited to start planning this year's family summer event, and we'd love your input! Please bring us your ideas!

Please RSVP to the meeting or the webcast no later than Thursday, February 11th.