Bylaws

BYLAW 1

NAME

This Local shall be called Union of Taxation Employees (UTE), Local 20029, Pacific Region – a component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), herein after referred to as the Local.

BYLAW 2

PURPOSE

The Local is formed for the following purposes and objectives:

Section 1

To support fully the PSAC in the furtherance of its constitutional responsibilities for the improvement and protection of wages, salaries and other terms of employment of employees of the PSAC and to subscribe unconditionally to the aims and objectives outlined in the Constitution.

Section 2

To represent any member or associated member of the Local, under any established Grievance procedure or on any other matter within the jurisdiction of the Local.

Section 3

To promote the welfare of members and superannuated members.

BYLAW 3

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1

All employees of the Surrey Tax Centre and its offsite work locations other than Management exclusions and terms under three (3) months shall be eligible for membership in the Local.

Section 2

The Local may retain as Associate Member of the Local persons described in the Public Service Staff Relations Act as "designated employees" also employees whose employment with the Agency was terminated by (a) reaching the minimum statutory retirement age; (b) ill health, when such is certified 'by the Agency as the reason for retirement; or who by abolition of position are separated from their continued employment in the Federal Public Service. Associate member shall not be eligible for executive office in the Local but may be accorded such privileges of membership for such length of time as may be provided by Regulations to these Bylaws.

BYLAW 4

CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

It shall be a condition of membership that each member shall agree to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the PSAC and of the UTE Component and of the Local.

BYLAW 5

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Section 1

The monthly dues payable by each member shall consist of the total of such dues as may be established from time to time by the UTE Component and/or the PSAC, plus the Local dues as may be established under these Bylaws.

Section 2

Local dues may be set forth at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or, if not less than fourteen (14) days notice is given, at a Special General Meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) majority of votes shall be required to change Local dues.

BYLAW 6

ADMINISTRATION

Section 1

1. The business of the Local shall be conducted by the Local Executive.
2. All members in good standing are eligible for office with the additional requirement for the Office of President that such member has served at least one (1) year on a Local Executive of the PSAC.
3. The term of office for all positions on the Local Executive shall be for a period of two (2) years, in accordance and continuance with By-Law 8 Section (1)(a).
4. Except for the office of President, the Local Executive shall have the power to fill any vacancies that may occur on the Local Executive until the next succeeding AGM.
5. The position of Past President is for a one (1) year term, with voice but no vote.

Section 2

Local Executive

1. The Local Executive shall consist of:
   • President
   • One (1) Recording Secretary
   • One (1) Finance Officer
   • Eight (8) Officers
   • Two (2) Equal Opportunity Representatives
   • Two (2) Term Representatives
   • Past President
2. The Local Executive may make, amend, or delete such Regulations as it deems necessary, consistent with the Constitution and the Bylaws of the Local provided that these Regulations are submitted to the first successive AGM for ratification.
3. The Local shall have the authority to initiate action on matters having a broader effect than the interests of its own members, by submission in writing to the Executive of the Component or by resolution to the Triennial Convention of the Component, or by submission in writing to the Area Council of the PSAC, whichever is appropriate.
4. A member of the Local Executive shall be elected to preside over the business of the Local in the absence of the President. The election will take place annually by the Local Executive at the first executive meeting following the AGM.
5. All members of the Local Executive shall present, at each AGM, a written report of their union activities during the preceding year.

Section 3

Stewards

Note: The duties are stated in Regulation 5

1. Stewards, as required, shall be appointed by election by the Local Executive and shall be responsible to the Local Executive. The term of appointment shall expire at the first Local Executive meeting subsequent to every AGM.
2. Notice of Appointment shall be posted within five (5) days of such appointment or termination.

BYLAW 7

ROLES OF THE LOCAL EXECUTIVE

Section 1

President

1. The President shall preside at all meetings and shall enforce due observance of the Bylaws and Regulations.
2. The President shall be an ex officio member of all committees.
3. The President shall be responsible for the business of the Local.

Section 2

Recording Secretary

1. The Recording Secretary shall cause a record to be kept of all proceedings of the Local and shall issue all notices and conduct all correspondence of the Local except where otherwise provided. The Recording Secretary shall be responsible for recording and distribution of the minutes of all General and Local Executive meetings of the Local.
2. The Recording Secretary shall post the minutes of all General and Local Executive meetings within ten (10) working days of the approval of those minutes. The minutes shall be posted on every UTE local 20029 bulletin board and shall remain on the bulletin board for a minimum of three (3) months.
3. The Recording Secretary shall ACCEPT THE responsibility for all authorized union travel and bookings.

Section 3

Finance Officer

1. The Finance Officer shall be responsible for the finances of the Local and ensure all expenses are paid in accordance with Bylaw
2. The accounts shall be audited as provided by Bylaw 14.
3. At the end of each fiscal year the Finance Officer shall present to the Local Executive and to the AGM complete financial statements of the Local.
4. The Finance Officer may be required to be sufficiently bonded by a guarantee company selected by the Local Executive and the cost to be borne by the Local.

Section 4

Officers

1. The Officers shall represent various areas within the workplace. The duties are defined in Regulation 3. Each Officer shall be a sitting member of at least two Committees as defined in Regulation 3.

Section 5

Equal Opportunity Representatives (EO Reps)

1. The EO Reps shall be members of at least one of the five (5) equity groups as defined by the PSAC Constitution. The five (5) equity groups are:
   • Visible Minorities,
   • People with Disabilities,
   • Women,
   • Aboriginal Peoples and
   • Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Persons.
2. The EO Reps shall equally represent members of the five equity groups as defined by the PSAC Constitution.
3. The EO Reps shall be responsible for and be members of the Local EO Committee.

Section 6

Term Representatives

1. The Term Representatives will be term +3 members in good standing with the union, at the time of the AGM.
2. The Term Representatives will be full, active members of the Local Executive responsible for:
   1. Bringing forward and representing issues and concerns of the term members,
   2. Communicating with term members to protect and advance their rights
   3. Assisting in obtaining and putting forward bargaining issues specific to term members.

BYLAW 8

ELECTION OF THE LOCAL EXECUTIVE

Section 1

1. The Officers, President, Recording Secretary and Finance Officer shall be elected by secret ballot by the members attending the AGM in accordance with the following schedule:
   1. The President, Finance Officer and Recording Secretary to serve a two year term of office commencing with the AGM held February 3^rd, 2000;
   2. Four of the eight Officers to serve a two-year term of office commencing with the AGM held February 17^th, 2005. For the year 2005 only, one officer to serve a one-year term ending at the AGM in 2006. The remaining three officers elected in 2004 to complete their term of office as originally elected;
   3. One Equal Opportunity Representative to serve a two-year term of office commencing with the AGM held on February 17^th, 2005. One Equal Opportunity Representative to serve a one-year term of office commencing with the AGM held on February 17^th, 2005, therein after to be elected to serve a two-year term of office;
   4. One Term Representative to serve a two-year term of office commencing with the AGM held on February 8^th, 2006. One Term Representative to serve a one-year term of office commencing with the AGM held on February 8^th, 2006, therein after to be elected to serve a two-year term of office.

Section 2

1. Nominations will be accepted for each elective office of the Local Executive before the AGM.
2. Each nomination will be seconded and accompanied by an acceptance from the nominee and be forwarded to the Local Executive and shall be posted on the bulletin boards as soon as possible.
3. Nominations will be opened at least thirty (30) days prior to the AGM.

Section 3

1. Nominations will be accepted from the floor at an AGM under the same conditions as prescribed in Section 2(b) of Bylaw #8 without the requirement to forward to the Local Executive.

Section 4

1. Election to any office shall be by majority vote - i.e., fifty percent-plus one of the total votes cast. In the event that no nominee receives a majority of the votes, the nominee receiving the least number of votes shall be dropped from the ballot and a new vote shall be taken immediately. This procedure shall continue until one nominee receives the majority of the votes cast. In the event of a tie vote when only two nominees remain for election to the same office, the presiding officer shall declare no ballot, and request that a new vote be taken.

BYLAW 9

DISCIPLINE

Section 1

1. The Local Executive may dismiss from office any member of the Local Executive who is absent from three (3) successive meetings of the Local Executive without notification.
2. A person dismissed from office shall not be eligible for re-election to any office for a period of one (1) full year.

BYLAW 10

CONTROL OF FUNDS

Section 1

All funds shall be deposited in a Chartered Bank or a recognized Credit Union. Funds not immediately required for the use of the Local may at the discretion of the Local Executive be invested in securities approved for Investments by a Chartered Bank or a recognized Credit Union. Such securities must remain for safe keeping in the custody of the bank or credit union where current funds are on deposit.

Section 2

1. Any expenditure in excess of $50.00 shall be authorized by the Local Executive.
2. All payments shall be made by cheque; and
3. All cheques shall bear the signature of any two (2) of the following: President, Finance Officer and the Recording Secretary.
4. A petty cash fund up to a maximum of $100.00 may be established.

BYLAW 11

FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Local shall be the calendar year.

BYLAW 12

AUDITORS

Section 1

1. Two (2) members shall be appointed at each AGM to conduct an audit of the books and records of the Local for the fiscal year and report their findings to the membership. This will be construed to mean the Local business and any other committee that is formed where monies are to be deducted for or on behalf of the Local members.
2. They shall not be members of the Local Executive.
3. They shall have access to the books and records at all times.
4. In the event that any vacancy occurs in the office of auditor, the Local Executive shall have the power to fill such vacancy until the next AGM.
5. Upon demand in writing by the Auditors the books and records of any committee formed by the Local shall be turned over to the Auditors within five (5) calendar days of such demand.
6. All records pertaining to the business of the Local that may be held by any committee must be turned over to the Executive ten (10) calendar days before the AGM.
7. Each Auditor shall be paid a stipend of $50.00 following the presentation and acceptance of their report at the AGM.

BYLAW 13

DELEGATES TO NATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND REGIONAL CONFERENCES

Note: Requirements are stated in Regulation 6

Section 1

At least one (1) delegate shall be a member of the Local Executive.

Section 2

Delegates must be members in good standing, and

1. possess a broad knowledge of matters relating to the Local and public service problems and be,
2. a person of such character, manner and address as will enable her/him to worthily represent the collective membership of the Local.

BYLAW 14

MEETINGS

Section 1

1. An AGM at which officers shall be elected and other business transacted, shall be held in February of each year, or as soon as may be convenient, the date to be determined by the Local Executive,
2. Notice of the date of the AGM shall be duly posted not less than fourteen (14) days prior to such date.

Section 2

1. Special General Meetings may be held at the call of the Local Executive or upon written demand of twenty-one (21) or more members. The Local shall call a Special General Meeting and such meeting shall not be held later than ten (10) days following the date of such demand.
2. Notice of the date of the Special General Meeting shall be duly posted not less than fourteen (14) days prior to such date.

BYLAW 15

QUORUM

Section 1

1. A "Quorum" for the AGM shall consist of not less than twenty-one (21) members.
2. A "Quorum" for a Local Executive Meeting shall consist of not less than 50% of the Local Executive.
3. Business may not be legally transacted at a meeting unless the required Quorum is present.

BYLAW 16

AMENDMENTS

Section 1

1. Unless otherwise specifically provided, amendments to the Bylaws made, may be made at the AGM, at a Special General Meeting, provided fourteen (14) days notice is given and posted as to the nature and intent of the proposed amendment.
2. A two-thirds majority of the members in attendance at such meetings shall be necessary for adoption of proposed amendments.

Section 2

In the event of any staff organization, corporation, Agency or subdivision thereof changes its name after the coming into effect of these Bylaws, the old name as referred to therein, shall be amended to the new one without recourse to the provisions of these Bylaws.

BYLAW 17

DISSOLUTION

Section 1

1. The Local may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority of its membership. Such vote shall be supervised by the UTE Executive Council. Upon dissolution, the disposition of the assets of the Local shall be determined by the UTE Executive Council.
2. Notice of such General Meeting clearly stating its purpose shall be posted not less than fourteen (14) days before the day of the meeting.

BYLAW 18

EXPENSES OF REPRESENTATIVES

Section 1

Any member of the Local incurring travelling and living expenses while engaged on approved business of the Local shall be reimbursed for such expenses upon the approval of the Local Executive.

Section 2

Any member of the Local required to take leave without pay for the purposes of carrying out approved business of the Local shall be reimbursed for such loss of pay upon the approval of the Local Executive.

BYLAW 19

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1

Nothing in these Bylaws shall be construed to conflict with the Constitution of the PSAC or the Bylaws of the UTE.

Section 2

The rules of procedure at all meetings of the Local except as specifically provided by the Bylaws shall be according to the UTE’s Rules of Order.

NOTE: It should be borne in mind such rules should not be enforced to the point where they will tend to embarrass members in the presentation of ideas.

The Chairperson of a General Meeting shall have the authority to restrict members to five (5) minutes speaking time.

Section 3

1. ‘Tax Centre’ means the Surrey Tax Centre and work sites as listed in the Regulations and the "Agency" shall refer to the aforesaid Canada Revenue Agency.
2. The ‘Constitution’ means the Constitution of the PSAC, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Regulations

REGULATION 1

FAMILY CARE EXPENSES

Family care expenses will be reimbursed to members who attend authorized local union functions. Union members will be entitled to be reimbursed for family care expenses in respect of dependent children 16 years of age and younger; and for dependent children and adults who are in need of special care and who either permanently reside in the household of the member or with whom the member permanently resides. Reasonable family care expenses will be reimbursed provided that a valid receipt or an approved signed statement is submitted by the claimant.

REGULATION 2

WORKSITES

The worksites of Local 20029 are as follows:

1. The Surrey Tax Centre at 9755 King George Highway Surrey, BC,
2. The Newton Omniplex at Unit 55, 13370 78 Avenue, Surrey, BC,
3. and any temporary worksites.

REGULATION 3

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

The duties of the Officers include:

1. to provide information and assistance to members in their areas of responsibility,
2. to provide information to the Local Executive,
3. to attend Local Executive meetings, the AGM, Special General meetings, and committee meetings, as required,
4. to distribute information,
5. to assist with signing up members,
6. to take the PSAC TUB (Talking Union Business) Course within their 1^st year of their term of office,
7. to be sitting members of at least two (2) Committees as defined under Regulation 3.1(1) of the UTE.

REGULATION 4

EDUCATION

One of the Officers will be responsible for the Education portfolio.

REGULATION 5

DUTIES OF THE STEWARDS

The Duties of the Stewards include:

1. to support, inform and provide assistance to members,
2. to listen to and empathize with members who have concerns or complaints,
3. to discuss options and strategies with members for dealing with complaints or concerns and to mutually agree upon the approach or strategy,
4. to file grievances on behalf of members,
5. to research, prepare and present cases in meetings,
6. to represent members in meetings with management,
7. to ensure that the member is involved and kept informed during the complaint of grievance process,
8. to elect a Chief Steward. A Chief Steward will be elected at a Steward Meeting held within 45 days after the AGM,
9. to attend monthly meetings of stewards as called by the Chief Steward,
10. to take the PSAC course Talking Union Business (TUB) or an equivalent course,
11. to take the PSAC Grievance course.

REGULATION 6

REQUIREMENT TO ATTEND CONVENTIONS/CONFERENCES (DELEGATES AND/OR OBSERVERS

1. to complete the TUB (Talking Union Basics) course prior to the Convention/Conference,
2. to be a member, in good standing, of the Local,
3. to submit their request to attend the Convention/Conference in writing by the required deadline,
4. to provide a written report on the Convention/Conference to the Recording Secretary within 30 days of the close of the Convention/Conference. The written report will be part of the next Local Executive meeting minutes and will be posted on the Union Bulletin Board.