By-Law 1
Name
This local shall be called the Union
of Taxation Employees-Public Service Alliance of Canada
– Local 20027 (Vancouver), hereinafter referred to as
Local.
By-Law 2
Purpose
The Local is formed for the following
purposes and objectives.
Section [1] To
support fully the Public Service Alliance of Canada in
the furtherance of its constitutional responsibility for
the improvement and protection of wages, salaries and
the other terms of employment of employees of the Public
Service of Canada 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
on appeals, or under an established Grievance Procedure
or in any other manner, or any manner within the
jurisdiction of the Local.
Section [3] To
promote the welfare of members and superannuated
members.
By-Law 3
Membership
Section [1]
Membership eligibility in the Local includes those UTE
Members working in the Vancouver Tax Services Office,
Pacific Regional Office, and CRA Branches and
Directorates located in these offices.
Section [2] The
Local may retain as Associate Members of the Local,
persons described in the Public Service Staff Relations
Act as ‘designated employees’, also employees whose
employment with the Agency was terminated
[a] By reaching the minimum
statutory retirement age
[b] Ill health when such is
certified by the Agency as the reason for retirement
[c] Who by abolition of their
position are separated from their continued employment
in the Federal Public Service.
Associated
members shall not be eligible for executive office in
the Local, shall not have a voice or vote in the
meetings of the Local, but maybe accorded such
privileges of membership for such a length of time as
may be provided by Regulations to these
By-Laws.
By-Law 4
Conditions of Membership
Upon being granted membership in the
Public Service Alliance of Canada and this Union and for
the term of such membership, each member of the Union is
deemed to have agreed to abide and to be bound by the
provisions of these by-laws and the Constitution of the
Public Service Alliance of Canada.
By-Law 5
Membership Responsibility
Section [1] The
Local shall deal with the Agency officials on matters
affecting the interests of its members working in the
locations as defined in By-law 3[1].
Section [2]
[a] The Local shall also have the right to
initiate such actions
on matters having broader scope than
those of direct concern to the Local members: by first
seeking a solution through written submission to the
Union [the Regional Vice President, the Executive
Council or the Convention] or second, by submission to
the Area Councils.
[b] After having exhausted the
foregoing, then by direct recourse to the Public Service
Alliance of Canada through the Regional Executive Vice
President.
By-Law 6
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 Union and/or the Public Service Alliance of
Canada, plus Local dues as may be established by these
by-laws.
Section [2] Local
dues may be set by the Annual General Meeting, or, if
not less than fourteen [14] days is given, at a special
general meeting.
Section [3] A
majority vote of 50% plus 1 of the membership shall be
required at a special general meeting or Annual meeting.
By-Law 7
Administration
Section [1] The
affairs of the Local shall be conducted by the Executive
Committee.
Section
[2] Executive Committee
[a] The Executive Committee
shall consist of:
President
1st Vice-President
2nd Vice-President
6 Local Directors
First Secretary
Second Secretary
Treasurer
[b] The Executive Committee
shall be an executive body charged with the day-to-day
administration of the Local.
[c] The Executive Committee may
make, amend or delete such Regulations as it deems
necessary consistent with the Constitution of the Public
Service Alliance of Canada, the by-laws of the Union and
the Local, provided that these Regulations are submitted
to the first successive Annual General Meeting for
ratification.
Section
[3] Floor Representatives
[a] Each floor of the buildings
utilized by our membership shall be entitled to elect a
floor representative who will see that all information
from the Union is conveyed to the members.
[b] The term of office shall be
for one year.
[c] The Floor Representatives
will consult with the Chairman of the Grievance
Committee on potential grievances and in general will
ensure that the good and welfare of the members is
maintained.
[d] Floor Representatives shall
be appointed by the Executive Committee
(as required), if they have not been
elected as provided for in 7[3][a].
Section
[4] Shop Stewards
[a] The President of the Local
shall be the Chief Shop Steward.
[b] Shop Stewards, as required,
shall be appointed by the Executive Committee and shall
be responsible to the Executive Committee. The term of
appointment shall be at the discretion of the Executive
Committee.
[c] Shop Stewards shall
ordinarily report to the Chairperson of the Grievance
Committee.
[d] Notice of appointment or
termination of appointment shall be posted within 5 days
of such appointment or termination of appointment.
By-Law 8
Duties of Officers
Section
[1] The President shall:
[a] Preside at all meetings and
shall enforce due observance of the rules and
regulations
[b] Have the right to vote
[c] Be ex officio, a
member of all committees
[d] Exercise general
supervision over the affairs of the Local
[e] Uphold the Constitution of
the Public Service Alliance of
Canada, and the By-Laws and
Regulations of the Union and Local.
Section
[2] [1] The First
Vice-President shall:
[a] Preside in the absence of
the President
[b] Replace the President until
the next Annual General Meeting of the Local in the
event of death, retirement or resignation of the
President, or his transfer to another office of Canada
Revenue Agency
[c] Be the Chairperson of the
Grievance Committee
[d] Have the power to recommend
to the Executive Committee the names of members to sit
on the Grievance Committee.
[2] The Second
Vice-President shall:
[a] Preside in the absence of
the President and the First Vice-President
[b] Be responsible for the
preparation of non-financial reports, position papers,
briefs and other documents on behalf of the Executive
Committee.
Section [3] The
Local Directors shall serve on the various
committees as required by the Executive.
Section
[4] [1] The First Secretary
shall
[a] Cause a record to be kept
of all proceedings of the Local and shall prepare all
notices and conduct all correspondence of the Local
except where otherwise provided
[b] Preside in the absence of
the President, First Vice-President and Second Vice
President
[2] The Second Secretary
shall
[a] Distribute all minutes,
information and notices for circulation to the Executive
Committee except where otherwise provided
[b] Distribute all information,
minutes and notices for circulation to Floor
Representatives for posting on the union bulletin boards
and circulation to members as required except where
otherwise provided
[c] Cause a record to be kept
of all proceedings of the Local, prepare all notices and
conduct all correspondence of the Local in the absence
of the First Secretary, except where otherwise provided.
If the First and Second Secretary are
absent from a meeting, a secretary pro tempore
shall be appointed by the Chairperson.
Section
[5] The Treasurer shall
[a] Collect and keep all funds
of the Local and disburse them at the direction of the
Executive Committee.
[b] Obtain proper voucher
covering all monetary transactions.
[c] Keep the accounts of the
Local and make a report of it’s financial condition at
least once per month to meetings of the Executive
Committee and to the Annual General Meeting relating to
the financial matters of the Local
[d] To ensure that the accounts
shall be audited in the manner provided by By-Law 15
[e] Present the Executive
Committee and the Annual General Meeting complete
financial statements at the end of each fiscal year.
[f] Be required to be bonded
by a guarantee company selected by the Executive
Committee, cost to be borne by the Local
[g] Prepare a proposed budget
of income and expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year.
The proposed budget will be presented to the membership
of the Local for their acceptance, at the Annual General
Meeting.
[h] Ensure that the proposed
budget and financial statements are circulated to the
membership with the notice of the Annual General
Meeting.
Proposed budgets and/or financial
statements not circulated in accordance with By-Law 8
Section [5] [h] will not be heard unless a 2/3 majority
of members in attendance agree that the proposed budget
and/or financial statements may be presented.
Section
[6] Shop Stewards
Duties of shop stewards shall be
promulgated regulations as provided by By-Law 7 Section
[2][c].
Section
[7] Reports
[a] Each and every officer
listed in By-Law 8 excepting Section [5] shall prepare a
report of their actions during the preceding year.
These reports will be circulated to the membership with
the notice of Annual General Meeting.
[b] Reports not circulated in
accordance with By-Law 8 Section [6][a] will not be
heard nor presented at the Annual General Meeting unless
a 2/3 majority of the members in attendance agree that
the report may be presented.
By-Law 9
Election of Officers
Section [1] The
Executive Committee shall be elected by secret ballot by
the members attending the Annual General Meeting.
Section [2]
[a] Nominations will be accepted for each elective
office of the
Executive Committee before the Annual
General Meeting.
[b] Each nomination will be
seconded and accompanied by acceptance from the nominee
and be forwarded to the Secretary for publication.
[c] Nominations will be opened
at least 30 days prior to the Annual General Meeting.
Section [3]
Nominations will be accepted from the floor at an Annual
General Meeting under the same conditions as prescribed
in Section [2][b] of By-Law 9 without the requirement to
forward to the Secretary.
Section [4] Election
of any office shall be by majority vote only i.e 50%
plus one of the total votes cast. In the event that no
nominee receives a majority of votes, the nominee
receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the
ballot and a new vote shall immediately be taken.
This procedure will continue until
one nominee receives a majority of the votes cast. In
the event of a tie vote when only two nominee remain or
when only two nominees are standing for election to the
same office, the presiding officer shall declare no
ballot and request that a new vote be taken.
By-Law 10
Discipline
Section [1] The
Executive Committee shall have the authority by
resolution passed by a majority consisting of two-thirds
of those eligible to vote, to recommend to the Executive
Council of the Component, suspension of the membership
in the Public Service Alliance of Canada for such a
period as may be deemed appropriate under the
circumstances; or remove from office any member of the
local or local officer, if it is found that they have
contravened any provision of these By-Laws or the
Constitution or for cause listed in Section 2 of this
By-Law.
Section [2] A local
officer or any member is guilty of an offence against
these By-Laws should he/she:
[a] Violate any provision of
the Constitution or these By-Laws;
[b] Obtain membership or
solicit membership by misrepresentation;
[c] Institute, urge or advocate
that a member institute an action in a court of law
against the Alliance, any of it’s constituent parts or
any of it’s officers without first exhausting all
remedies through Appeal or the Union;
[d] Advocate or attempt to
bring about (other than through proper Union channels);
the withdrawal from the Alliance, the Union or Local of
any member or group of members;
[e] Wilfully publish or
circulate among the members’ false reports or
misrepresentations;
[f] Work in the interests of a
rival organization against the Alliance, the Union, or
Local;
[g] Slander, libel, or wilfully
wrong an officer or member of the Alliance, the Union or
Local;
[h] Use abusive language or
wilfully disturb the peace of any meeting place of the
Alliance, the Union or Local;
[i] Use the name of the Union
for soliciting funds or advertising without the consent
of the Executive Council;
[j] Furnish without prior
authority a list of any information on the membership of
the Alliance, the Union or Local to any person or
persons other than those whose official position in the
Alliance or the Union or Local, would entitle them to
have such information;
[k] Deliberately interfere with
an official of the Alliance, the Union or the Local in
the discharge of duties;
[l] Engage in conduct
prejudicial to the good order and discipline of the
Alliance, the Union or Local;
[m] If a non-designated
employee, cross the picket line of his own bargaining
group; or
[n] Sexually or personally
harasses another member.
By-Law 11 Office Eligibility
Section [1] All
members in good standing are eligible for office
provided that no member shall be eligible for the office
of President unless such has served at least one [1]
year on the Executive Committee.
Section [2] The term
of office shall be two years for officers elected at an
Annual General Meeting and one [1] year for floor
representatives.
Section [3] The
President, Second Vice President, 3 Local Directors and
one secretary shall be elected in the odd numbered
years, and the First Vice President, the Treasurer, 3
Local Directors and one secretary shall be elected in
the even numbered years.
Section [4] Except
for the office of the President, the Executive Committee
shall have the power to fill any vacancies which may
occur on the Executive Committee until the next Annual
General Meeting, at which time an election will be held
to fill the position for the balance of the term as
described in Section [2].
By-Law12
Control of Funds
Section [1]
[a] The funds shall be deposited in a Chartered
Bank or Credit
Union
[b] Funds not immediately
required for the use of the Local may, at the discretion
of the Executive Committee be invested in securities
approved for investment by trust Companies.
[c] Such securities must remain
for safekeeping in the custody of the bank or credit
union where current funds are on deposit.
Section
[2] [a] All payments shall be
made by cheques, and
[b] All cheques shall bear the
signature of any two of the following officers:
Treasurer, President, First Vice President.
By-Law13
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Local shall be
November 1 to October 31.
By-Law14
Auditors
[a] A member in good standing
shall be appointed at each Annual General Meeting to
conduct an audit of the books and records of the Local
for the ensuing year and report their findings to the
membership.
[b] If the position remains
vacant after an AGM, the Executive can appoint an
outside accounting body.
[c] The auditor shall have
access to the books and records at all times.
[d] The auditor shall not be a
member of the Executive Committee.
[e] In the event that a vacancy
occurs in the office of the auditor, the Executive
Committee shall have the power to fill such vacancy
until the next Annual General Meeting.
By-Law15
Delegates to National Conventions and
Regional Conferences
Section [1] The
President of the Local shall be a delegate unless the
President chooses to pass on delegate status to the
First Vice President.
Section [2] Other
delegates must be members of the Local in good standing
and,
[a] Possess a broad knowledge
of matters relating to the Local and Public Servants
problems, and
[b] Be a person of such
character, manner and address as will enable him or her
to worthily represent the collective membership of this
Local.
Section [3] Other
delegates and alternates shall be selected by the
Executive Committee on the recommendation of the
members.
Section [4]
Delegates and alternates shall be appointed as soon as
possible after the announcement of dates for Conventions
and Regional Conferences.
By-Law16
Meetings
Section [1] An
Annual General Meeting at which officers shall be
elected and other business transacted shall be held in
the first two months of each year, the date to be
determined by Executive Committee.
Section [2]
[a] Special general meetings may be held at the
call of the
President, or, in his absence the
First Vice President.
[b] Upon written demand of
fifty or more members the President shall call a special
general meeting and such meeting shall be held not later
than ten days following the date of such demand.
Section [3] Notice
of the date of the Annual General Meeting shall be duly
posted not less than fourteen days prior to such date.
Section [4]
Executive Committee meetings shall be held monthly or as
often as required. The dates and location of the
meeting (s) to be determined by the Executive Committee.
By-Law17
Quorum
[a] A quorum for the Annual
General Meeting shall consist of not less than 15
members
[b] A quorum of an Executive
meeting shall consist of not less than three members of
said committee.
[c] No business may legally be
conducted unless the required quorum is present.
By-Law18
Amendments
Section [1]
[a] By-laws may be enacted or amended on a 2/3
majority vote
of the members in good standing at
any Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting
providing that written notice of the proposed
amendment[s] shall be given to the members at least
fourteen [14] days prior to the Annual General Meeting
or Special General Meeting.
[b] 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 that any staff organisation, corporation,
Department of Government or sub-division thereof changes
it’s name after coming into effect of the by-laws the
old name as referred to herein shall be amended to the
new name without recourse to the provisions of these
by-laws.
By-Law19
Dissolution
[a] The Local may be dissolved
by a 2/3 majority of the membership present at a Special
General Meeting called for that purpose.
[b] Such meeting shall
determine the disposition of the assets of the Local.
[c] Notice of such Special
General Meeting clearly stating it’s purpose shall be
posted no less than fourteen days before the day of the
meeting.
By-Law20
Expenses of Representatives
Section [1] Any
member of the Local incurring travelling and living
expenses while engaged in approved business of the Local
shall be reimbursed for such expenses.
Section [2] Any
member of the Local required to take leave without pay
for the purpose of carrying on approved business of the
Local shall be reimbursed for such loss of pay.
By-Law21
General Provisions
Section [1] Nothing
in these by-laws shall be construed to conflict with the
Constitution of the Public Service Alliance of Canada or
the by-laws of the Union.
Section [2]
[a] The rules of procedure at all meetings of the
Local except
as specifically provided by the
by-laws shall be according to Bourinot’s Procedure. It
should be borne in mind that such rules are for guidance
only should not be enforced to the point where they will
tend to embarrass the members in the presentation of
ideas.
[b] The Chairperson of a
General meeting shall have the right to restrict members
to five minutes speaking time.
Section [3]
[a] Union where used in these by-laws shall be
construed to
mean the Union of Taxation Employees
– PSAC unless specifically indicated otherwise.
[b] District Office shall be
construed to mean Vancouver Tax Services office and the
Department shall be referred to Canada Revenue Agency.
[c] In these by-laws wherever
the context indicates masculine it shall be deemed to
include feminine and singular shall be deemed plural.
[d] The Constitution shall be
construed to mean the Constitution of the Public Service
Alliance of Canada, unless specifically indicated
otherwise.
Section [4] The
rules of procedure at all meetings of the Local except
as specifically provided by the by-laws shall be
according to the rules of order for PSAC meetings
adopted by the Board of Directors of the Alliance on
January 24, 1975 with subsequent amendments.
Regulations
Regulation [1]
Standing Committee
