Amendments to bylaws were voted on at the November 27th, 2024 General Membership Meeting (GMM). Thanks to all members for coming out to discuss and vote.
Bylaws Amendment to Appendix D: Extended Health Benefits Fund
Here are the results of the vote:
Yes: 55 (75.3%)
No: 18 (24.7%)
Voter Summary
Total: 92
Abstain: 19 (20.7%)
Bylaws Amendment to Art. 7: Dues and Assessments
Please note that during the GMM today, members amended the motion to raise the dues rates to 3.5% across-the-board.
Here are the results of the vote:
Yes: 62 (68.9%)
No: 28 (31.1%)
Voter Summary
Total: 92
Abstain: 2 (2.2%)
Letter from the Executive Committee Regarding the Bylaws Amendment to Art. 7: Dues and Assessments
One of the items on the agenda for today’s GMM was a proposed amendment to our bylaws to increase our dues rate to 3.0% for all units of CUPE 3903. During the meeting, a motion came from the floor to amend this rate to 3.5% for all units. This amendment was voted on during the meeting, and it passed. Thus, the motion was to raise the dues rates to 3.5% for all units. This motion was voted on by the standard secret ballot procedure, and it passed.
We recognise that this dues increase is higher than what members anticipated based on the original proposal by the Executive Committee, at the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Finance Committee, to increase our dues rate to 3.0% for all units. However, except for special cases that the Executive Committee can authorize per our bylaws, all proposals are just that: proposals. They have to be voted on by membership at GMMs.
We are proud to be a member-driven union, and structurally, the membership is the highest decision-making body in CUPE 3903. Any rank-and-file member is able to make motions and propose amendments, as was done today with the increase to 3.5% for all units. Those amendments must also be voted on. If so desired, members can put in a notice to amend the bylaws and change the dues rates in the future.
Prior to today’s vote, our dues rate had remained unchanged for an extended time period despite dues income not keeping up with inflation and increased operating costs. Meanwhile, York has continued to escalate its attacks on members, causing rising legal expenses. It is this reality that prompted the original proposal of a 3.0% dues rate. The background of this proposal and the discussion of our financial situation can be found in the Fund the Fight resources on our website.
Paying enough dues to maintain the Union’s functioning is a crucial part of being a member. Another crucial part of being a member is having access to very strong benefits, which can significantly ease day-to-day financial strain. As discussed at the GMM, the Executive will bring a proposal forward to next month’s GMM for adapting our financial strategies to ensure that everything possible is being done to stabilize our finances and our capacity to defend ourselves against this Employer.
The Executive Committee supports the membership’s choice to increase the dues rate to 3.5% and believes that it will help sustain the financial future of CUPE 3903.