The Constitution and By-Laws, adopted at a general assembly of members, set out the structures and operation of a union. To read the Constitution and By-Laws (C & B) of your union, click on the appropriate link below.

The general assembly (GA) is the highest authority of your local union. Ordinary GAs are held with the frequency stipulated in the Constitution and By-Laws and are open to all union members. Special GAs are convened as needed. They may be for all members of the union or only those of a specific bargaining unit.

Members attending the GA:

• Vote and amend the Constitution and By-Laws of the union;
• Accept or reject tentative collective agreements;
• Undertake to apply or to end any pressure tactics;
• Debate, amend and accept (or reject) the budget and union action plans;
• Elect the members of the executive committee and other union bodies, as well as union delegates.

The elected members of the executive committee are responsible for implementing decisions made at GA meetings, for looking after routine business, and for administering the union’s assets.

Among other things, the executive committee:

• Convenes ordinary and special GA meetings;
• Prepares the budget and union action plans, and submits them to the GA;
• Brings forward issues requiring a vote to the GA.

Delegates act as a bridge between the members of your union and the executive committee. They hold an elected position and must come from different departments and faculties of the university in order to ensure a presence in the various workplaces of union members.

Union delegates:

• Meet with members in order to inquire about their labour concerns;
• Gather members’ complaints and forward them to the executive committee as needed;
• Inform members of union activities and encourage them to participate;
• Ensure respect of the current collective agreement.

A bargaining committee is established for each bargaining unit included in your local union (to find out what a bargaining unit is, see Union network, from local to national). This committee may operate on a temporary or permanent basis. It usually comprises members of the executive committee, elected representatives from the bargaining unit concerned, and a PSAC advisor.

The bargaining committee:

• Prepares the list of union demands which will serve as a basis for negotiating the collective agreement of the members of the bargaining unit;
• Negotiates the agreement with the university in accordance with the list of demands and taking into consideration the employer’s offers;
• Informs the members of the unit on the evolution of negotiations and provides explanations as to the decisions made at the bargaining table;
• Accepts or rejects the employer’s offers and submits, as appropriate, any tentative agreement to the vote of unit members.

The structure of your local union may comprise other permanent or temporary bodies, such as various committees dealing with issues pertaining to labour relations, health and safety, mobilization, etc. The members who sit on these committees are generally elected.