The internal operation of our Union Local is governed through our democratically decided Bylaws (approved in March 2025). They were last ratified by the membership in February 2025 and approved by CUPE National in March 2025.
These bylaws outline how our local operates and are approved by CUPE National. Any concerns with these Bylaws should be directed to the President at president@cupe3906.org
To view the CUPE National constitution, by which the Local also abides, please visit https://cupe.ca/cupe-constitution
In addition to the above Bylaws, the Local also has a series of policies which have been voted on by the membership. Unlike the Bylaws, they have not been formally approved by CUPE National (and do not need to be), though they are otherwise in compliance with the both the Bylaws and National Constitution and operate as best practices or standard operating procedures. These policies can also be amended easier than the Bylaws. These policies can be found in the Local’s Policy Booklet (last updated February 2025).
Proposed Changes- Summer 2025
Process:
Bylaws committee has agreed on motion/proposed changes (see below)
GMM 1 (July 3) – present proposed bylaws change to membership (no debate permitted. Simply presenting language to membership for consideration at next meeting) DONE
GMM 2 (next scheduled GMM) – vote on proposed change presented at GMM 1, as written below (can vote YES or NO. No amendments are permitted). ** can refer item back to bylaws committee for additional considerations, but cannot make amendments on the spot
Send approved language (if approved) to CUPE National for approval
Motion:
Be it resolved that the membership of CUPE Local 3906 approve the addition of a Communications Officer position as an executive committee member who can run the communications committee to support the organization’s outreach, engagement, and visibility efforts.
To facilitate this, the membership will approve a proposed bylaws change/addition to article 5 of the bylaws outlined below.
Rationale:
As our union grows in scope and engagement, the demand for timely, effective, and strategic communication has also grown. This includes managing news blast, social media, internal updates, press releases, and public-facing campaigns.
At present, union’s communications responsibilities are either informally assigned or absorbed by other roles. This leads to inefficiencies, inconsistencies, and missed opportunities to amplify our work and reach our membership.
Many unions have a dedicated communications committee or officer. Establishing this committee aligns us with best practices and ensures sustainability.
Proposed Bylaws Change/Addition
**new** Article 5 (L)
5(L) The COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Shall:
i. Develop and implement a communications strategy that ensures members are informed, engaged, and empowered.
ii. Promote union meetings, campaigns, bargaining updates, job actions, and social events through accessible and inclusive communication.
iii. Chair the Communications Committee
iv. Draft and disseminate regular newsletters, bulletins, and member updates.
v. Ensure timely and accurate communication between the Executive Committee and the membership, especially during bargaining periods, strikes, or mobilization.
vi. Manage the union’s official social media accounts in alignment with union values and political positions.
vii. Create engaging and educational content that promotes worker solidarity, collective action, and awareness of workers’ rights.
viii. Monitor and report on reach, engagement, and member feedback.
ix. Design communication materials (posters, flyers, graphics, email blasts) for coordinated campaigns, organizing, mobilizing grassroots activism, political actions, and coalition events.
x. Assist all officers and committees in drafting promotional materials, communicating with members and developing, producing and commissioning external communications (e.g., media releases, advertisements, etc.
xi. Chair the Communications Committee.
xii. Collaborate with other committees (e.g., Equity, Political Action) to support campaigns that center the voices of marginalized workers.
xiii. Update the union’s website with accurate and current information, including bylaws, benefits, event details, and campaign updates.
xii. Ensure all communications meet accessibility standards (e.g., alt-text, plain language, multilingual content where applicable).
*current article 5(L) becomes 5(M), language stays the same
All executive officers are jointly responsible for the effective operation of the Executive Committee and shall perform any additional duties deemed necessary by the Executive Committee.
and current article 5(M) becomes 5(N), language stays the same
All Executive Officers are expected to make a written or verbal report on their respective portfolios at each GMM and contribute an end-of year report to the Executive Report to be presented at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which includes a summary of their activities over the course of the year as well as recommendations for the year to come.