THE LOCAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (LEC) STRUCTURE
The Local 503 LEC is made up of the President, one Vice-President in each component (Ontario Public Service and Skilled Trades Ontario), Vice President of Communications, Treasurer, Secretary a Chief Steward and workplace, unit or shop Stewards. These are elected positions with a term of 2 years.
The Local Executive Committee is responsible for carrying out the financial and administrative business of the local under the terms set by the OPSEU Constitution. This includes: preparing and submitting quarterly audit reports, running a minimum of 2 General Membership Meetings per year, representing the membership at the Local Employee Relations Committee (LERC), electing delegates to divisional, regional and convention meetings to elect representatives at the Ministry Employee Relations Committees, Central Employee Relations Committees, and Executive Board. This democratically elected body is responsible for facilitating member participation in bargaining, at the workplace, and organizing local events.
THE STEWARD BODY
All members of the Local Executive Committee are also Stewards. In addition, our local has stewards in all of our office locations in Toronto, and several remote OCOT Enforcement Officer stewards. Stewards assist the LEC to communicate with and represent the members.
The Steward’s role is:
- Map out their worksite and mobilize members to action
- Be a voice for workers rights and our collective agreement in the workplace
- Update union boards and make OPSEU/SEFPO presence visible in the workplace and community
- Communicate key information with members
- Connect members opportunities for education and training
- Invite members to attend events and represent the local (May Day and Labour Day events, rallies for social causes, picket lines and marches)
- Support members through grievances
THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP (GMM)
The General Membership is made up of everyone who is represented by the local. A minimum of twice a year, the local executive organizes General Membership meetings. At these meetings the members have direct say in the local budget, bargaining demands, and initiatives of the local. You can also be involved by bringing your comments and ideas to your stewards, or by becoming a steward yourself! By getting involved you ensure your union represents your needs.
A members role is:
- Attend membership meetings
- Attend workshops, educationals and grow knowledge about the union and labour movement
- Attend events with other members
- Make OPSEU/SEFPO presence visible in the workplace and community
- Vote for delegates to represent our local at divisional meetings, during bargaining and at convention
- Follow the statement of respect for all fellow workers
PRESIDENT
29.5.1 The President shall enforce compliance with Bylaws and regulations of the Union and Local; preside at Local meetings; be an ex-officio member of all Local committees; generally supervise the affairs and operations of the Local; carry out such other duties as may be prescribed by Local Bylaws.
VICE PRESIDENT
29.5.2 The Vice-President shall perform all the Presidential functions during any absence of the President and accept and exercise such other duties and powers as may be designated by the Local Executive Committee or the President. The Vice-President may also attend all functions (including all regional meetings and Conventions) of the Union, in place of the President when the President cannot attend.
TREASURER
29.5.4 The Treasurer shall be responsible for proper administration of the assets of the Local, including the operating funds.
SECRETARY
29.5.3 The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Local and keep Minutes; distribute notices to all members of the Local, as required; answer and/or forward all pertinent correspondence; and forward all pertinent membership information to the appropriate union regional office.
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
Due to the size of the Local 503 membership and the need for timely communications, the Local 503 executive includes a VP Comms position who works with other LEC members to:
- Maintain, update and expand the Local 503 website (www.opseulocal503.org)
- Send meeting announcements and invitations to members, the steward body and the local executive committee (LEC)
- Share key highlights from regional and central OPSEU communications
- Work with the Secretary to post LEC, steward and general membership meeting minutes on the Local 503 website
- Facilitate communications between bargaining groups (OPS-Unified and STO)
- Oversee audio/visual at general membership meetings to allow remote members to participate
- Update social media accounts
