The NSUPE constitution serves as the primary governing document that defines the union’s democratic structure, organizational objectives, and operational rules. It establishes NSUPE as an independent, member-driven union dedicated to improving the economic and social well-being of its members.
Democratic Control: All major decisions, including the election of executive officers and the ratification of collective agreements, are decided by a direct vote of the membership.
Financial Independence: Dues remain within the local organization to fund representation, legal counsel, and member services rather than being sent to international headquarters.
Volunteer Leadership: Most union officers are active employees within their bargaining units, ensuring that leadership remains closely connected to the daily realities of the workplace.
Terms of Reference
Bargaining Unit – means the unit defined as appropriate for bargaining by legislation in any Canadian jurisdiction or as deemed appropriate by the Union.
Bylaw – means a motion setting out a structure or process that the Union or a Local intends to use on an ongoing basis.
Convention – means the biennial Convention of the Union.
Executive Council – means the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Local Executive Council members of the Union.
Local – means the division of the membership of the Union comprising one or more bargaining units or part thereof in a geographical and/or working area.
Local Executive – means the Executive elected to administer the Local.
Majority vote – means more than fifty percent (50%) except where clearly specified otherwise.
Member in good standing – means a member:
(a) who is not more than three (3) months in arrears in dues,
(b) who is not suspended or expelled in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, and
(c) who is not subject to sanction as a scab pursuant to Article 10.8.1.
Office – means any position held by a member, whether elected or appointed, in which the member represents the Union by virtue of belonging to the Union, and includes such positions as: Executive Council, Local Executive, Union Advocates, Committee Chairperson, and committee members.
Regular wages – means gross wages paid at straight-time rates but does not include premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, travel allowance, etc.
Sixty-six and two-thirds (66 2/3) vote – means a vote by sixty-six and two thirds percent (66 2/3%)
Union – means the Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees.