January 15, 2006
TO: CULE Convention 2006 FROM: CULE Convention Finance Committee RE: Convention Finance Committee Report
A Committee of three members of CULE was formed to deal with all financial resolutions submitted to it. Our Committee Report will be dealt with at the first CULE Convention, to be held January 21 and 22, 2006 in CUBA.
The Committee was comprised of:
Sister Gail Chafe, Chairperson (Calgary Regional Office) Brother David Doyle, Member (North Bay Regional Office) Sister Debbie McLaughlin, (Halifax Regional Office)
The Committee convened via teleconference on December 14 and 22, 2005, as well as January 3, 2006.
In total our Committee received eight resolutions (Resolutions 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 20 and 21). However, Resolutions 18, 20 and 21 were referred, by decision of the President of CULE, Brother Dave Jackson, to the Constitution Committee. This left 5 resolutions for the Convention Finance Committee to deal with (Resolutions 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9). The Committee combined Resolutions 5, 7 and 8 into a composite Resolution 5A. Resolutions 6 and 9 were dealt with separately. Please see the Resolutions, our Recommendation, and our Rationale below.
The CULE Convention Finance Committee was in unanimous agreement with all of our Recommendations.
Gail Chafe
CULE Convention Resolutions – Finance
Resolution 5 – Establishment of CULE Strike Fund
WHEREAS, the Alliance Employee’s Union (AEU), the other PSAC In-House Union, has a strike fund for its employees; and
WHEREAS, our Employer has a strike fund for its members; and
WHEREAS, amongst the CULE members there are single parents, and members who have only one income to provide for expenses during a strike.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT CULE establish a Strike Fund to provide members with no less than $50.00 a day in strike pay.
The Committee unanimously recommends Non-Concurrence in Resolution 5.
Rationale: This resolution was incorporated into Composite Resolution 5A.
Composite Resolution 5A ( Includes Finance Resolution No. 5, 7, and 8 )
WHEREAS, having a strike fund strengthens the union’s position at the bargaining table; and
WHEREAS, CULE has an amount of money set aside in investments. Some of these investments were, at one time, allocated to a CULE Strike Fund.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that a CULE Strike Fund be re-established, if necessary, and that a separate line item be established to identify the Strike Fund; and
BE IT RESOLVED that the details of how the Strike Fund be maintained, funded, and disbursed, be referred to the CULE Executive. The CULE Executive will then report back to the membership on their deliberations.
The Committee unanimously recommends Concurrence-in-Principle in Composite Resolution 5 A.
Rationale: The Convention Finance Committee agrees with the concept of a CULE Strike Fund. The Committee, having received a few resolutions submitted by the membership on this issue, proposes the above composite resolution.
Resolution 6 – Liability Insurance
WHEREAS, other unions carry Liability Insurance to protect themselves, and the officers of the union, from financial hardship arising from legal action; and
WHEREAS, CULE had attempted to get Liability Insurance in the past but was unable to due to outstanding legal actions.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT CULE acquire Liability Insurance.
The Committee unanimously recommends Non-Concurrence in Resolution 6.
Rationale: After several enquiries into the possibility of obtaining liability insurance, the Convention Finance Committee found that it was cost prohibitive. It would cost approximately 8% of our annual dues to purchase liability insurance.
Resolution 7 – Establishment of a CULE Strike Fund
Originator: May Saunders, Edmonton RO
WHEREAS, CULE increased, in the early 90’s, Dues from ½% to 1% to retire the debt (B. Buckingham Arbitration) and to establish a Strike Fund; and
WHEREAS, Unit II’s strike in 1990 and as there was no strike fund, the executive had to arrange for contributions from non-striking members; and
WHEREAS, the debt was retired, but no strike fund was ever established; and
WHEREAS, CULE has an amount of money set aside in investments.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT 50% of the money held in investments be earmarked as CULE’s official Strike Fund.
The Committee recommends Non-Concurrence in Resolution 5.
Rationale: This resolution was incorporated and dealt with in Composite Resolution 5A.
Resolution 8 – Strike Fund
WHEREAS, a strike fund is a strong indicator to the employer that the membership is able to financially sustain itself during a labour dispute; and
WHEREAS, a strike fund can finance mobilization strategies; and
WHEREAS, having a strike fund strengthens our position at the bargaining table; and
WHEREAS, CULE members do not have a strike fund despite countless deliberations about its necessity.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT a strike fund account be opened within one month of this convention with a monthly deposit of dues percentage.
The Committee unanimously recommends Non-Concurrence in Resolution 5.
Rationale: This resolution was incorporated into Composite Resolution 5A.
Resolution 9 – Liability Insurance
WHEREAS, unions carry Liability Insurance to protect themselves and the officers of the union from financial hardship arising from legal action; and
WHEREAS, CULE attempted to get Liability Insurance over a decade ago and was unable to because of outstanding legal actions.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT CULE acquire Liability Insurance.
The Committee unanimously recommends Non-Concurrence in Resolution 6.
Rationale: After several enquiries into the possibility of obtaining liability insurance, the Convention Finance Committee found that it was cost prohibitive. It would cost approximately 8% of our annual dues to purchase liability insurance.