At the membership conference call which was held on November 16, 2013, a motion was adopted to ask members if they wanted a referendum vote to reduce CULE dues by 0.75%.
THIS IS NOT A VOTE AS TO WHETHER OR NOT WE WILL HAVE A CONVENTION OR TO REDUCE THE CULE DUES AT THIS TIME. THIS VOTE IS SIMPLY TO ASK MEMBERS IF THEY WISH TO HAVE THIS VOTE
And return to
Carm Chan
Edmonton Regional Office
10665 Jasper Avenue, Suite 670
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3S9
Deadline for the ballots to be received by the Edmonton RO is Thursday, February 14, 2014 at 4:30 p.m.
As always, use the double envelope method and clearly mark your name on the outer envelope.
FACTS ABOUT DUES LEVY FOR CULE CONVENTIONS
In 2003, CULE members voted to increase their dues by .75% to begin funding a CULE Convention in which all CULE members would be able to actively participate in the political life of their union. Dues deductions began with the last pay of October 2003.
A committee was formed and CULE members voted as to the location of the convention, which took place on January 21 and 22, 2006 in Veradero, Cuba. Most members either went to Cuba the week prior to Convention or the week following Convention using their vacation leave.
A Convention Solidarity Committee was put in place in contact with Labour leaders in Cuba to find out what items could be brought to Cuba that the Cuban people could use. Lots of items were brought to Cuba such as medical and school supplies.
This was a very successful convention.
In the Fall of 2008, another survey was conducted by the executive as to the location of the 2nd CULE convention and members voted overwhelmingly to have the convention again in Cuba. The 2nd CULE Convention took place in Veradero Cuba on January 16 & 17, 2010. Convention was very successful and feedback on guest speakers at convention was extremely positive.
In 2010, call-out went again for the 3rd convention, again it was decided that it would take place in Cuba and convention was scheduled for Winter 2014.
Conventions were fully funded for CULE members to attend. Most members took some holidays either the week before or the week after convention. Some members took their families and/or friends.
Some of the reasons for hosting the Convention in Cuba was the Social Justice, the cost of the convention, a chance for members to spend some time together away from the workplace, cell phone, etc.
If the membership votes in favour of removing the .75% dues levy, we most likely will NOT be able to have a fully-funded and full-participation convention as in the past. Although the dues levy may not be the only factor, it would be a major one. If you have any questions on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the executive or your Director.