District 18 Constitution

CONSTITUTION OF DISTRICT ......................................................................................... Page 1

ARTICLE 1: INTERPRETATIONS and DEFINITIONS ............................................ Page 1

(A) Interpretations............................................................................................. Page 1

(B) Definitions................................................................................................... Page 1

ARTICLE 2: Repugnancy............................................................................................. Page 2

ARTICLE 3: Name, Membership, and Rights................................................................ Page 2

ARTICLE 4: Organization............................................................................................. Page 3

(A) There shall be an Executive Council ............................................................ Page 3

(B) The number of Executive offices............................................................ Page 3

ARTICLE 5: BRANCHES........................................................................................... Page 3

ARTICLE 6: General Meetings..................................................................................... Page 3

(A) Power and Quorum:.............................................................................. Page 4

(B) Annual General Meeting:....................................................................... Page 4

ARTICLE 7: Provincial Organization............................................................................. Page 4

ARTICLE 8: By-Laws.................................................................................................. Page 4

ARTICLE 9: Amendments of Constitution or By-Laws.................................................. Page 4

(A) Proposing Amendments With Notice:.................................................... Page 4

(B) Amendments Without Notice:................................................................ Page 5

(D) District Executive Council Authority:...................................................... Page 5

BY-LAWS OF DISTRICT ..................................................................................................... Page 6

BY-LAW 1: Duties of Members................................................................................... Page 6

BY-LAW 2: Committees.............................................................................................. Page 6

(A) Chairperson: ........................................................................................ Page 6

(B) Standing Committees............................................................................. Page 6

BY-LAW 3: District Executive Council.......................................................................... Page 7

(A) Meetings............................................................................................... Page 7

(B) Duties................................................................................................... Page 7

BY-LAW 4: Branch Organization.................................................................................. Page 8

(B) Branch Representation.......................................................................... Page 8

BY-LAW 5: Past President........................................................................................... Page 9

BY-LAW 6: President.................................................................................................. Page 9

(B) Access To Files:.................................................................................... Page 9

BY-LAW 7: Vice-Presidents........................................................................................ Page 9

BY-LAW 8: Secretary .............................................................................................. Page 10

BYLAW 9: Treasurer................................................................................................ Page 10

BY-LAW 10: Provincial Councillor............................................................................. Page 11

BY-LAW 11: District Communications Officer............................................................ Page 12

Communications Committee............................................................................ Page 12

BY-LAW 12: Educational Services............................................................................ Page 12

(A) The Chairperson................................................................................. Page 12

(B) The ES Committee.............................................................................. Page 12

BY-LAW 13: Collective Bargaining............................................................................. Page 13

[A] BARGAINING UNITS:..................................................................... Page 13

[B] DISTRICT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING:........................................... Page 13

[C] Agreements:........................................................................................ Page 13

[D] Resumption by the Provincial OSSTF................................................ Page 14

BY-LAW 14: Pension and Benefits Information........................................................... Page 14

BY-LAW 15: Parliamentary Committee...................................................................... Page 15

(A) The Chairperson................................................................................. Page 15

(B) The Committee................................................................................... Page 15

BY-LAW 16: Provincial Assembly............................................................................. Page 16

(A) Delegates and Alternates:.................................................................... Page 16

(D) Vacancies for Delegates and Alternates............................................... Page 16

BY-LAW 17: General Meetings.................................................................................. Page 17

(A) Convening........................................................................................... Page 17

BYLAW 18: DISTRICT LEVY.................................................................................. Page 17

BY-LAW 19: Vacancy In Office................................................................................. Page 18

BY-LAW 20: Removal From Office............................................................................ Page 18

BY-LAW 21: ............................................................................................................ Page 18

(B) Spending Authorities........................................................................... Page 18

BY-LAW 22: Policy................................................................................................... Page 19

A) Creating Policy.................................................................................... Page 19

BY-LAW 23: Educational Finance Officer................................................................... Page 20

BY-LAW 24: Political Action Officer.......................................................................... Page 20

BY-LAW 25: Health and Safety Officer...................................................................... Page 20

(A) Office....................................................................................................... Page 20

(B) Duties................................................................................................. Page 20

BY-LAW 26: Awards................................................................................................ Page 21

(A) Award of Merit................................................................................... Page 21

(B) Service Pin ......................................................................................... Page 22

(D) Silver Fork Award.............................................................................. Page 22

BY-LAW 28: ORGANIZING NEW MEMBERS OF OSSTF................................... Page 23

(A) Categories:.......................................................................................... Page 23

(B) Process:.............................................................................................. Page 23

CONSTITUTION OF DISTRICT

ARTICLE 1: INTERPRETATIONS and DEFINITIONS

(A) Interpretations:

(1) References to words such as `member', `Executive', `Council', and `General Meeting' shall refer to those for the District unless specifically modified otherwise by the use of " Bargaining Unit", "Provincial", or like words.

(2) Definitions will be listed automatically in alphabetical order.

(3) Cross-references needing changes because of the adoption of amendments will be changed correspondingly automatically.

(4) If the law of Ontario prohibits any particular clause herein, then such clause is inoperative until such time as the law does permit the action again.

(B) Definitions: In the District Constitution, Bylaws, Policies, and Special Rules:

(1) `Bargaining Unit' shall be used to designate the OSSTF organization of those members in the District for whom OSSTF holds bargaining rights under the appropriate legislation.

(2) A Board@ shall mean the >English Language Public School Board Number 18', or the >Wellington Catholic District School Board Number 48' as deemed appropriate.

(3) "CBC" shall mean "Collective Bargaining Committee".

(4) "Constitution, Bylaws, Policies and Special Rules" shall mean those of the District, unless specified otherwise.

(5) "Council" shall mean the A Executive Council of the District .@

(6) "Councillor" shall mean a member of the Council.

(7) "DCO" shall mean "District Communications Officer".

(8) "District" shall mean "District of OSSTF".

(9) "ES" shall mean AEducational Services.@

(10) "Executive" and "Exec" shall mean the "Executive Council", unless specified otherwise.

(11) "General Meeting" shall mean a meeting for all members of the District.

(12) "member" shall mean an "Active member", unless stated otherwise, as defined by the Provincial Constitution and By-Laws of OSSTF.

(13) `OLRA members' means the members of OSSTF organized under the requirements of the Ontario Labour Relations Act, who are not TPA members.

(14) "OSSTF" shall mean "the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation".

(15) "OTF" shall mean "The Ontario Teachers Federation".

(16) "PBO" shall mean `Pension and Benefits Officer'

(17) "PD" shall mean "Professional Development".

(18) "policy" shall mean a stated position or stand taken by the District in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws on matters whose resolution is beyond the internal legislative power of the District.

(19) "Provincial" shall refer to the organizational structure of OSSTF.

(20) "Spending Authority" shall mean a person empowered under the By-Laws to authorize expenditure of funds.

(21) "Special Rules" shall mean rules related to the administration of the District or rules of order for the District not covered by the Provincial or District Constitution and By-Laws.

(2) >TPA members= means the members of OSSTF under the requirements of the Teaching Profession Act who are contract teachers, until the Occasional Teachers= Bargaining Unit is consolidated with it, afterwhich time it shall mean the members of OSSTF who are Part X Education Act members@.

(23) "vote" shall mean a vote of those members of the relevant District body who are present at the meeting, qualified to vote, and voting.

(24) "Workplace" shall be any location where an OSSTF member is employed.

ARTICLE 2: Repugnancy

(A) Any part of the Constitution, By-Laws, Policies, or Special Rules or any amendment thereto, which is repugnant to the Provincial Constitution or By-Laws is hereby declared null and void.

(B) All Former Constitutions of the District are hereby declared null and void.

(C) All By-Laws, Policies, and Special Rules of the District, insofar as they are repugnant to any part of this Constitution are hereby declared null and void.

ARTICLE 3: Name, Membership, and Rights

(A) The name of the District shall be District 18.

(B) Each member of the District must be:

(1) a member in good standing of OSSTF, and

(2) employed by the Board .

(C) Each member has the same rights, duties and responsibilities under the Bylaws of OSSTF, except for bargaining for a collective agreement. In such cases, members are restricted to the procedures for their own bargaining unit.

(D) All Executive, Council, and Branch Executive members must be members of the District at their election or appointment and during their term of office, and be Active Members of OSSTF.

ARTICLE 4: Organization

(A) There shall be an Executive Council consisting of at least the following offices:

(1) District President

(2) Past President

(3) 2 Vice‑Presidents: one TPA and one OLRA

(4) Secretary

(5)Treasurer

(6) the President of each Bargaining Unit

(7) Chairperson of CBC

(8) the District Communications Officer

(9) the Education Services Officer

(10) Health and Safety Officer

(11) Pension and Benefits Officer

(12) the Chairperson of Parliamentary Committee

(13) Provincial Councillors

(14) Status of Women Officer.

(B) The number of Executive offices may be expanded beyond the minimum number of offices identified above provided that there is such a requirement under the Provincial Constitution and Bylaws; or, when additional Bylaws are adopted by the District's General Meeting describing such office and duties, stating that such officer is a member of the Executive.

(a) A year of office in the District and Bargaining Units shall be from 1 July to 30 June.

(b) The Officers elected at the Annual General Meeting shall have a term of office of two years.

Even-numbered years: President, Secretary, Treasurer, District Communications Officer, Provincial Councillors.

Odd-numbered years: Vice-Presidents, Education Services Officer.

(2) The Executive Council may exercise the duties of both an OSSTF Executive and an OSSTF Council.

ARTICLE 5: BRANCHES

A. Each Bargaining Unit organized by OSSTF in the jurisdiction of the Board shall be a separate Branch of the District.

B. For each Branch, there shall be a Branch Executive consisting of at least two Offices in each Branch.

ARTICLE 6: General Meetings

(A) Power and Quorum:

A General Meeting as the supreme legislative body of the District may perform any lawful act of any body of the District. The quorum required at a General Meeting is 50 District members.

(B) Annual General Meeting:

There shall be an Annual General Meeting:

(1) to discuss the business of the District,

(2) to receive reports, and

(3) to elect Executive members as determined by the Constitution and By-Laws.

There shall be a General Meeting at such other times as may be determined by the Executive.

ARTICLE 7: Provincial Organization

(1) There shall be Provincial Councillors as specified in the Provincial Constitution and Bylaws.

(2) There shall be Delegates to the Provincial Assembly of the OSSTF for the Bargaining Units as specified in the Provincial Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE 8: By-Laws

The District may adopt By-Laws not inconsistent with the Constitution and By-Laws of the District and Provincial OSSTF concerning:

(2) The management of its property, its funds, and its own internal organization and administration.

(2) the establishment of special and standing committees, and

(3) all other matters deemed necessary and convenient for the good and welfare of the members, or of the conduct of the business of the District.

ARTICLE 9: Amendments of Constitution or By-Laws

(A) Proposing Amendments With Notice:

(1) Any member of the District proposing an amendment to the Constitution or By-Laws shall give notice in writing to the District Secretary with a copy of the proposed amendment.

(2) Within 10 days of receiving the proposed amendment the District Secretary shall send the information in writing to the District's President and Parliamentary Committee, and to the Branch Presidents for notification to the members.

(3) The vote on the proposed amendment shall occur at a General Meeting held not less than 30 days from the time the District Secretary sends the notification outlined in (2) above.

(3) The vote required for adoption of a constitutional amendment is a two-thirds vote, and for a By-Law amendment is a simple majority.

BY‑LAWS OF DISTRICT

BY-LAW 1: Duties of Members

It shall be the duty of the District members:

(1) to elect at the Annual General Meeting the officers as required by the Constitution and Bylaws;

(2) to receive and act upon reports and communications from the OSSTF;

(3) to receive, determine action to be taken, and act upon reports and communications received from the Executive Council, and Committees established by the membership;

(4) to consider matters of general interest to education as they affect the OSSTF;

(5) to adopt By-Laws necessary for the transaction of any article of the Constitution;

(6) (a) to use any County Professional Development Day to participate in approved activities;

(b) to inform their Branch President of their inability to attend due to illness.

(c) in planning an activity other than the scheduled Professional Development Day Programme to obtain the approval of the appropriate Branch Executive, and to inform the Educational Services Committee of the activity by the requested due date.

BY-LAW 2: Committees

(A) Chairperson: The Chairperson of a District Committee shall be responsible for:

(1) calling and chairing meetings of the committee;

(2) the functioning of the committee in accordance with the constitution and By-Laws and the terms of reference set by the establishing body;

(3) reporting in writing to the Executive Council and the establishing body the activities, findings, and/or recommendations of the Committee;

(4) acting as the liaison to other Committees, the establishing body, Executive Council;

(5) keeping the President informed of the time, date, and place of each Committee meeting;

(6) supervising the organizing of the Committee.

(B) Standing Committees.

(1) The Standing Committees are CBC and ES.

(2) Standing Committees have an obligation to keep the membership informed of their activities.

(3) All Standing Committees shall keep accurate minutes of each meeting of the Committee and a copy of the minutes shall be sent within 15 days of the meeting to the District's Secretary and President.

(4) The minutes of a Standing Committee shall be confidential to the Committee and the Executive upon Executive approval.

(5) Should the District membership wish to reverse a decision established under (4) above, the membership may do so by a simple majority vote at a General Meeting.

(6) Each Standing Committee may recommend to the Executive a candidate for appointment as Chairperson in the case where the Executive has the responsibility for making an appointment.

The decision to publish findings, to implement suggested policies, or to embark on courses of action recommended by a District Committee shall be the responsibility of the establishing body or its designate.

BY-LAW 3: District Executive Council

(A) Meetings.

(1) There shall be an Executive Council meeting at least three times during the school year.

(2) The Executive Council shall meet:

(a) at the call of the President, or

(b) at the request of three Councillors, who make their request in writing to the Secretary and Chairperson.

(3) Only members of Council shall have the right to vote at Council meetings.

(4) A quorum for a Council meeting shall consist of six members.

(B) Duties. It shall be the duty of the Executive Council:

(1) to promote within the District the aims and objectives of the OSSTF;

(2) to meet as required;

(3) to inform the Provincial Executive of any matters adversely affecting the welfare of the OSSTF or one or more of its members;

(4) to act as a committee dealing with all areas of responsibility and ethics within the District;

(5) to act in the name of the District between General Meetings;

(6) to review annually all District appointments;

(7) to receive, determine actions to be taken, and act upon reports and communications from the OTF, OSSTF, Provincial Committees, or District Committees appointed by the Executive Council, Bargaining Units, and District members;

(8) to approve the District Budget in Sept or amend the budget of the District at later meetings;

(9) to determine the appointments of:

(a) the non‑elected Executive members according to the Constitution or By-Laws;

(b) the representatives of the District to Board Committees and/or joint District/Board Committees;

(c) the representatives of the District to other bodies, but which representatives are not elected by the members of the District;

(10) to ratify, or censure, the actions of representatives of the District appointed by the Executive Council;

(11) to adopt Special Rules when necessary.

BY-LAW 4: Branch Organization.

(A) Each Bargaining Unit is a Branch for the District.

(B) Branch Representation.

It shall be the duty of the Branch President , or their representatives:

(1) to represent the interests of their Branches;

(2) to act as liaison between the Executive Council, and the Branch members;

(3) to advise the Executive Council;

(4) to keep their Branch members informed by holding Branch meetings regularly;

(5) to send one copy of the minutes of Branch meetings to the District Office within ten days of the meeting;

(6) to discuss all Branch motions concerning District matters at Executive Council before forwarding these motions to the Board or its Administration;

(1) Each Branch shall have a Constitution, and shall file a copy with the District Office. It must not conflict with the Constitution and By-Laws of the District and the Provincial OSSTF.

(2) The minimum number of Offices shall be President and Vice‑President. Other Offices may be used as necessary by the Branch.

(3) The year of office for the Branch Executive shall be 1 July to 30 June.

(4) The President of the District shall be an ex‑officio member of each Branch for all purposes except Collective Bargaining.

BY-LAW 5: Past President.

(A) It shall be the duty of the Past President to act in an advisory capacity to the President and the Executive.

(B) The retiring President shall be the Past President at the conclusion of the term of office as President.

BY-LAW 6: President.

(A) Duty: It shall be the duty of the President:

(1) to act as the official representative and Chief Executive Officer of the District;

(2) to be an ex‑officio member of all District Committees, and Bargaining Units;

(3) to maintain contact with District work;

(4) to call Executive Council, and General Meetings;

(a) as such meetings are required under the Bylaws; or

(b) as the need arises in the opinion of the President.

(5) to act as the grievance officer for the District.

(B) Access To Files:

The President of the District has the permission of the District members to have access to any and all files held by the Board or Work-place administrator pertaining to the salary, benefits, home addresses, home telephone numbers, and seniority information of the members of the District.

BY-LAW 7: Vice‑Presidents.

(A) It shall be the duty of a Vice‑President:

(1) to act in the name of and perform the duties of the President by written delegation;

(2) to perform other duties as requested by the President;

(3) to be responsible for Education Finances, Political Action, and Status of Women.

BY‑LAW 8: Secretary

(A) It shall be the duty of the Secretary:

(1) to record all minutes of Executive Council, and General Meetings;

(2) to receive and to keep the correspondence, and to answer it subject to direction by Executive Council or a General Meeting;

(3) to keep all non‑financial records;

(4) to forward as directed by the Executive Council or a General Meeting representations, recommendations, and resolutions to the Provincial Office;

(5) to receive and keep the records of all District Committees and the minutes of Branch meetings at the District Office;

(6) to distribute the appropriate minutes which indicate those members who are absent to Executive and councillors at least two weeks in advance of the next regular meeting;

(7) to distribute, at least one week prior to and not more than one month in advance of the next regularly scheduled General Meeting, the minutes of the General Meetings for which the minutes have not been read and confirmed.

(8) to keep a permanent record of the names of the membership of the District Executive Council, and District Committees, especially for the presentation of service pins.

BYLAW 9: Treasurer

(A) It shall be the duty of the Treasurer:

(1) to keep records of all monies received and disbursed;

(2) to deposit all monies received in a chartered bank or financial institution within the geographical boundaries of the District in the name of the District;

(3) to issue receipts for all monies received when necessary;

(4) to pay all authorized accounts by cheque in accordance with such By‑Laws as may established by the District;

(5) to present to the membership at the Annual General Meeting an audited report of income and expenses of previous fiscal year and an interim report;

(6) to require receipts, where appropriate, and statement, in writing, for claims for payment;

(7) to follow the accounting procedures as recommended by the Provincial Auditor from OSSTF.

BY‑LAW 10: Provincial Councillor

(1) (1) The Provincial Councillors shall be selected according to the Provincial Constitution and Bylaws. Furthermore, the election for the District Provincial Councillor shall be held at the Annual General Meeting of the District. Candidates for the position may be from any bargaining unit of the District. The person declared elected will be the District Provincial Councillor. A supplementary election will then be held for the election of the other Provincial Councillor. The candidates and balloting for this supplementary election will be restricted to the appropriate group of bargaining units of which the newly declared District Provincial Councillor is not a member.

(1) On the balloting for the election of District Provincial Councillor, the person receiving the most votes will be declared elected. If there is a tie for that first position, then a second ballot will be held. On the second ballot, the lowest result from the first ballot will identify which candidates will be dropped from the ballot (unless there were only two candidates). If a tie results again with only two candidates, then the Chair will flip a coin, with the first alphabetical surname from the two candidates calling the toss.

(3) Notwithstanding the above, if there are only two candidates at the close of nominations, they may agree between themselves as to which person will be the District Provincial Councillor. However, they also may leave it to the meeting to make the decision, which may be done by a show of hands if that is agreeable to the candidates.@

(B) (1) It shall be the duty of the Provincial Councillor:

(a) to attend the Provincial Assembly and Provincial Council Meetings;

(b) to disseminate pertinent data from the Provincial Council to the Executive and the membership;

(2) The District Provincial Councillor shall be the Chairperson of the Assembly Committee.

(3) The Chairperson of the Assembly Committee shall conduct training and information sessions for the Delegates and alternates when deemed necessary by the Committee.

(3) (1) The Provincial Councillors for the District shall fill a position of Delegate from the respective bargaining units.

(4) For purposes of weighted votes at Provincial Council, the number of votes allocated to the District shall be split as evenly as possible as whole numbers between the Provincial Councillors, with any fraction values being apportioned to the District Provincial Councillor.@

BY‑LAW 11: District Communications Officer.

(A) Duty. It shall be the duty of the DCO:

(1) to work in conjunction with the Executive;

(2) to issue a District newsletter at least six times during the school year;

(3) to act as chairperson of a Communications Committee composed of one person from each Bargaining Unit.

BY‑LAW 12: Educational Services.

(A) The Chairperson shall:

(1) be a member of the Executive;

(2) represent the District on the Professional Development Advisory Committee and the Professional Development Day Planning Committee and act as the District's rep in dealing with other affiliates in PD matters;

(3) submit all PD requests of the Board to the appropriate Board Committee or person;

(4) call ES meetings on a regular basis;

(5) recommend to Council candidates from the Educational Services Committee for appointment as the District's representatives to the Board's Education Committee and Professional Development Advisory Committee.

(B) The ES Committee shall:

(1) Co‑ordinate Subject Council activities;

(2) assist Bargaining Unit ES officers in organizing PD activity;

(3) establish a county‑wide year‑long PD programme;

(4) supervise the allocation of District PD monies and establish criteria for such requests;

(5) act as liaison with sources of funding outside the District;

(6) advise their respective branch members of their responsibilities to participate in approved professional activities on Professional Development Day, either in accordance with the PD Day calendar of workshops or with the consent of their respective branch executives at least three weeks prior to PD Day.

(7) consist of the Chairperson and one representative from each Bargaining Unit.

BY‑LAW 13: Collective Bargaining.

[A] BARGAINING UNITS:

1. Each Bargaining Unit (herein referred to as BU) in the District shall have a Collective Bargaining Committee.

2. The BU Committee shall collect information from members, prepare the proposed brief, present the proposed brief to the Board, and negotiate with the Board.

3.a The BU Committee shall select a Chief Negotiator, subject to the approval of the BU Executive, who shall become the chairperson of the BU Committee, and be responsible to the BU Executive.

b. The Chief Negotiator of each Bargaining Unit shall keep its respective committee, Executive and membership informed of progress. The Chief Negotiator shall also keep the District CBC Chairperson informed of progress.

[B] DISTRICT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING:

1. The District Collective Bargaining Committee shall consist of the Chief Negotiators of each BU, plus the District Chairperson.

2. CHAIRPERSON OF THE DISTRICT CBC:

a. The Chairperson shall:

1. be appointed by the District Executive Council, with input from the District Bargaining Committee.

2. be a member of the District Executive as Chairperson of CBC;

3. be an ex-officio additional member of all BU committees or teams for collective bargaining purposes, notwithstanding the above or BU Constitutions;

4. have a one-year term of office from 1 July to 30 June.

b. The Chairperson shall:

1. keep the District Executive informed of progress in bargaining with respect to all Bargaining Units in the district;

2. work in co-operation with the Provincial CBC.

[C] Agreements:

(1) All negotiable concerns which are to be presented to the Board on behalf of a BU of the District must be presented to the BU Executive before the respective Collective Bargaining team meets with the Board Negotiators.

(2) Any tentative agreement on negotiable items is to be presented to the BU Executive prior to the BU General Meeting for possible recommendations to the membership.

(3) Any tentative agreement on negotiable items is to be presented to the membership for a ratification vote within fifteen working days for that BU of the tentative agreement.

(4) Before a ratification vote is taken:

(a) the proposed Collective Agreement must be in the hands of the membership for at least 24 hours, or

(b) at least a 20 minute time period at the General Meeting must be set aside to allow for a complete reading of the proposed Collective Agreement.

(5) Ratification of a Collective Agreement for a BU requires the approval at a General Meeting of that BU of a majority of those present, eligible to vote, and voting. The vote shall be by secret ballot.

[D] Resumption by the Provincial OSSTF

In a Resumption by the Provincial OSSTF of Collective Bargaining for a BU by the Provincial Executive of OSSTF, the membership of a BU of the District may approve the terms of a Memorandum of Agreement between the District and the Province. This Memorandum of Agreement may contain clauses conflicting with the Constitution, By‑Laws, Policy, or Special Rules of the District or the Bargaining Unit, and such Memorandum of Agreement shall take precedence over the above documents with respect to Collective Bargaining for the duration of any such Resumption by the Provincial OSSTF.

BY‑LAW 14: Pension and Benefits Information.

The Pension and Benefits Information Officer shall:

(1) be a member of the Executive;

(2) be appointed:

(a) by the Executive subject to the approval of the Council;

(b) for a two year term of office;

(3) prepare, distribute at Executive Council, and maintain an outline of OSSTF benefits and savings programmes available to all members and make available all forms related to these;

(4) organize and conduct a retirement security workshop at his discretion or at Council's request;

(5) offer counsel to members on the various OSSTF benefits programmes and the procedures involved;

(6) maintain a record of enquiries;

(7) be Chairperson of a District Pension and Benefits Committee composed of one representative from each Bargaining Unit;

(8) act as liaison with the District and Provincial Committees and Superannuated teachers regarding benefits and with the administrators of pension plans established for OSSTF members.

BY‑LAW 15: Parliamentary Committee.

(A) The Chairperson shall:

(1) be a voting member of the Executive Council, with the right to vote only with regard to the purposes of tie votes under the Provincial Rules of Order; and shall count for quorum purposes at Executive Council meetings;

(2) be appointed:

(a) for a term of office of two years;

(b) by the Executive.

(3) be the Chairperson of all Executive Council and General Meetings, or shall appoint a designate to chair such meetings.

(B) The Committee shall:

(1) be composed of the chairperson and at least one other member, each such member having a term of office of not more than two years;

(2) be non‑voting members of Council, except as specified in (A);

(3) become familiar with and knowledgeable of parliamentary rules of order and the District's Constitution, By‑Laws, and any Policies and Special Rules;

(4) have at least one member at each Executive Council and General Meeting;

(5) advise the Executive Council and General Meeting on proper parliamentary procedures;

(6) interpret the Constitution, By‑Laws, Policies, and Special Rules of the District as required;

(7) review the Constitution, By‑Laws, Policies, and Special Rules, and proposed amendments thereto.

BY‑LAW 16: Provincial Assembly.

(A) Delegates and Alternates:

Delegates and alternates to the Provincial Assembly shall:

(1) be elected at a General Meeting of the Bargaining Unit, called for such election, prior to the Provincial Assembly which they will be attending, and have a one‑year term of office from 1 July to 30 June;

(2) attend the Assembly;

(3) constitute the District's Assembly Committee;

(4) resign if they find their attendance at full Assembly is not possible so that a replacement may be appointed.

(B) Alternate's Duties.

It is the duty of the alternates:

(1) to be in the Assembly hall during meetings to replace the District Delegates as necessary;

(2) to act as a District representative as assigned by the Committee Chairperson.

(1) The election of Delegates and Alternates will be held by having each voting member cast one vote for up to each of the expected allowed number of Delegates.

(2) The returns list for the position of Delegates and Alternates shall be filed with the District Office in order of vote count.

(3) The number of candidates will be identified on the returns list in order of preference, and filed with the District Office. The final list will be identified after the General Secretary of OSSTF has published the allowed number of Delegates and Alternates for each Bargaining Unit.

(4) OLRA Alternate selection shall be decided by lot at Executive Council such that each bargaining unit has a chance for increased representation on a rotating basis.

(D) Vacancies for Delegates and Alternates

(1) When a vacancy occurs in the position of Delegates or Alternates then the position shall be filled by a person according to the order on the returns list of the vote count at the previous General Meeting for election for those offices, subject to the person's consent.

(2) If there are no names on the returns list after the allowed number of Delegates and Alternates, or if there are no persons consenting to be appointed to fill the vacancy, then the position will be advertised if time permits.

(3) In cases of emergency not covered by (1) or (2), the Bargaining Unit President (s) may appoint replacement candidates, in consultation with the District Delegation leader.

BY‑LAW 17: General Meetings.

(A) Convening.

(1) All General Meetings shall be held in a central geographical location unless otherwise approved by a two‑thirds vote at Executive Council.

(2) To be a properly called meeting:

(a) Branch Representatives must receive the notice from the District Secretary at least two full school days before the meeting is to be held, and

(b) the notice must state the time and place and exact purpose of the General Meeting.

(3) A General Meeting must be called upon the receipt by the Secretary of a written petition signed by at least fifty (50) members of the District representing at least three Bargaining Units. The General Meeting shall be set for a date within 15 school days after the Secretary has received the required number of signatures. If the signatures appear on more than one petition, then the required number of signatures must be received by the Secretary within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the first such petition.

(B) Secret Ballots

1. When a secret ballot is to be taken, the Executive shall provide ballots, voting stations, and poll clerks.

2. Members receiving ballots might be required to verify their membership in the District and their right to vote.

3. The Executive shall appoint members to count the ballots and to report to the presiding officer.

BYLAW 18: DISTRICT LEVY

1. The Annual General Meeting shall be deemed to be a combined General Meeting of all Bargaining Units for the purpose of approving a Levy for each member of a Bargaining Unit to pay for the cost of District members on Federation Leave to staff the District Office and secretarial time as required for the District Office.

2. The Levy will be based on a report and recommendation from the District Treasurer.

3. The recommended amounts will be sufficient to pay, in appropriate pro-rated percentage Factor form, for both the cost of release time of members on Federation Leave for District service and secretarial time for the District Office. Such amounts will be set after all the surplus of the Levy account from the previous year is included and the projected rebate from the Employment Insurance is considered in the calculations.

4. The Levy will be deducted from each member's first paycheque in each school year.

5. The Levy deduction amount will be included on the T4 slips with the OTF or Union deductions in the year in which the deduction is made.

BY‑LAW 19: Vacancy In Office.

A vacancy during the term of office shall be filled by a member appointed by the Executive.

BY‑LAW 20: Removal From Office.

An elected or appointed District or Branch Officer may be removed from office for just cause before the normal expiration of the term of office by the body which elected or appointed the officer.

BY‑LAW 21: District Finances

(A) Finance Committee: The Finance Committee shall:

(1) be composed of at least the Treasurer and the Treasurers of each of the Bargaining Units;

(2) have a one-year term of office from 1 July to 30 June;

(3) have as Chairperson the Treasurer;

(4) receive and consider requests for the next year's proposed budget, and prepare a proposed balanced budget, along with any recommendations;

(5) consider and report on any financial matters referred to it by the Executive Council, or a District Committee.

(B) Spending Authorities.

(1) The Treasurer and President are Spending Authorities.

(2) The Chairperson of a Committee is a Spending Authority for its expenses.

(3) Any disagreement among Spending Authorities shall be resolved by motion by the Executive.

(4) By motion, the Executive Council, or a General Meeting may authorize the expenditure of funds.

(1) Expenses for reimbursement to members must be supported in writing prior to reimbursement.

(2) Receipts are required for all expenses, where such receipts are obtainable.

(3) Any expenditures beyond the budget values in (A) above shall require by motion the prior approval of the Executive Council. A General Meeting is not bound by the process of the preceding sentence.

(4) All District mileage rebates will match those of the Provincial OSSTF.

BY‑LAW 22: Policy.

(A) Creating Policy.

Policy statements for the District may be adopted, amended, or rescinded:

(1) by the general membership at a General Meeting under the conditions that:

(a) a previous notice of the meeting has been given by the Secretary;

(b) the content of the proposed policy statement or action has been given in the notice of the meeting;

(d) the vote is a majority vote; or

(2) by the Executive Council at a meeting under the conditions that:

(a) a previous notice of at least the previous Council meeting has been given;

(b) the content of the proposed policy statement or action has been given in the notice of meeting;

(d) all motions under section (2) shall be considered interim until ratified or rescinded at the next regularly scheduled General Meeting notwithstanding part (1) (b) (c).

(3) Policy Wording.

Policy statements for the District shall begin with the words "It is the policy of the District that".

BY‑LAW 23: Educational Finance Officer.

It shall be the duty of the Educational Finance Officer:

(1) to monitor the financial affairs of the Board and the Ministry of Education;

(2) to advise the CBC on matters of Educational Finance.

(5) to be a liaison with the Provincial Educational Finance Committee.

BY‑LAW 24: Political Action Officer.

It shall be the duty of the Political Action Officer:

(1) to assist the Provincial Office in political action initiatives;

(2) to coordinate the political action activities of the District;

(3) to advise the Executive on political action;

(4) to attend Board meetings.

BY‑LAW 25: Health and Safety Officer

(A) Office: The Health and Safety Officer shall:

(1) have a two-year term of office;

(2) be appointed by the Executive Council;

(3) be a member of the Executive.

(B) Duties: The Health and Safety Officer shall:

(1) monitor the Acts and Regulations concerning Health and Safety and their applications to members of OSSTF;

(2) be a member of the Board's Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee;

(3) be responsible to the Executive;

(4) keep the Executive informed of all pertinent matters dealing with occupational health and safety in the schools;

(5) ensure the fair and equitable implementation of the Acts and Regulations concerning occupational health and safety as they pertain to members of OSSTF.

BY‑LAW 26: Awards.

(A) Award of Merit.

(1) Purpose of Award: This award is to be presented to worthy candidates in recognition of outstanding contributions to education.

(2) Eligibility:

(a) Members will be eligible for the Award of Merit if they have been employed by the Board and have been a member of the District, for at least one school year (September to June) prior to receiving the award.

(b) The number of recipients (if any) of the award shall be at the discretion of the Reviewing Committee.

(3) Criteria: The candidates should be judged upon their outstanding contribution to education in the following area(s):

(a) Development of innovative/creative programmes,

(4) Professional Contributions,

(5) Dedication to excellence in the workplace,

(6) Contributions beyond the normal job expectations.

(4) Reviewing Committee: The Reviewing Committee will consist of all the BU Presidents as of September prior to the awarding.

(a) The District Executive member assigned this responsibility will act as Chairperson of the Reviewing Committee.

(b) The Chairperson will set the deadlines and encourage and solicit nominations through the BU Presidents starting in January.

(5) Nominations: Nomination forms are available at the District Office. The nominations should be submitted in writing to the BU Presidents by the announced deadline and will include a complete and detailed summary of one or more of the criteria listed in point (3). The final decision will be made by the Reviewing Committee.

(6) Notification: The chairperson will notify and congratulate in writing all of the nominees to thank them for their contribution.

(7) Form and Presentation of the Award:

(a) The award shall have, or be accompanied by, a suitable inscription . Nomination letters will also be presented to the recipient.

(b) The Award shall be presented at the Awards/Retirement Dinner.

(c) The identity of the recipient(s) (if any) shall not be announced or publicized, other than confidentially informing the nominees, before the presentation at the Awards/Retirement Dinner.

(d) All nominees shall receive an Excellence In Education Certificate and pin at the Awards/Retirement Dinner.

(8) Publicity: Full press and staff publicity will be given to the award and to the recipient(s).

(B) Service Pin .

(1) Any member who serves two years on District Executive Council or any Standing Committee will receive a service certificate, but each person will receive this certificate only once.

(2) Any member who serves four years on District Executive Council or any Standing Committee will receive a service pin, but each person will receive this pin only once.

(3) The names of such persons will be presented to the Annual General Meeting.

The District President shall receive an OSSTF Past President's pin upon retirement from the District President's position.

(D) Silver Fork Award.

(1) A manure fork sprayed silver and mounted on a wooden plaque will be awarded to the initiator of the year's most outrageous memo. This award will cost less than $50.

(2) The District Executive Council will appoint a Selection Committee which will receive nominations from members of the District prior to the Annual General Meeting. The Selection Committee shall select the winning candidate and make a report either to the Annual General Meeting or at the entertainment scheduled for the evening of such Meeting.

(3) Nominations should be submitted to the District President at the District Office.

(E) Retiring Members.

(1) All Active members of the District who are retiring to pension shall be honoured at the District=s celebration evening's dinner at no cost to them or each such member=s guest.

(2) Each retiree will receive a retirement certificate and pin at the Retirement/Awards Dinner.

BY‑LAW 27: District Officers and Representatives.

(A) A District Officer shall be any person elected or appointed by a General Meeting

or the District Executive Council to represent the District within assigned responsibilities.

A District Officer shall report to the District Executive and the appointing body.

(2) Where the District has been invited to send a District representative to an external body, the selection of that representative must receive Executive Council approval. Such representatives may be nominated by committees within the District.

(C) Unless constrained by the By‑Laws or specified otherwise at the time of election or appointment the term of office of a District Representative shall be one year from 1 July to 30 June.

(D) A District Representative shall file a report with the District Executive and the appointing body for each of their meetings after each meeting of the body or associated activity.

BY-LAW 28: ORGANIZING NEW MEMBERS OF OSSTF

(A) Categories:

The District may organize only new groups of potential members:

(1) under the Ontario Labour Relations Act; or

(2) who are members of other Affiliates of OTF in the publicly-funded secondary school systems within the municipalities of Wellington County, Dufferin County, and the City of Guelph.

(B) Process:

When the District is approached by potential members for organization the decision whether or not to organize such members shall be approved by Executive Council and then a General Meeting called for that purpose. A resolution to approve such organizing shall require a simple majority vote.