LOCAL 723M
Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
By-Laws

ARTICLE I - NAME AND JURISDICTION
1.1 Name
This organization shall be known as Local 723M of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada. (Hereinafter called the “Local”.)

1.2 Authority
This Local has been established and exists by virtue of a charter issued by the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (hereinafter called the “National Union”) pursuant to the Constitution of the National Union.

1.3 Affiliations
The Local shall be affiliated with the Toronto Labour Council, The Ontario Federation of Labour, and any other appropriate organization as approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at a General Membership Meeting.

1.4 Bargaining Units
The Local includes the following Bargaining Units:

1. CTV Ltd., comprised of all bargaining unit employees of CTV Ltd., Toronto.
2. Rogers Broadcasting Ltd., comprised of all bargaining unit employees of Rogers Broadcasting Ltd., Toronto.

1.5 Administration
The General Membership Meeting is the highest authority of the Local. The Local Executive Board shall be the legislative, administrative, and judicial body of Local 723M. Authority to govern the Local shall be in accordance with the provisions of the National Constitution and the Local By-laws.

ARTICLE II - OBJECTIVES
2.1 Purpose
The purpose and objects of this composite local are to unite all workers within its bargaining unit jurisdictions for the following purposes:

1. To improve their wages and hours of work, to increase their job security and to secure working conditions conducive to safety and good health;
2. To strive for equality regardless of race, creed, colour, age, marital status, family status, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, language, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, disability, records of offense, or political affiliation;
3. To advance their economic, social, political and cultural interests; to disseminate information among workers regarding economic, social, political and other matters affecting their lives and welfare;
4. To improve access to local union services and increase participation in local union activities by pooling Bargaining Unit resources;
5. To ensure fair representation of Bargaining Units within the composite Local and to promote mutual support and solidarity through the Local's internal structures and activities;
6. To encourage the democratic participation of all Local members in the Local and National Union structures;
7. To give assistance and encouragement to organizations in organizing workers and to engage in such other activities as may be necessary or proper to strengthen the labour movement and to extend the process of collective bargaining throughout all trades and industries;
8. To secure legislation safeguarding and promoting economic security and the social welfare of all workers;
9. To preserve and extend civil rights and liberties within a free and democratic society;
10. To promote the policies and goals of the National Union.

2.2 Mandate
This Local shall endeavor to accomplish the foregoing purposes by organizing the unorganized workers within its jurisdiction, promoting solidarity in its membership through social events and educating its membership, negotiating collective bargaining agreements with employers, and by all other appropriate means within the National Union.

ARTICLE III - HEADQUARTERS
3.1 Location
The headquarters and main office of this Local shall be 62 Widmer Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, or such other place or places as may be designated by the Local Executive Board.

ARTICLE IV - EXECUTIVE BOARD
4.1 Composition
The Local Executive Board shall consist of the President, Unit Vice Presidents (2), Secretary, Treasurer, and Stewards.

4.2 Authority
The Executive Board shall be the highest governing authority of the Local between the General Membership Meetings of the Local and shall exercise general supervision over its business and affairs. It shall have power, subject to the approval of the General Membership and the provisions of the National Union Constitution, to authorize the expenditures of the Local or the use of the property of the Local to give effect any of its objects and to pledge any property or securities of the Local as security therefore, and to buy, sell, exchange, rent, lease or otherwise acquire or dispose of real or personal property, and shall fix the salaries of employees, if any. The Executive Board shall have such powers as are necessary and appropriate to give effect to the objectives of the Local. The Executive Board may adopt such rules and regulations not in conflict with the National Union Constitution and these By-laws, as it may deem necessary and advisable.

4.3 Report to Membership
The Executive Board shall present a report of its activities to each General Membership Meeting of the Local.

4.4 Duties of the Executive Board
4.4.1 It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to:

1. cause the provisions of the National Union Constitution and the By-laws of this Local to be faithfully executed;<
2. and to preserve, promote and safeguard the best interests and general welfare of the National Union, this Local and the members.

4.4.2 All announcements and notices from the Executive Board or any committee to the membership must be made using bulletin board, email and website postings. When confidentiality is necessary, announcements and notices will be made via traditional mail to all members.

4.5 Duties of Executive Board Members
4.5.1 It shall be the responsibility of Executive Board members to attend all Executive Board and General Membership Meetings. Members who are unable to attend such meetings shall inform another member of the Executive Board prior to the meeting.

4.5.2 Executive Board members who have been absent from Board meetings more than two (2) consecutive times without explanation may be asked by the Board to show just cause.

4.5.3 Executive Board members who are excessively absent from Board meetings may be asked by the Board to resign their office.

4.5.4 The Executive Board shall have the authority to review a member's participation in matters pertaining to management affairs, and if deemed necessary by the board, it shall direct the member to modify or cease his/her involvement in these matters.

ARTICLE V - STEWARDS
5.1 Representation
Each workplace location with no less than 10 Bargaining Unit employees will be represented on the Executive Board by at least one (1) Steward. The allocation of Stewards at each workplace location shall be as follows:

• 1 to 9 Bargaining Unit employees: represented by the Unit Vice President;
• 10 to 25 Bargaining Unit employees: 1 Steward;
  
• 26 to 75 Bargaining Unit employees: 2 Stewards;
  
• 76 to 200 Bargaining Unit employees: 3 Stewards;
  
• 201 to 350 Bargaining Unit employees: 4 Stewards;
  
• 351 to 500 Bargaining Unit employees: 5 Stewards;
  
• 501 to 700 Bargaining Unit employees: 6 Stewards;
  

An additional Steward for each additional 200 Bargaining Unit employees.

5.2 Steward Groups
5.2.1 The Local shall be organized into Steward Groups, serviced by Stewards who represent each group on the Executive Board.

5.2.2 Steward Groups shall be determined by the Unit Vice Presidents, subject to approval by the Executive Board, and reviewed on an annual basis.

5.2.3 It is the intent of this provision that Steward groups will be divided equitably and with the purpose of effectively representing and servicing the members of each bargaining unit, taking into account the diversity of shifts, classifications, and departmental organization of each workplace within the Local.

5.3 Election of Stewards
Stewards shall be elected by the members of the Steward Group they represent. The provisions contained in Article VIII of these By-laws shall apply.

5.4 Duties of Stewards
5.4.1 The Steward shall be responsible for supervising the application of the National Union's Constitution, the Local By-laws and the Collective Agreement. Any violations shall be reported immediately to the appropriate Local Officer.

5.4.2 The Steward shall keep all members of his/her respective group informed of Union activities and problems, and ensure that they have the opportunity of reading all bulletins and notices designated for the membership.

5.4.3 The Steward shall give counsel to constituents on all matters pertaining to employment and working conditions. The Steward shall also educate his/her constituents in good union principles.

5.4.4 The Steward shall process all grievances arising from within that particular group. In all grievance procedures the Steward shall work in conjunction with the Chairperson of the Grievance Committee.

5.4.5 It shall be the duty of the Steward to see that all prospective members be given an opportunity to apply for membership in the Local.

5.4.6 The Steward shall have available for easy reference, copies of the National Union Constitution, the Local By-laws, current Collective Agreement, and the appropriate Labour Statutes.

5.4.7 In order to better serve his/her constituents, each new Steward will be required to attend at least one (1) educations course or seminar which has been approved by the Executive Board. This training must be taken within the first six (6) months of taking office and the cost shall be paid by the Local.

ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS
6.1 Election of Officers
6.1.1 The President, Secretary and Treasurer represent the Local as a whole and shall be elected by the General Membership of the Local.

6.1.2 The Unit Vice Presidents represent their respective Bargaining Units and shall be elected by the members of their Bargaining unit.

6.2 Duties of the President
The President shall:

1. be the spokesperson of the Local Union;
2. preside at all meetings of the Local Union and its Executive Board, and may also be called upon to chair Bargaining Unit meetings;
3. be an ex officio member of all Local Union committees, and appoint members (unless they are chosen or elected by the bargaining units) on all Local Union committees, subject to approval of the Local Union Executive Board;
4. enforce the National Constitution, Local Union By-Laws and all union rules and regulations;
5. represent the Local at the CEP Convention and at meetings of any additional Labour bodies with which the Local is affiliated;
6. and have signing authority on all cheques or other authorizations for the withdrawal of the funds of the local union.

6.3 Duties of the Unit Vice Presidents
6.3.1 The Unit Vice Presidents shall:

1. assist the President in the performance of his/her duties;
2. and determine the Steward Groups that will represent his/her Bargaining Unit, subject to approval of the Local Executive Board.
3. have signing authority on all cheques or other authorizations for the withdrawal of the funds of the local union

6.3.2 The First Vice President shall be the Unit Vice President representing the opposite Bargaining Unit from the President.

6.3.3 The First Vice President shall act for the President in his/her absence and in the event of a vacancy in the office of President, shall succeed to the office of President for the unexpired term or until a new President is elected.

6.3.4 The other Unit Vice President shall act in the temporary absence of the President and First Vice President.

6.4 Duties of the Local Secretary
The Local Secretary shall:

1. keep correct minutes of all meetings of the Local Union and its Executive Board;
2. receive and read all correspondence addressed to the Local Union and keep such correspondence on file;
3. have signing authority on all cheques or other authorizations for the withdrawal of the funds of the local union;
4. submit such reports and information to the National President as the National President may require;
5. within ten (10) days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Statutory Holidays), the Secretary shall distribute approved minutes of Local Meetings to all Executive Board members, the National Office, and the Website Editor;
6. act in the temporary absence of the President and Unit Vice Presidents;
7. and maintain the membership list.

6.5 Duties of the Local Treasurer
6.5.1 The Local Treasurer shall:

1. keep true and accurate accounts of all transactions;
2. pay all ongoing expenses of the Local without further authorization;
3. maintain the Local's banking account, which shall require the signature of any two (2) of the following officers: President, Unit Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary;
4. ensure that quarterly audits of the Local's books, dues records, records and accounts are made in accordance with the provisions of the National Union's Constitution and By-Laws;
5. submit a financial report at each Executive Board meeting and General Membership meeting;
6. act in the temporary absence of the President, Vice Presidents and Secretary.
7. have signing authority on all cheques or other authorizations for the withdrawal of the funds of the local union

6.5.2 Within thirty (30) days of a Treasurer leaving office, the Executive Board shall have an audit made of the Local books, records and accounts.

ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS
7.1 Executive Board Meetings
7.1.1 The Executive Board shall meet a minimum of eight (8) times per year, at such times and places as it shall determine.

7.1.2 Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called at any time by the President or by two-thirds (2/3) of the elected Executive Board members upon not less than 24 hours verbal or written notice to the Executive Board members of the time and place of the meeting and of the business to be transacted there at.

7.1.3 A majority of the elected members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.

7.2 General Membership Meetings
7.2.1 The Local shall meet at a General Membership Meeting at least four (4) times per year as stipulated by article 12.07.08 of the National Union's Constitution at the headquarters of the Local or at such other place as the Local or the Executive Board shall decide.

7.2.2 The time(s), location(s) and date of the meeting shall be properly posted and distributed by email, as possible, so that all members may attend. This notice shall be distributed no less than fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the meeting.

7.2.3 A quorum for the purpose of transacting any business by the General Membership shall consist of not less than 10% attendance of members in good standing.

7.2.4 A regular meeting may transact any and all business coming before it without prior notice of the business to be transacted at such a meeting, except as otherwise specifically provided in these By-Laws. Unless otherwise specifically provided in these By-Laws, all decisions of a local meeting shall be by a majority of the members voting.

7.2.5 The President shall designate a member as Sergeant-At-Arms for each General Membership Meeting. It shall be the duty of the Sergeant-At-Arms to keep attendance records and ensure that late arrivals do not disrupt the business in progress.

7.2.6 Visitors may be invited at the discretion of the Local Executive Board.

7.3 Multiple Meeting times and/or Locations
7.3.1 The Executive Board may call for a General Membership meeting or a Special Membership meeting to be scheduled at multiple times and/or locations over a 24-hour period, or make other provisions regarding transportation, for the purpose of ensuring that the meeting is accessible to all members.

7.3.2 In the case that a General Membership meeting is scheduled at multiple times and/or locations as provided for above, the following rules and procedures shall apply:

1. The notice of General Membership Meeting shall also include a call for any motions to be moved and seconded, and shall be distributed no less than fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the meeting. In such a case, motions must be seconded and received by the Local Secretary no less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the commencement of the first meeting.
2. A quorum for any meeting which is conducted at multiple times or locations shall be considered attendance of not less than 10% of members in good standing, over the course of the meeting times and locations.
3. In such cases, any motion submitted shall be presented by the chairperson at each meeting time and/or location. The motion shall be declared either carried or defeated at the last meeting.
4. Members can attend more than one meeting time or location and shall be eligible to vote once by ballot, but shall be permitted to participate in all debates and discussions.
5. Any motion not submitted to the Local Secretary at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the first meeting time shall be addressed either:
   • at the next Local Executive Board meeting;
   • at the next General Membership meeting;
   • or at a Special Membership meeting.

7.4 Special Membership Meetings
7.4.1 The President may call a special meeting of the Local Members. The President shall call such a meeting at the request of a two-thirds majority of the Executive Board, or on the written request of 10% of members in good standing.

7.4.2 Notice of Special Membership Meeting shall be given to the members no less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. The notice shall include the date, time and location of the meeting, and state the purpose for which the meeting is called.

7.4.3 No business other than that for which the meeting is called may be transacted.

7.5 Bargaining Unit Meetings
7.5.1 Given proper notice to the Executive Board, the Local Union may authorize a bargaining unit or group within a unit to hold regular or special meetings, as may be required to transact bargaining unit matters or address special concerns

7.5.2 Unit groups will not take any action which conflicts with either the National Union's Constitution or these By-Laws. All actions by any unit group that are not specifically authorized shall be subject to review by the Executive Board.

7.5.3 Under the conditions specified above, the Local Union recognizes the power of its Bargaining Units to make decisions concerning:

1. election of Bargaining Unit committees;
2. election of Bargaining Unit Stewards and Unit Vice Presidents to the Executive Board;
3. selection of bargaining unit members for training courses;
4. selection of members on bargaining unit or workplace committees;

7.6 Meeting Rules of Order
7.6.1 Executive Board and General Membership meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, and the order of business shall be:

1. Call to order by Chairperson
2. Election and Installation of Officers
3. Acceptance of New Members
4. Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting
5. Correspondence and Announcements
6. President’s Report
7. Treasurer’s Report
8. Committee and Delegate Reports
9. Unfinished Business
10. New Business
11. Good of the Union
12. Announcement of Next Meeting
13. Adjournment

7.6.2 This order may be changed during any Executive Board Meeting and General Membership Meeting.

ARTICLE VIII - ELECTIONS
8.1 Election Committee
8.1.1 All elections shall be conducted by an Election Committee. This committee shall be appointed before March 30th of each year by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Board. The Election Committee shall consist of a Chairperson and two members.

8.1.2 When an incumbent leaves a position during his/her term of office an election shall be conducted.

8.1.3 No member shall serve on an Election Committee for an election for any position which he/she is contesting.

8.1.4 The Election Committee shall:

1. Give notice of elections.
2. Be familiar with the provisions for elections set out in this article.
3. Operate within the schedule set out in this article.
4. Announce dates for the end of nominations, issuing of ballots, due date and counting of ballots.
5. Issue ballots.
6. Count ballots.
7. Announce to the candidates and members the results of the election.
8. Dispose of ballots as set out in this article.

8.2 Period of Office
8.2.1 Executive Board members shall hold office for terms of two years.

8.2.2 Terms of office for President, Treasurer, and Secretary shall start in even numbered years.

8.2.3 Terms of office for Unit Vice-President, and Stewards shall start in odd numbered years.

8.2.4 When an incumbent leaves a position during his/her term of office, the successful candidate shall serve the balance of the term, unless the period is six (6) months or less, in which instance the successful candidate shall serve the remainder of the term and the subsequent term.

8.2.5 All successful candidates shall take office on July 1st or as soon thereafter as they are elected.

8.2.6 When a nomination petition is received for a vacant Steward’s position more than 4 months prior to, or after April 30 of the election year for that group, the Secretary shall post notices indicating that if there is no other candidate for that office it shall be filled by acclamation in 14 days from the date of posting.

8.2.7 Where there is no incumbent, the successful candidate, either by election or acclamation, shall take office immediately.

8.2.8 Where circumstances warrant, the Executive Board may extend terms of office to allow for the election or installation of their successors.

8.2.9 In the event that a member of the executive board is involved in contract negotiations when their term of office would normally end, the election for the member's position will be postponed, and their term of office will be extended until a new contract has been ratified. In no instance may the mandate of an Executive Board member be more than three (3) years, according to article 14.03.04 of the CEP Constitution.

8.3 Notices
8.3.1 The Election Committee, with the approval of the Secretary, shall post the following notices regarding the dates and conditions of all elections:

1. Prior to April 10, or not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the close of nominations:
   • to advise members of which positions are to be contested, where nomination petitions may be obtained, and the deadline for nominations.
2. Prior to the mailing of ballots:
   • that elections are conducted by mail, and that each member should verify their correct name and address with their steward.
   • the positions which have been filled by acclamation, those positions which are to be contested by ballot and the candidates, and those positions which remain vacant.
3. Upon the mailing of ballots:
   • that ballots have been mailed and the procedures to follow if they are not received.
   • the due date and date of tabulation of the ballots.
4. The day following the tabulation:
   • the results of the tabulation.

8.3.2 Where an election is held to fill a vacancy caused by other than an expired term of office, the Notice specified in article 8.3.1(a) shall be posted within fourteen (14) days of the office becoming vacant.

8.4 Eligibility List
8.4.1 The Secretary and Treasurer shall prepare a list of all members in good standing prior to the close of nominations. This list shall be used by the Election Committee to mail ballots and to determine eligibility.

8.4.2 Copies of this list shall be distributed to all Stewards so that they may verify the information for the members of their group. Corrections must be returned to the Secretary no later than the last day of nominations.

8.5 Nominations
8.5.1 Nominations for President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be by petition signed by fifteen (15) Local members in good standing.

8.5.2 Nominations for Unit Vice President shall be by petition signed by fifteen (15) members in good standing of his/her Bargaining unit.

8.5.3 Nominations for Steward shall be by petition signed by three (3) members in good standing of the designated steward group.

8.5.4 Members may sign only one nominating petition for each position. If nominating petitions for the same office are found with duplicate signatures, then all but the first such petition filed with the Election Committee shall have the duplicate signatures erased. Where nomination petitions are challenged the candidate will be given twenty-four (24) hours to obtain more signatures.

8.5.5 All nomination petitions must be signed by the candidate to indicate acceptance of the nomination.

8.5.6 Nomination petitions for annual elections shall be filed with the Election Committee no later than April 30th of each year.

8.5.7 No member shall simultaneously hold more than one elected office. Should any member be elected to more than one office, he or she shall immediately resign all offices except one.

8.5.8 Nothing in Article 8.5.7 should be construed as preventing a member in good standing from being a candidate for office while holding another office. Nothing in Article 8.5.7 should be construed as preventing a member in good standing from serving on one or more standing or special committees.

8.6 Issuance of Ballots
8.6.1 Prior to the issuance of ballots the Election Committee shall verify that all candidates and their petitions are in conformance with the provisions of this article.

8.6.2 Ballots shall be issued to all members in good standing, according to the list prepared in Article 8.4

8.6.3 Separate ballots shall be prepared for each office. Ballots shall be sent by mail to each member’s home address. All ballots shall be mailed on the issuing date. Ballots in annual elections shall be mailed no later than May 15th. The due date for annual elections shall be determined by the Election Committee, but shall not be later than June 22.

8.6.4 For the purposes of the by-election, or a runoff election, the period between the issuance of ballots and the due date shall be fourteen (14) days.

8.6.5 Every eligible voter shall receive ballots for each office; excepting Steward, where members shall vote only within the designated Steward group.

8.6.6 The following instruction, with a small-unmarked envelope, and a stamped return envelope with the voter’s name shall be enclosed in each balloting envelope. The due date shall be clearly marked on the ballots. The voter shall mark the ballot(s) and place them in the small envelope. The small envelope should be returned in the large envelope which shall be signed by the voter across the sealing flap.

8.6.7 In all elections each candidate will have the right to submit one 8.5 x 11 inch page with the ballots.

8.6.8 Subject to the approval of the Executive Board, the Election Committee may provide a ballot box for the return of ballots.

8.7 Tabulation of Ballots
8.7.1 A simple majority, fifty percent plus one (50% + 1) of all valid ballots cast shall apply to all elections.

8.7.2 Where no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast the Election Committee shall conduct a runoff election as expeditiously a possible between the top two candidates.

8.7.3 Ballots shall be counted on the due date. Ballots received after the tabulation has started shall be destroyed unopened.

8.7.4 Before tabulating the ballots the Election committee shall separate the large envelopes from the small envelopes and keep them separate to preserve the secrecy of the ballot. As well as tabulating the votes cast in each election, the Committee shall also prepare a list of the number of members of each steward group to cast ballots.

8.7.5 Each candidate shall be notified as soon as possible following the tabulation as to the outcome.

8.7.6 Each candidate may designate one person, other than himself or herself, to be a scrutineer, and observe the tabulation of the ballots.

8.8 Challenge
8.8.1 In cases of an election complaint, the complaining member or candidate shall submit the complaint in writing to the Secretary within forty-eight (48) hours after the election results have been announced (with a copy at the same time to the National President). The Secretary will then forward the complaint to the President of the Election Committee within forty-eight (48) hours. Such complaint shall be heard and determined promptly by the Election Committee.

8.8.2 A new election may be ordered by the Election Committee in consultation with the National President, only if it is determined that the matter complained of might reasonably have changed the results of the election.

ARTICLE IX - NATIONAL CONVENTION
9.1 Delegates
9.1.1 The President and Unit Vice Presidents shall automatically become delegates to the National Convention, by virtue of office. In the event that any or all of these officers cannot attend the National Convention, the Local Executive Board shall choose a substitute to maintain balanced representation.

9.1.2 The Local Executive Board may determine that additional delegates and alternates shall attend the National Convention. In such cases, those delegates shall be elected by the Local in a secret-ballot election.

ARTICLE X - COMMITTEES
10.1 Selection and Appointment of Committees
10.1.1 The Chairperson of all Standing Committees shall be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Board.

10.1.2 The Standing Committee Chairperson shall appoint as many members as is deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of each committee, subject to the approval of the Executive Board.

10.1.3 The Standing Committee Chairperson or designee shall give a quarterly report of the Committee’s activities to the Executive Board.

10.1.4 Standing Committees shall meet as often as is deemed necessary or at the call of the Local President, the Committee Chairperson or as otherwise instructed by the Executive Board.

10.1.5 Special Committees shall be appointed by the President subject to the approval of the Executive Board.

10.1.6 Any Committee Chairperson or member may be relieved of his/her duties by the Executive Board for just cause.

10.1.7 A committee must receive and include all submitted proposals in reports or presentations to the Local Executive Board or at General/Special Membership Meetings.

10.2 Standing Committees
The following shall be considered Standing Committees:

1. Finance
2. Membership and Welfare
3. Education and Publicity
4. Meetings
5. Website
6. Recreation
7. Bylaws
8. Pension and Benefits
9. Health and Safety
10. Grievance
11. Women’s
12. Young Workers

10.3 Duties and Composition
10.3.1 Finance Committee

1. The Finance Committee shall consist of the Treasurer as Chairperson and two (2) other members with appropriate experience.
2. It is the responsibility of this Committee to draw up a budget, organize financial activities, and to save and invest the Local’s Finances, subject to approval of the Local Executive Board.
3. It is the responsibility of this committee to keep copies of current budget on hand, and make them available to any union member in good standing upon request.

10.3.2 Membership and Welfare Committee:

1. The Membership and Welfare Committee shall consist of the treasurer as chairperson, the welfare officer and all stewards.
2. It shall be the duty of this Committee to sign all eligible employees into the union and report to the executive board all such new members for approval.

10.3.3 Education and Publicity Committee:

1. The Education and Publicity Committee shall consist of the Chairperson and members.
2. This committee shall coordinate labor education activities within the Local by evaluating courses, seminars, etc., and publicizing them to the membership.
3. While final approval for taking part in educational activities rests with the Executive Board, reports and recommendations shall come from the committee.
4. This committee shall be responsible for keeping in touch with the Labor community at large and publicizing matters of interest to the Local.
5. Because politics are integral to the interests of Labour, this committee shall inform the membership of political matters of concern to the Local.

10.3.4 Meeting Committee:

1. The Meetings Committee shall consist of the President as Chairperson, the Secretary and Unit Vice Presidents.
2. It is the responsibility of this Committee to organize the meeting place at date and time called for, inform all Executive Board Members of meeting and/or any additional members required.
3. It is the responsibility of this Committee to keep attendance records, distribute agendas, collect suggestions for discussions and organize any other aspects of an effective meeting as required.

10.3.5 Website Committee:

1. The Website Committee shall consist of the editor of website content and members
2. It shall be the responsibility of this committee to publish a quarterly on-line newsletter, to post the minutes of each Executive Board meeting to the website within ten (10) days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) of receiving them from the Secretary, and to post all announcements, notices and any other content approved by the executive board to the website.

10.3.6 Recreation Committee:

1. The Recreation Committee shall organize entertainment for the Local Union through the planning of social events, organized sports, etc.

10.3.7 By-laws Committee:

1. The Bylaws Committee will meet to consider amendments to these Bylaws at least once every two years following the National Convention.
2. This Committee will consider By-law amendments submitted by members in good standing, consult the National Constitution and amend any By-law that is contrary to the Constitution.

10.3.8 Pension and Benefits Committee:

1. Members of the Pension and Benefits Committee will attend all joint Union and Company meetings, advise the membership of any planned undertakings and suggest appropriate policies to the Local.

10.3.9 Health and Safety Committee:

1. The Health and Safety Committee shall monitor all phases of Health and Safety within the operations of the employers.
2. The committee shall be comprised of the local union co-chairs of the Joint Union-employer Health and Safety Committees

10.3.10 Grievance Committee:

1. The Grievance Committee shall consist of the President as Chairperson, a Steward from the involved area, and an appointed second member.
2. There will be an advisory panel to this Committee consisting of two (2) members of the Local with experience.

10.3.11 Women’s Committee:

1. The Women’s Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, who shall be a female identified member of the Local Executive Board, and members.
2. This committee shall consider matters of concern to female identified members of the Local, and co-ordinate with other committees and the Executive Board. Such matters shall include, but not be limited to pay equity, employment equity as it pertains to women, affirmative action, and other problems that affect women exclusively.

10.3.12 Young Workers Committee:

1. The Young Workers Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, who shall be a young worker identified member of the Local, and members.

ARTICLE XI - COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
11.1 Unit Bargaining Committees
11.1.1 Negotiators in collective bargaining on behalf of the Local or any of its units shall be the President or the First Vice President, for their respective units, and members elected by the Bargaining Unit concerned.

11.1.2 Prior to the opening of nominations for Unit Bargaining Committees, the Local Executive Board shall decide the maximum number of members of the unit's bargaining committee who may be reimbursed by the Local for lost wages for the purposes of bargaining, subject to the requirement that the Unit Bargaining Committee must be a fair, equitable and practical representation of the unit.

11.1.3 Elections shall be conducted in accordance with Article 8 of these By-laws.

11.2 Executive Board Authority
11.2.1 Any agreement arrived at in negotiations shall be submitted to the membership of the unit concerned for approval.

11.2.3 The Executive Board shall have the authority to set policy on eligibility and level of strike pay and benefits, provided the policy meets or exceeds the minimum requirements under the National Constitution.

11.2.4 The Executive Board may utilize the Local defense fund to reimburse or maintain the income of unit members employed on a casual/part-time basis where that income is negatively affected by the union's authorized strike-related action.

ARTICLE XII - AMENDING PROCEEDURES
12.1 By-Laws Proposals
12.1.1 Proposed amendments to the Local Bylaws shall be submitted to the Secretary, who will forward all proposals to the Bylaws committee.

12.1.2 The Bylaws Committee shall review all proposals, and submit them, with their recommendations to the Executive Board for consideration.

12.2 Executive Board Consideration
12.2.1 At the next, or any subsequent meeting after their submission by the Bylaws Committee, the Executive Board may accept proposal(s) and recommend them for ratification by the General Membership, if two thirds (2/3) of the members of the Board vote in favor of the proposal(s).

12.2.2 Proposals submitted to the Executive Board may be amended by the Executive Board, however no amendment may be voted on at the meeting where it is moved. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board shall be required to pass any amendment to a proposal. It is not the intention of this Article to limit the ability of members of the Board to propose amendments to the proposals brought forward by the Committee.

12.2.3 For the purpose of Article 9.1.3 only, there must be a minimum of two (2) weeks between the meeting where proposed amendments are tabled and the meeting where the Board votes to accept the amendment (s).

12.2.4 Members of the Bylaws Committee shall be invited to all Board meetings where amendments to the Bylaws are to be discussed.

12.3 Ratification
12.3.1 The Executive Board shall refer all By-Laws proposal(s) to the General Membership Meeting for ratification.

12.3.2 Proposed amendments shall be distributed to all members of the Local not later than three (3) days prior to the General Membership Meetings.

12.3.3 Two thirds (2/3) of votes cast at a General Membership Meeting shall be necessary for ratification.

ARTICLE XIII - MEMBERSHIP
13.1 Eligibility
13.1.1 Any worker within the jurisdiction of bargaining units of this Local shall be eligible to apply for membership in this Local.

13.1.2 A Bargaining Unit Member shall be considered a member in good standing after a completed application form has been submitted to the Treasurer for membership in Local 723M.

13.2 Duties of Members
13.2.1 It shall be the duty of all members to be familiar with the C.E.P. Constitution and Bylaws, and Local Bylaws.

13.2.2 Members shall be familiar with the terms of the Collective Agreement and shall abide by these terms.

13.2.3 It shall be the responsibility of each member to conduct himself/herself in a manner that will not cast discredit upon fellow members or the Union.

13.2.4 It shall be the duty of all members to attend General Membership Meetings.

13.2.5 A member accused of conduct detrimental to the object and principles of the C.E.P., or of conduct reflecting discredit upon the C.E.P., shall be subject to disciplinary action as per the provisions of the C.E.P. Constitution and Bylaws, and Local Bylaws.

13.2.6 Only members in good standing, who have completed membership requirements, shall sign nominations, vote, hold office, or serve on any Committee within this Local. A member is not in good standing if the member is in arrears in dues, assessments or under suspension.

13.3 Revenue
13.3.1 The initiation fee for members in the Local shall be the first month's dues paid. No further payment is required.

13.3.2 Union Dues shall be levied in accordance with the CEP Constitution, the Collective Agreements, and the Local Bylaws.

13.3.3 Dues shall be remitted on the gross earnings of Bargaining Unit members.

13.4 Property
No funds or property of this Local shall be loaned, given or expended to assist any seceding, dual or antagonistic organization, or any local which is violating the Constitution of the National Union. The funds and property of this Local shall be used only to give effect to the purposes and objects of this Local, subject to the provisions of the National Union Constitution.

ARTICLE XIV - EXPENSES
14.1 Expenses
14.1.1 Out of pocket expenses incurred by Local 723M members when on Local Union business shall be reimbursed upon the submission of vouchers and supporting receipts.

14.1.2 Members attending conferences, conventions and seminars will be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance to these By-Laws

14.2 Mileage
Use of a personal vehicle for Local or Bargaining Unit business shall be reimbursed at $0.40 per kilometer.

14.3 Per Diem
When previously authorized by the Executive Board, a per diem will also apply when on Local or Bargaining Unit business. The amount will be in accordance with the expense policies of the National Union.

14.4 Expense Allowance
14.4.1 The following representatives shall receive quarterly expense allowance in the amounts indicated below:

• Local President: $260.00
• Unit Vice President: $200.00
• Local Secretary: $200.00
• Local Treasurer: $200.00
• Stewards: $60.00

14.4.2 These expenses will be paid to these representatives only upon attendance at two thirds (2/3) of all meetings.

14.4.3 The Web Page Editor shall receive a quarterly expense allowance of $60.00. This allowance will be paid only for those quarters in which the website has been updated.

14.5 Salary Replacement
14.5.1 If approved in advance, members who take a leave of absence for union affairs shall have their lost salary replaced by the Local. This amount will be paid upon presentation of proof of lost earnings to the Treasurer.

14.5.2 If approved in advance, part-time members who make themselves unavailable for work to address business required by the union shall be compensated at their regular hourly wage.

14.5.3 Members who work on their off hours, on business required by the Executive Board, not including Executive Board Meetings, with a minimum of 5 consecutive hours worked will be paid $100.00 as an expense allowance.”

14.6 Leave for President
14.6.1 During each two-year term of office the President may, at his/her discretion, take up to five (5) days unpaid leave of absence. The lost salary will be replaced by the Local as provided in these By-Laws.

14.6.2 Where the President has not taken this leave during the term of office, it may be taken in the two months following.

ARTICLE XV - WELFARE
15.1 Objective
The object of welfare expenditures is to purchase gifts or remembrances for Local members or their families.

15.2 Welfare Officer
15.2.1 The Welfare Officer shall be designated by the Executive Board.

15.2.2 It shall be the duty of the Welfare Officer to ascertain when expenditures are warranted and also to ensure that the amounts expended comply with the provisions of the Local Bylaws.

15.3 Welfare Expenditures
15.3.1 The amount to be spent for flowers or otherwise in the case of a member’s death is not to exceed Two hundred dollars ($200.00). In case of a death in a member’s immediate family, it is not to exceed Seventy Five dollars ($75.00).

15.3.2 The amount to be spent for flowers or otherwise suitable gift, in the case of illness of a member who is under a doctor’s care, is not to exceed the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00).

15.3.3 In the case of a member’s firstborn child, or first adoption if the child is old enough to require it, the Local will provide funds up to one hundred ($100.00) towards the purchase of a quality child/infant car safety seat. In the case of subsequent birth and for adoptions, the Local will purchase a gift for the parent or child and children in the amount of seventy-five dollars ($75.00).

15.3.4 Upon recommendation of the Welfare Committee, the Executive Board may authorize expenditures up to one hundred and thirty dollars ($130.00) for gifts not otherwise covered elsewhere in this Article.

15.4 Good of the Union
Donation to other C.E.P. Locals, or organizations outside C.E.P. may be made upon a majority vote of the Executive Board. Amounts are to be determined by the Board.

ARTICLE XVI - NATIONAL CONSTITUTION
16.1 Authority of the National Union
16.1.1 All the terms and provisions of the Constitution of the National Union shall be deemed a part of these By-Laws.

16.1.2 In the event of a conflict between these By-Laws and the provisions of the Constitution of the National Union, the Constitution of the National Union shall prevail.

16.1.3 This Local has no power to make any contract or incur any liability binding upon the National Union, without the written consent of the President of the National Union and the approval of the National Executive Board. The National Union shall not be liable under any contract or for any acts of this Local or its officers or its members unless they have been authorized in writing to enter into such contract or perform such acts.

16.1.4 This Local has no power to modify, amend or repeal any of the terms and provisions of the Constitution of the National Union.

ARTICLE XVII - DISCIPLINE, TRIALS AND APPEALS
Every member of this union shall be entitled to a just and impartial trial for any offense of which he may be charged, in accordance with Article 17 of the National Constitution.

ARTICLE XVIII - ASSESSMENTS
The Executive Board of this Local shall have the power to levy a per capita assessment, in addition to dues, upon the members of this Local provided that the amount and method of payment of such assessment has first been approved by the majority of those voting in a secret ballot among the members in good standing of the Local either at a regular or special meeting or in a membership referendum. Notice of the proposed assessment shall be given to the members at least ten (10) days before the vote is to be taken.

ARTICLE XIX - EFFECTIVE DATE
These By-Laws shall become effective when ratified by a majority of the members present at a meeting and approved by the National Union President.

2009 Bylaw Committee