Local Executive Committee (LEC)

The Local Executive Committee (LEC) within a union, such as Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OSPEU), constitutes elected representatives responsible for overseeing and managing the affairs of a specific local chapter or branch. Comprising various positions like the president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, chief steward, and stewards, the LEC functions to represent and advocate for members’ interests at the local level.

They often handle day-to-day operations, coordinate activities, address member concerns, conduct meetings, and ensure adherence to the union constitution, bylaws, and policies. The LEC plays a crucial role in fostering communication between the union’s central leadership and its local members, facilitating the implementation of union strategies within the specific geographical area or workplace represented by that local chapter.

The members of the LEC are elected by union members within their specific local chapter or branch through a democratic process held typically every two years. The regularity of these elections allows for the rotation of leadership and ensures accountability while providing members with the chance to select individuals who will effectively represent their interests and oversee the affairs of the local union.

 

   President

The OPSEU Local President holds a pivotal leadership role within a specific local chapter or branch of the union. Elected by the members of the local chapter, the Local President serves as the chief representative and spokesperson for union members within that geographical area or workplace. This individual plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights, interests, and well-being of union members, addressing their concerns, and negotiating on their behalf with employers or management.

The Local President leads the LEC and collaborates with other union officials to implement union policies, oversee local union activities, coordinate campaigns, and ensure adherence to the union’s goals and objectives. They serve as a key liaison between the central leadership of OPSEU and the members of the local chapter, working to empower and support union members while upholding the principles and values of the organization.

  • Supervise and ensure the robust and efficient operations of both the LEC and the broader local organization, promoting a healthy and productive environment.
  • Uphold the union’s visibility and credibility within workplaces and with employers, bolstering its standing through consistent engagement and advocacy.
  • Serve as a representative and ambassador for the local organization within OPSEU, the wider labor movement, and the community, fostering strong connections and relationships.
  • Collaborate closely with fellow LEC members, sharing leadership responsibilities to collectively steer the organization towards its objectives.
  • Foster an inclusive environment by promoting and guiding individuals from diverse backgrounds to assume leadership roles within different facets of the local organization.
  • Work in tandem with the treasurer to ensure the financial stability and prosperity of the local, overseeing fiscal health and decision-making.
  • Facilitate and promote effective communication channels among stewards, various units, regional offices, and executive board members, encouraging a seamless exchange of information and ideas.

 

“29.5.1.  The President shall enforce compliance with Bylaws and regulations of the Union and Local; preside at Local meetings; be an ex-officio member of all Local committees; generally supervise the affairs and operations of the Local; carry out such other duties as may be prescribed by Local Bylaws”

 

Training: [Roles and Responsibilities], [Getting Started], [Local Meetings], [Local Elections], [Local Finances]

Source: https://opseu.org/information/tools-and-resources/resources-for-local-presidents/

 

  Vice President

The OPSEU Vice President serves as a vital member of the union’s leadership within a specific local chapter or branch. Elected by the members of the local chapter, the Vice President works closely with the Local President and other executive members to support the interests and needs of union members. They often assist in representing members’ concerns, participating in negotiations with employers, and advocating for fair working conditions and benefits.

The Vice President may also undertake various responsibilities delegated by the Local President, contribute to strategic planning, and step in to fulfill the President’s duties when necessary. As part of the LEC, the Vice President plays a pivotal role in promoting solidarity among members, ensuring effective communication, and contributing to the overall goals and initiatives of the union at the local level.

  • Offer robust assistance to the current local president and other members of the LEC, ensuring they receive comprehensive support in their respective roles.
  • Proactively engage in distributing responsibilities within the LEC, contributing significantly to the implementation of local action plans and programs, thereby actively sharing the workload to achieve collective goals.
  • Assume the duties and responsibilities of the local president in their absence, acting as a representative on behalf of the organization and ensuring the seamless continuity of essential tasks and decision-making processes.

 

“29.5.2. The Vice-President shall perform all the Presidential functions during any absence of the President and accept and exercise such other duties and powers as may be designated by the Local Executive Committee or the President. The Vice-President may also attend all functions (including all regional meetings and Conventions) of the Union, in place of the President when the President cannot attend.”

 

Training: [Roles and Responsibilities], [Getting Started], [Local Meetings], [Local Elections], [Local Finances] ** Note: same as President **

Source: None

 

   Treasurer

The OPSEU Treasurer holds a critical position within the union’s local chapter or branch. Elected by the members of the local chapter, the Treasurer is responsible for overseeing and managing the financial affairs of the union at the local level. Their primary role involves maintaining accurate financial records, monitoring the union’s budget, tracking expenditures, and ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability.

The Treasurer works closely with other executive members and the LEC to prepare budgets, report financial status to members, and provide financial recommendations. They may handle financial transactions, maintain banking relationships, process dues payments, and comply with regulatory requirements related to financial management. The Treasurer’s role is vital in upholding financial integrity, safeguarding union funds, and ensuring that resources are appropriately allocated to support the union’s objectives and activities within the local chapter.

  • Accountable for overseeing and managing all financial transactions pertaining to the local organization, ensuring accuracy and transparency in financial dealings.
  • Authorize and issue checks while holding signing authority for financial transactions within the designated capacity.
  • Maintain comprehensive and meticulous financial records specific to the local organization, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant regulations.
  • Provide trustees with necessary financial data to facilitate the completion of audit reports, ensuring they have access to all pertinent information.
  • Strategize, craft, and present an annual budget to both the LEC and the broader membership, reflecting the organization’s programmatic priorities for the upcoming year in a clear and comprehensive manner.

 

“29.5.4. The Treasurer shall be responsible for proper administration of the assets of the Local, including the operating funds.”

 

Training: [Roles And Responsibilities], [Getting Started], [Local Budget], [Local Fund], [Local Audit], [Local TAR], [Toolkit]

Source: https://opseu.org/information/tools-and-resources/new-online-treasurer-resources/

 

   Secretary

The OPSEU Secretary holds an essential administrative role within the union’s local chapter or branch. Elected by the members of the local chapter, the Secretary plays a key part in maintaining accurate records, documentation, and communication for the union. They are responsible for recording minutes during meetings, maintaining official records, and ensuring that records of the organization’s activities, decisions, and discussions are accurately documented and preserved.

The Secretary often handles correspondence, maintains membership lists, and assists in organizing and distributing information to members. Additionally, they collaborate with the LEC to prepare meeting agendas, notify members of meetings, and support the overall administrative functions of the local union. The Secretary’s role contributes significantly to the efficient operation of the union, ensuring transparency, accessibility of information, and proper documentation of the local chapter’s activities.

  • Ensure the smooth and efficient day-to-day functioning of both the LEC and the local organization, overseeing their operational activities.
  • Record and document the resolutions and determinations reached by the LEC and the membership through comprehensive meeting minutes.
  • Disseminate essential information, such as notices, memos, and bulletins, to both the LEC and the wider membership to keep everyone informed and engaged.
  • Curate and update pertinent information crucial to the LEC’s initiatives, including membership data, involvement in educational programs, as well as connections with union and community resources, to support ongoing programs effectively.

 

“29.5.3. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Local and keep Minutes; distribute notices to all members of the Local, as required; answer and/or forward all pertinent correspondence; and forward all pertinent membership information to the appropriate Union regional office.”

 

Training: [Roles And Responsibilities], [Getting Started], [Local Elections], [Local Structure]

Source: https://opseu.org/information/tools-and-resources/resources-for-local-secretaries/

 

   Chief Steward

The OPSEU Chief Steward serves as a front-line representative and advocate for union members within a specific workplace or department. Elected or appointed by fellow union members in the workplace, the Chief Steward plays a pivotal role in addressing and resolving workplace issues, representing members in disputes or grievances, and ensuring that collective bargaining agreements and workplace rights are upheld. They act as a liaison between union members and management, providing guidance, support, and representation to members facing workplace challenges.

The Chief Steward often assists in investigating grievances, attending meetings with management, and advising members on their rights and responsibilities under the collective agreement. Their role involves fostering a fair and respectful work environment, advocating for improved working conditions, and promoting solidarity among union members within the workplace.

  • Take on the responsibility of supervising, guiding, and nurturing fellow stewards, ensuring their effective performance.
  • Offer comprehensive information, valuable references, and targeted training sessions to stewards, the LEC, and members concerning representation matters.
  • Recognize prevalent workplace challenges shared among stewards, aiming to address these concerns with the employer or during negotiation discussions.
  • Maintain detailed records of grievances, providing essential support to the membership when engaging with the employer.
  • Serve as a steadfast representative for members throughout the advanced stages of the grievance resolution process.

 

“29.5.5. The Chief Steward or the Unit Stewards shall coordinate and assist the Shop Stewards.”

 

Training: [Roles And Responsibilities], [Getting Started], [Steward And CA], [Steward And Grievances]

Source: https://opseu.org/information/tools-and-resources/resources-for-stewards/