Affiliation Study to Proceed

It was clear after consulting with members in the fall of 2001 that members at least want to look at the affiliation options. It was also clear that we want to maintain our independence which makes affiliation the only alternative to be studied. The Board is now approaching various organizations to assess if they meet the criteria for an affiliation agreement. They will present their findings to the membership before June 2002. Taking into account member feedback, the 17 criteria has been divided into three categories as follows:

MANDATORY

• Ensure that the collective bargaining certificate remains under our control;
• ensure that our current and future assets remain the property of our members;
• maintain our group's unique identity as an occupation specific unit with the ability to continue to use our own name to distinguish who we are;
• maintain our ability to determine the style of representation we want without interference by a central body;
• a reasonable cost for services that could possibly be accommodated within the current dues structure;
• maintain our one-member-one-vote system for the Annual General Meeting and elections; and
• maintain control over the association staff.

DESIRABLE

• When needed, calling on them to provide experts to help us at the negotiating table or hearings;
• providing assistance in lobbying for changes regarding contract issues or professional concerns;
• ensure that any deal to affiliate includes a trial period after which we would have the right to leave;
• the organization currently represents similar professionals in a government setting and provides the ability to communicate with and examine the agreements of these professionals;
• an autonomous Canadian organization perhaps chartered by an international union headquartered outside Canada;
• access to training for our members and staff tailored to our needs; and
• access to benefit plans for our staff.

NON-ESSENTIAL

• With globalization influencing the labour markets, access to international organizations to get data on trends in our profession in other countries because of their participation at the International Labour Organization (ILO);
• in the Canadian market, access to analysis on the Canadian labour markets because of their participation in the Canadian Labour Congress; and
• contributing to and having access to a strike fund.

As was stressed at the fall meetings, if organizations can be found that meet the mandatory criteria, the Board will make a recommendation but the question will be decided by a vote of the membership.

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