Executive, Stewards and descriptions of positions

Position	Name	Contact Information	Work Location	Term
President	Noelle Fletcher	president@cupe1883.ca 519-504-1877	300 Victoria St N	February 2024 - February 2026
Vice President, Job Evaluation	Kristen Eva	jobevaluation@cupe1883.ca	99 Regina St S	February 2024 - February 2026
Vice President, Health and Safety	Rhonda Gould	healthsafety@cupe1883.ca	20 Weber St E	February 2023 - February 2025
Grievance Chair	Paula Giles	grievance@cupe1883.ca	99 Regina St S	February 2023 - February 2025
Treasurer	Kim Koch	treasurer@cupe1883.ca	20 Weber St E	February 2024 - February 2026
Secretary	Stacey DeMars	secretary@cupe1883.ca info@cupe1883.ca	20 Weber St E	February 2023 - February 2025

Trustees:

Victoria Brander

Ray Hoover

Kristine Tumm

Stewards:

Danielle Kraftchick - 20 Weber
Janet Francis - 99 Regina

Jeremy Turner – 250 Strasburg

Kelly Locking – 99 Regina
Lisete Gaspar - 150 Main

Paula Ronson – 20 Weber
Ray Hoover - 20 Weber

Ryan Milanovic - 150 Frederick

Sean Stoughton – 10 Huron Road

Sheryl Mascoll - 99 Regina
Yvonne Kohlmetz - 20 Weber

Descriptions of positions within the union

The President will:

Enforce the CUPE Constitution, Local Union bylaws and the Equity Statement;
Interpret bylaws as required;
Preside or delegate to one of the Vice-Presidents the chairing of any membership meetings and maintain order;
Preside at all executive committee meetings;
Decide all points of order and procedures (decisions are subject to appeal of the membership);
Have a vote on all matters (except appeals against their rulings)/ In the event of a tie vote in any matter, including elections, have the right to cast an additional vote to break the tie;
Ensure that all officers perform their assigned duties;
Fill committee vacancies where elections are not provided for;
Act as the permanent signatory for the Local and sign all cheques except for those issued to them;
Ensure two authorized signatures on all expenditures;
Ensure Locals’ funds are used only as authorized or directed by the Constitution, by-laws, or vote of the membership;
Provide a report of hours worked, in summary, each week including sick time and vacation time to the Treasurer at monthly Executive meetings;
Have first preference as a delegate to the CUPE National Convention and CUPE Ontario Division Convention. (Article B3.1);
Have the right to call a vote or appoint a representative from the general membership to represent the Local to various outside committees. The representative will be responsible to the Executive Committee Committee;
Provide a report to members at General Membership Meetings on all matters for which they are responsible.

The First Vice President, Job Evaluation will:

Be the union Co-Chair of the Job Evaluation Committee;
If the President is absent or unable, perform all duties of the President;
If the office of President becomes vacant, perform the duties and act as President until a new President is elected;
Will follow the Terms of Reference and the Collective Agreement process(es)for job evaluation
Chair and attend at least three Job evaluation meetings in a calendar year
Maintain a file of all job postings, and identify discrepancies from known job duties
Maintain a file of all classification changes and positions which are created or eliminated.
Report to members at regular membership meetings on all related matters

The Second Vice President, Health and Safety will:

Appoint all union representatives to Joint Health and Safety Committees, including appointing Union Co-Chairs;
Coordinate the activities of union Health & Safety representatives, ensuring that they adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act;
If the President and the 1st Vice President is absent or unable, perform all duties of the President;
If the office of President and the 1st vice President should fall vacant, perform the duties and act as President until a new President is elected;
Act as the fourth permanent signatory for the Local;
Be responsible for all matters pertaining to WSIB, Long Term Disability, and accommodations/Return-to-Works affecting members, including appointing union representatives for such matters;
Report to members at regular membership meetings on all related matters;
Chair and attend at least three Health and Safety Meetings in a calendar year.

The Treasurer Will:

Receive all revenue, initiation fees, dues and assessments, keeping a record of each member’s payments and deposit promptly all money with a bank or credit union;
Prepare all CUPE National/CUPE Ontario per capita tax forms and remit payment;
Record all financial transactions in a manner acceptable to the Committee and in accordance with good accounting practices;
Make a financial report to the Executive Committee and the Local at each General Membership Meeting;
Maintain an accurate record of President and Executive leave for the trustees to review;
Be bonded through the master bond held by the National Office. Any treasurer who cannot qualify for the bond shall be disqualified from office;
Pay no money unless supported by an expense form duly signed by the President or one other member of the Executive Committee as determined by the Executive
Committee. No expense form shall be required for payment of per capita fees to any organizations to which the Local is affiliated;
Shall be the second permanent signatory of the Local and sign all cheques except for
those issued to them. If the Treasurer is absent or unable the cheque may be signed by the President and 3rd or 4th permanent signatory of the Local;
Make all books available for inspection by the auditors and/or trustees upon reasonable notice, and have books audited semi-annually;
Provide the trustees with any information they may need to complete the audit report forms supplied by CUPE;
Be empowered with the approval of the President, to employ necessary auditing assistance to be paid for out of the Local’s funds. (Articles B3.4 - B3.9);
Be empowered, with the approval of the President, to employ necessary clerical assistance to be paid out of the Local’s funds;
Keep a detailed list of tangible fixed assets held by the Local. (Furniture, equipment, buildings etc.)

The Grievance Chair will:

update and report on all grievances to the Executive Board and provide an overview to the members at the monthly general membership meetings;
keep accurate records of grievances and resolutions;
handle or designate handling of all grievances and arbitrations;
Consult with the National Rep and the Executives regarding the handling of all grievances not settled at the second stage.
Recruit, mentor and supervise stewards. Arrange and participate in educating stewards about the collective agreements, how they work, and should be enforced.
Chair and attend at least three (3) steward committee meetings in a year.

Recording Secretary (Administrative Officer)

Keep full, up-to-date and accurate account of the proceedings of all regular and special membership and Board meetings;
Record all alterations in the bylaws;
Answer correspondence, answer/triage member inquires, manage booking of union hall, request union leave time through labour relations, manage communications including but not limited to website and social media, registrations to conferences/conventions/education, maintain membership list, maintain list serve, manage and maintain logins and fulfill other administrative duties as directed by the Committee;
File a copy of all letters sent out and keep on file all communications;
Prepare and distribute electronically all circulars and notices to members;
Have all records ready upon reasonable notice for auditors and trustees;
Introduce new members at regular membership meetings;
Preside over membership meetings in the absence of both the President and the Vice-Presidents;
Act as the 3rd permanent signatory except for those cheques issued to them.
Be empowered with the approval of the President to employ necessary clerical/information technology or other assistance to be paid for out of the Local's funds (Article B3.3);
Prepare a report of all communications received by the Local including appeals, conferences, conventions, education, etc. at each General Membership Meeting;
Performs other duties required by the Local Union, its bylaws or the National Constitution.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator will:

Be a self-identified member of one of the following equity-seeking groups: Aboriginal/Indigenous People, 2SLGBTQI+, Persons living with Disabilities, Racialized Workers, Women .They shall make efforts to;
Engage equity-seeking members with the union and advise the Executive Board and membership of current trends or topics concerning equity;
Develop and implement initiatives/activities aimed at advancing equity in the workplace;
Provide a range of diversity information and resources
Provide guidance through an equity lens to the Executive and Membership.
Chair at least two (2) equity committee meetings in a year.

The Membership Engagement Officers will:

Ensure all members feel included;
Coordinate educational opportunities for members;
Chair the education committee making recommendations to the committee regarding opportunities and requests;
Coordinate the annual Labour Day Activities and organize a minimum of three yearly events to engage and mobilize members;
Open up channels of communication to engage members to strengthen our union and ensure members feel connected;
Engage Young Workers (30 & under).

The Sergeant-at-Arms (Membership Officer) will:

Admit to membership meetings only members in good standing or officers and officials of CUPE, except on the order of the President and by consent of the members present;
Assist in maintaining the record of membership attendance of meetings;
Hold the position of Election Chairperson, run elections during their term of office. Volunteers will be recruited to assist in any in person elections;
Ensure the maintenance of order at meetings;
Attend all General Membership Meetings;
Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Committee from time to time.

The Trustees will

act as an auditing committee on behalf of the members and audit the books and accounts of the Treasurer, the Recording Secretary and the Standing Committees semi-annually;
report their findings to the first membership meeting following the completion of each audit;
be responsible to ensure that monies are not paid out without proper constitutional or membership authorization;
ensure that proper financial reports are made to the membership;
inspect at least twice a year, any stocks, bonds, securities, office furniture and equipment, and titles or deeds to property that may at any time be owned by the Local, and report their findings to the membership;
use audit forms supplied by the National Office and send a copy of each half-yearly audit to the National Secretary-Treasurer in accordance with the provisions of the CUPE Constitution; (Articles B3.10 to B3.12);
audit the record of attendance.
The term of office of Trustees shall be three (3) years, and shall be elected on the basis of: (a) One Trustee for a term of three (3) years; (b) One Trustee for a term of two (2) years; and (c) One Trustee for a term of one (1) year;
After, at each succeeding Annual General Meeting, there will be elected one Trustee to fill the place of the Trustee whose term of office expires. This Trustee will hold office for three (3) years from such election and will hold office of Trustee until a successor has been elected in accordance with the provisions of this section.

Stewards

be the front line contact between members and the union;
respond to member inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a timely and confidential manner; represent members in their dealings with the employer; -advise members on their right and ability to grieve, file grievances and follow-up while ensuring timelines are met;
be encouraged to attend at least 75% of all Steward Committee and regular membership meetings;
share all notes and documentation associated with grievances with the Grievance Chair for the purposes of maintaining accurate union files.

Committees

Some of these committee duties do take place during work hours. However, meetings, activities and training will not always take place during the work day. These are volunteer positions and from time to time, may require evening and/or weekend involvement. Please see below for a list of the Committees and their purpose.
If you are interested in joining any of the committees, please email secretary@cupe1883.ca (unless otherwise stated) with the Committee name in the subject line.

Bylaw Committee

The Bylaw Committee completes a yearly review of CUPE 1883 Bylaws: documented guidelines to protect the rights of members and ensure responsible administration of the Local including proper practices of standards and procedures. The yearly review of the Bylaws shall include facilitating open communication with the membership to request feedback and/or recommended changes, reviewing the CUPE Constitution and any recommended updates to CUPE bylaws from CUPE National.

Executive Member
- Noelle Fletcher
Rank and File Members
- LeeAnn Paiva

Return to Work Committee

The Return-to-Work Committee assists all members requiring help related to Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) claims, accommodations, modified duties and return to work (RTW) plans. The committee member works in collaboration with the Disability Management Advisor to return members to the workplace as soon as medically possible. You will document the employer’s commitment to the return-to-work process, what steps need to be taken. An. A personalized RTW plan meets the specific needs of the injured worker. It considers the worker’s functional limitations, rehabilitation and treatment, skills and abilities, and available suitable work. In consultation with the Health and Safety Executive member, you will coordinate with the National Representative any WSIB claims from the local approved for advocacy.
Training is required for this position, and will be provided.

Executive Member
- Rhonda Gould
Rank and File Members
- Vacant

Communications Committee

The purpose of the Communications Committee is to provide members with timely, accurate information in regards to member information, meetings, employer updates, etc.
Committee members are responsible for checking the communications email and responding within a 48-hour (workday) timeframe. Committee members will attempt to prompt stories from CUPE members who are celebrating certain milestones to share with the membership. These milestones can include things like new baby, marriage/engagements, retirement, number of years with the Employer, etc.
Communication Committee members are also to review feedback from the membership to help prepare the quarterly newsletter (January, April, July, October) and provide consistent information via the newsletter (next general meeting dates/times, how to contact the union, etc.)
Meet on a monthly basis to review content for newsletter and brainstorm ideas.

Executive Members
- Stacey DeMars
Members
- Vacant

Job Evaluation Committee

The Job Evaluation/Maintenance Committee members ensure that our
members are being treated and compensated fairly for the work they do. This committee meets as needed and primarily during work hours. There may be times that you are asked to meet outside work hours. Internal training provided.
There are 12 factors: education, experience, responsibility for program, responsibility for people, safety of others, contacts, nature & impact of error, mental effort, physical activity, dexterity and disagreeable conditions. Each factor is divided into different degree levels. Those levels are then applied to a grid and weighted. These factors are not static, they change over time due to technical innovations, duties added or removed, or external conditions. The purpose of JE is to assess, consistently, and without bias the value of individual jobs in relation to other jobs within the bargaining unit. It is an art not science. After the committee rate’s the job, the rating is final, there is no appeal process in the plan. If the raters disagree the job is referred to the Commissioner of Human Resources and a CUPE National representative. If an agreement is not reached it is sent to an arbitrator. Please take the time to look at the job evaluation plan on the portal or ask an Executive member for a copy. If you are interested in becoming part of the Job Evaluation Committee, please email jobevaluation@cupe1883.ca or president@cupe1883.ca.

Executive Member
- Kristen Eva
Rank and File Members
- Janet Francis
- Karen Gallant
- Collette Whelan
- Jennifer Cyr
- Martin Roberts

Negotiation Committee

This special ad hoc committee consists of six Executive members and a Member-at-Large. The Member-at- Large is elected at least three months prior to the expiry of the collective agreement and is automatically disbanded when a new collective agreement has been signed. The function of the Committee is to; consult with the membership regarding problem areas and potential new proposals, prepare collective bargaining proposals and to negotiate a collective agreement. Members of the committee will consult with the National Representative at all stages from formulating proposals, through negotiations, to contract ratification by membership.

Mobilization/Strike Committee

The mobilization committee looks at effective ways to engage members before bargaining begins and throughout the bargaining process. is responsible for organizing members, mobilizing in support of bargaining, and supporting the bargaining team. The committee builds poser by mobilizing members to build solidarity and support the Negotiation committee.

The Mobilization/Strike Committee is responsible for communicating negotiation updates to the membership and coordinating strike action.

Education Committee

The purpose of the Education Committee is to ensure that there is a fair and equitable process for responding to the educational needs of the local and its members.
The Education Committee is focused on having educated and knowledgeable members and thus is committed to ensuring that the local will offer education to its’ members in the most logical and economical way possible.
The Executive that heads the Education Committee will be responsible for booking/registering members for education and/or training opportunities as per the CUPE National By-Laws, and as approved by the rest of the education committee.

Executive Member
- Stacey DeMars
Rank and File Members
- Ray Hoover
- Janet Francis
- Shaily Vaishnav
- Paula Ronson

Trustee Committee

The trustees act as an auditing committee, on behalf of the members, and audit the books and accounts of the Treasurer, the Recording Secretary. The trustees report their findings at the first membership meeting following the completion of each audit. They are responsible to ensure that monies are not paid out without proper authorization; ensure that proper financial reports are made to the membership; inspect at least twice a year, any investments, office furniture and equipment, and titles or deeds to property that may at any time be owned by the Local, and report their findings to the membership. The trustees will use audit forms supplied by the National Office and send a copy of each audit to the National Secretary-Treasurer in accordance with the provisions of the CUPE Constitution; (Articles B3.10 to B3.12).

Executive Member
- Kim Koch
Members
- Kristine Tumm
- Ray Hoover
- Victoria Brander

Social Committee

The Social Committee is responsible for organizing all social, cultural, and recreational activities of the Local Union, either on the committee’s own initiative or as a result of decisions taken at membership meetings. The social committee goal is to encourage member engagement, creating a sense of togetherness and solidarity.

Executive Member
- Kim Koch

Joint Health and Safety Committee

The Joint Health and Safety Committee work to educate members on the importance of workplace health and safety and promote safe work procedures and environments. The duties are to identify any workplace hazards and advocate as required on behalf of a member to resolve all problems within the scope of Local 1883. As a Joint Health and Safety Committee member you will work closely with the others on the committee, attend meetings (monthly or quarterly as determined by each committee) and complete work place inspections monthly. If you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to
Rhonda at Healthsafety@cupe1883.ca.

Executive Member
- Rhonda Gould
Building/Representative
- 99 Regina
  - Karl Fuss
  - Valerie Paulley
  - Lisa Pierce
- 150 Frederick
  - Laura Burke
  - Andrew Sooknandan
  - Bernadette Ellert
- 100 Maple Grove
  - Lindsay Norwood
  - Guiyou Li
  - Jen Barkshire-Paterson
- 150 Main
  - Michelle Riediger
  - Carey O'Hanlon
- 20 Weber
  - Yvonne Kohlmetz
  - Ray Hoover
  - Rhonda Gould
- Erb St. Landfill
  - Kayley Kaufman
  - Laird Ellis
- POA
  - Melissa Chariot
- Airport
  - Currie Russell
  - Owen Burtch
- Transit (Crowne Plaza)
  - Tramaine Lewis
- 250 Strasburg
  - Lynda Stelmach
- Museum
  - Roberta Sealy
- Joseph Schneider Haus
  - Katie Anderson
- Libraries
  - Maria Marioncu

What Our Members Do

People depend on public services; services depend on people to deliver them.

We’re facing tough economic times, and that’s when we need affordable, reliable public services most.

We are the members of CUPE Local 1883 working in the Region of Waterloo.

We are proud to work for you.

We help pay for quality childcare. We keep your water clean. We keep restaurants and taxi cabs safe for you.

We help our neighbours find jobs, obtain housing and get financial support when they’re in need.

We proudly deliver the public services all of us in the Region depend on every day.

We work for you, Region of Waterloo.

Excellence Starts With Us.

Union Dues

We pay fees to CUPE National and CUPE Ontario that produce us with many resources including legal representation for members through the grievance and arbitration process; set aside funds to provide our members with strike pay, in the event of a strike or lockout; and mail information to our members. We have a Union office, means to contact the Executive, as well as provide opportunities to attend educational opportunities including conventions/conferences.

As a member of a CUPE 1883, 1.4% of your salary will be deducted for Union dues. You never have to write us a cheque – your dues come directly off your pay in the same way as CPP and EI premiums are collected. When you join CUPE 1883, your initiation fee ($1) is also deducted right from your pay.

It is also important to know that the union is not an organization you pay to do things for you, it is not the same as a lawyer, or a real estate agent or similar professional. The union can do things on your behalf but the union is only as strong as its members. The dues go to provide infrastructure and resources that can helps you organize around what you and your fellow members want. The real power of a union is people working together as a group to advocate and stand in solidarity together.

Executive Member Descriptions