August 2001
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Each year we receive enquiries concerning the determination of delegate representation to the CUPE National Convention.
The number of credentials to which a local union is entitled is governed by Article 6.4 of the CUPE Constitution. The number of credentials is based on the average number of individual members (full-time and part-time)
for the twelve-month period August 2000 to July 2001 (as specified by Article 6.5).
At the time of issuing credentials (in August), most local unions will have paid per capita tax up to June only. The number of credentials issued is therefore based on the average monthly membership reported between August 2000 and the last month for which we have received a per capita tax payment from your local. (Local unions whose payments are two or more months in arrears are not entitled to receive credentials.)
As soon as a locals per capita tax payment for August 2001 is received at the National Office, the number of credentials assigned to the local will be reviewed to determine whether an adjustment is necessary. Because of monthly membership fluctuations, some locals may experience a reduction in average membership for the period, which would entitle them to fewer credentials than they initially received. In such a case, it is necessary for this office to cancel a credential and ask that the local union return it. Similarly, some locals may experience an increase in average membership for the period, which would entitle them to more credentials than they initially received. Such additional credentials will be forwarded to the local union immediately upon receipt of the August per capita tax payment.
At the time of the National Convention in November, per capita tax payments must be in order up to at least August 2001 for local unions wishing to seat delegates. Possession of a credential does not guarantee seating at the Convention if a local unions per capita tax is two or more months in arrears. It is therefore the responsibility of the local and the delegate(s) to ensure that all payments to CUPE National are in order before they travel to Vancouver to attend the Convention.
I trust these explanations will assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact my office should you have any other questions concerning per capita tax and/or delegate representation at the forthcoming CUPE National Convention.
I look forward to meeting your locals delegates in November.
In solidarity,
GERALDINE McGUIRE
National Secretary-Treasurer