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National Political Action Committee works to build CUPE’s political action capacity in every region, providing advice on effective lobbying and mobilization on federal, provincial and municipal political issues.  They encourage members and staff to join and be active in the NDP and in friendly coalitions.  Integrating political action into all aspects of union work is a major goal for this committee.

Terms of Reference

 Introduction

The emphasis in all of the Committee’s objectives and activities will be to build CUPE’s political action capacity in every Region. Many of CUPE’s successes are a result of effective political pressure. CUPE members across Canada have influence on public policy at all levels of government. The Committee will act as a catalyst to motivate stronger political action initiatives throughout CUPE. The Committee will be active in all facets of improving CUPE’s abilities to maximize our winning tactics. More victories will be attained as our true potential for stronger political action is achieved.

 Composition

One each:

  • NEB Member Liaison;
  • Provincial Representative;
  •  HEU;
  • 2 Staff Advisors;
  • Regional Staff appointed in consultation with the Regional Director and National Officers;
  • Diversity in membership representation will be an ongoing objective.

Policy Implementation

Strategic Directions

All of the NPAC’s efforts will contribute to the objectives in the Strategic Directions Document. Political action activity increases a local union’s strategic effectiveness. Stronger communities objectives will be attained through enhanced political action. A campaign in support of quality public services reflects a positive image of our members and their importance to a better community. Privatization is defeated through effective political action. Bargaining power is strengthened with influence and pressure at the political level.

 Budget

As determined annually by the NEB.

 Mandate

Consistent with existing National and Provincial Division’s political action policies, the Committee’s mandate is broadly developed to maximize CUPE’s political action capacity in all provinces:

  • assist in effective lobbying and mobilizing campaigns on federal issues;
  • to foster active political action committees in all local unions and district councils in all regions;
  • in consultation with our provincial divisions to strengthen our political allies at the provincial level;
  • encourage members and staff to join and become active in the NDP;
  • review and recommend changes to political action educational programs and materials in each region;
  • structure provincial political action response teams;
  • develop a political action “how to” manual for local unions;
  • integrate our political action strategies with friendly coalitions in the community (or province and federally);
  • co-ordinate political action activities with all other National Committees and working groups on core issues central to their work;
  • integrate the work of equality initiatives into political action activity;
  • encourage the increased participation in electoral campaigns through training our activists.
  • identify specific objectives and action plans for implementation and follow-up (accountability) in the Regions between meetings;
  • provide advice and recommendations to the National Executive Board;
  • supplement bargaining objectives through effective political action campaigns.

 Amendments

To be approved by the NEB in consultation with the NPAC.

Role of Committee

  • Helps build capacity within the union.
  • Advises NEB on policy questions.
  • Gives assistance to work of Divisions.
  • Develops a proposed plan of action for NEB consideration and decision.

Role of Committee Members

  • Participate fully at and between meetings.
  • Share expertise and information.
  • Build networks to support Committee work.
  • Initiate and evaluate progress in their Region.
  • Communicate Committee decisions and action plans to Division Executive and alternate.
  • Implement Committee action plans in their provinces.

Role of Chairs

  • Work with staff advisor to plan meetings.
  • Work with staff to prepare reports.
  • Keep Committee on track at (and between) meetings.
  • Keep Committee members motivated.

Role of NEB Liaison

  • Report to National Officers and NEB.
  • Communicate NEB decisions.
  • Advise Committee.
  • Share expertise and information.

Role of Staff Advisors

  • Advise Committee.
  • Advise national officers on issues arising from Committee.
  • Assist Committee chairs in planning meetings and keeping meetings on track.
  • Share information and expertise.
  • Assist in carrying out Committee work approved by NEB and as directed by Director.
  • Setting goals for Committee approval, evaluating progress and recommending supplemental initiatives.

June 20, 2005

dc/cope 491c
(File/Barry/NPAC/Terms of Reference-NPAC)