The 55th annual CUPE Alberta annual convention begins today. About 200 delegates are expected to attend this years convention, an increase from last year. Highlights of the convention include the election of a new executive, with at least two candidates competing for the Presidency, and the restructuring resolutions.
Elections
DArcy Lanovaz, who was appointed to the Presidency last December, is being challenged by Local 40 President Drake Hammill. Delegates will have a chance to hear from all candidates this afternoon at the political forum, right after adjournment.
Nominations for executive positions are still open, candidates can be nominated from the floor on Saturday just prior to the elections.
Constitutional debates
The other major issue being dealt with at this convention is a resolution calling for a per capita increase to pay for a full time President.
If passed, the increase would raise the per capita to $1.00 per member per month effective immediately, and by a further $0.02 per member per month in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Other resolutions call for one convention every two years instead of annually, and the deletion of alternate vice-presidents from the CUPE Alberta executive.-30-