Funferal

Summary of proposed changes

I have summarised, below, the proposed changes to the constitution:

1. Context and processThe GMM last April set in place a review of the GEO constitution. That process will culminate with the presentation of a proposed new constitution at the next GMM, probably later this semester. Summarised below are the main differences between the current GEO constitution and the draft proposal, as it currently stands.Before a final proposal is prepared we want your input. To facilitate that input, we have created a website. This site links to both the current and proposed constitutions, and to this summary. There are facilities for you to comment on the proposal, and to respond to other people’s comments. Comments can also be sent directly to Andrew Ó Baoill.This debate, along with continued consultation with groups such as the GEO co-ordinating committee and stewards council, will help shape the final proposal. In line with the GEO constitution the next GMM will vote on whether to put this proposal to a secret ballot. This ballot would likely occur at, and following, that GMM.
2. Summary of draft proposal (as at 1 October 2003) Structure
   • Amends who can be members, to exclude adjunct staff, and include students on short sabbaticals.
   • Inserts a section laying out the organisational structure of the union. The co-ordinating committee is the executive body. The stewards council advises them, and can refer matters to membership meetings. Membership (meetings and ballots) are the senior decision-making body of the union.
   • Removes several specific officerships (secretaries, parliamentarian, events officer), and replaces them with new Grievance Officer, and ‘officers-at-large.’
   • Gives stewards council responsibility for setting guidelines for appointing stewards – covering the process to be followed, and numbers/distribution – subject to approval at membership meeting

   Process

   • Remove the need for a formal organization plan each semester
   • Ensure elections comply with legal requirements
   • Introduce fair recall procedures for all positions
   • Specifically creates the Grievance committee, election committee.
   • Amends procedure to amend constitution, clarifying and simplifying process.

   Action

   • Amends the process for negotiating and approving a contract, including modifying who can vote on a proposed contract
   • Amends the process for initiating, sustaining, and ending strikes and other work actions.