The primary role of a SUN Local is to provide member support. The Local Executive also administers the affairs of the Local and establishes policies regarding the administration of the Local (as per Local Bylaws and the SUN Constitution and Bylaws). Also, the Local is the first point of contact and support for members.
Local Executive Structure & Roles
The composition of each Local Executive is outlined in the Local Bylaws (Local Bylaw 6.01). Typically, executive roles include President, Vice-President, Local SUN District Council (SDC) representative(s), Treasurer, Secretary, and other committee chairs as required. Depending on the structure of a Local, the NAC Chairperson and OH&S representatives may also be considered active members of the Local Executive.
In smaller locals, it is common for roles to be combined, such as a Secretary-Treasurer or President and NAC chairperson. NOTE: The role of President and Treasurer, as per Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations, cannot be combined.
The following is a guideline for determining the primary role of each position:
President
- Provide members with advice on workplace issues and problems; represent members’ best interests when meeting with the Employer; and, supply information and answer questions about SUN.
- Chair all meetings of the Local.
- Enforce SUN’s Constitution, Provincial and Local Bylaws, and policies, rules and regulations enacted by the union and the Local. (See Appendix V of the Local Executive Tool Kit).
- Conduct the initial investigation regarding member concerns/issues, and/or refer and escalate labour relations and practice concerns to SUN staff for support, as appropriate.
- Actively participate in low-level resolution meetings to address member concerns.
- Act as a link between SUN Provincial and members in the Local.
Vice President
- Assist the President in carrying out their duties and perform them in their absence.
Treasurer
- Responsible for all the financial affairs of the Local, including ensuring the Local has a bank account, depositing cheques, ensuring proper signing authority is in place, paying approved bills, and recording all transactions.
- Provide financial reports at all Local meetings.
- Maintain financial records for seven years.
- Track and submit Local and provincial forms (union leaves, expense claim forms, etc).
Secretary
- Create agendas in concert with the Local Executive. See Appendix V for tips on creating an effective agenda.
- Keep minutes of all Local meetings. See Appendix V for components of effective minutes.
- Handle the correspondence of the President and executive, keep the Local's mailing list up-to-date, and maintain contact with the SUN offices.
- Submit Local Bylaws to SUN Provincial.
Local SDC Representative
- Attend regional SDC meetings.
- Establish and maintain communication between Local and regional SDC.
- Represent Local member concerns at regional SDC meetings.
NAC Chairperson
Depending on the Local's structure, the Local NAC Chairperson is not always a member of the Local Executive. Regardless, the Local NAC Chairperson plays a key role in protecting the interests and rights of members.
- Actively participate in low-level resolution meetings to address professional practice concerns.
- Actively participate in initial NAC meetings with the Employer.
- Upon receipt of WSRs from members:
- investigate the WSRs;
- ensure the Employer has received a copy;
- submit a copy to SUN Provincial;
- coordinate a NAC meeting;
- ensure minutes are taken and submitted to SUN Provincial; and,
- maintain a record of the disposition of the WSRs.
- Collaborate with SUN Provincial in the escalation of WSRs via NAC Process within the Collective Agreement.
Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Chairperson
Depending on a Local's structure, the Local Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Chairperson is not necessarily a member of the Local Executive. Regardless, the OH&S Chairperson plays a key role in protecting the interests and rights of members.
- Represent nursing at facility OH&S meetings.
- Participate in regional OH&S committees.
- Identify and control safety hazards.
- Communicate to SUN Provincial OH&S concerns raised at the Local level.
- Participate in facility OH&S investigations.
- Promote OH&S education and knowledge in the workplace.
- Maintain OH&S records and meeting minutes.
Tool Kits & Resources
Taking on a Local Executive position can be overwhelming at first, especially during a time of change. The following resources have been developed to streamline SUN’s processes for addressing member concerns. These resources also help SUN Locals understand and navigate their role representing members.
Local Executive Tool Kit
- Local Executive Tool Kit (reviewed November 2023)
- Grievance Flow Chart
- Labour Relations Fact Sheet (fillable form)
- Member Issues Form
- Labour Relations (LR) File Transfer Memo
To order copies of the above resources, please complete and submit a SUN Publications Order Form.
Executive Updates
Has your Local recently held an election? Have members of the Local Executive recently changed?
Click here to update your Local Executive listing with SUN Provincial.
