Le Grand Congrès

In July of 1990, 214 UNDE delegates descended upon Montreal for the National Convention at Le Grand Hotel. They represented approximately 25,500 members in the Union at large. The main order of business was a change in dues structure from the prevailing flat rate to a percentage income similar to that used by PSAC. The factor settled on by the convention was .51239 % applied to the lowest rate in each member’s classification level. That worked out to the same union income as a flat rate of $11.50 per member per month. A budget for the next three years was also established at approximately $10 million.

Forty-five resolutions were approved for forwarding to the 1991 PSAC Convention. Many reflected the problems of the day. Examples included a request for conciliation three months after a contract terminated, elimination of pay zones and inclusion of “separate employers” in any future pay equity awards. They also lobbied for changes to the Public Service Superannuation Act to allow for earlier retirement, increased benefits and interest payments. Additionally they wanted funding for health and safety conferences, regional women’s conferences, National Directors meetings in the regions and regional strike planning meetings.

Other major items included funding for up to 21 training courses in the next three years, financing for one Non Public Funds National Conference and providing for a full time Quality of Work Life officer on staff. Ken Hawley was re-elected as National President on the first ballot, and Edmonton was selected as the site for the 1993 convention. Despite the hard work of the delegates, a great deal of business was left unfinished at the close of the convention. It was passed to the National Executive to complete.