Local 541 recently held a Bowling & AGM (Annual General Meeting) Event on November 16, 2024 at Richmond Hill Splitsville. We extend a thank you to every one of you who voted, made your voice heard and had a bite of food. This event was in the works since August as strictly a bowling event and a social gathering for our members but of course, we had to pivot when our immediate past President, Sunil, had resigned in October 2024. Due to the resignation, the Local pivoted our strictly bowling social event to an AGM which has its drawbacks but overall the event was a great success with everyone’s participation and support.
Since it was not originally met to be an AGM, the only business on the agenda was the election and a motion to change the number of Executive positions in the Local.
Election Results – Two ‘New’ Executives
The election was chaired by Renée Philips, CEIU Ontario ESDC Departmental Representative, who helped ensure the election was held fairly and transparently. The first election was for the President’s role which was won by Neruson Murugesamoorthy. As a result of winning the President’s role, the secretary role was up for election which was won by Jo Ortega.
Motion – Reduce Executive Positions
A motion was raised by Neruson M. and seconded by Jo Ortega to reduce the overall number of executive positions in Local 541 due to the administrative and financial burden it was causing to the Local. A Question and Answer period was held regarding the motion to provide additional context on the motion and how it would affect the Local overall. An amendment was raised and seconded. The amended motion was passed with a clear majority.
The amended and passed motion is as follows:
In the event that the following positions become vacant, the position shall not be backfilled for the remainder of the term and will be formally removed from the Local executive structure. Positions affected: Communications Representative, Young Workers Representative, 2nd Floor Representative, 3rd Floor Representative, 4th Floor Representative.
This means within two years, Local 541 will go from 11 Executive positions down to 6 Executive Positions which brings us in line with other Locals of similar size.
Once again Local 541 extends its thank you to everyone who attended our November Bowling & AGM Event. The Local does want to remind everyone that all Executives and Stewards of Local 541 are volunteers. We spend time outside of work to help members, address concerns, and organize events. Sometimes due to limited time and fiscal responsibility, certain things cannot be done with short notice. We are looking to plan and organize our next AGM as a hybrid event to help determine the feasibility of doing all AGMs as hybrids. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email Local 541 at local541.pdoc@gmail.com and check out our photo album of the Bowling/AGM event!