The following positions make up the CUPE 3908 Executive and other supporting positions for both Units. Stipends, when applicable, are listed below. In general, executives are expected to spend 5-7 hours/week performing their duties, while the President is expected to spend 15+ hours/week. Supporting positions have varying time commitments.

President

The President’s role is to facilitate the effective functioning of the executive, as well as to represent the Local at Trent, within CUPE, and in the community. Collaborative, organizational, and facilitating skills are assets in this position, as is previous involvement in the Union movement and/or as a board member. The President will be an active member of the union’s Equity Committee.

Monthly Stipend: $2,542.13

Vice President

Besides supporting the President, the Vice President participates in committees, oversees special projects of the Local, and leads supervision of paid staff. Knowledge and/or experience of the Union movement, of Trent University, and of the issues faced by members of the Local are all helfpul, as are strong organizational and communications skills.

Monthly Stipend: $743.78

Lead Stewards

The Lead Steward is the person members will contact with questions and concerns. It is their job to learn what rights members have, and to represent them in meetings with the employer. Comfort in an advocacy role and conflict-resolution skills are assets in this position. Training is available, and Stewards are supported by the President, Vice Presidents, and a representative from CUPE National.

Monthly Stipend: $743.78

Unit Vice Presidents

Unit VPs have the task of engaging members and ensuring that their interests are represented, both on the Executive and on Trent committees. Vice Presidents take on a variety of tasks, from writing articles to organizing social events to negotiating with the employer. Interest in working collaboratively and some knowledge or experience of the issues faced by Unit members would benefit these positions.

Monthly Stipend: $743.78

Recording Secretary (Communications)

The position title is misleading–this role is about reviewing and continually improving the way we communicate. Strong written and oral communication skills are a useful base. Interest and experience in communication through various forms–including print, digital, and social media–will be assets in this position.

Monthly Stipend: $743.78

Secretary Treasurer

The Secretary-Treasurer works with the Office Manager and Bookkeeper to oversee the Local’s finances and ensure accountability, transparency, and sustainability. Basic financial literacy is a useful knowledge base. Previous financial experience and willingness to participate in available training are assets.

Monthly Stipend: $743.78

Trustees

The Trustee position involves a one-day commitment to reviewing the Local’s finances and is open to all members in good standing. Trustees perform the annual audit of the local’s finances using step-by-step instructions provided by CUPE National and with the support of the local’s Treasurer, Office Manager and Bookkeeper. The Trustee role is essential to maintaining transparency and ensuring that our local adheres to the highest standards of financial practices. A basic understanding of bookkeeping/accounting is helpful but not required. If you are interested in being a trustee, or for more information please write to office@cupe3908.org.

This is a one-day a year volunteer position with no monthly stipend.

Unit Stewards

A steward acts as a liaison between CUPE 3908 members in their department and the CUPE 3908 executive. They do community outreach and orientation to make sure all members know about their rights, benefits, and the local’s events. Please note that a Unit Steward and the Lead Steward of a Unit are different positions with different time requirments and work. Learn more about becoming a unit steward!

Term Stipend: $100
Hours: Very minimal throughout the term

Equity Committee Members

Equity Members consist of Executive Members and General Members from each Unit. Responsibilities may include: identifying equity issues that exist within CUPE 3908 and/or at Trent University, identifying gaps or problems in existing equity policy, addressing member needs, and more. The committee sets its own agenda and priorities, in consultation with the Executive. Learn more about becoming an Equity Committee Member!

Term Stipend: $100 (for non-executive members)
Hours: Very minimal throughout the term

CUPE 3908 Representatives on other Committees

There are various committees and working groups at Trent University that may require a CUPE 3908 Representative from either or both Units. This may include the Teaching Awards Committee, the Joint Health and Safety Committee, representatives at Senate, and more.

Term Stipend: $100 (for non-executive members)
Hours: Generally very minimal, but it is dependent on the specific committee and/or working group.

Elections

Positions are filled by election at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), held between Oct 15th and Nov 15th. All positions are considered vacant every year. Nominations are made on the floor, and must be seconded. Members may still run for positions if they are unable to attend the meeting, but must still be nominated and seconded from the floor, and must have submitted a written statement indicating their intention to accept a nomination.

In the event that a position of the Executive is vacant prior to the AGM another Executive member, or members, will ensure that the work of that position is still fulfilled to the best of their abilities until the positions has been filled. A General Members meeting or Unit specific caucus may be called to run an election for the vacant postition.