HEUBC.CA – Advocating for Transparency & Accountability
#1 - Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Election of HEU President by All Members
Proposed Constitutional Amendment #1
Submitted by: [Insert Local Name]
Article: 6
Section: A
Subject: Election of HEU President by All Members
HEU Will:
Amend the Constitution to change the process of electing the President of the Hospital Employees’ Union from a delegate-based vote at Convention to a direct vote by all members in good standing through a secure, accessible voting system.
Because:
The President is the most senior elected officer in the Union, with a salary and total compensation package of approximately $250,000–$300,000 annually. It is undemocratic and inequitable that this position is elected by a small number of delegates at Convention, rather than the full membership who fund the position through union dues.
This current model creates a system where only approximately 1% of the membership decides who becomes President. A direct election would ensure all members have a voice in choosing their highest representative, and it would enhance engagement, transparency, and accountability.
Additionally, the current structure significantly favours the incumbent. The sitting President benefits from two years of fully paid travel, access to staff, and opportunities to visit Locals — which, while officially part of the job, also function as indirect campaigning. Challengers are limited to campaigning during the few days of Convention, which creates a significant imbalance and discourages participation.
There is also concern that internal political considerations may influence which members are selected as Convention delegates, and who receives access to key opportunities such as BCFED representation, CUPE National delegation, education, and special events. This further concentrates political power and discourages new leadership voices.
By moving to a system where all members can vote for the President, the Union would align with democratic principles and follow the example of the other two largest health care unions in British Columbia:
- The Health Sciences Association (HSA), which transitioned to a one-member, one-vote system under Article 9, Section 3 of its Constitution; and
- The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU), whose Constitution (Article 5.01) provides for a province-wide vote of all members for the office of President every three years.
These unions have recognized that broad democratic participation strengthens legitimacy, improves accountability, and increases engagement among the membership. If HSA and BCNU members can elect their Presidents directly, there is no reason HEU members — who fund the largest public sector union in BC — should be denied the same right.
The new language would read:
Article 6 – Section A (Amended):
The President of the Hospital Employees’ Union shall be elected by a majority vote of all members in good standing, through a secure, accessible voting process administered by the Union.
The Union shall ensure equal access to campaigning and communication tools for all presidential candidates. Voting shall occur at least sixty (60) days prior to the start of Convention. The election shall be overseen by an independent elections officer, and results shall be certified and published to all members.
COMMITTEE
☐ Non-Concurrence ☐ Concurrence
CONVENTION
☐ Non-Concurrence ☐ Concurrence
#2 - Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Term Limits for President and Financial Secretary
Subject: Article 6 - Section L - Term Limits for President and Financial Secretary
HEU Will:
Amend Article 6, Section L of the Constitution and By-Laws to establish term limits for the President and Financial Secretary of the Union to a maximum of four consecutive two-year terms, totaling eight years.
Because:
Establishing term limits ensures that new leadership opportunities are regularly available, fostering fresh perspectives and innovative ideas within the Union’s highest offices. It also prevents the consolidation of power and promotes democratic renewal. Other unions have successfully implemented term limits as a best practice in governance, ensuring transparency, accountability, and broader participation in leadership roles.
Additionally, the roles of President and Financial Secretary should be considered together, as both fall under the PEA collective agreement, affecting their benefits, raises, and other employment terms. Addressing these roles simultaneously promotes accountability, prevents conflicts of interest, and ensures fair and transparent compensation management within the union's leadership.
The new language would read: Section L - Terms of Office:
1. The term of office for the President and Financial Secretary shall be two (2) years.
2. No individual shall serve more than four (4) consecutive terms in either role, totaling eight (8) years.
3. Upon serving the maximum term, the individual shall be ineligible for re-election to the same position until at least one full term has passed.
#3 - Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Article: Political Education and Political Action Fund
Subject: Elimination of Political Action Funding
HEU Will:
HEU shall amend the constitution to completely eliminate the $375,000 bi-annual political action allocation. These funds will be permanently redirected to member-focused initiatives, including workplace advocacy, education, and community engagement. Political advocacy should be conducted exclusively through the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED)with proportional contributions from all affiliated unions to ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency.
Because:
1. Partisan Misuse of Funds:
- The Political Action Fund has been exclusively used to support the NDP, disregarding other pro-labor candidates.
- This blatant favoritism creates a conflict of interest and erodes trust among the 60,000 HEU members who have diverse political beliefs.
2. Failure to Deliver for Members:
- In the most recent provincial election, HEU spent $470,401 in advertising—more than all other unions combined—yet received inferior benefits compared to other labor organizations.
- HEU’s political influence has not translated into meaningful improvements for its members. Other unions, with significantly smaller expenditures, negotiated better deals for their workers.
3. Political Nepotism and Self-Interest:
- HEU’s leadership is the primary beneficiary of political action spending, as it secures their future political aspirations at the expense of rank-and-file members.
- HEU’s Provincial Executive includes:
- A failed NDP candidate who continues to push partisan interests.
- A spouse of an MLA, creating a direct political pipeline.
- An NDP trustee, further solidifying undue influence.
- These personal political ties erode democratic integrity and enable HEU insiders to arbitrarily decide how members’ dues are used to advance their own careers.
4. Undermining Democracy and Union Integrity:
- HEU’s 60,000 members are fully capable of making their own political decisions without a handful of insiders dictating their choices.
- The misuse of union dues to support a single party undermines the democratic rights of members who may support alternative labor-friendly parties or independent candidates.
- The lack of financial transparency means members have no visibility into which ridings receive funding or how each dollar is spent.
5. Conflict of Interest and Unchecked Spending:
- HEU’s decision to allocate a fixed amount of $375,000 every year—regardless of political conditions—lacks strategic flexibility and results in wasteful spending.
- The absence of independent oversight ensures that political funds continue to be funneled to the same inner circle, ensuring re-election and unchecked power.
Proposed Changes:
1. Permanent Elimination of the $375,000 Political Action Fund
- All political action spending shall be eliminated with immediate effect.
- These funds shall be permanently redirected toward initiatives that directly benefit HEU members, such as workplace education, community outreach, and stronger advocacy for fair wages and working conditions.
2. Shift Political Advocacy to BCFED
- Political lobbying and advocacy shall be conducted through BCFED, ensuring all unions share costs equitably.
- This prevents partisan manipulation and promotes a more unified labor movement.
3. Annual Review of Political Engagement
- HEU shall establish a strict annual review of political engagement strategies to ensure any involvement aligns with the best interests of its members.
- All decisions must be based on tangible benefits delivered to members, not on securing political appointments for HEU executives.
4. Mandatory Financial Transparency
- HEU shall implement full transparency measures to ensure members have access to detailed financial reports on political spending.
- These reports must include itemized spending by riding, candidate, and campaign activity.
5. Empowerment of Members Over Political Insiders
- HEU shall prioritize member-focused empowerment over political maneuvering.
- Investments shall be made in education and grassroots organizing to strengthen union advocacy without dependence on a single political party.
New Language for the Amendment:
Section A – Permanent Elimination of Political Action Funding
The $375,000 annual allocation for political action shall be completely eliminated. These funds shall be permanently redirected toward member-focused initiatives, including workplace advocacy, education, and community engagement.
Section B – Collaboration with BCFED for Fair Political Representation
Political lobbying and advocacy shall be managed through the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED), with shared contributions from all affiliated unions, ensuring fair and proportional representation without partisan bias.
Section C – Mandatory Annual Review of Political Engagement
HEU shall establish a strict annual review process to ensure that any political actions align with the direct interests of its membership and are responsive to evolving political landscapes.
Section D – Transparency and Accountability in Political Spending
HEU shall implement mandatory financial transparency measures, providing detailed, publicly accessible reports on any political-related expenditures, including specific amounts, recipients, and intended outcomes.
Section E – Grassroots Member Empowerment Over Political Insiders
HEU shall prioritize grassroots organizing, workplace advocacy, and education initiatives to empower members to engage politically as individuals, rather than having their dues controlled by a select group of political insiders.
Conclusion:
The elimination of the $375,000 political action fund is an urgent necessity to restore HEU’s integrity, eliminate conflicts of interest, and refocus resources on direct member benefits. By prioritizing transparency, member empowerment, and strategic political engagement through BCFED, HEU will enhance its ability to advocate for all members—without political bias, secrecy, or self-serving interests.
#4 - Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Consolidation of Equity Committees into a Single Social Justice Committee
Proposed Constitutional Amendment: Consolidation of Equity Committees into a Single Social Justice Committee Article: 5 Section: E
HEU Will:
Amend the Constitution and Bylaws to consolidate the six existing equity committees into a single Social Justice Committee. This new committee will integrate the mandates, goals, and activities of all equity committees under one unified structure to enhance collaboration, reduce redundancies, and strengthen solidarity within the union.
Because:
1. Unified Vision and Solidarity:
- Combining the equity committees into one Social Justice Committee sends a powerful message of solidarity to members and the broader community, demonstrating the union’s unified commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
2. Increased Efficiency:
- The current structure of six separate committees creates overlapping initiatives and inefficiencies. A single committee ensures streamlined decision-making and resource allocation, allowing for more impactful actions.
3. Alignment with Employer Policies:
- Many objectives of the equity committees are already mandated by employers through laws and collective agreements, such as anti-discrimination policies and respectful workplace standards. The union’s role should focus on holding employers accountable rather than duplicating these responsibilities.
4. Addressing Leadership Exploitation:
- Consolidating the equity Committees into a single Social Justice Committee will reduce opportunities for misuse of these platforms for political agendas or electioneering by leadership. A unified committee structure enhances transparency and accountability, ensuring its focus remains solely on serving the memberships interests and advancing equity.
5. Broad-Based Representation:
- The Social Justice Committee would represent all equity-seeking groups equally, fostering inclusivity and ensuring diverse voices are heard without creating silos.
6. Resource Optimization:
- Consolidation reduces administrative costs and allows resources to be reallocated to direct member support, advocacy, and education.
Proposed Language:
"The Equity Standing Committees will be consolidated into a single Social Justice Committee responsible for promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the union. The Social Justice Committee will encompass the goals and mandates of the former equity committees, ensuring representation for all equity-seeking groups under one coordinated structure."
Supporting Evidence:
- Transparency and Accountability:
- A single committee minimizes fragmented oversight and political manipulation, focusing resources and efforts on collective membership interests rather than individual agendas. This approach builds trust and integrity within the union.
- Member Engagement:
- The current fragmented structure has discouraged member engagement. A unified committee will empower members and foster greater participation by providing clarity and a centralized approach to equity-related issues.
- Effective Advocacy:
- Consolidating the committees creates a stronger, unified voice to champion social justice and equity internally and externally. This united approach reinforces the union’s influence and credibility when advocating for members’ rights and addressing systemic inequalities.
- Cost-Effectiveness:
- Reducing administrative overhead and duplication of efforts will allow the union to reallocate resources directly to member initiatives, training, and support, ensuring that every dollar benefits those it is meant to serve.
- Long-Term Relevance:
- The Social Justice Committee will have the flexibility to adapt to evolving issues and priorities, ensuring that equity remains central to the union’s mission while addressing contemporary challenges faced by members.
Key Considerations:
The existing six equity committees include:
- Ethnic Diversity
- Indigenous Peoples
- Pink Triangle
- Women & Non-Binary
- People with Disabilities
- Young Workers
- The current system duplicates efforts already mandated under employer policies and collective agreements, diluting the union’s capacity to hold employers accountable effectively.
- Reports from these committees are inconsistent, and their measurable impact is unclear. Centralizing efforts under one Social Justice Committee ensures consistent reporting and a more unified strategy.
- The union’s preamble emphasizes member protection and advancing equitable treatment. This reform reflects a return to these foundational values by addressing systemic issues directly and efficiently.
- Legal structures such as the Employment Standards Act and the Human Rights Code already mandate employer accountability for equity. The union’s resources should focus on enforcing these standards rather than duplicating employer obligations.
Call to Action:
This amendment unites the voices of equity-seeking groups into a cohesive, powerful force that better reflects the principles of solidarity and progress. Member support is critical to bringing this vision to life and ensuring our union remains a leader in equity and justice. Together, we can transform HEU into a more transparent, efficient, and member-focused organization.
#5- Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Transition to Full Membership Voting for Constitutional Amendments
HEU Will:
Amend the Constitution to require that all proposed constitutional amendments be decided through a province-wide electronic vote by the entire membership, rather than solely by delegates at the Biennial Convention. A two-thirds majority of votes cast will be required for an amendment to pass.
Because:
1. Empowering Grassroots Membership: This change ensures that constitutional amendments reflect the collective will of all members, rather than being decided by a limited group of delegates.
2. Enhancing Engagement and Inclusion: A membership-wide vote will foster greater involvement from members and strengthen their connection to union decisions.
3. Reducing Political Bias: The current system can enable internal politics to overshadow the best interests of the union. A broader voting base reduces localized influences and promotes fairness.
4. Leveraging Modern Technology: Secure electronic voting systems provide an accessible, efficient, and transparent method to involve members across the province.
5. Aligning with Foundational Values: If the technology had existed when the Constitution was drafted, the founders of HEU would likely have supported full-member participation in foundational decisions.
6. Increasing Transparency and Unity: Transitioning to a system where all members vote enhances trust in leadership and ensures decisions are seen as legitimate and representative.
7. Fostering Democratic Change: This inclusive approach enables meaningful and innovative changes to the union’s operations, reflecting the needs and aspirations of the entire membership.
This amendment represents a pivotal step in strengthening union democracy, enhancing member engagement, and ensuring the HEU Constitution evolves in alignment with the values of fairness and inclusivity.
#6 -Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Exclusive Bargaining Authority for HESU Collective Agreement
Submitted by: [Your Local Name Here]
Article 6 – Provincial Executive
New Section (proposed placement following Section G – Remuneration of Paid Officers)
Subject: Exclusive Bargaining Authority for HESU Collective Agreement
HEU Will:
Amend Article 6 of the Constitution and By-Laws by adding a new section after Section G.1 to ensure that only the elected HEU Bargaining Committee in place at the time of expiry of the HEU staff (HESU) collective agreement shall negotiate that agreement.
The amendment will prohibit the HEU President, Financial Secretary, Secretary-Business Manager, and any other member of the Provincial Executive from participating in the negotiation or approval process of the HESU contract, due to the conflict of interest arising from the linkage between staff wages and officer salaries.
Because:
The President and Financial Secretary’s salaries are directly tied to the HEU staff wage scale. This linkage is confirmed in Article 6, Section G.1 of the Constitution, which states:
“The President and Financial Secretary shall receive salaries equivalent to the highest salary paid to a staff member within the bargaining unit, as outlined in the collective agreement between HEU and its staff union.”
Any involvement of these officers in HESU bargaining constitutes a structural conflict of interest, as they would be in a position to influence their own compensation. Similarly, members of the Provincial Executive, who work closely with paid officers and benefit from related allowances or per diems, should not be part of this process.
The elected HEU Bargaining Committee, chosen by members across diverse locals and workplaces, is best positioned to conduct these negotiations independently, impartially, and in a manner that reflects the interest of the membership without bias.
The New Section Would Read: 6.H – Bargaining of HEU Staff (HESU) Collective Agreement
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Constitution, negotiations for the HEU staff (HESU) collective agreement shall be conducted solely by the elected HEU Bargaining Committee that is in place at the time of contract expiry.
No member of the Provincial Executive, including the President, Financial Secretary, or Secretary-Business Manager, shall serve on, participate in, or influence any part of the negotiation or approval process related to the HESU collective agreement.
This section is intended to ensure neutrality and to prevent any real or perceived conflict of interest resulting from officer compensation being derived directly or indirectly from the staff agreement.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
☐ Concurrence ☐ Non-Concurrence
CONVENTION ACTION:
☐ Concurrence ☐ Non-Concurrence
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