ORL — Okanagan Regional Librarians

ARTICLE I — Name

The name of the organization shall be the Okanagan Regional Library Chapter (ORL Chapter) of the Professional Employees Association.

ARTICLE II — Objectives

Okanagan Regional Library Chapter objectives are:

• To function as a chapter of the Professional Employees Association.
• To provide a forum for the discussion of employment issues.
• To determine the needs of ORL Chapter members regarding compensation and working conditions and to assist the Professional Employees Association in negotiating collective agreements covering members of the ORL Chapter.
• To carry out other functions consistent with the Professional Employees Association Constitution as may be desirable for the welfare of ORL Chapter members.

ARTICLE III — Membership

Membership shall be open to all employees who are members of the bargaining unit at the Okanagan Regional Library or its successor for whom the Professional Employees Association is certified.

ARTICLE IV — Executive Committee

The Executive Committee of the ORL Chapter shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary-Treasurer, each position elected annually.

The ORL Chapter shall rotate its entitlement to appoint an Association Executive member with other Association Chapters as determined by the Association Executive, on an annual basis. When it is entitled to do so, the Chapter Executive Committee shall appoint by motion an Association Executive member from among the members of the Chapter Executive Committee. The term of appointment shall be one year, effective at the close of the Association Convention, and effective on June 1 in non-Convention years.

The Chairperson shall preside over ORL Chapter meetings and, in their absence, the Vice-Chairperson shall preside. The Secretary-Treasurer shall maintain ORL Chapter minutes and records and be responsible for safekeeping of any ORL Chapter funds.

A quorum of the Executive Committee shall be two members, and shall have the authority to take such measures in carrying out ORL Chapter objectives as are consistent with the Professional Employees Association Constitution.

Should a vacancy occur on the Executive Committee, the remaining members may appoint a replacement from the ORL Chapter membership for the remainder of the instant term of office.

Decisions of the Executive Committee shall be by majority vote. Executive Committee meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

ARTICLE V — Executive and Delegate Elections

The Executive Committee shall appoint a Nominating Officer consisting of one member not later than 35 days prior to the Annual Meeting.

The Nominating Officer shall prepare a list of candidates who have signified that they are willing to stand for Executive office. Nominations may be put forward to the Nominating Officer by any members of the ORL Chapter.

The Nominating Officer shall put the list of standing executive candidates to the general membership for their vote. Elections will take place at an in-person AGM or the week following an online AGM. Ballots shall be delivered to each member for position(s) with more than one candidate. Position(s) with one candidate shall be elected by acclamation. Newly elected members of the Executive shall assume their duties at the start of the following calendar year.  

The Chair shall prepare a list of candidates for delegate(s) to the Convention of the Association who have signified that they are willing to represent the chapter at convention. Normally, ORL Chapter shall be represented at convention by a member of the Executive Committee and a member-at-large. Nominations may be put forward to the Chair by any members of the ORL Chapter.

The Chair shall put the list of standing delegate candidates to the ORL Chapter Executive for selection. Previous Convention attendance will be considered to engage members with less experience.

ARTICLE VI — Meetings

There shall be an Annual Meeting not later than September 30.

Other general meetings can be called by the Executive Committee, or, on a written request from at least two members. When a meeting is called by at least two members, it shall take place within one calendar month of the request being received by the Executive.

A quorum in any general meeting, including the Annual Meeting, shall be not less than 33 percent of the membership.

Except as herein provided, ORL Chapter meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.

ARTICLE VII — Meetings

A notice of meeting other than the Annual Meeting shall be delivered to each member by email not less than seven days before the meeting is to be held.

Notice of meeting shall state the business to be transacted at the meeting.

ARTICLE VIII — Adoption and Amendment of the Constitution

This Constitution shall come into effect when approved at the initial membership meeting. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of ORL Chapter voting members.

ARTICLE IX — Fees

Fees, if required, shall be approved at the Annual Meeting or at a special general meeting.