MEMBERS CHOOSE THE COURSE
A union’s political course must come from members through Convention, not from permanent staff, personal relationships or the private preference of the Provincial Executive.
A union’s political course must come from members through Convention, not from permanent staff, personal relationships or the private preference of the Provincial Executive.
Political choices can affect rights, money, reputation and long-term strategy, so they cannot be treated as routine administration.
The political and social situation is different at every Convention. Delegates examine what is happening before or after elections and decide what serves members during the coming term.
A past alliance does not automatically renew itself. Each course requires a fresh mandate.
Convention may decide to support nobody, cooperate with a political force under a specific agreement, forbid certain collaborations or participate in elections through the union’s own political movement.
That decision becomes part of the program and roadmap the Executive must carry out.
An election may be called unexpectedly. The Executive then uses the adopted program, roadmap and its judgment within those boundaries rather than searching for a party to join at the last minute.
Good elected representatives are expected to think strategically, wait when waiting protects the union and avoid spending member money merely to be close to power.
Portfolio reports and the President’s overall report must explain political actions, agreements, spending and results. The Mid-Term Accountability Conference then decides whether the Executive still deserves confidence.
This allows necessary judgment between Conventions without turning discretion into four years of immunity.