Resolutions What are they? Who May Submit a Resolution ? How do they affect me? Communications Committee

Resolutions are..  A resolution is a form of words that, if approved by Council, directs the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation to take an action or adopt a policy.  It is largely through resolutions that Council carries out its role of guiding the professional organization of Saskatchewan teachers  Each one begins with the words: BE IT RESOLVED that …

 If an individual wants to write a resolution and have the name of the whole RPSTA assembly attached to it, the resolution they wrote is then submitted to the local resolutions committee for approval, rewording, or clarity.  Local assembly reps see it, share it, get some input from staffs. (Just like we did at our recent RPSTA meeting) At mini-council (usually at Cochrane), these resolutions are dealt with in a similar manner in which Spring Council is run. Each member present has an opportunity to debate, support and endorse each resolution in small groups.  Councillors from the local then tally the results. We take into account the vote tally as well as the discussions at mini- council in order to make informed decisions at Spring Council. The discussions there may also shape the decisions finally made by each councillor  Side note: Disposition of each resolution falls into one of four categories: carried, defeated, referred to Executive or Committee, or Tabled.

 If approved at the local level, the resolution is submitted from the local association and will, therefore, go forth to the provincial resolutions committee.  The resolutions are then printed in the provincial resolutions booklet prepared for Spring Council or Special Meeting of Council (must relate directly to theme or topic of Special Council)  Once councillors have voted on resolutions in small groups and results are recorded, any resolution that has not been endorsed by 51% must be brought to the floor of council for final decision. Once again, debate and discussion amongst all councillors is invited before the final question is called.

Why do you need to know about resolutions?  Have you sat around your staff lunch room table and heard…our benefits do not pay enough for glasses….  If so, as a staff or an individual, you could write a resolution that asked the STF to increase the money we receive in our benefits for eye glasses.  Ex. Be it resolved that the STF increase the benefits for eye glasses in the Health Benefit Plan from.. to…..

Here is what a resolution looks like….

BE IT RESOLVED that changes to orthodontic coverage be negotiated to increase the lifetime maximum to $3,000 per dependent child. – Prince Albert & Area Teachers’ Association Representative Assembly Commentary from mover(s) of resolution: Current maximum is $2,000 per dependent child. STF background: An increase to the lifetime maximum benefit would need to be negotiated at the provincial collective bargaining table.

Here is one more example……

BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Education be encouraged to include sufficient and appropriate print and online resources for teachers when introducing new curricula. – Sun West Teachers’ Association Executive Commentary from mover(s) of resolution: This would include, but not be limited to, sample lesson plans, sample unit plans and specific resources linked to specific outcomes. STF background : Representatives from the Saskatchewan…etc

What is a notice of motion  A notice of motion is required when proposing: Decisions regarding the STF membership fee and adoption of the STF budget. Decisions regarding the Contingency Fund levy. A change to Income Continuance Plan premiums. An addition, deletion or amendment to the STF’s bylaws A change to the STRP Plan Text. That the STF request the provincial government to amend The Teachers’ Federation Act, 2006.

Who May Submit a Resolution or Notice of Motion?  Any STF member or group of members may submit a resolution or notice of motion for consideration by the Council.  The name(s) of the local, organization, person or group of persons submitting the resolution will be given with the resolution when it is published in the Elections and Resolutions Information booklet.  At Council meetings, it has been customary to invite the mover(s) to open the debate on the resolution or notice of motion in small group and plenary sessions.  If the mover(s) are not councillors, councillors from the local representing the mover(s) will be invited to open debate.

Questions