Isabelle BoucherEducation Officer - Literacy Program

Plain language for member engagement

It allows members to understand their rights

It’s inclusive It’s democratic It’s participatory It creates safe & healthy

workplaces

Why Unions use plain

Integrating literacy and clear language

“Connecting with members strengthens our union as a whole. And the stronger we are, the better equipped we are to do a good job in bargaining and on other key issues we face at the local level and at the national level.”

- Paul Moist, CUPE National President

Clear language & Literacy

1. Clear language workshops – in clear language & on clear language

2. Literacy Working Group3. Resolutions4. CUPE Constitution5. CUPE Model Bylaws6. Collective Agreements

CUPE’s plain language work

Started to offer a clear language workshop to members in 2001-2002

Clear language training for CUPE staff across Canada

Clear language workshops

Created in 2000 as part of the Literacy Program

The Literacy Working Group (LWG) helps to guide CUPE's literacy and clear language work.

Literacy Working Group

In 2005 and 2007, accepted both formats

WHEREAS properly worded and setup resolutions allow for smoother CUPE National Convention; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT all chartered organizations be urged to follow the recommended format

Resolutions - Traditional

Only accepted format as of 2009

CUPE NATIONAL WILL:Encourage all chartered organizations to use the recommended format for resolutions.

BECAUSE: Conventions runs smoother when resolutions are worded and laid out correctly.

Resolutions – Plain

BEFORE5.1 The government and structure of the organization shall be as follows:(a) The Biennial Convention(b) The National Executive Board(c) The National Executive Committee(d) The National Officers(e) Provincial Divisions(f) District Councils(g) Service Divisions(h) Provincial Unions(i) Local Unions

CUPE Constitution - 2011

AFTER5.1 StructureThe government and structure of the Union is:(a) Convention(b) National Executive Board(c) National Executive Committee(d) National Officers(e) Provincial Divisions(f) District Councils(g) Service Divisions(h) Provincial Unions(i) Local Unions

CUPE Constitution - 2011

Rewritten in it’s entirety last year. It is available on our website. It’s contains sample policies of what is

acceptable according to our National Constitution.

Model Bylaws - 2013

Sample collective agreement clauses in our database

Collective agreement documents

What’s next for CUPE

www.cupe.ca/clearlanguage You will find our clear language game:

Lullaby Mission

Check out our website