Dear UTFA Colleagues,
This email provides important information on the General Meeting and voting on UPP Divestment being held tomorrow, May 8, from 2-4 pm in the OISE Auditorium, 252 Bloor Street W. There is also an online option with full participation and voting. We encourage you to register for the meeting if you have not yet done so; attend; participate and hear from others; and vote.
We’ve received many questions. UTFA’s General Meeting FAQ addresses questions about governance processes, participation, and technology. The following are some of your most frequently asked questions on governance.
Q. Why is this meeting on the University Pension Plan (UPP) Divestment happening?
A. This General Meeting was called because fifty regular UTFA members in good standing requested it of the UTFA President by petition, which is their right under Article 10.2.i.v of the UTFA Constitution. To date, no position has been taken by UTFA, its Executive, or its Council. A main purpose of the petitioners’ motion is to direct UTFA to take a position on this issue.
Q. Why is voting limited to only those members who attend the meeting, and for a short period of time?
A. This limit was set by the petitioners, who set the Agenda, as our Constitution allows.
Q. I have concerns about the meeting taking place/the scheduling of the meeting in May/the motion itself/the voting time period. What can I do?
A. This is an all-members’ meeting, and in keeping with our Constitution and Robert’s Rules of Order, members hold decision-making power at it. You should make your concerns known. Members are empowered to approve the motion as is, amend the motion, defeat it, refer it to a committee, or postpone it indefinitely. Some votes require a simple majority to pass, while others require a two-thirds majority. (See the Quick Reference Guide chart below.) Votes that require two-thirds majorities to pass include amending the agenda (because it has been preset, according to the Constitution), limiting debate, extending the meeting, or adjourning the meeting early. Approving, defeating, amending, or indefinitely postponing the motion requires a simple majority. All motions must be seconded.
Please see the General Meeting FAQ for more answers to more of your questions.
We hope you will join us tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Terezia Zorić
UTFA President
On behalf of the UTFA Executive