Convention Resolutions: How to Write and Submit Them

Resolutions: Your voice. Your ideas. Your union.

Resolutions are one of the main ways members bring issues forward and propose changes, improvements, or new directions at UNE Convention.

If you want the union to act on an issue that matters to you — a resolution is how you make it happen.

What Is a Resolution?
A resolution is a short and structured proposal that identifies an issue or concern, explains why that issue matters to members, and proposes a clear action for the union to take in response.

How to Write a Strong Resolution

The most effective resolutions are clear, focusing on one issue at a time; action‑oriented, stating exactly what you want the union to do; and concise, keeping the proposal short and to the point.

Most resolutions follow a simple format:

  • The Union of National Employees will” — states what action should be taken
  • “Because” — explains the context or problem

Example:

The Union of National Employees will encourage unions to submit resolutions to convention in a clear language format.

Because the actions proposed will be better understood by convention delegates.

Because clear language is a valuable way to help union members feel included by the labour movement.

Because the clear language format makes sense: we start with what we want, then we back it up with our reasons.

Click here for tips on writing clear resolutions

Where Do Resolutions Come From?

Resolutions start with you — the members.

Typically, the process begins at the Local level, where you bring your idea to a meeting, discuss and refine it with fellow members, and then participate in a vote to decide whether the Local will submit the resolution to Convention.

This helps ensure resolutions reflect the priorities of the membership.

Even a rough idea is a great starting point, so do not limit yourself. Your Local can help you:

  • Develop your idea
  • Draft the resolution
  • Ensure your resolution meets submission requirements

Submitting a Resolution

Resolutions are submitted before the main deadline, allowing time for review by the Pre-Convention Committees (Finance, General, or By-Laws & Policies).

Submitting early ensures your resolution can be fully reviewed and discussed.

For Convention 2026, the deadline to send your resolutions is May 29th, 2026.

Late Resolutions
Resolutions received after May 29th, will be considered late resolutions.
They will be considered only after all other resolutions have been reviewed and debated, with discussion time often more limited as a result.

Emergency Resolutions
Emergency resolutions are introduced during Convention.

They must address issues that:

  • Could not have been anticipated earlier
  • Require immediate attention

Because of their nature, they must clearly demonstrate why they meet these criteria.

How to Submit a Resolution

You should submit your resolutions electronically on our website. Completing this process significantly reduces the time required to prepare resolutions for our committees’ review. If you do not have internet access, you can submit your resolutions by mail or fax.

Submit Supporting Documentation

Resolutions submitted online must be supported by signed minutes confirming that the resolution was adopted at a general local meeting.

Scanned copies must be sent to Ateau Zola at resolutions@une-sen.org.

You may also submit supporting documents by mail or fax.

Submission Deadline

Please send your resolution before May 29th, 2026. Any resolution received after this date will be classified as a late resolution and will only be reviewed and debated after all other resolutions, with more limited time for discussion.

Have an idea? Bring it forward.

Resolutions are one of the most powerful ways members shape the future of UNE.

Your voice matters — and Convention is where it’s heard.

Convention 2026: Registration

Good news, UNE members!

Registration for the 2026 UNE Triennial Convention has been extended until July 15, 2026.

We’ve extended registration to give you the time and support you need to participate.

Local representatives, Deputy Trustees and UNE staff are here to support you. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Click here to see how to get to convention.
Click here to register online now!

If you have any questions about 2026 Triennial Convention contact us at events@une-sen.org.

Registration open for 2026 PSAC National Young Workers Conference

The 2026 PSAC National Young Workers Conference will be held November 7-9, 2026, in Ottawa under the theme Young Workers: Taking Power, Challenging Norms. 

PSAC members in good standing who are 35 and under are invited to register. During the conference, delegates will take part in workshops, debate resolutions, and participate in elections. The conference is an opportunity for young workers to continue the important work of building union militancy and activism and strengthening the fight to improve the working conditions of all PSAC members.

Young workers interested in attending the conference as delegates or observers must apply by Friday, May 29, 2026. Selected delegates will be notified by email by September 1, 2026. 

All resolutions must be submitted by Friday, June 19, 2026. 

If you have any questions about applying or attending the conference, call (613) 560- 2597 or contact us by email at conferences@psac-afpc.com.   

UNE young workers: don’t miss your chance to be part of this national conversation. Register today and help drive the change you want to see.

Source: PSAC

Convention 2026 Is Coming — Get Ready to Shape Our Union’s Future!

The countdown is officially on! In just a few months, UNE delegates from across the country will gather in Montréal for the 2026 UNE Triennial Convention, taking place August 24–28, 2026, at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

Convention is where members come together, exchange ideas, and help chart the direction of our union for the years ahead. This is your opportunity to bring forward your experiences, your vision, and your voice.

When Convention returns, it brings with it renewed energy, long‑awaited discussions, and the chance to collectively set priorities for the future.

Delegates from locals across the country will debate and vote on resolutions, strengthen our internal democracy, and build solidarity by connecting with fellow members.

Your Local’s Role Starts Now

1. Make Sure Your Local Is in Conformance

To send delegates to Convention, locals must be in conformance by submitting the required financial documents.

2. Electing Delegates and Alternates

Delegates and alternates must be elected at a general Local meeting. The number of delegates your local can send depends on the number of members in good standing. Larger locals may send up to five delegates.

3. Observers — A Great Opportunity to Participate

Locals in conformance may also send observers at the Local’s expense, not at the member’s personal expense. Observers can attend Convention, follow the debates, and be part of the experience, but they do not participate in voting.

Not sure if your local is sending observers?
Ask your local representative — you might be pleasantly surprised!
Many locals welcome the opportunity to include more members in Convention activities.

Submit Your Resolutions — Your Ideas Matter

Locals are encouraged to form a resolutions committee (often 3–5 members) to review and prepare proposals from the membership. Locals may also create theme‑specific committees, such as for constitution & bylaws or finance. After debate and adoption at a general membership meeting, resolutions can be submitted online through the UNE website and must be accompanied by signed minutes.

Montréal Awaits — Be Part of This Moment

The 2026 Convention will bring together hundreds of UNE members in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities. This is our moment to reconnect, recharge, and re‑ignite our shared purpose.

We’re excited to welcome you to Montréal this summer.
Let’s build the next chapter of our union — together and in solidarity.

For more information about convention requirements and timelines, visit the official page.