YYZ Unit Chair and YYZ Trustee Elections

• Article 15.B.6 of the Unifor Constitution and Article Rules About Being a Candidate 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16  and 17 in the Unifor Policy Regarding Local Elections set out the eligibility rules for election candidates. All nominators and candidates should read and understand these rules prior to participating in the election.  
• Nominees must be current members of Unifor Local 531
• Nominees must be in good standing with the Local Union at the time of the nomination.
• Nominees must accept their nomination by the deadline to run in the election.
• Nominees may submit a photo and candidate statement when they accept their nomination.  

1. Members may begin campaigning once they have accepted their nomination and are officially recognized as a candidate by the Elections Committee. For clarity, campaigning prior to acceptance of nomination and approval from the election committee is not permitted.
2. All candidates must be given equal opportunity to campaign. Union resources, communication channels, and bulletin boards will be made available on a fair and equal basis.
3. A candidate and other members may use their own social media to campaign
4. Candidates may not use company time, email, or property to campaign. Campaigning must take place on personal time and without employer involvement. This includes company IT systems such as Teams and email. This a violation of the company's acceptable use policy and could result in disciplinary action by the company.  
5. Union funds, supplies, or official platforms may not be used to endorse or promote any candidate unless specifically authorized by the Elections Committee for all candidates equally.
6. A candidate may use images or logos of Unifor and of the Local Union on their election materials
7. Campaigning should be conducted respectfully and in a manner that fosters solidarity among members. Harassment, intimidation, or misinformation will not be tolerated.
8. The Local Union bylaws state "Slander, harassment or bullying online or otherwise will not be tolerated" under Article 5.d.
9. With permission from the Election Committee, campaign materials may be posted on the Union Bulletin Boards at the bases. Candidates must email a copy of all printed campaign materials to @email to receive approval.  Posters may not be any larger than 8 ½ x 11 in size and candidates must remove their own materials after the election.  Posters may not be hung on company property including lunchroom walls, other bulletin boards or left on lunchroom tables.     
10. Candidates must receive permission from the Election Committee prior to distributing any campaign materials to ensure they meet the Election standards.
11. Upon request to the Elections Committee, a candidate is entitled to inspect the membership list.  However, a candidate is not entitled to receive copies of this list or copies of any member's personal information.

• Unifor Local 531 Bylaws
• Unifor Policy Regarding Local Union Elections
• Unifor Constitution
• Unifor Local 531 Simply Voting Website

• Notice of Nomination and Election to Members: Friday, February 13
• Nominations Open: Friday, February 20 at 1000 ET
• Nominations Close: Monday, February 23 at 2200 ET
• Nominees Must Accept Nomination By: Wednesday, February 25 at 2200 ET to be included on the ballot
• Nominees Can Begin Campaigning: As soon as they have accepted their nomination in Simply Voting and the Election Committee has approved their nomination. 
• Voting Opens: Tuesday, March 3 at 1000 ET
• Voting Closes: Wednesday, March 4 at 2200 ET
• Campaigning Closes: Wednesday, March 4 at 2200 ET
• Election Results Announced: Thursday, March 5 by end of day

Nomination Process

Step 1: No later than Friday, February 13 all members will receive a Notice of Nominations and Elections from the Election Committee. This notice will outline the two positions, YYZ Unit Chair and YYZ Trustee, and the nomination rules.

Step 2: On Friday, February 20 by 1100 ET, all members will receive an email from Simply Voting with instructions on how to submit your nomination(s).

Voting will be conducted online through Simply Voting to ensure a fair, secure, and transparent process. Each member will receive their unique voting credentials by email. If you do not receive your ballot or experience any technical issues, please contact the Election Committee immediately at @email

Step 3: No later than Tuesday, March 3 at 1100 ET all eligible members will receive their unique, secure voting link from Simply Voting.

• Check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see the emails in your inbox.

1.  How do I find out what each role entails? Please visit the Resources section of our website for details on each role and responsibilities associated with the role.  Click on this link.
2. Is this election for the Bargaining Committee? No. This election is specifically for YYZ Unit Chair and YYZ Trustee. While the YYZ Chair is active in the bargaining process when the time comes, there will be elections held for additional bargaining committee members.  Please refer to your Bylaws and Collective Agreement for further information about bargaining.  
3. I have been nominated but haven't received confirmation yet. How can I accept my nomination? The nomination period opens on Friday, February 20 and runs until Monday, February 23. All nominees will be notified by Simply Voting and given the opportunity to accept or decline their nomination. Candidates will have until Wednesday, February 25 at 2200 ET to accept their nominations.
4. I know I have been nominated.  Can I start campaigning?  No, campaigning cannot begin until all candidates have been notified of their nomination and they have accepted their nomination.  The election committee must approve your eligibility to run by approving your acceptance via Simply Voting. Campaigning cannot begin sooner.  
5. Can I run for both positions? No, members cannot run for both positions when both positions are up for election in the same period.