The following information regarding the upcoming voting process was reviewed during the Sept. 24 meeting of GSU’s governing body, the Joint Executive Council.
This fall, GSU members will vote on a proposed union dues increase from 1.75% to 2.0%.
Because decisions like this belong to you, our Joint Executive Council (JEC) met on September 24, 2026, to establish the voting process. Here is what you need to know about how and when the vote will take place.
Who is eligible to vote?
- Any active member attending their Local or Sub-Local Annual General Membership Meeting (AGM).
Where and how to vote:
- In person: Voting takes place in person at your Local or Sub-Local AGM.
- Paper ballot: Voting is strictly by paper ballot.
- No proxy voting: You must vote for yourself—voting on behalf of another member is not permitted.
When to vote:
- AGM Window: September 29 – December 15, 2026. Watch your email for your Local or Sub-Local’s meeting notice, share it with your fellow union members, and mark your calendar.
- Vote Counting: All ballots will be counted on December 17, 2026.
Mail-in Ballots (Exceptions Only)
Voting in person at your AGM is required. Mail-in ballots are strictly reserved for members who are physically unable to attend due to Illness, injury, or major unavoidable travel.
Please note: Mail-in ballots are not an option for those who simply choose not to attend their meeting.
Requesting a Mail-in Ballot:
- How to request: Email ballot@gsu.ca if you meet one of the exception criteria above.
- Distribution period: Mail-in ballots will be sent out between October 12 and November 27, 2026.
Ballot Security and Integrity
To ensure every vote is secure and handled with total integrity:
- Collection: At each meeting, ballots will be collected in a GSU-supplied envelope.
- Sealing: As soon as voting closes, the envelope will be sealed, marked with the date and time, and signed by both the staff representative and at least one attending member.
- Safekeeping: All sealed envelopes will be delivered directly to me and kept secure until the official ballot count on December 17.
Your Vote Matters.
Your AGM is your opportunity to hear the reasons behind the proposal, ask questions directly, and make your voice heard.