Convention is just three days away!

Before we wrap up our journey to Convention, there is one last thing every delegate should know: the Rules of Order.

If you are a first-time delegate, the rules may seem a little intimidating at first; even if you have attended Convention before, a quick refresher never hurts.

We encourage everyone to attend New Delegate Training on Sunday, August 23, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. It is a great opportunity to review how Convention works, ask questions and get comfortable with the process.

Why do we have Rules of Order?

Rules of Order give everyone a fair and consistent way to participate in debate and make decisions.

UNE generally follows the PSAC Rules of Order, which establish the basic framework for speaking, making motions, debating and voting. UNE’s own governing documents also provide rules that apply specifically to UNE proceedings and Convention.

Read the PSAC Rules of Order

Get to the right microphone

At Convention, delegates wishing to speak go to the microphones and wait to be recognized by the Chair.

One of the UNE Convention practices you will notice is the use of a PRO microphone and a CON microphone. This helps ensure that different sides of a question can be heard and that debate remains balanced. When you are recognized, identify yourself and the body you represent, then clearly state why you are speaking.

PSAC’s Rules of Order provide for three-minute speeches. Keep your remarks focused on the question before Convention and respect the time available to other delegates.

Motions and amendments

Much of Convention business moves through motions and amendments.

A motion puts a question before Convention. An amendment proposes a change to that motion.

You do not need to memorize every procedural rule. Your delegate binder and the Convention team are there to help, and the Chair will guide the floor through the process. The Chair’s role is to ensure that the rules are followed, that debate remains orderly and that delegates have a fair opportunity to participate. If you are unsure about a procedural matter, listen to the Chair’s instructions or raise the appropriate point of order.

The most important rule? Participate.

Listen to the debate. Read the resolutions. Ask questions. Speak when you have something to contribute. Respect different points of view.

If you are a young worker or this is your first Convention, don’t be shy. Your perspective matters, and your voice belongs in the room.

Visit the UNE Convention page for the agenda, Convention documents and other information.

This is the final article in our Journey to Convention 2026 series. We hope these articles have helped you understand Convention, prepare for your role and feel ready to take part.

Have a great Convention. Participate, share your perspective, listen to others — and help shape the future of UNE.

See you soon!

Convention brings together delegates from across the Union of National Employees to make decisions that will help guide our union for the next three years.

But what exactly does it mean to be a delegate? And how does Convention move from discussion to decisions?

Here is what you need to know.

Who do we call a delegate at UNE?

Delegates are members of the National Executive as well as members who have been selected to represent their local section, the young workers in their region, or their equity group.

While every UNE member has a stake in the future of our union, delegates have an important responsibility at Convention: they participate in debates, vote on the business brought before Convention and elect the national leadership of UNE.

They bring with them the perspectives and priorities of members from their Locals and regions, making Convention a place where voices from across UNE come together.

How Does Convention Business Work?

A large part of Convention is dedicated to considering resolutions submitted by Locals, committees and other bodies entitled to submit them under UNE’s governing documents.

Before Convention, resolutions are reviewed by the appropriate pre-Convention committees. Committee members examine and debate each resolution and make recommendations on how Convention floor should deal with it.

Delegates then have the opportunity to debate the issues before making a decision through a vote. This process allows proposals to move from an idea raised by members to a decision made collectively by Convention.

From Resolutions to Decisions

When a resolution comes before Convention, delegates consider both the proposal itself and the recommendation of the committee that reviewed it.

Delegates may speak to the issue, debate it and, where permitted under the Rules of Order, propose changes before voting.

Once Convention has made its decision, that decision becomes part of the direction given to UNE for the next three years. That is why Convention business matters: they help shape the work and priorities that follow.

Electing UNE’s National Leadership

Convention 2026 will also include the election of UNE’s National Executive.

This is another important responsibility entrusted to delegates and another way Convention directly shapes the future of the union.

Your Role as a Delegate

Being a delegate means being an active participant in Convention.

That means coming prepared, reviewing Convention materials, listening to different perspectives, participating in debate and voting on the decisions before you. To help you make the most of your role as a delegate, we have put together a Convention binder with the key information and resources you will need throughout the week — including the agenda, Rules of Order, committee reports, allergen notices and more. Think of it as a tool to help you stay informed, prepared and ready to participate.

Click here to readi it.

If you are a young worker or attending Convention for the first time, don’t be shy about taking part. Convention benefits from different experiences and perspectives, including those of members participating for the first time. Your point of view matters, and your voice belongs in the discussion.

Every debate, every vote and every decision contributes to the collective direction of UNE.

Delegates make decisions on behalf of UNE members and help determine the direction of our union for the next three years.