Roles And Responsibilities Of STU Delegates – Voice And Representation

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AT STU DELEGATES’ CONFERENCES AND DIALOGUES

The Delegates’ Conference is the supreme authority of the STU. The National Delegates’ Conference (NDC) is held once in four years, where Delegates elect the Central Council and approve the budget for the new term of office. The Ordinary Delegates’ Conference (ODC) is held in the middle of each four-year term. As elected representatives, Delegates represent the members’ interests at the ODC and NDC.

STU also conducts regular Delegates’ Dialogue Sessions for Delegates to be updated on latest workplace matters and to provide them an avenue to feedback members’ concerns to STU.

FOSTERING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STU AND MEMBERS

Delegates are the vital link between STU and its members at schools/MOE branches. STU informs all Delegates of upcoming activities on a regular basis. STU also writes to Delegates to inform them of STU’s position on issues affecting members. Delegates may contact STU to seek clarifications and provide feedback on matters concerning members. Delegates may also refer members with individual queries or concerns to STU.

CONDUCTING DELEGATES’ ELECTION

STU Delegates are elected on a biennial basis by STU members in the schools/MOE branches. The number of Delegates to be elected is determined in accordance with the number of members in the school/MOE branch as follows:

Between 3-15 members – one delegate
Between 16-30 members – two delegates
Between 31-45 members – three delegates
Between 46-60 members – four delegates
61 members and above – five delegates

To nominate and elect Delegates to represent them in their schools/MOE branches is the right of every STU member. Delegates should communicate clearly to members in their schools/MOE branches on the details of the election. In addition, Delegates will also preside over the election.

PAST DELEGATES’ EVENTS

STU Delegates’ Seminar (Feb 2017)

STU’s Advisor Heng Chee How shared on Tripartism and how the Labour Movement is responding to the needs arising from disruptions at the workplace and a changing workforce. Delegates also learnt about Teacher Wellness initiatives, legal obligations of teachers, and STU/NTUC membership benefits.

STU 4th National Delegates’ Conference (Jul 2017)

STU Delegates discussed the challenges and issues that our teachers face today. The Delegates agreed to focus on Teacher’s Well-being as a key agenda for the union.

STU New Year Reception for Delegates (Jan 2017/2018)

The New Year Reception was organised as a platform for Delegates to mix and mingle. During the 2017 New Year Reception, the Delegates discussed about The Mentor publication and concluded that digitalisation was the way forward. During the 2018 New Year Reception, Mike Thiruman, General Secretary of STU shared new ideas and activities on Teacher Wellness and membership engagement.

membership recruitment and engagement

RECRUITING NEW TEACHERS/NON-MEMBERS

Delegates are the face of STU in schools/MOE branches and play an important role in welcoming new members to STU.

Welcome new colleagues to your school/MOE branch and introduce yourself as the Delegate
Orientate new colleagues to the workplace. Ensure that they have been assigned a mentor/buddy
Share STU membership benefits with them, and hand them the STU membership form or email the online membership form to them
Keep them updated on STU activities
Invite Beginning Teachers to participate in the annual STU Beginning Teachers’ Forum

ENGAGING MEMBERS

Make known to your colleagues that you are the Delegate of your school/MOE branch
Communicate with members on STU activities and encourage participation
Distribute STU Diaries and Mementoes to members
Work closely with School Leaders, School Welfare Committee and School Staff Developer to explore possible collaborations between STU and the school to benefit members