Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Northwest B.C. Area Council April 22, 2006 Meeting in Prince Rupert

Attendance:

• Barry Cunningham (UCTE)
• Sean McGovern (CEUDA)
• Phyllis Bortignon (USGE Local 20071)
• Benilde Gomes (USGE Local 20071)
• Mike Ballard (UEW) - regrets

Call to order: Benilde called meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

Minutes of January 26, 2006 meeting: Barry motioned to accept the minutes of the previous meeting.
Sean seconded the motion.

Download the Northwest Area Council meeting minutes, April 22 2006 (pdf) or continue reading below.

Treasurer’s Report: Barry submitted the statement of account as per attached report. The account balance is $1272.63. Some updates were the $600 submitted by the BC Regional office for the Area Council. $20 membership dues from the Airport crew. Paid the $150 for delegate fee for Benilde to attend the PSAC National convention.
Paid $80 dues to Kitimat-Terrace District Labour Council to be affiliated. Barry will be contacting an accountant (friend) to get some advise as to the proper entry for recording the dividends from shares that is provided from opening the account at the Credit Union. Barry advises that he will be contacting Dave Smith for information to attend the Prince Rupert District Labour Council. Phyllis motions to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Sean second the motion.

Election for Northwest B.C. Area Council Secretary: Unable to deal with voting process with so little in attendance.
This will need to presented at the Terrace meeting on April 23, 2006. Barry motions to postpone election. Sean second the motion.

Component Reports: Benilde advised that she will attach her report for USGE to minutes. Referred to next meeting.

Committee Reports: Dispensed with the formality as no committee members were able to attend. Advised of the PSMA training dates in Terrace are on May 27 and 28, 2006. Phyllis and Barry advised that they have registered. Sean advised that he will be doing the same. It was discussed in length that would be in the best interest of the members in this region to have the Understanding and Interpreting the Collective Agreement and the Grievance Handling courses as early as possible. Benilde advised that Regina Brennan has had her region of responsibility changed and Jack Rudd will be the Representative for this region. Benilde will be contacting Jack Rudd to see what his schedule may be available to instruct these courses.

Resolutions for PSAC National Convention May 1 - 5, 2006: Discussed the initiative to increase the dues. After a lengthy discussion it was accepted. Members would like to see more money put forward for education. Benilde referred to the list of Resolutions of priority as set out during pre convention training. Members were happy to see that a resolution was put forth for more money for more education. It was realized that many of these Resolutions may not be visited. Emphasized that the Budget must be passed in order to proceed with the Resolutions.

May Day celebrations: Benilde informed the members that the Kitimat-Terrace District Labour Council is preparing for the May Day celebrations at Library Park on May 13 in Terrace. Benilde will be setting up a table on behalf of this Area Council. She will be looking for recruits. Barry will check to see if the Prince Rupert District Labour Council will be doing the same.

Seafest Celebrations: Benilde asked all that was in attendance to look into the dates for the 2006 Seafest to possibly having a float or to be included in the walk in the parade.

Riverboat days celebrations: Benilde advised that the parade for this event is in Terrace on August 5, 2006. Will be attending the Riverboat Days committee’s meeting upon return from Toronto. Making arrangements to have a float in the parade.

PSAC 40th Anniversary: This will be celebrated during the Public Service Week events An idea was presented to possibly have 1 day a month by having all PSAC members wearing a button or of swag in recognition of the anniversary.

Any other business: Benilde announced that the donation requested by the Unemployed Action Centre to the PSAC BC Regional office was accepted.