Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

PSAC National Convention report by Carol Pegura, observer, PSAC BC Human Rights Committee - May 1 to May 5, 2006

It is my pleasure, as the observer sent from the BC PSAC Human Rights Committee to have attended the 2006 National Convention of the PSAC. It was an exciting, interesting and tiring week. A week filled with caucus meetings, equity caucus meetings, lunch meetings, lunch rallies, convention work, and social get-togethers, where the talk from morning until night was all Convention.

My participation began on Sunday April 30, 2006 when I attended the PSAC BC Caucus. Members in attendance discussed what was coming up beginning the next day, which included:

• privatization policy
• student hiring
• resolution 41A (cost or no cost - depended on budget passing) (costing in process)
• Joy indicated her component was not in favour of resolution 41A and was voting against
• discussion regarding credentials committee
• decision to wear out wonderful caucus shirts on Wednesday

Monday, May 1, 2006 - Convention Begins

The convention was opened by Elder Tim Brown who explained to us the symbolism of the medicine wheel (balance of life) and that by looking at the medicine wheel in different ways gives us knowledge that we all look in different ways at life. However, our perspective is not the only one and sometimes not the right one. (Gave us an example of holding up a glass of water in the air - it depends on how long you carry that weight which makes it heavy to bear or not.) After he spoke there was an entertaining native tribal dance. This was followed by some local school children who sang O Canada.

Nicole Turmel thanked the members for giving her the opportunity to serve them as a National Officer. She then gave a wonderful address on the wins of the PSAC and addressed their leadership in the labour movement regarding their work around human rights. She said that amongst others, some attributes of our union are that we are committed, thick skinned and have a will of steel. She thanked all of our members for making this a union and force to be reckoned with.

After Nicole spoke, we were addressed by the Mayor of Toronto, David Miller who is a strong supporter of the labour movement and indicated he wants to have the best public service model in the world and he is optimistic about his city leading the world in inclusion and equality.

The credential committee reported that we had 436 delegates, 204 observers and 33 guests for a total of 673 (this number fluctuated throughout the convention) .

By Monday afternoon, budget and line items were discussed by delegates and questions asked. There was discussion about the special levy. The budget was referred back with instructions.

Tuesday, May 2, 2006

The Credential committee reported: total participants 737

The day began with the report of the Constitution Committee

Resolution CS30 was carried. This will affect our Regional Human Rights Committees by allowing full participation in Area Councils with voice and vote.

Resolution CS32 was carried to allow for a change in constitutional language to describe participants: to replace “Unity” with “Aboriginal/Racially visible persons”.

At noon, during the lunch break, the GLBT caucus met. We discussed questions to put forward to the candidates that were running nationally to discuss issues important for our GLBT members. Some items of importance were brought up:

• the recent court challenge by PSAC member objecting to PSAC funds being contributed to fund GLBT human rights issues (ie..dues ut to something members do not all agree on and what would it take to reconcile this??
• internalized homophobia inside the union, how would PSAC deal with this inside component structure.
• challenge PSAC to ensure delegates attend from PSAC components
• support for members (geographic) of GLBT roups (ie ..PSAC Pride - not all members able to participate)

Tuesday, 2PM - Human Rights Forum

• PSAC protecting rights of all members and this is the kind of work we do daily: rights as citizens (political, health, freedom etc…); and, duty bearers (in defence of rights).
• full range of rights - life, security, identity, to be heard

Speakers:

Maria Eva Villate, The President of the Columbian based Union of Public Defenders , discussed the issue of human rights of Columbian workers. That since the 1980’s there has been major internal armed conflict (para military). Of the population of 45 million there is 23% unemployment, and that 60% of the population lives below the poverty line and 30% in misery. She told us that there are two key issues: privatization (US interest in telecommunications, finances and public services); and, FTA (privatization of state entities (loans to farmers); unions are destroyed; banks are taken over); and Union leaders have no protection, are often assassinated). From 2002 to 2005 there were 1700 violations of human rights against Union leaders; 265 murders, 984 death threats; 185 detentions; 17 vanished; 133 displaced; 4 tortured and 23 kidnaped. She would like to see us work together collectively on these problems.

Sandra Carnegie Douglas spoke on the escalation of violence in the African Canadian Community. That in the Ontario region specifically there are young men and women on both sides of the gun. In the last 7 to 8 months, 51 young persons died through gun violence. She informed us that many marginalized groups do not share economic wealth and that socio-economic challenges persist. She indicated that there are both visible and invisible barriers and that the community has inadequate resources to deal with the problems and root causes, although they are mobilizing to find solutions on how to create more opportunities and provide support.

Terry Fenge spoke on the issue of global warming and how it is affecting Inuit peoples. Recent findings identify that marine species are at risk and likely to decline, that some to face extinction and that warming is likely to disrupt and destroy food sources for the Inuit. He informed us that the Inuit have mounted a petition which outlines 62 requests. However, they do not want money, they want to encourage leadership, urge others to take action, and put the issue of climate change in a new context. To inform all of us of the issue of the ultimate threat to the culture and economy in the North and warned of the dangers facing the Inuit culture and economy.

Tuesday night: Nycole Turmel had a hospitality suite night for equity members, it was well attended and many interesting discussions took place.

Wednesday, May 3, 2006

We began by singing the Solidarity song.

Bill Pynn made a speech on the environment: from a rise in greenhouse gasses since the Kyoto Accord to the work of our convention organizers and their savings of 2.3 metric tons of paper because of their efficiency.

The Convention went back to discussion/voting on resolutions. General Resolution # 10, to hold separate conferences for our Aboriginal and Visible Minority brothers and sisters was adopted after much discussion. Later that day, Resolution CS36 establishing separate regional committees for aboriginal and racially visible members and to have fully funded National Conferences. Resolution CS37 was tabled by request of aboriginal delegates and Resolution CS38/39 to allow separate regional equity committees and human rights committees to exist at the same time with all groups allowed to join human rights committees was defeated.

The Finance Committee reconvened and we moved to the Special Levy to replenish the strike fund. It was adopted.

During the lunch break we demonstrated in support of our striking brothers and sisters, employed at the Ekati Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territory. They have been on strike against BHP Billiton for a first collective agreement since early April.

The afternoon brought unexpected pledges of donations for our newest brothers and sisters from individual members to the largest of Components. The total stands at $45,000.

Thursday, May 4, 2006

Thursday began with an address by Ken Georgetti on key issues facing the labour movement. Georgetti believes that the best way to deliver quality services is within the public sector. He praised Nycole Turmel for the leadership role she took in her union.

There was much discussion on the floor around the Policy Paper on Student Employment. This policy directs the PSAC to take actions to ensure that the employer provide students with opportunities and income without being exploited and without undermining the employment security of PSAC members. The Policy Paper was adopted.

In the afternoon, Resolution 41A was moved up. There was some discussion. Some felt that if funded nationally, the formula must be determined nationally to ensure consistency and funding. There was much pro and con debate around the numbers of delegates per component, per regional council, per area council etc. There was a counted vote and the resolution was defeated.

Thursday afternoon ended with a sentimental tribute and farewell to Nycole Turmel. A great way to finish a rewarding career. She was recognized for many accomplishments and contributions to our union, such as the union’s federal pay equity settlement and the Social Justice Fund. The floor was in agreement, she will be missed.

Friday, May 5, 2006 - Exciting Election Day (You had to be there!)

Our new National President is John Gordon

Our new National Executive Vice- President is our own Patty Ducharme

Richard Des Lauriers was elected alternate National Executive Vice-President.