Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

OTTAWA - The Chretien government had already secretly used up much of the $30-billion surplus in the pension plans of its employees by the time it sat down with unions to negotiate a new pension deal and refused to share the windfall.

• National website: Pension trial begins Feb 26th.

Lawyers for the 18 unions and pensioner groups that are fighting the government to get the surplus back told an Ontario Superior Court judge Monday the government had already ’scooped’ the surplus in the pension plans of Canada’s public servants, military and RCMP before Bill C-78 - the legislation that allowed the government to claim the surplus and book it against the debt - was passed in 1999.

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Please join Grassroots Women for an evening of film and discussion on the theme of Women Assert Our Basic Human Rights. A discussion will follow a screening of two films portraying women who show us that rights will not be “granted” but rather must be asserted and defended when under attack.

• Thursday March 1st, 2007
• 7:00 pm Rhizome Café, 317 East Broadway

Films:

My Name is Kahentiiosta profiles a Kahnawake Mohawk woman who participated in the armed standoff at Kanehsatake, detailing her experience of and perspective on the 1990 Oka Crisis, including her subsequent arrest and detention (which was prolonged by four days because she would give only her Mohawk name). Directed by Alanis Obomsawin, 1995.

Women in Struggle is about Palestinian women who are ex-political detainees demonstrating their struggle during their years of imprisonment in Israeli jails, exploring the effects on their present life and their future outlook. The focus is on the lives of four women who came out of their regular roles as sisters, mothers, wives, and took on a different role being involved in the Palestinian national struggle for independence. Directed by Buthina Canaan Khoury, 2004.

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I want to start by thanking you for providing me with an opportunity to participate in your pre-budget consultation.

I do so on behalf of more than 160,000 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the union representing the vast majority of Canadian workers employed by the federal government and its various departments and agencies.

In this short statement, I want to make a case for renewal of public services, public service delivery and public infrastructure.

• Have your say on the budget!

But first, I want to make a couple of comments on the revenue side of the equation.  From my perspective there is both good news and bad news on the fiscal front since your government was elected a little over a year ago. I believe that your decision to reduce revenue by almost $5 billion by cutting the GST was a mistake. On the other side of the coin, I would like to commend you for taking action last fall on the income trust file because failure to act would have continued and increased the leakage from the tax system putting even further pressure on your governments ability to deliver service to Canadians.

Clearly, budgets are about priorities. And in looking forward to your 2007 budget, I can’t help but look at the past and your government’s September 25, 2006 announcement of a 1 billion dollar reduction in government expenditures.

Not all cuts are created equally, and I would urge you to take a second look at the 2006 cuts that undermine equally and use your budget to, in the words of the Ad Hoc Coalition for Women’s Equality “Put Equality Back on Track”.

That means restoring operational funding for Status of Women Canada, and restoring funding for the Court Challenges program and the Law Reform Commission.

It means putting literacy back on the priority list, and investing more resources, not less to level the playing field for aboriginal peoples.

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Ottawa-PSAC members at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) received their own bargaining certificate from the federal Public Service Labour Relations Board (PSLRB). They are now part of the unit called Frontière-Border Services (FB).

The new bargaining unit includes approximately 7,000 members and represents all PSAC members employed by the CBSA inland and at points of entry. The new unit also includes PSAC members providing immigration and food inspection services at CBSA.

For these PSAC members, the new certification represents an important step towards solving many issues that are specific to their place of work and duties.

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Tuesday, February 20 is BC Budget Day. The Campbell government began this year by cutting the child care budget. Any announcements they make now will likely be one-time only, stopgap funding that does not even begin to fix the child care problems they’ve caused.

British Columbians are urged to flood the Campbell government with a strong message – restore child care funding and build a child care system!

Please take a moment to fax:

• Premier Gordon Campbell at 250-387-0087
• Minister of Finance Carole Taylor at 250-387-5594
• Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid at 250-356-8337

Download the fax form here (pdf), and please send a copy of your message to your Liberal MLA. Click for MLA fax numbers.

Working families in every BC community need child care. The provincial government’s funding cuts and attacks on child care programs affects us all, but especially children in BC. By cutting child care funding again, the Campbell government has shown it doesn’t care about the future of our children or working families.

The Federal Government Department of Finance has launched an online pre-budget consultation to give Canadians a chance to have input to the development of the 2007 Federal Budget. Last year they reported receiving 6000 responses to their online consultation process.

The government online consultation is a bit restrictive in the choices it offers but you can select ‘Spending’ as your top priority. In the box for comments write in your own words about the need to continue delivering quality public services to Canadians.

• PSAC Labour Day message: Defend Quality Public Services

Now is your chance to send a message to the government! Click to visit the the Department of Finance website and have your say. Note that the closing date for this consultation is February 28^th.

The Make Poverty History campaign platform includes the goal to end child poverty in Canada. Specifically it calls for more money for low-income families, affordable housing and the creation of decent jobs, with a higher minimum wage and universal, affordable early learning and child care.

British Columbia has the highest rate of child poverty in Canada. One in four BC children is growing up poor. Homelessness has doubled between 2002 and 2005. The $8 an hour minimum wage leaves even an individual working full time well below the poverty line. Someone working at the starting wage of $6 an hour earns only about 60% of the poverty line.

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OTTAWA — Kenyan-born Mohamed Khandwalla is living in a frustrating limbo in Toronto, despite being armed with a master’s degree in pharmacy from Britain, fresh credentials as a registered pharmacist in Canada and the love of a good woman.

Khandwalla says his wait to get permanent residency in Canada, which he expected would be about six months, has stretched to a year, and could last another 10 months or so based on what the local immigration office is telling him.

The 29-year-old says the waiting is getting him down because he is barred from working or travelling outside Canada while his application is pending.

“Trust me, it’s a problem, it’s very sad,” said Khandwalla, an only child whose father has not seen him since he married his Canadian bride in November 2005.

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Greetings. This to let you know that there will be some changes in the PSAC regional offices in BC.

Regional Rep, Jack Rudd, will be retiring in May. Colette Savarie, will be transferring from the Saskatoon Regional Office to replace him. Some of you will remember Colette from her days as the BC/Yukon Regional Vice President for National Component before she came on staff as the regional rep in the Yellowknife RO.

Janelle Ho-Shing, formerly the Regional Organizer, was the successful candidate on the competition to fill the regional rep position vacated by Joanna Schultz.

James Little, Regional Rep - Health and Safety, will be working out of the Victoria Regional Office for the next two years. His assignments remain the same. Please note that the Victoria Regional office now has a toll-free phone number - 1 866 953 1050

Please join me in welcoming them all to their new challenges.

Janet Routledge, Regional Coordinator - BC

The Joint Learning Program is pleased to invite you to the JLP Open House, Thursday, February 15, 2007

• Daytime: 10:00 – 12:00
• YWCA, 4th Floor – 535 Hornby Street, Vancouver

• Evening: 5:00 – 7:00
• Public Service Alliance of Canada, 200 - 5238 Joyce Street, Vancouver

Come and learn about the benefits of the Joint Learning Program at this highly interactive, inclusive, barrier-free event. Contact Julie Balantes or Susan Jardine with any questions or inquiries. Refreshments will be served.

Halifax- On Valentine’s Day, PSAC members working at IMP Group Limited poured their chocolate coated hearts out in an attempt to soften management’s stone cold heart.

In front of the company’s headquarters in Halifax, the workers distributed heart shaped chocolates to managers and other employees as they entered the building. The workers hoped their gesture will be seen as an expression of their heartfelt desire to reach a negotiated settlement with IMP Group Limited.

“We are hoping the company will realize the benefits of open and positive negotiations with the employees’ union,” said Greg Isberg, president of PSAC Union Local 21018 in Comox, British Columbia. Isberg is also a member of the PSAC negotiating team at IMP Group Limited. “We want to maintain peaceful and harmonious relationships with the company, but management seems intended in creating a confrontation,” he added.

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Update: The CLC has informed us the conference has been postponed. We will provide the new dates as soon as we receive them.

“Building our Power – Building our Presence”: CLC 3rd Aboriginal Forum and 3rd Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Conference

The face of Canada and our workplaces is changing like never before.Over the next twelve years, the canvas of Canada will undergo an unprecedented change, particularly for Aboriginal and communities of colour. The demographic projections are powerful.

The Aboriginal population is growing more than twice as fast as the rest of the population in Canada. Among First Nations and the Métis, 50 percent of the population is younger than 18. Among the Inuit, 50 percent of the population is younger than 15. No other Canadian source of labour can begin to meet the rising needs of numerous trades and professions over the long term.

For communities of colour, the next dozen years will also see a dramatic rise in numbers. By the time Canada celebrates its 150th birthday, one in five persons will be a person of colour. Similarly, the new Canadian labour force will see more young people of colour than ever before. Consider that Generation X (18-34 year olds) is a cohort of 20 million persons and 20 percent are of colour. Generation Y (5-15 year olds) is the most racially diverse cohort in Canadian history, with one in three a person of colour.

Now is the time to build on our growing numbers, power and political potential.

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Community response to the most recent child care cuts is building around the province of BC. There are many ways you can help get the message to political leaders that child care funding must be restored immediately and that BC can afford to build a quality, affordable, accessible, public child care system now. Visit bcgeu.ca for more information.

Rallies and protests are scheduled across the province this month, click for a calendar of events (pdf).

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A coalition of 22 social advocacy groups has appealed to the B.C. Liberal government to raise welfare rates and the minimum wage, and to eliminate the $6-an-hour “training wage” in the next budget later this month.

The Raise the Rates Coalition wants the shelter and support parts of income assistance boosted by at least 50 per cent, and wants the government to make it easier to qualify for welfare.

• Read more background information and sign the petition at the BC Federation of Labour website.

The groups have also repeated the call to boost the minimum wage from $8 to $10 an hour.The groups have sent an open letter to the premier saying the present environment keeps thousands of young people and families in B.C. in perpetual poverty.

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Negotiations between the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Corps of Commissionaires (Corps) for a third collective agreement get underway Monday February 12^th in Victoria. The parties have agreed to meet February 12-15, 2007 and if required they have also set aside March 20-22, 2007.

Dave Jackson, PSAC Regional Representative, will be the spokesperson for the union with Dave Eden handling that role for the employer. There are approximately 275 Commissionaires in the PSAC bargaining unit who perform services on behalf of the Corps. They are employed at various worksites in Victoria and on Vancouver Island as well as in the Yukon.

The services of a third party were required in order to achieve a negotiated settlement during the last round of bargaining.

Cheers to Jayne Johns, Fraser Valley Area Council, for forwarding this news item from the Abbotsford News. Chuck is the past President of USGE Local 20054 (Matsqui), as well as being active on the Fraser Valley Area Council, the BC Regional Council and the Regional Health & Safety Committee …

When Matsqui Institution employee Charles Leech read a letter penned by an inmate at Matsqui Institution that showered him with compliments, he said he was “shocked”.

The 55-year-old is retiring in April after working at Matsqui for 30 years as a food services officer. His retirement hasn’t gone unnoticed by one inmate who sent the Abbotsford News a letter paying tribute to Leech.

“It is rare that a group of inmates would want to speak up with respect for a staff member,” the inmate stated. “Being that we are willing to do so speaks volumes for the respect this individual has of the Matsqui Institution population.

“Upon his departure, there is no doubt he will be missed and a hard individual to replace.”

Read the full article, with a photo, at abbynews.com

The Global Solidarity School is an initiative of progressive Canadians involved in trade union and academic education, jointly sponsored by the Vancouver & District Labour Council and CoDevelopment Canada. The school, taking place in Cuba April 27^th through May 7^th, will combine educational programs with Cuban cultural explorations that extend well beyond a typical tourist experience. The program, designed for politically progressive activists from the labour and community movements, will focus on international issues from a progressive perspective - particularly corporate globalization and building a progressive response. It will also include leadership development, language skills, arts and culture.

 For more information visit solidarityschool.ca

James Little, reporting from CFB Comox … updated Feb 9: Thanks to Mark Miller (UNDE 21016) for some more photos.

PSAC members employed at IMP Group Limited set up information lines at the gates of CFB Comox in the early mornings of Feb. 6th and 7th. These members were informing their co-workers of the lack of progress five months of negotiations have achieved. The PSAC has recently asked the federal government to appoint a conciliation officer in an effort to speed up the bargaining process.

Each morning we set up the information lines at 06:30 hrs and the member participation was outstanding. The Commissionaires, the Military Police and members of the military with their loaded guns, greeted us each morning. Turns out the military was also conducting an identification search at the same time as our plant gate. This actually turned out to be a benefit for our members as the military was slowing traffic making it easier for us to distribute the over 400 flyers each day.

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CPP/OAS Processing BC/YT Service Area Workplace Safety & Health Committee Meeting Minutes January 29th, 2008 10:30 am

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

• Sarah Burns Co Chair CEIU October 17th, 2007
• Crystal Stephens CEIU
• Crystal Anderson CEIU November 27th, 2007
• Donna Lloyd CEIU
• Heidi Fraser CEIU
• Mandi Schubert (acting for Sarah Burns) CEIU
• Tina McKechnie Recorder November 27th, 2007

• (Chair)Kim Bergh Director
• (Co-Chair)Gwen Kinakin SDM DSB

AGENDA ITEM

1. Call to Order

2. Review Minutes of December 18th, 2007

• Previous minutes approved.

3. New Business

3.1 First Aid Stations and Attendants:

• Gwen and Sarah, as co-Chair/ First Aid attendant, to hold a meeting this Thursday to do a complete inventory of all the first aid kits and complete the kits as per regulations.

3.2. Workplace Inspections

• Motion to include workplace inspections as a standing item approved.
• Inspections are up to date.
• Items identified in January’s inspection;
• * “Do not use” sign removed from plumbed in coffee maker in 2nd floor kitchen. Coffee maker sprays hot water from spigot.
• This coffee maker has been deemed unnecessary and will be removed on the next plumber’s visit after the Union AGM.
• * Dishwasher - Mandy has contacted the service person at Sears to fix the broken hinge. Until the hinge is fixed, staff will have to hand wash dishes. There may be a motion to buy a new dishwasher at the the Feb 27 AGM.
• * Recommendation to have another co-ordinated effort to do another large scale clean up in May.
• * Fifth Floor Lunch Room furniture not a union responsibility. Couches blocking the door to First Aid Room. Wellness Committee responsible for couches.

3.3. Eyewash Stations

• Not yet removed.

3.4. Committee Membership

• Call out for new members.
• Identify new Management Back-up
• Another back up co-Chair will be identified upon Mandi’s resignation.
• Mandy to put up new sign
• Tina to BF in April
• Gwen to touch base with Wellness Committee.
• Gwen to speak with Don
• Mandi to put out call
• Kim to identify

3.4. Hazardous Occurrence Incident Report

• No incidents were reported this month.

4. Tip of the Month

• January – Sarah Burns provided a tip on how to safely shovel snow.
• February – Crystal Anderson will provide a tip of the month.

5. Round Table

• Mandi: Mandi wanted clarification for Team Leaders regarding responsibilities/Liabilities for ergonomics.
• Response: Team Leaders should talk to their bosses and look at link to policy on Indemnity for Public Servants. Mandi to advise concerned team leaders that extent of responsibility is due diligence.
• Crystal Anderson: Crystal noted that she called the building 1-800 number with regards to garbage in the stairwell in early January and the response was swift. Within 20 minutes, 3 people had shown up at her desk to resolve the matter. The stairwells have been clean since that time.
• Tina: Nothing to report.
• Mandi: Mandi inquired about the lack of No Smoking signage on the front of the building.
• Response: This is an issue for Jan Gillis through the building committee. It was further noted that the rear of the building was where the problem lay. There has been good compliance with no smoking in the back, but there has been a problem with people leaving cigarette butts on the ground since the ashtray was removed.
• Gwen to share link and send msg out to mgrs.
• Tina to email Jan Gillis

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 pm

6. Next Meeting : Tuesday, February 19th ,, 2007 at 1:30 pm

CPP/OAS Processing BC/YT Service Area Workplace Safety & Health Committee Meeting Minutes December 18th, 2007 1:00 pm

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

• Sarah Burns Co Chair CEIU October 17th, 2007
• Crystal Stephens CEIU
• Crystal Anderson CEIU November 27th, 2007
• Donna Lloyd CEIU
• Heidi Fraser CEIU
• Tina McKechnie Recorder November 27th, 2007
• Pete Bowering Guest

• (Chair) Kim Bergh Director
• (Co-Chair)Gwen Kinakin SDM DSB

AGENDA ITEM

1. Call to Order

2. Review Minutes of October 17th, 2007

• Previous minutes approved.

3. New Business

3.1 First Aid Stations and Attendants:

• There is no need to have first aid attendants at off-site according to Canadian EnviroOSH legislation.
• A crossover between First Aid Attendants and Building Emergency Organization is needed.
• Meeting to be convened with First Aid Attendants to check First Aid kits are stocked as per regulations, arrange for procurement of supplies, and to establish willingness to continue service.
• More rigour to be brought to First Aid Attendants regarding maintaining inventory in First Aid Kits and manning First Aid Stations.
• Recertification costs must be built into the budget piece for next year.

3.2. Fire Drills

• Pete Bowering spoke to the committee about two incidents.
• The fire drill of Oct 18. (see November 27th minutes for detailed report)
• The practice fire drill on October 18th, 2007 was successful.
• Numerous building issues were raised and Profac is tracking these. Follow up will be shared.
• The false alarm on November 22nd
• This was an unexpected full evacuation due to a false alarm, triggered by building maintenance on the 4th floor.
• Other alarms were noted, and in one instance, some people evacuated the building when the test alarm rang for more than 5 seconds. Normal notification procedure had not been followed in this instance because of the absence of some of those who were to transmit the message.

3.3. Workplace Inspections

• Declutter and clean went well.
• Some pieces around signage and floor maps still to be addressed.
• The November and December inspections have been completed according to schedule. Observations sent out today and attached below.

3.4. Eyewash Stations

• No need for eyewash stations as there is no identifiable hazard. Kim and Sarah, as co-chairs, agreed that they could be removed.

3.5. Committee Name

• The name will remain Occupational Safety and Health Committee for ease of identification, noting that the emphasis is equal on safety and health. Pete to speak with F.A. attendants &
• Gwen/Sarah re FA meeting and kit inventory. Gwen – advise Director

4. Hazardous Occurrence Incident Report

• One hazardous occurrence was reported by Jan Gillis on November 22, 2007. The individual twisted a knee on the stairwell during the evacuation drill. This individual was appointed as a mobility impaired person and Lab 1070 was sent to RHQ.

5. Tip of the Month

• December – Heidi will provide a tip in the near future.
• January – Sarah Burns will provide a tip of the month.

6. Round Table

• Crystal Stephens: no concerns
• Crystal Anderson: inquired about procedures for issues of mess in the stairwells and was told to contact the building service desk for any cleaning or maintenance concerns.
• Donna: no concerns
• Tina: no concerns
• Meeting adjourned at 1:40 pm

9. Next Meeting : Tuesday, January 22ndth ,, 2007 at 1:30 pm