Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

PSAC Vancouver & District Area Council Meeting - March 6, 2007

In attendance: Sam Wiese (CEIU 20949), Deanna Wilson (NAT 20088), Sharon Tieman (UPCE 20101), Megan Adam (UEW 20147), Rand Ameye (GSU 20008), Karim Lawji (CEUDA 20040), Keith Macdonald (UCTE 20221), Velna Clarke (NAT 20088), Neil Gaba (DCL 20020), Rhonda Johns (UPCE 20095), Monica Urrutia (PSAC staff – minute taker)

Regrets: Carolyn McGillivray, Bob Jackson, Angela Marafon

1. Welcome & introductions

-Meeting was called to order at 5:58 pm.

Continue reading below or download the Vancouver Area Council meeting, March 6 2007 minutes (pdf).

2. Collective Bargaining discussion

• Treasury Board: PA (Table 1) group

Megan noted that TB members need to get used to the bargaining unit names (e.g. PA, SV, TC, FB), instead of table numbers. Current status: teams were elected in January, met last week. Commented on team diversity, good representation from across the country and type of work. N.B.: Megan is the first IS classification to ever be elected to the PA team. Will exchange demands with the employer electronically in April and already has dates to meet with the employer before the contract expires. Essential Services Agreements are new under the new legislation, some departments are already negotiating this.

• Treasury Board: FB group

Karim shared that this is the first contract for the FB group (workers from Canada Border Services Agency that were part of the PA group). Feels his task is important because it sets the foundation for the future. Workers at CBSA include intelligence officers, trade, Border Services Officers, enforcement officers. Has same timeline as the PA group. Notes arming issue may impact demands and there is currently a joint pay study underway for all enforcement officers. Has narrowed demands down to 22 demands plus wage demand which has not yet been determined.

• Vancouver Airport Authority

Keith shared the recent bargaining experience of the members at the Vancouver Airport Authority. He noted it’s a different strategy that dealing with the Federal Government as an employer. Had more of a timeline strategy and was able to maintain the timeline for highest amount of pressure on the employer. Felt there was great support from staff and politicians. Overall well organized and management knew that. They were able to achieve almost a 90% strike vote which really affected the bargaining. In hindsight realized had a lot of demands (92) but also clearly told the employer that there were issues at the workplace.

• Nordion

Neil shared the history of Nordion being organized ten years ago. Nordion makes medical isotopes for worldwide distribution. It is corporate owned which makes it a profit-driven entity. Currently there are lots of clawbacks such as pension contributions; vacation leave; contracting out; sick leave. The challenge is the corporation’s headquarters is in Toronto but their workplace is here. This is their fourth contract to be negotiated.

• Canada Food Inpsection Agency

Monica gave a very brief report on behalf of Bob Jackson. The CFIA bargaining team has been elected, Bob is the only one from B.C. Demands are not yet finalized, they will be paring it down to 30 demands from 115 demands. They last met in October and are hoping to meet before the end of March. Bob is willing to come to the next Area Council meeting to give more of an update.
Discussion included speculation on expectations and strategies for this round.
3. Roundtable
CEIU/NHWU: mentioned jurisdictional dispute should be resolved by May.

Purolator: employer is doing “capabilities” checks (how ‘efficient’ a worker is) which normally results in job losses; constantly seeking more profit despite records earnings

Canada Post: discussed that “personal incentives,” introduced in the last contract, are not being given out – this is supposed to be a bonus system where if an employee “exceeds” targets they would get compensation. No one is getting the incentives despite overwork and stress.

Public Works: going back to doing “lease-backs” where they are selling off highly-valued government buildings, and then lease it back. More proof of privatization, will become a big problem when these private corporations will want to make more profit on the leases to the government.

Canadian Heritage: no issues in the worksite, but knows that this Minister is responsible for the closure of Status of Women Canada offices.

Fisheries & Oceans: new Fisheries Act has new contracting out language, in its third reading and looks like it will pass.

Nordion: developing a new product that is forcing a change in work hours; employer is trying to switch day workers into shift workers to avoid Sunday overtime
4. Area Council Retreat

-Sam reviewed what was accomplished at the retreat: discussion on area council’s purposed based on geographic and regional needs; things AC’s can do together (e.g. political action); brief synopsis of the “Defending Quality Public Services” campaign from PSAC national; opening the PSAC union store to help promote ACs.
5. Political Action

-Sam discussed how the anti-scab bill is going for third reading on March 19 (budget day) and only one hour has been set for discussion

-encourage members to write their MP, with the sample letter on-line

-apparently Stephen Dion (Liberal Party leader) will be using the party whip and wants a No vote

-Sam reported she has been calling Hedy Fry and her executive assistant has been saying she is supportive of the bill

-Monica to send out an email to the locals within the Vancouver Area Council’s jurisdiction to encourage them to email their MPs
6. Other

-discussion on the next VAC meeting; originally scheduled for May 8^th, should this change, all will be notified

-meeting adjourned at 7:32 pm.