Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

PSAC – Human Rights Committee Meeting,  Vancouver Regional Office September 2009 – 6:30pm – 8:00pm

In Attendance:

• CHIMA, Sargy
• MUNDY, Wanda (Minutes)
• DALMAN, Sylvia (Chair)
• SHUDO, Tracy
• HOLMES, Pat (T.C.)
• WILSON, Deanne
• MORREAU, Alberta

Regional Office:

• FRASER, Garry

continue reading below, or download the Mainland HRC minutes here (pdf)

Members arrived from 5:30 to 5:50pm – dinner was served (Annual Barbecue) – and the meeting was called to order by Sister Sylvia Dalman at 6:30pm.

Discussed: the Human Rights Committee survey that was sent out to the self-declared members – and the ten responses. As a result of the responses – the Committee decided that it would hold four “official” meetings annually – and one social meeting (at Christmas time).

Discussed: The Committee discussed the possibility of involvement in Political Action in the event that an election is called. Members decided that they would not get involved in Political Action at this time.

Discussed: The Committee decided that a Chair and a Co-Chair would be elected at the next meeting (16 November 2009) – to sit for the coming year.

Discussed: The JLP providing/facilitating an Equity course in the Regions.

Discussed: The Committee discussed revisiting the Committee’s goals and objectives.

Discussed: Sister Pat Holmes challenged the members of the Committee to fill the box that was being sent to the Philippines.

Discussed: It was decided to hold the next meeting on Tuesday, 18 November 2009.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm.

Submitted By: Wanda Mundy – Recording Secretary

Please join the B.C. Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (BCCHRP) in celebrating International Human Rights Day!

December 10 marks the 61st anniversary the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). In the spirit of building genuine people-to-people solidarity with those hardest hit by the financial crisis because of job loss and lack of economic security, and increasing violence by militarization and war, it is becoming more important for us to gather, listen and learn from each other as we organize in our struggles.

Join BCCHRP and special guests for a cultural evening of solidarity!

Rites for Humanity

• Wednesday, December 9 @ 7:00 pm
• Zawa Restaurant, 920 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
• $5-10 sliding scale donation at the door

Event organized by the B.C. Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (BCCHRP); Co-sponsored by the Vancouver & District Labour Council (VDLC) and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).

Please contact bcchrp@kalayaancentre.net for more information.

Download the poster for the event here:  R4H

The PSAC BC Mainland Human Rights Committee presents … Human Rights and Festive Celebration 2009

The Mainland Human Rights Committee would like to extend a warm welcome to all PSAC members, committees, and Area Councils to join us at our Human Rights and Festive Celebration.

• December 11th, starting at 6PM
• PSAC Vancouver RO
• 200 – 5238 Joyce Street

Bring your family, your children, your loved ones – we’ll have a wonderful variety of festive foods and music performed by the group “Illiterati”. Please RSVP by December 4th to Garry Fraser or (604) 430 5631 x 231. We look forward to seeing you there! Download the poster (pdf)

Canada’s government is too quiet on abuses say human rights advocates.

Why is Canada’s government promoting the Philippines as a prime place to invest, even as workers in that nation face abduction, torture and death for trying to organize unions?

Increasingly, that question is being pressed by human rights activists in B.C. and elsewhere in Canada.

In the United States, Walmart and other big apparel firms have sent a critical letter to Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, citing in her country a “pattern of harassment and violence against workers, labour leaders and human rights promoters.”

And the International Trade Union Confederation, which represents 178 million workers in 158 different countries, last year documented a grim situation that has further deteriorated. “Four trade union officials were shot and killed by unknown assassins and the military intimidated and harassed union officials. The authorities continued frustrating worker attempts to form unions and arrested union officials,” reported the confederation.

In April, Ken Georgetti, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, joined a long list of other Canadian labour leaders as well as many Canadian churches in sending a letter to the Philippine president. “We vehemently protest the on-going human and labour rights violations and repression perpetrated by state authorities in the Philippines,” they wrote.

Read the rest at thetyee.ca.

Thanks to BRUSH Committee member Gail Jewsbury (UEW 20090) for forwarding these links!

Occupational Health Advice for Federal Departments and Agencies of the Core Public Administration and their Employees – this advisory provides important recommendations for federal employees whose work duties may put them at higher risk of exposure to the H1N1 flu virus. 16 Nov 2009

Occupational Health Advice for Federal Employees Working or Traveling Outside of Canada during the H1N1 Flu Pandemic – this advisory provides advice and guidance for employees working or travelling outside of Canada.

Health Canada has published a series of Frequently Asked Questions regarding H1N1 Flu Virus – Reducing the Spread of Infections and Viruses in the Federal Workplace. These FAQs provide occupational health and safety advice and guidance to help us, as employees, meet our responsibilities in minimizing the spread of the H1N1 virus at work, and in following workplace health procedures.

Additional information from HRSDC on everyone’s responsibilities and rights in the workplace under the Canada Labour Code – Frequently Asked Questions for Employers and Employees specifically in the context of the H1N1 virus

Like all Canadians, public service employees are strongly encouraged to continue to practice good infection-prevention measures to reduce the risk of flu infection and to consult fightflu.ca to stay actively informed about the H1N1 Flu Virus.

updated Nov 20th with the Victoria Airport flowchart!

Grievance time lines are one of the most important elements of problem solving. If we miss the initial filing of a grievance or the transmittal of grievances between levels we shortchange one or more of our members. In order to avoid this happening we have updated and posted several grievance time line flowcharts, more will follow for other bargaining units.

• Purolator Courier grievance flowchart (pdf)
• CRA grievance flowchart (pdf)
• CFIA grievance flowchart (pdf)
• Canada Post grievance flowchart (pdf)
• YVR grievance flowchart (pdf)
• Treasury Board grievance flowchart (pdf)
• Stats Canada grievance flowchart (pdf)
• YYJ grievance flowchart (pdf)

It’s been a busy month! Here few photos taken at recent events …

On November 5th, BC members Robert Strang and Tom Hopkins happened to be in Ottawa where they joined a large rally in support of striking PSAC members at the Museum of Civilization and the War Museum. Visit the national website for more information about the museum strike. Also supporting striking workers, members & staff in Vancouver joined with many others to protest Bill 21. Bill 21 imposes a contract on CUPE Paramedics – this marks the first time a government has forced public employees to accept a collective agreement while the union is still at the bargaining table. For more information, visit saveourparamedics.com.

On November 13th and 14th Executive members from 9 Locals around the Province along with several component National Officers gathered in Vancouver for the Local Executive Development Conference. They shared best practices and experience, discussed issues at their worksites, and made plans towards strengthening their Locals. They also heard from panelists Jacquie de Aguayo, Coordinator of Representation, on resolving workplace issues at the local level, Agriculture Union National President Bob Kingston on tips and strategies for making the best of regional joint committees, and REVP Kay Sinclair on how social unionism benefits us all. By all accounts the Conference was a great success and we hope to hold another in the future.

Last but not least the first Balikbayan Solidarity box was shipped from the Vancouver RO to the Philippines. Another will follow shortly.

forwarded on behalf of CoDevelopment Canada

Dear CoDev supporters,

We found out on Friday last week that the government will bring Bill C-23, implementation legislation for the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, back to the House of Commons this week. We’re told by NDP Trade Critic Peter Julian’s office that the government hopes to hold a second reading and vote by the end of the week, which will send the FTA to committee for more deliberations.

You will remember that the Liberal opposition, led by Trade Critic Scott Brison, is backing away from the all-party standing committee decision last year that called for an “impartial human rights impact assessment be carried out by a competent body, which is subject to independent levels of scrutiny and validation,” prior to moving ahead with Bill C-23. The first order on the bill this week is to debate a motion by the Bloc Quebecois that would pull C-23 from the order paper on the grounds that the Harper government ignored this all-party recommendation. If this motion is voted on and defeated by the Conservatives and Liberals, the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement will be one step closer to becoming reality.

It is urgent that Canadians write THIS WEEK and express their views on the CCFTA. We are asking CoDev members and supporters send messages to their MP and to key Liberal MPs expressing their views. We are including here some new information that you may want to pass on to your MP. Urge your MP to support the Bloc motion to remove the CCFTA.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters:

It is with distinct pleasure that the Victoria Regional Women’s Committee of the Public Service Alliance of Canada BC in collaboration with members of Canadian Auto Workers cordially invite you to attend a memorial event on December 6th, 2009 to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the ongoing initiatives to end violence against women.

• Download a poster (pdf).

We will be holding a Candle Light vigil on the BC Legislature Grounds on December 6th, 2009 from 5:00 pm to 6 pm. We will be collecting on this occasion various personal items such as new socks, towels, toiletries, journals and small house hold appliances to donate to Women’s Organizations in Victoria. This is especially important to us at this time of Liberal budget constraints within the province. We request that everyone in attendance bring an item for donation to this very noble and necessary social initiative. We feel it our responsibility to support this.

We look forward to seeing you at this very important memorial. In Solidarity,

Virginia Vaillancourt – Chair, Victoria Regional Women’s Committee, PSAC
Sarah Dutsch – Canadian Auto Workers Rep, Local 114, Committee Chair

The parties have completed the incorporation of negotiated language and the Arbitral Award into a draft agreement. Once the draft agreement is proof-read, the parties will finalize any necessary changes, and then sign the Agreement.

The issues, such as wages, included in the September 24th Arbitral Award are effective on the date of the Award. All other changes included in the Agreement are effective on the date of signing.

The Agreement is expected to be signed before the end of November. Once signed, the Agreement will be posted on the PSAC website.

The next Vancouver RWC meeting will be at 5:30PM at the PSAC Vancouver RO – 200 – 5238 Joyce Street (1 1/2 blocks south of the skytrain).

Agenda Items:

• Update on Women’s Retreat – September
• Update on Women’s Forum – November
• Movie Marilyn Waring on Women and Economics (30 mins.)
• December 6th BC Fed Breakfast
• Financial update

Please RSVP to Colette Savarie at 604 430 5631.

The Surrey Urban Youth Project is an arts-based, youth-driven, empowerment program providing training in anti-oppression, facilitation, peer-support, conflict transformation, nonviolent communication, public speaking, and community organizing for youth 14 and older; with a particular focus on engaging (im)migrant, refugee, Indigenous and “at-risk” communities in Surrey. We support participants in developing whole and healthy lives to become active leaders in their communities.

Job Description: We will be hiring two arts-based, anti-oppression youth empowerment Facilitators who will work in a team environment with SUYP Co-Coordinators and Youth Mentors to plan and deliver the 2010 Surrey Urban Youth Project. The contract will run from November 30th 2009 – September 2010.

For more information, see the attached job posting (pdf)

It is an accepted principle, enshrined in law, that the “duty of fair representation” relates to representation in matters or disputes covered by the Public Service Labour Relations Act (PSLRA) or a collective agreement. Does it also cover services offered voluntarily by a union in relations to claims before workers’ compensation tribunals, disciplinary matters before professional organizations, claims relating to the Canada Pension Plan, matters before transportation tribunals, actions before courts of law etc.?

Read the following PSLRB decision and find out what an arbitrator said.

The third negotiation session for a first collective agreement between ARINC International of Canada and the Public Service Alliance of Canada took place November 3 to 5, 2009 (until noon).

After almost seven (7) days of negotiations, your bargaining team is pleased with the progress to date. Although the parties have agreed in principle to only one additional issue (Union Security – Dues Check-off), progress was made on numerous other proposals.

In addition to the issues currently being dealt with, the Union tabled proposals on some of the discussion items including language on: Short Term Sick Leave Program, Bereavement Leave, Maternity Leave, Education Leave, Travelling Time, Employee Performance Review, Staffing Procedure, Standby and Allowances.

At the employer’s request, the next session will most likely be held in early January 2010.

This new unit of approximately 20 members provide, amongst many other duties, technical support for computers and computer networks. They also operate a help-desk responding to customer calls at the Vancouver International Airport.

Building a better future for Canada’s children: the need for public childcare

The verdict has long been in – a public system blending early childhood education and child care (ECEC) delivers high quality programs for children and families. What would that system look like? What can we do to push governments to act?

• A Great Place to Grow-Public Child Care
• Vancouver Public Library, Alice McKay Room
• November 24, 2009 – 7-9 pm

Come to a public event aimed at developing – and moving forward – a 21st-century vision for ECEC. Martha Friendly (Childcare Resource and Research Unit in Toronto) and Susan Prentice (University of Manitoba sociology professor), co-authors of the just-published About Canada: Childcare, will join local CUPE and community child care activists to share their views on building a better future for Canada’s children. A series of forums sponsored by CUPE.

On November 3rd and 4th the Federal Court –Appeals Division heard arguments regarding two appeals filed by the PSAC in response to the February 2008 Federal Court-Trial Division decision. This earlier court decision struck down the 2005 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision which found Canada Post had violated section 11 of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

The PSAC’ first appeal seeks to have the Tribunal’s findings restored on the basis the trial judge made several errors in concluding there was no violation of the Canadian Human Rights Act’s equal pay provisions and that there was no systemic discrimination within Canada Post. The CHRC also argued the Tribunal’s decision should be re-instated.

The PSAC’s second appeal challenged the amount of compensation ordered by the Tribunal in 2005. The Tribunal halved the amount of compensation it ordered based on its concerns over the reliability and accuracy of the job information involved in this case. The PSAC argued there was no evidence justifying this action as there was any evidence that any uncertainties in the job information over-estimated the wage gap.

The Federal Court-Appeal Division’s decisions are not expected until well into 2010.

Are you considering or in the process of dealing with a staffing complaint? Robert Strang, CEIU National Union Representative (and ex-CEIU 20944 Local President), who works out of the Edmonton CEIU Regional Office, has put together the following information which includes an impressive list of jurisprudence.

This information is meant for PSAC members covered by the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA).

What can complaints be filed over?

• Internal appointments
• Abuse of authority in:
  • Application of merit (ex: something wrong with how you were assessed, bias, bad faith, discrimination and other reasons)
  • Choice of Process (choosing a non-advertised process when they should have used an advertised process)
  • Choice of language (not allowing you be assessed in your choice of English or French)
• The Deputy Head’s decision to layoff an employee
• The decision by a DH or the PSC to revoke an appointment
• Failure of corrective action following a complaint against an internal appointment that was substantiated

A few things to keep in mind about staffing complaints

• You must have a “personal interest” in a complaint you file. In other words, you must be, for example, one of the people who missed out on an opportunity because a non-advertised process was improperly used when there should have been an advertised process or something went seriously wrong with their assessment of you as a candidate. You cannot file a complaint on behalf of someone else who may be too timid to file a complaint.
• You must file a complaint within the timeframes outlined on the Notice of Appointment, not on the previously issued Notice of Consideration for Appointment. Missing the timeframes because of vacation, for example, is not considered a valid reason to extend the complaint period.
• You must send your alllegations in writing by email or fax to the Director of the PSST (Public Service Staffing Tribunal) in Ottawa. These need not be perfect as I will finalise formal allegations at a later date, but should be detailed enough so that the PSST can determine if it is a legitimate complaint. A few simple paragraphs is usually sufficient. The instructions and contact information can be found here.

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via BC Federation of Labour

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

Please find attached a copy of the notice from CUPE BC about their Rally in protest of BILL 21 on

• DATE: November 6, 2009
• TIME: 11:30 am
• PLACE: VANOC Headquarters, 3585 Graveley Street at Boundary

The BC Liberal government introduced “back-to-work” legislation against the Paramedics following an edict from VANOC directing them to end the strike.

Buses will depart CUPE BC Regional Office in Burnaby from Ledger Street at 10:45 am and from Gilmore Skytrain Station at 11:15 am, details are provided in the attached notice.

Please come out with your members and banners to help support your CUPE Brothers and Sisters.

In solidarity, JIM SINCLAIR, President

PSAC participated in a historic first step toward long-awaited classification reform in the federal public service last fall. In November, PSAC and Treasury Board negotiated a collective agreement that includes a commitment by the employer to engage in a process of meaningful consultation with the union on occupational group structure, beginning with the Program and Administrative Services (PA) bargaining unit.

This group includes almost 70,000 employees responsible for program administration, information services, communications, secretarial services, office equipment, administrative services, welfare programs, clerical functions and data processing.

PSAC acted quickly to hold the government to its commitment and met with Treasury Board on May 19, 2009 to begin the classification review process.

However, given the sheer number of employees and different classifications, the reform process is complex and will take time. The language in our collective agreement with Treasury Board contemplates that the initial stage of reform – a review of the occupational group structure in the PA group – could take up to two years. The process will then move to the other employee groups. Throughout all of this, PSAC will be working with Treasury Board to develop fair and accurate classification standards.

As we move through this process, PSAC will be drawing on the expertise of union members in the workplace, and we expect membership involvement to increase as things unfold.

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The next Human Rights Committee meeting will be held on November 17, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at the PSAC Regional Office at 200-5238 Joyce Street, Vancouver.

• The Agenda
• Election of Chairperson and Co-chairperson
• Human Rights Day December 10th Activities
• Upcoming December Social Gathering
• Setting Goals and Objectives for Upcoming Year
• “Made in L.A.” movie debrief from Tracy and Wanda.
• Bank Statements