Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Speculation about what will be in the March 4 federal budget is rampant in the media. Some reports would lead us to believe that the Harper Conservatives will leave the federal pension plans alone.

So far, nothing PSAC has heard from Treasury Board President Stockwell Day would lead us to believe that we won’t have to continue to fight to protect the pension benefits our members in the federal public sector pay for.

Minister Day has made repeated references to the pension plan funds. At no time has he guaranteed federal public sector unions that the Conservative government will not reduce pension benefits and/or increase contribution rates.

Our pension campaign is in full swing and we are not letting rumours slow us down. I urge you to continue your hard work gathering signatures on our petitions to Stephen Harper. The willingness of our members to send a strong message to the government is critical if we are to succeed in getting the Conservatives to keep their hands off our pensions.

In solidarity, John Gordon, PSAC National President

source: Vancouver Sun, Feb 23

Re: Government pensions fair game, Feb. 18

In her column, Barbara Yaffe is critical of the federal public service pension plan and the level of employee contributions to it.

Federal public sector workers make significant contributions to their pensions in the form of deferred wages. By 2013, these contributions will make up about 40 per cent of the total cost of providing pension benefits. The real pension crisis in Canada is that most workers and pensioners are covered by inadequate defined-contribution pension plans or no workplace pension plan at all. In a defined-contribution plan, pension benefits are dependent on a number of things, such as the performance of markets and interest rates at retirement. All of the risk is put on the workers.

Defined-benefit plans collectivize risk and resources and ensure a decent, stable retirement income for seniors.

Our union believes defined-benefit pension plans in Canada should be supported by governments. We are also calling for significant improvements to public pensions in Canada: CPP benefits should be doubled by gradually increasing employer and employee contributions by three per cent and the Guaranteed Income Supplement of Old Age Security should be immediately increased by 15 per cent.

We can have a society in which no retired person is living in poverty through achievable, forward-thinking pension policies.

Kay Sinclair – B.C. Regional Executive Vice-President, Public Service Alliance of Canada

Groups provide “reality check” on women’s equality – Labour, women’s groups will tell UN Canada is lagging

VANCOUVER, Feb. 22 /CNW/ – Labour and women’s groups have issued a report which they say is a “reality check” describing Canada’s lagging performance in achieving women’s equality. The report will be distributed at the Bejing plus 15 meeting being held at the United Nations in New York, March 1-12.

“Canadian women have lost a lot of ground in the past 15 years,” says Kay Sinclair, Public Service Alliance of Canada Regional Executive Vice President for BC. “Our government has sent a report to the United Nations that paints a rosy picture on women’s equality in Canada. We have written our own document and it is a reality check on what the government is saying.”

• Download the report: Reality Check:Women in Canada and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action Fifteen Years On, A Canadian Civil Society Response (pdf)

The UN meeting in March will evaluate progress, identify challenges, and recommend policies to promote gender equality and the advancement of women. This year holds special significance because it marks the 15th anniversary of the UN’s Fourth World Conference on Women.

Sinclair continues, “We see the ravages of poverty every day in school classrooms, and rates are increasing at an alarming rate while the support mechanisms are disappearing or non-existent. With more women and girls living in poverty and being denied fundamental human rights, how can we build for a strong and prosperous Canadian future?” She adds, “Although Canada has made commitments to implement equal pay for work of equal value, the federal government hasn’t lived up to its commitments. The government removed the right to pay equity for federal public sector workers in 2009, with the adoption of the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act. We raise this issue in this report and it will be front and center for us next week at the United Nations in New York.”

Five years ago, Canada was ranked amongst the top ten countries in the world for its achievements in women’s human rights, but in 2009 Canada had fallen to 73rd in the UN Gender Disparity Index. Changes to gender architecture, shifts in policy and programming within the government, and the government’s response to the economic crisis have been felt by the most vulnerable women and girls in Canada.

The joint report is called Reality Check: Women in Canada and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action Fifteen Years On, A Canadian Civil Society Response. It was coordinated and produced by the Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action and the Canadian Labour Congress, and is endorsed by a variety of other organizations.

• Tuesday March 2nd between 11AM and 3PM (briefings will be staggered on the 1/2 hour)
• Welch 1 & 2 Rooms, YWCA, 535 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Come to a lunch and learn meeting, Tuesday March 2nd, between 11AM and 3PM (briefings will be staggered on the 1/2 hour) to find out what you can do to safeguard pensions for federal government workers and all Canadians.

Please RSVP to the Vancouver RO at (604) 430-5631 as pizza and refreshments will be provided.

Spread the word! Download a poster (pdf).

via Vancouver & District Labour Council

Today is Day 2 of the HMS Host food service lock out at YVR. HMS Host, the multinational airport contractor, locked out 300 Unite Here Local 40 members yesterday who were fighting to hang onto jobs that Host wants to eliminate immediately after the Olympics.

Working without a union contract since March 2009, HMS Host workers have tried everything to settle this dispute at the bargaining table. We were in bargaining with Host for 100 hours in the month of January yet Host was unwilling to provide basic job security and transfer rights for 60 long-time Milestones Restaurant workers who will lose their jobs after the Olympics–despite the fact that Host is opening a new White Spot restaurant nearby. Host is insisting on employing non-union workers in the new restaurant, rather than transferring the existing unionized workers.

As a last resort, Host workers took a one-day strike February 17. When they returned to work on February 18, Host locked them out.

Many Host workers earn little more than minimum wage. Most are women and new immigrants.

All 16 unionized HMS Host food service outlets at YVR remain closed, including 6 Tim Hortons locations, 2 Milestones restaurants, Harveys, Palominos, Stanleys, Pacfic Grill and other outlets. Host workers are picketing directly in front of the closed restaurants, inside the airport terminals.

If you can, please join the HMS Host workers on the picket line for a while. Your support will help keep spirits strong. Best place to meet up is Milestones on Level 3, domestic terminal or call 604-473-4815 for picketing location (sometimes we’re outside picketing, too)

Note: we are currently picketing only HMS Host. We are not trying to prevent other union workers at YVR from going to work–or travelers from using the airport.

Visit www.UniteHereLocal40.org for more information.

Come to a pension meeting, Thursday February 25th, anytime between 3PM and 7PM to what you can do to safeguard pensions for federal government workers and all Canadians.

Please RSVP to the Vancouver RO at 1 800 663-1655 as pizza and soft drinks will be provided.

• Thursday February 25th 3PM – 7PM
• Abbotsford Ramada Inn, 36035 North Parallel Road, Pinnacle room

Spread the word! Download a poster here (pdf).

Vancouver Regional Women’s Committee meeting

• Tuesday, March 2, 2010
• 5:30 p.m. – Light Supper, 6:00 p.m. – Meeting
• PSAC Vancouver Regional Office, 200-5238 Joyce St. Vancouver, B.C.

Agenda:

• 2009 Financial Statement
• 2010 Budget
• Elections
• IWD Events

Please RSVP to Colette Savarie. Spread the word: download a poster.

Victoria Regional Women’s Committee invites you to attend a movie history night to celebrate International Women’s Day

• Monday March, 8, 2010
• 5:30 pm to 7:30/8:00 pm
• Victoria PSAC Office, 210-1497 admirals Road

Bring your Mothers/daughters/sisters with you! Please rsvp by March 4th, 2010 to Rosemary, and include any dietary needs, as food will be provided. Download a poster!

After almost one year of negotiations and with the assistance of a Conciliation Officer, a tentative agreement was reached between the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Prince George Airport Authority on February 11, 2010. The agreement has been ratified by both parties.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• Duration: 4 year agreement (April 1, 2009, to March 31, 2013)
• Rates of Pay:
  • Effective January 1, 2010  – 1%
  • Effective April 1, 2010 – 1%
  • Effective April 1, 2011 – 3%
  • Effective April 1, 2012 – 3%
• Ratification bonus:  $300.00 to each employee
• Recall: Members in the AOS classification who are term, temporary or seasonal will have priority of recall for future opportunities in order of their original date of hire
• No Discrimination: Gender identity or expression added as prohibited grounds
• Call-back: employees to be paid for mileage in accordance with Treasury Board rates
• The parties will jointly participate in a Committee Effectiveness workshop provided by the Federal Medication and Conciliation Service. The objective is to provide tools to both parties for discussion and resolution of workplace issues during the term of the collective agreement.

The bargaining committee would like to thank the members working at the Prince George Airport for their support throughout this difficult round of negotiations.

PSAC – Human Rights Committee Meeting, Vancouver Regional Office, 17 November 2009 – 5:30pm – 8:00pm

In Attendance:

• SHUDO, Tracy
• MUNDY, Wanda (Secretary)
• CHIMA, Sargy
• THANDI, Jag
• WILSON, Deanna
• JABAL, Pam
• GHAG, Meena
• HO, Jennifer
• FRASER, Gary
• JONES, Paul (Vancouver Island)
• BRENNAN, Regina (Temporarily)
• SANDHU, Bhupinder

Agenda:

• Call to Order
• Roll Call
• Human Rights Day (Dec 10th, 2009) Activities
• Adoption of the previous (September) Minutes.
• Election of Chairperson and Co-Chair
• December Human Rights Committee Social
• Goals & Objectives for 2010
• Debrief “Made In L.A.” – sisters Tracy Shudo & Wanda Mundy
• Financial Statement
• Adjournment

Members arrived by 5:45pm – dinner was served – and the meeting was called to order by Gary Fraser at 6:00pm.

Before the Agenda was addressed – sister Regina Brennan made a brief presentation on behalf of the VDLC Arts & Culture Sub-Committee regarding BC Human Rights Day activities – as she had to be elsewhere by 6:30pm. Discussed was the possibility of holding a Dec 10th event at the LAWA Café (920 Commercial Dr), or participating in others’ events (BC HRCP – Philippines).

Also mentioned were the logistics of funding participants/events @ $10-per-plate – on a “first come, first served” basis – up to 20 people. Brother Paul made a motion to donate $200 for the band, “Fraser Union,” who were performing at the LAWA Café. Sister Pam Jabal seconded – and the motion was unanimously passed.

(Note: We need to know what our budget is at the beginning of every year.)

The Minutes of the previous (September) meeting were read and adopted as written.

The Elections for a Chairperson and a Co-Chair were held – each position to be a year in duration from the date of the election.

Nominees: Tracy Shudo Wanda Mundy – Nominator
Deanna Wilson – 2nd

Sargy Chima Pam Jabal – Nominator
Mina Ghag – 2nd

Wanda Mundy Paul – Nominator
Jag Thandi – 2nd

Sister Wanda Mundy declined to run. The election was held, with the result that sister Sargy Chima will hold the position for a year of Chairperson for the BC Human Rights Committee, and sister Tracy Shudo will hold the position of Co-Chair for the same time.

Sister Sargy Chima has stated that she hopes to not only re-grow the Human Rights Committee, but also wants to serve further – as a member of the on the Health & Safety Committee. Sister Tracy Shudo will continue her good work as the Disability Rep for BC.

It was decided to hold the annual December (“Christmas”) Social on 11 December – a Friday. Sisters Tracy Shudo and Wanda Mundy will prepare the main courses of the turkey, smashed potatoes, special stuffing and gravy (sister Shudo) – and the veggies and cranberry/pear relish (sister Mundy). Desserts and beverages will be supplied by various members of the HRC. Sister Mundy has also booked her trio – “Illiteraty” – to perform (Earle Peach – Solidarity Notes Choir Director – and Albert Klassen – as the other two members of the trio) – and there will be games and prizes for the children.

After a brief discussion, a motion was made by sister Tracy Shudo and seconded by brother Paul – to delay discussion and planning of 2010 Goals & Objectives until we have a better understanding of our budgetary limits. The motion passed unanimously.

Sisters Tracy Shudo and Wanda Mundy had made arrangements to attend the viewing of a documentary film, called “Made in L.A.” – that had been shown at the SFU Harbour Campus. This film, which began initially as a 2-month student project – but then grew to a 3-year commitment to tell the whole story – centered around the struggle of a community of illegal Latina garment workers in Los Angeles – who, against many barriers (not the least of which was their illegal status), tried to form a Union. Working 12 to 16-hr days for less than minimum wages, doing piecework – they would see the clothing which they had made for pennies – being sold for thousands of dollars Retail.

At the end of the film, the sisters were able to meet and speak directly with two of the participants in the film – a very powerful experience. It has been put forward that the BCHRC look into acquiring copies of this film for purposes of education and re-sale.

The Financial Statement was read and adopted as follows:

$ 507.39 (currently in the bank)
$ 500.00 (coming from the PSAC)
$1,007.39 Total

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm.

Submitted By: Wanda Mundy – Recording Secretary, 16 February 2010

Come to a lunch and learn meeting, Wednesday February 17th, anytime between 11AM and 3PM to find out what you can do to safeguard pensions for federal government workers and all Canadians. Please RSVP to Garry Fraser at (604) 430-5631 as lunch and drinks will be provided.

• Wednesday February 17th 11AM – 3PM
• Vancouver Public Library, 300 W Georgia, Alma Vandusen room

Spread the word! Download a poster here (pdf).

• Position Title: Secretary, Regional Office
• Branch/Section: Regional Offices Branch
• Employment Type: Indeterminate
• Classification: Band 7
• Language: English

Employment Equity Designation: As a result of the PSAC Workforce and Availability Analysis and in accordance with the PSAC Employment Equity Plan, the successful candidate for this appointment will be a qualified Racially Visible
person.

Purpose of Position: As part of the Regional Office administrative team provides administrative and secretarial support to the Regional Office and participates in the provision of comprehensive administrative services that enables the regional office to fulfill its role in a timely and credible manner. Under the direction of the Regional Coordinator, assists in the maintenance of the administrative aspects of the regional offices while carrying out a wide variety of administrative, secretarial and clerical responsibilities to ensure the efficient operation of the regional office.

More details are available in the job poster and work description. The competition closes February 26 2010.

Mainland Human Rights Committee meeting

• February 16, 2010 – 5:30PM
• Vancouver RO, 5238 Joyce Street
• and via conference call – email Regina Brennan for details

Agenda Items:

• International Women’s Day
• Financial Update
• Financial Limitations for Chairperson
• Access Conference

Tracy Shudo has suggested the Human Rights Committee do a pot luck dinner for the meeting, contact Tracy for more information and to assist.

Vancouver Island Human Rights Committee meeting & Potluck Social: 5:00-5:30 PM (Bring snacks or whatever you want)

• February 18, 2010 @ 5:30 PM
• PSAC Victoria Regional Office, 210-1497 Admirals Road
• Agenda: To be announced.

Potluck Social: 5:00-5:30 PM (Bring snacks or whatever you want)

Old Business for review

1. Review Last Meeting’s Minutes in general
2. Update on New Banking Account & Obtaining 3 Signers – Mandi

New Business:

1. Final Draft of TOR to be adopted and put into force – Paul
2. VIHRC Acronyms + Pronunciation – Michael
3. Adoption of 2010 dates for VIHRC meetings throughout the year -  Michael
4. VIHRC Election for available positions:  Chair, Co-Chair, Treasurer & Recording Secretary – All
5. VIHRC Budgeting Issues – Michael
6. Pride 2010 Funding Request – Paul
7. PSAC National Access Conference in Ottawa – All
8. End of VIHRC Logo Contest Results (Contest ended: Nov 2, 2009) – Dave
9. VIHRC Logo Designs – Committee to select a winning logo? & How to award a prize? – Michael/Wendy
10. Directive on Banner Style & Costing (Regardless on outcome of logo contest) – Mark
11. Website hosting for VIHRC resources?  – Michael

Victoria Area Council Meeting

• March 9, 2010, 5:30PM
• Victoria Regional Office, 210-1497 Admirals Road

Proposed Agenda

1. Treasurer’s report
2. Federal budget follow-up
3. De-staffing of lighthouses update
4. Pension campaign
5. Campbell River & District Area Council

Please RSVP to Rosemary at the Regional Office no later than noon on March 8, 2010. Snacks will be served.ar

The 19th Annual Feb 14th Womens Memorial March takes place on Sunday, February 14 2010 and begins at 12pm at the Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main Street (corner Hastings, Vancouver)

In January 1991 a woman was murdered on Powell Street in Vancouver. Her name is not spoken today out of respect for the wishes of her family. This woman’s murder in particular was the catalyst that moved women into action. Out of this sense of hopelessness and anger came an annual march on Valentine’s Day to express compassion, community, and caring for all women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Coast Salish Territories.

Nineteen years later, the march continues to honour the lives of missing and murdered women. Increasing deaths of many vulnerable women from the DTES still leaves family, friends, loved ones, and community members with an overwhelming sense of grief and loss. Over 3000 women are known to have gone missing or been murdered in Canada since the 1970s. Last year, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women issued this statement: “Hundreds of cases involving aboriginal women who have gone missing or been murdered in the past two decades have neither been fully investigated nor attracted priority attention.”

The February 14th Women’s Memorial March in Vancouver is an opportunity to come together to grieve the loss of our beloved sisters, remember the women who are still missing, and to dedicate ourselves to justice.

Visit womensmemorialmarch.wordpress.com for more information.

The Inaugural Meeting of The Campbell River & District Area Council

• When: Saturday, February 20, 2010
• Where: Campbell River Labour Centre, 830 14th Ave., Campbell River, B.C.
• Meet and Greet: 10-10:30 a.m., Meeting: 10:30 a.m.

A collective of workers is more successful than an individual at fighting for gains in the workplace. A collective voice of many locals and components in solidarity is more powerful than one advocating for the workers and human rights in Canada and the world.

Area Councils are cross-Component organizations recognized in the PSAC Constitution. Area Council members can also raise the profile of the union in the community and build links with other Labour groups.

What is the benefit of having an Area Council? Area Councils can …

• attend PSAC Conventions with full voice and vote.
• attend BC Regional Conventions with full voice and vote.
• submit resolutions to PSAC and BC Regional Conventions.
• get together at Area Council meetings with members from different locals and compare notes, problem solve and share best practices about workplace issues that may be the same or similar.
• raise the profile of the union in the community.
• attend District Labour Council meetings and speak on behalf of the PSAC in your community to encourage support for our issues.
• coordinate the circulation of petitions and postcards campaigns on demands such as pay equity, protection of pensions, and job security so members in your community are able to participate in national campaigns.
• be a forum for your representative on the Regional Council where she or he can seek your input on regional union policy and report to you about decisions made on your behalf.

Please forward this invitation to your members in Campbell River, Courtenay and the North Island and encourage your members to attend.

Hope to see you there.

Tom Hopkins, Vice-President Local 20147 UEW, Sharon Vanderdonck, Vice President Local 20963, CEIU, Steve Bergh, President Local 20232, UCTE

For further information email Tom Hopkins or  call him at 250-283-717

The Play Fair campaign is a coalition of labour rights groups that seek to push sportswear brands that produce merchandise for the Olympic Games to abolish sweatshop conditions in their supply chains and to respect labour rights.

(more…)

The collective agreement for the Technical Services Group of Treasury Board is now available on the Treasury Board Website.

The 2010 PSAC National Access Conference will be held June 4,5,6 in Ottawa under the theme “Let’s focus on our abilities!”

The objectives of the 2010 PSAC National Access Conference are:

• To strategize on ways to promote more inclusive work environments that ensure barriers are removed for people with disabilities
• To empower and engage persons with disabilities to take action and move disabilities rights forward, including through lobbying
• To provide tools that educate and advocate for disability rights in our communities, our workplaces and our union
• To better connect and to include persons with disabilities in our communities, our workplaces and our union
• To defend quality public services for persons with disabilities

(more…)

Powerful business interests, some corporate media, and corporate think-tanks such as the C.D. Howe Institute and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, are pressuring the Harper government to attack our pensions under the guise of reducing the deficit.

The PSAC is launching a campaign to stop the attack on our pension and to ensure that all Canadians have a safe and secure public pension when they retire.

Here are some of the campaign materials (all pdf):

• A petition that can be circulated and returned to PSAC,
• The ‘Retirement security for all‘ flyer which summarizes the issue and what we can do to take action to protect our pensions
• ‘Building on what works‘ – a series of myths and facts about public and defined pension plans.

Please give these wide circulation in your worksites. All of these materials, as well as an on-line petition, are available at the national website which will continue to be updated as the campaign progresses.

In B.C. we are organizing an M.P. lobby on the issue. Meetings of union officers and members will be held to ensure members are well-equipped to lobby their M.P.s; write letters to the editor; gather petitions; talk to co-workers, friends, and neighbours etc. Staff from the PSAC Regional Offices will contact you soon regarding these activities.

The Conservative Government will table a new budget on March 4th. Please join with me and PSAC members from coast-to-coast-to-coast-to-coast to let them know that we are against using federal public sector workers as scapegoats and attacking pension plans and the important public services we deliver.

We need you to be involved in this crucial campaign.

In Solidarity, Kay Sinclair, Regional Executive Vice-President, BC

PSAC Regional Women’s Committee, Minutes of Meeting January 16, 2010, Summerland Research Station, Summerland

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Joy Harrison APSAR
• Kelly Megyesi (phone) CEIU 20915
• Annette Hale USGE 20153
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915
• Carolyn McGillivray CIU 20045
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Martha Johnson UVA 20035
• Gaby Villecourt USGE 20153
• Grace MacIver NHU 20031
• Andrea Johnson USGE 20153

The meeting was called to order at 11:15a.m. with Kelly Megyesi in the chair via teleconference.

Continue reading below, or download the January 16 2010 Okanagan RWC meeting minutes (pdf)

Minutes: Minutes from September 14, 2009 were reviewed. m/s/c

Roberta distributed copies of Kelly’s report for year ending December 31, 2009, year-end financial statement, transaction breakdown, bank statement ending December 31, 2009, and a 2010 budget.

Treasurer’s Report:

• The year-end financial statement was reviewed. $2108.00 balance.
• Donations were lower last year than year previous due to anticipated funding for observer attendance at PSAC Convention. Observer became delegate so $600 funding returned.
• Motion: Kelly moved, Susan seconded THAT 2009 Treasurer’s Report be accepted as distributed. Carried
• Motion: Darrell-Lee moved, Susan seconded THAT 2010 Budget be accepted as distributed. Carried.

Old Business:

1) Andrée Coté Event: Andrée unable to attend meeting so event cancelled as previously notified via e-mails.

New Business:

1) International Women’s Day:

• Suggestions requested by Kelly regarding IWD activities and/or recognition. Unanimous agreement to use Gaby’s logo that was on the sticky notes last year, on a different product this year.
• Motion : Roberta Gourlie moved, Susan Yaciw seconded THAT up to $500 be budgeted for creation and purchase of promotional item endorsed with Gaby’s logo. Carried
• Action: Kelly will check into items such as safety carabineer or other item and send e-mail with options to vote on.

2) BC Regional Women’s Conference:

• Conference being held in June 2010.
• Kelly on organizing committee and Annette Hale volunteered to help when able, including participating in up-coming conference call.

3) Elections:

Elections were held for all positions with the following results:

• Chair – Kelly Megyesi acclaimed.
• Vice-Chair – Maria-Luiza Romano acclaimed.
• Secretary – Roberta Gourlie acclaimed (assistance later in year from others depending upon results of formation of South Okanagan Area Council
• Treasurer – Kelly Megyesi acclaimed.

Round Table:

• Kelly suggested the Okanagan establish a PSAC Human Rights Committee. Support from remaining members present to support and pursue this option.
• Action: Kelly will obtain further information on what’s involved in establishing a local committee and sent out via e-mail.

Next Meeting: TBA, Adjourned at 11:50 a.m. m/s/c

PSAC Okanagan Area Council, Minutes of Meeting January 16, 2010, Summerland Research Station, Summerland

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Joy Harrison APSAR
• Kelly Megyesi (phone) CEIU 20915
• Annette Hale USGE 20153
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915
• Carolyn McGillivray CIU 20045
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Martha Johnson UVA 20035
• Gaby Villecourt USGE 20153
• Grace MacIver NHU 20031
• Andrea Johnson USGE 20153

The meeting was called to order at 10:00a.m. with Susan Yaciw in the chair.

Continue reading below, or download the January 16 2010 Okanagan Area Council meeting minutes (pdf)

Minutes: Minutes from September 14, 2009 were distributed. Corrections were made to Education section…spelling correction under JLP action item, s/b “….advise d Darrell-Lee” m/s/c

Treasurer’s Report:

• The year-end financial statement was reviewed. $3861.42 balance.
• CEIU local 20917 dues are two years past due and rep(s) have not been attending so considered as no longer interested in membership so written off.
• $225.00 cheque to PSAC for Susan Yaciw’s Convention fee, still outstanding.
• Action: Darrell-Lee will follow up with PSAC again. m/s/c
  Dues for 2010 ($1 per local Okanagan member) are now due.
• Action: Please forward cheques payable to OAC, and mail to: Darrell-Lee McKenzie

SPECIAL ITEM: Formation of South Okanagan Area Council

• Susan handed out Area Council pamphlet and provided brief description of what Area Councils are and what they did. Some comments:
• politics from some components regarding duplication of services
• distance to commute to meetings
• setting dues (currently $1/local member/yr in OAC) and splitting dues if overlap by new Area Council.
• naming of new and renaming of existing area councils.
• If members from 3 add’l components in South, such as USGE, UVA, CIU, CEIU committed to form area council, AGR local in Summerland committing to join South for support/experience.
• Interest was shown from all in attendance to move forward.
• Action: Gaby (USGE), Martha (UVA), Carolyn (CIU) will approach locals first to obtain commitment to affiliate and report back to SusanYaciw (syaciw@shaw.ca).
  Action: Roberta will contact Rosie Settle (CEIU Penticton) to explore interest.
  Action: Susan to contact UTE Penticton to explore interest.

Temporary Adjournment: 11:15am, Re-start: 11:50am

Old Business:

1) APSAR:

• stands for Association of Public Service Alliance Retirees
• Joy reports that the Federal and Provincial Finance Ministers met in May ’09 and reviewed e-mail previously sent to Area Council members for review and comments. Changes to CPP being proposed and supported by all finance ministers.
• Joy handed out a Supplemental Death Benefit document that members can record their pension # on and keep with their will. She advises that $11M SDB has been collected for survivors by APSAR.
• Action: All Area Council to copy and distribute document to members in their locals.

Standing Items:

1) Regional Council Update:

• Regina Brennan will be returning from her assignment with National PSAC on February 1, 2010. Susan reports that Regina will be attending Kelowna UTE’s AGM on Feb 17 so may be able to attend other meetings while in the area.
• Next Regional Council meeting Mar 5 and 6 and a conference call on Thursday, Jan 21.
• E-mail from Kay Sinclair (attached to minutes) requesting feedback and/or suggestions for changes to Section 9 of Reg’l Bylaws pertaining to delegate entitlement to the B.C. Reg’l Convention.
• Action: Forward any comments/feedback/suggestions to Roberta (drgourlie@shaw.ca) by Jan 29who will forward to Bylaw Committee.

2) Regional Office Update:

• Carol Pegura, Assistant to the REVP (Kay’s Assistant), has been extended until the end of June 2011.
• Regina Brennan returning from her assignment with National PSAC office, on February 1, 2010.
• Patricia Mullen was successful candidate for the Vancouver Regional Office Administrative Assistant.

3) Education: The following courses were held since our last meeting:

• LOAT (Local Officer Advance Training) in Vancouver in October 2009. Roberta, Susan, Annette, and Grace attended.
• TUB (Talking Union Basics) in Kamloops and Nelson in October 2009. Roberta attended the Nelson course.
• UDP (Union Development Program) in Vancouver commenced in December 2009 with follow-up sessions at the end of January and in April. Susan, Annette, and
  Martha attended.
• - Discussions surrounding desired courses for Okanagan. One day/weekend course combining ½ day mini Steward and/or Grievance Handling, and/or Facing
  Management.
• Action: All Area Council members to canvas own local members for needs and advise Susan (syaciw@shaw.ca) by February 15, 2010.

4) Labour Council Meetings:

• Next North Okanagan District meeting is February 3, 2010 in Kelowna at 7 p.m. Website for North Okanagan Labour Council: http://members.shaw.ca/nolc/
• Next South Okanagan District meeting is February 9, 2010.
• Action: Area Council members in Kelowna and Penticton to attend respective meetings where possible.

New Business:

1) Human Rights Committee:

• Roberta read e-mail from Maria-Luiza but members unclear as to which committees may qualify as “equivalent” and which names were requested.
• Maria-Luiza provided clarification. Different components may have different names but would committees that deal with equal opportunities and human rights issues.
• Action: Area Council members to provide Maria-Luiza (romanom@inspection.gc.ca) with names of Reg’lComponent Human Rights Committee Chair if available and/or local rep if a local committee exists.

2) Pension Reform:

• Darrell-Lee reviewed an e-mail regarding a Globe & Mail article regarding possible changes to the Federal Superannuation Plan mainly affection new hires. Article also refers to not only a financial deficit but also a knowledge deficit caused by large number of current employees who are scheduled to retire in 2012 with 30 years of service.
• Possible up-coming pension battle.

3) Elections: Elections were held for all positions with the following results:

• President – Susan Yaciw acclaimed.
• Vice-President – Annette Hale acclaimed.
• Secretary – Roberta Gourlie acclaimed (assistance later in year from others depending upon results of formation of South Okanagan Area Council)
• Treasurer – Darrell-Lee McKenzie acclaimed.

Round Table:

• Martha – Long gun Registry Repeal petition passed around.
• Darrell-Lee – Watch for upcoming rallies in your areas organized by Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament, including Saturday, January 23 in Penticton.
• Joy – Locals can join APSAR via membership vote, $20/yr. Is willing to be guest speaker on behalf of APSAR at any Component/Local meeting. A “Retiring from the Public Service Alliance of Canada” Booklet is available online, containing valuable information. A membership application form is on last page. http://www.psac.com/documents/what/retiring_from_ps_usefultips-e.pdf

Next Meeting: TBA, Adjourned at 12:30 a.m. m/s/c