Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Fraser Valley Area Council Meeting

• Thursday, May 13th, 5PM – 7PM
• Matsqui Rec. Centre, 3106 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford
• Light refreshments will be served

Agenda

• Regional Women’s Conference
• Bargaining Update
• Labour Day Activities
• Special guest: Tamara Webber, Fraser Valley Labour Council

All PSAC members are welcome and encouraged to come to this meeting!

Cuts to federal inspections are leading to disabling injuries and deaths

OTTAWA–The Public Service Alliance of Canada is demanding that the Harper government take action to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities, after a damning report revealed that it has been negligent in protecting workers under its jurisdiction.

According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the federal government is putting workers at risk by under funding and under staffing federal safety inspection. The federal government is responsible for protecting its own employees, those at Crown corporations such as Canada Post, as well as workers in the airline and trucking industries.

The rate of disabling injuries in federally regulated workplaces increased by 5 per cent between 2002 and 2007 while the provinces have managed to cut their disabling workplace injuries by an average of 25 per cent over the same time frame.

Read more at the national website.

After a marathon weekend bargaining session and the threat of a lock-out from the employer, the tentative agreement reached between Servisair Inc. and the PSACs bargaining team on April 17, 2010, was ratified by the membership yesterday. Some highlights of the three year agreement include:

• 100% Employer paid premiums for the Group Insurance Plan (from 50%)
• introduction of 80% major dental plan to provide coverage for crowns, bridges etc and expansion of the orthodontic plan to cover employees and spouses
• increase in vision care allowance and laser eye corrective surgery added to coverage
• increase in life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, and dependent’s life insurance
• 2% rate of pay increase, effective 2011
• increase in paid sick leave days from 2 to 7 over 3 years
• increases in shift premiums, mechanics, and tool allowance
• improved language regarding discrimination, harassment, and the grievance procedure
• no rollbacks

This new PSAC unit of seventy-three  members provides fueling and fueling related services at the Vancouver International Airport, and are members of YVR Local 20221. The new collective agreement will expire October 31, 2012.

The application and resolutions deadline for the BC Regional Women’s Conference has been extended to May 6th.

The 2010 BC Regional Women’s Conference will take place June 11th – 13th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver. The theme of the conference is “Step In To a Place That Moves You”.

The objectives of conference are:

• To play a key role in sustaining PSAC campaigns on the issues of pay equity and child care.
• To coordinate activities and campaigns with other PSAC bodies and with partners such as the BC Federation of Labour, District Labour Councils, other women’s organizations.
• To build representative regional women’s committees.

There will be stimulating presentations and discussions on a variety of topics of interest to women including childcare, women and pensions, pay equity, work-life balance, violence against women, lobbying and political action/campaign work.

All PSAC women members in good standing can apply to be delegates to this Conference. The selection of delegates will take into account union activism and the following criteria will also be considered: region of the province, Component, and equity representation.

To improve access for women with family care responsibilities the PSAC has a family care allowance policy.

Registration

• Apply on-line here
• Download and mail or fax the registration back to the Vancouver RO
• Please ensure completed applications, whether submitted online, by mail, or by fax, are received in the Vancouver Regional Office by the deadline of May 6th.

Resoutions

Resolutions may be submitted by PSAC-constitutionally recognized bodies (eg. RWC’s, Human Rights Committees, and Locals) prior to the deadline of May 6th. Please note the steering committee is limiting the number of resolutions from each body to two.

April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning for workers who have been killed or injured on the job. PSAC joins with union activists across Canada and Quebec to remember the fallen and fight for change.

This year, the Canadian Labour Congress asks, “Is today the day you die at work?” If current trends continue, this question could prove to be more than rhetorical.

Last year was the 25th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning, and labour activists revealed that 25,000 workers had died from injuries and work-related diseases in Canada since the day’s inception.

Read more at the national website. The BC Fed has a list of events taking place throughout BC.

Forty years after the first Earth Day celebrations, the world is in greater peril than ever. While climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, it also presents the greatest opportunity – an unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future.

Read the PSAC statement on Earth Day at the national website.

ABC Restaurant, Kelowna

In Attendance:

Susan Yaciw (UTE 20003), Joy Harrison (APSAR), Kelly Megyesi (CEIU 20915), Annette Hale (USGE 20153), Roberta Gourlie (CEIU 20915), Linda Woods (NAT 20140), Darrell-Lee McKenzie (AGR 20043)

The meeting was called to order at 8:45a.m. with Susan Yaciw in the chair.

Continue reading blow, or download a copy of Okanagan Area Council meeting minutes, April 10, 2010 (pdf)

Minutes:  Minutes from Jan 16, 2010 were reviewed.  Corrections were made to 1) S. OK Area Council    to indicate this as part of Martha, Susan, and Annette’s UDP project and 2) First Action Item to read Annette of USGE, to approach respective locals.

m/s/c

Treasurer’s Report:

-    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.  Roberta has since spoken to President of this local who indicated their local will be paying arrears and current dues (organized treasurer problems).

-    $225.00 cheque to PSAC for Susan Yaciw’s Convention fee, still outstanding and now stale-dated.

Action: Amount to be returned to Financial Statement as Asset.  If Susan Y. is re-contacted for payment, cheque will be reissued.
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, #5 – 799 Creekside, Penticton, BC, V2Z 1C5

Old Business:

1) Formation of South Okanagan Area Council

USGE has committed to support but response from Carolyn McGillivray indicates CIU may not.  Martha not at this meeting so unknown whether UVA will support.  Support from UTE likely but not confirmed.  Response from CEIU also not received yet. Decision to stay whole for now.  Response from CEIU Penticton now received who indicates support of formation of S. Okanagan Area Council.  Attendees of this meeting and Martha advised by e-mail.

2) Pension Fight:

The upcoming pension meeting in May between provincial and federal officials proceeding with reported “Everything on the table.”

Action:  Joy Harrison going to APSAR Executive Mtg at the end of May and will report out re:  Pension Fight and how Area Council can support APSAR.

Standing Items:

1) Regional Council Update:

-    PSEA is being reviewed.
-    Living Wage Campaign and Workplace Watch Campaign both supported.
-    The PSAC Negotiating Team for next round of bargaining has been named.

2) Regional Office Update:

-    Regina Brennan returned from her assignment with National PSAC office and has visited Okanagan during February.
-    Joanna Schultz will be leaving on maternity leave later this year.  Her replacement will be determined by competition.

3) Education:

The following courses were held since our last meeting:

- Susan, Annette, and Martha to attend final week of UDP May 1-2, 2010.
- Leadership II training proceeding in June

Action:  Susan Yaciw to forward education e-mail from Regina.

4) Labour Council Meetings:

-    Next North Okanagan District meeting is May 4, 2010 in Kelowna at 7 p.m.  Website for North Okanagan Labour Council:  http://members.shaw.ca/nolc/
-    Next South Okanagan District meeting is May 4, 2010.

Action:  Area Council members in Kelowna and Penticton to attend respective meetings where possible.

New Business:

1) Discussion surrounding formation of N. Okanagan Area Council if S. Okanagan does not proceed.  No decision made.  More time to be given for possible S. Ok formation.

Round Table:

Darrell-Lee – Letter to Stockwell Day sent re: prorogue parliament.  A response received acknowledging letter.  DL attended Penticton Prorogue rally.

Susan – Attended Kelowna Prorogue rally.

Annette – Pension Campaign petition sent to their Divisional Officer Rep who forwarded it to officers in Western Canada.

Next Meeting:  Possibly weekend of June 26.

Adjourned at 10:10 a.m.                                         m/s/c

ABC Restaurant, Kelowna

In Attendance:

Susan Yaciw (UTE 20003), Joy Harrison (APSAR), Kelly Megyesi (CEIU 20915), Annette Hale (USGE 20153), Roberta Gourlie (CEIU 20915), Darrell-Lee McKenzie (AGR 20043), Linda Woods (NAT 20140)

The meeting was called to order at 10:15a.m. with Kelly Megyesi in the chair via teleconference.

Continue reading below or download a copy of Okanagan Regional Women’s Committee meeting minutes April 10, 2010 (pdf)

Minutes:  Minutes from January 16, 2010 were reviewed.                                       m/s/c

Treasurer’s Report:

-    Balance as of March 31 was $2008.00.  Only payment was $100 to Haiti relief.
m/s/c

Old Business:

1) International Women’s Day:

-    Sample (rejected) highlighters distributed.  Agreement that not suitable.  Other swag displayed and discussed.  More suitable replacements to be ordered.
-    Kelly attended rally and breakfast in Vancouver and breakfast in Vernon.

New Business:

1) BC Regional Women’s Conference:

-    Conference being held in June 11 – 13, 2010.
-    Theme “Step Into Something that Move You.”
-    Deadline for Applications – April 28, 2010

2) Sisters in Spirit Walk:

-    From Kamloops to Manitoba.   Important to support.  Some committee members may be able to participate when the walk goes through the Salmon Arm area.

Action:  Kelly to forward e-mail to all members.

3)  Accessibility Conference – Vancouver:

-    Kelly attended.  Very good conference.  Buttons ordered “Just Say Hi” from
provincial program.

4) Bamboo Hoodies:

-    Suggested as Women’s Committee identifier.  www.jericosport.com

Motion:  To purchase 10 – 12 white hoodies with ORWC logo.  Members to
pay $25 each with balance coming from ORWC.
Kelly moved, Susan seconded, CARRIED.

Action:  Kelly to e-mail sizing info to regular attendees.

Round Table:

Kelly reminded everyone of Wear Pink Day, April 14.  Anti-bullying.  Kelly also attended the Ghakal vigil in Vernon on Apr 5.  She felt turnout was lower than other years, mainly due to poor weather.  She also attended the CEIU National Executive Committee in Ottawa as an observer.

Linda to provide link to website “Champion Against Bullying.”

Darrell-Lee recommended meetings alternate start between OAC and ORWC.

PSAC ORWC donating bag of toiletries to Kelowna Women’s Shelter via Linda Woods.

Next Meeting:  Possibly June 26, 2010 weekend

Adjourned at 11:50 a.m.                                         m/s/c

PSAC Victoria Regional Womens Committee meeting minutes – Feb 9 2010

Members present: Virginia, Alexandra, Mandi (& Cassandra), Cindy, Dyan, Brenda, Rosemary, Jeanette (on phone)

Review of Dec 6th Event: We spent $928.09 in total, a breakdown is to follow. Virigina suggested we think about planning for next years event soon. All in Favour.

March 8th Event: 100th anniversary of the International Womens Day concerning Pay Equity, Child Care Plan, Long Gun Registry among other important issues. It was suggested we use the same posters to raise awareness as were used last year. Virginia suggested a womens film night for Monday March 8th at 1730 at the PCAC office. She will contact the membesrs with more info when it’s confirmed.

Bill C471 Pay Equity Taskforce: Private Members Bill. This bill has passed it’s first reading and we will continue to watch it in its progression.

Bill C391 Long Gun Registry. Virginia wrote a letter to each MP that voted to dismantle the Long Gun Registry and she will make copies f the letters to send to us so we (PSAC Womens Committee) can take a personal and committee stand against the dismantling. She will draft a letter for us and send it via email for the members to send out. For more information on who voted for and against go to www.howdidtheyvote.ca.

2010 Meeting Schedule:

• Tuesday April 13th at 1730
• Tuesday June 15th at 1730
• Tuesday Sept 14th at 1730
• Tuesday Oct 26th at 1730

Meeting adjourned: 1836

PSAC-BC Vancouver Island Human Rights Committee

April 22, 2010 @ 6:30 PM
PSAC Victoria Regional Office, 210-1497 Admirals Road

Meeting Agenda

• Old Business for review:
  • Review Last Meeting’s Minutes in general
• New Business:
  1. Follow up with Treasury & VIHRC Financial details
  2. Pride 2010 Funding Request (Follow up)
  3. National GLBT Convention Resolution re: “Pride” term
  4. Progress/Vote on VIHRC Logo Designs
  5. Update on Banner Style & Costing
  6. Duty to Accommodate
  7. Amendments to TOR ?
  8. Clarification on committee positions’ roles
  9. National Access Conference in Ottawa
  10. Website hosting for VIHRC resources?

For more information, contact the PSAC Victoria Office.

After a marathon bargaining session, and with the help of a federal Conciliation Officer, the union representing workers who refuel airliners at Vancouver International Airport and their employer Servisair reached a tentative agreement late Saturday night.

“I’m happy to report that a tentative agreement was reached on Saturday”, says Kay Sinclair, Regional Executive Vice President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, “our team worked hard to achieve an agreement, despite the threat of a lockout from Servisair.”

Details regarding the agreement and ratification procedures will be available soon.

Negotiations continue at Vancouver International Airport today, aircraft fuel workers’ union PSAC says

Vancouver – Negotiations between the union for Vancouver International Airport workers – who refuel Air Canada, WestJet and all international airlines – and their employer Servisair will continue Saturday afternoon.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says bargaining took place through Friday night and early Saturday morning with the assistance of a federal conciliator and will resume at 2 p.m. today.

(more…)

Vancouver International Airport aircraft fuel workers’ union demands Servisair immediately rescind threat to lockout workers at midnight tonight, as negotiations continue; union says air travellers’ confidence in YVR at risk due to actions of Servisair in dealing with its workers

VANCOUVER, April 16  – The union for Vancouver International Airport fuel workers is demanding that Servisair immediately rescind its threat to lockout employees who refuel Air Canada, WestJet and all international airlines at midnight tonight – Friday – while contract negotiations continue.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says the impending lockout threat is unnecessarily putting the confidence of air travellers using YVR at risk.

“Fuel workers are willing to continue their important work refuelling Air Canada, WestJet and all international air carriers using Vancouver International Airport but Servisair is refusing to drop its threat to lock them out as of midnight tonight,” said Kay Sinclair, PSAC BC Regional Executive Vice President.

(more…)

OTTAWA — The Conservative government’s 2010 budget will compromise public services and people’s livelihoods, to the detriment of all Canadians. That’s the message that John Gordon, President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, delivered to the House of Commons Government Operations and Estimates Committee this afternoon.

Speaking on behalf of PSAC’s 170,000 members, the majority of whom work in the federal public sector, Gordon didn’t mince words. He criticized the Harper government for punishing workers and the public for a crisis that is not of their making. PSAC maintains that the 2010 federal budget will do little to help Canada recover from the recession, and will likely make things worse.

Read more at the national website.

What rights do unionized and non-unionized employees of GlobeGround/Servisair at YVR have when asked to perform work that is normally performed by fellow employees who are on strike or who have been locked-out?

The Canada Labour Code gives employees of GlobeGround/Servisair (not including managers), the right to refuse assignment to the duties and responsibilities of a fellow employee who is participating in a strike or subject to a lockout.

The Canada Labour Code states:

Section 94 – Unfair Practices – Prohibitions relating to employers

(3) No employer or person acting on behalf of an employer shall

(c) suspend, discharge or impose any financial or other penalty on an employee, or take any other disciplinary action against an employee, by reason of their refusal to perform all or some of the duties and responsibilities of another employee who is participating in a strike or subject to a lockout that is not prohibited by this Part;
The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), the body that administers the Canada Labour Code, has consistently upheld and supported decisions of protected workers who have exercised this right.

In the event that a strike or lockout does occur, GlobeGround/Servisair’s supervisors can respectfully refuse to perform struck work and are protected by law if they do so. PSAC will support and stand behind these workers if they face reprisal for exercising their legal right to refuse struck work.

What to say if you are asked to perform struck work

Under section 94-3 of the Canada Labour Code, and with respect, I refuse the work that you are asking me to perform. This work is not within my duties, and is considered struck.

Solidarity is important right now.

We’re going to continue working with the Supervisory group to send a clear message to the employer that we are one, strong, solid group of members – members who all deserve a fair wage and a fair contract.

Download the poster.

Union for Vancouver International Airport aircraft fuel workers calls 72-hour lockout notice served by multinational company Servisair effective Friday at midnight “unfortunate, unnecessary and disrespectful to travelling public” – vows to keep negotiating and avoid disruption to Air Canada, WestJet, other airlines

Vancouver – The union representing fuel workers at Vancouver International Airport says a 72-hour lockout notice served by Servisair, a multinational corporation that provides jet fuel to Air Canada, WestJet and other airlines, is unfortunate, unnecessary and disrespectful to the travelling public.

“Servisair is being deliberately and unneccessarily provocative in a sensitive set of labour negotiations by serving lockout notice that could take effect at midnight on Friday,” said Kay Sinclair, Public Service Alliance of Canada BC Regional Executive Vice President.

(more…)

Union Activity in the Workplace:  Know Your Rights

As a PSAC member you have the right to promote and build your union in the workplace. You also have the right to be kept informed on the employer’s premises during non-work time, before or after your shift and during paid or unpaid breaks and lunch periods. This is the law.

You have the right to:

Read union literature. You can also sign petitions and share information about the union’s campaigns during non-working time. Talk to co-workers about the union at work as you would any other subject – help keep everyone informed about PSAC activities.

Hand out leaflets before and after work. You can distribute materials outside or inside the workplace to connect with members. Even if the entrance is in a commercial area, you have a legal right to engage in this activity. The employer is prohibited from interfering with these lawful union activities.

Desk drops. Participate in “desk drops” at members’ work stations. You are absolutely allowed to distribute publications that reflect the union’s perspective on workplace issues, as long as the information is accurate and non-defamatory. This is a great way to invite members to information sessions, provide updates on union business and recruit new volunteers.

(more…)

The PSAC is seeking leave to appeal the recent Federal Court decision dismissing the 2005 Tribunal decision. The PSAC will be filing the necessary documents with the Supreme Court in late April.

Visit the national website for more information and background on the Canada Post pay equity case.

When Someone Dies at Work, Whole Families are Harmed

The B.C. Federation of Labour, the New Westminster and District Labour Council and the Vancouver District Labour Council invite you to pay tribute to workers who have been injured or killed on the job or died of an occupational disease.

• April 28, 2010, 7:30 am – 8:30 am, Vancouver Art Gallery

Bring your own union banners and invite co-workers, friends and family members to attend with you.

Visit bcfed.ca to download the B.C. Federation of Labour’s Day of Mourning poster and for more information.

Here is a list of other April 28th events taking place throughout BC:

• Abbotsford, City Works Yard – 11AM – Fraser Valley Labour Council
• Victoria, Belmont High School – time TBA – Victoria Labour Council
• Gibsons, McDougall Park – 11AM – Sunshine Coast & District Labour Council
• Delta/Ladner, Rotary Park – 10:45AM – CUPE Local 454
• Revelstoke, Worker’s Memorial Arch – 12 noon – Shuswap Columbia & District Labour Council
• Nanaimo, Harbour Front Square – 1PM – Nanaimo, Duncan & District Labour Council
• Duncan, Brae Road – 9AM – Nanaimo, Duncan & District Labour Council

Finally the program is open. For those who are new in applying for a PSAC scholarship – greetings! And for those who have applied before – welcome back!

We have made significant changes to the program this year:

• there is a new deadline – June 30, 2010
• there are more awards for PSAC members who are returning to school
• and there is new way of applying – directly on-line

This year’s scholarship question is a little different – contact your nearest RO for some assistance getting in touch with a PSAC steward, look for one in your workplace, or consider becoming one yourself.

Union stewards are the front-line heroes of the labour movement. In addition to their regular jobs, they also volunteer to represent their union in the workplace. They help members file grievances, they sit on union-management committees, and they share information about PSAC’s campaigns and actions in the workplace.

PSAC will be spending the next year highlighting the amazing – and often unrecognized – work that union stewards do every day.

Applicants to the PSAC Scholarship Program are asked to

• Find a PSAC union steward (call the regional office nearest to you for some suggestions).
• Interview a steward about the work they do.
• Write a profile of no more than 750 words, highlighting the steward’s achievements and the import role they play in the workplace and within PSAC

For more information, and to apply online, visit the national website.