Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

The Union and the employer met for three and half days, from March 2 to March 5, 2010 and continued negotiations with the assistance of a conciliation officer.  While there were numerous and at times lenghthy delays in responses from the employer, the union continued to work on our proposals and our responses to the employers’ proposals in the spirit of reaching an agreement.

The only items agreed to were the following items:

• Letter of Understanding re: Employment Equity
• Harassment
• Leave with or without pay for other reasons

The Union tabled most of the remaining discussion items including proposals on Insurance Plans and Group RRSPs.

The employer responded “NO” and is refusing to provide counter-proposals regarding the following items:

• Family Related Leave
• Pension Plan
• Technological Change
• Professional Membership Fees (Drivers’ Licence)
• Contracting Out
• Social Justice Fund
• Flight Benefits
• Transit Passes

Monetary items, including Classification, Premiums, and Wages are expected to be dealt with at the next session.

Our next meeting dates with the employer are March 16 and 17 and the week of April 12 to 16.  At this time there has been no agreement between the parties to extend the 60 day time limit for the conciliation process.  This period expires on April 13 at which time the employer can lock us out (provided they have served the Union with 72 hours notice).

Over the next few weeks as we continue to negotiate, the bargaining team will continue to have membership meetings in order to update you on our progress. This is an opportunity for you to continue to give direction and support to your team. Meeting notices will be posted on your bulletin board and also on the union’s website at www.local20221.com.  Our next information meeting has been scheduled for March 31, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Room TBA. All members are strongly encouraged to attend.

We are also in the process of scheduling a strike vote. More information will be communicated to you as information becomes available.

• Monday March 8, 2010, 3:00 to 7:00 pm
• Refreshments will be served

• VENUE Ramada Plaza, 36035 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford, BC, Pinnacle 3 & 4 room
• Agenda:  Open Consultation – Meet with PSAC Negotiator Gail Lem

Please RSVP Janelle Ho-Shing at HoshinJ@psac.com by Monday March 8 at noon.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada and Servisair Inc. formerly GlobeGround Fuel Services will resume negotiations with the assistance of a conciliation officer from Tuesday March 2 to Friday March 5, 2010.

The parties were able to exchange proposals in December and met again in January and were able to reach agreement on a number of issues. The employer applied for conciliation in January despite the number of outstanding issues. Full copy of bargaining proposals can be found at www.local20221.com

The bargaining unit has approximately seventy-three members who provide fueling and fueling related services at the Vancouver International Airport.

For further information, please contact VP Labour Relations – Jason Salchert at 604.999.4961

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.

DATE: February 9, 2010 (Tues)
TIME: 5:30 P.M.
LOCATION: PSAC Boardroom
210-1497 Admirals Rd
Victoria, BC

AGENDA: To be announced.

Please forward any agenda items to the Chair, Virginia Vaillancourt at: uvaevictoria@shaw.ca

Please R.S.V.P as various snack food will be provided – email Rosemary at mackenr@psac.com
Note: the building door is locked by 5:30, so please if you can, arrive a few minutes earlier. Thanks.

Collective bargaining between ARINC International of Canada and the Public Service Alliance of Canada resumed January 19 to 21, 2010.

The parties agreed and signed off on two (2) additional items (Arbitration and Call-back) bringing up to ten (10) the number of signed off items after four (4) negotiation sessions. There are over twenty (20) issues currently being dealt with where the parties have been holding discussions and exchanging proposals. The Union has approximately ten (10) issues left to present including Hours of Work, Vacation Leave, Insurance Plans, Pension, Duration and Wages.

The next session is tentatively booked for mid-March.

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.

The second negotiation session between Servisair and the Public Service Alliance of Canada was held on January 7 and 8, 2010.

After only two (2) full days and two (2) half days of negotiations, the employer announced they had been working earlier today on an application for conciliation. The employer stated they needed the help of a third party and wanted a push to get it done.

Your bargaining team was surprised by the employer’s decision. We had placed all our energies towards reaching an agreement but now understand why the employer was distracted from negotiations earlier today.

We had made daily progress until now. Many issues had been resolved in the few days the parties have met and progress was made on many other issues yesterday and today. Agreement in principle was reached on the following issues / clauses:

• Employee Representatives
• Suspension and Discipline
• Staffing Procedure / Job Posting
• Grievance Procedure

We now look forward to reaching a new collective agreement before the conclusion of the Vancouver Winter Olympics and Paralympics with the assistance of a third party.

This new PSAC unit of seventy-three (73) members provides fueling and fueling related services at the Vancouver International Airport. Their collective agreement expired October 31, 2009.

Greetings everyone,

This is a reminder that the PSAC Vancouver & Victoria Regional Offices will be closed between December 28th and January 1st.

For issues of an urgent nature that cannot wait until the office re-opens on January 4th, please phone 604-430-5631, or, 1-800-663-1655 and leave a voice mail at my extension, 227.  I will be checking messages regularly throughout the holidays and will return calls.

Have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.

In Solidarity,

Joanna Schultz, Regional Coordinator PSAC BC
(604) 430-5631 / 1-800-663-1655 x 227

Greetings,

It is with great pleasure that I advise you that Patricia Mullin was the successful candidate in the recent Vancouver Regional Office Admin Assistant competition.

Patricia brings with her many years of experience in providing administrative support within the PSAC Vancouver Regional Office as a Secretary, and before that with CEIU.

Patricia is embracing her new challenge and will no doubt continue to make a positive contribution to the PSAC in her new role.

Congratulations Patricia!

Joanna Schultz, Regional Coordinator, PSAC BC

The deadline for submission and registration for the 2010 PSAC National Pride Conference that will be held March 26 to 28, 2010 at the Toronto Hilton Hotel, Toronto, Ontario has been extended to January 20th, 2010.

The objectives of the 2010 PSAC National Pride Conference are to:

• Educate, politicize and mobilize PSAC GLBT members by making the links between union, workplace and community struggles to win, to protect and to promote GLBT rights;
• Enhance, support and promote inclusive GLBT self-organizing strategies in our Union and our workplaces;
• Strengthen solidarity amongst PSAC members, and to develop a strong collaboration between the PSAC, GLBT organizations and other human rights organizations.

PSAC members in good standing and who also identify as being from the GLBT communities may apply to this conference. Priority will be given to members who are active on GLBT issues in their union or workplace. Priority will also be given to community activist on GLBT issues. The selection of delegates will take into account representation such as Region, Component, language, gender and other equity groups.

For more information visit the national website.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, January 20, 2010 4:00 p.m. EST
RESOLUTIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE : Friday, January 20, 2010 4:00 p.m. EST

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

Attending: Megan Adam, Jamey Mills, Sharon Tieman, Bill Pleming, Jack Seto, Monica Urrutia

Continue reading or download a PDF copy of the Vancouver Area Council Meeting minutes, Sept. 22, 2009

1) AGM Planning

• October 27^th confirmed date. Location, Vancouver RO
• Discussion about putting off proposed educational/speakers until the next meeting in January in order to focus on AGM business.
• AGM agenda will include:
  • Report of Exec
  • Treasurer/Budget
  • Reports of member locals
  • Kay Sinclair and Stephen Dunsmore (to be invited) to speak on local political action and the lightstation issue
  • Will play “spot the public service” game during dinner to show how it works (still have some coffee left for prizes).
  • Elections
  • Other issues as raised/roundtable
• Food will be Indian from Saffron.
• Megan to contact Stephen Dunsmore, Monica to contact Kay Sinclair.

2) January Meeting

• Discussion was had about doing a January educational around Bill C-10, pay equity and the government’s attempt to silence unions. PSAC charter case etc.
• Suggestion to invite David Eby (on charter right to association, speech), Peter Jullian (on pay equity petition and case) and have PSAC rep speak to the charter case.
• Suggestion to hold event at a downtown venue, 5 pm after work, and promote to members and the public.
• Megan to contact Jacquie De Aguayo regarding this proposal to see if the timing would be appropriate. Will also talk to legal representative this week.
• Will ask Sam to speak with Jullian’s office about schedule in January to determine possible dates.

3) Roundtable

4) Adoption of minutes from last meeting.

South Vancouver Island RWC Annual General Meeting

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 5:30 pm

PSAC Victoria RO – Admirals Walk

In Attendance:

Kay Sinclair BC, REVP (chair), Alexandra Ripco UEW 20076, Virginia Vaillancourt UVAE 20030, Brenda Esplen UTE 20028, Cindy Little UTE 20028, Mandi Schubert (via phone) CEIU 20975, Dyan Day UNDE 21013, Leanne Hughes CIU 20042, Jeannette Lum UEW 20169, Colette Savarie – Regional Rep, Rosemary MacKenzie – Admin Assistant

Regrets: Maddalena Maher

Continue reading the minutes or download here the PDF of the South Vancouver Island Regional Women’s Committee AGM.

Call to Order: Kay called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.

Minutes of Previous meeting:

Minutes from the previous meeting (August 25, 2009) were accepted

Update from the BC Women’s Retreat:

There was an update from Virginia from the Women’s Retreat (see attached). Brenda, Cheryl and Colette provided some of the highlights for them from the Women’s Retreat.

As well there was comments regarding the Rally in Vancouver for the Coast Hotel employees. One member mentioned she enjoyed meeting women from all of the regions. Colette had only received positive comments. There is another Rally that is being held in Nanaimo at the Coast Bastion Inn on Friday October 16, 2009. All members welcome to come out and show their support.

Elections

Kay mentioned the various roles in a Regional Women’s Committee.   They consist of a chair, a co-chair, a treasurer and a secretary and then the members at large.

Virginia Vaillancourt volunteered to run as Chair of the Committee.    She was elected through acclamation.

Mandi Schubert volunteered to run as Co-Chair of the Committee.    She was elected through acclamation.

Brenda Esplen volunteered to run as Treasurer.    She was elected through acclamation.

Dyan Day volunteered to run as Secretary.    She was elected through acclamation.

Women’s Forum:

The PSAC National Women’s Program is holding consultations across the country on two important priorities of the PSAC – pay equity and child care. The Vancouver consultation will take place on Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Patty Ducharme, the National Executive Vice-President, and AndréeCôté, the Women’s Program Officer, will attend the forums designed for women activists in our Union.

An all day forum on pay equity will take place on November 5th followed by a reception with representatives from women’s groups and women activists from other unions. The pay equity forum will provide information sharing, capacity training, and a consultation on local and provincial strategies for our federal pay equity campaign. The half day session on child care on the morning of November 6th will include a discussion of child care issues from national and regional perspectives. The session will also include listening to members’ child care needs and experiences and their suggestions for a PSAC child care campaign.

The forum can accommodate about 25 participants which has been designed for the following women members/activists:

- the B.C. Regional Council Women’s Coordinator and Alternate;

- Regional Women’s Committee activists (one or two from each Committee); and

- other interested PSAC activists interested and involved in women’s issues.

PSAC members/activists who are young mothers are particularly encouraged to attend.

If you are interested in participating in the forum, please send your expression of interest to the PSAC B.C. REVP office by e-mail to Kay Sinclair at sinclak@psac.comor by fax at (604) 430-0194 by 5PM, Thursday, October 15, 2009, and please indicate the following:

- any involvement in a Regional Women’s Committee

- any involvement in women’s groups and/or issues in your community

- any involvement or support for women’s issues in your Local or Component etc.

- interest in further developing your feminist analysis

- commitment to working on a pay equity and/or child care campaign.

Again the deadline for expression of interest is noon, Thursday, October 15th.

December 6 Events:

The newly elected Chair, Virginia Vaillancourt, took over chairing the meeting at this point.   She asked for suggestions regarding the 20^th Anniversary of December 6^th.

- join Clipper Staff – hold a candlelight vigil on Parliament Legislature
- Dawn Black MLA in Vancouver – discussion on women’s issues
- talk to Victim Services about doing a presentation on their services and how they help women in the community
- Women’s Organizations; Transition houses – see what assistance they need ie., blankets, socks, collect toiletries for them; have them come and discuss how they help women who are in need
- Women’s Sexual Assault Centre
- Seniors/older women – issues in coping at home; in LTC facilities, etc
- CLC put together about 20 postcards re Dec 6th; these will be sent to the Women’s Committees and then Women sign them and send them to their MP’s, MLAs

Virginia has sent an email to Nick Humphreys who is a member of the Union of Environment Workers (UEW) Local 20169 and works for Natural Resources Canada at the Pacific Forestry Centre in Victoria.  Nick is the UEW Regional Vice President for BC/Yukon and the chair of the BC Regional Political Action Committee.  Nick is also an executive member of the Victoria Labour Council. I have asked if he is able to check out for our committee what events the Victoria Labour Council are planning this year to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the 1989 Montreal Massacre.

Virginia has also sent an email to Sarah the contact at the Victoria Clipper to see if I can meet with her to discuss events and combining our efforts.

Next Meeting: Next meeting is scheduled for November 3rd at 5:30 pm

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:23 pm.

PSAC VICTORIA AREA COUNCIL

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MINUTES – September 15, 2009

PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Members Present:

Virginia Vaillancourt – UVAE 20030, Cindy Little – UTE 20028, Ian Wiggs – UNDE 21008, John Vogt – UNDE 21003, Ken Waldron – UNDE 21013, Paul Jones – UNDE 21008, Jim Sidel – DL 05120500, G. Goodmanson– UEW 20169, Peter Neelands – NRU 20088, Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169, Scott Parker – UTE 20028, April Evans – UVAE 20030, Betty Gunville – CIU 20042, Robert Nyst – UNDE 21008, Jim Sidel – DCL 05120500, Pete Wills – UEW 20076, Wayne Little – UTE 20028

PSAC Victoria RO Staff Present:

James Little – PSAC Rep

Guests:

Regrets: Dave Jackson – PSAC Regional Rep, Noelle Arnold – AGR 20064, Bernadette Israel – GSU 20001, Anita Hoffman – CEIU 20975

Read the rest of the minutes here or download a PDF of Victoria Area Council AGM minutes.

Sister Cindy Little                                                        Virginia Vaillancourt

President                                                                         Recording Secretary

Happy Saturday sisters and brothers,

Just a quick update. Our meeting with Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance and the sisters from the Philippine Women Centre was very successful. We heard about the great work being done by these organizations and shared about the work we are doing on the minimum wage, Wal Mart and other fronts. There was a keen interest from both sides in working more closely together and having future meetings. A contact list was collected and a group picture taken which I will send around when I get it. All in all it was very positive.

Find out more about these organizations here:

We were also payed a visit by an organizer from the On to Ottawa Trek historical society who told us about that very important event in the history of the Canadian working class. The VDLC is among others working to commemorate this event on its 75th anniversary next year.

Visit the On to Ottawa Society website here: http://www.ontoottawa.ca/

Finally, today a group of us went to Oakridge to campaign for the $10 NOW campaign. It was a lot of fun and you can’t walk a foot at Oakridge right now without seeing a sticker or poster calling for an increase to the minimum wage. I think we were definitely noticed by workers and shoppers alike – not to mention management.

I’m sure there will be lots coming up throughout October but for the moment the next event in the works is an important action for the minimum wage campaign taking place on November 1st. Details are on the way – but mark your calendar!

In solidarity,
Stephen

VANCOUVER ISLAND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE MEETING, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

In attendance:

GUESTS:  Doug Connell, Infocus Rehabilitation Services, Lynn McCay, Literacy Victoria

ASL & SIGNED ENGLISH INTERPRETERS:  MARY BUTTERFIELD & MARY WARNER

COMMITTEE:  MICHAEL DOERFLER, PAUL JONES, VIRGINIA VAILLANCOURT, CINDY LITTLE, WENDY BRUCE (FORMERLY DOBBIE – SHE HAS LEGALLY CHANGED BACK TO HER MAIDEN NAME), MARK MCCAVOUR, M. M., MANDI SCHUBERT and I believe that was all committee members there.

REGRETS:  ANITA HOFFMAN & DAVE JACKSON

STAFF:  JAMES LITTLE

Meeting Convened 5:35 PM

1. Guest Speaker:

Lynn McCay from Literacy Victoria and Douglas Connell from Infocus Rehabilitation Services presented to the committee a presentation on the services that Victoria Literacy Provides and the funding cuts that are affecting their operations.

Literacy Victoria is a free service that is provided to Adults.

Lynn provided the following alarming statistics:

• 48 percent of adults in Canada are below a basic reading level.
• 40% ( 1 million) of adults in BC do not have a proper level of literacy.

Literacy Victoria provides free services such as Tutor-Learner Partnerships. Tutors and learners are matched according to each others set of skills, personalities, etc. Lynn discussed that many people with literary deficiencies cannot even read the sign for Literacy Victoria and therefore that basic kill in being able to identify that resource for help is a barrier to those who need assistance.

Lynn went on to discuss the Outreach Program where a movie night is held. This provides a safe non-judgmental environment for people to come and network and socialize together.

Lynn went on to discuss a Pilot Group who hopefully will help in the medical field. The Program is called Health Literacy. The pilot group consists of a physician, medical assistant, a learner, a tutor and the program coordinator. The goal is to hopefully identify literacy issues, even when a patient is hiding their deficiencies.

Lynn went on to discuss that Free Camosun College Programs are offered at Literacy Victoria. These programs are prepatory programs that help the learner work towards qualifying for College Level Programs.

Lynn discussed another program called the Essential Skills and Workforce Literacy Pilot Project, It is a program where it is a literacy based employment program where learners are provided with skills and support for entry level positions with local employers involved in the project.If successful, this program could go Canada Wide due to the fact that the program is funded federally.

Lynn discussed that though these programs are well funded, substantial cuts under a separate budget that relies on provincial funding has been impacted for Core Operational costs. For the first time in 20 years of service, Literacy Victoria has had to start a waitlist for potential learners.Literacy Victoria needs more tutors to help meet the demand for tutor services.Staff have been cut to 4 days a week. and are staggering their days off, so that the doors can remain open as much as possible.

Lynn and Doug then fielded questions from the committee. Some committee members were able to contribute their own experiences with this subject.

Speaker Ended 6:35 PM

Break

Meeting reconvened  6:45 PM

2. Previous Minutes: Request for Correction to Date of Previous Meeting  Moved: Michael Seconded: Paul Carried : All

3. Terms of Reference

The committee discussed the Terms of Reference. Clarification is needed to the role of Equity Seeking Council Members on the PSACBC Regional Council. Mandi commented that we have also 2 Regional Coordinators for South Island and they represent all PSAC Members not specific to any equity seeking group.

The Committee agreed that the Terms of Reference Committee will meet with Dave to discuss TOR concerns and include Garry Fraser, Staff Resource Person to find out what the Mainland Committee is doing around this subject.

Mandi inquired about the delegate status to Convention. Cindy and James confirmed that it is PSAC Regional Convention that we have delegate status to.

4. Banner

The committee agreed that a new banner would be a good investment to promote the VIHRC. The committee agreed that the winning logo would be on the banner. The committee discussed possibilities in the type of banner that was needed. The committee agreed that Michael and Mark will work on costing.

5. Logo Contest

The committee agreed that we will move forward and announce the Logo Contest. We agreed that we will follow the same guidelines as the Area Council and Health and Safety Committee. It was agreed that Paul will email Patrick to promote this logo contest and that Rosemary will also be approached to share our logo contest with Island Members.

6. Pride Parade:

Paul thanked everyone for their participation in the parade and discussed that next year he would like to emphasize Victoria at Pride.

7. Banking

The committee agreed that an account with Community Savings was a good idea and we would approach Virginia to invite a bank representative to do the paperwork. We were very excited about our 500.00 seed money.It was agreed that we would like Rosemary to be a signer on the account. Mandi stated that there should be at least 3 signers to cover off holidays, etc

8. Medical and Dental Leave

Mandi briefly discussed that the new TBS policy was impacting members all over. She discussed that we are awaiting on a legal opinion from the PSAC.

In the meantime, Mandi discussed that Duty to Accommodate grievances can and should be filed as grievances pave the way to changing the Collective Agreement.Even if the grievances are deemed invalid, it is still a headache for management and they will be at least forced to look at each situation on its own merits.

Mandi also provided to the committee (with thanks to the RO for their support) Duty to Accommodate information as well as a educational document produced by the PSAC. This document can be used in grievances as well.

9. Furniture-Duty to Accommodate

James provided documentation as a local tool that can be used to show that Ergonomic Furniture and Equipment can be transferred to your new federal workplace regardless of which department purchased it.

Next Meeting: October 29, 2009, 5:00 PM

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Date: October 14, 2009

Time:    5:30 P.M.

Location: PSAC Boardroom, 210-1497 Admirals Rd., Victoria, BC

The agenda will include:

• Elections – Chair (s), Treasurer, Secretary
• Report from the Women’s Retreat

Please R.S.V.P as food will be provided. Email Rosemary at: mackenr@psac.com

For Immediate Release: September 10, 2009

Toronto – In a significant victory for University of Toronto students, all criminal charges have been stayed against campus advocates Chris Ramsaroop and Oriel Varga in relation to a peaceful sit-in on March 2008. Thursday’s decision, by Ontario Court of Justice Judge Paul Reinhardt, is the outcome of a Charter of Rights and Freedoms challenge based on the right to be tried within a reasonable time (section 11 b).

Varga and Ramsaroop, known as the Fight Fees 2 were the remaining of the 14 students and their allies criminally charged after a peaceful sit-in against fee increases on March 20, 2008. Broad based community support by unions,students and over a hundred professors had decried the U of T’s blatant attempt to criminalize dissent on campus.

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Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: PSAC Vancouver Regional Office – 300-5238 Joyce St., Vancouver, B.C.

*Note: Meeting will be held on 3rd floor.

Agenda items so far include:

• Planning for the VAC Annual General Meeting (scheduled for October 27, 2009)
• Vancouver Area Council local/branch affiliation campaign

Please forward any other proposed agenda items and confirm your attendance to Monica as a light dinner will be served at ph: 604-430-5631.