Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

PSAC has joined with unions from across Canada, to show solidarity with the people of Pakistan who are struggling to gain access to disaster relief after weeks of devastating floods. The union announced a $30,000 donation to Oxfam Canada this week, contributing to more than $200,000 pledged by the Canadian labour movement to various relief efforts.

“Food crops and seeds have been decimated and nearly a million homes washed away. An estimated 8 million people have been affected by the floods and are in urgent need of emergency aid,” said John Gordon, PSAC National President. “Unless humanitarian aid reaches the affected communities soon, more people will succumb to water borne diseases and potential starvation.”

PSAC’s donation is being channelled through the union’s Social Justice Fund, which was established in 2003 to support initiatives to help eliminate poverty and injustice in Canada and around the world. Operating from a position of solidarity not charity, the fund advocates for political change and works with union partners around the world to help defend and re-build public services.

“Poor people are facing the worst of the impact from extreme climate change around the globe,” said Gordon. “Our union is committed to supporting people affected by natural disasters, while also advocating for the Canadian government to unfreeze its aid budget and take substantive steps to lower Canada’s green house gas emissions.”

PSAC urges its members to give generously to help the people of Pakistan during this critical time by donating to Oxfam or the charity of their choice.

This year’s statement is a call to action around ILO Convention 138 and we need your help! If you are interested in getting involved in the new young worker driven minimum age campaign, please send me an email with your details (including location) and I will put you in touch with your provincial or territorial team!!

Download PDF – CLC Statement – English;www.canadianlabour.ca

Download PDF – CLC Statement – French; www.congresdutravail.ca

Racialized Communities Ask Provincial Premiers to Help Stop the Attack on Federal Employment Equity Program

As Premiers and Territorial Leaders gather in Manitoba, the Colour of Poverty Campaign (COPC) today releases an Open Letter to Stephen Harper, asking the Prime Minister to call off the attack on the Federal Employment Equity Program by members of his cabinet. The Open Letter has been endorsed by over 100 community groups, labour organizations, businesses and individuals across Canada who believe all Canadians should enjoy equal opportunity to employment without discrimination.

The Open Letter is a response to comments by Ministers Stockwell Day and Jason Kenney who have both suggested that the Federal Employment Equity program bars qualified Canadians from job opportunities in the federal public service and that unqualified candidates may have gotten hired because of their race.

(more…)

PSAC BC has been out and about this summer promoting our Think Public, Workplace Watch and other campaigns.  Here are some photos from the Surrey Pride Festival at Holland Park last July 11th.

Thursday July 22, 2010     NEWS RELEASE    For Immediate Release

Servisair now admits major flight delays at Vancouver International Airport due to lockout of refueling supervisors – files legal application detailing extensive delays & complaints from Air Canada, WestJet, international airlines – after Servisair and YVR administration denied delays previously

Vancouver – Servisair now admits in a legal document filed this afternoon that there have been major flight delays at Vancouver International Airport since it locked out refueling supervisors on Monday – delays it and YVR management denied publicly until now, says the supervisors’ union.

A Servisair application to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board states that WestJet complained of “quite significant” delays and that “Air Canada advised Servisair that it could not afford a repeat” of delays experienced Monday July 19 when replacement workers took over from existing trained supervisors, says Stephen Dunsmore, Regional Vice-President Pacific of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees – a component union of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

The Servisair application says Air Canada complained of “cost attributable to fuelling delays” and that United, KLM, Continental, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, US Airways and Air North all reported fuelling delay, Dunsmore said.

A WestJet official quoted in the documents says the delays were significant and impacted well over 140 other flights in the WestJet system.

Says Dunsmore: “This CIRB application is a legal document that demonstrates irrefutably that both Servisair and Vancouver International Airport management deliberately misled the public and the media about what Servisair admits have been quite significant delays due to their lockout of experienced refueling supervisors.”

“The solution is obvious – negotiate a fair first collective agreement immediately, as the union has been trying to do from the start – and end this lockout now,” Dunsmore said.  “We were at the bargaining table Sunday night when Servisair walked away without even hearing our counterproposal and instead locked out our members.”

Dunsmore said the Servisair application is a clumsy attempt to blame refueling workers who are continuing to work under their own existing collective agreement for problems when the obvious reality is that inexperienced replacement supervisors don’t know how to manage Vancouver International Airport’s complex refueling procedures.

“There have been many documented mistakes – some of which are health and safety concerns – that these replacement supervisors are making,” Dunsmore said.  “We are now documenting safety concerns and will be making the appropriate complaints shortly to bring this to the attention of authorities.”

Dunsmore said the union is confident that the CIRB will reject the Servisair allegations, noting that the union advised refueling workers prior to the dispute that they must obey their collective agreement even if supervisors were locked out.

Employer Servisair is a Paris-based company that provides fuel to Air Canada, WestJet and other airlines at Vancouver International Airport as well as at more than 128 locations worldwide.

-30-

For further information contact: Stephen Dunsmore UCTE at cell 778-998-1491 or Bill Tieleman, West Star Communications at cell 778-896-0964 or 604-844-7827.

Information Session: July 24, 2010

7:00 p.m.
#200-5118 Joyce St.
Vancouver, B.C.

Please check out this event. It is an info session on the 17th World Festival of Youth & Students which will be held in South Africa this December! The Festival is the largest international youth gathering and the largest expression of youth resistance in the world. At the last Festival, over 16,000 youth and students from around the world attended. You’re invited! Come find out more.

Also check out the Festival website at http://www.wfdy.org/17wfys/

For more information, contact the WFYS Vancouver Committee at 17wfysvancouver@gmail.com or check us out on Facebook.

Download a PDF version of the poster: WFYS poster

Tonight, at approximately at 22:25 hours our Union received notice that the Employer intends to lockout members at GlobeGround/Servisair effective 00:01 Monday July 19, 2010.

In spite of this set back, our Union remains committed to reaching a negotiated first agreement and we have asked the Federal Mediator to convene another bargaining session at 17:00 hours on Friday July 16.

A bargaining update meeting will be held at #113-5200 Miller Road this Saturday July 17, at 12:00 noon. This is a very important meeting and all members are strongly encouraged to attend.

The Union met with the Company in mediation on Monday July 12.  The employer provided only a few responses to some of the Union’s proposals, but was unable to agree or respond to most of our package.  The employer chose to spend all of Tuesday July 13, working on further responses to the Union.

As the deadline for a possible Strike/Lockout approaches, we recognize that members are concerned about what this will mean. Please be assured that the Union’s bargaining committee remain committed to reaching an agreement before the time expires 12:01 July 17, 2010.

In the event of a Strike/Lockout either party is legally required to give the 72 hours notice of their intentions to do so. At that time, the Union will notify you of our Strike/Lockout headquarters office where you can report for a membership meeting and schedule for picket duty.

If there is a Strike/Lockout, for those members who work in the Fuelers bargaining unit no strike action will be authorized. You will have to continue to work under the terms of your collective agreement and the Canada Labour Code. This means you will have to report to work and perform your usual duties. However, section 94 of the Canada Labour Code and the collective agreement both provide that you have the right to refuse to perform struck work.  If a member is concerned for their safety in crossing a picket line, the employer has to provide an escort to ensure your safety.

At this time solidarity is very important for all PSAC members who work for GlobeGround Fuel Services/Servisair. We need to work collectively to send a clear message to the employer that we are a strong group of union members.

For more information contact Janelle Ho-Shing at 604.430.5631.

Regular updates will be posted at www.psacbc.com or www.local20221.com

Click here to download a PDF poster: The-Right-to-Refuse-struck-work-final2

In attendance: Brenda Esplen, Jeannette Lum, Sharon Hazelwood, Gwen Williams, Leanne Hughes, Cindy Little, Virginia Vaillancourt (Chair), Rosemary MacKenzie (PSAC Staff) Regrets:   Dyan Day, Mandi Schubert.

Meeting called to order at 5:40 pm

Review of April 13, 2010 minutes and approval

M/S/C
Jeannette Lum / Cindy Little /  Carried

Continue reading below, or download a copy of Victoria RWC May 27 minutes (pdf)

Budget

New signers are now on the account and we’re figuring what’s in our account.   Brenda will explain what we have in each account.   We will discuss budget for the upcoming year.   One requirement for the Victoria RWC is to submit a budget to the REVP each year.
After a cursory glance here is our balance as of March 31, 2010 :

• $1175.54 in our Business Chequing
• $129.47 in our Equity Shares Account
• $700.98 Plan 24 Savings Account

Our next meeting is June 21st, so here is some suggestions re:  funding line items to think about.

• Assistance to conferences
• Meeting (foods / movie rentals etc)
• December 6th event / March 8th
• Contingency Fund / Miscellaneous
• Donations

If you think of anything more before June 21st, just let me know (Virginia).

Funding for Women who’ve been selected to the BC Regional Women’s Conference

Re:   $75 registration fee.   Is any assistance needed by anyone?

As well, each RWC has been asked to bring a “basket” for the silent auction.   Suggestions?  How much do we wish to make up the basket for?  Tangible items……………

• Murchies # 10 blend tea / Empress Tea
• A candle from the Day of Mourning Event
• Roger’s Chocolats , Smoked Salmon
• Bottle of wine from a local winery, Maybe something from Butchart Gardens, Books from a local author
• Postcards from Victoria

As well, we’ve been asked to assist in funding a beverage for the participants from the RW Conference.  Up to $200.  There will be 63 participants registered, plus the staff etc. Everyone was in agreement.

Air Travel to RW Conference.

We’ve be able to purchase two Harbour Air tickets from a local who had two extra flight tickets, willing to sell them to us for a reduced costs.

Gwen Williams and Sharon Hazelwood will be utilizing these tickets, as they are travelling as a team.

Delegate for the PSAC National Women’s Conference

It was asked if anyone was interested in going to the National Women’s conference as a delegate.   Only Virginia was interested.  Brenda said she would try and apply to go via her local.

Virginia will be the delegate
Brenda will be the alternate.

Meeting adjourned at:   6:40 pm

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING

DATE: June 21, 2010 (Monday)
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 if you can, please arrive a few minutes earlier. Thanks.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010
PSAC Vancouver Regional Office
200-2538 Joyce St. Vancouver, B.C.
(Buzz 200 to enter)

Agenda items:
Plan for the rest of 2010
Report from Access Conference

Food will be provided.  Please RSVP to Regina Brennan at: brennar@psac.com

Download a PDF poster for the event here: Van HRC poster_jun23

PSAC REGIONAL OFFICE 210-1497 ADMIRALS ROAD

Proposed Agenda

1. Treasurer’s report
2. Pride Parade – July 4 – Paul Jones
3. Update from National Access Conference
4. Regional Women’s Conference
5. By-Law’s Committee update
6. Labour Day Picnic

PLEASE RSVP TO: Rosemary at the Regional Office  no later than noon on June 7, 2010 at ph: 250-953-1050 or e0mail: mackenr@psac.com

Snacks will be served.

Please try to arrive prior to the start of the meeting as the doors to the building are locked by 5:30 p.m.

Election of Interim Executive

Tuesday, June 8th 2010
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
YWCA 535 Hornby St.
Vancouver, B.C.
(MacMillan Bloedel room)

Lunch and refreshments to be provided.

Contact Information for conference dial in:

1-866-797-9098 followed by the number 16 25 704 (followed by the pound sign)#.

Please note: While members may participate via conference call from various locations, voting stations will be located at the Hornby location, the Kamloops and Kelowna offices only.

Business:
Election of Interim Executive

As was conveyed to those members present at the AGM in March this interim executive would work with the National President to rebuild the structure of local 20031 and present our recommendations for membership approval at the 2010 AGM in November.

The main areas of focus are to be:

• To prepare a financial report for 2010 and a budget for 2011 for adoption
• To present officer reports for adoption
• To review and recommend possible and /or necessary changes to local by-laws
• To establish a communication and meeting structure that would be more responsive to the current needs of the membership.

In solidarity,

Tony Tilley
President
National Health Union

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

1730: Meeting called to Order

In Attendance: Virginia, Chair, Mandi, Co-Chair, Alexandra, Soniia, Jeanette, Dyan, Secretary, Brenda, Treasurer
Rosemary, PSAC Staff
Guest: Michelle, CAW Local 114

Agenda : Introductions
: Event plans for Dec 6th candle light vigil
: Approval of minutes
: 2010 Events
: Festive Meet n’ Greet

Michelle from CAW Local 114 provided update on items for Dec 6th Commemorative Vigil, which will be held between 1630 and 1800 at the BC Legislative grounds. Awaiting confirmation on Legislature Ground use. Invite letters drawn up by Virginia were passed around. Sarah from CAW Local 114 will contact the Transition Rep in addition to the letters. Donations for the events are discussed in addition to advertising for the event. Michelle will try to get a deal with Blackpress. 1X1 border, 2 days Monday to Friday with Victoria Daily is $131.27. Michelle will do some research into radio announcements as well. Sonia will do some research into Shaw. Mandi volunteered to send out letters to VIHA and post ads on UsedVictoria.Com and Craigslist.Com and will co-ordinate with the City of Victoria for a Calendar of Events.

A list of items needed for the Dec 6th event was then discussed. Flicker candles from RWC budget, 200 candles for $300. Order for 200 candles was approved unanimously.

Michelle offered to find out about having vehicles on the Government Lawn. Virginia will research sound system for event. Mandi, Soniia and Sarah volunteered for the information/donation table.

Next was the approval of October AGM minutes by Cindy, seconded by Jeanette. Motion passed.

Festive Meet and Greet planned for Dec 8th at the PSAC office between 1600 to 2000 an email will be sent to all PSAC memebers to come out.

2010 Events were to be postponed until the first meeting of 2010.

Cindy Little did the swearing in of Virginia, Mandi and Brenda.

Next meeting to be held Tuesday, Feb 9th 2010.

Meeting adjourned at 1849.

PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Download a PDF of: Victoria Area Council mtg minutes March 9, 2010

Members Present: Cindy Little – UTE 20028, Scott Parker – UTE 20028, Ken Waldron – UNDE 21013, Noelle Arnold – AGR 20064, Dave Ramalho – UNDE 21011, Paul Jones – UNDE 21008, G. Goodmanson – UEW 20169, Jack Gale – GSU 20001, Jim Sidel – DCL 20500, Leanne Hughes – CIU 20042, Mark Miller – UNDE 21016, Sylvaine Boudreault – AGR 20064, Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169

PSAC Victoria RO Staff Present: Dave Jackson – Regional Rep

Guests: Karla Backer – JLP, Sherry Boudreau – JLP

Regrets:, Pete Wills – UEW 20076, Ian Wiggs UNDE 21008, Derek Williams – AGR 20064
Virginia Vaillancourt – UVAE 20030

1. Call to order: Chairperson Sister Little called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm

2. Introductions: Roundtable introductions of members present

3. Proposed Agenda: Joint Learning Program (JLP), Financial Update, Review of By-Laws, Lighthouse Campaign, Federal Budget Overview, Campbell River Area Council, 2010 Pride Parade, 100th Anniversary Brick

4. Previous Minutes- Deferred to next meeting

5. JLP
- Karla provided info about the program – quick session.
- TB/PSAC agreed to develop what became JLP (Fryer report)
- Offer a number of different courses (5) UICA, UMC, EE, Respecting Differences, Anti-Harrassment. The DTA is to be rolled out later this year.
- Other aspect is the career development for members who are active and want to become facilitators.
- Encourage members to put their need to be facilitators into their learning plan.
- Exposure to various departments
- Ken Waldron – not able to convince management and they don’t want to commit the time to do it.
- DTA course would be 1 or 2 days probably.
Karla and Sherry are working as a team and will be back for the PSAC staff conference March 24th.
- Mark Miller provided some additional insight on recruitment strategies.
- Sherry – intake for new facilitators in this region probably in September, 2010.

6. Treasurer’s report. m/s/c Ken Waldron and Dave Ramalho

7. Review of By-Laws The last amendment was September 2008. Strike a committee to review. Graeme, Noelle, Cindy and Dave Jackson. Send By-Laws and Template out to committee and Dave Ramalho.

8. Lighthouse Campaign – Nick provided an overview of the campaign.
De-staffing on hold at this time.

9. Federal Budget Overview
- Nick provided some information on effects from the budget
- Strategies & Priorities document from NBOD strategy session.
- Pension wasn’t touched – 50,000 signatures from PSAC members
- DND 575 million reduction
Discussion ensued.

10. Campbell River Area Council Inugural meeting on Feb 2, 2010. Executive are: Tom Hopkins – UEW 20147, Steve Bergh – UCTE 20232, Sharon Vanderdonck – CEIU 20963, Debbie Clemenson – UEW 20147.

11. Victoria Pride Parade Paul Jones is requesting a donation from the Area council. Hopes to have a float, using a generator, flat bed trailer and will require a table. The event is July 4th.
- m/s/ Paul/Jim requesting a donation from the Area Council for the Pride parade
- m/s/c ammendment Jim/Scott donaton to be $250.
- Questions followed around how many donations would be coming in?
- Is the float to be shared – No.
What do we do with the money?

12. Brick
- Ken shared info on the “brick” that the Area Council purchased commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy.

13. Other business
Jack – talk about the WFA again. ERI/EDI.
Mark – 1119 terms in UNDE, of which 149 are in BC region alone.
Nick – we don’t have terms. 25% are casuals, WFA was improved last round of bargaining.
Jim – 21% of Commissionaires at Dockyard will be laid off.

14. Next Meeting June 8, 2010

15. Adjournment Motion to adjourn meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm m/s/c Jack/Dave

_____________________________
Sister Cindy Little, President

Virginia Vaillancourt, Recording Secretary

Two Negotiation Update Sessions for the Fueler Supervisors have been scheduled for March 30, 2010 at 12:00 (Session 1) and 17:00 (Session) to be held  at the Vancouver International Airport – Domestic Terminal – Room 4185.

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.  All supervisors are strongly encouraged to attend.

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.