Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

PSAC Southern Vancouver Island District Area Council meeting minutes – April 9th, 2008, PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Present:

• Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169
• Virginia Vaillancourt – UVAE 20030
• John Rumsby – UTE 20028
• Cindy Little – UTE 20028
• Scott Parker – UTE 20028
• Jim Sidel – DCL 20500
• Ken Waldron – UNDE 21013
• Ian Wiggs – UNDE 21008
• Ches Bennett - DCL 20500
• Alexandra Ripco – UEW 20076
• Graeme Goodmanson – UEW 20169
• Brenda Esplen – UTE 20028
• Sylvaine Boudreault – AGR 20064
• Jack Gale – GSU 20001
• Mandi Schubert – CEIU 20975
• Deborah Gruben – National 20140
• Sharon Hazelwood – National 20140
• Fabian DeGuire– UNDE 21008
• Hettie Wheeler – USGE 20012
• Peter Neelands – NRU 20088
• David Ramalho – UNDE 21011
• James Little – H & S Rep
• Dave Jackson – Regional Rep
• Susan Jardine - JLP Field Coordinator
• Julie Balantes - JLP Field Coordinator

Continue reading below, or download the SVIDAC meeting minutes - April 9th (pdf)

Sister Cindy Little, President

Virginia Vaillancourt, Recording Secretary

Minutes – Vancouver Area Council meeting, April 8, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 5:14 PM

In attendance (*delegate designation below means voting delegate for the Area Council):

• Sharon Tieman, UPCE 20101 (delegate)
• Jazz Nagra, UVAE 20045 (delegate)
• S. Marie Lygo, UVAE 20045 (delegate)
• Megan Adam, UEW 20147 (delegate)
• Rob Hellenius, DCL 20501 (guest)
• Rhonda Johns, UPCE 20095 (delegate)
• Sam Wiese, CEIU 20949 (delegate)
• Jamey Mills, UTE 20027 (guest)
• Teri Lee, AGR 20044 (delegate)

Download the Vancouver Area Council meeting minutes, April 8 2008 (pdf), or continue reading below

1. Introductions

• meeting began with a quick round of introductions. The group welcomed Rob to his first Area Council meeting.
• all shared that they have delegate status to Regional Convention, except for Rob who may come as an observer.

2. Resolutions to Convention

• The Area Council had lively discussion on the resolutions and noted in particular the resolutions they have authored.
• By-Laws resolutions: Sam, a member of this Committee, walked the Area Council through the by-laws resolutions and noted typos for correction. Sam will forward these corrections to the committee.
• General resolutions: it was explained that if no or only some general resolutions are addressed at convention, they can still be referred to the Regional Council, but those that need to go to national convention would have to be submitted by a constitutionally recognized body. Megan, the chair of this Committee, walked through the resolutions.
• Finance: Sam presented the resolutions for this Committee.

3. Regional Convention

• Motion: to have the Vancouver & District Area Council pay the Leave Without Pay of its Regional Convention delegate, Jazz Nagra, for Friday, April 18, 2008 and to also cover the convention delegate fee. (m/s Sam, Megan, CARRIED).

4. May Day Organizing Committee (MDOC)

• Monica updated the Area Council on upcoming events of the MDOC:
• “International Workers Day” Cultural Solidarity Evening on Saturday, April 26, 2008, at 7:00 pm. Rhizome Cafe, Vancouver, 317 East Broadway at Kingsway and Broadway
• Reclaim May 1st, International Worker’s Day! March for workers’ rights! May Day March & Rally on Thursday, May 1, 2008 - 5:30 pm || Gather at Clark Park at Commercial Drive and East 14th then 6:00 pm || May Day March
• Motion: to continue to endorse and participate in the May Day Organizing Committee; to provide $100 support; and to send out donation info to affiliated locals to encourage them to also support. (m/s Sam, Megan, CARRIED)

5. Round

• UVAE 20045 (Veterans Affairs) – lack of official languages training is really stunting the members professional development as no one can get a job above PM-03 without being bilingual. Jazz has been team leading (other side of the fence) but has been educating other team leaders who are PSAC members to know their rights, take their breaks. AGM went well, has a representative going to UVAE Convention.
• DCL 20501 (Commissionaires) – they have H&S issues, particularly a lack of a MRSA protocol. There were 8,000 MRSA deaths last year in Canada (the SARS crisis only had 42), yet, little is being done to address this issue. Some info can be found on the PSAC-BC BRUSH forum on-line.
• UPCE 20095 (Purolator) – two new facilities (one in Langley) so the local is gaining members. Have a planning meeting this weekend.
• UPCE 20101 (Canada Post) – holding bargaining demands ratification votes this weekend, Notice to Bargain will be served on May 1st, contract ends in March. Some of their work is going to other bargaining units outside of the UPCE/PSAC: such as APOC, CUPW
• UEW 20147 (Fisheries & Oceans) – no update in particular from Local, but Megan, as PA member negotiator shared the PA group will be tabling their wage package on April 21. SV group is getting apprenticeship language, which is a first in the Public Service.
• AGR 20044 (CFIA/Grain) – Grain campaign is going quite well nationally. Lobbying lots of Members of Parliament, to try and put a stop to Bill C-39 that could force 200 members to lose their jobs. On CFIA side, there’s a big demand for Inspectors, can’t hire them fast enough. This is the biggest they’ve ever been, about 9,000 members now.

Meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM

• Wednesday April 9, 2008, 5:30 PM
• 210-1497 Admiral’s Road

Agenda

• Resolutions for Convention
• Election of Vice-President
• JLP - Guest Speakers, Julie Balantes & Susan Jardine

Please RSVP to Rosemary at the Regional Office, as food will be served

The Vancouver Area Council is preparing for the upcoming PSAC BC Regional Convention and plans to discuss resolutions and other issues.

• Vancouver & District Area Council Meeting
• Tuesday April 8, 5PM
• 200-5238 Joyce St. (1 1/2 block south of the SkyTrain)

The Area Council has authored a number of resolutions, but any resolutions submitted to the Convention can be taken up.
All delegates and observers to PSAC BC Regional Convention as well as interested members in the Lower Mainland are welcome to attend! Please RSVP to the Vancouver RO at 604.430.5631 as a light dinner will be served.

PSAC Okanagan Area Council, Minutes of Meeting February 9, 2008 - ABC Restaurant, Harvey Avenue, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915
• Kelly Megyesi CEIU 20915
• Linda Woods NAT 20140
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Jennifer Leenhouts CEIU 20972
• Kareen Stanich AGR 20043

The meeting was called to order at 10:15a.m. with Susan Yaciw in the chair.

Continue reading below, or download Okanagan Area Council meeting minutes - Feb 8 2008 (pdf).

Minutes: Minutes from September 21, 2007 were accepted. m/s/c

Old Business:

• Audited Financial Report: Action: D-L. McKenzie to have books audited and send copy to REVP.
• Affiliating to District Labour Council: D-L. McKenzie reported that AGR 20043 has been affiliated with the SOBLC and that any PSAC member can attend meetings. S. Yaciw reported that there is an increased subsidy available to affiliate to District Labour Councils (maximum $600).
• Action: D-L McKenzie to request subsidy for 2008.
• Action: R. Gourlie to look into affiliating to Labour Council in Vernon.
• Action: J. Leenhouts to look into affiliating to Labour Council in Kelowna.

PSAC Education Forum: S. Yaciw distributed the summary to members.

BC Regional Convention April 18-20, 2008: Delegate selection through Components is presently occurring. RVP’s participated in a conference call with K. Sinclair to discuss delegate selection. There have been some issues for small Locals (<100 members) particularly when there are not other Locals to be grouped with to get delegate status. Deadline for submitting resolutions is February 15th. S. Yaciw reported that she did raise the issue of delegates being made aware of the requirements to be elected / hold office at Regional Council.

New Business:

• Treasurer’s Report: The 2007 financial statement and the current Treasurer’s report were presented (see attached). m/s/c
• Affiliated Locals are reminded that 2008 dues are now payable ($1 per member located in the Okanagan) and should be sent to: Darrell-Lee McKenzie, 15-799 Creekside, Penticton, BC,V2A 1C5.
• S. Yaciw reported that UTE 20026 has decided to not affiliate with Area Council in 2008. Minutes and notices still to be sent to the Local.
• Action: S. Yaciw to respond to letter.

BC Regional Council: S. Yaciw’s report to council was circulated by email. There was much discussion about regional convention at the last council meeting (re/ committees, funding). There will not be salary loss compensation for the Friday.

Designation of Voting Members at Area Council:

As per the bylaws, there is one vote per affiliated Local. The following members have voting rights:

• AGR 20043 D-L McKenzie (alternate K. Stanich)
• AGR 20027 M-L Romano
• CEIU 20915 K. Megyesi (alternate R. Gourlie)
• UTE 20003 S. Yaciw
• CEIU 20972 J. Leenhouts
• NAT 20140 L. Woods

BC Regional Convention, April 18-20 Delegate Election:

• Delegate: J. Leenhouts nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by D-L. McKenzie, carried.
• Alternate Delegate: L. Woods nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by D-l. McKenzie, carried.

Bargaining: Deferred until next meeting.

Education: A combined TUB / Grievance Handling course is scheduled for Feb 16th in Kelowna. At the request of AGR Local 20043, TUB will be delivered April 4th and Grievance Handling on April 5th in Penticton. Action: S. Yaciw to contact A. Rana about need for TUB; Grievance Handling; and Local Officers Training in Kelowna or Vernon. Action: S. Yaciw to follow up with R. Brennan and A. Rana regarding the issue of alternate delivery of education (ie/ lunchtime video conference, etc).

Election of Officers:

• President: S. Yaciw was nominated by D-L McKenzie, seconded by J. Leenhouts, carried.
• Vice President: J. Leenhouts was nominated by D-L. McKenzie, seconded by S. Yaciw, carried.
• Secretary: Roberta Gourlie was nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by D-L McKenzie, carried.
• Treasurer: D-L McKenzie was nominated by J. Leenhouts, seconded by S. Yaciw, carried.

Affiliation with BC Federation of Labour: Locals are reminded to affiliate with the BC Federation of Labour at: http://www.bcfed.ca/

“The B.C. Federation of Labour brings together the majority of unions in BC to provide a single voice on workers’ rights. As well, the Federation provides support to affiliated unions during labour disputes and co-ordinates cross-union campaigns from health and safety to political action and women’s rights.”

Bill C39: Agriculture Union presently has a campaign under way to stop bill C39 which would make changes to the Grain Act, impacting farmers, and members at the Canadian Grain Commission. For more information see:
http://www.agrunion.com/en/currentmonthsnews.html#Lobbying

Next Meeting: TBA (possibly April 12th in Kelowna)

Adjourned at 11:35 a.m. m/s/c

Minutes: Fraser Valley Area Council General Meeting March 8, 2008

In Attendance:

• James Little PSAC
• Mel Dureen USGE Local 20054
• Jayne Johns CEIU 20903
• Anne Marie McCully CEIU Local 20903
• Edi Martin USGE Local 20141

Continue reading below, or download the  Fraser Valley AC minutes - March 8 2008 (pdf)

Meeting called to order at 7 pm. A quorum has been reached.

1. Education

we just completed the PSAC Staffing course today (9am to 4pm). This course was very well attended. There were 15 registered participants with one no show and one who sent regrets for a total of 13 members in attendance. Four were first time participants in a PSAC event.

Amal sent out a draft outline for an Aboriginal Awareness Course (Turtle Island?) this week. So far the feedback has been very positive and there is a sense that the members will be very interested in attending this course.

Action-the executive members should provide their feedback to Edi who will respond to Amal on behalf of the executive by Friday March 14, 2008.

2. Pre-Convention Meeting

It is our custom to have a meeting prior to the BC Regional Convention so that the FVAC members can meet the Fraser Valley delegates and review the resolutions to determine our priorities.

Meeting tentatively scheduled for Thursday April 10, 2008 at Jayne’s house 6pm (dinner provided).

3. Post-Convention Meeting

Again, it is our custom to have a meeting after the BC Regional Convention so that the Fraser Valley delegates for their post convention reports.

Meeting time and date to be announced.

Minutes: Fraser Valley Area Council General Meeting, January 17, 2008

In Attendance:

• James Little PSAC
• Jayne Johns CEIU 20903
• Keith Glover  BC RVP USGE
• Anne Marie McCully CEIU Local 20903
• Edi Martin USGE Local 20141
• Chuck Leech USGE Local 20054
• Mel Dureen USGE Local 20054

Meeting called to order at 7 pm. A quorum has been reached.

Continue reading below, or download the Fraser Valley AC minutes - January 17 2008 (pdf)

Education

We reviewed the respective roles and responsibilities in regard to selecting, scheduling and recruiting for courses being held in the Fraser Valley.

The local executive members-review the education needs of the members and bring forward suggestions for course offerings that are relevant to our members, promote the courses and recruit members to attend.

Edi-coordinates the education related activities of the FVAC executive by scheduling meetings to discuss education, communicating the executives decisions regarding course content to James and Amal.

James-sends out notices of training to locals and officers. He also sends out reminders closer to the course deadlines. He relies on them to actively recruit members to attend courses. James asks that we provide up to date contact information to him for new/existing members and he will expand the contact lists.

Suggestion-have a member take leave without pay, to be reimbursed by the Union, to do a phone recruitment two weeks prior to the courses.

Reminders

• if there are not a minimum of number of participants registered for a course one week prior (the number depends on the course but is usually 10) then the course will be officially postponed.
• Selection of participants is in accordance with the Regional Education Committee guidelines. As a result members of the Fraser Valley may not be selected to attend courses offered in other geographic regions.

We discussed potential course offerings for 2008

• March 8 Staffing (this course was postponed from fall 2007)
• May 2008 a one-day aboriginal awareness course. Jayne will consult with Amal on course content.
• September 2008 a political awareness course. Anne Marie and Edi will consult with each other and with Amal on course concept and content
• late October 2008 a two day TUB course.

The Fraser Valley Labour Council (FVLC) also offers union courses twice per year. We encourage all PSAC members to attend.

Motion-that the Fraser Valley Area Council will pay the $75.00 registration fee for FVAC delegates to attend a FVLC course. M/s-Jayne/Edi, Carried.

Adjourned 8 pm.

Minutes – Vancouver Area Council meeting January 23, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 5:55PM

In attendance:

• Megan Adam, UEW 20147 (delegate)
• Tom Gallagher, GSU 20008 (delegate)
• Jamey Mills, UTE 20027 (guest)
• Marie Lygo, UVAE 20045 (delegate)
• Jessica Chia, GSU 20008 (delegate)
• Teri Lee, AGR 20044 (delegate)
• Sharon Tieman, UPCE 20101 (delegate)
• Rhonda Johns, UPCE 20095 (delegate)
• Sam Wiese, CEIU 20949 (delegate)

Continue reading below or download the Vancouver Area Council meeting minutes - January 23 2008 (pdf)

1. Affiliated Locals (dues paid)

• UPCE 20101
• GSU 20008
• UEW 20147
• AGR 20044
• CEIU 20949
• UVAE 20045

m/s (Megan/Marie) that UPCE 20095 be given temporary official status, dues cheque will be received this week.

The 2007 dues cheque for UPCE 20101 was cashed, all others were stale dated and needed to be re-issued.

2. Round of introductions

3. BC Regional Convention delegate election.

Discussion on purpose of convention and role of delegate

Nominations

• Jasvir Nagra – UVAE 20045 m/s (Marie/Megan)
• Tracy Shudo – CEIU 20949 m/s (Sam/Teri)
• Jasvir was elected
• Tracy to be alternate m/s (Sam/Marie)

4. Resolution discussions (resolutions to follow)

• Temporary Foreign Workers (Sam/Megan, carried)
• Status of Women Canada (Sam/Megan, carried)
• Colombia (Megan/Sam, carried)
• May Day (Sam/Megan, carried)
• Security & Prosperity Partnership (Sam/Megan, carried)
• Amendment of BC Regional Council Regulation #3, to add “one youth delegate” (Sam/Marie, carried)

5. Political Action

• Sam: Canadian Grain Act amendment – letters to MP were distributed
• Sharon: Canada Post amendment, originated at BC Fed, CUPW lead – letters to MP were distributed
• Monica shared that the Garry and the Political Action Committee are still setting up meetings with MPs if people were interested and available to attend.

6. New Items

• Megan, as the PA rep for TB bargaining has been speaking at several AGMs and meetings and is open to further invitations
• Funding for BC Regional Convention – some discussion and questions on this issue.
• Young Workers Unite! – Feb 7th forum that Jamey will be speaking at organized by the May Day Organizing Committee
• Eight bucks sucks rally – February 16th
• Information on the above are on the regional website.

Meeting adjourned at 7:10PM m/s (Sharon/Sam)

PSAC SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND DISTRICT AREA COUNCIL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES – January 29th, 2008, PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Members Present:

• Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169
• Virginia Vaillancourt – UVAE 20030
• John Rumsby – UTE 20028
• Cindy Little – UTE 20028
• Scott Parker – UTE 20028
• Jim Sidel – DCL 20500
• Ken Waldron – UNDE 21013
• Peter Neelands – NRU 20088
• Ches Bennett - DCL 20500
• Wayne Little – UTE 20028
• Eric Nygaard – USGE 20018

PSAC Victoria RO Staff Present:

• James Little – H & S Rep
• Rosemary MacKenzie – Admin Assistant

Regrets:

• Dave Jackson – Regional Rep
• Mandi Schubert – CEIU 20975
• Dave Ramalho – UNDE 21011

Download the Southern Vancouver Island Area Council minutes - January 29th 2008 (pdf) or continue reading below.

1. Call to order

• Chairperson Sister Little called the meeting to order at 5:35pm

2. Introductions

• Roundtable introductions of members present

3. Proposed Agenda

• Amendments to the Agenda
• Change in order of business
• Addition of:
  • Defending Quality Public Service – OurFish.ca campaign
  • H & S Forum on Website
  • Resignation from Executive
• m/s/c J Rumsby/W Little

4. Adoption of Minutes from Nov 20, 2007

• m/s/c W Little/ J Sidel

5. Resolutions for Convention:

• February 15, 2008 is the deadline for Resolution submissions to the BC Regional Convention. Resolution being submitted by N Humphreys who will send it out to affiliated locals to get a yes or no on the resolution.
• Resolution: Where PSAC encourages all locals to affiliate with the labour councils across the country. (There are 135 labour councils)
• That PSAC reimburse 50% to locals who affiliate to labour councils.

6. Update on the Victoria Labour Council

• There are pamphlets available which describe what Labour Councils do. The VLC went through a reconstruction last year. New By-laws were written and passed in November. 15 people were elected to the executive.
• There were 90 voting delegates at their last meeting. BCGEU has rejoined the VLC. There is $600.00 available to assist a local with affiliation to the VLC.
• The cost is $4.00/member/year to affiliate. The year begins the day you affiliate.
• Next meeting for VLC is February 20, 2008 at the Cedar Hill Golf Club at 7pm. Members who are not affiliated yet can attend as observers. Arrive at 6:30pm to sign in.
• VLC meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month.

7. Bargaining Update

• TB groups are back in bargaining at the end of January beginning of February.
• Ships crew are back in bargaining the week of Feb 18th.
• Table 3 is awaiting Pay Study.

8. Education 2008

• PSAC Education Schedule is out.
• Follow ups for previous members who have signed up for courses but were unable to attend is being done by Rosemary.
• C Little attended a Fraser Valley Area Council Executive meeting. If members have any thoughts/ ideas on other education courses ie., Political Activitsts; Please advise the Area Council

9. Logo Contest

• Reminder to members to make submissions to our “Create a Logo” Contest.
• Deadline for submissions is February 29, 2008. The winner will receive a bomber style jacket with either the new SVIDAC or the PSAC BC logos.
• You can enter electronically to jacksod@psac.com or by mail Att: SVIDAC Logo Contest, 210 – 1497 Admirals Road, Victoria, BC V9A 2P8.
• Please contact PSAC at 953-1050 if you would like a copy of the guidelines emailed to you.

10. Requests for affiliation to VLC

• SVIDAC has $600.00 to assist locals with affiliation to the VLC if locals are affiliated with the SVIDAC.
• SVIDAC wants a commitment by locals who chose to be affiliate to the VLC

11. Defending Quality Public Service – www.OurFish.ca

• New campaign has been started www.OurFish.ca or www.nospoissons.ca
• Sustainable funding=sustainable fisheries=sustainable communities
• Campaign is about resources not jobs.
• 90% of fish stocks around the work are under threat. There is an information folder available and when Nick receives these he will email AC to see who would like a folder.
• Request that members review the folder and postcards and discuss the campaign with your fellow members. Sign and send in the postcards to Ottawa, no postage required. Atlantic Canada has bought into the campaign.
• Nick will be talking to Jim Sinclair (CLC President), to sports fisherman and to the VLC. Folders have been sent to MP’s, MLA’s across Canada including senators across the country.
• Discuss the campaign at your AGM’s/GM, Nick can attend the meetings to talk about the campaign.
• Component Presidents will be receiving a presentation at next weeks Board meeting.
• Some Native Bands have bought into the campaign.
• PSAC assisted with the funding for the campaign but the majority of funding came from UEW Component.

12. OH & S Forum on Website

• BRUSH now has an interactive website to discuss H & S concerns. Visit www.psacbc.com . Click on Health & Safety link on the right hand side. Then click on the orange guy with megaphone. You will need to create a user id and password.
• In order to add comments you must be logged in but you can still view all of the info. Samples of current forums are: * MSRA * Ergonomics * Disability Insurance. You can add links, pictures etc in to the forum.
• There was a discussion regarding housing the locals H & S minutes on the website. Not all locals submit their minutes to PSAC.
• There was an email notification sent out to advise members of the website. James Little advised that he will be meeting with the National H & S Reps and will be seeking broad distribution of the website Nationally. You can also go to: www.psacbc.com/hs-forum/

13. Resignation from Executive Member

• The SVIDAC Executive received a resignation notice from the Vice- President Todd Genereux.

14. Election of delegate to BC PSAC Regional Convention

• There is no loss of salary covered by PSAC for Friday April 18th.
• Motion to have SVIDAC cover loss of salary for the delegate who attends the BC Regional Convention including the registration fee of $50.00.
• m/s/c N Humphreys/ J Sidel

• Elections conducted by Brother James Little and votes counted by Sister Rosemary MacKenzie and Brother James Little.

• Delegate

• John Rumsby Nominated by W Little, Seconded by S Parker
• Virginia Vaillancourt Nominated by J Sidel, Seconded by E. Nygaard
• Ken Waldron Nominated by N. Humphreys, Seconded by C Bennett

• There were 2 votes held.

• Ken Waldron will be the AC Delegate
• John Rumsby will be the Alternate Delegate

• Motion to destroy ballots.
• m/s/c J Sidel/K Waldron

15. Adjournment

• Motion to adjourn meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:10pm
• m/s/c W Little/J Sidel

Sister Cindy Little, President and Virginia Vaillancourt, Recording Secretary

Fraser Valley Area Council Annual General Meeting 2007-12-05

In Attendance:

• Kay Sinclair PSAC-REVP BC
• Keith Glover RVP USGE
• James Little PSAC
• Jayne Johns CEIU Local 20903
• Anne Marie McCully CEIU Local 20903
• Edi Martin USGE Local 20141
• Chuck Leech USGE Local 20054
• Mel Dureen USGE Local 20054
• Bea Burke Local 20147
• Griselda Schmidtke Local 20140
• Diane McArthur Local 20140
• Heather Warner USGE Local 20040
• Patti Victor Local 20903

Meeting called to order at 1830 hours.

Continue reading below, or download the Fraser Valley AC minutes - December 5 2007 (pdf)

Introductions were made.

A quorum has been reached.

It was announced that E. Martin would be the Education Co-ordinator for the Fraser Valley.

1. Previous Minutes

• A motion to adopt the previous minutes was made by A. M. McCully and seconded by P. Victor. Motion carried

2. By-Law Amendments

• Changes were made to the By-Laws adopted in June 2001.

• Proposed change: J. Johns read the proposed changes to our bylaws in Section I, Subsection I - Change to geographical areas. The proposed change in geographical areas to amalgamate the Fraser Valley in one are and the Metro Vancouver and surrounding area to their own Area Council was moved by M. Dureen and seconded by E. Martin. After much discussion the decision was carried. It is to be noted that P. Victor and K. Glover chose to abstain.

3. Financial Report - A. McCully

• Our current balance is $1691.54 and dues are payable in January. There are currently six locals in good standing and permitted to vote.
• Motion to accept the financial report - C. Leech, Seconded - P. Victor. Carried - unanimously.

4. Election of Executive

• The call for nominations went out.

• President - Jayne Johns - nominated by C. Leech, seconded by D. McArthur. - Acclamation
• First Vice President - Mel Dureen - nominated by H. Warner, seconded by C. Leech - Acclamation
• Second Vice President - Chuck Leech - nominated by E. Martin, seconded by D. McArthur - Acclamation
• Treasurer - Anne Marie McCully - nominated by P. Victor, seconded by H. Warner - Acclamation
• Secretary
  • Heather Warner - nominated by C. Leech, seconded by K. Glover (incumbent refused)
  • Edi Martin - nominated by M Dureen, seconded by H. Warner - Acclamation

• The executive was sworn in by K. Sinclair, PSAC.

5. Election of Delegates to PSAC Convention 2008

• Jayne Johns is a delegate as the Geographic Coordinator for the BC PSAC Regional Council. Keith Glover will attend as a National Officer delegate. Heather Warner will attend for USGE
• A delegate was voted in for the Fraser Valley Area Council

1. Anne Marie McCully - nominated by M. Dureen and seconded by P. Victor - Acclimation
2. 1st Alternate - M. Dureen - nominated by J. Johns and seconded by K. Glover - Acclimation
3. 2nd Alternate - Edi Martin - nominated by J. Johns and seconded by M. Dureen - Acclimation

6. Resolutions

• There were no resolutions presented at this meeting.

7. District Labour Council Report - J. Johns

• J. Johns provided information on the activities of the Fraser Valley District Labour Council. It began last year in the Fraser Valley with 16000 members and 30-80 people attending the meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. Their work groups include a Political Action group, an Organizing group and an Education group. The Education group currently has courses on WCB, How to Organize an Effective Campaign and Retirement. They are planning more courses after April 2008. We were providing $300 per year for three delegates and 3 alternates. We have increased to $600 for six delegates and three alternates.
• It was moved by J. Johns and seconded by E. Martin that Matsqui USGE Local 20054 is supported to affiliate with the Fraser Valley District Labour Council under the Fraser Valley Area Council. That would then provide us with six delegates and 6 alternates. The motion was carried, with K. Glover abstaining.

8. Fraser Valley Coordinators Report

• Attached.

9. Bargaining Information - M. Dureen

• Two pay studies have been completed and the essential services agreement is being considered during December. No job action is allowed at this time.

10. Education - J. Little

• The staffing course has been postponed until the new year. Edi Martin will be working with Amal Rana at PSAC to identify the training needs for the Fraser Valley and to recruit people to attend, set up dates, etc. A meeting will be held in January to review our requirements.
• A new course on staffing is developed to educate members on the new rules in staffing. CSC is constantly changing how staffing is completed. Everyone needs to learn how things should be done and review redress.
• A USGE Strike Mobilization course will be held in Vancouver and Kelowna. Additional strike training for all PSAC members will also be provided later in the Valley. Monika Urita is developing this area.

11. Political Action - A M McCully

• There have been numerous meetings and e-mails regarding the minimum wage campaign.
• Bill C-14 has had it’s third reading. This affects Canada Post’s exclusivity.
• There has been a problem with contracting out of laboratories. We have a lab here in the Cultus Lake area that is being affected.

12. PSAC-REVP Report - Kay Sinclair

• Regulation 15 has established our rules for bargaining.
• Pension surplus decision - we have lost the court case and currently have our lawyers reviewing everything to see if we can appeal this. PSAC is also reviewing the decision. We also do not want to jointly issue the pension plan.
• Bill C-14 would affect our members (UPCE are non male members). We would likely see very uneven services. People in the rural areas would not receive very good service at all.
• The CRA agreement has been ratified.

The meeting concluded at 2000 Hr.

FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL COORDINATOR REPORT, For October 2007

Jayne Johns-Fraser Valley West Coordinator Activities since the last Regional Council Meeting

• May 16, 2007 Fraser Valley Labour Council Executive Meeting and General Meeting in Abbotsford
• June 1-3, 2007 CEIU Presidents Conference in Richmond
• June 11-13, 2007 Facilitated JLP Collective Agreement Interpretation Workshop in Victoria and visited the Victoria PSAC office
• Jun 18, 2007 JLP Open House in Abbotsford BC
• June 20, 2007 Fraser Valley Labour Council Executive Meeting and General Meeting in Abbotsford
• June 25, 2007 BC PSAC Political Action conference call
• July 1, 2007 Participated in the Abbotsford Canada Parade with other Labour Council affiliates (see picture)
• July 18, 2007 BC PSAC Political Action conference call
• Sept 4, 2007 CEIU/Service Canada Passport Offerings conference call with Kay Sinclair
• Sept 12, 2007 Participated in JLP Anti-Harassment Workshop
• Sept 12, 2007 PSAC Education Open House in Abbotsford
• Sept 12, 2007 Fraser Valley Area Council meeting
• Sept 18 & 19, 2007 Participated in JLP UMCC Workshop
• Sept 26, 2007 BC PSAC Political Action Conference call
• October 18-20, 2007 BC PSAC Regional Exective Council meeting in Vancouver. I was selected as Chair of the REC By-law Committee
• October 21-23, 2007 PSAC Leadership Training phase II. This training was provided for Regional and National leaders and is a follow up to part 1 provided prior to the 2006 National Convention.

FVAC Minutes Dec 2007

The next North Central Area Council meeting will be held …

• Saturday February 16, 2008, 10AM
• HEU Hall (corner of 3rd and Dominion), Prince George

Agenda:

1. Elections for the positions of President, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Vice-Presidents,Secretary,and Treasurer.
2. Election of a delegate to the BC Region convention in Vancouver–April 18-20, 2008
3. Bargaining Update

For more information, please email Colette Savarie.

PSAC Regional Council Youth Representative and co-chair of the BC Fed Young Workers’ Committee, Jamey Mills, will be speaking at this event. The PSAC Vancouver & District Area Council is a member of the May Day Organizing Committee.

MAY DAY 2008: May Day Organizing Committee presents ‘Young Workers Unite!’ a community Forum & Discussion on the present issues and struggles of young workers in Vancouver and how they are organizing themselves

• Thursday, 7 February 2008, 6:30 PM
• Organizing Centre for Economic & Social Justice
• 672 E. Broadway, Vancouver BC (Take the #8 or #9 and get off at Broadway and Fraser)
• Speakers: IWW-Vancouver, Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance-Vancouver, Bus Riders’ Union, B.C. Federation Young Workers’ Committee
• With feature film: “Eyes on the Fries”

more info: ilps_canada@shawcable.com

The next Vancouver & District Area Council meeting is one week away.  It’s scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, 2008. Dinner at 5:30, meeting to start at 6 pm.

Location: Vancouver RO Boardroom, #200 – 5238 Joyce Street, Vancouver, (1 ½ blocks south of the Joyce Street Skytrain Station)

Agenda:
- election of VAC delegate to the BC Regional Convention
- discussion on resolutions to be submitted to BC Regional Convention

If your local/branch has not yet paid its 2008 dues, please ensure it does so at this meeting in order to have full voice and vote during the election and discussions on resolutions. Dues are .50 per member, per year, and calculated only for the number of members who are in the area of Vancouver & District catchment area (this includes New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Squamish). Cheques can be made payable to “PSAC Vancouver & District Area Council”.

Please RSVP to urrutim@psac-afpc.com to ensure that there is quorum and enough food for all!

See Poster.

Northwest B.C. Area Council General Meeting November 21, 2007

Attendance:

• Phyllis Bortignon USGE 20071
• Penny Dickson CEIU 20926
• Benilde Gomes USGE 20071
• Dale Gueret UEW 20147
• Helen Hill CEUDA 20042
• Scott MacPhee UCTE 20213
• Gail Moore CEUDA 20042
• Rachael Mosley CEUDA 20042
• Nikki McVey CEIU 20926
• Amal Rana PSAC BC Regional Education Representative
• Colette Savarie PSAC BC Regional Representative
• Dave Thompson PSAC BC Regional Organizer Representative

Download the NorthWest Area Council meeting minutes - Nov 21 2007 (pdf) or continue reading below.Call to Order: Benilde opened meeting at 7:20pm. Harvey Russell of AGR 20042, Prince Rupert submits his regrets for not being able to attend this meeting.

Adoption of Agenda: Motion made to accept Agenda as read and carried.

Previous Meetings Minutes: Motion made to accept Minutes from September 8, 2007, as read and carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer, Barry Cunningham read the balance of $1,367.04 plus $27.57 in shares for the bank account. Barry is still actively collecting dues from locals and he will report on these at the next meeting. Motion made to accept report as read and carried.

VIP Guest Speaker: Dave Thompson, PSAC BC Regional Organizer Representative is introduced by Benilde. Dave gives a brief history of his work history as being an electrician by trade; having moved from Yellowknife this past June, where he participated in 8/9 successful unifications. Since his arrival in Vancouver region in June, he has organized 2 unifications for commissionaires. Organizing has been very successful in Quebec, East Coast and Ontario, with Regional Police on Reserves and Casino workers in gambling dens on race tracks.

Dave is the contact in this region for organizing any group(s) interested, more specifically commissionaires, call centers and universities. His mandate is to organize for PSAC.

Update on Bargaining – Colette Savarie: Colette provides a brief recap of the negotiations at the Prince Rupert Airport, at the end of October 2007. Talks have broken off and the employer has applied for conciliation. Members are very disappointed at this turn of events and Benilde encourages other locals’ members to show support whenever travelling through the airport.

Colette reports that the Women’s Regional Conference, whose theme this year was Environmental, was very successful. Though still busy getting to know the region, Colette will be getting this report out soon.

TB Bargaining has been postponed due to extensive discussions on Essential Services and delays in completion of the Pay Study. Should resume in late January, early February of 2008. Updates will be sent through Benilde.

Supporting our Bargaining Units: Benilde gave out stickers and information sheets for distribution among locals to bring awareness and support to the bargaining teams. Updates can be found at psacbc.com.

PSAC BC Regional Education Representative – Amal Rana: Benilde introduces Amal and takes the opportunity to thank the Regional Office for accommodating members by extending dead lines and modifying courses.

Amal commends Benilde on getting members out and developing interest in union education.

Amal speaks of there being 6 members on the Education Committee and Education Open Houses, where it is a good forum to find out what’s wanted for education, what’s working – formats.

Education is offered in every region to facilitate, advance and organize union courses.

• Handouts distributed for Basic and Advanced courses.
• Union School is held usually every November. 80-100 members from across the region participate.
• Education forums are held on Bargaining
• Special Interest Evenings – i.e. Black History in Canada

Amal encourages members to think about what kind of courses they are looking for. Brainstorming results in the time of year that works best for this area is February – June. Suggestions for courses noted by Amal who will be researching and getting information back to members of this area council, for distribution.

Further discussion result in requests for more JLP sessions to be facilitated by the Union and Management. The 4 topics covered by the JLP are:

• Understanding the Collective Agreement
• Anti-Harassment
• Union-Management Consultation
• Respecting Differences and Anti-discrimination

Amal emphasizes how important it is to encourage managers to attend the JLP sessions. And encourages members to consider opportunities to become facilitators for JLP.

Nikki reminds members that CEIU is hosting the Anti-harassment session in Terrace, February 18, 2008.

District Labour Councils: Discussion on who this council is affiliated to. Benilde responds that we are affiliated to Kitimat-Terrace Labour Council who meets every 4th Thursday and Prince Rupert Labour Council who meets the last Thursday of every month. Barry says that he has been voted into the Prince Rupert LC as the Sergeant of Arms.

PSAC Regional Convention: Benilde reads out an email from Kay Sinclair, regarding delegate selection from this council. This council can nominate 3 members, one each for geographical, equity status and member of council. Clarification given by Benilde regarding the definition of geographical and equity delegates. There has been no call out letter – it is anticipated later this month. Motion made and carried to pay for the registration of 3 delegates from this council, should they be accepted by regional.

Nominations to be made by email to Benilde with a deadline of December 14, 2007

Calendar of Events:

• November 29, 2007 Kitimat-Terrace Labour Council is hosting a Municipal Coffee House at BCGEU office in Terrace and in Kitimat on December 12, 2007 at the CAW Hall.
• December 1, 2007 Retirement Seminar being hosted by Kitimat-Terrace Labour Council
• December 6, 2007 Take Back the Night in Terrace
• December 10, 2007 International Human Rights Day

Discussion on council supporting events taking place on December 6 for Violence Against Women. Benilde suggests that $50 be contributed towards events in both Prince Rupert and Terrace. Dale will find out from the Prince Rupert Transition House if they are planning anything for that date.

Amendments to the bylaws: Tabled to next meeting.

Other Business: Discussion on the progress of the Regional Women’s Committee. Benilde has received the acceptance letter for USGE component.

Next Meeting: Scheduled for January 19, 2008 @ 1:00pm in Terrace at the Carpenters Hall. If weather prevents travel, there will be a conference call set up at the hall for members unable to attend.

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 10:10pm

Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 5:30 p.m.
PSAC Regional Office, 210-1497 Admirals Road

Agenda:
Election of Delegate to BC Regional Convention

Please RSVP to Rosemary at the Victoria Regional Office no later than January 28, 2008 at 953-1050 or mackenr@psac.com

Food will be served

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 29/08, starting at 5:30 p.m., at the Knight & Day Restaurant located at 9677 King George Highway.  On the Agenda is choosing the delegate to the Regional PSAC Convention.

Date:
Tuesday, January 22, 2008.
Time:
Dinner at 5:30, Meeting to Start at 6 pm
Location:
Vancouver RO Boardroom, #200 – 5238 Joyce Street, Vancouver, (1 ½ blocks south of the Joyce Street Skytrain Station)
Agenda:
- election of VAC delegate to the BC Regional Convention
- discussion on resolutions to be submitted to BC Regional Convention

If your local/branch has not yet paid its 2008 dues, please ensure it does so at this meeting, in order to have full voice and vote during the election and discussions on resolutions. Dues are .50 per member, per year, and calculated only for the number of members who are in the area of Vancouver & District catchment area.

For more information: www.psacbc.com or call 604-430-5631. Please RSVP to urrutim@psac-afpc.com as a light dinner will be served!

See Meeting Notice.

Please join us at our Surrey/Delta/Langley Area Council meeting, Tuesday, December 11, 2007, 5:30 p.m. at the Knight and Day Restaurant, 9677 King George Highway, Surrey.  Please RSVP fraserg@psac.com or call 604 430-5631.

PSAC SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND DISTRICT AREA COUNCIL MINUTES – November 20, 2007, General Meeting - PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Members Present:

• Gil Hodges - UNDE 21013
• Ian Wiggs – UNDE 21008
• Ches Bennett – DCL 05/20500
• Scott Parker – UTE 20028
• John Rumsby – UTE 20028
• Mandi Schubert – CEIU 20975
• Jim Sidel – DCL 05/20500
• Graeme Goodmanson – UEW 20169
• Cindy Little – UTE 20028
• Louise Richard – NAT 20088
• Wayne Little – UTE 20028
• Craig Lessels – UEW 20076
• Wendy Loshal – NAT 20088
• L. Potts – NAT 20088
• Hettie Wheeler – USGE 20012
• Megan Adam - UEW 20147
• Randy Sanderson – UCTE 20220
• Dave Jackson/James Little/Rosemary MacKenzie PSAC Victoria RO

Continue reading below or download the SVIDAC minutes - November 20 2007 (pdf)

1. Call to order

Meeting called to order at 5:35pm

2. Introductions

Dave Jackson introduced guest speakers Megan Adams and Randy Sanderson, members of the bargaining teams for the PA and SV groups.

3. Collective Bargaining

Megan Adam, PA negotiating team member provided an update on the latest round of bargaining for the PA group. The PA group is smaller for this round as the Customs members now have their own group. Delays in bargaining are due to the negotiation of Essential Services Agreements (formerly known as designations) and the completion of pay studies. No wage demands can go forward until the pay studies are complete and while the PA group is not part of the pay study there is a desire to keep all of the groups on the same schedule for bargaining. Discussions around leave provisions and changes to the definition of family. TB wants to reduce leave and has proposed a leave repackaging to include family-related, volunteer and personal days. TB also proposing to reduce rollover of leave from 35 days to 30 days and include the “special” five-day leave in regular vacation leave balance. Service Canada representatives gave presentation on hours of work. Other demands brought forward by the team include access to official languages training, public transit passes and removal of the cap to severance pay. Next meetings are planned for the end of January or beginning of February.

Randy Sanderson, SV negotiating team member, provided an update on the negotiations for this group. Randy has been a member of the Table 2 (now the SV group) bargaining team for the past four rounds of bargaining. He felt that this round has been different from the past as the TB negotiator is more open to using his team. The bargaining team has been concentrating on our issues and has been ignoring TB’s issues. One of the priorities is the elimination of pay zones. Other issues are maternity reassignment, shift premiums, apprenticeships and language on harassment. There is a sub-committee for Ship’s Crews during this round as there was not enough time to establish a separate bargaining table for this group.

Randy and Megan fielded a number of questions from the members present.

4. Adjournment / Next Meeting

M/S/C W. Little/I. Wiggs to adjourn 6:30PM. Next meeting Festive Meet & Greet December 13th, 2007