Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Nominate the exceptional work that is bringing PSAC locals in BC together!

Local Development has been a successful initiative that has been with us for many years. This year, we in BC want to get even more creative with developing strong and vibrant Locals in the workplace and as a result we have created the PSAC Local Achievement Awards. We want to recognize and honor Locals who have achieved workplace victories on behalf of Sisters and Brothers in a variety of categories.

Building strong Locals, one steward at a time.

This is an initiative of the BC Stewards Network, for more information, contact Dave Jackson at the Victoria RO at (250) 950 1050 | 1 (866) 953 1050 | email jacksod@psac.com and download the …

• Local Achievement Awards poster
• Local Achievement Awards background information
• Local Achievement Awards nomination form

A nomination form is available, to be used by Locals and/or members to nominate a Local whose victory at the Local level deserves recognition. Watch for more information coming soon in the mail.

We have lots of photos this month! Many from May Day in Vancouver where a good contingent of the PSAC BC members and staff joined migrants, immigrants, undocumented, indigenous and Canadian workers for the May Day Organizing Committee’s annual International Workers’ Day march & rally on May 1st. This years’ theme was “Reclaim May 1st, International Workers’ Day! March for Workers Rights!”. Megan Adam, Alternate-REVP and First Vice-President for the PSAC Vancouver & District Area Council (VAC), spoke as a member organization of the May Day Organizing Committee at Grandview Park in Vancouver.

As well as some from the 2008 BC Regional Triennial Convention (a full convention report and all the photos are coming soon) and from the May Day celebrations in Terrace where Be Gomes, RC Geographic Coordinator for Northwestern BC, distributed “Think Public!” materials with the Kitimat-Terrace and District Labour Council.

Cheers to Jack Seto and the GSU 20008 Executive for sending in some We Support Our Bargaining team photos (the posters have been signed and sent to the TB Bargaining Team) and to Rosemary MacKenzie, James Little and Cindy Little (RC Coordinator for the South Island) who attended the April 28th Day of Mourning event in Victoria.

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The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is holding a Public Forum on Monday May 5th in Surrey and Tuesday May 6th in Vancouver.

• Surrey: May 5th, 7-9PM, SFU, 13450 102 Ave, room 3090. Moderated by Carolyn Chalifoux-Rice, New Westminster & District Labour Council
• Vancouver: May 6th, 7-9PM, Library Square 350 West Georgia, Alma VanDusen room. Moderated by Jim Sinclair, BCFL.
• Presentation by CUPW National President Denis Lemelin and discussion to follow both meetings.

We want to talk about the public services in Canada including the public postal services. We will have great Moderators and a great presentation by our National President about OUR VISION. Open discussion to follow.

We are also looking for active audience participants that will keep the general conversation flowing by relating the information to the issues that all our public services have faced and will possibly be facing. For more information visit publicpostoffice.ca

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

April 28, 2008 marks the 24th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or hurt by workplace injuries or disease.

The Canadian Labour Congress, who were the authors of this initiative in 1984, have marked this special day with the theme of “Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living – Now more than ever!” It is very encouraging to see that this special day is now celebrated around the world from Azerbaijan to Zambia with more involvement being seen each and every year.

The PSAC continues to struggle to create stronger laws and regulations in support of Health & Safety and Hazard Prevention. We hope that the annual observance of this day will strengthen the resolve to establish safer conditions in the workplace for all.

Please join with the PSAC and other labour organizations at Day of Mourning events scheduled in your community.

Resources (all .pdf)

• List of 2008 events in BC, provided by the BC Fed
• Day of Mourning Event poster - Victoria
• Resource Information for 2008 Day of Mourning
• Labour Council Notes for April 28th
• PSAC BC Day of Mourning poster (1.32 MB .pdf)

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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

PSAC members were among 1300 people in Victoria who rallied March 29th to encourage the government to ban the sale raw logs and save old growth forests.

Members in Victoria at the Government Street Service Canada office also wore black on payday in support of their bargaining teams.

Continuing with the Island theme, the Southern Vancouver Island Area Council met to discuss the resolutions and reports going forward to the Regional Convention.

And in Abbotsrford, The Fraser Valley Area Council held a pre-convention meeting on April 10. The meeting was attended by both convention delegates and non-delegates. The participants conducted a comprehensive review of the convention resolutions and discussed basic convention practices, strategies and procedures. The Fraser Valley Area Council also recognized the many years of service provided by the soon to be retired Chuck Leech of USGE Local 20054 - Matsqui Institution. Cheers Chuck!

• 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 Regional Women’s Committee, 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 11:35 a.m. with Jennifer Leenhouts in the chair.

Continue reading below or download the Okanagan RWC meeting minutes - Feb 9 2008 (pdf)

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

Treasurer’s Report: The balance is $1276.31. The audited financial statement for 2007 was circulated to members present. m/s/c

2008 Budget:Proposed budget was discussed and accepted as presented. m/s/c

BC Regional Women’s Conference September 28-30, 2007: K. Megyesi reported that the conference was very interesting, had excellent speakers, and a theme of the environment. The Okanagan was well represented.

National Women’s Conference November 23-25, 2007: J. Leenhouts and K. Megyesi reported that this was also a good conference with the most resolution passed in history. Top issues for resolutions regarded childcare. There was much discussion about the inability to send observers to the conference.

BRUSH Committee: K. Megyesi reported on the BRUSH Committee which meets regularly. For more information on health and safety initiatives through the BC Regional office visit: http://www.psacbc.com/categories/health-safety/

Designation of Voting Members at Women’s Committee: As per the Regional Women’s Committee Handbook, there is one vote per affiliated Component. The following members have voting rights:

• AGR D-L McKenzie (alternate M-L. Romano)
• CEIU K. Megyesi (alternate J. Leenhouts)
• UTE S. Yaciw
• NAT L. Woods

Election of Officers:

• Co-Chair: J. Leenhouts was nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by L. Woods, carried.
• Co-Chair: K. Megyesi was nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by L. Woods, carried.
• Treasurer: K. Megyesi was nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by L. Woods, carried.
• Secretary: R. Gourlie was nominated by D-L McKenzie, seconded by S. Yaciw, carried.

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

Adjourned at 12:30 p.m. m/s/c

Regional Women’s Committee, Prince George, BC - AGM Minutes

Location: Ramada Inn, March 8, 2008

Present: Patt Holmes (CEIU 20921), Anne Evasin, Parveen Deepak and Sandy Stephens (UTE 20002), Dorothy Hollier (UCTE 20212), Val Bergey (USGE 20070), and Colette Savarie (PSAC rep and women’s portfolio)

Meeting chaired by: Patt Holmes

Continue reading below, or download the Prince George Regional Women’s Committee meeting minutes - March 8 2008 (pdf)

Opening comments: Group was advised that Diane Beaulieu would not be running for re-election as chair.

1. Previous meeting minutes reviewed/adopted - M- Parveen, S- Dorothy. Carried

2. Elections of executive: Colette conducted the elections for women’s

Chair:

• Patt nominated by Val, Seconded by Parveen
• Sandy nominated by Anne, Seconded by Patt
• Sandy declined
• Patt acclaimed

Co-chair:

• Sandy nominated by Patt, Seconded by Dorothy
• Anne nominated by Parveen, Seconded by Val
• Sandy declined
• Anne acclaimed

Secretary:

• Parveen nominated by Patt, Seconded by Sandy
• Val nominated by Parveen, Seconded by Sandy
• Val declined
• Parveen acclaimed

Treasurer:

• Sandy nominated by Anne, Seconded by Patt
• Sandy acclaimed

3. Executive sworn in by Colette, no ballots to destroy

4. PSAC rep update: Equality once and for all: to become a year long campaign. Harper’s lack of progress on women’s equality discussed. Colette has colour versions of electronically forwarded handouts she hopes to forward

5. Financial report: Room for today’s meeting cost $75.00 (pre-paid by Diane B.) RWC delinquent re: budget, B&R passed to Sandy today. Signing authorities need to be changed

Next Meeting Set for: Saturday, May 24, 2008 after BC regional convention

Meeting Adourned at: 1:00 pm

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

via Vancouver & District Labour Council

How can we turn our public schools into vibrant community hubs?

Think City invites you to attend Think Schools – a one-day conference on how citizens across the city can develop a vision for renewing schools taking place on Sunday, April 6.

According to a Vancouver School Board (VSB) report published in September 2007, our city may only have nine of its 64 historic schools left still standing once the school board’s facilities renewal process is complete. In place of these important public buildings, the city’s schools may be systematically reduced in size, unique programming that defines schools will be excluded from these new buildings due to space limitations, and valuable community amenities such as daycare, seniors care, after-school care and auditoriums will be cut from these neighbourhood anchors.

Keynote speaker Seattle School Board Building Excellence Program Manager Don Gilmore will share solutions that helped preserve and renew his city’s public school buildings.

Lunch and reception are included in the registration fee. Pre-registration is required.

• When: Sunday, April 6, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
• Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews
• Tickets: $25 regular, register here
• Scholarships: Call 604.216.7246 for details.
• Childcare: Call 604.216.7246 for details.

March 21 marks the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa when police opened fire on hundreds of South Africans protesting against Apartheid’s passbook laws, killing 67 and wounding 186. Join us on March 21, International Day for the Elimination of Racism, to show our communities collective strength in challenging ongoing racism.

• COMMUNITY MARCH
• Friday March 21 at 1 pm
• (Good Friday Holiday)
• Meet at Clark Park on Commercial Drive and 14th
• Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories

Bring your children and family, there will be food, water and snacks during the march. Rest vehicles will accompany the march. All welcome!

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.

To PSAC members in Vancouver Quadra,

Please Think Public when voting for your PM in the by-election on March 17th.

Check the Candidates and their Parties’ views and records on public services and privatization.

• downsizing - cuts to Service Canada programs, offices, and workers
• de-regulation - Bill C-39 to amend the Canadian Grain Act. This Act would eliminate important grain weighing and inspection jobs of PSAC members in Vancouver.
• tax cuts - The Conservative Government’s corporate tax cuts will take 60 billion dollars out of revenues over the next five years. This is money that could be spent on national child care and pharmacare programs, and a national housing strategy.

As the largest federal public service union in Canada, the PSAC is asking you to keep these issues in mind when you cast your vote on March 17th.

Downsizing, de-regulation, and tax cuts come at the cost of services to the public and of the jobs of workers providing those services.

via New Westminster & District Labour Council

We are inviting the community to discuss local and regional issues on March 26th as part of our 2008 Municipal Election Program. We encourage you to broadcast this forum widely to citizens in the communities served by the New Westminster & District Labour Council. Our communities include all communities from Burnaby and Delta east to Langley and Maple Ridge. There is no pre-registration or cost attached to attending this forum. We want to attract the broadest cross-section of people and encourage you to invite neighbours, family, friends, work colleagues etc. etc.

We hope for a stimulating and thought provoking discussion that helps shape the debate for this Fall’s Municipal and School Board elections.

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Minutes of the Prince George Regional Women’s Committee,January 16, 2008

In attendance:

• Diane Beaulieu – Chair
• Patt Holmes
• Val Bergey
• Barb Mazur
• Sandy Stephens
• Narinder Minhas
• Colette Savarie
• Regina Brennan

Regrets:

• Lucy Fildes

Continue reading below, or download the Prince George Regional Women’s Committee meeting minutes - Jan 16 2008 (pdf)

1. Call to order and welcome introductory round

2. Election

• agreed to hold the next meeting with the election of officers on March 8, right after the breakfast. Agreed to book a room at the Ramada Hotel if possible, otherwise use HEU or BCGEU Hall.
• This committee will have no delegate to the PSAC - BC Regional Convention because they were deemed inactive.

3. International Women’s Day.

• Check with other unions about what they are doing, and look for posters and theme ideas. Colette and Regina to check with Jim Sinclair about what the BC Fed is doing. Patt suggested that the Sharon McIver case is a possible group in need of funding assistance. UNBC does an IWD event. HEU and BCGEU do events as well. CEIU is doing a Loonie auction. Currently doing a survey to choose who to donate proceeds to.
• Women from the committee will attend the breakfast at the Ramada Hotel on March 8th. Colette is invited to attend. Patt has the Women in Motion information.

4. Financial Report.

• $394.81 in the bank. Some discussion about the state of the books and the work that needs to be done to get more funding. Books to be handed off to the new Treasurer on March 8th.
• That the Prince George Regional Women’s Committee purchase a table of 10 seats, to be divided equitably among the 5 affiliated locals, to the March 8 International Women’s Day breakfast organized by the Prince George and District Labour Council. Tickets to be purchased by Sandy. M/S/C Patt Holmes/Narinder Minhas. Carried

5. Defending Public Services

• Review of handouts and activities. Letter from John Gordon (see attached) asking to work across Component lines to ensure co-ordination. Questionnaire from National Women’s Conference on re-organizations and what is happening in the workplace. Interesting statistics in the last National Board of Directors minutes. Patt will share all this information with the new Regional Women’s Committee executive. Colette will forward the Saskatchewan questionnaire.

6. PSAC Regional Council Rep for Women report

• Patt gave a verbal report.

7. Goals for the Regional Women’s Committee

• The planning and setting of goals was tabled to be dealt with by the new executive. Colette proposed using the remaining funds from the Regional Women’s Conference cycle to hold meetings with each committee to do some planning and goal setting.

8. Training and Building Capacity

• Sandy has sent out a questionnaire on education. She needs the completed forms back by January 21.

9. Round table

• Barb – Is working on her CRA women’s committee. They are holding a women’s self defense course. Contact Barb if you are on an employer committee.
• Colette – pass
• Regina – Is on the board for her Women’s Center now and also put together a woman’s self defense course.
• Sandy – She will get the IWD breakfast tickets and will email when she has them.
• Val – pass
• Patt – showed us her beautiful PSAC quilt.
• Narinder – pass
• Diane – handed out bargaining stickers.
• We had a brief discussion on improving the communications network for this committee, to ensure notices of meetings are sent out on a timely basis to all concerned.

Adjourned at 6:55pm