Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

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

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

With the assistance of a Conciliation Officer, the Prince Rupert Airport and the Public Service Alliance of Canada reached a tentative agreement on January 25, 2008. The three (3) year agreement was ratified by the membership on February 6, 2008.

The agreement provides for economic increases of 2.25% in each year of the agreement. It also contains many improvements to the benefits and insurance plans and the vacation leave provisions.

The revised collective agreement has an expiry date of November 30, 2009.

Negotiations between the Prince Rupert Airport Authority and the Public Service Alliance of Canada are scheduled to resume on January 22 and 23, 2008, with the assistance of a Conciliation Officer. The parties had met on three (3) separate occasions in 2007 but were unable to reach a tentative agreement. The major outstanding issues include wages, benefits, and duration. The collective agreement expired November 30, 2006.

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.

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

Northwest B.C. Area Council Meeting: November 17th, 7PM, Coast Hotel, Prince Rupert

Agenda

• Guests: Collette Savarie, PSAC Regional Representative and Amal Rana, Education Officer
• BARGAINING UPDATES: Supporting our bargaining units
• District Labour Councils
• PSAC-BC Regional Convention - nominations for delegates to Convention & resolutions
• Calendar of Events
• Education
• Amendments to the bylaws (if any)
• Days of Recognition
• Joint Learning Program

Okanagan Area Council AGM: December 1st, Kelowna. Time and Location TBA.

Fraser Valley Area Council meeting: December 5th, 6PM, Mandarin Gardens Restaurant, Abbotsford

Agenda

• Guest-Kay Sinclair, PSAC REVP for BC
• By-Law Amendments (see attached proposed Fraser Valley Area Council Bylaw changes)
• Financial Report-Anne Marie
• Election of Executive
• Election of Delegate to PSAC Convention
• Resolutions to BC PSAC Convention
• District Labour Council Report-Jayne
• Other Business

Negotiations between the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Prince Rupert Airport Authority resumed October 30 and 31, 2007. Although progress was being made at the table, the employer informed the Union late on October 31st that since, in their opinion, they thought the parties were too far apart, there was no point in responding to the Union’s latest counter proposal. Instead, they announced that the parties would need to go to conciliation.

Some of the outstanding issues include benefits and wages. This was the third collective bargaining session between the parties for the renewal of the collective agreement that expired November 30, 2006.

Northwest B.C. Area Council Meeting September 8, 2007

Attendance:

• Phyllis Bortignon USGE 20071
• Barry Cunningham UCTE 20213
• Penny Dickson CEIU 20926
• Benilde Gomes USGE 20071
• Scott MacPhee UCTE 20213
• Nikki McVey CEIU 20926
• Colette Savarie PSAC BC Regional Representative

Call to Order: Benilde opened meeting at 11:15am

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

Continue reading below or download the NorthWest Area Council meeting minutes - Sept 8 2007 (pdf)

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Northwest B.C. Area Council Annual General Meeting March 24, 2007

Attendance:

Phyllis Bortignon USGE 20071

Penny Dickson CEIU 20926

Benilde Gomes USGE 20071

Dale Gueret UEW 20147

Scott MacPhee UCTE 20213

Sean McGovernCEUDA 20042

Nikki McVeyCEIU 20926

Jack Rudd PSAC CULE Regional Representative

Terry Intermala Prince Rupert Unemployed Society

Call to Order: Benilde opened meeting at 7:10pm

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

Continue reading below or download the NorthWest Area Council meeting minutes, March 24 2007 (pdf)

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Join the PSAC Regional Education Program for an Open House and Union Cafe on Friday, March 23rd

• Regional Education Program Open House and Union Cafe
• Friday, March 23rd 7pm-9pm
• Coast Prince Rupert Hotel, 118 6th Street, Banquet Room

The PSAC Regional Education Program is hitting the road to talk to members about your education needs! We’ve just started a new 3 year cycle for the program, and we need your help in identifying the short and long term goals and direction of our program. This is your union education program so come out and tell us what kinds of courses and training you’d like to see offered!

Light refreshments will be served.

Negotiations between the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Prince Rupert Airport Authority were held from March 13 to 15, 2007. The parties reached agreement on several issues. However, several major issues remain outstanding including vacation, benefits, and wages.

The first negotiation session was held from January 9 to 11, 2007. The next meeting dates are yet to be confirmed. The collective agreement expired November 30, 2006.

Draft Minutes of the Prince George Area Council meeting

November 4, 2006

In attendance:

• Patt Holmes
• Debbie Stangrecki
• Sandy Stephens
• Val Bergey
• Ren MacDonald
• Freda Anthony
• Julie Jacobsen
• Ruth Stewart
• Diane Beaulieu
• Floyd Knelsen
• Narinder Minhas
• Judy Fowlie
• Doreen Le Ves Conte

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Fraser Valley Area Council Annual General Meeting

• Wednesday Nov 1, 2006 dinner 5-6, meeting 6-8 pm
• Cross Roads Restaurant 1821 Sumas Way Abbotsford
• Agenda:

• Election of Officers
• Financial Report
• By-Law amendment (see attached pdf)
• Bargaining
• District Labour Council

Attendance:

• Barry Cunningham (UCTE)
• Sean McGovern (CEUDA Local 20042)
• Penny Dickson, (CEIU Local 20926)
• Lynnda Rydgaard (USGE Local 20071)
• Phyllis Bortignon (USGE Local 20071)
• Benilde Gomes (USGE Local 20071)
• Jack Rudd (PSAC CULE) Regional Representative

Call to order: Benilde called meeting to order at 6:16 p.m. and welcomed Jack as our guest.

Continue reading below, or download the NWAC minutes May 27 2006 (pdf)

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Northwest B.C. Area Council April 22, 2006 Meeting in Prince Rupert

Attendance:

• Barry Cunningham (UCTE)
• Sean McGovern (CEUDA)
• Phyllis Bortignon (USGE Local 20071)
• Benilde Gomes (USGE Local 20071)
• Mike Ballard (UEW) - regrets

Call to order: Benilde called meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

Minutes of January 26, 2006 meeting: Barry motioned to accept the minutes of the previous meeting.
Sean seconded the motion.

Download the Northwest Area Council meeting minutes, April 22 2006 (pdf) or continue reading below.

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The BCGEU Aboriginal Council is supporting this important initiative by distributing “Stop Violence Against Aboriginal Women” buttons, and gathering donations to support the walk.

Highway 16 from Prince Rupert to Prince George has been dubbed the “highway of tears” because of the heartbreak associated with the many cases of young women who have vanished or whose bodies have been found along the road. Most of the women have been Aboriginal.

The walk begins in Prince Rupert on Saturday, March 11, with the first steps taken by Florence Naziel, and other supporters. Florence is a 56-yearold grandmother from the Frog Clan of the Wet’suwet’en Nation. Her cousin’s daughter went missing along Highway 16. Florence is challenging herself to walk 20–30 kilometers a day and she invites anyone who wants to support her in her mission to honor the families of the missing or murdered women.

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Hadani Ditmars, an internationally known journalist based in Canada, will be speaking in Prince George at the College of New Caledonia on Wed., March 8th/06 at 7:00pm. (International Women’s Day)

The meeting is organized by the Northern Women’s Forum and the Active Voice Coalition. Everyone is invited to participate in this event and meet Ms. Ditmars.

Sponsored by: Status of Women Committee - Faculty Association of College of New Caledonia.

Unfortunately, the March 4/06 IWD breakfast hosted by the Local Labour Council is now sold out. A dozen sisters from PSAC will be in attendance.

Northwest B.C. Area Council January 29, 2006 Meeting

Attendance:

• Michael Ballard, UEW 20147
• Phyllis Bortignon, USGE 20071
• Barry Cunningham, UCTE 20213
• Albert DeMedeiros, UCTE 20215
• Penny Dickson, CEIU 20926
• Benilde Gomes, USGE 20071
• Scott MacPhee, UCTE 20213
• Gabe McLean, UCTE 20215

Special Guest Speaker: Patty Ducharme, PSAC REVP-BC spoke to members regarding the changes she expects to see happen within PSAC since the federal election this past week. Patty foresees a freeze in hiring within PSAC and other cutbacks from the newly elected Progressive Conservative Minority government.

Download the Northwest BC Area Council January 29th meeting minutes or read below.

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