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

• 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

Here are a few photos of PSAC events & activities over the last month …

Members at the Service Canada office in Nelson supported their TB bargaining teams last week, click the thumbnails for a larger view. Cheers to Sheila Pearce, Treasury Board Area Strike Coordinator for the South Kootenays, for the photos. Visit this webpage to find out how to keep up to date with TB bargaining, or send a message to your TB strike coordinator.

Members of CEIU Local 20975 - the Victoria Service Canada office - held their AGM, and re-elected Mandi Schubert as the President. Congratulations Mandi, and thanks for the photos!

The PSAC Regional Staff conference took place last week in Victoria. The Director of the Regional Offices Branch, Penny Bertrand (in black) presented Dave Jackson and Janet Routledge with their long service pins - 20 and 30 years respectively!

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

Monday, February 11th at 5:00 at the PSAC office, #210 - 1497 Admirals Road.

The agenda for this meeting will include

• Election of Chairperson/Secretary/Treasurer
• Election of Delegate to the BC PSAC Regional Convention
• Budget for the 2008 fiscal year
• Event for International Women’s Day
• Information on Oxfam Canada

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

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

South Vancouver Island District Area Council (SVIDAC) Invites You To Make Submissions To Our “Create A Logo” Contest

The SVIDAC creates a forum which enhances the exchange of information between PSAC members on matters of common interest. SVIDAC also serves as one of the liaison bodies for Component Locals/Branches and Directly Chartered Locals within the Southern Vancouver Island region of the PSAC.

As such, we are offering all PSAC members in Victoria the opportunity to present, in art form, a logo submission.

Contest guidelines

• the contest is open to all PSAC members within the Southern Vancouver Island region
• one entry per member
• each entry must include the artist’s name, address, phone number and a valid email address
• each entry may be sent either electronically to jacksod@psac.com or by mail to Att: SVIDAC Logo Contest, 210-1497 Admirals Road, Victoria BC V9A 2P8
• only originals will be considered
• submissions are now being accepted, the closing date for accepting submissions is February 29, 2008.
• The winning entry will be judged on a variety of factors including artistic merit, creativity and originality.

Prize

• One grand prize of a bomber style jacket with either the new SVIDAC or the PSAC BC logos will be presented to the winner.

PSAC SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND DISTRICT AREA COUNCIL MINUTES

August 28, 2007, Regular General Meeting - PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Members Present:

• Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169
• Ian Wiggs – UNDE 21008
• John Rumsby- UTE 20028
• Todd Genereux – UNDE 21011
• Cindy Little – UTE 20028
• Ken Waldron – UNDE 21013
• Mandi Schubert – CEIU 20975

Regrets:

• Jim Sidel
• Ches Bennett
• VirginiaVaillancourt
• Peter Neelands
• Randy Sanderson
• Renée Young
• Brian Port
• James Little
• Rosemary MacKenzie

Continue reading below or Southern Vancouver Island Area Council minutes - August 28th (pdf).

1. Call to order: President Sister Little called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
2. Proposed Agenda : Nothing further to add
3. Adoption of Minutes May 22, 2007 M/S/C I. Wiggs/J. Rumsby
4. Discussion re: Legion Donations – no further donations
5. Old Business: None at this time
6. New Business: None at this time
7. Political Action:
   • Nick spoke about Political Action –Defending Quality Public Services/Conference Calls/Need for follow up letters to MP’s.
   • We have done the follow up letters what we need now is for follow up phone calls from the specific constituents to the MP’s and candidates.
   • PIPSC Campaign against Privatization of Federal Laboratories SVIDAC to put out a letter to Kay/Janet/Patty and to BC national officers.
   • October 4 – Pre Budget Finance Committee Meeting in Victoria. D.P.Q.S & DFO Campaign.
   • Victoria Labour Council –The revitalization of the VLC has been going on over the summer with 7-8 meetings. Nick was tasked with reporting on improving communications and increasing affiliations. Nick’s report circulated at meeting. This fall Nick plans to contact and encourage Victoria PSAC locals to affiliate with the VLC. One recommendation is to look at reducing affiliation dues. Resolutions to our various conventions concerning subsidizing locals that affiliate are being considered. VLC meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
   • P. Bragg (Van RO) might be loaned from Van RO to work on website for VLC.
8. Labour Day Picnic: All Welcome. PSAC will have a booth set up. Esquimalt/Gorge Park. 1070 Tillicum Road. 11:00 – 4:00 Nick/DaveJ/James/Cindy/Rosemary/DaveT to bring supplies for raffles
9. AGM: Annual General Meeting – September 26, 2007 AGM Sept 26, 2007
10. Other Business: Need for new banners. Discussion about colors for banners – what is most visible Todd to look at costs
11. Adjournment / Next Meeting: M/S/C K. Waldron/I. Wiggs to adjourn 6:40 PM

PSAC SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND DISTRICT AREA COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES September 26, 2007

PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Members Present:

• Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169
• Virginia Vaillancourt – UVAE 20030
• John Rumsby – UTE 20028
• Todd Genereux – UNDE 21011
• Cindy Little – UTE 20028
• Graeme Goodmanson – UEW 20169
• Mandi Schubert – CEIU 20975
• Scott Parker – UTE 20028
• Jim Sidel – DCL 20500
• Ian Wiggs – UNDE 21008
• Ken Waldron – UNDE 21013
• Dave Ramalho – UNDE 21011
• Sharon Hazelwood – NAT 20140
• Pete Wills – UEW 20076
• Dave Jackson – Regional Rep
• James Little – H & S Rep
• Rosemary MacKenzie – Admin Assistant

Continue reading below or download the Southern Vancouver Island Area Council minutes - September 26th (pdf)

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This Labour Day PSAC members took part in the “Public Services Are Cool” blitzes at the labour picnics at Confederation Park in Burnaby and Esquimalt Gorge Park in Victoria.

• Visit the photo gallery for lots of pictures.

We’re proud to report PSAC had excellent representation! In Victoria, PSAC staff and members of the Southern Vancouver Island Area Council set up a tent and spoke with the picnic-goers about the value of a strong public service as well as the save our fisheries campaign. Members from many components stopped by throughout the day and an excellent time was had by all.

In Burnaby, staff and members active with the Vancouver Area Council came out and helped with the table. They distributed PSAC materials and asked the public to sign letters to their MPs regarding the second phase of the federal building sell-off. National Vice-President Patty Ducharme was in town and visited the table for a while and REVP Kay Sinclair also joined in in the afternoon. Several PSAC members who were attending the picnic and weren’t aware of the table were there and very pleased to see PSAC out with the whole labour family.

Hi - thanks so much for supporting the street newz.  We’ve spent the $1500 you so generously provided, and we’re sending a report to let you know what we did with it. We appreciate your help very much …

The Victoria Street Newz is one of the projects the PSAC Social Justice Fund is supporting: here is a letter they recently sent to the SJF.

Thank you for your generous donation of $1,500 tax dollars to help cover production costs for the Victoria Street Newz.

With each issue, from February 2006 to June 2007, the PSAC logo and/or advertisement was displayed prominently in the newspaper and on the relativenewz.ca website.

The Victoria Street Newz is now entering its fourth year. We’re very grateful to all the organizations and individuals who have supported us thus far. Because of your generosity we are able to maintain our integrity. Rather than surrendering valuable print space to excessive advertising, or increasing the cost to vendors and readers, the Victoria Street Newz is able to ensure a comprehensive collection of community writings is available at a reasonable price. With help from the community we serve, we will continue to sustain our local environment by reflecting, showcasing, informing, and educating.

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PSAC SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND DISTRICT AREA COUNCIL MINUTES – May 22, 2007

General Meeting

PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Members Present:

Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169 Wayne Little – UTE 20028

John Rumsby- UTE 20028 Todd Genereux – UNDE 21011

Cindy Little – UTE 20028 Sharon Hazelwood – NAT 20140

Marie Newton – USGE 70093 Ken Waldron – UNDE 21013

Louise Richard – NAT 20088 Jim Sidel – DCL 20500

Ches Bennett – DCL 20500 Virginia Vaillancourt – UVAE 20030

Anita Hoffman – NHWU 20017 Randy Sanderson – UCTE 20220
Dave Jackson/Rosemary MacKenzie PSAC Victoria RO

Continue reading below, or download the Southern Vancouver Island AC minutes, May 22 2007 (pdf)

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Halifax- On Valentine’s Day, PSAC members working at IMP Group Limited poured their chocolate coated hearts out in an attempt to soften management’s stone cold heart.

In front of the company’s headquarters in Halifax, the workers distributed heart shaped chocolates to managers and other employees as they entered the building. The workers hoped their gesture will be seen as an expression of their heartfelt desire to reach a negotiated settlement with IMP Group Limited.

“We are hoping the company will realize the benefits of open and positive negotiations with the employees’ union,” said Greg Isberg, president of PSAC Union Local 21018 in Comox, British Columbia. Isberg is also a member of the PSAC negotiating team at IMP Group Limited. “We want to maintain peaceful and harmonious relationships with the company, but management seems intended in creating a confrontation,” he added.

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Negotiations between the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Corps of Commissionaires (Corps) for a third collective agreement get underway Monday February 12^th in Victoria. The parties have agreed to meet February 12-15, 2007 and if required they have also set aside March 20-22, 2007.

Dave Jackson, PSAC Regional Representative, will be the spokesperson for the union with Dave Eden handling that role for the employer. There are approximately 275 Commissionaires in the PSAC bargaining unit who perform services on behalf of the Corps. They are employed at various worksites in Victoria and on Vancouver Island as well as in the Yukon.

The services of a third party were required in order to achieve a negotiated settlement during the last round of bargaining.

The preliminary education schedule for spring 2007 has been posted on the education page. We have scheduled courses for Vancouver & the Island. The schedules for the Fraser Valley, North and Okanagan will be posted soon.

Via Nick Humphreys, Political Action Committee

Amnesty International Announces 5th Annual Human Rights Film Festival: University of Victoria to host this very special 3 day event from November 17-19

Victoria, BC: In spite of the increasing influence of human rights organizations around the world, and the improved flow of information to and among concerned citizens, tragic abuses continue to occur with alarming frequency. Amnesty International is committed to shining a light on these events through these sometimes stark, but always honest, films capturing the reality we face.

• November 17,18,19
• Location: University of Victoria David Lam Auditorium (MacLaurin Building)
• Tickets: All screenings by donation. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
• more information: www.amnestyfilmsvictoria.ca

Now in its fifth year in Victoria, the event has seen a remarkable increase in attendance and is now the second largest Amnesty Film Festival in the nation. It is a showcase for talented filmmakers who work against long odds, short finances and threatening politics to bring to the screen powerful stories of human struggle, sacrifice and triumph. This year, the festival is honoured to present eight exceptional and timely new films of global importance, with guest speakers introducing and discussing content and implications.

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PSAC SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND DISTRICT AREA COUNCIL - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES September 19, 2006 -PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Members Present:

• Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169
• Peter Neelands – NRU 20088
• John Rumsby – UTE 20028
• Todd Genereux – UNDE 21011
• Cindy Little – UTE 20028
• Graeme Goodmanson – UEW 20169
• Louise Richard – NAT 20088
• Renée Young – UCTE 20220
• Dave Jackson – Regional Rep

Download the Southern Vancouver Island & District Area Council AGM minutes, Sept 19 2006 (pdf) or continue reading below.

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Via South Vancouver Island Area Council

Help ensure sustainable, local jobs and sustainability in BC’s forests!

• Saturday September 16, 2006, Victoria BC
• 11:30AM
• Meet at Centennial Square by City Hall (Pandora and Broad St.), then march down Government Street to Legislative Buildings
• 12 noon - 1:30PM
• Rally at Legislative Buildings with PPWC, Steelworkers, B.C. Federation of Labour, Save Our Valley Alliance, Youbou Timberless Society, WCWC, Sierra Club, NDP, Green Party

PSAC SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND DISTRICT AREA COUNCIL MINUTES Aug 15, 2006 - Special Bylaws Meeting, PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Present:

• Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169
• Wayne Little – UTE 20028
• Sara Cousins- UTE 20028
• Todd Genereux – UNDE 21011
• Cindy Little – UTE 20028
• Rosemary MacKenzie RO/Admin.

Regrets:

• Renée Young – UCTE 20220
• Pat Maxwell – UNDE 21008
• Jack Gale – GSU 20001
• Dave Jackson – Regional Rep

Sister Cindy Little, President & Sister Renée Young, Secretary