• Attendees: Marion, Karla, Rodney, Duncan, Jennifer, Marie, Gordon, Andy
• Regrets: Wanda
• Absentee: Zelda

Call to Order:

• Approval of Agenda (Rodney/Duncan carried)
• September Minutes approved (Marie/Karla carried)
• October Minutes approved (Gordon/Duncan carried)

President Report – Marion

• Canada Post inside workers who are PSAC members has begun strike action. It’s important we do as much as possible to support them. The PSAC has boycotted the Canada Post system and we will not be crossing the picket line in order to access the Local’s Mailbox located at the downtown depot
• Wanda and I attended the SCRAP, a Political Fashion Show which was a fundraiser for the Philippines Women’s Centre. It was a moving and educational evening in which symbolic clothing was combined with the stories of real women who came to Canada as part of the Foreign Worker Exchange Program as domestic workers and subject to near slave labor conditions
• For those who are stewards or anyone approached by members for assistance, one of the first questions we should be asking is what they expect as an end result. Members need to realize that the grievance process is not punitive but designed to make the complainant whole
• Earlier his fall, I was elected BC Female Representative to the National Inuit Aboriginal Métis (NAIM) Circle and will be attending the first meeting of the new term in Ottawa the first week of December. There is a desire to have a regional network and I am working with other aboriginal activists to create one. I will be looking to you for inept and assistance as we have the highest density of aboriginal workers of any local in the country
• Forwarded the contact information of the President of the Local in which represents the workers of the Department of Justice Offices located in 1138 Melville St to the INAC Stewards. Please let me know if you are approached by a member of another local and I will obtain contact information of someone who can represent or refer them to the PSAC Regional Office
• Connected with members at the Victoria Passport Office. He’s working with Marie to get everyone at that office signed up and he expressed as interest in coming over for the AGM

Steward Coordinator – Wanda

• October/November has been a busy month following up and working on potential grievance files. No new files have been opened

Secretary Report – Jennifer

• Recent Grievance Handling Course – Very helpful
• Two more courses on Nov 29 and 30 – Local Officers and Facing Management respectively
• More youth members at office have come forward to express interests to get involved and been encouraged to take courses, to start off with the basic courses
• Recent Terms of Reference drawn up for LUMCC - went very well and first LUMCC date set for Dec 10th, 2008 – am looking forward to accomplish this first LUMCC
• Names of those who have expressed interest to participate in our LUMCC have been forwarded to Marion and Steve
• New youth member, Kanwar Herr will be attending BC Federation of Labor Convention on Nov 24 – 28th, 2008 with Duncan and Steve
• Long overdue issues with malfunctioning chairs to be dealt with at the next OHS meeting (Nov 20) – A request email was put in to OHS Chair as well as Management Team for a date when repairs will be done by

Human Rights Officer – Gordon

• Security review Oct 2007 3 security incidents
• Dec - 1 person to be sent to do the whole security review immediate change
• Door to be remain locked, visitors to call from outside the building
• Response is that receptionist calls security pager, she enters 911 what floor she is on or where threat is 1st time -Visitor was unhappy, smelly,
• Second time, complained about govt,
• Loitering in the change room by the gym, easily accessed
• Casual staff in and out, no security
• Recommendation, lock to be closed, locked, phone with display to be provided
• Consensus is to wait for HQ security assessment
• Many admin staff at office that can be cross trained and rotate with receptionist

Youth Member - DUNCAN

• Transit passes – management is going to add Tran slink issues to the agenda of next Pacific Federal Council (PFC) meeting and hopefully all Federal Govt departments in BC will have the option of
• Having Tran slink pass fares deducted. Looked at high level, ability to deduct straight from paycheques
• PSAC going to be chairing the next LUMCC at INAC, Rodney considering chairing it
• Attending the BC Federation of Labour Convention Nov 24 – 28 2008
• Youth Forum will be held on Sunday Nov 23, 2008 Downtown Vancouver

Health and Safety – Rodney:

• Health and Safety committee
• Representation, representing someone (ongoing) who works in the same site reporting to one same Person
• Manager seems responsive, representation is important – May not necessary m
• Attending JLP Course Interpretation and Understanding Collective Agreement is on Nov 19, 2008

Membership – Marie:

• Previous month was really busy with updating ppt office membership
• Copy of updated membership list sent to rep in Victoria
• 6 cards out at INAC to be returned
• Signed up 2 people last month
• Names provided by human resources
• Contact for Vancouver to be sent to Marie by Karla

Treasurer – Andy:

• Last convention expenses came through
• Many people signed up courses especially from Passport Canada Offices who can be potential be stewards/reps
• AGM date and venue to be announced (Tuesday or Wednesday)
• Low in cash

Vice – President – Karla

• UMC WD - well oiled machine
• Gordon’s issue e came as a result of the UMC WD being resolved, so UMCs do work
• RUMCC with Passport – good
• Last RUMCC minutes was from 2005
• 2008 Minutes draft was received today
• In the past, efforts from Passport Offices have been weak
• Authentic efforts being shown at this point
• Next Monday, Tues and Wed CSPS T405 Mediating Conflict learning plan part one of a two part course
• Absent Dec 2008 – Jan 2009 going on holiday to Australia and New Zealand
• JLP boycotting Canada Post due to strikes

AGM

• To actively encourage and invite all members to attend
• Tentatively during the month of February 2009
• Term for Marie as Membership Coordinator would like to withdraw, would like to remain as Member AT Large and be a mentor for new person taking up the role
• Travel Status for members from out of town may be reimbursed
• Accommodation to be discussed

Next Meeting Date: December 16, 2008

Time and Place TBA via email

Meeting adjourned: 7:30 pm

Agenda for next meeting: Update re: AGM

Minutes dated October 28, 2008 @ 5:47 PM

Attendees: Marion, Wanda, Jennifer, Andy, Zelda and Marie

PSAC Officer: None

Guests: None

Regrets:Gordon, Duncan, Rodney, Karla

Call to Order:

Approval of Agenda

September Minutes approved (to be postponed review of minutes to November – Wanda/Andy carried)

President – Marion

• It has been a quiet month, after many meetings, conferences, etc. I took some personal time off, mainly to go to Film Festival
• Isabelle Major has resigned as Member at Large for Canadian Heritage due to her busy work schedule
• Members are active at that work site and just not connected to Local.
• Attended Surrey, Delta, Langley Area Council meeting with Jennifer as we have recently affiliated
• We are entitled to two delegates so we are seeking for a second one from the Surrey Passport Office as we have affiliated only those members
• Attended the Regional planning seminar of the National Component Regional Team. There are some great activities coming up
• We have been having a lot of guests at the meetings which is great but needs some thoughts as they have not sworn an oath so we have had to censor ourselves which is not best for our members

Steward Coordinator – Wanda

• Advised that members who are interested in learning what is happening with the Collective Bargaining go to website at www.psacbc.com and sign up for the updates. Please be sure to use your home email address as the employers resources will not be available to us during the strike action
• Raised a number of INAC – UMCC issues on the pre-national meeting conference call, of particular concern was how the INAC offices were going to be storing and maintaining information collected during the Self Identification Survey
  • Remember that all issues must be raised at the local level (work based UMCC) before it can be pursued at the National UMCC for consideration. Rodney and Duncan are responsible for INAC UMCC; however Wanda is providing assistance as there was no one available for the call
• Grievance and preparation of potential cases are time consuming and the local really needs members to come forward to help out as Shop Stewards. The five courses for a member interested in becoming a Steward:
  • Talking Union Basics
  • Understanding and Interpreting the Collective Agreement
  • Facing Management
  • Grievance Handling Level 1
  • Grievance Handling Level 2 (Advanced)

Secretary – Jennifer

• Oct 3 – 5 2008 – Attended Union School, very informative and met a member from Vancouver office for the first time and Gordon was there too.
• October 7 – 9th 2008 – JLP UMCC Training followed by Western RUMCC for Passport Canada -Karla , Passport Office members from Vancouver and Richmond and myself attended
• Lots of items were on Agenda
• Met quite a few members from Passport Canada from other Provinces and network is being set up for connection and communication
• UMCC Terms of Reference for Surrey Passport Office date set for Friday, Oct 31 and then the first LUMCC at Passport Canada –Surrey will be set at that meeting, hopefully Karla or Marion will be able to attend the first LUMCC with me
• Oct 19 2008 – Understanding and Interpretation Collective Agreement, four members from Passport Canada, Surrey, Richmond and Vancouver were at this course with me.
• Upcoming courses in November: Nov 1 and 2nd (this weekend) – Grievance Handling – three members from PPTC Surrey attending
• Nov 29th – Local Officers’ Seminar
• Nov 30th– Facing Management – three from PPTC Surrey attending
• PSAC Ottawa invited to participate in the Hosting Committee for PSAC Triennial Convention April 26 – May 1, 2009 – very excited and as per Wanda – Thanks for the nomination
• West Fraser Valley Area Council (formerly known as Surrey, Delta, and Langley Area Council) held its AGM on October 16 which Marion attended with me, I was elected Co-Chair. Looking for another member from Passport Canada to get involved
• Passport Canada – Surrey : Health and Safety Committee plans to set up a training session with PSAC (James Little) for two one day training session for 14 committee members
• First Aid Meeting for the First Aid Team resumed on Oct 23 after their last meeting back in March of 2007, assistant manager went on maternity leave and no one followed up to carry on with coordinating meetings etc
• Would like to set up mini welcome sessions for new employees asap to educate them about PSAC, what benefits are available to them and what their roles and responsibilities are being PSAC members
• Got assistance from youth member, Kanwar to get knowledge and educated and pass words on to all other youth members in the office. Kanwar has expressed interest in attending the upcoming BC Federation of Labour Convention in November, 2008.

INAC Member at Large and Tran slink Coordinator – Zelda

• 98 members
• INAC is still getting credit for the signups
• Andy will forward Treasury Board link on Tran slink offer to Jennifer

Membership – Marie:

• Busy month for me due to the new membership sign ups from Passport offices
• Total of 38 ppt membership cards, 35 sent in Oct 1
• Few cards sent in are outdated where members are already signed up or no longer with ppt office
• Surrey and Richmond ppt offices are done
• Still missing some membership cards from Vancouver and Victoria Passport offices to contact Marie to sign up members (Jennifer will pass Marie’s info to Vancouver and Victoria Union Reps)
• Updated RAND list will be forwarded to Wanda
• Andy requested for a list as well for verification on claims for courses
• 676 people on list, $2/person

Treasurer – Andy:

• Lots of members attending courses which is good
• Components doing claims differently, writing right off Rebates from the Locals Fund
• Cash on Hand – a little low but should be okay, been looking at account online – does not look like the savings account will be disturbed
• New members signing up
• Component By Law Amendment– not updated, no changes reflected from the Convention
• Canadian Labour Congress Pacific Region 2009 Winter School
• Andy will update list for Local Executive Committee Members

Human Rights Officer – Gordon (via email):

• Oct 3 – 5, 2008 Attended Union School with Jennifer
• Oct 21 – 24, 2008 Attended the Interdepartmental OHS Seminar in Saint-Sauveur, QC. I am Co-Chair for the National OHS Policy Committee
• For WD, having succeeded the PIPSC rep, and am still the Co-Chair for the Regional OHS Committee at WD

New Businesses:

• Nov 24 – 28 2008: BC Federation of Labour Convention
• Youth Forum: Steve and three youth candidates:Duncan, Kanwar
• Wanda moved that we use our three remaining credentials for BC Federation of Labour for youth members of our Local: Duncan Travers (INA), Kanwar Herr (PPTC) and one other youth to be identified by Jennifer and pay $150 registration per member/seconded by Marie
  • Plus credentials
• Andy provided information on bargaining teams

Next Meeting Date: Nov 18 @ 5:30 pm

Dec 16 tentatively

Meeting Adjourned

Agenda for November: Planning for AGM

Attendees:

• Marion
• Andy
• Karla
• Rodney
• Zelda
• Jennifer
• Wanda
• Marie

PSAC Officer: None

Guests:

• Joseph
• Dianne

Regrets:

• Gordon
• Isabelle
• Duncan

Call to Order

• Approval of Agenda (Andy/Marion – carried)
• June Minutes approved (Rodney/Marie – carried)

President Report – Marion

• It’s been a long time since our last meeting but it has been an incredibly busy summer for all of us.
• Rodney and I attended Vancouver Area Council Summer Barbeque in July. The Council very much wants us to re-affiliate with them – we get 2 delegates.
• More on Convention later
• Attended two days TB Strike Mobilization Conference. All TB Presidents and Area Strike Co-coordinators got together, heard from bargaining teams, not much new information other than a strike seems evident, yet distant. PSLRA is really slowing things, ESA’s going to mediation – action may be a year away
• We have affiliated with Surrey, Delta, and Langley Area Council as Jennifer has been attending meetings. I will accompany Jennifer to the next meeting she will attend which will on Oct 16, 2008
• Attended Aboriginal People’s Conference Sept 19 – 21 in Winnipeg, got elected BC female NAIM Circle Representative and alternate aboriginal EOC Representative
• One thing that came up at Convention is that there is misunderstanding about non_PSAC Worker Organizations such as CANE and NCAFE
• Encourage members to join but be clear these are management committees and in INAC LMCC must make clear that they are not employee organizations that employer cannot consult with them instead of us
• Attended National Component Human Rights meeting Sept 28 and 29, goal is to connect more with Locals and more specifically Local Officers
• Also attended Conference Planning and there are going to be a lot of them coming up in next 3 years
• Collette again our Regional Representative

Steward Coordinator – Wanda

• 2 very new complaints regarding disability, in once case the employer is pressing employee to decide how to return to work or take medical retirement before her Sun life entitlement expires, in these situations, PSAC encourages members the fight the timelines imposed by the employer
• Another case involves the difficulties faced by an individual who is working in a position that isn’t on an organization chart, with the promise of an “appointment” when the position is created. These situations are to be avoided, if the employer has a legitimate requirement, they will make the necessary arrangements with Human Resources to follow the proper procedures to fill the position. Employees who work under these conditions may find that when the position is posted that they don’t “qualify” and are not in a position to take further action as they had aged to work in that position informally
• A reminder that the Status of Women Department - Vancouver office is closed, we no longer have this department on our list as a member department as there is no office in BC. However, an employed (AS 1 position) is currently under the Work Force Adjustment clause of our Collective Agreement and is currently looking for a job. Please let me know if you hear of any positions at that level.
• Excited about Passport personnel getting involved with the Local and hopefully, there will be further steward development from these new members

Secretary – Jennifer

• Attended the 2008 Western Regional Summer Institute for Union Women
• “Women Behaving Politically: Organizing for Change” July 9 – 13 2008 held in Victoria
• Total of 280 or so participants who came from Canada and United States. Several politicians were present as panel speakers including a Senator from Washington State, DC, USA, Surrey MLA Sue Hammell and others
• I met a new friend who was on a Community scholarship from Surrey. Through her, I participated in a fundraising Drama Play called the “Hot Flashes” for the Newton Advocacy Group for Women. The play was held at Surrey Arts Center on Sept 20, 2008 with great success
• Summer 2008 in August, Karla, and a member from Passport Canada Surrey office and me volunteered to help out at the PSAC table at the Pride Parade in Vancouver. Glad to see that Passport Canada Surrey is participating more at PSAC functions.
• Oct 3 – 5, 2008 - I will be attending the Union School held at Hilton Hotel, Burnaby
• Oct 7 – 9, 2008 – JLP UMCC and Western Regional UMCC held in Vancouver
• Oct 16, 2008 – Area Council Delta, Surrey, Langley Meeting – Elections Night for Area Council
• Oct 18 – Understanding Collective Agreement
• Thanks to Diane who helped out in getting most RAND members at Passport Canada to sign their membership cards and handing in to Marie
• Outreach at Passport Canada – Surrey – can this be arranged asap for new employees at our office? To follow up with Marion
• Thank you to everyone for your support, once again

INAC Member at Large and Translink Coordinator – Zelda

• Over 90 members with Translink
• Info to be emailed to Joseph as per request

Health and Safety – Rodney:

• Getting many phone calls from all over
• Cannot represent temps and casuals, Wanda advised to screen all phone calls in case
• Callers are seeking representation
• Understanding Collective Agreement Nov 19th with JLP
• 20 people to participate per session & 2 facilitators
• Ideally 50 – 50 members and management participation

Membership – Marie:

• Excited about a lot of members, mostly from Passport Canada
• Will be updating the list soon and Marion is working on getting the list of those members in WhiteHorse
• About six new members at INAC have signed up

Guests:

• Joseph from PPTC Richmond – RUMC
• Diane from PPTC Surrey – privacy act enquiry – if taking too long, advised should contact the Privacy Act Officer in Commission

Treasurer – Andy:

• Income and Expense Statement for August, 2008 was reviewed
• Convention - lots of fun – expenses $10354 as it stands today and another $2500 or so to be paid out
• Quite a few bills came in the summer time
• Main concern: Cash at hand is down to $1000
• No panic – still $ in savings account at bank, needs to find out how long and what it takes if we need to take the $ out for just in case
• BC Federation Labour Convention coming up
• 3 days before month end, dues get deposited authomatically
• Strike coordinator in his area and is doing well
• If ok with ESA today, probably no action until April 2009

Vice – President - Karla:

• Blings
• Did an Outreach in Richmond: Joseph and Karla went for lunch
• Julie, Joseph and Karla fantastic conversation and things are looking very well
• LUMC is scheduled: Jennifer – Surrey, Romy – Vancouver, Joseph – Richmond
• Some names on the list from ppt are no longer there, list should be updated
• WD – fantastic course in October 2 ½ day long for mgmt, includes conflict resolution, understanding collective agreement
• Will bring up courses for mgmt at RUMCC

New Business:

Convention Report

• Attended National Component Triennial Convention August 18 – 22, 2008 in Toronto at Royal York
• Big part was elections; Daniel Kinsella elected President, Doug Marshall – National Executive Vice-President, Karoline Klug – National Executive vice-President for Human Rights, Suzanne Cadjeux Assistant National Vice-President for Human Rights
• Regionally, our own Steve Houston was re-elected Regional Vice-President, Wanda was elected 1st Assistant Regional Vice-President, Nikki Walsh 2nd Assistant Regional Vice President
• Human Rights – I was elected BC/YT Human Rights Representative, Ruby Byrne from INA Whitehorse – 1st Alternate, Charan Bhullar from Labour Canada- 2nd Alternate
• Let someone else, Wanda, to into details about resolutions
• One, I wanted to talk about is a new formula for delegates to next convention in 2011. The formula was 1 per 250 members giving us 2, now it will be 1 per 100 giving us 5 delegates - Wanda, Steve, and I have automatic seats outside of that
• Human rights conference in Victoria or Fort St John coming up around summer 2010

Finance Report:

• Someone passed some didn’t
• Cost increase, for e.g.:
• Delegate’s entitlement 0.8/member, maximum of delegates
• Two youth delegates for every region, 0.013/member
• 5 Equity reps to the committee
• National Component Dues Increase -2008 Triennial Convention – handout given out
• List of all participants who attended the Convention is available
• Having been elected as 1st VP for the Component - Excited
• Sept 22, 23, 24, 25 – Orientation of National Executive Meeting
• Rand Campaign – to get more RAND to sign up and to get more members to be able to attend Convention
• Marion joined for the Planning OHS – Health and Safety (Fall 2009), Human Rights, seminars to be held in BC and Yukon, one time conference for all Presidents
• Passport Caucus – PPT delegates had a meeting which was very interesting
• Independent Passport Locals: developing a communication method so that all Passport Offices could be communicating nationally to discuss and share

Business cards:

• Option 1: not unionized: environmentally sound and a design shop cards run from 250 cards - $40 - $50
• Double sided
• Option 2: Marine Press - Union shop but not a design shop, will take logo 250 cards for $35 or so but color, double sided, will turn out to be more costly due to every little feature to be added, it costs money
• Option 3: Karla - to print “Shells” from computer as required
• Marion will look into the cost and do an electronic motion
• BC Federation of Labour at Convention Center November 2008:
• Annual federation - 5 credentials for the local, always have extra
• Wanda moved/Rodney seconded –for Steve Houston

Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, Oct 21, 2008, 5:30 pm Joyce Street office

Meeting adjourned: 7:30 pm

Agenda for next meeting: Credentials for BC Federation of Labour

Attendees:

• Marion
• Karla
• Wanda
• Rodney
• Andy
• Duncan
• Jennifer

PSAC Service Officer:

• None

Guests:

• Amit Sharma (Passport Canada - Surrey)
• Diane Peterson (Passport Canada – Surrey)

Regrets:

• Gordon
• Zelda
• Marie
• Isabelle

Call to Order

Approval of Agenda (Karla/Wanda – carried)

May Minutes approved (Rodney/Karla – carried)

President Report – Marion:

• One year now since PA contract expired, there is a rally on Thursday June 19th at noon in front of Canada Place, please come out if you can even though many of us are busy with Public Service Week Activities.  More info on website.  June 19th event will be followed by a BBQ at INAT Bailey Stadium.
• Glad to say that Jennifer has taken on the role of Secretary.  We now proudly have a full Executive – Congratulations, Jen, you will do a great job!
• Attended the one day Convention Procedure Course at the PSAC office with Jennifer and Duncan.  Course was very information and helpful for the Pre-Convention Committee meetings she attended in Ottawa last week with Steve and Wanda.
• This will be our last official meeting until September even though most of us    will be busy with the Convention and other events.
• Those of us who are going to Convention should have a get-together informally before Convention.  Those going as Observers will need travel advances and such and for both Delegates and Observers, we can discuss what will be hitting the floor, who is running for office, etc. including Steve, our Local was lucky to be represented on all 3 Committees.
• Treasury Board tabled its initial wage offer and it was an insulting 1.5, 1.5, 1.2 and 1.2 which is below the inflation rate.
• It’s still a ways off with CSA’s and such still a battle but a strike is seeming more and more likely.

Vice-President Report – Karla: 

• Swag – Drawstring Backpacks for OutReach (Made in Canada), being modeled by guest, Amit and sample backback given to him as a souvenir. Orders to be received by August 2008.
• Carribeaner to be given out to all members of Local and “OutReach” program explained to Guest, Diane Peterson.
• Sex Trade Discussion  in Vancouver Downtown SFU on June 25.  Catered/Refreshments will be provided.  Public Speakers are Cheryl Unuma and Libby Davies (a YES Advocate).
• Assistance provided by Kay Sinclair.  CEIU had women’s meeting but no speaker. 25 women were outraged.
• Vancouver Rape and Relief: “NO” side.  Aboriginals Women’s Council – Pending (“NO”)
• Media – Posters are being created.  Invitations to be handed out to members soon.
• Passport Canada ICMS Guidelines, Department Policy is a requirement.

Health and Safety – Rodney:

• Regional Meeting coming up
• Safety Meetings held on Fridays – unable to attend due to off duty
• UMCC – Nothing important:
• Update what’s going on – adjustment Human Resources Management Plan being implemented.
• Fairly detailed what’s happening in the next five years
• INAC “Translink” passes – INAC states that they have no system that can handle TRANSLINK, although they have it in their web site.  There are non PSAC members interested to participate – but they can’t since we only operate it for members – history is that Local 20088 Executive and INAC members took it upon themselves to make this offer available to all Local 20088 members

Finance Report – Andy:

• Income and Expense Statement for May 2008 was reviewed.
• June 25th Event is being organized, catering arranged.
• Letter received from National Component about one elected officer being a RAND, Andy to follow-up.
• List of Officers – all available on internet
• Expenses below $10,000
• Translink – an increase in membership

Youth Report – Duncan:

• Attended Convention Procedure on May 24th with Marion and Jennifer
• BC Federation of Labour Youth Conference – there were 40 attendees, people from Indian Arm and young workers from all kinds of work places

Steward Coordinator – Wanda:

• Self introduction to guests of the evening:  Manage calls, potential grievances, Work with Stewards, work suggestions, support where how and when they need.
• National Component Convention Financial Committee: Resolutions (last round was on the Constitution Committee)
• 15 people/Committee
• Represent members
• Meet at Trianneal Basis –Prework:  Budget received, standing, pre-finance committee
• Concurrence  means committee agree with resolutions
• Encourage members to support the new budget which means a bit more to pay for union dues but not that much! ($1.10/month/member)
• Did an Outreach in 2004 – 550 PSAC members Passport Canada and Indian Affairs
• A 10 year Service Award was submitted for Steve Houston who was contacted for his personal information

Secretary – Jennifer:

• Thanks for your support with me taking up this Secretarial role.
• Follow up on request for Outreach Program for Passport Canada – Surrey. Marion will look further into this after Convention trip.
• Attended Duty to Accommodate Course June 12 – 15th – Very informative and Educational, better understanding of DTA.  Kay Sinclair was present to update on June 19th event.  Wrist bands available on site, 3 speakers, music, hot dogs and drinks. In BC, at Vancouver Downtown Canada place from 12 – 1 pm, Metro Vancouver – CEIU, Vancouver Canadian Games, South Kootneys (Theme Ratty Clothes, Beachwear) and etc.
• Attended Area Council Meeting for Surrey on May 13th, speaker from New Westminster Labour Office, next meeting not until September
• Attending the BC Federation of Labour Summer Institute for Women at UVIC
• Early July.

Next Meeting Date (to be confirmed) September 30, 2008, 5:30. Joyce Street Office (tentative location)

7:30 Adjourned

Attendees:

• Marion
• Andy
• Karla
• Duncan
• Zelda
• Jennifer
• Gordon
• Rodney
• Wanda
• Isabelle
• Colette Savarie, PSAC Service Officer

Guests:

• None

Regrets:

• Marie

Call to Order

Approval of Agenda (Karla/Gordon - carried)

April minutes approved as amended (Wanda/Andy - carried): May Minutes (once approved will be forwarded to Patrick Bragg for posting)

Officers of the Local - Oath of Office: Zelda, Isabelle, Rodney, Jennifer, and Duncan have all been officially sworn in!

President Report - Marion

• Attended Lancaster House Human Rights and Accommodation Conference in the beginning of April.  Valuable discussions on subjects like addiction, duty to accommodate, and privacy in the Facebook age.  Presented both Union and employer point of view.
• BC Regional Convention was April 18-20 quite a few of us from the local attended as delegates and observers.  Kay Sinclair was re-elected REVP, Megan Adams is Assistant REVP, and Karla was elected one of the alternate coordinators for the Regional Council.
• The PSAC is hosting a convention course on May 24th at the main office.  I would highly recommend it to anyone who will be attended a conference as a delegate or observer.
• Duncan and I attended a meeting at INAC about the re-organization of the Funding Services Unit in which 12 positions were deleted putting our members in a workforce adjustment situation.  We reminded management of their duty to consult as we were informed the same day as the general announcement and a week before implementation.  Also, one of the deleted positions was listed in the proposed Essential Service Agreements provided by the department.
• Applications as a delegate or observer are now being accepted to the PSAC Aboriginal Peoples conference in September.
• I received a final list of delegates to convention and the total from this local are  myself, Rodney, Wanda, Andy, and Steve so we will be well represented.

Vice President Report - Karla:

• New ADM working on office re-org and advises that changes will happen soon.
• Staff feeling is positive as most feel management is inefficient, management more nervous than staff.

Health and Safety – Rodney:

• Excellent JLP document which outlines “Operational Requirements” posted on the Steward Network site
• Raised the Translink program and the JLP planning for the next UMCC Agenda

Youth Report - Duncan:

• Camp Jubilee – Young Workers Conference
• UMCC will be attending meetings with Rodney

Finance Report - Andy:

• Income and Expense Statement for April 2008 was reviewed
• National UMCC held in Vancouver was very productive – management agreed to union interests
• Participating on the JLP Facilitator Training this week

PSAC Rep - Colette:

• Reviewed locations of Area Councils
• May 14 – Regional Women’s Committee (Regional Office at 5:30)
• July 9-13 Women Program in BC – Summer Institute for Union Women
• Union School – testing a new format with 15 options of which you could choose one on each day of the school to a total of 3
• Renovations – Floor 2&3 is planned for June / will be able to provide advanced courses (we will have to have our file cabinet moved to the new space)
• Stewards Network – on the website at psacbc.com and updates are being posted
• Health and Safety – is fully operational (Rodney participates)

Human Rights Report - Gordon:

• Participating on the JLP Facilitator Training this week
• Union Co-Char for the Health and Safety Committee at WD and National Rep for WD Health and Safety – working with the Management Accountability Framework by Treasury Board on the reporting of H&S, appears management team is more concerned about checking off boxes on the list than they are about the actual health and safety issues that exist in the work site, that they are more concerned about the quantity of activities rather than the quality, definitely need to have more attention paid to this file than they currently allocate
• Regional security consultation as a result of an incident that occurred at the Reception area (must monitor)
• Have a number of additions to membership with coop student terms who are very active on green initiatives

Steward Coordinator - Wanda:

• Reviewed out dated materials from our local archives… and will destroy materials from more than 7 years ago.
• BC Regional Convention – interesting resolutions, much time spent on items that weren’t burning issues for most of our members, need to anticipate some resolutions that may be considered for submission next cycle and discuss how some of the resolutions this cycle need to be addressed at National Component and then PSAC Triennial Convention.  Also participated by being one of three members on the host committee.

Passport Surrey Member At Large - Jennifer:

• Outreach event, need a date and meeting room – follow up invite
• BC Regional Convention – found it very interesting, realized how much there is to learn, Thank You to Marion for working out the approval to attend and the costing from National Component (much appreciated)

INAC Member at Large and Translink Coordinator – Zelda:

• Nothing new to report.

Canadian Heritage Member At Large - Isabelle

• Canadian Heritage was looking for a UMCC representative in mid-March and put out a call of interest to all staff – committee recommended taking some basic Union Education courses to help her on this like Understanding and Interpreting the Collective Agreement and Facing Management
• Consultation on the HR plan will be over in the next few months, new rules under PSMA have been challenging and process of hiring is much longer – usually over one year.
• Is there a future Leaders Forum with the Union? There should be one offered.

Next meeting June 16, 2008 at 5:30 at the Joyce Street Office (booked and confirmed by Wanda with Patrick Bragg)

Observers to Convention - Marion

• It was recognized that the experience of attending conventions has provided both the Local and Members with a good opportunity to learn, that our Local should support additional people to attend.
• Moved that Gordon Law be sent as an additional Observer to the National Component Triennial Convention to be held in Toronto from August 18-22, and that he be fully funded by the Local 20088 for all eligible costs. (Wanda/Jennifer – carried)

SWAG – Karla

• It was recognized that our Local has not invested in materials specific to our Local and that in order to do Outreach we wanted to have material bags with a special logo, carbineer key chains also inscribed with our special logo, and logo shirts for the Local Executive.  Information was shared on the cost of such materials and the related number of items that would make the most sense for an initial investment
• Moved that an additional $3,000 be allocated in the budget under the line item identified for Outreach for a total of $9,000 and that this addition be used for the costs (design, set up, embossing, shipping & taxes) related to the purchase of special logo print materials including 200 Accessories Draw String Bags, 500 Carbineer Key Chains, and 20 Executive “League” shirts. (Karla/Wanda – carried)

Special Event – Karla

• A number of people have agreed to work together on bringing this event together; they include Cheryl Oenema, Nicole Jacobson (both from the BC Regional Council Women’s Rep and Alternate), Terri Lee, and Wanda Stachura under the leadership of Karla Backer.  Additional contact may be made with potential additional members from NAIM and from  Grassroots Women (Monica).  Megan Adam has offered some funding in support of the event, just need to finalize the logistics and budget.  Planning Committee will have teleconference calls to discuss details (date, venue, catering, agenda, etc)
• Moved that a budget of $2,000 be provided as the base for the event to be used at the discretion of the Planning Committee and submission of invoices. (Wanda/Karla – carried)

Service Awards - Wanda

• Executive unanimously agreed to nominate Steve Houston for a Service Award in recognition of his contributions and activism in BC Region.

Area Councils - Marion

• Megan Adams has asked that we affiliate to Vancouver Area Council (.50/member) and Garry Fraser has asked that we affiliate to the Surrey/Delta/Langley Area Council ($1.00 per member for 40 members)
• Moved to affiliate to those Area Councils where members have identified that they would like to attend.  (Marion/Wanda – carried)

Surrey Passport – Correspondence

Executive received a list of member’s signatures requesting the creation of a separate local, no one attended to speak to the request.  Should there be a representative identified by the office to attend and discuss this request, the direction will be given that the same process that the local followed for the Parks request will be followed.  This involved the active involvement of three members at Executive Council meetings to demonstrate a viable Executive could be created, courses and training by the members would also be undertaken to demonstrate an understanding of the necessary procedures and policies to operate as a separate local, and that the recommendation of the Local Executive would have to be presented for vote at the following years AGM after the fulfillment of these conditions have been met.

Next Meeting Date, June 16, 2008, 5:30, Joyce Street Satellite office

8:20 Adjourned

Attendees:

• Marion
• Andy
• Karla
• Duncan
• Marie
• Zelda

PSAC Service Officer:

• Colette Savarie

Guests:

• Jennifer Ho
• Lumie Abat-Keuning

Regrets:

• Gordon
• Rodney

5:56 Call to Order

Welcome to guest from the Surrey Passport Office

Approval of Agenda (Wanda/Andy - carried)

• March & April Minutes (to be forwarded to Patrick Bragg for posting)

April minutes approved as amended (Andy/Duncan - carried)

• note that Rodney had purchased/had delivered a Godiva Tower to the provincial and national offices

Swearing in of Zelda, Duncan and Rodney to be sworn in by Steve Houston at future meeting (Marion to follow-up)

President Report:

• IRSC - new worksite things are going well, HR personnel approached and announced UMCC at first meeting.
• H&S Committee - meeting with members in attendance (hadn’t known about this)
• Other worksites:
• INAC
• approved a test run of the Joint Learning Plan (JLP), notifications should come out soon, please encourage as many members to attend as possible.  Course will be on Understanding and Interpreting your Collective Agreement, having this opportunity will reduce the workload.
• Duncan and Marion attending a meeting Monday about the re-organizing of the department
• Duncan stepping up to be on the UMCC
• Issue with the workplaces that the employer seems to think consultation is a courtesy and not an obligation, because of this they think that they can pick and choose with whom they have discussions
• INAC s jumped on the issue that President is no longer in the building and that Passport’s rep is working at WD
• Asked Steve if something can be done on these issues
• Education
• four of our members participated in TUB course on the weekend, expressed to Garry Fraser a desire to get more involved, trying to get that information to follow-up with them
• Now officially the Human Rights Representative for BC/YT

Finance Report:

• Andy had us re - sign the Pro Forma D for submitting to the National Office and shared the monthly financial statement.
• Gerry Nantel - completed audit of our books
• Racially Visible Montreal Conference - brief - issues are very unique to group like racial profiling, job cuts, political aspects and religious groups / impact of the media with the politicians attack on immigration, etc.  Challenge to see the bigger picture and need for Specialized Leadership courses for all equity groups.
• LAC - UMCC will be held end of April in Vancouver.
• Will be taking the JLP Orientation in early May.

Youth Report:

• Duncan will attend the UMCC and discussion on the Reorganization at INAC

PSAC Rep:

• Update on the BC Regional Convention
• BC Courses - encouragement to take the courses (posted schedule at psacbc.com)

Membership Report:

• Large number of Rand members at Passport, would be useful to have a meeting at the work site to sign members and provide basic information.  Jennifer and Lumie to follow-up with Surrey Passport members to set a date.

Vice President Report:

• WD reclassification AS/CR levels - involved on a pro-active basis - sent e-mail Monday, reclass of PM1, this has been in the works for years - would like to know what the current status is!
• Will provide poster information for Surrey Passport office to add contact info/post for follow-up by members.
• Updated re: Sex Trade Discussion Night (e-mail invite to Libby Davies) and asked for volunteers to help in planning/coordination of such a night.
• Extended invite for WD presentation by colleague on Legalizing Prostition Potluck Lunch (see e-mail invite for details)
• MOHR Good Ideas - Product samples reviewed/selected items
• I move that we purchase 250 outreach items for distribution & 10 executive team items, including printing and artist costs not to exceed $3,000.  (Wanda/Karla - carried)

Steward Coordinator:

• Reminded team that all calls re: steward needs/grievances/enquiries should be directed to me for initial review and assessment, President is not the first point of contact for these particular issues.
• Developing a contact list for each worksite and will be connecting re: steward representation/Steward Circle.

Next meeting May 5, 2008 at 5:30 at the Joyce Street Office (booked and confirmed by Wanda with Patrick Bragg)

7:27 Adjourned

Tuesday, APRIL 8, 2008
PSAC Satellite Office, 5128 Joyce Street, Vancouver

The National Component’s Triennial National Convention will be held in Toronto, Ontario at the Fairmont Royal York, August 18-22, 2008.

National Component Local 20088 is entitled to two delegates to be elected at the above noted date. Alternates and Observers will also be decided at this time.

Minutes

1) Attendance: Present: Marion McLarty, Wanda Stachura, Marie Kagan, Pacita Ho, Andy Yung, Zelda San Jose, Karla Backer, Rodney Hynes Guest: Alistair Crawford

2) Agenda: Accepted and approved.

3) November 21, 2007 minutes – Minutes were accepted and approved. Motioned by: Wanda Stachura, Seconded by: Andy Yung. AIF

4）President’s Update – Marion McLarty: * Marion advised the Women Conference that she attended in Toronto was very well received.

5) Officer’s Report:

a) Wanda Stachura

• She will be away till December 10, 2007 and if require assistance, Marion McLarty is available.

b) Marie Kagan:

• There are three new members added to the Members List.

c) Andy Yung

• Andy advised that he will distribute the November 2007 Financial Statement via e-mail in the next two weeks.
• Andy advised that the auditor did not return call to him yet; he will provide update at the next meeting.

d) Rodney Hynes

• Rodney advised that in addition to his existing roles with our Local 20088 as Human Rights Officer, he also take up the roles as Health and Safety Officer.

e) Karla Backer

• Karla advised that she also attended the Women Conference in Toronto.
• She enjoys being the facilitator for some of the PSAC (JLP) courses and will speak to the Education Office for other future facilitation opportunities.
• She will represent the members at the Vancouver Passport Office to attend the Vancouver Passport Office’s LMCC Meeting.

6) AGM Prep Update Marion advised that Megan Adams has agreed to speak at our AGM to be held in February 2008. Agenda for the AGM will be further discussed at next meeting. Poster for the AGM will be made up on or before January 14, 2008 to be posted in each office.

7) Gift Baskets Wanda made a motion “I move that the Local 20088 to purchase two gift baskets, one for the National Office and one for PSAC Regional Office not to exceed $85 per basket”. The motion was seconded by Andy Yung. AIF (Rodney will organize the basket to be delivered to both offices)

Fraser Valley District Labour Council The Local received call from Gary Fraser enquired if our Local is willing to affiliate with Fraser Valley’s Passport Office. Member agreed to bring this item for next meeting’s discussion.

9) Next Meeting Next Meeting – January 9 @ 5:30pm

Meeting adjourned at 6:05pm

Minutes

1) Attendance: Present: Marion McLarty, Wanda Stachura, Marie Kagan, Pacita Ho, Andy Yung Regret: Zelda San Jose, Karla Backer, Rodney Hynes

2) Agenda: Accepted and approved.

3) October 17, 2007 minutes – Minutes were accepted and approved. Motioned by: Wanda Stachura, Seconded by: Marion McLarty. AIF

4）President’s Update – Marion McLarty:

Marion advised that Megan Adam has accepted the invitation as speaker at our AGM in February 2008.

Marion provided the following November Report:

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – NOVEMBER 2007

• Attended PSAC Union School, November 2-4. Theme was “Public and Proud: Building Union Resistance to Privatization.” Guest Speakers were Malalai Joya, a member of Afghan Parliament and Seth Klein, BC Director of the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives. Malalai Joya is an advocate for Human Rights in her country and spoke on the horrendous state under the current regime. Seth Klein spoke about the danger of Public-Private Partnerships and there is a culture change as for profit businesses continue to invade public services. Also, I was proud to participate in the course “Our Community, Our Union, Our Rights”, the first course in the region for aboriginal members.
• At INAC there has been a series of emergency NUMCC conference calls related to the Deputy Minister’s Aboriginal Workforce Initiative. This initiative was brought in without proper consultation of the bargaining agents. The component has contacted the INAC Director of Human Resources in writing about the failure to consult. • Wanda has been in touch with ISRSC about the status of LMCCs in BC Region. We received notification that they are happening but no information at what level and who is involved. I confirmed with a local member who has confirmed that there is no regional input to the committee.
• I’ve established contact with a member at ISRSC who has agreed to act as a contact information related to bargaining or any labour action and sit on LMCCs once they are established. There is now a union bulletin board at the office now thanks to her actions.
• I attended the Sharon McIvor fundraiser at Heritage Hall November 14 in order to present our donation. The event was a huge success as it was standing room only and $30,000 was raised.
• I’ve been in touch with bargaining team member Megan Adams who has agreed to be a speaker at our AGM. Details to be confirmed in the new year.
• 2008 CLC Winter School brochures are now out.
• Leaving for the PSAC Women’s conference tomorrow and will be attending BC Fed next week

5) Officer’s Report:

a) Wanda Stachura - She will be away till December 10, 2007 and if require assistance, Marion McLarty is available.

b) Marie Kagan -No new activity to report.

c) Andy Yung o Andy distributed the October 2007 Financial Statement.

• Advised that member will need to submit their course’ completion notice in order to get reimbursement.
• He has made reservation at the YWCA (Howe) for upcoming AGM on February 21, 2008.
• He and Marion will attend Heritage Canada’s LUMC.
• Andy is the strike coordinator for Metro-East.
• Andy advised he will contact the auditor again this week as the auditor was out of town. 5. Pacita Ho * No new activity to report.

6) Next Meeting – December 12, 2007 @ 5:30pm

Meeting adjourned at 6:45pm

• THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008
• YWCA, 535 HORNBY STREET, VANCOUVER Fourth Floor Boardroom
• MOVIE AND REFRESHMENTS STARTING 3:45PM
• MEETING BEGINS 5:30 PM

Come early and watch “Live Nude Girls Unite!” a documentary about the first Union of Exotic Dancers.

Stay for an update on what’s happening at the negotiation table from Program and Administrative Services negotiation team member Megan Adams.

Agenda

1. Welcome
2. Review / Change / Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of Minutes, 2007 Annual General Meeting
4. President’s Report
5. Treasurer’s Report
6. Guest Speakers
7. Approval of 2008 Budget
8. By-Laws
9. Elections

Reimbursement for travel and child care costs available.Please contact your local union rep for more information.

Come on out! Get informed! Get involved!

Download the Meeting notice and proposed bylaw amendments (pdf)