Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Minutes – Vancouver Area Council meeting, April 8, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 5:14 PM

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

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

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

1. Introductions

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

2. Resolutions to Convention

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

3. Regional Convention

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

4. May Day Organizing Committee (MDOC)

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

5. Round

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

Meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM

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

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

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

Minutes – Vancouver Area Council meeting January 23, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 5:55PM

In attendance:

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

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

1. Affiliated Locals (dues paid)

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

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

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

2. Round of introductions

3. BC Regional Convention delegate election.

Discussion on purpose of convention and role of delegate

Nominations

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

4. Resolution discussions (resolutions to follow)

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

5. Political Action

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

6. New Items

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

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

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

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

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

more info: ilps_canada@shawcable.com

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

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

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

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

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

See Poster.

VAC AGM 16 October 2007

Present: Tom Gallagher, Megan Adam, Sam Wiese, Sharon Tieman, Deanna Wilson, Colbey Peters, David Saba, Kay Sinclair, Rhonda Johns, Terri Lee, Monica Urrutia (staff)

Continue reading below, or download the  Vancouver Area Council AGM minutes - October 16 2007 (pdf)

1. Meeting called to order at 6:07 pm

2. Intros

• 3 guests, Dave & Colbey and Deanna
• rest in attendance are delegates or officers

3. REVP‘s message (Kay)

• BC Regional Council coming up April 18-20. Each Area Council (AC) is entitled to 1 delegate and can submit resolutions.
• Suggest election should be at next AC meeting and identify draft resolutions
• Might have workshops at Convention – e.g. get AC’s involved in municipal elections; via District Labour Council affiliation
• Kay distributed some recent resolutions passed at NBoD – land claims, PSAC funding national women’s groups (both pdf); on support and solidarity with Colombia and the Philippines (see attached)
• there was some discussion on the resolutions
• Terri gave a back ground of the Equal Opportunities committee which raised the resolutions on Colombia and the Philippines – largest standing committee, 1 from each component (17), 2 from each group (8), 2 co-chair, Ed & Robyn. Meets twice a year to discuss equity issues. Terri reviewed/explained the report. Download the EOC report to the NBoD (pdf)
  
• NBoD still needs to implement the 2nd & 3rd Be it resolved on the Philippines issues – it has been passed by the board
• Discussed Discipline Review Committee at the Board – how PSAC deals with disciplining people who cross picket lines – looking at making recommendations

4. President’s Report (Sam)

• Sam provided a verbal report which highlighted the following:
• Nov ’06 – attended BC Fed Convention
• Dec – participated in action against religious & political persecution of the Falun Gong; also participated in the PSAC Human Rights dinner
• Feb – attended IAMAW rally, supported BC Fed Youth Group on the $10 minimum wage campaign
• March: at the BC Fed Community and Social Action meeting – recommended the Temporary Foreign Workers Working Group come under this committee
• April – presentation about April 28 Day of Mourning to Burnaby City Council who unanimously voted to officially recognize April 28 as an official day in Burnaby. ; attended Empty Bowls Gala – Burnaby – fundraiser for schools which no longer have hot lunch programs
• May – attended the May Day Rally – well attended, made a presentation to Burnaby City Council to recognize May Day as an important day in the history of labour and human rights
• June – elected on to exec of Burnaby Citizens Association, this is the association that supports union endorsed Burnaby civic candidates
• July – participated in Defending Quality Public Services (DQPS) Campaign kick-off various sites in Burnaby, New Westminster and Port Moody
• Aug – attend BC Day NDP picnic, distributed DQPS stuff; Merritt Mountain Music Festival – outside the gates distributed DQPS info
• September – Labour Day Picnic – happy with turn-out from AC; Thanks to all who supported; Highest # of PSAC members probably in last 10 years.
• Talked about needing to get involved Political Action Committee

5. Treasurer’s Report (Sharon)

• Sharon presented her Treasurers report (pdf).
• Community Savings, the new bank of the VAC is a unionized credit union that is endorsed by the BC Fed
• Report was m/s/CARRIED (Sharon, Rhonda)

6. TB – Bargaining (Megan)

• PA (Table I) – have been meeting with the employer since the spring. One meeting so far this Fall.
• Basic, sign-offs (changes under new legislation; housekeeping and untouched clauses)
• changes to grievance procedure, union leave, official language training
• $ is at the end so majority of demands are $
• delays because of pay studies, Dec round called off because of (Essential Service Agreements) ESAs & Pay studies are incomplete
• Nov = finish all non-monetary = Dec no bargaining to keep coordinating with all tables
• Discussion – suggest pressuring local management at UMCCs or components regarding ESAs – put something on web

5. Youth Report

• Sam gave on behalf of Jamey
• A –$10 Now campaign is still underway. Some municipalities have supported voted to support, while prior to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) meeting some had not supported notably Vancouver, Pitt Meadows and Port Coquitlam. While Pitt Meadows and Vancouver were not too much of a shock, we were very saddened by the result of the initial vote by Port Coquitlam City Council as there is a high number of Union endorsed members on that city council. The resolution to Port Coquitlam failed by one vote, interestingly, a union endorsed city councilor was not in attendance at the meeting the night NWDLC gave the $10 Now presentation. Thankfully, the majority of delegates at the UBCM passed the $10 Now resolution at the conference last month.
• B –“ Grant’s” Law – working alone law, was passed by WCB after much work and support from the De Patie family and the labour community
• C – Youth Committee within PSAC faces some challenges; encourages locals to get youth in touch with Jamey

6. Motion

• For the VAC to pay $180 towards dues for the New West District Labour Council for CEIU 20949 – which pays the other 50%. Rationale: This is done annually as the VAC receives a subsidy from the PSAC to help it affiliate to District Labour Councils within its jurisdiction. If anyone is interested, Sam sits as a delegate but we are entitled to two. Rhonda may be interested. m/s/CARRIED (Sam, Megan)
• The VAC is also affiliated to the Vancouver District Labour Council via AGR 20044 but we believe that VAC does not contribute towards the dues because AGR 20044 gets its dues reimbursed to them already. CEUDA 20040 is also affiliated and UEW 20147 may soon be affiliated and will be requesting funds from the VAC to assist.

7. Elections

• Kay Sinclair conducted the elections with the following results:
• President – Sam Wiese (Rhonda nominated, Megan seconded)
• 1st VP – Megan Adam (Sam/Sharon)
• 2nd VP – Rhonda Johns (Sam/Sharon)
• Sec - VACANT
• Treasurer – Sharon Tieman (Megan/Sam)
• Members at large
• (1) Tom Gallagher (Sam/Megan)
• (2) Terri Lee (Rhonda, Sharon)
• (3) VACANT
• Kay conducted the oath.

8. Other

• Oct 27 – Bring Our Troops Home Rally
• Nov 2-3 BC Law Teach-in on Afghanistan
• Nov 3 – Chili Cook Off
• Pivot Calendars are available to fundraise for Pivot Legal Society, they will also be having a Christmas Auction Dec 8th
• Sam made a special mention about the passing of trade unionist Tom Kozar. There will be a United Way Labour Appreciation Dinner on December 3rd where Tom will be posthumously given an award.

9. Stand Up/Speak Out

• The following people took part in the Stand Up/Speak out pledge against world poverty. (Monica, Megan, Deanna, Terri, Tom, Rhonda, Sharon, Dave, Colbey, Sam)

10. Meeting adjourned 7:55 pm.

11. Addendum: Addendum to Financial Statement for Vancouver Area Council (pdf).

To: PSAC-BC Locals/Branches with members in the Metro Vancouver Region

You are invited to the Vancouver Area Council’s ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING on Tuesday, October 16 at the PSAC Vancouver Regional Office (#200-5238 Joyce Street). Dinner at 5:30 pm, meeting at 6 pm.

All locals/branches with members in New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Squamish are welcome to attend!

Tentative agenda:

• Message from Regional Executive Vice-President, Kay Sinclair
• Executive Reports (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, etc.)
• Youth Representative Report
• TB Bargaining update - PA unit, member-negotiator Megan Adam
• Area Council Executive Officer Elections
• Other Business

Please note, only member locals/branches who have paid Area Council dues in full will have the right to vote in the election of officers or other business which may arise. Please RSVP to Monica Urrutia by October 12th as dinner will be served

17 July 2007 Vancouver Area Council meeting – Theme: Environment

In attendance were: Rand, Sharon, Anne-Marie, Deanna, Karim, Marie, Colleen, Rhonda, Wanda, Kay, Terri, Jack, Sam (chair), Megan, Jas, Craig, Monica (minutes)

Continue reading below, or download the Minutes: Vancouver Area Council meeting, July 17 2007 (pdf)

1. Meeting

Called to order at 6:20pm. Sam briefly reviewed the agenda. There were introductions by all. Sam acknowledged that Carly Crawford, VAC secretary, was planning to attend, but because of the change in dates from July 10 to 17, Carly was not able to get the time off of work. Carly sends her regrets.

2. Speakers – Environment

Sam – read out parts of the PSAC Environment policy, mentioned the upcoming BC Regional Women’s Conference which has an environment theme.

Anne Marie – spoke on the 401 Burrard Green Team, made up of Environment Canada/Public Works/Management/Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Gave brief history of the environmental movement, currently more about climate change; previously more on land use and timber extraction. The environmental movement is very diverse, has worked with labour on and off over the years. The Labour Environment Alliance Society (LEAS) run by Mae Burrows was promoted . Now – people “get it” -environmental issues are not “special interest group” issues, rather must be of concern to all.

401 Burrard Building – in 2003 the residents of the building formed a “Green Team” which supports the Government Environment Policy. The Green Team is comprised up of 20 volunteers, and links in with a national GT network. Environmental “auditing” was powerful – audited paper and energy use with friendly reminders and kudos issued to individuals.

Organizing the team is like unionism, start one person at a time. The Team has commuter challenges – organize departments to tally up who used what to get to work, has lunch & learns - screened an “Inconvenient Truth”, holds waste reduction (compost awareness) workshops. Emphasizes need for behavioural change, don’t force individuals to change as there may be resistence.

Public Concerns: air quality and water 7 out 10 people, need to find ways to weave social messages around the work site, e.g. 401 Burrard has, bike racks, bike user support group, internal website is linked to great sites and has tips. Workplaces can initiate their own green teams. Contact ; Rheannon.Wylie@ec.gc.ca.

There are a variety of resources available: PSAC, CUPW, BC Fed Climate – change working group, CUPE.

3. Public Services Are Cool! P.S.A.C.

• (a) as part of Defending Quality Public Services, Sam talked about summer leafletting, PSAC website and contest.
• (b) No to sale of public buildings – Jack shared that if sale goes through the building is no longer maintained by SNC; if not then PWGSC no longer has responsibility in auditing the building for safety and members’ safety is at stake.
• (c) House of Commons workers – James Moore letter, on website, Sam will phone to see Mr. Moore. Moore.J@parl.gc.ca

4. Offer of labour history tour

Regina has led a labour history walking tour throughout the downtown, including where PSAC had a sit-in. If members of the VAC are interested in organizing one let Monica know (urrutim@psac-afpc.com).

5. Round

• UEW 20729 – updating local worksite, getting JLP in workplace
• UPCE 20029 – desperate for people but company is unnecessarily letting people go; doing pre-bargaining via surveys
• UPCE 20101 – wants to do survey as well, gearing up for bargaining
• GSU 20008 – mentioned Duty To Accommodate – national ACCESS conference in September, National access audit from coast, is currently being done by 2009 – all crown buildings.
• AGR 20044 – tentative agreement, CFIA to get behind TB, ratification this month, sending out postcards for AGM, went to COPE Bbq, had local picnic, 60 people showed.
• CEUDA 20040 – had last summer meeting in June; memberships’ minds are on bargaining
• UVAE 20045 – wants to do a Component Anniversary thing this year; reminding all in general about the CUPE strike – 0%; issue is access to handydart, write to Translink (cc. Craig as he sits on advisory committee for PWD on Disability)
• UTE 20027 – bargaining, going to access, appreciated PSAC did support national day of action.

Adjourned 8:20 p.m.

AREA COUNCIL MEETING 05/08/2007 - Theme: International Solidarity

Members in attendance:

• Sam Wiese-CEIU 20949
• Rhonda Johns-UPCE 20095
• Carly Crawford-UPCE 20095
• Tracy Shudo-CEIU 20949
• Megan Adams-UEW 20147
• Jamey Mills-UTE 20027
• Craig Langston-UTE 20027
• Deanna Wilson- NAT 20088
• Rand Ameye- GSU 20008
• Tom Gallagher-GSU 20008
• Ted Alcuitas- BC Committee of Human Rights in the Philippines
• Monica Urrutia - PSAC
• Kay Sinclair-REVP BC

Called to order at 6:00pm

• Brief Discussion by Sam Wiese on May Day activities
• Megan Adams’ presentation “Defending Public Services: From Canada to Colombia” see: www.colombiajournal.org
• Ted Alcuitas’ presentation on International Solidarity in the Philippines see: www.laborstart.org and www.psacbc.com/philippines
• Question and Answer period with Megan and Ted
• Round Table with all members

Meeting called to a close at 7:45pm

• Tuesday May 8, 5:30PM
• dinner at 5:30 pm, meeting at 6:00 pm*
• 200-5238 Joyce St.
• (1 1/2 block south of the SkyTrain)

This month’s theme is International Solidarity

Megan Adam will talk about the situation in Colombia and Ted Alcuitas about the Philippines, two of the most dangerous countries in the world for trade unionists

*please RSVP to the Vancouver RO at 604.430.5631 or via email: urrutim@psac.com

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - Educational Forum - “Young Workers Organize to Fight Back: Privatization, Low wages, Cut backs & Wars of Aggression”

• Organizing Centre for Economic & Social Justice, 672 E. Broadway Vancouver at Fraser and Broadway, 6:30 PM
• Speakers

• Carlo Sayo, National Chairperson, Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance – report-back from the World Peoples Youth Conference (2-4 March 2007, the Netherlands)
• Jen Efting, Bus Riders Union and Hospital Employees Union staff
• Young workers testimonials and organizing young workers from Carl Cortes and Tania Ortiz
• More speakers to be confirmed

Saturday, April 28, 2007 - “Building International Workers’ Solidarity” - Cultural Solidarity Night and Fundraiser

• Kalayaan Centre, 451 Powell Street, Vancouver, 6:00 PM
• By Donation at the Door (includes dinner and snacks)

Events are leading up to this year’s May Day March & Rally - “March for Workers’ Rights! Solidarity with Immigrant, Migrant and Undocumented Workers!”

• May 1, Tuesday, 6:00 pm
• Gather at Clark Park (Commercial Dr. and E14th Avenue)
• Organized by the May Day 2007 Organizing Committee and Status Coalition (Vancouver)

PSAC Vancouver & District Area Council Meeting - March 6, 2007

In attendance: Sam Wiese (CEIU 20949), Deanna Wilson (NAT 20088), Sharon Tieman (UPCE 20101), Megan Adam (UEW 20147), Rand Ameye (GSU 20008), Karim Lawji (CEUDA 20040), Keith Macdonald (UCTE 20221), Velna Clarke (NAT 20088), Neil Gaba (DCL 20020), Rhonda Johns (UPCE 20095), Monica Urrutia (PSAC staff – minute taker)

Regrets: Carolyn McGillivray, Bob Jackson, Angela Marafon

1. Welcome & introductions

-Meeting was called to order at 5:58 pm.

Continue reading below or download the Vancouver Area Council meeting, March 6 2007 minutes (pdf).

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Minutes - Annual General Meeting – Vancouver & District Area Council (PSAC)

November 22, 2006

• Introductions: Tom Gallagher (GSU), Sharon Tieman (UPCE), Megan Adam (UEW), Rand Ameye (GSU), Jennie Chu (AGR), Terri Lee (AGR), Sam Wiese (CEIU), Carly Crawford (UPCE), Rhonda Johns (UPCE), Jamey Mills (UTE), Staff Rep – Monica Urrutia

Continue reading below, or download the Vancouver Area Council AGM, Nov 22 2006 minutes (.pdf)

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