Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

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.

Feds receive bids for purchase of Sinclair Centre, other sites; Ottawa yet to decide if it will proceed with sale and leaseback of buildings

Potential buyers have submitted bids on Vancouver’s historic Sinclair Centre and eight other federal buildings across Canada, though Minister of Public Works Michael Fortier says no decision has been made to sell.

Speculation is that properties together would be worth more than $1 billion, but government officials have not revealed what prices bidders are willing to pay.

• Read John Gordon’s letter to Stephen Harper re the sale of government buildings
• Video: Stop the sale of government buildings - rally in Ottawa

Public Works and Government Services Canada did hire the real estate divisions of BMO Capital Markets and RBC Capital Markets to advise it on the potential sale and leaseback of 40 government-owned buildings, from which nine were singled out as good candidates.

And those advisers have put that list of nine properties, which includes the Sinclair Centre and the government office tower at 401 Burrard Street, out for offers and were actively marketing them between May 1 and June 12.

(more…)

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

The next Vancouver RWC meeting is coming up on Tuesday May 22nd at 5:30PM at the Vancouver Regional Office, 200-5238 Joyce St. (1 1/2 block south of the SkyTrain). This month’s topic/agenda item will be Planning for the upcoming Regional Women’s conference.

please RSVP to the Vancouver RO at 604.430.5631

• 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)

Here are some photos taken at recent PSAC events in Vancouver and Victoria … click the thumbnails for larger versions.

On April 4^th PSAC, affiliated Union, and Victoria Labour Council members attended an event coordinated by the BC Fed to bring attention to Dr. Keith Martin’s (MP for Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca) voting record on Bill C-257. Dr. Martin had originally voted in favor of the Bill only to amend his position at final reading. Jim Sinclair, President of the BC Federation of Labour, Jennifer Burgis, NDP Candidate for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca and Kay Sinclair all spoke of the need for Anti-Scab Legislation and how disappointing it was that Dr. Martin amended his position at the last minute.

Dr. Martin also addressed the crowd of angry constituents with a excuse that Essential Services designation somehow played an important role in his change of position. This was really frustrating for the unionized workers present as it has been made abundantly clear that essential services designations would not be affected by this anti-scab legislation.

Over 140 delegates, guests and observers attended the PSAC’s 2nd Pride Conference which was held in Vancouver on March 30-April 1, 2007, and chaired by Kay Sinclair and Ed Cashman, REVP for Ontario. Participants attended workshops and regional caucuses, debated resoultions, and elected two LGTB members to the PSAC Equal Opportunities Committee. At left, members of the BC caucus. Visit the national website for a report and some more photos.

Members from the Nanaimo area took a Grievance Handling and Understanding / Interpreting the Collective Agreement course, March 31 - April 1. The GH/UICA course, which was facilitated by PSAC Regional Rep. Dave Jackson, gives members the skills and knowledge to effectively solve problems in the workplace and explores key provisions in our various Collective Agreements.

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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PSAC Vancouver Regional Women’s Committee Meeting September 13, 2006

In Attendance

• Alethea Boire
• Sargy Cheema
• Patricia Ganczar
• Stephanie Oostrander
• Cheryl Oenema
• Sanda Turner
• Monica Urrutia
• Deanna Wilson

Regrets

• Regina Brennan
• Kim Forster
• Angela Marafon
• Carol Pegura

Speakers

• Danielle Bisnar
• Marilou Carrillo

Continue reading below, or download the Vancouver RWC meeting minutes, September 13 2006 (pdf)The meeting opened with a welcome to members of the Women’s Committee and to the members of the Human Rights Committee. We had a roundtable where everyone introduced herself and then the floor was given to the speakers, two board members from The Philippine Women Center of BC.

The speakers talked about the “Stop the Killings” awareness campaign. 750 politicized killings have occurred in the Philippines since President Gloria Arroyo took power. These 750 people include trade unionists, church people, journalists, lawyers, human rights workers, ordinary workers and peasants. Many of these people were critical of the Arroyo government in its failure to address poverty and corruption.

Progress is slowly being made though. A Women’s Political Party has been formed in the Philippines. One woman won a seat in the election. Popular vote determines who gets seats. It is the people who are mobilizing people. Unfortunately, these are the ones that are being murdered.

They also spoke about the make-up of the Philippines. 80% of the population are urban poor and peasants. This inequality is pushing people to migrate. Statistics say that 3000 people leave the Philippines every day, and 60-70% of these people are women. They go to low paying jobs overseas, yet most are university educated.

The speakers noted that locally, weekly vigils are held in front of the Canadian consulate in the hopes that it will put pressure on the Canadian government to act and bring awareness to the problem.
Donations to the BC Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines can be made as well.

Alethea Boire asked if there was anything the PSAC Vancouver Women’s Committee could do and Danielle mentioned that the Committee could send their own statement to Peter McKay about the killings in the Philippines, to which all in attendance agreed to.

After the speakers were finished, the remainder of committee business was tended to.

Alethea noted that 3 boxes of mugs have been donated to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Center. Sanda noted that she forgot to bring her mugs tonight, but will bring them at a later date.

Childcare campaigns were discussed and whether or not our committee wanted to ‘piggyback’ on a current campaign. Monica spoke about the “Childcare-Kids are Worth It” campaign, and handed out buttons for us to wear and to hand out. Sanda mentioned that the YWCA might be a good resource for childcare campaigns. Cheryl offered to look into any assistance the YWCA can provide.

Monica also mentioned that Grassroots Women is holding a one-day childcare forum on October 21st and invited the sisters to attend.

Alethea noted that it is usual for the Women’s Committee to give honorariums to speakers at our meetings. She made a motion “ to give a $100 honorarium to the Philippine Women’s Center of BC”
M/s/c Boire/Oenema

Adjournment: 7:10

PSAC Women’s Committee Meeting June 15, 2006

In Attendance

• Alethea Boire
• Regina Brennan
• Parveen Deepak
• Patricia Ganczar
• Angela Marafon
• Deanna Wilson

The meeting started at 17:55.

Continue reading below or download the Vancovuer RWC meeting minutes, June 15 2006 (pdf)

There was no update to the finances.

Deanna gave a verbal report on the CLC Women’s Conference. A written report will follow at a later date. Highlights of the conference included an organized lobby (about child care) to MPs at Parliament Hill, and a selection of interpretive dances performed by the Dandelion Dance Group. She also participated in workshops while at the conference.

The participants present at the meeting discussed the September meeting and what should be on the agenda. The Conservative childcare agenda was discussed and ideas such as an email or postcard campaign were mentioned.
Parveen to connect with BC Federation of Labour and email links to the Women’s Committee.

Angela to contact Christine (CEIU) to talk to Val Burgey about the “Hands Off” campaign (Ontario campaign to bring awareness to childcare issues).

The Filipino Women’s Center has offered to send a speaker to speak at one of the Women’s Committee meetings. All were in agreement that the September meeting would be a good time for this to happen. Angela to contact Monica Urritia re: Filipino Women’s Center speaker.

Because there will be a speaker at the next meeting, the poster for the September meeting will specify that the meeting is at 5:30 and the speaker starts at 6:00 sharp. Also at the end of this meeting, the co-chairs will ask people if they want to stay and discuss events around December 6th and the child care campaigns.

Angela discussed the possibility of adding a line item to next year’s budget for “transportation” and “child care”. All agreed that this should be revisited when we plan our budget for 2007.

Angela noted that she is in the process of following up on Marcia Bradley’s video for showing at a Women’s Committee meeting.

Regina noted that there is an on-going information picket in front of the Real Canadian Superstore on Grandview Hwy. Westfair Foods is a supplier to Superstore and they are on strike because their employer wants to reduce the wages of all new hires dramatically (almost half the wages of those employed currently).

The meeting was adjourned at 19:00.

Greetings. There are going to be some big chances in the Vancouver Regional Office. Brother Jack Rudd will be retiring in May and Sister Regina Brennan will be going on self-funded leave for six months as of June 2007. Jack’s position has been posted and the deadline for applications is January 29. From that competition we will establish an eligibility list from which to backfill Regina in her absence.

If you are interested in applying in this competition and want to find out more about what qualifications we are looking for and how we assess them, then come to a meeting at the Vancouver Regional Office, 5238 Joyce St., on Wednesday January 24 at 5:45 pm.

Light refreshments will be served so please RSVP to Patrick or Patricia at 604-430-5631 no later than noon on January 23.

Janet Routledge, BC Regional Coordinator

Regional Representative

Duties

Under the general supervision of the Regional Coordinator and as part of a regional team that includes other regional office staff, the Regional Council, and regional union bodies such as Area Councils, the Regional Representative builds the union and fosters membership solidarity by delivering union programs and services in the region.

For more information visit the national website. Note the closing date for PSAC members residing in the BC region is January 29th.

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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Janelle Ho-Shing will be acting in the position of Regional Representative until the staffing action to replace Joanna Schultz has been completed. She will be assuming responsibility for the locals previously assigned to Joanna. She can be reached at 604-430-5631 extension 234 or by emailing hoshinj@psac.com.

The PSAC-BC Human Rights Committee would like to invite all interested and available members to participate in an audio conference with Lancaster House  on “Accommodating Disabilities (to the point of undue hardship): The Tough Questions, the Up-To-Date Answers” (see below for conference description).

The PSAC-BC Human Rights Committee is supporting one playback session which is scheduled for Monday, October 16 from 12:30 pm - 2 pm to be held at the Vancouver Regional Office (#200 - 5238 Joyce Street). They are requesting that those who wish to participate to arrive at noon in order to receive the accompanying materials and get set-up for the audio conference.

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Thanks to Steve Houston & Amy Painter, BC Regional Council, for sending in some photos taken at the Vancouver Pride Parade. The theme for the Vancouver Pride Parade this year was “Love and Joy” Multi-union Pride presented and promoted “Peace and Love” as the theme of their float.

Click for the photos!

Greetings Everyone!

Vancouver Multi-union Pride evolved from the BC PSAC LGBT Support Group a number of years ago. Sister Diana Smith (National Component) successfully promoted the concept of a Multi-union Pride Committee that would represent the face of labour in the Vancouver Pride Society Parade and Festival.

We have grown in leaps and bounds over the years. We continue to be the largest single group in the Vancouver Pride Parade. We have won a trophy for “Best Political/Union Float” and are extremely well received by thunderous applause as we march past spectators along the parade route.

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Yellowknife – Supporters of striking Ekati diamond mine workers will be leafleting customers at Brinkhaus Jewellers store in Vancouver and Idar Jewellers in Victoria this Saturday as part of their union’s Canada-wide “Dirty Diamonds” campaign to win a fair first contract.

Brinkhaus Jewellers and Idar Jewellers are two of several dozen BHP Billiton-authorized Canadian jewelers selling AuriasTM and CanadaMarkTM diamonds from Ekati. The Public Service Alliance of Canada says customers will be politely asked to not buy diamonds being produced by strikebreakers behind picket lines in its efforts to pressure mine owner BHP Billiton to reach a first collective agreement.

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Minutes of the Vancouver Regional Women’s Committee May 25, 2006

In attendance:

• Angela Marafon
• Alethea Boire
• Stephanie Oostrander
• Patricia Ganczar
• Cheryl Oenema
• Kay Sinclair
• Deanna Wilson
• Regina Brennan

Continue reading below, or download the Vancouver RWC minutes May 25, 2006 (pdf).

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Here are some recent additions and changes to the PSAC education schedule:

Visit the education page to see all the courses scheduled to date. Register for these courses online.