MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
JUNE 4 – 7, 2002
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 hours. B. Bannon was presiding. In attendance: Denis Lalancette, Bob Campbell, Gil Folkedahl, Terry Dupuis, Bruce Campbell, Kent MacDonald, Nick Stein, Gord Hawkins, Chris Aylward, Sabri Khayat, Marcel Bertrand, and Linda Cassidy.
2. HOURS OF SESSION OF THE REGULAR MEETING
m/s C. Aylward/Bruce Campbell
That the hours of session be as follows:
Tuesday: 9:00 - 11:45; 1:15 - 04:00 - 5:00 open discussion
Wednesday: 9:00 - 11:45; 1:15 - 05:00
Thursday: 9:00 - 11:45; 1:30 - 02:00 - 5:00 NUMC
Friday: 9:00 - 11:45;
MOTION CARRIED.
3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
m/s C. Aylward/T. Dupuis
That the agenda be adopted with the following additions:
New Business
31. Fourth Level Grievances (G. Hawkins)
32. EO Newsletter (L. Cassidy)
33. Labour Relations Officers (G. Hawkins)
12. Compensation DACON
13. Silent monitoring/performance evaluation
14. MG performance leave
15. UTE CEUDA
16. Retro payments
17. Status of Collective Agreement Committee
18. Training by employer
MOTION CARRIED.
4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
m/s N.Stein/Bruce Campbell
That the minutes of the Executive Council Meeting of March 2002 be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #1. MOTION CARRIED.
5. PRESIDENT FOLLOW UP ITEMS (Appendix A)
Brother Bob Campbell assumed the chair.
m/s B. Bannon/G. Folkedahl
Sister Bannon gave an update of her report.
That the report on President follow up items be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #2. MOTION CARRIED.
6. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT (Appendix B)
m/s B. Bannon/D. Lalancette
That the report of the President be postponed until the afternoon.
MOTION TO POSTPONE CARRIED.
Sister Bannon resumed the Chair.
7. REPORT OF THE FIRST NATIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT (Appendix C)
m/s Bob Campbell/C. Aylward
That the report of the First National Vice-President be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #3. MOTION CARRIED.
8. REPORT OF THE SECOND NATIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT (Appendix D)
m/s D. Lalancette/C. Aylward
That the report of the Second Vice-President be adopted.
9. REPORT OF THE REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS (Appendix E)
m/s M. Bertrand/N. Stein
That the reports of the Regional Vice-Presidents be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #6. MOTION CARRIED.
10. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Appendix F)
Sister Bannon turned the Chair to Brother Campbell.
m/s B. Bannon/G. Folkedahl
That the report of the Executive Committee be postponed until Friday to permit the Committee to look at the rules of order.
· MOTION TO POSTPONE CARRIED.
The President resumed the Chair.
11 a) REPORT OF THE STAFFING COMMITTEE (Appendix G)
m/s K. MacDonald/L. Cassidy
That the report of the Staffing Committee be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #5. MOTION CARRIED.
Brother Shane O’Brien gave a presentation on cellular phones from Telus Mobility to look at the figures and benefits that there plan offers compared with the one that we have now with Bell Mobility. A resolution will be presented later during Council on that issue.
Brother Aylward served notice to amend the agenda.
Open Discussion Period
The Council members discussed the items under that section.
The meeting recessed at 5:00
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Morning Session
The Executive Council meeting was called to order at 9:00 hours with Sister Bannon in the chair.
m/s C. Aylward/G. Hawkins
That item 34 Convention Delegate Local 70030 be added to the agenda under New Business section.
MOTION CARRIED.
Brother Bob Campbell assumed the chair.
(Continuation of Item 6) - REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT (Appendix B)
m/s B. Bannon/G. Folkedahl
That the report of the President be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #7. MOTION CARRIED.
Brother Campbell turned the chair to the President.
11 b) REPORT OF THE BY-LAW COMMITTEE (Appendix H)
m/s D. Lalancette/Bob Campbell
That the report of the By-Laws Committee be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #8. MOTION CARRIED.
11 c) REPORT OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE COMMITTEE (Appendix I)
m/s G. Hawkins/Bruce Campbell
That the report of the Technological Change Committee be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #9. MOTION CARRIED.
11 d) REPORT OF THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COMMITTEE (Appendix J)
m/s Bob Campbell/D. Lalancette
That the report of the Employee Assistance Program be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #10. MOTION CARRIED.
11 e) REPORT OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE (Appendix K)
m/s C. Aylward/N. Stein
That the report of the Health and Safety Committee be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #11. MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting recessed at 11:45 a.m.
The afternoon session began at 1:15 p.m. with Sister Bannon in the chair.
Sister Bannon introduced Sister Nycole Turmel, National President of the PSAC. Sister Turmel talked about the PSAC/UTE future relationship and UTE/CEUDA merger.
Brother Bob Campbell served notice to amend the agenda.
MOTION ADOPTED.
11 f) REPORT OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMITTEE (Appendix L)
m/s L. Cassidy/G. Folkedahl
That the report of the EO Committee be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #12. MOTION CARRIED.
11 g) REPORT OF THE HONOURS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (Appendix M)
m/s T. Dupuis/S. Khayat
That the report of the Honours and Awards Committee be adopted.
11 h) REPORT OF THE WORKFORCE ADJUSTMENT COMMITTEE (Appendix N)
m/s N. Stein/M. Bertrand
That the report of the Workforce Adjustment Committee be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #14. MOTION CARRIED.
11 i) REPORT OF THE HARASSMENT COMMITTEE (Appendix O)
m/s M. Bertrand/L. Cassidy
That the report of the Harassment Committee be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #15. MOTION CARRIED.
11 j) REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (Appendix P)
m/s Bob Campbell/T. Dupuis
That the report of the Finance Committee be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #16. MOTION CARRIED.
11 k) REPORT OF THE COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE (Appendix Q)
m/s G. Folkedahl/C. Aylward
That the report of the Communications Committee be adopted.
Recommendation #1
That a Communications Officer be hired.
m/s K. MacDonald/Bruce Campbell
That this resolution be tabled.
MOTION TO TABLE CARRIED.
m/s T. Dupuis/Bruce Campbell
The following recommendations be referred to the President.
MOTION TO REFER CARRIED.
Recommendation # 2.
That the committee recommends to restructure the website to use drop down menus.
Recommendation #3
That the committee recommends to revamp the working of the headings on the menus for clarify.
Recommendation #4
That the committee recommends to use a new flag that be updated weekly.
Recommendation #5
That the committee recommends a President’s column on recent issues that may be important to the membership and on the President’s activities.
Recommendation #6
That the committee recommends to include a site map and search engine.
Recommendation #7
The committee recommends that the current website to remain up until the new site has been completed then reviewed
That the committee report be adopted as a whole.
11 l) REPORT OF THE BARGAINING COMMITTEE (Appendix R)
m/s D. Lalancette/Bob Campbell
That the report of the Bargaining Committee be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #18. MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting recessed at 5.00
Thursday, June 6, 2002
Morning Session
The Executive Council meeting was called to order at 9:00 hours with Sister Bannon in the chair.
The Executive Council reviewed the NUMC Agenda Items in preparation for the afternoon meeting.
m/s Bob Campbell/C. Aylward
That item 35 Honorary Membership be added to the agenda under section New Business.
12. ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Appendix S)
m/s Bob Campbell/C. Aylward
That the Financial Statements of April 30, 2002 be adopted.
· Recorded Vote #19. MOTION CARRIED.
13. EXPENSE CLAIMS OVER 90 DAYS
There was no expense claims over 90 days.
14. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
Open discussion
15. PSAC LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (from June 2001)
m/s C. Aylward/D. Lalancette
Be it Resolved that UTE contribute $1.00 per member to the PSAC Local Development Fund.
· Recorded Vote #20. MOTION DEFEATED.
16. REGULATION 20.1.6 – LIFE MEMBERSHIP (new)
m/s T. Dupuis/Bruce Campbell
Be it resolved that Regulation 20 be amended as follows:
20.1.6 Life Membership
1) The award shall be a suitably inscribed plaque.
2) Members shall have all the rights as described in By-Law 3, Section 3.
(3) Members shall be entitled to a UTE ring or an engraved UTE watch.
(4) Nominees must have;
(a) demonstrated their commitment to achieving the aims and objectives of UTE; and
(b) exhibited exemplary service at the Local and National level of UTE; and
(c) accumulated service at the Local and National level of UTE for a minimum of ten (10) years.
Definition of Exemplary Service;
1) outstanding;
2) serving as an example;
3) admirable, commendable, ideal model, praiseworthy or exceptionable.
Examples:
1) Founder and organizer of the 1st National UTE Women’s Conference.
2) Founder and organizer of the 1st UTE National E.O. Conference.
3) Organizer of a foundation for Unions to help street kids and homeless people.
4) organizer of a foundation for Unions to help members who have been terminated from D.I. and are no longer able to work.
m/s L. Cassidy/D. Lalancette
That the resolution be amended to change 10 to 15 years under no. 4 c.
c) accumulated service at the Local and National level of UTE for a minimum of fifteen (15) years.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED.
· Recorded Vote #21. MOTION CARRIED.
17. REGULATION 25.1.2 (1) REMOTE LOCATION FUND
m/s T. Dupuis/K. MacDonald
m/s L. Cassidy/G. Folkedahl
That the resolution be postponed until the September Council 2002.
MOTION TO POSTPONE DEFEATED FOR A LACK OF MAJORITY.
Whereas situations can arise in remote locations that require immediate action of the local executive;
Whereas these situations do not necessarily allow for thirty (30) day notice period;
Be it Resolved that Regulation 25.1.2 (1) be amended to read as follows:
" The local president must submit their request in writing and receive prior authorization from the President or Vice-President in charge of finance.’’
· Recorded Vote #22. MOTION CARRIED.
18. QUESTIONNAIRE - UNION LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
m/s Bob Campbell/N. Stein
Whereas the Union of Taxation employees has always tried to be proactive; and
Whereas we are in the process of developing a plan for local development; and
Whereas we require some basic data to go forward with this and other projects.
Be it Resolved that the Executive Committee be charged with developing a questionnaire. This questionnaire would be sent to all locals for distribution to every UTE member seeking their comments on for example: the union as a whole, communications, knowledge of local, regional, national leaders, the relationship with the PSAC and Management, the Staffing Regime etc. and any other topics the Committee and Council would deem appropriate; and
Be it further Resolved that each questionnaire be accompanied by an addressed postage paid envelope and that the National Office be responsible to receive and then compile this information to be presented to Council; and
Be it further Resolved that this project be completed by March 2003 at the latest.
m/s D. Lalancette/G. Folkedahl
That the resolution be referred to the Executive Committee with the following specific instructions:
To develop the questionnaire and prepare an action plan regarding the distribution and to report back at the December 2002 Meeting.
MOTION TO REFER CARRIED.
19. EAP — INTERNAL SECTION
m/s M. Bertrand/S. Khayat
Whereas everything evolves over time; and
Whereas the UTE’s position concerning employee assistant program (EAP) referral officers eliminates a support tool for our members; and
Whereas the CCRA has never indicated that it intends to remove the EAP’s external section; and
Whereas there is a growing trend within other union organizations to train employees to become natural helpers; and
Whereas other union organizations have developed courses to train members to become social representatives; and
Whereas we are already providing and offering this type of assistance to our members on an informal basis.
Be it moved that the Executive Council cancel the prior national order forbidding the establishment of an EAP internal section (referral officers) within the UTE.
· Recorded Vote #23. MOTION DEFEATED.
The meeting recessed at 12:30
Thursday, June 6, 2002
Afternoon Session
The Executive Council meeting was called to order at 14:00 hours with Sister Bannon in the chair.
Meeting of the National Union/Management Consultation.
20. REGULATION 18.1.2 PAY
m/s Bob Campbell/K. MacDonald
Whereas during the April finance convention committee meetings it became clear that a majority of the delegates thought the regulation 18.1.2 should be amended to reflect that an incumbent president should never be forced to take a cut in pay as this goes against union principles.
Be it resolved that Regulation 18.1.2 pay (1) (b) be amended to read: Notwithstanding the above, the incumbent, if re-elected to the previously held position, shall retain the increment level held before the election took place.
· Recorded Vote #24. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s Bob Campbell/K. MacDonald
Whereas the last audit completed had an additional cost charged by the accounting firm to find and correct an error from previous years.
Be it resolved that the line item professional fees audit be increased by $1,235.00, and that this amount be transferred from the line item professional legal fees.
· Recorded Vote #25. MOTION CARRIED.
22. CONTINUING SPONSORSHIP OF THE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
m/s L. Cassidy/K. MacDonald
Whereas we sponsored the Basketball Tournament in Sydney for the 2002 year; and
Whereas this is an annual event held in Sydney; and
Whereas the sponsorship was a great success garnishing great publicity for the Component.
Be it resolved that UTE sponsor this Basket ball Tournament each year, with a review to be held Every Convention year to ensure our continuing support is required.
· Recorded Vote #26. MOTION CARRIED.
23. DONATION
m/s L. Cassidy/K. MacDonald
Whereas UTE is in the current practice of sponsoring teams and or individuals to increase our visibility; and
Whereas it is beneficial to provide this support not only to communities but to our members.
Be it resolved that UTE provide a sponsorship of $300.00 to Amy Earl of the St.John’s Taxation Center.
(Amy is the reigning Canadian National Singles Dart Champion and will be participating in events all year; she has indicated that she would be very pleased to wear the UTE crest during her events to demonstrate the sponsorship)
m/s Bob Campbell/G. Hawkins
That the Resolution be postponed until the March 2003 Executive Council Meeting because the 2002 budget does not permit it.
MOTION TO POSTPONE DEFEATED.
· Recorded Vote #27. MOTION CARRIED.
24. REGULATION 4 SECTION 4.1(4)(B)
m/s Bob Campbell/L. Cassidy
Be it resolved that Regulation 4 Section 4.1 (4) (b) be amended to read:
(b) Members of each region as selected on the basis on one (1) Convention delegate for each Local as provided for in Regulation 1; and
Be it further resolved that Regulation 4 Section 4.1 (5) be amended to read:
Notwithstanding the above, Regions with less than four (4) Locals shall be represented by a maximum of four (4) Convention delegates and shall be selected in the following manner:
· Recorded Vote #28. MOTION CARRIED.
25. CELLULAR PHONE - TELUS
m/s Bob Campbell/S. Khayat
Be it resolved that the President and the Vice President responsible for Finance be granted the authority to further investigate the benefits of a new cellular phone contract with Telus and if in their opinion, it is more beneficial to the UTE to change providers, to sign a new contract with Telus as the new provider for any or all members of Executive Council and or the National Office.
· Recorded Vote #29. MOTION CARRIED.
26. REGULATION 12.5 (2) (b)
m/s Bob Campbell/K. MacDonald
Be it resolved that regulation 12.5 (2) (b) Travel expenses be amended to read:
(2) (b) for all others including staff shall normally be the cost of an H class airfare or economy airfare, whichever is the lowest without receipt. Any airfare other than as described herein shall have prior approval of the President or in their absence the Vice President in charge of Finance.
· Recorded Vote #30. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s Bob Campbell/L. Cassidy
Whereas the health and safety of our members concerns all of us:
Whereas some facilities used for union functions have not been adapted to all our members needs; and
Whereas the accessibility to organized functions is sometimes restricted to those persons with disabilities; and
Whereas this has been a Resolution of record for the Union of Taxation Employees from the July 1996 convention.
Be it resolved that the following be added to regulation 24; and
That UTE complete a pre-assessment for accessibility of all facilities and technical aids required prior to the booking of a UTE sponsored event;
That the pre-assessment be completed in consultation with a member of a UTE Equal Opportunities Committee, i.e. (local, regional or national) as the event dictates.
That at all conferences, conventions and caucus held for members with disabilities, accommodation must be made in recognition for the need for dietary requirements, medication, mobility assistance, etc. (i.e. diabetics, brain tumor- require medication with or after scheduled meals).
m/s Bruce Campbell/T. Dupuis
That this resolution be postponed until the September 2002 Executive Council Meeting to be rewritten by the Executive Committee.
MOTION TO POSTPONE CARRIED.
The meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m.
Friday, June 7, 2002
Morning Session
The Executive Council meeting was called to order at 9:00 hours with Sister Bannon in the chair.
Sister Bannon advised that Brother S. Khayat left for personal reason.
Sister Bannon introduced the lawyer Michael Rudy who was invited to give us information with respect to leaving the PSAC.
m/s Bob Campbell/D. Lalancette
Whereas the availability of alternate media is not widely publicized within the membership; and
Whereas it is our responsibility as Unionists to ensure all of our members are able to obtain Union publications in a media form acceptable to them (i.e. large print, Braille, audio, computer diskette): and
Whereas the following has been a Resolution of record from the July 1996 convention.
Be it resolved that Regulation 24 be amended to add:
That UTE provide information and publications in alternate format to its identified members.
m/s C. Aylward/Bruce Campbell
That this resolution be postponed until the September Executive Council Meeting.
MOTION TO POSTPONE CARRIED.
29. 2ND NATIONAL, VICE PRESIDENT
m/s Bob Campbell/D. Lalancette
Be it resolved that a Regulation be added to implement the resolution of record from December 1991 that states:
The 2nd National Vice President can attend as an observer one meeting of the National Board of Directors each year without taking into account the possibility of having to replace the 1st Vice President.
m/s C. Aylward/Bruce Campbell
That this resolution be postponed until the September Executive Council Meeting.
MOTION TO POSTPONE CARRIED.
m/s Bob Campbell/N. Stein
Be it resolved that Regulation 7.1(1) be amended to add:
(n) That all Regional Vice-Presidents be given the opportunity to attend a National Board of Director’s meeting once during their current term of office regardless of the location of the National Board of Directors meeting. Also that this is a meeting of the Regional Vice-President’s choice with prior approval of the National President.
m/s C. Aylward/Bruce Campbell
That this resolution be postponed until the September Executive Council Meeting.
MOTION TO POSTPONE CARRIED.
31. FOURTH LEVEL GRIEVANCES
m/s G. Hawkins/G. Folkedahl
Whereas, it has been past practice to present grievances at the 4th level to someone other than the person designated to respond.
Be it resolved that effective July 1, 2002, all grievances be presented to the person designated as the person to respond.
· Recorded Vote #31. MOTION CARRIED.
32. E.O. NEWSLETTER
m/s L. Cassidy/T. Dupuis
Whereas, there is a standing resolution of record stating a newsletter is to be issued by the EO Committee on a monthly basis; and
Whereas, with the implementation of the UTE Website and the email network lists information on EO is available on a regular basis; and
Whereas, the EO Committee has not been able to keep this commitment of a monthly newsletter and it has not appeared to have created a concern in the EO Community.
Be it resolved that the resolution of record from 1987 regarding the EO Newsletter be rescinded; and
Be it further resolved that any issues that would previously have been incorporated in this Newsletter be posted as News items under the ‘’EO Committee’’ on the UTE Website.
· Recorded Vote #32. MOTION CARRIED.
33. LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICER
m/s G. Hawkins/G. Folkedahl
Whereas it is both desirous and necessary to hire a Senior Labour Relations Officer.
Be it resolved that the President conduct a feasibility study on the hiring of a Senior Labour Relations Officer; and
Be it further resolved that the study be submitted to the September 2002 Executive Council Meeting.
m/s N. Stein/Bruce Campbell
That the two Be it Resolved be divided.
MOTION TO DIVIDE DEFEATED.
m/s C. Aylward/G. Hawkins
That the second Be it Resolved by amended as follows:
Be it further resolved that the study be submitted to the December 2002 Executive Council Meeting.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED.
· Recorded Vote #33. MOTION CARRIED.
***** Recorded Vote #34 will be shown in the next September Council Minutes.
34. CONVENTION DELEGATE – LOCAL 70030
m/s C. Aylward/
The motion was ruled out of order by the President to comply with By-Law 10 Section 4.
(Continuation of Item 10) REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Appendix F)
Sister Bannon turned the Chair to Brother Campbell.
m/s B. Bannon/G. Folkedahl
That the proposed UTE Rules of Order be adopted as presented.
Brother T. Dupuis left to catch his plane.
· Recorded Vote #35. MOTION CARRIED.
That the report be adopted as a whole.
The President resumed the chair.
The Executive Council discussed some of the items left under that topic.
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 hours.
______________________
Betty Bannon Bob Campbell
National President First National Vice-President