MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
JUNE 10 - 13, 2003
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2003
MORNING SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 hours. B. Bannon was presiding.
In attendance: Denis Lalancette, Bob Campbell, Pamela Abbott, Terry Dupuis,
Shawn Bergeron, Kent MacDonald, Nick Stein, Diana Gee, Chris Aylward, Sabri
Khayat, Marcel Bertrand, and Linda Cassidy.
2. HOURS OF SESSION OF THE REGULAR
MEETING
m/s C. Aylward/D. Gee
That the hours of session be as follows:
Tuesday: 9:00 - 11:30; 1:00 - 04:00 - 5:00 open discussion
Wednesday: 9:00 - 11:30; 1:00 - 05:00
Thursday: 9:00 - 11:30; NUMC 1:00 - 05:00
Friday: 9:00 – 12:00 noon
• MOTION CARRIED.
3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
m/s T. Dupuis/S. Khayat
That the agenda be adopted with the following additions:
NEW BUSINESS
25.
Bargaining Demands for NJC PSAC/CCRA (D. Lalancette)
26. PSAC Elections (N. Stein)
27. UTE Per Diem (B. Campbell)
28. Cosmopolitan Learning Centre (S. Bergeron)
Open discussion
15. Hospitality rooms (B. Campbell)
16. West Jet (C. Aylward)
17. Staffing (S. Bergeron)
18. TF 537 Flags (T. Dupuis)
• Recorded Vote #1. MOTION CARRIED.
Point of Privilege – Bertrand
Brother Bertrand updated us on his spouse health after being hospitalized
for an important and difficult cancer surgery. He said that she is recovering
very well and he thanked everyone for sending messages of hope.
Point of Privilege – Stein
Brother Stein thanked everyone for the flowers, notes and cards following
the passing away of his wife’s father.
Both Points of Privilege were well taken by the President.
4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
m/s M. Bertrand/D. Gee
That the minutes of the Executive Council Meeting of March 2003 be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #2. MOTION CARRIED.
Brother Campbell assumed the chair.
5. PRESIDENT FOLLOW UP ITEMS (Appendix A)
m/s B. Bannon/T. Dupuis
That the President Follow Up items be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #3. MOTION CARRIED.
6. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT (Appendix B)
m/s B. Bannon/D. Lalancette
That the report of the President be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #4. MOTION CARRIED.
Sister Bannon resumed the Chair.
Notice of motion was served by Brother Dupuis to amend the agenda.
Notice of motion was served by Sister Gee to amend the agenda.
7. REPORT OF THE FIRST NATIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT (Appendix C)
m/s B. Campbell/D. Lalancette
That the report of the First National Vice-President be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #5. MOTION CARRIED.
8. REPORT OF THE SECOND NATIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT (Appendix D)
m/s D. Lalancette/B. Campbell
That the report of the Second Vice-President be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #6. MOTION CARRIED.
9. REPORT OF THE REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS (Appendix E)
m/s C. Aylward/T. Dupuis
That the reports of the Regional Vice-Presidents be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #7. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s T. Dupuis/D. Gee
That the agenda be amended to add item 29 Non-UTE Event – Summer
Institute for Union Women and item 30 UTE Convention – Edmonton.
That the agenda be amended to add item 31 Friends for Life Bikeathon.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED.
GUEST SPEAKER
Brother Mike MacDonald, Director of Collective Bargaining Branch at the
PSAC gave a brief presentation on Bill C-25.
Open Discussion Period – 4:00 p.m.
The Council members discussed the items under that section.
The meeting recessed at 5:00.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2003
MORNING SESSION
The Executive Council meeting was called to order at 9:00 hours with Sister
Bannon in the chair.
Point of Privilege – Cassidy
She reported on a newspaper front page article where the Ontario Appeal
Court ruled that the exclusion of gays from the institution of marriage
is illogical, offensive and unjustifiable, in a historic judgment that
makes same-sex marriages legal for the first time in Canada.
The Point of privilege was well taken by the President.
PRESENTATION
Mr. Jeff O’Neil from Environics gave a presentation on UTE Membership
Questionnaires that were mailed out to all members in Late February.
Sister Bannon turned the Chair to Brother Campbell.
10. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Appendix F)
m/s B. Bannon/D. Lalancette
That the report of the Executive Committee be adopted.
m/s B. Bannon/S. Bergeron
Recommendation #1
Very similar to the pocket calendars that are ordered each year for the
Council members, the National Office will also order the following UTE
items: pens, key chains, earrings and calculators. In November/December
each Council member will receive their allotment of UTE pocket calendars
and five each of the UTE pens, key chains, earrings and calculators to
distribute to members as they see fit. In addition, each Council member
may request from the National Office $100 worth of items per Annual General
Meeting of the pens, key chains, earrings and calculators.
• Recorded Vote #8. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s B. Bannon/T. Dupuis
Recommendation #2
12.8 General
12.8.1 Non-Commercial Accommodation Allowance
(1) The President or 1st National Vice President may approve the use of
non-commercial accommodation for authorized UTE business. If approved,
an allowance of $50.00 per day night will be paid.
(2) The use of non-commercial accommodations will not increase any other
expense that would be paid had the individual stayed at a commercial accommodation.
12.8.2 Incidental Allowance
(1) Any member using commercial or institutional accommodations (i.e.:
Rigaud, Nav Can, a University) that provides all meals will be entitled
to an incidental allowance of $15.00 a day, excluding the days of travel.
A full per diem will be applicable on the days of travel.
Renumber the current (1), (2) and (3)
• Recorded Vote #9. MOTION CARRIED.
That the report be adopted as a whole.
• Recorded Vote #10. MOTION CARRIED.
Sister Bannon 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 #11. MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting recessed at 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Session
The afternoon session began at 1:00 p.m. with Sister Bannon in the chair.
11 b) REPORT OF THE BY-LAW COMMITTEE (Appendix H)
m/s C. Aylward/S. Khayat
That the report of the By-Laws Committee be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #12. MOTION CARRIED.
11 c) REPORT OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE COMMITTEE (Appendix I)
m/s S. Khayat/N. Stein
That the report of the Technological Change Committee be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #13. MOTION CARRIED.
11 d) REPORT OF THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COMMITTEE
(Appendix J)
m/s S. Bergeron/D. Gee
That the report of the Employee Assistance Program be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #14. 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 #15. MOTION CARRIED.
Brother Campbell is in the chair.
11 f) REPORT OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMITTEE (Appendix L)
m/s L. Cassidy/T. Dupuis
That the report of the EO Committee be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #16. MOTION CARRIED.
11 g) REPORT OF THE HONOURS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (Appendix M)
m/s P. Abbott/T. Dupuis
That the report of the Honours and Awards Committee be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #17. MOTION CARRIED.
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 #18. MOTION CARRIED.
11 i) REPORT OF THE HARASSMENT COMMITTEE (Appendix O)
m/s M. Bertrand/C. Aylward
That the report of the Harassment Committee be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #19. MOTION CARRIED.
Sister Bannon assumed the Presidence.
11 j) REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (Appendix P)
m/s B. Campbell/P. Abbott
That the report of the Finance Committee be adopted.
m/s B. Campbell/P. Abbott
Recommendation #1
That Regulation 12 be amended as follows.
12.3 (6) be deleted
12.5.1 (3) be renamed 12.5.1 (4)
That a new 12.5.1 (3) be added, that states: At the request of the conference
organizers, council may approve travel grants for locals to 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 1st Vice President.
• Recorded Vote #20. MOTION CARRIED.
Recommendation #2
That the following be accepted as guidelines for UTE Donations:
DONATIONS/SPONSORSHIP GUIDELINES
(1) Under the line item Donations/Sponsorships:
(i) Donations are defined, as monies given which must be helpful to a
Community, Organization, Union or Individual.
(ii) Sponsorships are defined as monies given to activities; teams or
individuals where there are promotional aspects for the Union of Taxation
Employees.
(2) The National President between Council meetings may approve Donations/Sponsorships
up to $500.00 with the agreement of the First Vice President.
(3) The Maximum sponsorship per request shall be $1000.00 per year except
under exceptional circumstances this may be increased by a two-thirds vote
of council.
(4) Every January a complete list of Donations/Sponsorships will be sent
to all locals. (Whom, city and the amount) This would also included any
pre approved Donations/Sponsorships for the current year.
(5) All Donations/Sponsorships cheques will be made out to the Organization,
Team, and Individual etc. for whom the amount was approved.
• Recorded Vote #21. MOTION CARRIED.
That the report be adopted as a whole.
• Recorded Vote #22. MOTION CARRIED.
11 k) REPORT OF THE COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE (Appendix Q)
m/s B. Campbell/P. Abbott
That the report of the Communications Committee be adopted.
Recommendation #1
Item (3) NEW MEMBERS KIT
The Committee reviewed the recommendations received from the Executive
Council and recommends that the following attachment become the New
Member’s
Kit. Included will be a generic business card with a blank space to allow
insertion of the Local President’s name and phone number.
• Recorded Vote #23. MOTION CARRIED.
That the report be adopted as a whole.
• Recorded Vote #24. MOTION CARRIED.
11 l) REPORT OF THE BARGAINING COMMITTEE (Appendix R)
m/s D. Lalancette/N. Stein
That the report of the Bargaining Committee be adopted.
Recommendation #1
BARGAINING QUIZ
The members dealt with the Executive Council’s referral from a
previous meeting regarding dates and prizes.
CONTEST OBJECTIVES
To draw members’ attention to the fact that we will be launching
a new process shortly. To try to get members interested and involved
in the bargaining process by having them do a bit of research. To encourage
members to ask questions and to direct their queries to members of
their local executive. To bring together the local executive and their
members and to hold a communication exercise among all levels of the
union, national with local and vice-versa.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
All UTE members and elected officers from the Locals can participate.
Members of the Executive Council and their family are not eligible along
with members of the National Standing Bargaining Committee.
CONTEST ADVERTISING
The committee members will officially launch the contest at the Presidents’ Conference.
The contest and the rules will be explained. The contest begins on
September 20, and the questionnaires are to be returned to Mike Lefebvre
at the National Office by November 3, 2003, at the latest.
During the Presidents’ Conference, an information sheet will be
given to all Presidents of the Locals for them to distribute or post
to announce the contest to all members. The same notice will be posted
on the UTE website.
The prizes should be distributed by Local Presidents and, if possible,
in the presence of a National Officer. A photo for each prize should be
taken (if possible) and the photos posted on the Local bulletin board and
on the UTE website.
CONTEST RULES
Each committee member will provide five questions. From these, ten will
be chosen for the questionnaire. The ten questions will be multiple choices
and will be on the collective agreement or the bargaining process. The
winners will be those members with the most points on the questionnaire.
In the event that several members have the same total, a random draw will
be held at the National Office to determine the winners.
Only one questionnaire per person will be accepted.
From among the UTE members, there will be one winner per region (ten regions,
ten regional winners). There will be a special category for elected officers
from the 48 Locals and a with one national winner. from all the Locals.
The winner will be determined in the same way as the regional winners.
A special section will be added for identifying the officers.
PRIZES
All winners will receive the following: a UTE jacket, a white UTE shirt,
a UTE cap, a pair of UTE pants, a UTE calculator, and a UTE pen. a UTE
3 in 1 jacket, a calculator, and a pen.
CONTEST PROCESS
The contest instructions and questionnaires (paper copy) will be given
to the Locals on September 20, 2003 during the Presidents’ Conference.
They will also be downloadable (and printed) from the UTE website.
The contest ends on November 3, 2003. Participants must obtain a copy
of the contest from members of their local executive and must return
them to the local executive. The local executive must send them (preferably
in one mailing) to Mike Lefebvre at the National Office by November
3, 2003, at the latest.
In the three weeks following the deadline, the winners’ names
will be announced by memo and posted on the UTE website. Prizes should
be distributed by the Local Presidents and, if possible, in the presence
of a National Officer.
m/s/c C.Aylward/D. Gee
That Recommendation #1 be referred back to the committee to make a few
amendments.
The committee met and reported back with the amendments as proposed and
outlined above by the Council members.
• Recorded Vote #25. MOTION CARRIED.
That the report be adopted as a whole.
• Recorded Vote #26. MOTION CARRIED.
12. ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Appendix S)
m/s B. Campbell/P. Abbott
That the report be postponed until the audited financial statements are
available.
MOTION CARRIED.
13. EXPENSE CLAIMS OVER 90 DAYS
None
14. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
Brother Lalancette did not have anything to add further to his previous
report on Item 11 (l).
A few discussions took place on that topic.
NEW BUSINESS
15. CONVENTION
m/s L. Cassidy/M. Bertrand
Be it resolved that the UTE Triennial Convention in 2005 be held in Saint
John, New Brunswick.
• Recorded Vote #27. MOTION CARRIED.
16. JOINTS IN MOTION MARATHON
m/s L. Cassidy/T. Dupuis
Whereas a UTE member is participating in the 2003 Joints in Motion Marathon;
and
Whereas UTE has begun the practice of sponsoring members and various community
activities; and
Whereas the Joints in Motion Marathon is an international event to raise
money and awareness of Arthritis; and
Whereas a sponsorship of $300.00 provides a recognition in the Arthritis
Society JIM Shorts Newsletter.
Be it resolved that UTE provide $300.00 to sponsor Sister Wanda Ball for
her participation in the 2003 Joints in Motion Marathon to be held in September
2003.
• Recorded Vote #28. MOTION CARRIED.
17. LITTLE LEAGUE
m/s L. Cassidy/D. Gee
Whereas the 2003 Little League Championship will be held in Sydney, Nova
Scotia;
Whereas many of the UTE members in Sydney serve as volunteers for this
organization; and
Whereas any donations result in sponsorship recognition.
Be it resolved that UTE donate $300.00 to the 2003 Canadian Little League
Championship.
• Recorded Vote #29. MOTION CARRIED.
18. AMY
m/s L. Cassidy/T. Dupuis
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).
• Recorded Vote #30. MOTION CARRIED.
19. UTE NATIONAL NEWSLETTER
m/s L. Cassidy/N. Stein
Whereas it has become self evident that the Union of Taxation Employees
is in need of a national newsletter.
Be it resolved that the Union of Taxation Employees publish a National
news letter three times a year in the months of April, September and December.
That it be produced in a bilingual format; and
Be it further resolved that the newsletter be mailed directly to all UTE
members; and
Be it further resolved that the UTE Standing Communication Committee be
responsible for the publishing of the newsletter.
• Recorded Vote #31. MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2003
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 agenda items for the National Union
Management Consultation Meeting.
20. UTE APPROVED COURSES - Return to Work Course (OFL)
m/s D. Gee/N. Stein
Whereas the UTE has limited specialized courses, which only deal with
certain issues; and
Whereas technical expertise is required for Duty to Accommodate issues,
WSIB issues and Return to Work issues; and
Whereas Non-UTE educational courses need the approval of Executive Council.
Be it resolved that the following courses offered by the Ontario Federation
of Labour (OFL) be added to the list of UTE approved courses:
• Recorded Vote #32. MOTION CARRIED.
The President stated that this issue is officially referred to the Finance
Committee to look at.
21. EXCLUSIONS
m/s N. Stein/K. MacDonald
Whereas the handling of excluded members has been questionable at best;
and
Whereas some believe that members have been granted exclusion status in
error; and
Whereas we are approaching the next round of negotiations.
Be it resolved that UTE file an action with the PSSRB on exclusions, specifically,
the IS communications members and the AS program services members, and
Be it further resolved that UTE request that PSAC take this action but
if the PSAC refuses, UTE proceed on it’s own with the PSAC approval;
and
Be it further resolved that that action be filed with the PSSRB no later
than the next Executive Council meeting.
• Recorded Vote #33. MOTION CARRIED.
22. THE ARTHRITIS SOCIETY MARATHONS
m/s T. Dupuis/L. Cassidy
Whereas the Arthritis Society holds Marathons around the World in support
of finding a cure for Arthritis; and
Whereas the Marathon runners either have the disease, or have friends
and relatives that have the disease.
Be it resolved that the Union of Taxation Employees make a Pledge of $500.00
to Patrick Girardeau of Joints in Motion in support of the Arthritis Society
to run in a Marathon in Ypers Belgium in 2003.
Be it further resolved that we supply Patrick Girardeau with UTE's crest
for his Running Uniform when running in the Marathon, and during Training
for the Ypers Belgium Marathon later this year in 2003.
• Recorded Vote #34. MOTION DEFEATED.
The meeting recessed at 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Session
The afternoon session began at 1:15 p.m. with Sister Bannon in the chair.
The National Union Management Committee meeting took place.
The meeting recessed at 4:15 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2003
MORNING SESSION
The Executive Council meeting was called to order at 9:00 hours with Sister
Bannon in the chair.
Sister Abbott and Brothers Dupuis and Khayat were absents with permission.
23. CANADIAN LABOUR CONGRESS MID-TERM CONFERENCE
m/s B. Campbell/D. Lalancette
Be it resolved that the Canadian Labour Congress Mid-Term Conference scheduled
for October 17-19, 2003 in Ottawa be approved as a Non-UTE Event.
• Recorded Vote #35. MOTION CARRIED.
12. ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Appendix S)
m/s B. Campbell/S. Bergeron
That the Financial Statements of April 30, 2003 be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #36. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s B. Campbell/C. Aylward
That the Audited Financial Statements of December 31, 2002 be adopted.
• Recorded Vote #37. MOTION CARRIED.
24. ASSISTANT FINANCIAL OFFICER
m/s B. Campbell/D. Lalancette
Whereas we have been told repeatedly that the Union of Taxation Employees
needs to have a back up system and a person in place for our financial
officer. i.e. from our auditor and the finance committee.
Be it resolved that The Union of Taxation Employees hires a full time
assistant financial officer. And that this is completed by October 2003
at the latest.
Be it further resolved that this person have the same duties as the current
financial officer except with no signing authority and they would report
to the financial officer. That they have at a minimum two years accounting
or an equivalent and they are knowledgeable in the ACPAC system.
Be it
further resolved that the staffing committee creates a job description
and it is sent for classification prior to a staffing process being held.
Be it further resolved that the 1st vice president and the current financial
officer of UTE at a minimum be on the staffing board.
• Recorded Vote #38. MOTION CARRIED.
25. BARGAINING DEMANDS FOR THE JOINT NATIONAL PSAC/CCRA COMMITTEE
m/s D. Lalancette/B. Campbell
Whereas Sister President of UTE sits on the national PSAC/CCRA joint committee
dealing with CCRA policies as well as the health care and drug insurance
plan; and
Whereas we have received several bargaining demands from UTE locals as
part of the process of collecting demands on these topics.
Be it resolved that such demands be forwarded to Sister President of the
UTE for submission to the joint national PSAC/CCRA committee; and
Be it further resolved that a report or update be made to the members
of the Executive Council and the locals.
• Recorded Vote #39. MOTION CARRIED.
26. PSAC ELECTIONS
m/s N. Stein/K. MacDonald
Whereas the PSAC has for years been inconsistent in how they determine
what is a majority when conducting elections; and
Whereas this inconsistency has gone on far too long.
Be it Resolved that the UTE National President bring a resolution to the
next meeting of the PSAC NBOD; and
Be it Further Resolved that this resolution have the exact same intent
as the UTE Rules of Order (Voting Pg 37 + 38).
• Recorded Vote #40. MOTION CARRIED.
27. UTE PER DIEM – WEEK DAY
m/s B. Campbell/C. Aylward
Be it Resolved that the UTE Per Diem be increased to $75.00 per week day.
• Recorded Vote #41. MOTION CARRIED.
28. DONATION – COSMOPOLITAN LEARNING CENTRE
m/s S. Bergeron/D. Gee
Whereas UTE is in the current of making donations to charitable organizations
to increase our visibility; and
Whereas it is beneficial to provide this support to our members but to
our communities as a whole.
Be it Resolved that UTE provide a donation of $1000.00 to Cosmopolitan
Learning Centre to purchase equipment computer.
(This Agency develop and deliver day program services for persons with
disabilities that focus on social, recreational, vocational, employment,
and health needs of the individual.)
• Recorded Vote #42. MOTION CARRIED.
29. NON-UTE EVENT – SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR UNION WOMEN
m/s L. Cassidy/S. Bergeron
Be it Resolved that the Conference "Summer Institute for Union Women" to
be held in Victoria July 9-13, 2003 be approved as a Non-UTE Event.
• Recorded Vote #43. MOTION CARRIED.
30. UTE CONVENTION - EDMONTON
m/s T. Dupuis/
This motion was ruled out of order by the President.
31. FRIENDS FOR LIFE BIKEATHON
m/s D. Gee/N. Stein
Whereas a UTE member is participating in a bikeathon from Toronto to Montreal
to raise money for People with AIDS; and
Whereas UTE has begun the practice of sponsoring members to support various
charities.
Be it Resolved that UTE provide $1000.00 to sponsor Brother Jerry Dee
for his participation in the 2003 Friends for Life Bikeathon to be held
late July/August 2003 benefiting people with AIDS.
• Recorded Vote #44. MOTION CARRIED.
The Council members dealt with some of the remaining discussion items.
The meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.
_____________________
Betty Bannon
National President |
_____________________
Bob Campbell
First National Vice-President |
|
