MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
June 2-5, 2008
MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2008
MORNING SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER OF THE REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 hours. President Betty Bannon was in the chair. In attendance: Bob Campbell, Denis Lalancette, Pamela Abbott, Terry Dupuis, Shawn Bergeron, Cosimo Crupi, Nick Stein, Doug Gaetz, Jerry Dee, Chris Aylward, Sabri Khayat, Marcel Bertrand, Pierrette Labrie and Shane O’Brien.
The members of the Executive Council discussed the NUMC items in preparation of the afternoon meeting with CRA representatives.
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2008
MORNING SESSION
2. HOURS OF SESSION OF THE REGULAR MEETING
m/s S. Bergeron/D. Gaetz
That the hours of session be as follows:
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.; 1:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.; 1:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.; 1:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. or closure of business
3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
m/s T. Dupuis/C. Aylward
That the agenda be adopted as printed with the following additions.
Discussion Items
- Report to Parliament on Technological Change & Compensation (D. Lalancette)
- Advances to the Sheriff (S. Khayat)
- End State Pilot (S. Bergeron)
- Virtual Management (J. Dee)
- Individual Learning Plans - Team Leaders’ Responsibilities (P. Abbott)
- Locals Notifying Grievors (C. Aylward)
- Essential Service Agreement (N. Stein) withdrawn
- Demonstration Day, June 19 (D. Lalancette) withdrawn
- Decision to go on Arbitration (S. Khayat) withdrawn
- Work Plan Checklist (P. Abbott) withdrawn
- Recorded Vote #1. MOTION CARRIED.
4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
m/s S. Khayat/D. Lalancette
That the minutes of the Executive Council Meeting of April 2008 be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #2. MOTION CARRIED.
1st Vice-President Campbell assumed the Chair.
5. PRESIDENT’S FOLLOW UP ITEMS
m/s B. Bannon/D. Lalancette
The President had nothing to report at this time.
- Recorded Vote #3. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s B. Bannon/D. Lalancette
That the report of the President be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #4. MOTION CARRIED.
President Bannon resumed the Chair.
m/s B. Campbell/D. Lalancette
That the report of the 1st Vice-President be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #5. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s D. Lalancette/B. Campbell
That the report of the 2nd Vice-President be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #6. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s M. Bertrand/J. Dee
That the activity report of the RVPs/ARVPs be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #7. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s T. Dupuis/C. Crupi
That the supplemental report of the RVPs be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #8. MOTION CARRIED.
1st Vice-President Campbell assumed the chair.
m/s B. Bannon/D. Gaetz
That the report of the Executive Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #9. MOTION CARRIED.
President Bannon resumed the chair.
m/s S. Khayat/P. Abbott
That the report of the Staffing Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #10. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s S. Bergeron/P. Abbott
That the report be postponed until the Chair of the By-Laws Committee can discuss an issue with the Chair of the Honours and Awards Committee.
- MOTION TO POSTPONE CARRIED.
m/s P. Abbott/D. Lalancette
That the report of the Technological Change Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #11. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s J. Dee/D. Gaetz
That the report of the Employee Assistance Program Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #12. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s C. Aylward/D. Gaetz
That the report of the Health & Safety Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #13. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s S. Bergeron/T. Dupuis
That the report of the EO Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #14. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s J. Dee/N. Stein
That the report be postponed until the Chair of the Honours and Awards Committee can discuss an issue with the Chair of the By-Laws Committee.
- MOTION TO POSTPONE CARRIED.
m/s N. Stein/C. Aylward
That the report of the Workforce Adjustment Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #15. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s M. Bertrand/D. Lalancette
That the report of the Harassment Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #16. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s B. Campbell/C. Crupi
That the report of the Finance Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #17. MOTION CARRIED.
Recess for lunch
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting was called back to order at 1:15 with President Bannon in the chair.
m/s B. Campbell/S. Khayat
That the report of the Communications Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #18. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s D. Lalancette/P. Abbott
That the report of the Bargaining Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #19. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s N. Stein/C. Crupi
That the report of the Political Action Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #20. MOTION CARRIED.
12. ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
m/s B. Campbell/C. Crupi
That the financial statements of April 30, 2008 be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #21. MOTION CARRIED.
13. EXPENSE CLAIMS OVER 90 DAYS
No Expense Claims at this time.
14. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
A short discussion took place.
m/s C. Aylward/S. Khayat
That the report of the By-Laws Committee be adopted.
- Recorded Vote #22. MOTION CARRIED.
m/s T. Dupuis/J. Dee
That the report of the Honours and Awards Committee be adopted.
Recommendation 1:
Current Regulation:
24.3 SERVICE PINS
- Service pins of three (3), five (5), ten (10), fifteen (15), twenty (20), twenty five (25), thirty (30), thirty-five (35), years will be awarded annually by locals to those members who have served the membership of UTE. Such pins will be awarded based upon a Local members’ recommendation or National Officers’ recommendation.
Amended Regulation:
24.3 SERVICE PINS
- Service pins of three (3), five (5), ten (10), fifteen (15), twenty (20), twenty-five (25), thirty (30), thirty-five (35) years will be awarded annually by the locals to those members who have served the membership within the union movement. Such pins shall be awarded based upon a Local member’s recommendation or National Officers’ recommendation.
- Recorded Vote #23. MOTION CARRIED.
15. ONTARIO FEDERATION OF LABOUR LEVEL 6 COURSE
m/s N. Stein/C. Crupi
Be it resolved that the Ontario Federation of Labour Level 6 Course – Occupational Disease be a Non-UTE Event.
- Recorded Vote #24. MOTION CARRIED.
16. DONATION – ORDER OF EASTERN STAR
m/s P. Abbott/M. Bertrand
Whereas the UTE supports various charitable organizations for the benefit of those across the country; and
Whereas the Order of Eastern Star is a charitable organization that is involved in various projects involving Cancer Research and Cancer Treatment.
Be it resolved that UTE provide a Donation of $500.00 to the Summerland Chapter No. 63 Order of the Eastern Star.
- Recorded Vote #25. MOTION CARRIED.
17. REGULATION 20.1 MEMBERS WITH DISABILITY
This item was postponed due to the absence of the mover Brother Khayat.
18. TRAVEL AND HOTEL PROGRAMS
m/s S. Bergeron/T. Dupuis
Whereas the Union of Taxation Employees has incredible activists who sacrifice their own personal evenings, days and weekends to participate in various Union business, whether it be for training, conferences and Conventions; and
Whereas these activists at these various events have access to various travel and hotel programs and wish to participate but are not able to do so at no fault of their own; and
Whereas these activists if they were traveling for the Employer would have no problems in accumulating these points if they so chose to do so; and
Whereas UTE is better in treating their members than any other organization with respect, fairness and appreciation.
Be it resolved that any UTE members on authorized Union business that wishes to participate in any kind of travel or hotel program be able to do so; and
Be it further resolved that any UTE member on authorized Union business in accordance to Regulation 13 be able to make their own reasonable arrangements so as to ensure the full participation in any kind of travel or hotel program.
- Recorded Vote #26. MOTION DEFEATED.
OPEN DISCUSSION
The Council members discussed some of the items under this section.
The meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2008
MORNING SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. with President Bannon in the chair.
Brother Aylward and Campbell were absent with permission.
17. REGULATION 20.1 MEMBERS WITH DISABILITY
m/s S. Khayat/M. Bertrand
Whereas UTE shall establish an assistance fund for Locals to ensure that members with disability are informed about union activities and given access to them; and
Whereas a budget of five thousand ($5,000) per year shall be allotted for this fund.
Be it resolved that union activities, in Regulation 20.1(1) shall be defined as follows: Presidents’ Conference, inter-regional, pre-convention, national conferences, general meetings of Locals and any other training activities; and
Be it further resolved that financial assistance for Locals shall be defined as follows: charges for any accommodations to allow members with disability to participate in activities.
- Recorded Vote #27. MOTION CARRIED.
19. REGULATION 21.2.1(4) - FAMILY CARE EXPENSES
m/s D. Gaetz/C. Crupi
That this motion be postponed until Brother Aylward and Campbell come back from their meetings.
- MOTION TO POSTPONE CARRIED.
20. DONATION - ADVENTURE DAY AWAY PROGRAM 2008
m/s D. Lalancette/M. Bertrand
Whereas the Saguenay Lac St-Jean regional chapter involves more than 1,100 local people; and
Whereas the regional program is unique in Quebec, and affects our members who are relatives of sufferers; and
Whereas the goal is to provide relief for the relatives of sufferers.
Resolved that the UTE donate $800 to the Adventure Day Away Program 2008 of the Saguenay Lac St-Jean regional chapter of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
- Recorded Vote #28. MOTION CARRIED.
21. DONATION – ACCÈS CONDITIONS VIE (COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS)
m/s D. Lalancette/M. Bertrand
Whereas UTE’s donation goal is more visibility within society; and
Whereas this organization helps the most deprived members of our society: welfare recipients; and
Whereas for 2008, the organization is adding a new component to its activities: representing, supporting and helping workers with right-to-work issues through a telephone helpline; and
Whereas the Saguenay Lac St-Jean region is seriously affected by losses in the forestry industry involving several thousand jobs.
Resolved that the UTE donate $500 to ‘’Accès conditions vie Lac St-Jean Est’’ to provide financial support for their new telephone helpline for workers.
- Recorded Vote #29. MOTION CARRIED.
22. REGULATION 24.8 UTE SCHOLARSHIP - AMENDMENT
m/s C. Crupi/N. Stein
Current wording of Regulation 24.8 UTE Scholarship
Eligibility
All scholarships are available for members in good standing of the U.T.E., their spouse, their common-law spouse (including same sex partners) and/or their children. However, no more than one scholarship will be awarded to the same family in a given year.
For this purpose, “children” of a U.T.E. member in good standing is defined as follows:
- a person of whom the member is the natural parent, whether the person was born within or outside marriage;
- a person who is wholly dependent on the member for support and of whom the member has immediately or before the person attained the age of nineteen (19) years had, in law or in fact, the custody and control;
- a child of the member’s spouse or common-law partner or;
- an adopted child of the member.
Be it resolved that Regulation 24.8 be amended to read as follows:
All scholarships are available for members in good standing of the U.T.E., their spouse, their common-law spouse (including same sex partners) and/or their children or grandchildren. However, no more than one scholarship will be awarded to the same family in a given year.
For this purpose, “children or grandchildren” of a U.T.E. member in good standing is defined as follows:
- a person of whom the member is the natural parent or grandparent, whether the person was born within or outside marriage;
- a person who is wholly dependent on the member for support and of whom the member has immediately or before the person attained the age of nineteen (19) years had, in law or in fact, the custody and control;
- a child or grandchild of the member’s spouse or common-law partner or;
- an adopted child of the member
- Recorded Vote #30. MOTION CARRIED.
23. DONATION - CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - RELAY FOR LIFE
m/s C. Crupi/M. Bertrand
Whereas members of Local 00020 and employees of the Thunder Bay TSO participate in Thunder Bay's annual "Relay for Life". (This year’s event is June 21, 2008); and
Whereas each participant’s goal is to raise a minimum of $100 in donations.
Be it resolved that the Union of Taxation Employees donate $50 per cancer survivor (to a maximum of 10) to the Canadian Cancer Society for each cancer survivor from the Thunder Bay TSO who participates in this year’s relay for life.
- Recorded Vote #31. MOTION CARRIED.
24. REGULATION 15 - AMENDMENT
m/s M. Bertrand/S. Khayat
Whereas we must be affiliated to Provincial Federations of Labour; and
Whereas such Federations hold conventions that are not financed.
Be it resolved that Regulation 15.1.1(1) be amended to read as follows:
This policy does not cover attendance at conventions except conventions of Provincial Federations of Labour.
- Recorded Vote #32. MOTION DEFEATED.
Continuation of Item 19. REGULATION 21.2.1(4) - FAMILY CARE EXPENSES
m/s D. Gaetz/C. Crupi
Be it resolved that UTE Regulation 21.2.1(4) be amended to read, "Family Care Expenses shall not be reimbursed if the member is on leave (with or without pay) from the CRA but would normally incur family care expenses if they were at work, unless the member is not also being reimbursed for salary expenses for the same authorized UTE activity by UTE."
- Recorded Vote #33. MOTION CARRIED.
25. DONATION – CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY – CALENDAR GIRLS
m/s J. Dee/T. Dupuis
Whereas the UTE members Calendar Girls Team in the Barrie office are participating in the 2008 Relay for Life.
Be it Resolved that the UTE donate $300.00 to the Canadian Cancer Society on their behalf.
- Recorded Vote #34. MOTION CARRIED.
26. LINE ITEM – PROFESSIONAL LEGAL FEES
m/s B. Campbell/C. Crupi
Whereas due to an ergonomic assessment that was completed in the National Office we have had to purchase some new furniture and equipment; and
Whereas there are some additional purchases that needed to be completed.
Be it Resolved that $2000.00 be transferred from the line item Professional Legal Fees to the line item Office Expenses Furniture and Equipment Purchases.
- Recorded Vote #35. MOTION CARRIED.
27. SPONSORSHIP – NEWFOUNDLAND RUGBY UNION
m/s D. Gaetz/C. Crupi
Whereas the member’s son, Michael Pittman is trying to raise funds for the NFLD Rugby Union to cover travel expenses; and
Whereas UTE will be entitled to a ¼ page for one year’s worth of advertising in all upcoming publications; and
Whereas all funds raised by team players go directly to their own travel expenses.
Be it resolved that National UTE sponsor Michael Pittman, son of member, Marj Pittman, from the Newfoundland Tax Center, in the amount of $250.00
- Recorded Vote #36. MOTION CARRIED.
OPEN DISCUSSION
The Council members discussed the remaining items under this section.
The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
______________________
Betty Bannon |
______________________
Bob Campbell |
| National President |
1st National Vice-President |
|
