MINUTES OF THE PRESIDENTS’ CONFERENCE
April 3-5, 2008
THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2008
AFTERNOON SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 pm. Betty Bannon, President of the Union of Taxation Employees presided and the session opened with the song Solidarity Forever in both French and English.
A moment of silence was held for the members that passed away since the last Presidents’ Conference.
President Bannon introduced and welcomed former employee, Sister Lina Ruel, who had retired recently.
President Bannon went over the Harassment Policy and introduced the Complaint Administrators, Brothers Marcel Bertrand and Shawn Bergeron and Sister Lyson Paquette.
She introduced the members of the staff from the National Office present in the room and then asked the 55 Local Presidents to introduce themselves. The members of the Executive Council were then introduced.
Betty announced that the UTE Boobettes will have a draw during the week to collect money for the Breast Cancer March next June. The team is composed of Linda Cassidy and Michèle Laplante-Brière from the National Office and Gesine Fuchs from the Ottawa TSO.
HOURS OF SESSION
M/S/C B. Stewart/J. van Sydenborgh
That the hours of session be as follows:
Thursday: 1:15 to 5:00
Friday: 09:00 to 11:45; 1:15 to 5:00
Saturday: 09:00 to 11:45; 1:15 to 5:00 or the completion of business
MOTION CARRIED.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
(See attached agenda, delegates list, observers list and Items submitted by the Local Presidents)
M/S/C D. Miller/G. Jackson
That the agenda be adopted as circulated with the following additions.
- SP Conversion (Edmonton)
- Retirement (Halifax)
- PSAC Regional Conventions (Halifax)
- $100 gift for AGM (Toronto)
- Employee Management Form Y280 (Toronto)
- Compensation (Montréal)
- UTE National Website (Belleville)
- Unsigned Members (Belleville)
- Language Standard (Laval)
- Equivalency Standards for Past Service (Laval)
- Client Services (St. Catharines)
- F&A Overpayments (Summerside)
- UTE Newsletter (Peterborough)
- Convention Translation (Peterborough)
- Career Management Responsibilities (Saskatoon)
- Maternity/Parental Top-Up (Saskatoon)
- CAS Review of Time Sheets(Halifax)
- Priority Club (Halifax)
- Lifetime Membership Resolution (North York)
- Insurance - UTE Members on Union Business (Ottawa HQ)
- Conflict Resolution Policy (Peterborough)
MOTION CARRIED.
M/S Brad Feraday/Jamie VanSydenborgh
That the item Life Membership be moved up to the 1st new item of business.
MOTION DEFEATED.
OPENING REMARKS
President Bannon started her remarks announcing that there were promotional items for sale in the hall and that UTE had more promotional items than any other union in the country. She reminded the participants of the Call Centre Meeting on Sunday and emphasized the fact that we were in Convention mode as it was just a few months away. She suggested that newcomers take the Convention Procedures Course that the PSAC is offering and informed attendees that the National Office was issuing Convention Comments Bulletins that provided important information on the proceedings of Convention. She concluded saying that the Convention sets the directions for the next 3 years, reviews the financial situation and elects the UTE’s leaders. She hopes and desires that everyone will walk away from the Convention united as one.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BUSINESS
President Bannon reported briefly on some of the business conducted by the Executive Council earlier during the week. (See Council Minutes of April 2008).
Resolutions and recommendations on the following topics:
- Ad Hoc Committee be established re. Call Centre Issues
- Convention Terms of Reference
- Convention Committee Appointments
- Convention Rules of Order
- 2007 Audited Financial Statements
- Donations and Sponsorships
The Executive Council will discuss the possibility of having the UTE Olympic Games again in the future.
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEES
President Bannon invited the members of the Honour and Awards Committee to come to the front.
Brother Terry Dupuis, President of the Committee, introduced the members of the Committee: Sister Sarah Redd, Presidents’ Representative, and Brother Denis Lalancette. Brother Jerry Dee was absent.
The Committee delivered a PowerPoint Presentation on UTE Awards and Terms of Reference and on Presidents Promoting Recognition. (Copy attached).
Each Local President was presented with a Thank You certificate and Sister Pamela Abbott was awarded a 15 year pin.
President Bannon was pleased to present Sister Lina Ruel with the UTE Honorary Member Award and, on behalf of UTE, a digital camera. Sister Ruel thanked everyone with whom she had the privilege to work with during all these years.
ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCALS PRESIDENTS
1. Health Canada Assessment for Employee Fitness to Work (WINDSOR 00018)
Local: Stated that the employer makes submissions to Health Canada and is totally unaccountable for the content of the submission. The employer often makes unqualified medical opinions, submits half truths and puts forward unsubstantiated opinions that the employee has had no opportunity to defend against.
Would like to see the UTE and CRA affect policy that allows, in the future, that employees have an opportunity to review the employer’s submission before it is sent to Health Canada and implement a system that allow the employee to change or challenge the content of the employer’s submission.
President: Suggested that members have to file grievances on that situation.
2. PSAC Drug Cards (WINDSOR 00018)
The local read some information they had on the fact that the PSHCP Pay Direct Drug Card Implementation has been further delayed.
President: A resolution was presented to the NBoD to get the card to be implemented. She also brought this situation to the UTE Political Action Committee.
Questions from members were sent to the offices of Patty Ducharme and John Gordon, but she has not receive any answers as of yet. The Political Action Committee is urging the members to fill in the letter addressed to the House of Commons that can be found on the PSAC Web.
Host Committee Presentation
The Chair of the UTE Convention Host Committee, Sister Sigrid Hagglund was invited to give the participants some information on the upcoming activities that will take place at Convention including the Fun Night Event to be held on Wednesday, July 16.
The meeting recessed at 1700 hours.
FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2008
MORNING SESSION
The Conference was called to order at 09:00 a.m. with President Bannon presiding.
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEES
President Bannon asked the members of the Staffing Committee to come to the front.
Brother Khayat introduced the members of the Committee: Sisters Pamela Abbott, Madonna Gardiner and Linda Cassidy and Brother Marc Brière.
The Staffing Committee discussed the creation of a staffing liaison in each local. The purpose will be for the Presidents Representatives on the committee to have a local contact that they can share information with. Brother Sabri requested that everyone get their names to Mark and Madonna as soon as possible. A contact sheet was included in the packages given to each local.
3. Canada Labour Code Part II – Regulations XIX and XX (WINDSOR 00018)
Local: Brother Wenzel stated that he would deferred his comments on this issue at this time as the Health and Safety Committee would be making a presentation later in the conference.
4. Citizenship Award (KELOWNA 20003)
M/S S. Redd/P. Kreamer
Whereas UTE does not currently have awards available for citizenship and community service; and
Whereas UTE members should be recognized for the volunteer work and citizenship within their communities;
Be it resolved that UTE Create the "UTE Citizenship Award"; and
Be it further resolved that this award at a minimum be in the form of a formal and official UTE Certificate; and
Be it further resolved that applications and submissions for this award be administered by the UTE Honours and Awards Committee.
MOTION CARRIED.
5. Human Resources Downloading to Managers (ST. CATHARINES 00016)
Local: Asked if any work had been done on this issue?
President: Answered that we need specific examples and background to be presented at the next NUMC in June.
A show of hands demonstrated that not many locals have taken this issue to their Regional UMC.
President: Asked the locals to send the composition of the special unit that does administration to Sister Cassidy along with the job descriptions that these employees have been assigned.
6. UTE Convention – Hotel Room Costs (ST. CATHARINES 00016)
Local: Asked why the Government rate of $159 available on Internet wasn’t negotiated for our Convention?
President: Responded that no hotels would give the government rate for a convention block of bedrooms because the meeting rooms are free.
7. Health Card (ST. CATHARINES 00016)
This item was withdrawn by the local as it was discussed earlier.
Point of Privilege – Kitchener
Sister Melanee Jessup asked permission to pass an envelope to collect money for the June Cancer Walk.
The Point of Privilege was well taken by the President.
8. Call Site Questionnaire/Meeting (ST. JOHN’S 90001)
Local: Commented that from the last September Presidents’ Conference until late February when the questionnaire was sent out, there had been no correspondence from the National Office asking the Call Site Locals what they would like to see as a format for the meeting or what kind of questions they would like to see asked of the membership.
President: Responded that some comments were received from the locals to that effect and also to the fact that the questionnaire included general questions, not only questions pertaining to Call Sites. She explained that it was judged necessary to seek additional general information from the locals as there were new members that would fill in the questionnaire.
The President also explained that some RVPs would be facilitating the workshop portion of the meeting on Sunday and each LRO would prepare a report for the Ad Hoc Committee Members for them to make recommendations.
9. PSAC Regional Convention & Non-UTE Events (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
M/S D. Quist/A. Jackson
Be it resolved that the UTE partially fund locals for their delegates to PSAC regional conventions; and
Be it further resolved that this funding be based on paying for one of the following costs: travel, hotel, per diems or loss of salary.
M/S B. Oldford/D. Hardy
That this motion be amended to read that two (2) of the costs be paid.
Be it further resolved that this funding be based on paying for two of the following costs: travel, hotel, per diems or loss of salary.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED.
MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Participation on Selection Boards (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
M/S D. Quist/R. Harron
The Local gave some history information for the benefits of the participants as this was not the first time that a resolution was presented to the floor on that issue.
Be it resolved that any UTE member representing the Union in any capacity refrain from participating on selection boards unless within their job responsibility; and
Be it further resolved that any contravention of the 1st BE IT RESOLVED result in that member immediately being removed from their role in representing the Union in accordance with the PSAC Constitution.
To the question: Would a member be disciplined by UTE if ordered to sit on a selection board? And would he be disciplined by the employer if he refuses to do so?
President: Answered that UTE will not discipline a member under these circumstances. She suggested that in that instance, the member should obey and then file a grievance.
MOTION DEFEATED.
The meeting recessed for lunch.
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. with President Bannon in the Chair.
The local presented a resolution as follows:
M/S D. Quist/ R. Harron
Be it resolved that the National President issue a Bulletin forthwith affirming our stance concerning membership participation on Selection Boards. Included in the bulletin will be rationale.
MOTION CARRIED.
11. Phased Retirement (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
Local: The Local noted that this issue was in the hands of the Political Action Committee. Their concern was that they didn’t know if CRA would honour the legislation when it passes and would everybody be included or would it be reserved only for some people. The Local reiterated that it should be offered to all.
President: Answered that the Legislation had not been tabled yet, but she expected that if it passes, there would be some kind of criteria to be met.
Stein: Chair of the Political Action Committee commented that they will contact the Members of Parliament to see where it is at and a bulletin would be issued.
12. French Active Offer and Employees that are not front line employees (WINDSOR 00018)
Local: Inquired which other offices were required to give an Active French Offer? In Windsor, Management uses the criteria that all Front Line Employees should be giving an Active French Offer.
Many Locals were of the view that the employer is pushing to have employees answer in both official languages. Only a few locals are not asked by the employer to do so and only a few answered that it was part of the Performance Review.
Kent MacDonald, Labour Relations Officer, commented that there were 2 grievances on that issue from the same office. In the first case, following the grievance, the member had been moved to another job and the employer never commented about it in her performance review. In the second one, the member was still in the same job and negative comments were listed in her performance review. The grievance went to the fourth level and was dismissed by the employer. He noted that Performance Review grievances are not adjudicable. A letter was sent to PSAC requesting that they review the file and find avenues to refer to deal with the matter and then meet with UTE to discuss the issue. Instead, PSAC sent a 2 page letter explaining why it was not adjudicable.
President: Reiterated that we will have a discussion with the PSAC to find out if there are other avenues.
13. Funding for PSAC Ontario Convention (WINDSOR 00018)
The item was withdrawn by the submitting Local.
14. Overtime Overtaxing (ST. CATHARINES 00016)
Local: Brought some examples of situations on this issue.
Some locals commented that they were experiencing the same problems on overtime overtaxing and that it was a case by case situation. In most offices, the employees were receiving a regular cheque and the overtime was paid on a separate cheque. The basic exemptions determine how much tax would be deducted on the overtime cheque. There appears to be no consistent procedure followed by the CRA with respect to the taxing of overtime.
President: Mentioned that this issue will be on the agenda of the next NUMC in June.
15. Source deductions accounting moving from Taxpayers Services Debt Management to Assessment and Benefits Branch (ST. CATHARINES 00016)
Local: Addressed the fact that they have concerns about the bulletin that went out to the locals that says that they do not anticipate any immediate impact on field resources as a result of the transfer of functional responsibility.
President: Commented that CRA will not state in a bulletin that there would be no WFA situations because they could change their mind anytime on the structure.
The National Inventory will be tabled at the next Technological Change meeting on May 7, 2008.
16. Staffing (ST. CATHARINES 00016)
Local: Cautioned the locals by saying that in order to protect the term members’ rights, they should attempt to ensure that the employer staff positions from within internal pool so members do not lose their jobs.
17. Triennial Convention 2008 (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
Local: Asked the President to give some direction with respect to what the Committees can or can’t do with resolutions presented at Convention.
President: Referred to the Convention Terms of Reference that were adopted at Council during the week. She drew attention to the fact that a Late Resolution or Emergency Resolution must be presented to the National President who will then ask the floor if they would received the said resolution. If accepted by the floor, the resolution would then be the responsibility of the appropriate Committee. The Committee will deal with it after Convention hours and will come back to the National President with a recommendation of concurrence or non-concurrence. If the recommendation is one of concurrence, a copy will be provided to the floor and they will be dealt with only after the last order of business.
Point of Privilege – Sydney
Brother Joe Parris requested to be replaced by Brother Richard Middleton due to illness.
The Point of Privilege was well taken by the President.
18. Collective Agreement Article 53.01 (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
Local: Asked clarity on the anniversary date with respect to the 5 days pre-retirement leave.
President: Stated that UTE has an issue with the employers’ interpretation of the 12 months. She asked Brother Mulvihill to comment on this.
Pierre Mulvihill, Labour Relation Officer, offered that the employer counts the 12 months as of the point the member met the requirement or the years of service. UTE has 2 cases at the PSLR Board where the members received their 5 days in January and February. In April, with the new fiscal year, they were denied their 5 new days leave credits. Only members that grieve would be granted the leave if the grievors’ position is upheld by the Board. He concluded saying that there was no timeframe as to when these grievances will be heard, but that pressure had been put on the PSAC for older files to get processed.
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEES
President Bannon asked the members of the Health and Safety Committee to come to the front. Brother Aylward, Chair of the Committee introduced the other members as follows: Brothers Doug Gaetz, Norbert Wenzel, Pierre Mulvihill.
Several updates were provided to the participants including the changes to Regulation 19 and the new Regulation 20. Participants were advised that the Job Hazard Analysis for field workers is moving forward and the actual field visits should begin in late spring. Locals were also advised that the National Policy Committee has received a report on asbestos in crowned owned buildings; locals who occupy leased owned buildings were requested to ask for this information at the local level and supply it to the National Office. Brother Aylward reminded the participants of the importance of the upcoming Day of Mourning April 28 and provided all locals with a poster for their workplace.
Point of privilege – St. Catharines
The Local advised that the PSAC had printed questions and answers on the Rules of Order for Convention on a small wheel and that it could become handy for people going to Convention in July.
The Point of privilege was well taken by the President. She asked Brother Campbell to take note of this.
19. CPP Follow-up – Previous Agenda Item (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
Local: Commented on the rules of applying for CPP at the age of 60. He then referred to the previous Presidents’ Conference Minutes where the National President was to meet with L. Gauvin on the issue.
President: Responded that she met with L. Gauvin and advised her of UTE concerns where HRDC was telling the members that they can claim CPP at 60 and still work. Sister Bannon asked her to meet with all parties concerned and Gauvin agreed to do so. However, the meeting has not taken place yet.
Local: Would like to see a bulletin highlighting what the CPP Reference Guide indicates: ‘’between the age of 60 and 64 have stop working or have low earnings’’ with a warning that if they receive from HRDC any information different from this to speak to their RVP for clarity.
President: Said that she had concerns doing that. She would rather follow-up again with an email to L. Gauvin.
Local: Suggested that all locals be careful with what they receive from HRDC on this issue.
20. Funding for PSAC Regional Convention (ST. CATHARINES 00016)
This item was withdrawn by the submitting local.
21. Pay Adjustments (ST. CATHARINES 00016)
This item was withdrawn by the submitting local.
22. Executive Council Minutes (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
Local: Read the resolution that was defeated at the last session of Council during the week.
President: Explained that this discussion hour was used as a forum to have some free and open discussion on items that they didn’t want a resolution on. There was no need to bring a resolution forward to Council. Often, it was an issue that individuals wanted the Council’s feel on the issue before a resolution was advance. It also permitted Council Members to have a frank discussion on issues that they didn’t want recorded in the minutes. The Open Discussion session was never meant to be recorded in the minutes.
23. Search Engines – UTE/CRA (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
Local: Shared their frustration about search engines and wanted to know how we could advise the CRA that it’s not working.
President: We will advise them directly.
24. Local Insurance Coverage Follow-up (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
Local: Required an update on the insurance coverage for local members being on business travel.
Campbell: 1st Vice-President commented that he had contacted different providers without much luck. No insurance companies would provide a national coverage. The UTE Policy covers only death and dismemberment. He also emphasized that when UTE National was funding regional events, the RVPs and Local Presidents were covered, but not the observers because they were not funded by the National Office, but by the Local.
There would be a resolution presented at Convention to cover all fulfilling the duties under the National By-Laws.
25. SP Conversion (EDMONTON 30025)
Local: Commented that when PMs were converted to SPs, some of them were at the top of their increment level at the PM scale. When converted to SPs, they were at the second last level. The Local asked for clarification on the bulletin that was sent on that issue by B. Lehmann.
President: Explained that the issue under dispute was the anniversary date, not the level. The bargaining team and the employer had come to an agreement that if the increase received on conversion was less than the smallest increment in the SP scale, employees will advance to the next step on their ‘anniversary’ date. This would be based on the calendar date (day and month, not year) of the last time that they received an increment and applying the normal pay increment rules. If the increase received on conversion was equal to or greater than the smallest increment in the SP scale, their anniversary date will be reset to November 1.
The Summerside Local advised and cautioned the locals that there was a ig issue concerning the employees that have been converted from the DaCon Group. They are earning less money with the new collective agreement and their salary was supposed to be protected. The salary protection did not occur for these employees. The local is working with management to find out what happened and to fix the problem.
Point of Privilege – B. Stewart
Sister Stewart advised that she wished to be replaced the next day by Sister Gesine Fuchs.
The Point of Privilege was well taken by the President.
The meeting recessed at 1700 hours.
SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2008
MORNING SESSION
The Conference was called to order at 09:00 a.m. with President Bannon presiding.
26. Retirement (HALIFAX 80003)
Local: Noted that they have a situation where members advised Compensation a year ago that they will retire. They have sent all proper documentation, but are now being told that it will take 6 months before they receive any money. What can we do?
President: Asked that the file be sent to her.
27. PSAC Regional Conventions (HALIFAX 80003)
The item was withdrawn by the submitting local.
28. $100 gift for AGM (TORONTO 00001)
Local: Appreciated the gifts that the National provides to the locals. However, they suggested that they be given a $100 credit card so they may choose their own gifts during Presidents’ Conferences.
Campbell: Responded that he will take the suggestion into consideration and asked locals to raise the issue with their RVPs.
29. Employee Management Form Y280 (TORONTO 00001)
Local: Advised that right now it was being developed locally and that the responsibility was given to two of their members.
President: Replied that members should grieve.
Khayat: Chair of the Staffing Committee was surprised to hear that this was happening locally. He had been made aware of one case in which he intervened and the situation had been corrected.
President: Asked on a show of hands how many locals had the Y280 with sustainable development in it?
Many locals responded in the affirmative.
30. Compensation (MONTRÉAL 10008)
Local: Wanted to have an update on the issue and the status on the files that were sent to the National President.
President: Mentioned that the files that she had received had all been handled and that they had an early resolution except one which was from the Montréal Local.
She reiterated that the National Office has to be informed of these problems in order to advise the employer of what is happening in the field.
Many Locals went to the microphone to share their situations and frustrations with respect to compensation. What came out mostly was that there is inconsistent information given to members, that there is a significant lag time between the medical benefits update at WCC and the update to Sun Life, that members are offered emergency salary advance due to time limitations to process their Taken on Strength action and that members in very difficult mental and physical situations are not getting answers to their problems.
31. UTE National Website (BELLEVILLE 00012)
This item was withdrawn as it has been discussed at Council.
32. Unsigned Members (BELLEVILLE 00012)
Local: Suggested that a list be published on the website and be updated weekly.
President: Acknowledge that the National Office will see if is feasible.
33. Language Standard (LAVAL 10008)
Local: Commented that they had experienced many problems concerning the second language tests and linguistic standards. Since 2007, the level of failure rate had increased to 55%. Many members were taken out of pools as they did not meet the linguistic standards.
Other Locals expressed that they were facing the same problems and that we should find a way to compare the French and English tests to see if they are equivalent. Locals believe that there is discrimination. Members who have taken 6 months of extensive French training were not successful. Other members that had taken the linguistic test after 5 years of having spoken both languages were also being unsuccessful. Something has to be done at the national level.
President: Said that she had met with the employer and raised this problem. It will be brought to the next NUMC in June. Brother Mulvihill is in contact with the PSAC and CRA to see what can be done.
34. Equivalency Standards for Past Service (LAVAL 10008)
Local: Explained that members had received by mail from CRA a notice on Past Service Pension Adjustment (PSPA). The Local would like the National to find out what this is about and inform all the membership.
The St. Catharines Local had information that went back to 2006 on that issue and advised that it could be found on the PSAC, Treasury Board or the CRA Web Sites.
President: Asked the Local to give the Web Site links to Susan Duncan, the UTE Web Administrator for her to make necessary links to access the information.
35. Client Services (St. Catharines 00016)
Local: Commented that the employer had taken away the computers at the front counters. Anyone coming in now has to lineup to use the phone and soon there will be no phone. They are concerned that this may become a very difficult situation for the greeters.
Other Locals commented on similar situations in their region.
The Commissionaires in the Quebec Region are in a strike position and locals are worried about their members having to provide services.
President: Advised that she will look into this matter.
Khayat: Chairperson of the Staffing Committee commented that he met with F&A and was told that they had sent a memo advising all employees what to do in the event of a strike. He was also told that the security will be assured by management and excluded members. He added that the Regional Office has been advised of the situation.
36. F&A Overpayment (SUMMERSIDE 90006)
Local: Advised that members have been overpaid ranging from approximately $2000-$4000, with no explanation, and that the recovery would be made at 60%. Was the union advised on the overpayment?
President: Stated that there should be no salary recovery without an explanation given to the members. She asked that she be provided with the name of the affected member and she will make the recovery stop until a proper explanation is given.
She added that there are only two occasions where they can recover on first available funds: when it’s an emergency salary advance or overpayment upon termination of employment. This issue was raised with the employer and Compensation was advised that they are not to recover on first dollars.
Sister Cassidy from the Boobettes’ team announced that they collected $835.00 over the week for the Breast Cancer Walk next June for a total as of now of a little over $7000.00. She invited the participants to check their Web Site for pictures and information.
The winners of the draw were: Jean De Peiza (Toronto), Judy Zaychuk (Lethbridge), Lynne Scott-Cadieux (Ottawa Policy & Planning) and Al Rollins (Charlottetown).
Sister Melanee Jessup from Kitchener thanked everyone for their generosity in helping her raised the amount of $707.60 during the week.
The meeting recessed for lunch.
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. with President Bannon in the Chair.
Point of Privilege – D. Lalancette
Brother Lalancette announced that he was just made aware that there were 4 people from the Magdalen Islands who had passed away. Brother Lalancette asked for a moment of silence in solidarity to the family of these members and that a message be sent to the Union of Canadian Transport Employees (UCTE) Component to show our solidarity in these difficult times.
The Point of Privilege was well taken by the President.
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEES
President Bannon asked the members of the Workforce Adjustment Committee to come to the front. Brother Stein, Chair of the Committee introduced the other members: Brothers Marcel Bertrand, Adam Jackson, John Kosiba and Kent MacDonald.
The UTE WFA Committee made a presentation dealing with 2 issues. The first was on affected members who have been affected status for over one year. The Committee requested that the locals through their RVP advise the Committee the rationale for these members being affected for over one year. The Committee also addressed the issue the new term over 5 year policy and it's possible effect on our affected members. This issue while at present only is taking place in one or two locations is an issue that both RVPs and locals should be aware of and the Committee is willing to give any guidance, if requested. The Committee took a series of questions and responded to all of them.
Presentation of Award
Brother Stein was pleased to present the Godfroy Coté Award to Sister Mary Cordeiro of the Hamilton Local for her exemplary service in demonstrating her commitment to achieving the aims and objectives of UTE;
Sister Cordeiro thanked everyone for their support that she received over the years.
37. UTE Newsletter (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
Local: Sent a letter on April 1st to the editor to be read by UTE 26,000 members. The Communication Committee did not respond as to whether or not it would be published.
President: The Communications Committee will be discussing the issue as it related to a resolution to be presented at Convention. Resolutions should not be published in the UTE newsletter.
38. Convention Translation (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
Local: Asked whose responsibility it was to provide translation for desk drop documentation during Convention?
President: Stated that is was the individual`s responsibility.
39. Career Management Responsibilities (SASKATOON 40023)
Local: Addressed the position of the employer that it is the employees’ responsibility to keep up with their career opportunities? If this is the case, why is the employer having access to the employees’ files? Why do Team Leaders have access to the employees competency file`s if they are not responsible for their career advancement?
Linda Cassidy, Labour Relations Officer, confirmed that the employer had issued a memo to all their Team Leaders stating that if they have access to the employees files and they use it or share it, they will be fired. She added that only the Assistant Directors set the levels for staffing and that they should not have access to the employees' competency files.
President: Noted that the National Office has issued the employer’s bulletin to all locals.
40. Maternity/Parental Top-Up (SASKATOON 40023)
The item was withdrawn by the submitting local.
41. CAS Review of Time Sheets (HALIFAX 80003)
Local: Informed that CAS was doing a review of the Time Sheets as far as 7 years.
President: Said that she got a copy of the letter from a local and that was how she leaned about this situation.We asked the employer not to make any changes before the employees were notified and were given an opportunity to dispute or agree with the information received. The employer agreed to this.
42. Priority Club Points (HALIFAX 80003)
Local: Pointed out that they were not accumulating points anymore when staying at the Crowne Plaza.
President: Answered that the individuals were not collecting the points because they were on the UTE Master Bill paid by the Union.
43. Lifetime Membership Resolution (NORTH YORK 00048)
M/S E. Burt/R. Hinchliffe
That this item be withdrawn.
MOTION TO WITHDRAW CARRIED.
44. Insurance UTE Members on Union Business (OTTAWA HQ 70000)
This item was withdrawn by the submitting Local.
45. Conflict Resolution Policy (PETERBOROUGH 00008)
Local: Asked if they could know what discussion took place to get to the conflict resolution policy and what motivate the employer to agree to our position concerning the union’s representation of our members.
President: Asked Brother Campbell to comment on the issue as he was UTE`s representative on the National UMI Steering Committee in charge of jointly developing (Employer/Union) the policy.
Campbell: This document was developed jointly to make sure that we could represent (formal process) or assist (informal process – discussion only) our members at any time. Under ADR, we were not involved at all.
President: Added that now we are involved in the development, the implementation and the monitoring of the policy.
CLOSING REMARKS
President Bannon stressed the importance that Locals send the items to be discussed by the deadline in order to set an adequate agenda that would include guest speakers and presentations. The items that were added on the floor last Thursday were not new issues and could have been sent in prior to the Conference. The same thing is true for the resolutions presented during the week. They should have been given to the RVP to be presented at the Council Meeting. She asked the cooperation of all the locals on this matter. She concluded informing the participants about the upcoming Convention Committees saying that the resolutions would be emailed and sent to all locals by mail.
She thanked everyone for their contribution during the meeting and wished them a safe trip home.
The meeting adjourned at: 4:00 p.m.
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