THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
AFTERNOON SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. Bob Campbell, President of the Union of Taxation Employees, presided and the session opened with the song Solidarity Forever in both French and English.
President Campbell asked the delegation to respect a moment of silence for members who have passed away since the last conference.
President Campbell went over the Harassment Policy and introduced the Complaint Administrators: Jamie vanSydenborgh, Christine McLennan and Lyson Paquette. He introduced the members of the staff from the National Office present in the room, and then asked the Local Presidents to introduce themselves. The members of the Executive Council were then introduced.
The CPR attendants were presented as follows: Janet Albinet, Bob Campbell, Susan Duncan, Doug Gaetz, Denis Lalancette, Kent MacDonald, Shane O’Brien, and Alex Thon.
Point of privilege - Alan Craig, Ottawa TC
Please bring the toiletries from your room and they will be offered to a shelter in the region.
The point is well taken by the President.
HOURS OF SESSION
M/S Chris Beaton / Brian Oldford
That the hours of session be as follows:
Thursday: 01:15 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 closure of business
MOTION CARRIED.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
(See attached agenda, participants list and Items submitted by the Local Presidents)
M/S Lynne Scott Cadieux / Jacquelyn Whyman
That the agenda be adopted with the following additional items:
Political action Idea during our sick leave (Toronto East)
Activities - October 8th (Montreal)
PSAC CB promotional items (Halifax)
Going to work sick T4009 (Charlottetown)
Virtually manage employees (Ottawa TSO)
Grievance transmittal (Calgary)
Request to clarify last pay holdback (Toronto East)
MOTION CARRIED.
New Local Presidents
Chris Lansdell, St. John’s TC
André Bélanger, Shawinigan
Marc Latulippe, Sherbrooke
Vicki-Lynn Smith, Ottawa TC
Pamela Burnham, Sudbury
Debbie Shields, Hamilton
Jo-Anne, Chipping, Barrie
Scott Parker, VictoriaAttending their last President’s Conference
Pierre Wilfrid Landry, Montreal
Randy McKeown, Toronto West
Jennifer Walker, Sydney
Sharon Hickey, Penticton
OPENING REMARKS
President Campbell started his remarks saying that there are Local Executives that are using the employer’s system to provide information on grievances, union business and confidential files. We have asked that you use your local email address. He thanked the locals that were involved in the activities of the Labour Day. He also thanked the Hamilton Local for the invitation to participate in their activities. He went on saying that we did not do a good job with the activities of Labour Day and that it is time to do the job or leave. He pointed out that we all have to take responsibility locally and nationally. October 8th, the day of the Public Interest Commission (PIC) is coming fast and we are asking the locals to do what its takes to show solidarity. After October 8th the instructions for planning activities will be coming from the National Office. We have to have a strong solidarity. He asked the locals to send the National Office the dates of their AGM for the National Officers to attend. All requests for National Officers to attend AGM should be sent to the National President. As of November 1st, 2014, the Chateau Laurier will be a non-smoking property. Members can find a smoking hotel if they wish and make their own arrangements. We will cover the rate that we pay here at the Chateau Laurier. Brother Campbell gave the Windsor Local a nice gift of appreciation for holding the Convention last July. The National Staffing Course has been finalized and ready to be given to the regions. There should be a Union Management Approach Committee in each local. We have re-signed the UMA Philosophy last April. With respect to National Courses, he asked the locals’ help to make sure that the participants chosen are available to attend the course. It makes it difficult for the National Office when the names keep on changing.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BUSINESS
President Campbell reported briefly on some of the business conducted by the Executive Council earlier during the week. (For additional details, please see the attached Executive Council Minutes and Committee Reports of September 2014).
From Executive Council Minutes:
Adoption of the following items:
- Appointments to UTE Standing Committees (see Council Minutes)
- Unfinished Business from Convention
- Local Observer Stipend for Presidents’ Conference
- Appointments of Auditors for 2014
- Overspending – UTE Triennial Convention
- Non-UTE Event, FTQ Health and Safety Seminar under Regulation 15
- Remove the Sudbury Local from Trusteeship
Brother Brière gave some information on the fourth UTE Olympics open to the ten (10) regions as follows:
There will be four (4) events:
- RVPs Sequence Board Game Tournament
- Water Pong Game Tournament
- Karaoke Contest
- Writing an Article for the Union News Contest – UTE Newsletter
1st Place – 6 points – Gold Medal, $5,000 to the region budget
2nd Place – 4 points – Silver Medal, $3,000 to the region budget
3rd Place – 2 points – Bronze Medal, $2,000 to the regional budget
First winners were: Brothers Jamie vanSydenborgh and Sabri Khayat
Point of privilege - Debbie Shields, Hamilton
We have a member in Hamilton whose son has cancer. She has taken sick leave to take care of him. We will circulate a card and a donation would be appreciated to help our sister.
The point of privilege is well taken by the President.
REPORT OF THE UTE NATIONAL BARGAINING TEAM
Sister Madonna Gardiner, Chair of the UTE Bargaining Committee introduced the bargaining team as follows: Brothers Denis Lalancette and Pietro Masdea, Sister Dawn Hardy, Presidents’ Representative and the Lyson Paquette, Technical Advisor.
Sister Gardiner opened her speech saying that we are at a critical time in negotiations. It is more important now than ever before that we demonstrate to the Employer that the bargaining team has the support of the members as without this show of support we lose our bargaining power. The Public Interest Commission (PIC) is coming up and is the next step in our collective bargaining process. By Law, they have 30 days to issue a report however they can ask for an extension. The purpose of the PIC is to help the parties get back to bargaining. Once the report is issued, the bargaining team will go back to the table to continue bargaining. Brother Morgan Gay, our negotiator, is working with the CRA on tentative dates.
The next activity is based around the PIC dates of October 8th and 9th. There will be a sticker to be distributed. Brother Gay is preparing a one pager for distribution with the sticker and will be available soon.
Activity Reports Information:
-
- There is a form locals can use to do the reporting, it is optional but a tool to help.
- Very important to provide information on what's going on in the local.
- Would like to see as much details as possible ex: % of members who wear or display the stickers and comments the members may have made.
- We need to know if the members are behind the bargaining team and they need to show management as well.
- Looking at compiling a list of activities so the locals can use as a reference when planning activities in the future.
The Committee answered a few questions from the participants.
The Montreal Local took the opportunity to bring up their item of discussion October 8th Activities saying that members of his local are planning a visit to Ottawa to attend the PIC and show support. He asked if activities were planned for that day. He invited other locals to joint them at the PIC.
The Rouyn-Noranda Local took the opportunity as well to bring up their item of discussion PIC – Freeing up Members as Observers. She asked if UTE had thought to have observers to support the bargaining team on October 8th.
President Campbell answered that nothing was planned for members to attend the PIC as the room could hold approximately 50 persons. He confirmed that the bargaining team will be attending together with some NCR members. We asked the regions to organize their own activities for October 8th. He concluded saying that no monies were put aside to send people to Ottawa.
The PIC will be held at 9 a.m. on October 8th in room 709 of the West Tower CD Howe Building on Spark Street. You must bring a picture ID to enter the building.
REPORT OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
President Campbell invited to the podium the Health and Safety Committee. Brother Doug Gaetz, Chair of the Committee introduced the members of the Committee as follows: Sister Debbie Ferguson, Presidents Representative, Co-Chair, Brother Marc Briere and Erik Gagne, Technical Advisor who was absent with permission. He thanked the members of the Committee for their good work.
Brother Gaetz talked about the Workplace Health and Safety Committee Representatives saying that the employer representatives are to be excluded managers when possible unless they are short of staff in small offices. If they are not excluded we ask the locals to address this issue at the local level and to their RVP if necessary. With respect to the Chief Building Emergency Officers, they should not and must not be co-chairs or seat on these committees. He went on reading an excerpt from the Canadian Labour Code that a workplace committee should consist of at least 2 persons and at least half of the members should be employees who do not exercise managerial functions whether the position is acting or permanent. They should be removed and replaced. He concluded saying that if locals have human resources employees seating on local committees that they should be removed as they have no managerial responsibilities or authority.
ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS
ST. JOHN’S – 90000
1. Active Offer of Service
The Local asked how other offices are being told they should answer the phones, be it for bilingual or unilingual lines.
Most locals responded that they have dedicated lines for French or English.
Brother Shane O'Brien, Senior Labour Officer informed the participants that Bulletin 05/10 was issued on the subject. He went on explaining that CRA position is that those with published lines are supposed to use the Active Offer of Service. He stated that people should not accept to do this and they should file a grievance if they are asked to do so.
2. Night Shifts, Shift Work and Other Shifts
The Local informed the participants that in their office the Assistant Commissioner decided to implement an evening shift for Compliance Services.
Some locals in the Atlantic Region have been doing night shifts for years. In some cases the less productive employees are working night shifts. Because of the different time zone, the employees have to show flexibility. A mechanism is needed to determine who will be getting the night shifts. Seniority would have fixed the problem.
Discussion took place around tactics being used by the employer to implement late/night shifts.
Brother O'Brien, SLRO explained that Clause 25.17 of the collective bargaining states that other than the day work, there are shifts that the employer has already negotiated and they are using it. The only way to protect our members is to make this issue a priority at the bargaining table. If the employer want to implement hours of work other than those specified in the collective bargaining, they are to consult with the Local and the National Office for fact finding purposes. Furthermore, Clause 25.11 a) stipulates that when the employer wants to institute hours of work other than those in Article 25.17 they have to demonstrate that such hours are required to meet the needs of the public and or the efficient operations of the service.
President Campbell announced the first winner of the History Museum 50/50 draw as being Sister June Martin Gendron from the Calgary Call Centre Local in the amount of $185.00.
TORONTO WEST – 00051
3. PSAC Membership Listing
The Local commented that the PSAC is using outdated salary ranges on the monthly membership listing. This may or may not impact locals, but if everything is electronic, it would be an easy fix. As an example, they have SP-05 listed at $53,053.00 and the current rate for SP-05 is $57,960.00.
President Campbell asked the local to send an email to Sister Sylvie Bastien in the National Office if any member is not assigned to the correct classification and she will fix the problem as it can be done at the National Office. She will need a copy of the card. If the member is assigned to the correct classification, the PSAC always bases the dues calculation on the lowest amount in the classification range, and not on the member’s current pay amount.
President Campbell gave some information to the participants about the manifestation of the next early morning to show our dissatisfaction of the Harper government and its cuts. Participants were provided with a sign "Stop Harper".
The meeting recessed at 1700 hours.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
MORNING SESSION
The meeting reconvened at 9h00 with President Campbell in the Chair.
President Campbell thanked everyone from the bottom of his heart for participating in the demonstration. The CBC French and English Press were present for an interview and video. It was a good spent hour to show our solidarity for a fair contract.
Brother Brière gave the names of the Olympics’ Water Pong winners as follows: Pacific Region, Northern and Eastern Ontario and Southwestern Ontario. He reminded everyone that the karaoke contest would be at 7 p.m.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Presentation of the Worker’s History Museum Update Video the Cal Best Project: Simply the Best.
Later during the week, Council will have a discussion on the possibility of recording the history of the Union of Taxation Employees through a video and/or a book.
ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS
TORONTO WEST – 00051
4. Regulation Resolutions Brought to Convention
The Local believes that we need to educate our activists to understand that even though a regulation may not make it to the floor at convention that an RVP can bring it to Executive Council for consideration. There seemed to be a few people upset that we could not get a non-concurrent resolution changed to concurrent and debated at convention. We need to discuss items such as By-Laws that need to be passed by the floor.
Locals were in agreement that we should educate more our membership.
President Campbell responded that we have had workshops at Presidents’ Conferences and that we will continue to educate the membership. Last March, we had a workshop on Rules of Order and prior to that, we had one on resolution writing. We will make note to have one to explain the difference between the by-laws and the regulations.
He drew attention to the fact that the main objectives at convention are to deal with the recommendations of concurrence on By-Laws, pass the 3 year budget and elect the delegates to the PSAC Convention, our RVPs and National Officers.
HALIFAX – 80003
5. Hours of Work
The Local commented that Taxpayer Services & Debt Management Branch (TSDM) have changed their policy and are now telling members when to start working. Are other people in TSDM being asked to come to work at a certain time and how do they handle this situation?
According to the comments, the hours of work vary from one region to the other. It doesn’t seem to be an issue in the British Columbia Region. The hours start between 6h30 till 5h00.
Most locals that went to the microphones commented that their members’ hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In the Atlantic, the members have been approached to work night shift.
Shane O’Brien, SLRO commented that Brother Gaetz has had extensive consultation with the Assistant Commissioner in the Atlantic Region and made some improvements to the original position of the Employer. We proposed to the affected members that they file grievances with wording that the National Office provided to the effect that the employer unilaterally altered the hours of work. The second component of the grievance wording included was the Principle of Statutory Freeze. Once the notice of bargain is served and until both parties reach an agreement, the employer must respect the Principle of Statutory Freeze (PSF). Sister Gunning, LRO has been dealing with the PSAC specifically for the Atlantic Region Issue for them to file a formal complaint before the PSLRB on that PSF. Brother O’Brien concluded saying that he was surprised that this was happening across the country and this has not been brought to his attention. He asked the locals to send him a resume of the issue.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
President Campbell introduced 3 members of the CRA, Security and Internal Affairs Directorate. Helen Brown, General Director, SIA Directorate, Josée Labelle, Director, IA and Fraud Control Division and Michel Lafleur, Manager, Security Risk Assessment Section. They gave a presentation on the Security Program at CRA and answered a few questions from the participants. The powerpoint presentation will be sent to the locals next week.
The meeting recessed at 1145 hours.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting reconvened at 1:15 p.m. with President Campbell in the Chair.
President Campbell introduced Sister Victoria Gibb-Carsley, PSAC Education Officer who talked about the Union Investigations and Discipline. The presentation will be sent to all locals next week. President Campbell gave Sister Victoria a UTE gift as a token of our appreciation.
The meeting recessed at 1600 hours.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014
MORNING SESSION
The Conference was called to order at 9:00 a.m. with President Campbell in the Chair.
The following members were celebrating their birthday during the week: Denis Lalancette, Janet Parris and Donna Shalla.
Brother Brière won the second 50/50 draw from the History Museum in the amount of $365.00.
Point of privilege – Pietro Masdea
From Sister Dianne Rayner former UTE Presidents’ representative on the Honours & Awards Committee:
As some of you may already know, I am not re-offering for the position on the Honours and Awards Committee as the President’s Representative.
I wanted to have the opportunity to say thank you to the committee members, the presidents who elected me as their representative and to the general membership.I wanted to share with you a few thoughts regarding the Honours and Swards Committee. If you had any thoughts on running for a position, I wanted to share with you all, some of my thoughts and experiences.
First the committee itself is a wonderful committee made up of some pretty dynamic people. Secondly you get to read about your membership, their children and all of their hopes and dreams. You get to meet, through the applications, many wonderful, thoughtful human beings. This is where you realize what type of people are involved with UTE. As a member, a parent and a committee member, you meet the people of the Union who have completed so many unselfish tasks, you get to meet the children of our members who will be the leaders of tomorrow. This fills you with hope. Our children, who are becoming adults, who express their concern for mankind and how they feel they can help enrich our world. Each application has a story and a dream. I want to applaud each member of this union, each parent who supports the higher learning and encourages their children or family members to reach out and go after their dreams. You are doing a fantastic job. It has given me great hope for our country; it has given great pride in the Union of Taxation for supporting these people.
Sometimes when we feel the world is a mysterious place and there is so much doom and gloom, reading the essays and meeting the families and hearing about the way in which they, our members and the students, have plans to make the world a better place, it gives one hope and it helps to renew our faith in mankind.
Our children, our future can't be much clearer then that.
I am a Union member, I have always been very proud of that; more so, I am proud to be a member of UTE.
I want to thank the Union of Taxation Employees as a whole, for their continuous support, for the education I received while being a member and activist. Thank you to all. I wish for each Sister and Brother good health and strength for the upcoming years. I hope you all continue to support the Honours and Awards Committee; it is one of our shining stars.
In Solidarity,
Dianne Rayner
Point of privilege – Debbie Shields, Hamilton
Thanked everyone for their kind donation of $482.00 for the sister in Hamilton.
Both points of privilege were well taken by the President.
Brother Brière announced the winners of the Karaoke Event of the Olympics being: Bronze for the Atlantic Region, Silver for Rocky Mountains Region and the Gold to the super stars of the Pacific Region.
ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS
HALIFAX – 80003
6. Standby versus Callback Times - What are other offices doing and working around the collective agreement?
The Local explained that members were giving a cellphone and they were considered on callback. After doing some investigations, they determined that it was standby. People work a few hours, bank their time and take Friday off. What can the National do to stop the employer for not respecting the collective agreement?
Two locals went to the microphones to echo what the submitting local said. A grievance on this issue is at the 4th level right now.
President Campbell answered that the information will be collected from the locals and we will see how we can handle this issue.
7. Accommodations for Members
The Local reiterated that management continues to use the Occupational Fitness Assessment Form Letters. They wanted to know if there is a time limit for the employer to submit the letter to the doctor.
A few locals went to the microphones to comment that it is done both ways. In most locals management is working with the employees to provide proper accommodation. It does happen that members are sent to their doctors and if the note does not satisfy management needs and requires more information, then the form letters are used and they are sent to the employer’s doctor. It’s a fact that there are inconsistencies in some TCs.
Shane O’Brien, SLRO commented that if the employer refuses the medical certificate then members should grieve to challenge the employer decision and that they must insist in using leave with pay, pending the disposition of the matter. He added that there is no time limit for the employer to submit the letter.
SUMMERSIDE – 90006
8. Union Orientation Sessions (UOS)
The Local commented on the frequency of these sessions being offered in other offices. How often do indeterminate employees/terms get invited to the sessions? How do locals manage who has attended these sessions?
Locals answered that for new hires they have a scheduled UOS within the first week or so. For returning employees, in some regions the locals were told by management that this was not their concern.
Many locals are not informed on returning employees.
For some locals, it is an agenda item at their UMC meetings that if new people come in or people are being transferred, that the union be notified. They are now getting emails to let them know.
Some locals advised the employer that if they are to treat re-hired as new employees, then they should have orientation sessions.
In HQ they are doing the UOS online. The new local has asked for a list of the new people without success.
Some locals in BC receive a call when re-hires are coming in.
9. Grievance Procedure
The Local wonders if other offices are having the issue that the local is not formally notified of the results of the third level grievances – what best practises are locals using to ensure the timelines to transmit to 4th level do not lapse? There is a tool available only to RVPs to update their grievance status. This tool would be beneficial to Local Presidents or Chief Shop Stewart as well to prevent missing deadlines.
Brother O’Brien, SLRO explained that he helped Brother Campbell in setting this grievance tracking system. Until the issue of confidentiality is resolved, the information will not be shared. Discussions are taking place with the PSAC on this issue of confidentiality.
A few locals commented that they are not informed on the status of their grievances and it had happened that deadlines were missed.
The submitting local concluded saying that locals have to be notified when the response is received by the person that presented the grievance at the 3rd level. They have asked their RVP to scan the reply and send it to them as they are the ones that would get the 4th level form signed.
Points of privilege
Sister Linda Koenders, Ottawa HQ informed that there is a national campaign that is being rolled out to make child care an issue for the next federal election next year. PSAC is partnering with other unions and agencies to lobby for a national daycare system. They would appreciate the support of everybody when it is rolled out in the regions.
Sister Dawn Hardy, Summerside sang Happy Birthday to Brother Denis Lalancette and everybody joined in. Brother Denis thanked everyone for their message of love.
Brother Steve Barrett, Peterborough thanked the organizers of the Olympics.
The points of privilege were well taken by the President.
10. One-Time Transition Payment from Employer
The Local wanted to know if interest will be charged when it is repaid upon retirement.
Supplemental information from the Local:
Existing employees will continue to be paid their "regular" salary every two weeks. When payment in arrears is implemented (end of April 2014), Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) will make a one-time transition payment (May 21, 2014) to existing employees and from that point forward, employees’ salary statements will indicate the period ending two weeks prior to the date the payment is received. Unlike new employees, existing employees will not have to wait four weeks to receive a salary payment when the transition to payment in arrears occurs (end of April 2014). Existing employees will continue to receive a salary payment every two weeks, therefore, they will not be entitled to a "regular" salary payment two weeks after they depart from the public service. Instead, a final payment will be made to cover the difference between their current salary at departure and the transition payment which was issued in May 2014.President Campbell answered that the explanation he received from the PSAC was that no interest will be paid.
Sister McLennan, Winnipeg CCSC Local confirmed that the Employer will not pay or collect interest on the amount loaned.
ROUYN-NORANDA – 10009
11. Public Interest Commission – Freeing up Members as Observers
The Local commented that their item was dealt with the day before but wished to let Brother Drozd speak on it now.
Brother Drozd asked if a permit was needed to demonstrate on October 8th during the PIC and where the bus could be parked. He added the comment that last Saturday there were 50,000 persons that demonstrated in Montreal to save their pensions. How come we cannot mobilize 100 persons to protect our sick leave? He concluded stating that he was disappointed by the lack of solidarity.
President Campbell welcomed the input and reassured the local that it was not a bad or a good idea. It was simply not considered by the National Office to have a demonstration on October 8th. As of recently, we didn’t know if people could attend the PIC and how many people the room could hold. We had asked the members in the field to plan an activity to show support to the team.
Locals in the regions expressed their sincere appreciation to the Montreal Local for their initiative to come to the PIC on October 8th and commented that they would participate if they were closer.
Brother O’Brien, SLRO confirmed that any demonstrations should ask for a permit or permission. The National Office could make arrangements with the PSAC to park the bus and walk over to Sparks Street. The National Office will check on this with the PSAC and send the information to Brother Drozd.
12. Performance Management
The Local informed the participants that the Employer is using a numerical evaluation system with levels 1 to 5. The employee has to answer 7 questions such as, Does the employee assume his responsibilities? Etc... The employer is using fundamental indicators to evaluate the employee such as “sometimes”, “often”, “rarely”, “non-determined” etc... They tried to obtain a definition of these indicators from the employer as they did not agree on the terminology. The Local suggested having a workshop on Performance Management.
Brother Shane O’Brien, SLRO mentioned that there have been ongoing meetings on this issue. He acknowledged that these terms that they use, such as “sometimes”, “often”, “rarely” etc… are not well defined and they are subject to interpretation. We have asked the Agency to strengthen those terms.
President Campbell agreed to offer a workshop on this issue at the next Presidents’ Conference.
The submitting Local asked if an employees contest their Action Plan, can they file a second grievance? The answer was yes.
13. AU-Development – Future of our SP members
The Local referred to Appendix E of the new AUs Collective Agreement and asked what would happen with SPs who wish to be promoted AUs?
Brother Sabri Khayat, Chair of the Staffing Committee answered that information would be sent soon to all locals on this AU-Dev. Indeed it is the Appendix E of the PIPS agreement whereby comparison is made on the work of our SP7 and SP8 vs the AUs. We had the confirmation last week that there would be no comparison between the AUs and the SPs positions. It was also confirmed that hiring would be done internally and externally and that the SPs who have AU acting jobs will continue to have acting positions. He concluded saying that we have to be vigilant and protect the SP structure within the Audit Division.
Brother Shane O’Brien, SLRO added that with respect to probation for internal employees, if they are permanent employees who passed their probation in their previous or current job they will be move to the program. If they don’t qualify for the AU Dev, then they will be moved back to their substantial position or a similar job. An employee who just joined CRA 6 months ago and is half way in his probation period and is accepted in the AU Dev, he will be in that position just for the balance of his probation. For external employees, there is an 18 month probation period. With respect to the pay issue, if the employer moves an employee, their salary is protected. We asked the employer if an employee applies to a lower level job, would his salary be protected? They didn’t know and they will get back to us shortly on this matter.
TORONTO CENTRE – 00013
14. Medical Assessment Referral Letters
The Local mentioned that there is an increase use of medical assessment referral letters which seems to influence the member’s doctor on the conclusion taken by the employer. There are sentences that are prejudicial or leading comments about the inability of the employee to meet performance targets or setting standards for numerical work units as a measure of fitness to work or subjective comments on work done rather than comments on what it should be observable behavior. They asked if other locals were experiencing this and what is being done to sensitize letters before being released?
Locals make sure that the letter is seen by the union representative and is acceptable to the member before it goes out. For some other locals, it depends on the manager at the time. Sometimes, they allow union representatives to review the letter before it goes out. If they don’t, then we suggest to the members to go with them to the doctor and give him a more impartial view of the situation.
Point of Privilege – Dave Lanthier, Ottawa HQ
The brothers and sisters from the National Arts Centre, who are in a strike position, invite all UTE participants today to a solidarity lunch BBQ at the corner of Queen and Elgin Streets.
The point of privilege was well taken by the President.
The meeting recessed at 1145 hours.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 pm. with President Campbell in the Chair.
Points of privilege
Nancy Johnson, Saskatoon and Gesine Campbell, Ottawa TSO:
October 4th is the day where we honor the lives of missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls. The violence experienced by aboriginal women and girls in Canada is a national tragedy. We must take the time to give thanks to the families who are the reason that we all continue to demand actions. A vigil can take many forms, from a moment of silence to a rally, to a community feast. We firmly believe that October 4th Sisters in Spirit vigils are a movement for social change. The vigils have grown from 11 in 2006 to 216 vigils that are planned for 2014. To participate in a vigil in your area, just google Sisters in Spirit and the name of your city or town and the listing will come up. Aboriginal women and girls are strong and beautiful- they are our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunties, grand-mothers and our friends. Thank you to UTE members who attended convention and signed the petition asking for a national inquiry. The sisters asked for a moment of silence to show our support today.
President Campbell asked the delegation to stand up for a moment of silence.
Point of privilege - Dave Lanthier, Ottawa HQ
He thanked everyone on behalf of the NAC Local for coming to the BBQ at lunch time where it was announced that the local has reached a tentative agreement and should be doing the vote shortly.
The point was well taken by the President.
President Campbell acknowledged two guests in the room Brother Chris Aylward, PSAC National Executive Vice-President and former UTE National Officer and Sister Linda Cassidy, UTE Life Member and former UTE Staff Member.
ELECTIONS TO STANDING COMMITTEES
Bargaining Committee
Dawn Hardy was acclaimed as TC Representative to the Bargaining Committee.
Pietro Masdea was acclaimed as TSO Representative to the Bargaining Committee.
By-Laws Committee
Nominees: Michelle Neil
Michelle Neil was acclaimed to the By-Laws Committee
Staffing Committee
Nominees: Chris Di Liberatore and Jennifer MacPherson
Jennifer MacPherson was elected as TSO Representative to the Staffing Committee.
Hugues Bolduc was acclaimed as TC Representative to the Staffing Committee.
Technological Change Committee
Brian Oldford was acclaimed as the Representative to the Technological Change Committee.
Health and Safety Committee
Debbie Ferguson was acclaimed to the Health and Safety Committee.
Equal Opportunities Committee
Nominees: Jennifer Phillips and Chris Lansdell
Jennifer Phillips was elected to the Equal Opportunities Committee.
Employee Assistance Program Committee
Nominees: Randy McKeown and Melanee Jessup
Melanee Jessup was elected to the Employee Assistance Program Committee.
Finance Committee
David Webster was acclaimed to the Finance Committee.
Honours & Awards Committee
Gesine Campbell was acclaimed to the Honours & Awards Committee
Workforce Adjustment Committee
Nominees: Hicham Youssfi and Gabriel Bourdon
Gabriel Bourdon was elected as TSO Representative to the Workforce Adjustment Committee
Theresa Greenough was acclaimed as TC Representative to the Workforce Adjustment Committee.
Harassment Committee
Christine McLennan was acclaimed as on the Harassment Committee.
Communications Committee
Barry Melanson was acclaimed to the Communications Committee
Political Action Committee
Nominees: David Lanthier and Brad Feraday
Brad Feraday was elected to the Political Action Committee.
Call Centre Committee
Nominees: Jonathan Matte, Georges Ten and June Martin-Gendron
Jonathan Matte was elected to the Call Centre Committee.
M/S/C Theresa Greenough./Nancy Johnson
That the ballots be destroyed.
Point of privilege – Sharon Hickey, Penticton
Thanked everyone for their support in collecting the amount of $450.00 going toward the run for cancer.
The point was well taken from the President.
Sister Christine McLennan won the last 50/50 draw in the amount of $360.00.
Brother Brière gave the name of the Olympic winners : First place collecting $5000.00 the Pacific Region, while both the Northern and Eastern Ontario and Southwestern Ontario shared $2000.00 each.
SURREY TC – 20029
15. Performance Management of Term Employees
The Local informed the participants that the employer has stated that the Staffing Policy indicates that employees, who do not meet their performance in one job, do not qualify for other jobs. Term employees who are on rehire lists for other programs are not being hired back because they received a “Does Not Meet” in a different program. Term employees currently receive less than 3 month contracts in programs. Can we grieve the employer’s decision?
Sister Lyson Paquette, LRO recommended that they file a grievance.
A local commented that an assessment is not portable to another work load. If employees get a performance review and they meet the criteria of rehire then the employer can’t act arbitrarily and take them out of all the rehire pools just because they performed badly in one.
Comments were made on the fact that in some Call Centres, employees get work schedule agreements for 25 hours a week while some get 27.5 and some get 30 etc… They have talked to the employer on this issue and they were able to have the employer provide to the employees a 37.5 work schedule agreement. In the instance that the employees work 35 hours instead of 37.5 the employer allows the employees to report 2.5 hours not worked and not paid to ensure that those additional hours are in fact pensionable.
Brother Sabri Khayat, Chair of the Staffing Committee was of the view that this situation of diversity in working hour agreements that we are seeing in the Call Centers is alarming. A few years ago, we had to intervene because there was a tendency to have 22.5 hour contracts, while people who were working 37.5 hours and 22.5 hours were pensionable. At that time we forced the employer to change the contract agreements to reflect 37.5 working hours in order to have all the hours worked pensionable. Now the employer is telling employees who are looking for full time employment to look somewhere else because the future contracts for the Call Centres are part time contracts. He concluded wishing good luck to the Call Centre Committee Members for the work ahead of them.
HALIFAX – 80003
16. Occupational Health Assessment Form
The submitting local withdrew the item with permission.
17. Submission of Membership Cards
The Local stated that the cards continue to get lost and that we need a better system. Is there a system that we can use such as scanning them, keep a copy and send the original out?
President Campbell answered that he has not heard of another system from the PSAC. Brother Aylward acknowledged that there is no other system than the one in place now.
TORONTO EAST – 00001
18. Political Action Idea regarding our Sick Leave
The Local brought the idea to call on Tony Clement’s comments that he wants to save millions of dollars by cutting our sick leave. Since the government wants to take the sick leave away from their employees and they do not want to give it away, let’s propose to Mr. Clement that the money equivalent to our sick leave be donated to a charitable organization for example the Fraser Institute. We would have a form that the employees could fill in the amount of day(s) they would like to donate.
Locals were concerned that it is risky to go down that road. Employees need their sick leave and by doing that, it is like admitting that they do not need them.
Brother Lalancette, RVP Quebec Region and former Chair of the Bargaining Committee, informed the participants that we do not own the sick leave.
MONTREAL - 10008
19. October 8th Activities (PIC)
The Local asked if the National Office and PSAC could send an email to all locals close to Ottawa to invite them to demonstrate at lunch time.
National President answered that the National Office will look into this. He took the opportunity of the topic to reiterate that all locals must have an activity planned for October 8th on PIC Day.
Points of privilege
Brother Doug Gaetz, RVP for the Atlantic Region advised that the RVPs have raised money and they wish to give the money to both Sisters Sharon Hickey and Debbie Shields for their good causes.
Brother Wayne Little, RVP for the Pacific Region thanked Brother Brière and his team and all participants for the success of the Olympics.
The points were well taken by the President.
HALIFAX – 80003
20. Collective Bargaining Promotional Items provided by the PSAC
The Local mentioned that at the beginning of the Collective Bargaining process, we were given badge holders and message inserts for them that we could carry around with us. Are we done with that?
President Campbell answered that one part of the strategy is to have message inserts.
The NSCC is looking at different ways and different promotional items.
CHARLOTTETOWN – 90002
21. Going to work sick T4009
The Local brought forward an idea from one of their members that we could have thousands of T4009 forms sent to managers and make them work. The key is potential risks of sickness in the workplace if the employer makes its employees go to work sick with the flu or flulike symptoms.
The Local Presidents’ Representative on the Health and Safety Committee was in opposition to the idea, stating that we have enough problems having employees who are injured or ill in the workplace that have to fill in the form. We should not give the employer the ability to say that we are fraudulently or frivolously filling these claims, because then we will be having problems ensuring that the important ones are taken care of. When it comes to the health and safety of our members, it should not be used as bargaining action.
While some locals were in agreement with the use of the form, other locals were of the opinion that if we are not using the form, we must come up with something else.
Points of privilege
Vicki-Lynn Smith, Ottawa TC
Made the suggestion that the National Office buy a karaoke machine like the one rented for the Olympics
Pierre W. Landry – Montréal
He announced that he will be retiring next January 28th and took the opportunity to thank everyone and say a few moving words towards his colleagues and people with whom he has had the pleasure and the honor to work with over all these years.
The points were well taken by the President.
President Campbell thanked everyone from the National Office for their good work, the Interpreters and Technicians who make everything run smoothly. President Campbell concluded asking everybody to step up to the plate and be prepared for October 8th activities. He noted that he had talked to people the day before that were so proud of the demonstration on Friday morning and he invited everyone to take that feeling back home and share it with the members of their locals. He reiterated that all locals should have something planned by now for October 8th to show the employer and Harper that we are ready to fight and keep what we fought for over the years. Please get involved and get your members involved. He thanked Brother Marc for the great Olympics and wished a safe trip home to all the participants.