TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021
MORNING SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
The virtual meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m., Marc Brière, President of the Union of Taxation Employees, presided the meeting and welcomed everyone. The session opened with the song Solidarity Forever in both French and English.
President Brière asked the delegation to respect a moment of silence for members who have passed away since the last conference in September 2019.
President Brière went over the administrative details. He went over the Harassment Policy and introduced the Complaint Administrators: Doug Gaetz, Brian Oldford, Mathieu Juneau and Andrea Holmes.
He introduced the members of the Executive Council, the National Office staff, the Local presidents and the Life members.
New Local Presidents
Billy Dempsey - Bathurst
Dan Aiken - Charlottetown
Sheri Whalen - Barrie
Ingrid Ritums - Hamilton
Doug Matthews (replacing Miranda Papakiriazis) – Belleville
Michelle Enns - Winnipeg TSO
Jackie Robertson - Victoria
Raffi Sahakian - Montérégie-Sud
Last Conference
Chris Heywood - Sudbury
Henri Bégin - Rouyn-Noranda
Linda Koenders - RVP National Capital Region
HOURS OF SESSION
m/s Kristine Leclerc / Raffi Sahakian
That the hours of session be as follows:
- MOTION CARRIED
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
m/s Kevin Welgush / Kristine Leclerc
That the agenda be adopted with the following additional items
- MOTION CARRIED
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Call to Order
Hours of Session
Adoption of Agenda
Opening Remarks - National President
Highlights on Items dealt by the Executive Council
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Presentation from the Honours and Awards Committee
Collective Bargaining Committee Update
Items submitted by Local Presidents
2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Health break
2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Items submitted by Local Presidents
3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tribute to the late Brother Bob Campbell
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Session on Representing and Advocating against Workplace Anti-Black Racism
12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Session on Representing and Advocating against Workplace Anti-Black Racism
2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Health break
3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Session on Representing and Advocating against Workplace Anti-Black Racism
THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Equal Opportunities Committee Update
Items submitted by Local Presidents
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Workplace Violence Presentation
2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Health break
2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Items submitted by Local Presidents
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Political Action Committee update
Items submitted by Local Presidents
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Election of Presidents’ Representative to the UTE Communications Committee
Election of Presidents’ Representative to the UTE Health & Safety Committee
Election of Presidents’ Representative to the Union Management Approach (UMA)
Committee
Election of Presidents’ Representative to the Well-Being Committee
Items submitted by Local Presidents
2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Health break
2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Items submitted by Local Presidents
Closing remarks
ITEMS SUBMITTED BY THE LOCALS
Subject to the timelines of sessions
ST. JOHN’S TC – LOCAL 90000 – ASHLEY GREEN
- Rands
KITCHENER – LOCAL 00015 – MELANEE JESSUP
- Arbitrary level 3 assessments for Performance Management Review (PMR) for 2019-2020
- Christmas donation to the Ottawa Food Bank
SYDNEY – LOCAL 80004 – GLENN MURPHY
- What is the role of Executive Council vs Executive Committee?
SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005 – DARLENE BEMBRIDGE
- Allocation of Local union affiliation with all of the virtual reporting. “Bums in chair rule”.
- Challenges around “new hires” and the orientation for these members. Signing of membership cards.
- Posting on Bulletin boards - use of employer virtual Bulletin boards.
HALIFAX – LOCAL 80003 – JOSH ATWOOD
- Expenses options during the pandemic
ADDITIONS FROM FLOOR
- Call Centre Hours (D. Bembridge- 60005
- Terms and Phoenix Damages (A. Green- 90000)
- Monitoring of Members (MS Teams) (I. Bene – 70010)
- Ontario Region Re-org – Lack of consultation (B. Feraday -00001)
- Cancelled flights due to the pandemic (A. Green – 90000)
- Outsourcing (N. Thompson – 00038)
- Mobilisation en période de télétravail (P. Bertrand -10005)
- CCSC and CRA Compensation refusal to provide paper T4s to employees. (R. Weintrager -70030)
- French language testing and staffing concerns in CCSC and CRA Compensation (R. Weintrager –70030)
- Black Class Action Lawsuit (Nicholas Thompson – 00048)
OPENING REMARKS
President Brière welcomed all participants to the UTE March 2021 Presidents’ Conference.
He expressed how happy he is that UTE can hold a virtual President’ Conference, the last conference was held before the start of the pandemic in September 2019.
He recognized that the past year has been extremely difficult for everyone.
At the beginning of the pandemic, members continued to work in their respective workplaces. Our national and local health and safety committees had to adapt very quickly and worked very hard to ensure that all our members could continue to work safely.
Soon after, it became clear that the status quo could not continue. We requested from the employer that the vast majority of our members work remotely from home. That's what happened and it is still the case today.
He thanked Brother Doug Gaetz, Chair of our National Health and Safety Committee, Brother Brian Oldford, Co-Chair of the Committee, and Mathieu Juneau, Technical Advisor to the Committee, for their excellent work and strong commitment to ensuring that the employer meets its health and safety obligations.
Even if the 2020 has been difficult, our members have shown resolve, pushed back their sleeves, adapted to the new challenges, and delivered for the CRA. He is very proud of the UTE membership.
The bargaining team was able to secure in July 2020 an excellent MOU to renew the collective agreement that had expired since November 2016. He thanked Brother Adam Jackson, president of our National Bargaining Committee, Brother Jamie vanSydenborgh, co-chair of the committee, and all the bargaining team members. The bargaining team was able to achieve such a result with the incredible support of our Locals and members across the country!
The other major accomplishment of 2020 was undoubtedly that we were finally able to convince the employer to change its policy on the administrative conversion of term employees. As of November 1, 2020, term employees are granted administrative conversion to their permanency after three years of consecutive service instead of having to wait five years like before.
We have been fighting for twenty years to get to this point!
The year 2021 is already underway and we are already facing new challenges.
The federal government continues to provide emergency benefits to the population, and the CRA is once again being asked to assist the government in meeting its obligations and objectives.
Unfortunately, the Agency decided to outsource the management of calls related to the emergency benefits to a private company.
President Brière met both the Minister of National Revenue, the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, and the Commissioner of the CRA, Bob Hamilton, to denounce this decision and to let them know how disappointed and outraged we are by this action. He told them that this represents a real lack of respect in the eyes of our members considering the remarkable work that they accomplished in 2020 by responding to the calls of the population concerning emergency benefits.
He asked the Political Action Committee to work with the PSAC to launch a public campaign to denounce this decision and to demand that the Agency bring these workloads in-house and assign the work to UTE members, proud federal public service workers.
The Triennial Convention was scheduled to be held in July 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic it had to be pushed to a later date. He gave a few administrative details.
He wished all an excellent conference.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BUSINESS
President Brière made a brief report on some of the business conducted by the Executive Council earlier during the week. Please refer to the Executive Council Minutes and Committee Reports of March 2021.
The meeting recessed at 12:15 a.m. for the lunch break.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. with President Brière in the Chair.
Point of privilege
Ashley Green - 90000: Indicated that Brother Craig always collects toiletries to donate to an organization. Since we are doing the conference virtually, maybe UTE National office can donate $500 to a shelter of their choosing.
PRESENTATION FROM THE HONOURS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE
Brother Cosimo Crupi, Chair of the Honours and Awards Committee, introduced the committee members. Brothers Gary Esslinger, RVP Prairie Region and Ken Bye, Co-chairperson, RVP Greater Toronto Region. Sisters Melanee Jessup, from Kitchener Local, the Presidents’ Representative and Louise Dorion, Technical Advisor.
Brother Eddy Aristil presented a 30-year service pin to Brother Henri Bégin from the Rouyn-Noranda Local. He will be retiring at the end of March 2021. An Award of Merit in the field of Health and Safety - Elizabeth (Betty) Bannon for the 2019 year was presented to Jamie Batley from the Peterborough-00008 local. Brother Crupi advised the Locals to review Regulation 24 to see all the awards that are available.
REPORT OF THE UTE NATIONAL BARGAINING COMMITTEE
Brother Adam Jackson, Chair of the Collective Bargaining Team, introduced the Co-chair, Brother Jamie vanSydenborgh, Shane O’Brien, Technical Advisor and the bargaining team members, Brian Oldford, Eddy Aristil, Greg Krokosh, Cosimo Crupi and Gary Esslinger. Chris Heywood, Michelle Neill.
Brother Jackson thanked all the activists, the bargaining team for their dedication.
Moving from mobilization and activism to the enforcement. Important to ensure employer abides to the contract. The collective agreement is about to expire. The activist and the locals must propose bargaining demands to the committee for the next round, as it will not be an easy one. The government has spent a lot of money on very important programs, many off which members were involved with. If we enter in a time of austerity, we will need to have constant contact and engagement with the membership.
Many of the locals had strike votes but the pandemic came, and we had to step down.
Make no mistake that the employer knows of all the support we have. Encourages to stick together and fight the power.
There was a period of questions and answers.
Recess for health break
ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL PRESIDENTS
ST. JOHN’S TC – LOCAL 90000 – ASHLEY GREEN
1. Rands
The submitting local thanked Natasha Larose and Louise Dorion for their support. It was indicated that it is very difficult to locate members since the pandemic. The reports are too late and often not accurate. Ulink does not match the report, some members do not show as being on leave. The rand listing is far from being accurate. The process is too long, big loss of revenue for the local.
Speakers to the item: Josh Atwood (80003), Ashley Green (90000), Joanne Coish (90001)
Marc Brière - National President: Asks to send Daniel Camara an e-mail with the list of questions, to ensure the answers follow.
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: PSAC will not accept a copy of the cards. The cards are recorded by the National Office and registered in the database. The issues will be canvased in the very near future. Reiterated to outline the specific problems in an e-mail to him and Brother Camara.
TRIBUTE TO THE LATE BROTHER BOB CAMPBELL
A tribute was given to the late Brother Bob Campbell.
The meeting recessed at 4:15 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021
MORNING SESSION
The meeting reconvened at 11:00 a.m. with National President Brière in the Chair.
Session on Representing and Advocating against Workplace Anti-Black Racism presented by Sister Seema Lamba, Human Rights Programs Officer, PSAC.
The meeting recessed at 12:30 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. with President Brière in the Chair.
Session on Representing and Advocating against Workplace Anti-Black Racism.
There was a period of questions and answers.
The meeting recessed at 4:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021
MORNING SESSION
The meeting reconvened at 11:00 a.m. with National President Brière in the Chair.
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: Offered precisions on yesterday’s sessions by Human Rights Programs Officer, PSAC.
REPORT OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES (EO) COMMITTEE
Sister Linda Koenders, Chair of the Equal Opportunities (EO) Committee, introduced the committee members, Brother Greg Krokosh, Co-Chair and Sister Andrea Holmes, Technical Advisor. Sister Koenders also provided the names of the representatives from each of the five groups and the presidents’ representative of the EO Committee.
The committee was given the mandate to consult and engage with members to develop concrete actions to address racism and systemic bias and discrimination at CRA and within the union. Provided an update on the national survey that was created. More training will be given. Should be more active participation within the employment equity and diversity in the workplace. Half who answered the survey were active in the Local, family obligations was identified as the main barrier.
Create a working group of black members. Eddy will help with that working group. Open to any black members.
5 appointment representatives – An input call to be sent out for the 5 working groups. Will be approved in June by council. 2022 will be a very busy year for the committee, 3 regionals and 1 national conference.
Sister Koenders told the participants that she is retiring after convention.
ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS (CONT’D)
KITCHENER – LOCAL 00015 – MELANEE JESSUP
1. Arbitrary level 3 assessments for Performance Management Review (PMR) for 2019-2020
The Local has heard from multiple sources that team leaders have been advised to give no higher than a level 3 on PMRs for this year. The Local wants to know if other Locals have the same issues. It was stated that Montreal apparently does not have a level higher than 3. The evaluation is already scheduled. 900 new hires. Discriminatory because the evaluation has already been set.
Speakers to the item: Céline Germain (10008), Ashley Green (90000)
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: It is becoming more widespread. Managers have taken an easy way out of performance appraisals. About a week and half ago, he has raised the issue at an internal working group for performance management redesign. The employer is to draft a reminder to the field, he is waiting to see the communication draft. Recommended to locals that if members do not feel evaluated properly, he recommends filing a grievance.
Article 56 outlines specific information concerning the performance appraisal. For example, it says: assessment of assigned tasks, it says: that the employee must have had the opportunity to add comments, it says: a supervisor must have been aware and observed the performance for a period of 6 months. These could be a contravention to the collective agreement therefore are adjudicable. If you disagree with your rating, think not properly assessed, that is not adjudicable. It depends on the issue.
2. Christmas donation to the Ottawa Food Bank
The item was withdrawn by the submitting Local.
SYDNEY – LOCAL 80004 – GLEN MURPHY
1. What is the role of Executive Council vs Executive Committee?
When and what kind of decisions are made by Council? When and what kind are made by the Executive Committee? It as stated that UTE National have a lot of discretion and that times are changing, and we need to adapt.
Speaker to the item: Glen Murphy (80004)
Marc Brière - National President: Between Triennial Conventions – Executive Council is the governing body, some decisions are made by council, some by the National President. Ruling is from the National President. Interpretation of the By-Laws and Regulations is the ruling of the National President.
The Executive Committee does not meet often. It consists of 4 people on the committee (1 RVP for 1 year term). Their responsibility is to confirm staffing assignments, CLC members training; donations & sponsorship higher than $500 and other such assignments.
The President as the exclusive authority over the operation National office and to make daily decisions for when Council is not in session. Executive Council has a lot of authority, they vote on regulations.
SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005 – DARLENE BEMBRIDGE
1. Allocation of Local union affiliation with all the virtual reporting. “Bums in chair rule”
The Local has doubled in the Call Centre and expanded to other Locals even if they report to the Local. Our new world has gone to all virtual reporting. Wants to know if other Locals are experiencing the same stress. The Bum and Chair rule needs to be reviewed. Locals went to the microphone to voice their concerns and frustration on the subject.
Marc Brière - National President: Indicated that the problematic is all across, and it is a priority for the UTE. The issue was brough to Executive Council and a Ad Hoc Committee will be created. Anyone who wants be part of the committee can submit their names.
The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. with President Brière in the Chair.
Motion to amend the agenda.
m/s Nicholas Thompson - 00048 / Ashley Green - 90000
Brother Thompson proposes to amend the agenda by adding under additional items “Black Class Action Lawsuit.”
- MOTION CARRIED
Presentation on Workplace Violence
Brother Gaetz, Chair of the Health and Safety Committee introduced Brother Brian Oldford, Co-chair, Mathieu Juneau, Technical Advisor. Brother Gaetz thanked the UTE Health and Safety Committee for stepping up during the pandemic and also, the Locals Health & Safety Committee.
The presentation was given by Brother Mathieu Juneau.
President Brière turned the Chair over to Brother Doug Gaetz, 1st Vice-President.
There was a period of questions and answers.
Brother Gaetz returns the chair to President Brière.
Recess for health break
ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS (CONT’D)
SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005 – DARLENE BEMBRIDGE
1. Allocation of Local union affiliation with all of the virtual reporting. “Bums in chair rule” (cont’d)
Locals went to the microphone to voice their concerns on the subject.
Marc Brière - National President: Indicated that if you are working from home in whatever region, even if you are paid by another region, you would belong to the Local in the region you are sitting. For example: if you are working in Vancouver and you are paid by Ottawa Headquarters, you would belong to the Vancouver Local. The issue is becoming complex. He suggests to locals to offer input and suggestions on the matter.
The committee will thoroughly look at the situation. It will be a top priority for the Locals and the members. The committee will be given specific instructions, and the committee will be back with some recommendations.
2. Challenges around “new hires” and the orientation for these members. Signing of membership cards.
The Local explained that their Call Centre has doubled since the pandemic. When the province was in Red, the employees could not go in the office. All orientation sessions were virtual, very hard to connect with new members. The virtual membership cards are not coming in. They have no proof if the member signed the card. The Local is looking for new ways and asking other locals if they have any ideas.
Céline Germain - 10008: In Montréal we have an understanding with the training team of the Call Centre for them to send the list. The Local then sends first contact email to ask for the names, e-mail addresses and then sends them a virtual card. A few weeks later the Local sends a virtual kit They meet the new members via Teams for an hour. We needed to adapt. This works for us.
Ingrid Ritums - 00014: The Local created a PP presentation to do the membership card online. They go along with them during the PP presentation, they manage to keep up with the new hires. The local has the new members register on their web site. The Local is ready to share with the other locals their presentation.
Ashley Green - 90000: The Local created a PP presentation that goes along with a Teams meeting with the new hires. The members send the local their email address. The local sends them a welcoming email with the link for the online membership card. They also provide the new members numerous relevant links. We have to work on getting list of new hires.
Richard Hyatt - 20050: Confusion because there were 2 different types of e-rand cards used by the PSAC.
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: He reminds locals that if you have an issue or if you have a solution, to forward it to him and Brother Camara by email.
Chris Heywood - 00042: Their local tried different ways to address the issue of orientation none seems to be effective. He says it’s a big issue in their local. The fluctuating numbers is a challenge.
Marc Brière - National President: Acknowledges that it was a challenge for the Locals to deal with the members during the pandemic.
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: The employer cannot communicate with their own employees. If you cannot have cooperation from the employer, just let them know that when they needed help from the employees, the employees were there for them. All the Locals will have problems to communicate with the new employees. He suggests that the Locals should draft some bargaining proposals on this issue.
Marc Brière - National President: If the locals have issues with the employer, let the RVP know and they will bring the info back to the National office.
3. Posting on Bulletin boards...use of employer virtual Bulletin boards.
The Local indicated is not existing for the bulletin boards. It creates a big problem because it is the only way to communicate with the members. The local asked to have a block to use the employer’s virtual bulletin boards and employer agreed. The Local wants to know if there are other virtual bulletin boards. What are the other locals doing creatively to get the information out to their members?
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: He explains that Brother Jackson and himself have been brainstorming with the employer.
Joanne Coish - 90001: Has developed a local Facebook group, they have a distribution list and they were able to do orientation sessions in person (small groups). The local has a robust list.
Josh Atwood - 80003: Facebook page works well to be able to give information. They will be asking for a spot on the employer’s newsletter.
Brad Feraday - 00001: Normal email tree works. Prior to COVID we had good relations with the geographic director and were able to post on bulletin boards and use the employer’s electronic system. But after the GTO modernization, the geographical director of the TSO Toronto East would allow it but after consulting the GTA advised that they could no longer be doing so. The employer pulled back after the GTA modernization.
Marc Brière - National President: He encourages the Locals to ask again, push back and follow up with your RVP before National goes at the higher level.
Brad Feraday - 00001: The Local wants to know which Locals were successful and how it was done.
Marc Brière - National President: He explains he should not put the information forward because it can then backfire in those regions who do not have the problematic.
Mike Chartrand -70000: He indicated that he went to UMC, he receives a list of the new hires every 3 months.
The meeting recessed at 4:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
MORNING SESSION
The meeting reconvened at 11h00 a.m. with National President Brière in the Chair.
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: UTE ‘s position on workloads imposed to employees by the new Emergency Benefits Program. Deployment and new hires were done. CRA reached out and we collectively answered the call. From time to time the agency revised and consulted. UTE was always adamant that deployment should be voluntary assignments. We had numerous consultations at various levels of the Agency. UTE would collaborate while protecting the members, forced deployment or assignments would not be acceptable. UTE identified breaches in their process. Emergency Benefits programs is a new program and there should not be forced deployments/assignments. A memo will be coming out to members on this matter.
Political Action Committee (PAC) Update
Brother Jamie vanSydenborgh, Chair of the Political Action Committee, introduced the committee. Cosimo Crupi-Co-Chair, Brother André Michaud, the Presidents’ Representative and Brother Daniel Camara, Technical Advisor.
A presentation was given by Brother Jamie vanSydenborgh.
There was a period of questions and answers.
ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS (CONT’D)
SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005 – DARLENE BEMBRIDGE
3. Posting on Bulletin boards...use of employer virtual Bulletin boards. (cont’d)
The local thanked the other locals that came to the microphone.
HALIFAX – LOCAL 80003 – JOSH ATWOOD
1. Expenses options during the pandemic
The Local mentions the expenses issues from the pandemic. The amount of work increased greatly. Activism is at a low with not having face to face meetings.
We ask Executive Council to amend Reg. 13.10 and allow payment for a meeting for individuals to be able to attend meetings in more meaningful manner for triennial convention.
The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. with President Brière in the Chair.
Election of Presidents’ Representative to UTE Communications Committee
m/s Trixie Gorzo - 30022 / Richard Weintrager - 70030
Nominee: Melanee Jessup - 00015
Sister Melanee Jessup was elected by acclamation as Presidents’ Representative to the UTE Communications Committee.
Election of Presidents’ Representative to UTE Health and Safety Committee
m/s Patrick Bertrand -10005 / Josh Atwood - 8003
Nominee: Jennifer MacPherson - 00018
Sister Jennifer MacPherson was elected by acclamation as Presidents’ Representative to the UTE Health and Safety Committee.
Election of Presidents’ Representative to UTE Union Management Approach (UMA) Committee
m/s Billy Dempsey - 60006 / Darlene Bembridge - 60005
Nominee: Dan Aiken - 90002 (declined)
m/s Richard Hyatt - 20050 / Michelle Enns - 50021
Nominee: Sharon Cowie - 20027
m/s Andria Cullen - 00013 / Shelby Hewitt - 00051
Nominee: Nicholas Thompson - 00048
m/s Richard Weintrager - 70030 / Robert Malouf - 70009
Nominee: Mike Chartrand - 70000 (declined)
Nominees Thompson and Cowie have 3 minutes to address the participants.
Sister Sharon Cowie was elected as Presidents’ Representative to the UTE Union Management Approach (UMA) Committee.
Election of Presidents’ Representative to UTE Well-Being Committee
m/s Darlene Bembridge - 60005 / Jamie Batley - 00008
Nominee: Jacquelyn Whyman - 00011
Sister Jacquelyn Whyman was elected by acclamation as Presidents’ Representative to the UTE Well-Being Committee.
ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS (CONT’D)
HALIFAX – LOCAL 80003 – JOSH ATWOOD (CONT’D)
1. Expenses options during the pandemic
The Local mentions the issues from the pandemic.
Had questions concerning Reg. 13.2.2. Payment of per diems related to union business.
He wants to know why we are not adhering to the Bylaws. If a decision was made why didn’t Executive Council amend -change or put the Regulation in order.
Marc Brière - National President: Indicated that By-Laws and Regulations are written with a clear intent, with interpretation and rulings, you always must go back to intent. The Bylaws-Regulation were written pre pandemic. When you had to travel (get out of your home) to have a per diem, according to the intent there was no need to amend the regulation. In good conscience, he explains he cannot accept per diems for virtual at home participation as you are not incurring any expenses. This applies to all the members of the Union of Taxation Employees and Executive Council.
It is a possibility that someone could at the June council bring a resolution to amend Regulation 13.
For the meeting room expenses request. It is a very difficult, we have to conduct our business in a safe manner and following national health recommendations. A big responsibility for the UTE, there is no way to make predictions as to the health authorities’ decision.
Recess for health break
SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005 – DARLENE BEMBRIDGE
4. Call Centre Hours
Darlene Bembridge - 60005: Received communications from Shane O’Brian, SLRO regarding the change of hours for the Call Centres. Seems to be a difference between Shane’s opinion and CRA. Wants to have direction on the issue.
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: He has heard from many on this issue. The UTE is not in agreement with a lot of the information coming from CRA. He offers input and advice on the subject. Call Centre agents are not shift workers according to the collective agreement therefore they are day workers as per the collective agreement.
Marc Brière - National President: To be clear the Matrix is not done. You should believe your Union. The UTE has never agreed to the hours of work Matrix.
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: Matrix consultation was put off by CRA. Consultation happened only in March with many errors.
Darlene Bembridge - 60005: She explains to members that their union has not signed out on that. What do we do for now for members who do not want to work on Saturdays and evenings -should be paid overtime.
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: Locals presidents should go to their local managers and explain the Union’s position. If the employer maintains that their position is correct, put them on notice that you will be telling your members: if requested to work overtime and they don’t want to, members should decline the request. If they are ordered to comply, they should submit a request for overtime. If overtime is decline, file an individual grievance, and send it through the RVP who will forward to SLRO. A policy grievance will the follow.
Questions from: Richard Weintrager, Céline Germain, Trixie Gorzo, Ingrid Ritums, Joanne Coish.
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: The pre Covid 2020 hours that were in place in some of these centers was done without consultation with me.
Employer was negligent in not consulting with him in December.
For external hires we would not object to the hours if they specified in the letter of offer, they are to be paid overtime too. Anything over 6 p.m. is overtime. If they cannot work because of COVID related issues, Code 699. UTE not extending Matrix. CRA has to pay overtime.
Effective March 2nd, anything past 6 p.m. should be overtime.
No agreement for Team Leaders on Saturday, it must be overtime. A grievance for adjudication is all hours after 6 p.m.
ST. JOHN’S TC – LOCAL 90000 – ASHLEY GREEN
1. Terms and Phoenix Damages
The Local indicated that the communication was so lacking. 1,600 members did not get the damages. Feels that the terms employees are on the back burner. They think the union and the employer does not care for them. The employer told them they had to apply when there was no mechanism established for them to apply.
Marc Brière - National President: The Phoenix Damages settlement has been negotiated between the PSAC and the Treasury Board. The agreement contains 2 definitions, one is for current employees and the other is for past employees. The agreement was struck in July 2020 after the NBoD agreed it went to the Treasury Board. The people that were on-strength that day were current employees, if you were off-strength on that day they were past employees. He advocated before the deal was signed that no one should fill out the form. PSAC could not convince Treasury Board. The form is still not made available, we need to address this. Unfortunately, we have 1600 members who were off strength on that date and there is nothing we can do. The best to do is push treasury board to get the form out. CRA has their hands tied. He suggests telling the members to go directly to their MPs. He will follow-up with Brother Aylward.
CLOSING REMARKS
President Brière hoped that participants appreciated the conference, he reiterated the importance to submit discussion items for these conferences. He thanked everyone. The UTE is the only element to have offered a virtual conference. They will take note of the technical difficulties of this conference to make sure they are corrected in the future.
He hopes everyone liked the presentations and he thanks the presenters.
He reminded the Locals to tell their members to submit bargaining demands. He thanked Brother O’Brien for his assistance with the Labour Relations issues. He hoped everyone enjoyed the tribute to the Late Brother Campbell. He congratulated the new nominees that were elected. We still need to keep fighting. He adds that the new business resumption plan is on the website, Facebook. He thanked Brothers Doug Gaetz, Shane O’Brien, Daniel Camara and Sisters Sylvie Bastien and Natasha Larose. He also thanked the interpreters and the Encore Global for their great work.
The pandemic is not done yet. Stay Safe!
The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.