MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2022
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 welcomed everyone.
President Brière acknowledged the Algonquin and Anishinaabe peoples for the land in which he is present at the Encore Canada studio in Ottawa.
He expressed his solidarity and support to the people of Ukraine and all fellow Canadians who have ties to Ukraine. Thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine.
The assembly was invited to join and sing along 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.
President Brière went over the administrative details. He went over the Harassment Policy and introduced the Complaint Administrators: Doug Gaetz, Brian Oldford, Jennifer MacPherson and Mathieu Juneau.
He introduced the members of the Executive Council, the National Office staff, the Local presidents and the Life members, Kent MacDonald and Doug Gaetz.
He introduced the new Local Presidents
Iain Auld, Local 00017
Ken Bye, Local 00052
Nielene Chand, Local 20007
Pat Kendle, Local 00013
Julien Nobert, Local 10005
Brad Slater, Local 80004
Christine Vallières, Local10007
Dean Withler, Local 20026
HOURS OF SESSION
m/s Ashley Green-90000 / Gina Degner-00014
That the hours of session be as follows:
- MOTION CARRIED
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
m/s Michelle Enns - 50021 / Richard Hyatt - 20050
That the additions to the Items submitted by the locals be approved.
- MOTION CARRIED
m/s James Walker - 00016 / Michelle Enns - 50021
That the agenda be adopted as amended.
- MOTION CARRIED
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2022
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. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Presentation from the Honours and Awards Committee
Collective Bargaining Committee Update
Items submitted by Local Presidents
2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. Break
2:50 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Items submitted by Local Presidents
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2022
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Items submitted by Local Presidents
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Workshop - Mobilization and engagement of members in a Virtual environment
(Includes a 20-minute break)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Workshop reports to plenary
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Presentation – The Personal Insurance Company
2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Update – Equal Opportunities Committee
2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Update – Pay Equity Act Implementation in CRA
2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. Break
2:50 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Items submitted by Local Presidents
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Report of the Ad Hoc Membership Assignment Committee
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Election of the Tax Centre (TC) Presidents’ Representative to the UTE Staffing Committee
Election of Presidents’ Representative to the UTE Finance Committee
1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Update – Call Centre Committee
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Update - Workplace Harassment and Violence
Items submitted by Local Presidents
2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. Break
2:50 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Items submitted by Local Presidents
Closing remarks – National President
ITEMS SUBMITTED BY THE LOCALS
Subject to the timelines of sessions
ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000 – ASHLEY GREEN
- Virtual meetings and hybrid options as we move forward
- Attracting and keeping activists in a largely virtual world
- RAND members
BATHURST – LOCAL 60006 – BILLY DEMPSEY
- Membership applications
- Virtual events
ADDITIONS FROM FLOOR
- Lack of timeliness PSAC processing claims for loss of salary for UTE reps. attending PSAC events - (Local 70030)
- PSAC communications and the impact on members and locals – (Local 00042)
- Need for communication a plan at the renewal of the vaccination policy – (Local 70035)
- Feedback from members of local 70000 – (Local 70000)
- Update on the matrix – hours of work in the Contact Centers – (Local 00014)
- Excessive monitoring in the Contact Centers – (Local 00014)
OPENING REMARKS
President Brière welcomed all participants to the UTE April 2022 Presidents’ Conference with the following remarks.
Sisters, Brothers and Friends, welcome again to the UTE Spring 2022 Presidents’ Conference!
This is our third Presidents’ Conference that is being held virtually due to the restrictions imposed by the health authorities in relation to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While we would have of course preferred to hold this meeting in person, I can say that we are extremely glad to be able to unite again to discuss the issues that matter to you and our members.
Since our last Presidents’ Conference, our union has continued to work hard to overcome the obstacles placed in front of us and we have defended the interests of our members fiercely. And we will continue to do so together.
As you all know, the federal government decided last Fall to impose a mandatory vaccination policy regarding the COVID-19 virus to its employees in the core public service. The Canada Revenue Agency followed Treasury Board's directives and imposed a similar policy on all its employees. From the outset, the Union of Taxation Employees indicated to the employer that we supported vaccination as an effective way to fight the pandemic but that we had serious concerns about its policy.
We have had numerous discussions with the PSAC regarding our concerns and the actions we felt should be taken by the Alliance, including during discussions with the National President and at National Board of Directors meetings. We were and still are of the opinion that the PSAC should have filed a Statutory Freeze complaint against this policy since it was implemented after that we had served notice to bargain on the employer following the expiry of our last contract. Despite our numerous requests, PSAC chose not to file a complaint.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from being over and the rest of the year 2022 will certainly bring its share of uncertainty and challenges. But I am confident that together we will know how to face it with determination and success as we have done so well in the past.
I want to thank you, our local representatives, our Executive Council, and our dedicated staff at the National Office for your dedication and your hard work on behalf of our 36,000 members. It is greatly appreciated.
An AD HOC Committee was struck to bring forth a Mental Health Conference in 2023.
UTE will follow up on reorganisation to better serve our 36 0000 members. A Had hoc Committee will be struck to review the structure.
Over the next few days, we will have the opportunity to discuss and debate together the topics and issues that are important to our members.
Thank you and I wish you all an excellent conference.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BUSINESS
Highlights on Items dealt by the Executive Council:
1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM CONVENTION 2021
m/s Doug Gaetz / Adam Jackson
That all remaining resolutions of non-concurrence from Convention 2021 be dealt with as a block.
Resolutions:
Finance: None
Bargaining: None
By-Laws: Rejected: 415, 420, 421, 424
General: Rejected: 306(a), 307(b), 316
That the unfinished business from Convention 2021 of non-concurrence be adopted.
2. STANDING APPOINTMENTS TO UTE COMMITTEES
m/s Marc Brière / Adam Jackson
That the following Committee appointments be ratified:
| COMMITTEE COMITÉ |
CHAIR PRÉSIDENT-E |
CO-CHAIR CO-PRÉSIDENT-e |
CO-CHAIR CO-PRÉSIDENT-e |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARGAINING NÉGOCIATION |
ADAM JACKSON |
JAMIE VANSYDENBORGH |
|
| BY-LAWS STATUTS |
JÉRÔME MARTEL |
GARY ESSLINGER |
|
| CALL CENTRE CENTRES D’APPELS |
EDDY ARISTIL |
BRIAN OLDFORD |
|
| COMMUNICATIONS |
GARY ESSLINGER |
COSIMO CRUPI |
KIM KOCH |
| EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CHANCES ÉGALES |
KIM KOCH |
EDDY ARISTIL |
|
| FINANCE-S |
DOUG GAETZ |
JÉRÔME MARTEL |
COSIMO CRUPI |
| HEALTH & SAFETY SANTÉ SÉCURITÉ |
DOUG GAETZ |
BRIAN OLDFORD |
|
| HONOURS & AWARDS RÉCOMPENSES ET TITRES HONOTIFIQUES |
COSIMO CRUPI |
GARY ESSLINGER |
|
| POLITICAL ACTION ACTION POLITIQUE |
JAMIE VANSYDENBORGH |
DAVID LANTHIER |
|
| STAFFING DOTATION |
ADAM JACKSON |
ANDRIA CULLEN |
|
| TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE CHANGEMENTS TECHNOLOGIQUES |
BRIAN OLDFORD |
GREG KROKOSH |
|
| UNION MANAGEMENT APPROACH APPROCHE SYNDICALES-PATRONALE |
ANDRIA CULLEN |
JAMIE VANSYDENBORGH |
|
| WELL-BEING MIEUX-ÊTRE |
GREG KROKOSH |
JÉRÔME MARTEL |
|
| WORKFORCE ADJUSTMENT RÉAMÉNAGEMENT DES EFFECTIFS |
DAVID LANTHIER |
ADAM JACKSON |
|
We also discussed several issues during our open discussion:
- UTE Regulation 23 (C. Crupi)
- UTE internal grievance log system (C. Crupi)
- Bums in Seats Committee: how are terms being treated (B. Oldford)
- Union-Management Approach (UMA) phase III face-to-face training (G. Krokosh)
- Signage (G. Krokosh)
- Microsoft Teams for committee members (D. Gaetz)
- Executive Council Retreat (M. Brière)
- Response from CRA’s Diversity and Inclusion lead when a member was offended by a term used to described Newfoundlanders (B. Oldford)
- Media Training for Executive Council (M. Brière)
- Accessibility/virtual options for UTE events going forward (B. Oldford)
- PSAC’s Electronic membership forms and communication to locals (when it’s changed) (B. Oldford)
The meeting recessed at 12:15 p.m. for the lunch break.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. with President Brière in the Chair.
PRESENTATION FROM THE HONOURS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE
Brother Cosmo Crupi, Chair of the committee presented the committee members.
Gary Esslinger his Co-Chair, Darlene Bembridge, Louise Dorion.
He encouraged delegates to promote to their locals the scholarships. Reminded delegates of the deadline to submit applications.
The Honours and Awards Committee highlighter the passion and dedicated work of Brother Doug Gaetz in his various functions at UTE. Brother Gaetz receives the Life Member of UTE service pin for his 35 years of service.
REPORT OF THE UTE NATIONAL BARGAINING COMMITTEE
Adam Jackson 2nd Vice -President, Chair of the Committee introduced the committee members. Jamie vanSydenborgh Co-chair, Brian Oldford, Eddy Aristil, Kim Koch, David Lanthier, Andria Cullen, Ashley Green, Dan Aiken and Shane O’Brien.
There were 3 productive meetings. It is to be expected that when major issues are discussed, the pace might be affected. Mobilizing the membership is paramount in getting a good agreement. The key is outreach, need to engage with membership. He asked delegates to encourage their local members to get on the mailing list for the bargaining updates.
Questions:
Mike Chartrand - 70000: Do you perceive that the fact that everything is virtual, it impacts bargaining?
Adam Jackson - Chair of the committee: It has not been a hinder.
Brad Faraday - 00001: What are the bargaining dates?
Adam Jackson - Chair of the committee: Second week of May
Nicholas Thompson - 00048: Is there virtual mobilizing that we can do with our locals?
Adam Jackson-Chair of the committee: UTE-PSAC National Mobilizing Committee, organizing virtual Townhalls.
ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL PRESIDENTS
ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000
1. Virtual meetings and hybrid options as we move forward:
Sister Ashley Green, asked that the hybrid format be seriously considered. Family-work balance.
Billy Dempsey - 60006: We need to look at hybrid models of doing business. Asks for a poll to see what the preference would be. President Brière encourages other speakers on the matter.
Heather Kenny- 20029, Maureen Getson-90006, Josh Atwood-80003, Darlene Bembridge-60005, Mike Chartrand-70000: Hybrid would ensure active participation for all. Be much more inclusive of everyone’s needs.
Adam Jackson - 2nd VP- It is resounding that the labor movement must lead the way about this topic.
Marc Brière - National President: Hybrid is more complex, we are at the first stages of our study on this format, all options will be looked at, it’s a priority. Cost will have to be evaluated.
Ashley Green - 90000: Suggested a HAD HOC to review the issue. We need to keep our activists.
Josh Atwood - 80003: Does not want the cost to be an issue.
Sean Parris - 30024: Suggested online forums to engage members. IT infrastructure.
HEALTH BREAK
ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL PRESIDENTS (CONT’D)
ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000
2. Attracting and keeping activists in a largely virtual world:
Sister Ashley Green commented that UTE needs to look at ways to engage activist and keep them with us.
That we should consider how much is being asked of our activists. Suggested that conferences and conventions be held on work time.
Sean Parris - 30024: Use of time, virtual environment makes it more difficult to deal with issues and situations. Rapport is missing.
Alexandre Dumont - 70035: Lack of contact with the other members of the executive since telework.
Heather Kenny - 20029: In a large local difficult to engage members as they mostly do not understand what the Union is. Difficult to engage members in committees because after work hours. People are tired, we must make involvement appealing. Members think that Union involvement will not be good for their careers. More Towns Halls across the country.
Gina Degner - 00014: Barriers with getting people involved when you have not met in person. We have to find new ways to engage membership, do more for education, use incentives to have a good turnout at meetings. We need to build capacity and not lose our network.
Joanne Coish - 90001: There hasn’t been a lot of education and help for newer activists. A lot of people do not have time to get involved. There is apprehension of getting involved, succession will be difficult.
Ashley Green - 90000: Frustrating, we all must answer at multiple levels, we have to handle 2 jobs, and try to keep balance. Volunteerism, but do we need to be all martyrs?
3. RAND members:
Sister Ashley Green, there was massive amount of hiring, rands is a task that can’t be tackled while keeping up with the rest of the responsibilities. There doesn’t seem to be a clear and concrete way to address the problem. We need to get this figured out.
Joanne Coish - 90001: Nothing seems to get fixed. Costs my local because the membership list is not accurate. Very time consuming, we had 41 pages of unallocated members. Questions why it is so difficult.
Maureen Getson - 90006: 3 months before lists are updated. PSAC needs a better system and UTE needs to push them to.
Richard Hyatt - 20050: At least with physical cards we were able to follow up. The 2 systems way of the form is redundant.
Darlene Bembridge - 60005: Something is not working, we do not know when members fill out, we should be able to track. Locally it is hard to follow, time wise becoming a task that is not feasible considering we also have another job to do.
Mike Chartrand - 70000, Gina Degner-00014, Billy Dempsey-60006, Sean Parris - 30024, Michael Wiebe-20002, Josh Atwwod-80003, Jean-François Paradis - Observer 10007: They spoke to echo the previous comments.
Shane O’Brien-SLRO: Surprised to see so many issues as only 2 locals out of 60 brought this forward to UTE National to bring to PSAC. Education locally on how to fill out the membership card and add the local on. Frustrated on your behalf, as nothing is being done at the PSAC level. He invited locals who have specific issues to reach out to him. A good practice to ask the employer for a list of new hires. Workload analysis, PSAC downloads the work on the components.
The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2022
MORNING SESSION
The meeting reconvened at 11:00 a.m. with National President Brière in the Chair.
Brother Shane O’Brien gave an update on the Policy grievance on the 699 leaves.
ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL PRESIDENTS
RAND members: (CONT’D)
Marc Brière - UTE National President: Shared his frustration on the issue. One of the reasons the problem is larger for UTE is because we are the Component that has seen the most growth. PSAC is not producing the supports we need.
Ashley Green - 90000: Thanked UTE for the assistance on this issue.
BATHURST – LOCAL 60006
1. Membership applications:
Withdrawn by the local
3. Virtual events:
Withdrawn by the local
Darleen Bembridge - 60005: Stated that virtual has taken away from the autonomy of locals when assistance is required for large group virtual and must be approved by UTE National.
OTTAWA TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- LOCAL 70030
1. Lack of timeliness PSAC processing claims for loss of salary for UTE reps. attending PSAC events:
Brother Richard Weintrager spoke to the recent challenges at NCR. The delays for loss of salary from PSAC have massive and critical impacts on representatives.
Kim Cardinal -70004: PSAC Regional Health and Safety Conference a few weeks ago (2-3 weeks). Still hasn’t been paid while PSAC states that everyone has been paid.
Ashley Green - 90000: Pointed out that at PSAC Atlantic Convention there was a long wait. They did not prioritize the members that were affected for loss of salary. It is a hardship. Suggest that UTE advance loss of salary and be reimbursed by PSAC.
Chris Foucault - 00042: For the nine delegates at the PSAC Ontario Triannual Convention, PSAC informed that the delay for processing would take 5 to 6 weeks. Had to get the RVP involved. They received monies reimbursed for PSAC pre-registration fees a year after the event was changed to virtual.
Alexandre Dumont -70035: PSAC Conference in June was paid in October. This is unacceptable if we want to keep our executive and volunteers we must do better.
Ken Bye - 00052: UTE should handle the process as PSAC is not doing it. Financial hardship if there is a salary loss. PSAC is not taking it seriously or not at all.
Heather Kenny - 20029: At her executive nobody wants to be a delegate at a PSAC event because they can’t afford to wait to be paid for salary loss. Family care expenses take multiple months to be processed. PSAC needs to address this. Activists do not need to stress about pay.
Kevin Welgush - 40023: This is not an isolated problem. Finds it is unacceptable. The local advances the salary but it should not be that way.
Marc Brière- National President: Issue will be brought to NBoD. Encouraged Locals to also apply pressure to the elected officers of the PSAC.
SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE-LOCAL 00042
1. PSAC communications and the impact on members and locals:
Brother Chris Foucault explained that for the past 7 months, PSAC, not the employer as caused more emotional stress to local representatives and his members than anything the CRA has ever done. PSAC has misleading messages to members which brings havoc with the membership. The local executive is stressed out because of the PSAC communications, they leave us to pick up the pieces. Members rant about PSAC and not the employer.
The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. with President Brière in the Chair.
Workshop - Mobilization and engagement of members in a virtual environment
The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022
MORNING SESSION
The meeting reconvened at 11:00 a.m. with National President Brière in the Chair.
WORKSHOPS REPORTS TO PLENARY
Eddy Aristil- RVP Montréal Region and Jérôme Martel -RVP Québec Region
Brothers Aristil and Martel mentioned that it was again noticed that many locals have good initiatives that should be shared.
-
What activities and strategies should be developed to increase membership activism and engagement:
At the Local level? To have members personal e-mail and phone number / and vis versa for them to have the local coordinates. Identify who are our members, to know how to mobilize and better promote activism. Local request to management to receive the organigrams and employee lists per office. Ask locally for a space on the intranet page to add the local’s information. Local survey on how they would like to receive communications, what are their needs and interests. Use diverse means to communicate with members. Member appreciation activities. Relevant orientation is very important. Up to date Orientation kit that can be modified by the locals. Follow up to make sure cards are signed. Work with management a protocol to receive new hire information. Prioritize and filter the quantity of union e-mails sent in order for the members not to tune out on the information. Try to recruit more local representants. Communicate and be visible. Local communication committee. Town Halls- with set questions. Make sure there is networking between local presidents and other levels.
At the Regional level? That the RVP’S open up regional meetings to more delegates. Town Halls to discuss directly with members. Find ways to have direct contact with members. Networking between local presidents and office presidents that have multiple sites.
At the National level? Do a survey for member’s needs, interests, best ways to communicate. Reviewed Orientation Kit that can then be adapted locally. Space on the UTE national web site for each local, where locals can share easily all the information. User friendly Intranet to make available local coordinates. Use mobilization. Give access to an integrated data base: Case management etc. Utilize clear, simple and concise messaging in communications with members.
-
What activities and strategies should we request that the PSAC develop to increase membership activism and engagement?
Ensure that the PSAC identify the Ministries and the Elements that are concerned in each of the communications.
If not related to CRA or UTE they should clearly state so, and that messages are not sent. This would eliminate confusion for our members. That the PSAC treat the membership cards in a timely manner and supply up to date lists in a timely manner. That the PSAC employ more people to deal with those lists. Better collaboration between UTE and PSAC for the communication and bargaining. The PSAC should send notification with a member as signed the membership card. Engage members in political campaigns.
-
What are some of the barriers and obstacles that prevent or inhibit membership activism and engagement?
Demystify that the Union harms the career at CRA and personal life, that there is place for everyone according to their availability. Find a way to reach members that are unsatisfied and disengaged from the union. Promote diversity and representativity in local executives. Be conscious of the challenges that militants with young families have. Difficulty to conciliate certain jobs with union work. Messages/information from the employer are easily accessible on the employer system, versus Union accessibility (different levels-steps)
Have better understanding of possible barriers to involvement.
-
How can we overcome these barriers and obstacles?
Demonstrate that we can acquire important and diverse competencies with the union. Ensure that we ask delegates their availability and assign work accordingly. Ensure that salary and benefits be equal to the responsibilities. Possibility of top up to better recruit and keep good activists.
Kimberley Koch- RVP Pacific Region:
Sister Koch reports on the group’s discussions. Conclusion was social media will be key. Need of training for facebook, twitter, e-mail, mail chimp etc. Talked about ways to communicate with membership. AGM’s incentives. Campaigns at local, regional and national to build up engagement. Activities not related to Union. Access to UnionWare. Understanding how the membership system work. For the PSAC question, same as the previous group.
More utilization of MS Teams, Union podcast, UTE app, mentor buddy system for presidents.
Better communications within the regions. Membership cards – notification should go to local.
Gary Esslinger- RVP Prairie Region and Gregory Krokosh RVP Rocky Mountains Region:
-
What activities and strategies should be developed to increase membership activism and engagement:
At the Local level? Visibility very important, UTE apparel, backgrounds. Information sessions: forums on bargaining, general in nature, explains process.
Communication: tickets message systems that can be sent directly to locals. Local ‘s own website, tools and assistance from UTE. There needs to be a centralized authority to manage those websites. National funds to access technology. Town halls. Putting out short videos about issues and interest to membership. Send fewer e-mail and make them count. Survey to membership on how much engagement they want and need. Up to date list of membership. Give better understanding of Union to members to make them better part of it. Orientation is important. Online engagement with different speakers. More progressive with the media tools, attract and engage. One on one is still important. Create a list of best practices. Getting members to attend AGM’S (incentives).
At the Regional level? Regional forums to provide information (funding from national). That RVP’s have discussions with the employer to allow activist to do more work.
At the National level? Information session for local members. National handbook. More National courses, accounting course. Hiring professionals on how to engage membership. Forum like GC Connect. Message to our membership that a Union is only as strong as its members. Forget what we did before and hire a professional to help with this. PSAC gets it wrong- do more in house.
Forum to teach members what Union does for them. We don’t celebrate our victories well and often enough. When recruiting stewards, need to remind that they don’t have to be full time but be assigned meaningful work. Family balance in involvement.
David Lanthier- RVP NCR Region:
-
What activities and strategies should be developed to increase membership activism and engagement:
At the Local level? Incentives attending UTE events to engage. Staff committees reaching out through media. Soliciting membership- organizing with virtual aspects. Keep phone tree. Branding of the locals, identifying contacts. Local caucuses of expertise- preamble to getting involved at the executive level. Recordings on various issues for members.
At the Regional level? Collaborate with locals, bring in new ideas. More regional training.
At the National level? Review in loosening restrictions of holding events, more leverage financially. Hybrid style would bring members back into being active. Look at best practices, new technologies. Getting local faces-pictures on the web site.
-
What activities and strategies should we request that the PSAC develop to increase membership activism and engagement?
Update of registration lists of members. Advise on how to amend local by-laws to reflect with virtual/hybrid language.
PSAC creating an interactive course- that pertains only to us. Engagement-education, developing courses for locals to better utilize tools and collaboration best practices.
-
What are some of the barriers and obstacles that prevent or inhibit membership activism and engagement?
Burn out, member allocation takes so much work. Communication, using various tools.
Time management courses, lack of the organizational charts.
-
How can we overcome these barriers and obstacles?
Develop succession planning. Creating forums- chat to share best practices. Creating national base for mass mobilization, branding, meet membership, engage, adapt to new generation.
Membership issues is major obstacle. Adapt to new ways to communicate. IT solutions to get familiar with new tools, possible workshop-forums.
The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. with President Brière in the Chair.
PRESENTATION – THE PERSONAL INSURANCE COMPANY
Marisa Ruhinan, Ahmed Younis and Robert Cherubino address the assembly to speak about the The Personal services.
REPORT OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES (EO) COMMITTEE
Sister Kimberley Koch, Chair of the Equal Opportunities Committee presented the committee members. Co-chair Eddy Aristil, Tony Crupi, Mel Loucier, Chris, Vincente, Blake Nolte, Jackie Robertson and Andrea Holmes.
She reported on the October 2022 National Equal Opportunity Conference. The committee decided to hold the regional conferences virtually and offers additional information.
President Brière thanked sister Koch and the committee for their hard work.
PAY EQUITY ACT IMPLEMENTATION ON CRA
Brother Shane O’Brien - SLRO: PSAC allowed UTE to conduct our own pay equity process with the employer. He gives a brief summary of the Pay Equity Act and its history.
Jennifer Macpherson and Kathy Ajram were appointed to the Pay Equity Committee. Since PIPS appointed a third representative, UTE is urgently soliciting locals to submit names forward to fill this additional position on the committee.
HEALTH BREAK
ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS (cont’d)
SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE-LOCAL 00042
PSAC communications and the impact on members and locals:
Ashley Green - 90000: This issue is damaging to all levels of our organization. This is sadly not a new problem.
Maureen Getson - 90006: Voiced her concerns about communication from UTE. She says we need to focus on communication, collaboration, and connection.
Heather Kenny - 20029: Commented on the impact of the PSAC communications and the chaos and expectations it creates with members who don’t know the difference between the core and agency. Even our rep. at PSAC doesn’t know the difference. We must take a stance against PSAC and go our own way.
Josh Atwood - 80003: Said that UTE National office should be responding to locals when PSAC misinforms through their communications. UTE has to react and give clear direction and in a timely manner.
Sean Parris - 30024: As a frontline activist it is very hard. The misinformation from PSAC as caused us harm, members are angry, they feel that they are not being represented.
Mike Chartrand -70000: Members are displeased with PSAC regarding communications and bargaining.
Richard Hyatt - 20050: Said that communications from PSAC are poor and response from UTE on how to deal with it is slow. Members don’t understand we are not under Core Public Service. PSAC even shared personal coordinates with members instead of following protocol. Thinks it’s time to consider leaving the PSAC.
Brad Feraday - 00001: Felt very alone, what PSAC as done as dissipated the local executive, the pressure and stress was unbearable. The members are angry and blame locals when PSAC is responsible for the communications.
Richard Weintrager -70030: Stated that the lack of segmentation of communications over the years as always been a challenge and always had impact on members but it has gotten worse in the last year. The unrelated communication to our members is damageable. The situation as brought the worst out of the members.
Contact information for the locals: PSAC gave personal coordinates of a shop steward to members. False, misleading, and not in alignment with UTE messaging from the PSAC needs to stop.
Darlene Bembridge - 60005: Suggested to collectively determine what the problems are. Asks how much has been brought forward to the NBoD? Believes it can be fixed.
Jean-François Paradis -10007: The misleading information and sharing of personal coordinates is inappropriate. What would be the process for an Element to leave the PSAC.
Marc Brière - National President: We have to acknowledge that certain communications from UTE are late, this is however much of the time because of communication problems with the PSAC. Even as a member of the NBoD, he receives often information (ex. Codes 699) from the PSAC after it has been posted on their web site. The PSAC stated it was in favor of the Vaccination Policy without even informing and consulting with the NBoD. He has always been clear, while we are in favor of vaccination, the Vaccination Policy has problems, it is excessive.
From the start we asked for a Policy grievance on teleworking and members that were assigned without pay. A grievance was then filed by PSAC without informing the Elements it had done so in early December. He was made aware a grievance had been filed by the PSAC from a colleague in another Element at the end of January. UTE then had to wait a month to be made aware of the contents of the grievance.
The PSAC even modified a posted communication without informing it had done so. We have more problems because of the PSAC than we do because of the CRA.
He was unable to share information with the members because of tardiness of precisions from the PSAC. Concerning the Imposition on Phoenix, the PSAC posted an erroneous communication which had to be corrected by UTE to include members from Quebec under Revenue Québec.
He has always promoted trying to solve problems with PSAC, but the past months have been very frustrating. To address some of earlier speakers, desertification is not an easy fix, it is an enormous undertaking with much to considered. He reiterates that his comments are frank and not ment to imply desertification.
The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
THURSDAY APRIL 14, 2022
MORNING SESSION
The meeting reconvened at 11:00 a.m. with National President Brière in the Chair.
REPORT OF THE AD-HOC MEMBERSHIP ASSIGNMENT COMMITTEE
Report of the AD-HOC MEMBERSHIP ASSIGNMENT COMMITTEE
MARCH 2022
Doug Gaetz
At the direction of the National President, an Ad-Hoc Membership Assignment Committee (Ad-Hoc Committee) has been formed to review the Guiding Principles in regard to the membership assignment to locals. The Committee is comprised of:
Doug Gaetz, Chair -1st National Vice-President
David Lanthier, Co-Chair - Regional Vice-President, National Capital Region
Jérôme Martel, Co-Chair - Regional Vice-President, Québec Region
Sharon Cowie, Member - President, Local 20027 (Vancouver) Pacific Region
Darlene Bembridge, Member - President, Local 60005 (Saint John) Atlantic Region
Sharon Bulger, Member - 1st Vice-President, Local 70010 (Ottawa T.S.O.) National Capital Region
Kyle Pharand, Member - 2nd Vice-President, Local 00042 (Sudbury), Northern/ Eastern Ontario Region
Anaël Haché, Member - President, Local 10008 (Montréal) Montréal Region
Daniel Camara - Technical Advisor, Executive Assistant to the National President
Natasha Larose - Administrative Assistant
I would like to thank the members for volunteering and participating on the Ad-Hoc Committee for sharing their suggestions, concerns, and recommendations, through the process of deliberation on the review of the Guiding Principles regarding the membership assignment to locals.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the National President, Marc Brière for addressing the Committee in our first meeting and providing guidance on the mandate.
Thanks also to Alex Thon for his advice and guidance in developing the template for the survey that was sent to the locals and Regional Vice-Presidents.
The mandate of the Committee was to review the practice of assigning members to locals as prescribed in the UTE guiding principles and prepare a report with recommendation(s) to the Executive Council of UTE.
The Committee met to discuss the key issues, prepare a survey to gather more information from the locals and Regional Vice-Presidents, and deliberate on best ways to serve the membership and the locals on the following dates:
October 14,27-28, 2021
January 17,25, 2022
February 22,28, 2022
The Committee reached out to the locals and Regional Vice-Presidents seeking their input, suggestions, and concerns, by way of a survey. The survey yielded responses from twenty-three (23) locals and two (2) Regional Vice-Presidents. (See Appendix A)
Some of the key issues that were identified and deliberated by the Committee are as follows:
- Virtual work location;
- Members proximity to local(s);
- Ability to attend AGMs;
- Ability to serve the membership;
- Concerns – organizational charts are not being provided to locals;
- Difficulty in nurturing the connection;
- Physical location trumps reporting location;
- Members don’t know who their local representatives are or their local;
- Sense of belonging of the membership;
- More collaborative work would be required at all levels of the union.
Although it does not form part of the recommendation, the Committee felt it was beneficial that we suggest some best practices.
- Locals must exercise their right to the quarterly list (Article 10) and if needed raise the issues at the UMCs or make it a standing item. Have ongoing conversations with management in regard to membership movement.
Collective agreement - Article 10 – Information
**10.01 The Employer agrees to supply the Alliance, each quarter, with a list of all employees in the bargaining unit. This list shall include the name, geographic location, and classification of each employee.
- Communication between locals regarding the movement of members and access to new ones is key.
- To assist in better member representation, ongoing communication with management in other areas is key. Locals should request to attend UMCs for which they have a stake even if that UMC falls outside of their regular jurisdiction. Discussion must take place at the local and regional level to ensure that the Terms of Reference are inclusive to allow more local presidents to attend UMCs where they have members.
- Union representative needs to be asking the right questions to understand the issue and the workload. The representative is not expected to know all workloads but should still be able to represent.
The following questions were asked under the Workplace of the Future meetings between the CRA and the National union, which assisted in our deliberations.
Question 1: How will it be determined where the employees’ home work location be decided?
Answer: All employees, upon hire are associated with a designated workplace. The designated workplace must be a CRA establishment.
Designated Workplace
The CRA establishment from which an employee ordinarily performs the duties of their position. For remote workers, it is the CRA business address where the employee would go to meet with their manager, attend team meetings or to complete reports.
Note: Employees who work remotely on a full-time basis may not have a CRA establishment from which they ordinarily perform the duties of their position. In this case, the designated workplace identified by the employer will be the location where:
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the employee needs to go for business reasons (meetings, IT technical support, documentation retrieval, etc.);
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the employee will return if the virtual work arrangement agreement is cancelled (where practical); and,
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the reference point for determining travel cost calculations in accordance with the Directive on Travel, reasonable job offers for work force adjustment exercises and source deductions.
Question 2: How will CRA management allocate an office for employees working remotely?
Answer: The Agency has a system in place for staff to book a worksite in an office. More information and training on its usage will be provided as we move through the phases of the Agency Transition Plan.
The Committee recommends the following:
The UTE assigns members to locals based on their physical work location. For greater certainty, physical work location is the office where the member performs their work or would normally perform their work if not teleworking and not the office or Branch to which they report. If the member is teleworking and there are multiple offices within an area of forty (40) kilometers, even if the member could report to a different location for in-person interactions, the member would be assigned to the office to which they would normally perform their work.
Where a physical work location, as defined above has not been assigned to the member by the employer, and there are multiple CRA buildings in a geographical area that are within forty (40) kilometers of each other, but the office to which the member reports is not within that scope, the member would then be assigned to the office where they would normally attend for in-person interactions.
Where a member is working from a remote location that has no office within one hundred and twenty (120) kilometers, that member would be assigned to the office to which they report regardless of the distance.
Where a member is temporarily assigned to an alternate work location for a period of no greater than six months, there shall not normally be a reassignment of locals, except with the expressed consent of the National President.
Moved by Doug Gaetz, Chair
Seconded by David Lanthier, Co-Chair
I would like to thank the Committee once again for all their work and efforts in completing the task that was assigned to this Committee, and acknowledge the collaboration, professionalism, and respect that was shown by every committee member throughout our deliberations during this process.
Additionally, I would like to recognize the contributions of Natasha Larose and her support to the Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
Doug Gaetz
Chair of the Committee
Heather Kenny - 20029: Are we going to get the flow charts?
Doug Gaetz - Chair of the Committee: The Committee did not go into flow charts. According to the report member would report were he/she would be in office or in person meetings.
Heather Kenny - 20029: Where do they sign up for orientation sessions. We do not have a break down charts.
Doug Gaetz - Chair of the Committee: The employer should be providing you the new hires information.
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: Article 10-geographical location is not the org. chart. It does not distinguish; it only lists who to the PSAC. Although there is no local union right to get a org. chart, there is however an individual employee right to it under Article 45. Recommends asking for a meeting with your director and ask as a courtesy to provide a copy of the flow chart. If they do not comply, ask members to file individual requests to it or request it under the Access to Information Act. We can drown them in paperwork.
Heather Kenny - 20029: Teleworking is a huge savings. Employer wants to combine TSO and CVCC in one building eventually. Org charts to track your members sounds good in theory but we do not know every manager.
Jean-François Paradis -10007: The new interpretation of Bums and Chairs as a certain influence. Will determination for Regional Councils be where they live or where the local section is?
Marc Brière - National President: At the end of the day, it is the PSAC that will determine for their events -councils. UTE will deal with the membership part.
Josh Atwood - 80003: Reporting to HQ, some live more than 120 km away from office. Will they be members of HQ or other local?
Doug Gaetz - Chair: As per the report, it is mostly for new hires where there might be an anomaly. In your situation there would not be a change.
Kevin Welgush - 40023: Orientation sessions, according to org. charts they are not up to date for those sessions. We do not get insight from the training coordinator. We will need to adjust our orientation sessions. We can’t maintain relationships with each training coordinator for every program across the country.
Doug Gaetz - Chair: Asked the employer for list of all new hires. I do not disagree; this will not fix everything.
Shane O’Brien – SLRO: Asked for a monthly new member list. We have bargaining proposals on orientation sessions; I remain optimistic that we could resolve a few.
Richard Weintrager -70030: We have members under 7 different branches. The org. chart shows internal service agreement for a member. Hard to assess jurisdictions. How do you suggest we handle this? If employer does not comply with the information can National intervene?
Marc Brière - President: According to the report I think it would fall under number 2.
If in need of assistance, consult you RVP.
Maureen Getson - 90006: Call Centre hired outside of the area. Had to determine were they fall. Processes can be fixed with consultations.
Julien Nobert -10005: Employee works for Shawinigan but resides and works remotely in Montréal, where does he belong? If employee lives in Gaspésie 120 km away from
CRA, that employee will report to Shawinigan?
Marc Brière- Chair: First question is like it always was, Montréal. Second question would report to Shawinigan, number 1 in the report. There is no dispute mechanism, the National President will be the one to handle the potential issues.
The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:20 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 1:20 p.m. with President Brière in the Chair.
ELECTION OF THE TAX CENTRE (TC) PRESIDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UTE STAFFING COMMITTEE:
Sister Maureen Getson was nominated by Ashley Green and seconded by Richard Weintrager. She accepted the nomination. Sister Getson was elected by acclamation.
ELECTION OF PRESIDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UTE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Brother Billy Dempsey was nominated by Darlene Bembridge and seconded by Jennifer MacPherson. He accepted the nomination. Brother Dempsey was elected by acclamation.
UPDATE – CALL CENTRE COMMITTEE
Brother Eddy Aristil, Chair of the Call Centre Committee, thanked and presented the committee members. Co-Chair Brian Oldford, Justin VonBornhoft and Kent MacDonald.
Large challenges in bringing the Agency forward on the issues.
Last year the committee met twice with the Agency to determine the mandate of the committee. There should be 3 meetings / year. One of those meetings will be planned during the tax period to be better able to evaluate needs.
We discussed the disparity between the Call-Centres. In April, CCAP will be discussed.
Trixie Gorzo - 30022:Will the committee share the minutes of the meetings?
Eddy Aristil - Chair: This was not discussed by the committee; we will make every effort to inform.
Gina Degner - 00014: It would be great if we (Call Centre reps.) could have a meeting with the committee.
Eddy Aristil - Chair: To be discussed with the committee. It is important to determine what is an isolated local problem and what is a general widespread problem when we address issues.
HEALTH BREAK
President Brière turned the chair over the 2nd Vice-President Doug Gaetz
UPDATE - WORKPLACE HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE
Proposed draft *NEW* UTE Bulletin on Workplace Harassment and Violence
This UTE Bulletin should be followed instead of UTE Bulletin 07/15 (re: violence in the workplace) for any complaints of workplace harassment and violence made on or after January 1, 2021. Complaints made prior to January 1, 2021, are still governed by Part XX of the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, under the Canada Labour Code, even though Part XX has since been repealed.
Sisters, Brothers and Friends,
Since the coming into force of amendments to the Canada Labour Code (CLC) under Bill C-65 and the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations on January 1, 2021, any new complaints of workplace harassment and violence made by federal workers, including CRA employees, now fall under this regulatory framework. As part of this framework, the CRA has published on InfoZone the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention and Resolution Procedures. These procedures outline each step of the complaint process and must be followed for any complaints of workplace harassment and violence made on or after January 1, 2021. We encourage any member who has suffered harassment and/or violence in the workplace to make a complaint under these procedures.
The following will provide guidance for members and local UTE representatives relating to the filing of grievances and workplace injury claims resulting from an incident of workplace harassment and violence. For the reasons outlined below, we encourage members to file a workplace harassment and violence grievance (or grievances, depending on the circumstances) concurrently with their complaint.
Grievances
It is important to note that personal remedy cannot be obtained through complaints of workplace harassment and violence made under the CRA’s Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention and Resolution Procedures because these fall under the realm of health and safety. In order to obtain personal remedy, you may file a grievance or grievances concurrently with your complaint.
Also note that unlike a complaint made under the CRA’s Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention and Resolution Procedures, which CRA employees can be file at any time, grievances must be filed within 25 working days from the date of the incident, per Article 18 (“Grievance procedure”) of the Collective Agreement.
Under Article 18, some levels of the grievance procedure may be waived, either unilaterally by the griever or with the agreement of the employer. However, it will sometimes be appropriate to hold grievance consultations at all four levels of the grievance process. This should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Relatedly, in some cases it may be advantageous to hold the grievance in abeyance as you await the resolution of the complaint process, while in other cases there may be no need to do so. Again, this should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
We recommend the following grievance wording, but also suggest that, in certain circumstances, the grievance wording be customized to address the specific circumstances of the case.
Suggested Grievance Wording
I grieve that I have been the victim of an incident (or incidents) of harassment and/or violence in the workplace and that the employer has failed to provide me with a harassment and/or violence free workplace.
Requested Corrective Action
While corrective action will likely need to be tailored to the individual circumstances of the case, we offer the following as some of the measures that may be sought:
That I have discontinued contact with the perpetrator of the harassment and/or violence against me until such time as there is a satisfactory and acceptable resolution to this matter.
That the perpetrator be appropriately counseled and be required to attend sensitivity and technical training on the CRA’s Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention and Resolution Procedures.
That I be compensated and reimbursed for all loss of wages, leave credits used, and medical and/or other expenses incurred as a result of the incident(s);
That the employer takes all reasonable and appropriate measures to promote and ensure compliance with its Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention and Resolution Procedures.
That I be provided with further redress, as deemed reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances, to make me whole.
Discriminatory Harassment and/or Violence Grievances: If the harassment and violence suffered was discriminatory, based on one or more of the prohibited grounds under the Canadian Human Rights Act, you may also file a grievance under Article 19 (“No Discrimination”) of the Collective Agreement. Additionally, you may make a separate complaint of discrimination through the Canadian Human Rights Commission (note that there is a 12-month time limit to do so from the date of the incident).
Sexual Harassment Grievances: If the harassment suffered was sexual in nature, you may file a grievance under Article 20 (“Sexual Harassment”), while at the same time filing a grievance under Article 19 (see above) to ensure that you can receive remedy under the Canadian Human Rights Act,as sexual harassment is itself discriminatory.
Workplace Injury Claims
Incidents of workplace harassment and violence can often impact the health of the parties involved, including witnesses, whether the impact be physical, mental or emotional. If you have to take any time off work because an incident of workplace harassment and violence has impacted your health, you must fill out the appropriate form and send it to the workers’ compensation authority in your province or territory and tell your supervisor, so that they may send the employer’s form as well. It is crucial that you do so as early as possible as there are strict time limits for filing such claims, which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
This is your best recourse for being compensated for lost time due to an injury resulting from such an incident. If your claim is denied, note that officers of the PSAC regional offices are responsible for assisting members with the appeal process.
If members have any questions relating to this Bulletin, they are encouraged to contact a local UTE representative. Local UTE representatives may address their questions to their respective UTE Regional Vice-President, who will consult the UTE’s Health and Safety Committee, if need be.
In solidarity,
Doug Gaetz
Chair, UTE Health & Safety Committee
President Brière resumes in the chair.
ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS (CONT’D)
SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE-LOCAL 00042
PSAC communications and the impact on members and locals:
Brother Foucault appreciated everyone’s input on the issue. Knowing he is not alone in this means a lot.
OUTAOUAIS- LOCAL 70035
Need for a communication a plan at the renewal of the vaccination policy:
Brother Alexandre Dumont stated we could expect a hardening of their position, is there a plan to prepare ahead communications wise?
Marc Brière - National President: The policy will be for the core Public Service. We have no information on the review of the policy.
Mike Chartrand - 70000: The initial policy was narrowminded. If we could deal with that it would ease a lot of the problems.
Alexandre Dumont -70035: Asked that the UTE be prompt.
OTTAWA HEAD QUARTERS- LOCAL 70000
Feedback from members of local 70000:
Withdrawn by the local
HAMILTON- 00014
1. Update on the matrix – hours of work in the Contact Centres:
Sister Gina Degner states that we wanted an update on this, start date January 1 with no end date.
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: Further to the memos he sent out. At the normal yearly consultation on the hours of work Matrix, he examines with the employer each Call Centre’s proposals individually for the filing season. This time around, the employer proposed hours of work for both the filing season and the post filing season.
He is not in favor of approving the hours proposed by the employer if they add post filing season. Employer informed him in December that they were going ahead with the post filing season hours. The Matrix is sent out by UTE only when there is an agreement.
We are not in agreement; a policy grievance was filed. Our position is that our members are day workers. Encourages members to file individual grievances.
Catherine Majore - 00014: Hamilton is soliciting for different shifts. Should we be asking for overtime after 6 pm?
Shane O’Brien - SLRO: There should not be shift work. Contact Centres are day workers. Even if members volunteer for a different schedule, it is our duty to file policy grievances.
Catherine Majore - 00014: Suggest that the UTE send out a communication on this issue.
(Overtime after 6 pm). Put the employer on notice.
Shane O’Brian - Senior LRO: RVP should share the memos with locals. Our position is clear with the employer.
2. Excessive monitoring in the Contact Centres:
Sister Gina Degner stated that they take everything as pilot projects which brings additional excessive monitoring. People are not staying in the job. Not healthy for mental health.
Richard Hyatt - 20050: The issue is in all Contact Centres. It is like a witch hunt monitoring. Causing much stress on the agents, mental fatigue. Expectations are not clear from team leaders.
Marc Brière - National President: Encouraged to bring issue to the Call Centre Committee.
CLOSING REMARKS
President Brière thanked all participants and those involved in the preparation and delivery of the conference. He congratulates the 2 members elected for National Committees of Finance and Staffing.
Concrete action and initiatives will follow according to what was dealt with at the conference. While the National office continues to try to fill staff positions, he asks for understanding and patience.
He thanked the locals that submitted points and the speakers for having expressed their concerns. UTE will raise various matters brought forward with the PSAC National President to make sure the needs of the UTE members are addressed and satisfied. We have heard you, the PSAC must do better. We will not tolerate the inefficiencies of the PSAC and their lack of consideration and inclusion of UTE members in its recent actions and campaigns.
We need the PSAC cooperation and collaboration to address the myriad of issues.
We have developed a new e-mail in box for UTE members to contact National office directly, those e-mails will be transferred to locals for actions.
He sited numerous challenges that will continue to be at the forefront of UTE’s activities.
Our collective efforts and ideas are paramount to UTE remaining viable and efficient in delivering services and meeting the increasing needs of our members.
We have fought fiercely and will have to continue to do so. Together we can move mountains. He expresses his appreciation for the support and wishes everyone well.
The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.