THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 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, Robert Hume, 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.
New Local Presidents since the last Presidents’ Conference:
Chris Beaton, Edmonton
Sara Cousins, Ottawa East
Maggie Ryan, St. John’s TSO
James Walker, St. Catharines
Theresa Greenough, Surrey TCPresident Campbell announced that we have a new Local in the Rocky Mountains Region and that Sister June Martin-Gendron has been elected President. He acknowledged two life members present in the room, Brothers Kent MacDonald, Labour Relations Officer with the National Office and David Quist former Local President from the Peterborough Local.
HOURS OF SESSION
M/S Sylvie Lahaie/Lynne Scott Cadieux
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.
Points of privilege
Kim Koch, Northern BC and Yukon Local
Sister Koch announced that the local will be participating in the ride to conquer cancer this summer from Vancouver to Seattle. She is having a 50/50 draw to raise money in support of this cause. Her team is called: "Wheelin’ Warriors of the North".
Daniel Camara – Outaouais Local
Their treasurer, Brother Didier Rwankineza’s wife has been diagnosed with a leukemia lymphoma. She had treatment recently in Toronto and the cost was $5000 that is not covered by the insurance. Brother Camara invited the participants to sign a card and called on their generosity to donate money to help out his colleague.
Dave Lanthier – Headquarters Local
He will be collecting money to support the strike funds of the new Local 404 from OPSEU who have been on strike and are anticipating the strike to last for a number of weeks.
The points of privilege were well taken by the Chair.
The Convention Host Committee Chair, Brother Mike Montague gave an update on the fun night event for the convention. The event "Get Your Groove On" will take place on Wednesday, July 16 and will be held at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts located at only a short five minute walk from the Casino. A Shuttle service will be provided.
A nice meal will be served composed of a:
Hip of Beef, Pasta Bar, Mashed Potato Martinis, Garden Salad, Caesar Salad
Sweet table with assorted finger pastries and mousse cups
The evening will be celebrating the music and styles from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. There will be a DJ to keep the party going with all our favourite tunes from each decade and also prizes for best costume and best dancers.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
(See attached agenda, participants list and Items submitted by the Local Presidents)
M/S Richard Hyatt/Gesine Campbell
That the agenda be adopted with the following additional items:
Pay in Arrears - Toronto East
Compensation for Security Officers - Halifax
MOTION CARRIED.
OPENING REMARKS
President Campbell started his remarks acknowledging the fact that everybody is working hard. Nevertheless, he had no choice, but to ask the members to work even harder as this fight with the employer is the fight of our life. He also made a special mention that he knows that sometimes it is difficult to get the information out because of the location of some locals. He thanked everyone in the room for the good work they do.He asked the RVPs to pass on a thank you card signed by the Executive Council. He went on to say that we have to fight this employer and negotiate in good faith to obtain the best contract for our members and most importantly to protect what we have gained over the years such as sick leave and severance pay. He informed the participants that he will be doing small videos with Brother Brière in April to answer questions from the membership and they will be available on facebook and the website. He mentioned that a picture will be taken on Friday to help a good cause "Bald is beautiful" that started in New Brunswick. He would appreciate if everyone will participate and wear a bandana.
For convention we will be using an electronic voting system for all the resolutions. The process would be strictly confidential. The delegates will be given an electronic device and all delegates would be responsible to have the device with them on the floor at all times.
Point of privilege – Maria Wormsbecker from the Hamilton Local
The Local brought a few goodies and small gifts to thank the bargaining team for their hard work.
The point is well taken by the Chair.
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 March 2014).
Executive Council Meeting:
Adoption of the following items during the week:
- A recommendation from the By-Laws Committee to include in the Resolutions of Record "Funding PSAC Regional Conventions" passed at the last convention in 2011.
- A recommendation from the Finance Committee to approve an over expenditure from the 2013 budget (see Council Minutes - March 2014)
- A recommendation on appointments to Convention Committees
- Adoption of the Terms of Reference and Rules of Order
- A resolution to appoint members to the Convention Nomination Committee and to the Credential Committee.
- A resolution to amend Regulation 20 Members with disability as follows.
(2) A budget of
fiveten thousand dollars($5000)($10 000) per year shall allotted for this fund.
REPORT OF THE UTE NATIONAL BARGAINING TEAM
Brother Denis Lalancette, Chair of the UTE Bargaining Committee introduced the bargaining team: Sister Robin Johnson, Brothers Pietro Masdea, Doug Gaetz, Sabri Khayat, Jean-Pierre Fraser and Sister Lyson Paquette, UTE Technical Advisor. Sister Dawn Hardy was absent. The committee had a powerpoint presentation as an update on bargaining and to provide some tools and examples of activities that could be done to help the bargaining team. The committee asked the participants to send their list of activities that they are prepared to undertake with their members. Brother Lalancette gave an historic of what has been done starting with the general strike in 1991 till today. The committee members answered a few questions from the floor. The presentation will be sent out to all locals next week.
ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS
OTTAWA TSO – 70010
1. Co-op Students
Management is looking at hiring 39 coop students that would be filling SP jobs. In the opinion of the local, they are hired as cheap labour replacing our members.
The Local asked if the floor could inform us with a show of hands, how many offices across the country are increasing the number of co-op students?
President: It seems to be spread across the country. We want students to be paid the same salary as union members. We would ask the locals to find out how many students are hired this year and to send the information to Brother Shane O’Brien at the National Office as soon as possible.
A few locals went to the microphones to express their concerns about the excessive number of students. The comment was made that some students don’t get paid at all.
Shane O’Brien, Senior Labour Officer commented that student employment has been an issue since 1978. From time to time the issue comes back here at the conference and we asked the locals to provide us with information, but we received little. In order for the Staffing Committee to take further actions, we need the locals to provide us with numbers, what programs where they hired for and what work they are doing, etc…
KITCHENER – 00015
2. PSTAR & Severance Pay upon being appointed to AU Positions
The item was withdrawn by the submitting local with permission from the floor.
3. Travel Directive and Personal Time
The employer tells our members that if they travel from their home outside the headquarters area to a location also located outside the headquarters area, but within 16km of home, they travel on personal time. This, in effect, sets up two headquarters areas and raises issues such as WSIB coverage in the event of an accident.
Brother Kent MacDonald, Labour Relations Officer read from the Travel Policy that : Employees are expected to present themselves at their workplace on their own time and at their own expense unless otherwise specified in the Directive. When the employee’s residence is inside the Headquarters Area, the employee will be paid for the actual distance driven from the residence to the first point of call, continuing on to consecutive points of call, to the last point of call, and to the residence. He added that when members leave their home to go to a taxpayer place of work, they are on the employer time.
4. Medical and Dental Leaves – Diagnostic vs Follow-up
Members are being forced to take sick leave when attending follow-up appointments to diagnose an illness, such as blood and medical tests.
Brother MacDonald stated that when this happened, members have to grieve as it is totally unrealistic. You are requested to use sick leave only if it is ongoing treatments not when you are given a diagnosis.
A few locals went to the microphone and by the comments given; it appears that this issue goes on across the country.
HAMILTON – 00014
5. Compensation Web Site and Access (or lack of)
The Local is unable to access their pay stubs, T4, pension information etc… They were told that there is a technical problem in compensation. They were also advised that there were a lot of employees without access. How long are they supposed to wait?
President: Brother vanSydenborgh, RVP for the Southwestern Region brought the issue regionally and his waiting for some feedback.
The Ottawa TC Local commented that they are experiencing similar frustration.
To the comment made earlier on the T4 being higher, the Winnipeg CCSC explained that because there were 27 pay period last year instead of 26, the T4 amount will be a little higher than specified in the collective agreement.
The meeting recessed at 1700 hours.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014
MORNING SESSION
The meeting reconvened at 9h00 with 1st National Vice-President Brière in the Chair.
Sister Vicki-Lynn Smith replaced Brother Gabriel Bourdon, Local President from the Ottawa TC Local who was absent with permission.
Brother Pierre W. Landry replaced Brother John Drodz, Local President from the Montreal Local who was absent with permission.
Brother Lanthier was pleased to announce that he collected the amount of $433.60 for the strike fund of OPSEU Local 404. He thanked everyone for their generosity.
Brother Camara was pleased to announce that he has collected $399.23 for Brother Didier Rwankineza. On behalf of the brother, he thanked everyone for their generosity.
REPORT OF THE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Brother Brière invited to the front the members of the Political Action Committee. The Chair, Brother Adam Jackson presented the members on the committee as follows: Co-Chair, Brother Jamie vanSydenborgh, Brother Dave Lanthier and Sister Annette Melanson, Technical Advisor. Brother Jackson informed the participants that there was important information in their package they received the day before such as the list of Members of Parliament per provinces together with a list of Senators and which party they represent. The committee was tasked to provide guidelines to locals to be used when writing to editors or MPs and they also can be found in their individual envelopes. The floor was opened to receive ideas and suggestions on political actions that could be undertaken. The committee gave a presentation that would be sent to the Locals next week. The committee answered a few questions from the participants.
Brother Greg Krokosh Local 30027 replaced Sister Christine Krokosh who was absent with permission.
M/S Christine McLennan / Wanda Dufty
Notice of motion was served to amend the agenda to add the item Union Management Approach (UMA) and Union Management Relationship.
MOTION CARRIED.
PRESENTATION FROM CRA – INTEGRATED STAFFING SYSTEM
The Chair, Brother Campbell introduced Luc Durand and Kerry Colpitts, two CRA Representatives who gave a presentation on Integrated Staffing System. The presentation was very informative and led to comments and questions from the floor. The presentation will be sent to all locals next week.
HAMILTON – 00014
6. Orientation Session
The Local wanted to bring to the attention of the floor that new members are brought in for the orientation session and do not get paid.
HALIFAX – 80003
7. Orientation Session
The Local commented that the video on the orientation session is more about the PSAC than UTE. Have we considered revising it at some point?
President: We will assign the Communications Committee to have a look at it and come back with a recommendation.
8. Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC)
The Local wanted to know if we had the national results.
President: unfortunately we do not have any results. We were left out as we did not sign the letter that we would participate in the campaign.
9. Dependability Questionnaires
The Local asked what information can they bring to their union/management committee meeting in April?
Shane O’Brien, SLRO answered that assessing dependability has been around for a long time even before the Agency Staffing Program came into effect. Two bulletins were produced on assessing dependability and they are available on our web side. Brother O’Brien offered his help to the local before they meet with management. He also cautioned the local to be careful when sitting on an employer’s committee that if they do not fully agree with the employer’s guidelines that they should state their disclaimer immediately in order that our members are not mistaken into believing that the union has given their support.
Sister Koch announced that they have collected $400.00.
President Campbell informed the participants that the afternoon will be devoted to workshops on Convention Rules of Order, CRA Internal Investigations and Discipline at the CRA.
Convention Rules of Order
What to expect at Convention Committee meetings and the triennial Convention. This workshop will be presented simultaneously in both languages.
Facilitator: Bob Campbell, UTE National PresidentCRA Internal Investigations
How an Internal Affairs Investigation at the CRA should happen and what it should look like. This workshop will be presented simultaneously in both languages.
Facilitator: Kent MacDonald, UTE Labour Relations OfficerDiscipline at the CRA
What union stewards need to know about discipline at the CRA. This workshop will include a review of the CRA’s amended discipline policy and procedures.
Facilitator: Erik Gagné, UTE Labour Relations Officer
The regular meeting recessed at 1145 hours.
SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014
MORNING SESSION
The Conference was called to order at 9:00 a.m. with President Campbell in the Chair.
Sister Lina Temblay from the Laval Local replaced Brother Marc Cloutier who was absent with permission.
Point of privilege – Dave Lanthier, Headquarters 70000
He advised that there were placard signs at the back to be signed to encourage the brothers and sisters of OPSEU Local 404. He will bring them back to the picket line on Monday with the money collected in the amount of $463.60.
The President invited Brother Kent MacDonald to the microphone as he had good news for the members. Brother MacDonald was happy to announce that with respect to our long standing grievance SP302 we were successful in getting that job reclassified to a SP3. We have 30 names on the list of members currently in that position.
REPORT OF THE STAFFING COMMITTEE
President Campbell invited to the front the members of the Staffing Committee. The Chair, Brother Sabri Khayat presented the members on the committee as follows: Sister Madonna Gardiner, Local Presidents Representative, Brother Adam Jackson, Co-Chair and Brother Shane O’Brien, Technical Advisor. Brother Chris Diliberatore was absent.
The committee had a powerpoint presentation on the CRA Staffing Simplification Project and answered questions from the attendees. The presentation will be sent to the locals and posted on our web site.
TORONTO EAST – 00001
10. Educational talking points for members on why Harper Conservatives need to be voted out.
The Local commented that members see now that Harper is bad and they now understand that it is not just about the severance pay, but about other benefits and more importantly the outsourcing of their jobs. We have to take actions between now and the next election in October 2015. We have to let the members know that the Harper government has lied to us, they have run the economy to the ground, and they have destroyed the middle class.
Brother Adam Jackson, Chair of the PAC Committee added that we could prepare a fact sheet on Harper accomplishments in a form of a newsletter. Furthermore, maybe it is time to go back to the membership and ask if they wish an endorsement for a party.
11. Where are we at with the Fairness Works Campaign?
Is there any update on this topic? We are in a fight for our lives. Would the UTE, PSAC or the CLC put any money in this campaign? We have to act now. We have to hit Harper’s credibility and their economic stewardship.
President: There are meetings and conversations between all the unions. At the NJC, all the public service unions in the federal government signed a pact that there would not be any concession bargaining. He asked the locals to send any suggestions to the PAC Committee. He also mentioned that the CLC Convention was coming up early May and they were planning some kind of actions.
ROUYN-NORANDA – 10009
12. Strike Course
The item was withdrawn by the submitting local with permission from the floor.
13. Decision Review – Training of Officers
Could we have a course prepared or a presentation on recourse at the September Presidents’ Conference? As union representatives, we have to be able to answer our members’ worries.
President: We have discussed this topic at the Executive Council and we have spoken to Brother O’Brien. We may add a module in the Staffing Course and we will examine the possibility of having a presentation at the September Conference.
OTTAWA EAST – 70001
14. Provision of Notes to Employee from Internal Affairs Interviews
The local asked if other locals were having problem obtaining the notes or reports?
It was suggested that we should come up with a standard request letter that all locals can use.
President: We will be looking at this issue nationally.
15. Improving the Accuracy of Membership List at the Local Level
As a new Local, they have been working with the employer to find out exactly how many members they have in the two branches without much success. The problem is mostly due to the system in place that the employer has to report to the PSAC, PSAC to UTE and then UTE to the Locals. Is there any way that we could fix this problem?
President: We know it is a problem, but the answer is no. The system the employer is using is not working. Until we find a solution, you will have go through your list and find your members.We will bring this issue to CRA again. We used to be able to get mailing addresses from the PSAC, but now because of a privacy law they will not provide addresses any more.
According to some smaller locals, they have asked their director to provide a list and it is working well.
SUDBURY – 00042
16. Quotas vs Production
The Local would like clarification from the National Office on this topic.
Brother Shane O’Brien, SLRO commented that we have talked on this topic numerous times and that he had wrote bulletins as well. He went on explaining the Agency point of view on the quotas and suggested to members that if quotas are such a big issue they should grieve. He mentioned that the Lethbridge Local provided a good case on quotas and when it was brought it to the employer’s attention they immediately fixed the problem. Brother O’Brien also suggested that a demand be submitted to the next rounds of bargaining that the employer shall not use numerical quotas, indicators or any other similar measuring device in performance appraisals.
OUTAOUAIS – 70035
17. Structure Committee Report
The Local respectfully questioned the short delay the committee had to come up with their recommendations and was it a good timing to review the UTE’s structure?
President: Explained how and why the committee was formed. The committee met for the first time last September. They have asked the locals for their input and they had to report back to the Executive Council by December in order to send recommendations to the convention. At no time did we hear from the committee that they did not have enough time to report back by December. It is now the property of the convention committees.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 pm. with President Campbell in the Chair.
TORONTO CENTRE – 00013
18. Investigation Reports – Content and Objectivity
The Local stated that they have seen increasing incidents in wording in employer version of facts which are prejudicial to employees’, our members. Are other locals receiving draft copies of the investigation?
A few locals went to the microphone and neither one have been given the investigation reports.
President: We have developed a booklet to help members dealing with investigations that can be found in our website.
19. Discipline – Increased Focus on Sentences
The Local has seen that the employer was using focused, prejudicial language and discipline level crossovers to maximize penalties. Have other locals encountered this situation and what action have they taken other than grievances?
The comment came from the President, Brother Campbell that there is a big push-forward in CRA to increase all disciplines leading to termination of employment.
SURREY TC – 20029
20. Digital Display Monitors
The Local explained that these TV monitors are more often used now instead of emails to get information to the employees. Management has tasked one physically challenged employee with the responsibility to post the information. The monitors are located high near the ceiling and it is difficult for people who have health, mobility or vision issues, etc... to look up and read the information. The local would appreciate any advice or information to be shared today or emailed to them at the local address.
Other locals have monitors in their lunch room, but the information is also sent by emails to all employees. The information posted is mostly social information.
21. Staffing Policy, Term Notification
The Local as a point of information referred to the Staffing Policy on Term Notification as follows: where formal notice have been given and it later becomes necessary to extend the offer of employment, the extension letter must indicate that the initial formal notice continues to apply, and therefore, no further notice will be provided.
Brother Shane O’Brien, SLRO suggested that members referred to Section 4.4.4.5 Early end of employment for term employees of the Agency Procedures for Staffing (Staffing Program) dated September 18, 2013 on Infozone.
KITCHENER – 00015
22. Office Open / Start Times
The Local informed the floor that the employer is restricting workers from starting earlier than 7:30 a.m. and claims that it is the practice everywhere else.
Many locals went to the microphones to share their views on working hours. Hours are different from region to region.
Brother Kent MacDonald, LRO suggested to the locals that they refer to the Jenks decision that covers the issue of working hours and where the issue of health and safety is one of the key points. The employer has the right to have hours in between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for requirement and operational needs.
23. Security / Safety without Commissionaires
The Local shared their concerns about the issue of security/safety without Commissionaires. The employer assigned an SP2 to sit in the commissionaire’s chair and let people in by pressing the button that open the door. What would the employer do about the security aspect?
President: This is a concerned for many locals and will keep on bringing the issue to CRA.
Sister Kim Koch thanked everyone for their generosity in collecting $1005.00 for a great cause. The 50/50 today was $300.00 and the winner was Richard Hyatt.
24. Article 29.01, Standby Pay
The Local referred to Article 29.01, standby pay. Their two security officers were not paid one-half (1/2) hour for every 4 hours on standby as per the CA. Is this happening everywhere?
Other locals as well have this issue where the officers are on call and are not being paid. Furthermore, grievances were filed.
Brother Shane O’Brien, SLRO clarified that Article 29.2 states that you have to be designated by letter in order to be considered to be on Standby. Locals should verify with their affected members, as most are not designated by letter.
HALIFAX – 80003
25. Advance for Convention
The Local referred to the estimate that was emailed to the locals not long ago and wanted to receive a copy showing the date from which the rate was picked on the Air Canada Site to determine the advance.
Brother Brière answered that we will not provide such a copy. Nevertheless, the finance department will send to the locals by email the date used for the flight choices and rates, and the next day they will be mailing out the advances.
26. Web Base Costing Tool – Used for field work
The Local explained that this tool gives you the cost of how much it would cost to rent a car as opposed to using your own vehicle. They would appreciate knowing how many locals are using this tool?
A show of hands indicated that about half of the locals were using it.
KITCHENER – 00015
27. Integrity Activities in the Offices
The Local questioned what types of activities are going on and should we be participating? Their office is setting up an "Integrity Committee".
A few locals confirmed that they have an Integrity Committee in place. In some regions they have such a committee, but do not want to be part of it, while in some regions, they are forced to participate.
President: we have not heard of an Integrity Committee and we do not see where the union fits on sitting on this committee.
TORONTO EAST – 00001
28. Pay In arrears
The Local wanted to know if we could have an update on this issue.
President Campbell invited the Winnipeg CCSC Local to answer. Sister McLennan explained that they too have tried to get answers without success. They have no information to give out to the members as they were told by CRA that it is a Treasury Board Initiative. On the TB site there are questions and answers.
President: We will try to find out what is happening as this is not acceptable.
WINNIPEG CCSC – 50032
29. UMA and Management Relationship
The Local commented that she noticed that many locals are withdrawing from union management consultation meetings. Should we develop an action plan?
President: Yes we should have an action plan before deciding to withdraw from UMA. He invited the locals to the microphone to hear what they have to say.
Most locals are of the opinion that if we boycott UMA it will hurt our members. We have to protect our members and with UMA we can get our message out to management.
In many offices UMA works well. It took years to develop a relationship and they come to us and listen. When they do not agree, at least we know what they will be doing and who it will affect. We can prepare and file grievances on behalf of the members. Our mandate is to protect our members. We should not pull out too quickly has we have seen how it can help our members.
President: Should we make a statement to management that they are not working jointly with us and that we will withdraw from any regional and national UMC?
On a show of hands the floor does not believe that we have reached that point yet.
A Local President from the Quebec region went to a microphone to clarify that their Locals have not withdrawn from UMA, just from formal UMC meetings.
President: If we asked the locals to come up with an action for April 30 on the cut of services, would they be able to do something. The answer was yes for most locals.
President Campbell welcomed the input on this important issue and will keep the locals informed on further actions.
PRESENTATION OF A LONG SERVICE AWARD
President Campbell invited Brother Jamie VanSydenborgh to the front and presented him with a 20 year pin for his dedicated service to the members.
CLOSING REMARKS
President Campbell’s closing remarks were to acknowledge that as a family we have too much in fighting. He went on saying that we are being attacked by this government and we have to work together. You as local representatives have the responsibility to defend your members not to attack them by saying bad things about them as he heard in the hospitality suite the night before because they do not have the same point of views. We have to work jointly and fight this government. We should be a family.
Have a safe trip home.
The meeting adjourned at 5h00 p.m.