Minutes of the Presidents' Conference

September 28 - 30, 2017

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
AFTERNOON SESSION

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.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.

President Brière went over the Harassment Policy and introduced the Complaint Administrators: Doug Gaetz, Annette Melanson, Mathieu Juneau and Shane O’Brien. 

The CPR attendants were introduced as follows:

Marc Brière, National President
Ken Bye, RVP - Greater Toronto Region
Mike Chartrand - Ottawa HQ Region
Cosimo Crupi, RVP - Northern and Eastern Ontario Region
Linda Koenders, RVP -  National Capital Region
Greg Krokosh, RVP - Rocky Mountains Region
Jamie vanSydenborgh, RVP -  Southwestern Ontario Region
Alex Thon, National Office

The members of the Executive Council were introduced. He also introduced the members of the staff from the National Office present.  He also mentioned that Sister Melanson last day is Saturday and Sister Labrie is retiring on October 27th and this is their last Presidents’ Conference.  He then asked the Local Presidents to introduce themselves. 

Brother Gaetz gave some information on the sixth UTE Olympics open to the ten (10) regions as follows:

There will be four (4) events:

  1. RVPs Sequence Board Game Tournament
  2. Texas Holdem Poker Tournament
  3. Water Pong Game Tournament
  4. Pantyhose Bowling

1st Place – 6 points – Gold Medal, $5,000 to the Regional Budget
2nd Place – 4 points – Silver Medal, $3,000 to the Regional Budget
3rd Place – 2 points – Bronze Medal, $2,000 to the Regional Budget

New Local Presidents

Alan Trevisanutto - Calgary TSO
Justin Leinhos – Montérégie Rive-Sud
Annick Lamoureux - Laval
Patrick Rocheleau - Outaouais
Josh Atwood - Halifax
Mike Chartrand – Ottawa Headquarters
David Webster - Kingston
Lonnie Campbell - Prince George
Scott Henneberry - Albert St.
Jacques Lafontaine - Connaught Building

President Brière also mentioned those who are here for their last conference as Local President.  Sister Christine Krokosh from the Lethbridge Local will not be running as Local President. She will be retiring in March. 

President Brière mentioned that we had one Life Member at the conference and presented Brother Kent MacDonald.

HOURS OF SESSION

M/S     Richard Hyatt / Ashley Green

That the hours of session be as follows:

Thursday:      01:15 to 5:00
Friday:            09:00 to 11:45; 1:15 to 5:00
Saturday:       09:00 to 11:45; 1:15 to 5:00 or closure of business

  • MOTION CARRIED.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

(See attached agenda, participants list and Items submitted by the Local Presidents)

M/S     Melanee Jessup / Ryan Harron

That the agenda be adopted with the following additional items:

  • AFS Tentative Agreement & Sick Leave (Kitchener)
  • Severance Unrelated to Phoenix Problems (Belleville)
  • Exceptional Leave Request / Seniority (Edmonton)
  • Staffing - Reopened Yukon Office (St. John’s TC)
  • Pier Reviews (Ottawa TSO)
  • Tax Payer Relief Workload SP-4 (Bathurst)
  • Staffing (Montreal)
  • Bilingual Bonus (St. John’s TC)
  • Security Clearance Check (St. John’s TC)​

 

  • MOTION CARRIED.

OPENING REMARKS

President Brière indicated that it was a great honor to have been elected the National President of this great union.  He is very proud to be not only the President but to be part of the Union of Taxation Employees.

He will serve the membership and not disappoint the members.  He also would like to thank the delegates at Convention for their incredible support and for their trust, their vote of confidence.  He also would like to thank all the people that helped him out, his campaign team and the people that support him that worked so hard to get him where he is today. He also thanked the people that are no longer around, like Brother Sabri Khayat.

He is very anxious to work with the new elected Executive Council and also the Locals.  He intends to work closely with the First Vice-President, consult as much as possible with the Executive Council before making any decisions. He will also try to be fair, he will listen to the Locals for their feedback and take into account as much as possible and he will take his responsibilities.

He also indicated that he will make a few commitments.  He will represent and lead our Union for the betterment of the membership across the country for the next three years.  He commits to serve the members to the better of his knowledge, abilities and bring support to all the union representatives in the country at all levels.  He commits to do everything in his power to improve the communications within the UTE and all of our members. He would like to find new ways or seek the input of the Locals to improve the Political Lobbying as well as to improve the media session when necessary. 

His main objective in the next three years is to rebuild and improve the working relationship between UTE and CRA that, unfortunately, deteriorated during a never ending and long bargaining round that really made things worse.

He spoke about the Convention held in July 2017 and thanked the Ottawa Locals, the Host Committee, in particular, for their great work and great hospitality, the members and retired members that came to help out as door tilers, all the delegates for their participation and all the candidates that put their name for National Officers.  He also mentioned that they could not prepare the Convention without all the work from the National office staff.  He thanked them for their great and hard work they have done.

In regards to the GTA Modernization, he indicated that this was a big file and that UTE is dealing with CRA.  The National Office setup a consultation framework at the National level and that we have the RVPs, Brothers Bye and Crupi who are involved in the file.  A regional working group was also established with Brothers Bye and Crupi from UTE and colleagues from AFS (Audit, Financial and Scientific) group.  The employer will go forward with some type of a modernization plan.  The union will make sure that the impact on members is as low as possible. 

He also mentioned the creation of the two new Locals in the National Capital Region which are Local 70021 (Connaught Building) and Local 70022 (Albert Street) to better serve the members in the area.  He also thanked all the Locals in the region and the RVP for their collaboration.

Point the privilege

Sister Annick Lamoureux, from the Laval Local, solicits the collection of the room toiletries to bring to a shelter for battered women.

The point was well taken by the President.

Recess for coffee break


EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BUSINESS

President Brière reported briefly on some of the business conducted by the Executive Council earlier during the week. (For additional details, please refer to the Executive Council Minutes and Committee Reports of September 2017 that were sent earlier).

From Executive Council Minutes:

Adoption of the following items:

  • Recommendation from the By-Laws Committee – The Staffing Committee will have three (3) President’s Representatives.
  • Recommendation from the By-Laws Committee – For the purpose of voting for the Call Centre, Surrey TC and Shawinigan TC are now considered to be Call Centres.
  • Finance Committee – Financial Budget
  • Expense Claim over 90 days
  • Unfinished Business from Convention
  • General Committee
  • Late resolution; accepted on the Convention floor. No committee recommendation.
  • Appointments to UTE Standing Committees (see Council Minutes)
  • Appointments of Auditors for 2017
  • Signing Authority
  • Trustee Report – Trois-Rivières Local 10027

REPORT OF THE UTE NATIONAL BARGAINING COMMITTEE

The Collective Bargaining Committee was asked to the podium for an update.  The chairperson, Brother Jackson, the new co-chairperson, Brother VanSydenborgh, and also Local representatives, from the TC, Sabrina Williams, Pietro Masdea (absent). 

Brother Jackson opened his speech by saying that in August, he spoke with the negotiator, Morgan Gay.  The conversation was more or less an introduction.  They spoke of the binding arbitration process.  It was determined that the process does not affect the current round of bargaining.  The two parties, PSAC-UTE and CRA have chosen their representatives and have information that the two sides were unable to come to agreement on a third party.  Therefore, the Board will be appointing one in the absence of mutual agreement.

The Standing Bargaining Committee will be formed of a TC and TSO Local representatives.  Jamie VanSydenborgh has been confirmed as the co-chair.  Five (5) RVP’s will be chosen by the Executive Committee to create the National Bargaining Committee.  The National President, the 2nd Vice-President and the Co-Chair of the Standing Bargaining Committee will then pick the team.  The Bargaining Committee will compile the demands and priorities for the team and will confer with the negotiator to set up a schedule of dates.

The Committee answered a few questions from the participants.

REPORT OF THE UTE NATIONAL HONOURS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

Brother Cosimo Crupi, President of the Committee, introduced the members of the Committee: Co-chairs, Brothers Ken Bye and Gary Esslinger, Sister Gesine Campbell, Ottawa TSO, Local representative and Sister Louise Dorion, Administrative Assistant of the National Office.

He indicated that the Honours and Awards are covered under Regulation 24.  He went through the Regulation, indicated what is available and also provided the awards with the deadlines given throughout the year. 

He mentioned that there are ten (10) Regional Scholarships of $1000 and two (2) National Scholarships of $2500. The list of the winners is available on the UTE website.

Brother Brière was pleased to award a 25-year pin to Brother Cosimo Crupi, RVP of the Northern and Eastern Ontario Region, and a 30-year pin to Brother Brian Oldford, RVP of the Atlantic Region.  He provided a short biography of both brothers and thanked them for their union involvement with UTE.

ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS

OTTAWA HEADQUARTERS - 70000

1. Service Renewal Update

The Local indicated that they met with the Director and the Director General and asked about this issue.  They indicated that CRA staff with a process and told that the Service Renewal freezes were lifted for three days and closed thereafter.  The Local wanted to know if National Office heard anything about this.

Brother Shane O’Brien, Senior Labour Relations Officer indicated that all staffing from SP-01 to SP-06 Level in Headquarters only, have been halted and that exceptions have to be approved by the Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources, Dan Couture. The staffing freeze will be in place until all employees are assigned.  This was also communicated in writing.  So technically, the information provided to the manager about the staffing freeze being lifted is incorrect.  It was probably an exception that would have required the AC approval.  The direction that Brother O’Brien provided to the Local is to go back to the managers and ask them to provide some direction from the Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources where this exception was in fact approved.  However, it was not lifted because all employees have not been assigned.

The Local was satisfied with Brother O’Brien’s comments.  They will then go back to their Assistant Commissioner.

2. Scholarships

The Local would like the essays that were submitted to be posted on the website so they can read it.

President Brière mentioned that there are multiple reasons why they are not posted on the website. There are confidentiality issues and also, we receive too many applications.  We cannot just pick and choose which ones to be on the website. 

Other Locals commented that the essays might have personal information that the recipient would not want to share. Also, there was a proposed resolution at Convention to publish the essays and it was non-concurrence. 

Brother Latulippe read a thankful letter from one of the recipient that received one of the scholarships.

Brother Esslinger, Chair of the Communication Committee, mentioned that a special request was submitted to post an essay from a winning recipient and with the consultation of the National President, it was published in the newsletter.

3. Harassment Awareness Training

The Local asked if the National Office is considering of having training.  The Local also has expressed concerns regarding violence and harassment awareness in the workplace.

Brother Doug Gaetz, 1st National Vice-President indicates that the National Office will not be offering training.  Online eLearning Product, TD1576 Discrimination and Harassment is available and that it is mandatory for all employees to take the online eLearning training.

Another Local asked if the eLearning was valuable and if we are going forward with this format.  Is it worth it or not? 

Brother O’Brien indicated that he had a chance to review the eLearning but did not provide any comments to the Agency.  UTE did not provide any comments as UTE and CRA were in a period of non-consultation.  He indicates that UTE took a position that they will not support CRA Harassment Complaint Procedure.  UTE will use the Violence in the Workplace Procedure under the Canada Labour Code.  The position that UTE decides to take is not go back and provide criticism to the employer or support the program.  We do not support their Harassment Program Procedure until they recognized the Union’s role as true advocate and representatives in the process.

ST. JOHN’S TC – 90000

1. Call Letters

The Local brought the issue that management has been using call letters, expression of interest, interest calls for solicitation without a formal process.  Corporate Assessment Review Program has two (2) establish pools and management decided to put out an interest call.  Employees that wants to apply need their management approval prior to applying.  The Local asked if other Locals has the same issue.

President Brière mentioned that the Locals should bring the issues to their Local Management and their RVP to get some support.

Brother O’Brien met with the new Director General of Resourcing and brought forward the issues of valid pools that already exist and staffing outside those valid pools.  He also indicated that there was a Workforce Adjustment situation and that it should be regulated.  Also, the DG is interested in consulting and identify what are the priorities, and then will go into formal consultation with Brother O’Brien and the committee. 

A few Locals went to the microphones to voice their concerns and frustration on the subject. 

President Brière acknowledged that staffing is getting worse.  He also mentioned that Brother O’Brien will be making presentations and that Brother Martel is looking forward to talking with the employer about this issue.  Management needs to provide recourses, they have no choice.  He advised the Local to give the information to their RVPs, the Chair and Technical Advisor of the Staffing Committee about everything that is happening on staffing. 

A few Locals have issues with team leaders that would contact the members at home and make a job offer.  The team leader would threaten the members by reporting them to EI if they do not accept the offer.  If a member refuses a job offer, will it affect their EI?

Brother O’Brien mentioned that, technically the employer’s policy is that, if an employee turns down a valid job offer, the employer is supposed to report it to EI.  However, they can report verbal offers anytime they like.  EI cannot just disqualify the member.  It must be a reasonable case for the member to be refusing to take the job offer.  If the manager continues to bully the member, bring the issue to UMC locally and raise it with the RVP to raise it the Assistant Commissioner.  If it is not resolved, then, bring it to the Staffing Committee so that they bring it up with the Agency. 

2. Career Leadership Development Program

The Local indicates that there must be a Recourse Program for people that are looking further into their career.   They are saying that it is the Agency best practice for suggestion planning.  Do any other Locals have the same issue?

Brother O’Brien mentioned that these Development Programs has been a problem since the Agency became an Agency.  When these issues happen at the Local level, Brother O’Brien request that they are sent to his attention and he will put them on the agenda when the committee meets with the Agency.  There is a Career Leadership Development Program where they consult with the Union and the Union did not agree with it but, the Agency implemented it anyway.  By the end of the day, the Union advised the Agency that recourse had to be offered.    Even though, the Agency has created their own staffing regime and they say that they are not subject to the old decisions out of the Public Service Employment Act.  There are still some Supreme Court and Federal Court decisions that apply to the Agency.    He also mentioned that the Local should get a written copy of the best practices and ask management where these practices come from.  Brother O’Brien indicated that members can grieve and that if the employer says there is no recourse then a grievance should be filed. 

The meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m.


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017
MORNING SESSION

The meeting reconvened at 9:00 a.m. with National President Brière in the Chair. 

Point of Privilege

Brother Wayne Barbeau asked the participants to donate to the strike fund for the Winnipeg Airport Strike.

The point was well taken by the President.

(cont’d) ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS

TORONTO EAST - 00001

1. GTA Service Modernization, Service Renewal, WFA

The Local wants to know what control the union will put in place.

President Brière indicated the issues needs to be differentiated.  He mentioned that Service Renewal was a political decision, but Service Modernization in Toronto was not a political decision.  The decision was between the Ontario Region and the Assistant Commissioner.  A working group was established with Brothers Bye and Crupi which they had numerous meetings with the employer.  The employer has the right to reallocate the workloads wherever they like.  The Union does not have any grounds with the wording in the Collective Agreement to have a Policy Grievance on this WFA situation.  The employer is open to implement changes that are more respectful for the membership.  President Brière also thanked Brothers Crupi and Bye for their hard work on this issue. 

Brother Bye indicated that they have regular meetings at least once a week and conference calls.  They did review and worked on the documentations that have been released.   Also, there are at least 75% of the members in the GTA that will be affected by the workload changes that was proposed. He also indicated that the consultation has been meaningful.

The concern that the Local has is that the Union should advise the Assistant Commissioner of Ontario to stop messing around with the members and include the National President in the emails.  The Local wants a constructive consultation between UTE and the Commissioner.  Also, the terms of reference do not show any consultation. 

President Brière mentioned that the National Office has been updating the UTE website with information and created a Regional News section because of that situation.  He also mentioned that Service Renewal was a big mess and CRA workload in income tax returns went down because the returns are mostly done electronically.  This is reality, not a political decision.

2. Phoenix (the tragedies continue)

The Local indicated that the problem has gone on since 2015 under Harper’s Government.  When the Liberals came in, they knew about the problem.  There are thousands of members that came up and said that they no longer care about their short term sick leave, they just want a regular pay.  What can be done to solve the problem?

President Brière mentioned that the government invested too much to get rid of Phoenix.  He also indicated that CRA has less problems than other Components.  CRA hired 12 extra people and are adding more resources, mainly in Ottawa to try to solve the issues.    As public unionized service workers, we cannot sue the government.  President Brière encouraged the members that have pay problems to file grievances.  In extreme cases, the RVPs have the instruction to send the issues to the National Office so that they can be resolved as soon as possible.    

Brother Gaetz mentioned that suing is not at the table at this time for PSAC.  There is a Joint Committee that was implemented to have some of issues resolved.  Also, we do not have that many cases at the National level.  They are probably being resolved locally or regionally.  He suggested that, if the Local has cases that cannot be resolved locally or regionally, they should be sent directly to the National Office and their AC so that they will get dealt immediately.  PSAC and CRA has a parallel system, which is why we do not have as many issues.  Our priority at this time is that the members are being paid and paid correctly.  Once the issue is resolved, the union might go after the government for the lost of union dues.

President Brière mentioned that the PSAC system is fine, but because of Phoenix, it did not accept the changes of union dues.  PSAC mentioned in one of their emails that the system should be fixed by November 15th.  Brother Daniel Camara, Executive Assistant to the National President, has met with the employer and was advised that CRA prepared a kit for their managers to help members to deal with Phoenix.

Other Local wants to know if there is a way that the Union could send directions, step by step to each Local to explain what they are supposed to do?  We need to tell our members to expect a huge chunk of union dues deducted before Christmas.

President Brière mentioned that National did send instructions in the past to the RVPs to pass on to the Locals but the National Office will resend the instructions.  He has shared his concerns about the impact on the membership before Christmas time.  He will try his best to get it postponed, or get it stretched.  If not, we will make sure that the employer and/or PSAC send out an email nationally.

Point of privilege

Brother Gaetz mentioned that Sister Louise Dorion, an Administrative Assistant from the National Office has a daughter that suffers from Cerebral Palsy and is in need of a highly specialized electric wheelchair.  The cost of the wheelchair is $20,000 but the province covers only $10,000. Brother Mathieu Juneau will pass around an envelope for donations.  Brother Gaetz will donate $100 and will challenge the Executive Council to match the donation.

PRESENTATION – President Brière

Presentation on Guiding Principles and Practices of the Union of Taxation Employees.

The presentation was given by President Brière.

Point of privilege

Brother Ryan Harron urges the participants to reach into their pockets to support the sister.  He will challenge the Executive Council.

(cont’d) ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS

(cont’d) TORONTO EAST – 00001

2.  Phoenix (the tragedies continue)

A Local indicated that one of the complaints from the MPs in Ottawa is that they wanted to support and work with the employees.   What the MPs want to hear about, is how many people are going forward, they want tangible proof of how many employees are affected and how bad the situation is.  We should get the people connected with their MPs.  They will get action fast. 

President Brière mentioned that the members should have access rapidly to financial help.  There is agreement with the government, if members go to the credit line, they will be compensated.  If UTE finds that it is not moving fast enough with PSAC, we are open to take other actions that are conducted by UTE only. 

A few Locals went to the microphones to voice their concerns and frustration on the subject

Brother Camara informed the participants that he had a conversation with CRA, precisely with Chris Magee and Brigitte Gauthier.  They did mention that there were still issues with the last pay at the employees’ level and receiving their records of employment to benefit of Employment Insurance.  Service Canada is aware of the issues with Phoenix.  They are asking the employees to print their last pay stub.    Once printed, the employee should go to Service Canada to present their pay stub and mention that it’s a Phoenix issue.

Brother Martel mentioned that he has lots of pay issues in his region.   He created a form for the Local to fill out.  For urgent cases, they have ways to have them treated as fast as possible.  The questions are, are we efficient, are we using the right forms, do we have the right procedure, are the members aware that we have a possibility to go faster in certain cases?  Is it perfect, no! Can we solve the problem, yes!   Should we make a lot of reminders, yes!  Does it finish by being solved, yes!  Send the file to the right place at the right moment so the case can be resolved as soon as possible. 

The meeting recessed at 11:45 a.m.


AFTERNOON SESSION

The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. with President Brière in the Chair.

Points of privilege

Imre Bene is replacing the delegate, Sister Gesine Campbell.

Sister Kim Koch is holding a raffle for a monster speaker that was raffled at the Convention and nobody claimed it.  They’ve decided to re-raffle it and all the profits will go to Louise’s daughter’s chair.

Brother Chris Beaton and the Local had a motion to donate $100 for Louise’s daughter’s chair and $50 for the Winnipeg’s airport strike.  He also put out a challenge to the other Locals to match that.

Brother Wayne Barbeau wants to know if everyone had a chance to donate to the strike in Winnipeg. He also thanked everyone for their generosity.

The points were well taken by the President.

PRESENTATION – David Girard – UTE Labour Relations Officer

Presentation on Social Media Presentation.

The presentation was given by Brother David Girard, UTE Labour Relations Officer.

Point of privilege

Sister Lynne Scott Cadieux accepted the challenge of Brother Beaton for $100 for the Louise’s daughter’s chair and $50 for the Winnipeg airport strike fund.

cont’d) ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS

(cont’d) TORONTO EAST – 00001

2.  Phoenix (the tragedies continue)

The Summerside Local mentioned that members struggling with pay issues filed a T4009 for mental illness in the workplace. The members are being stressed by their workload.   Management had indicated that it is not a place for that.  It is causing the members with mental illness and mental issues in the workplace.

President Brière approved the way Summerside has approached the issue.  It does affect the members with mental issues.

Brother Gaetz, Chairperson of the Health & Safety Committee, fully agrees with the approach the Local has taken.   He does not encourage members to file T4009 as a form of protest.  Only for legitimate cases only!

Sister Neill made a suggestion, if it is possible, when a Compensation Officer is processing an adjustment, they update the system to show that it is in process with the details of the adjustment that was input and who is responsible for the file.  The reason is, the members can know what is made of their file.

The Local of Winnipeg CCSC suggests looking into ESS additional pay detail.  It will indicate if the leave without pay has been taken off.  Always put the leave without pay as soon as possible in that same pay period and make sure it is approved by the manager so that it can be deducted on the next cheque.

The Local closed the discussion by relating to some of the points that were brought up from the member of the Belleville Local.  The Local just wanted to mention that the members had problems with their pension when they transferred from the province to CRA.  With the members coming over to CRA, they were told that, even though that the actual assumption impacted ten thousand dollars of their pension, the agreement was between CRA and the province of Ontario. Related to that, if the Union can use that precedent by digging a little deeper so that we can have dependents and spouses sue the government for their financial hardship.  We need to stand up now, not only for our members today but for our future.

Points of privilege

The Shawinigan Local accepted to give $50 for Winnipeg airport strike and $50 for Louise Dorion.

The Sudbury Local accepted the challenge to donate $100 to Winnipeg and $500 to Louise Dorion.

President Brière mentioned that $2,187 was accumulated apart from the donations that were just given for Sister Dorion daughter’s wheelchair.  With the donations of the Executive Council and other, the amount is close to $3,000.  President Brière thanked everyone for their generosity.  He also mentioned the total of $796.00, plus what was heard on the floor recently was accumulated for the Winnipeg airport strike fund.

PRESENTATION – UTE Health & Safety Committee

Presentation on Violence in the Workplace Update.

The presentation was given by the UTE Health & Safety Committee. The committee is being held by Brother Doug Gaetz, the Chairperson; Co-chair, Brother Brian Oldford and the Technical Advisor, Brother Mathieu Juneau and Brother Shane O’Brien, Technical Advisor for “Violence in the Workplace” only.

cont’d) ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS

(cont’d) TORONTO EAST – 00001

3. Union of Canadian Correction Officers (UCCO) – Reliability Status and Grievance

The Local had concerns about the Reliability Status Plus issues for many years. Some information was forwarded to the Local that PIPSC had two grievances which are being held in abeyance on the traditional review stage.  The first one is about the Reliability Status Plus Policy and apparently the second grievance is about the application of the Treasury Board Policy on the Reliability Status Plus.   There traditional review is on the Treasury Board Policy that was dismissed last summer and they filed an appeal to the Federal Court of Appeal.  The Local wants to know if we are working with the Correction Officers Union and PIPSC to either get on board with what they are doing or perhaps somehow have grievances of our own to defeat the Reliability Status Plus from continuing.  The Local also mentioned that the credit check does nothing to improve the security in an organization.  

President Brière is not sure if they ever had that discussion with that Union or the AFS group but will get back with the information.

PACIFIC REGION CALL CENTRE - 20050

1. Service Impacts to Call Centers re. Service Renewal

The Local mentioned that we have heard a lot of the impact of the Service Renewal with respect to our Tax Centres and the Tax Services Offices. There has been a huge impact as well on the Call Centres with respect to the restructuring of the centres.  The members have been dealing with a lot of taxpayers’ frustration with service delays.   That has caused lot of stress, not only for the front-line agents, but also for resource officers and team leaders.  They received messages from the support area which is Assessment Benefit and Services to say how the members should be answering these types of calls. It’s almost taking a year to process T1 Accounting and are going soon into another tax year.  The Local has raised the issue with management, but it seems to fall on deaf ear.  The Local mentioned that they also raised these various issues with the Ombudsmen, Deputy Minister and the Commissioner in the region.  They also asked a front-line messaging to avoid abusive calling and there is still no action taken.   They also indicated that the Union needs to go to the Commissioner and tell him that the Call Centres needs that messaging for the wellbeing of the agents on the front-line.  In addition, we should have a Taxpayers Bills of Rights, but we should also have a Taxpayers Obligations as well.  Those should be written out and clearly set out on the messaging along with the taxpayers’ right.   CRA wants the members to work in a healthy place, so they need to move on these issues.

President Brière asked the Local to send a little summary to his Executive Assistant and himself so that he can discuss these issues with the Commissioner.

A few locals went to the microphones to voice their concerns and frustration on the subject.

President Brière mentioned that Brother MacDonald informed him that the Auditor General office is conducting an audit on CRA Call Centres and the report will come out in December, just before Christmas or early 2018.    

Brother Gaetz indicated that the Local should send the requests to the Health & Safety Committee and they will bring it up with the Policy Committee. It should be dealt with at the Local Committee level before bringing it before the Policy Committee.  He also mentioned that the members could file grievances. 

President Brière will talk to the Commissioner for sure.  They will follow up and if needed, they will put some pressure.

CHARLOTTETOWN – 90002

1. UMA Training - Charlottetown

The Local mentioned that she sat on the Executive Council and received an update with regards to the UMA training.   There is supposed to be no new training as of June of this year.  There is an email coming out saying that the UMA Training is currently being revised and a release is to be expected in the fall.  The Local wants to know if this is correct.

Brother Gaetz confirmed that all scheduled training is too ceased. However, any previously scheduled sessions may proceed provided that there are trainers already trained and available.  Otherwise, the sessions are to be cancelled.  He had a conference call with the new Director about Diversity and Workplace Wellness.  The Director wanted Brother Gaetz opinion and a new letter was sent out.  It will be very clear that it will be shared with the RVPs.  He also mentioned that the training is still being revised.  A portion of it will be on-line and a portion will be classroom.  During their last meeting with Maggie Trudeau, the Director General of the Workplace Relations entered the working group meeting and informed the whole committee that the Commissioner has spoken to her and is 100% behind UMA and all resources will be available to us so that we can go forward.  We are going as fast as we can to have the training on the field because the trainer wants to be trained.  However, with all the training products, there are numbers of process to be done, a number of levels to get the training approved.  Brother Gaetz hopes to have it ready by the fall.

The Local wanted to know if the members that are currently trained, shouldn’t they take a refreshment course because it would be different.

Brother Gaetz indicated that it’s going to be a shorter version, so there is no need to have a refreshment training. 

The meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m.


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
MORNING SESSION

The meeting reconvened at 9h00 a.m. with President Brière in the Chair. 

Point of Privilege

Brother Eddy Aristil wanted to wish happy birthday to President Brière.

President Brière gave a short briefing in regards to the votes.  He will follow Regulation 3 for the elections.

Brother Gaetz gave an update on the results for the Olympics.

Final results of the Olympics

3rd - 6 points SW Ontario Region, Atlantic & NCR

2nd -  8 points Pacific Region

1st - 12 points Toronto Region

(cont’d) ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS

OTTAWA EAST – 70001

1.  Anonymous Tip Line and Internal Affairs

The Local has a huge problem in their Local.  The Local indicated it has been very stressful and damaging to the employees and is really creating a toxic working environment. The Local mentioned that there was an anonymous tip called in and was confidential.  It was related to a case from several years ago.  One of the investigators was a part of the history of this member.  The member ended up with a five (5) week suspension plus a fiscal penalty.  The Local encouraged the member to file a grievance, but by the end, the member withdrew it. With the indulge of the floor and the chair, the Local’s observer is the steward that represented the member and could speak of the impact that was on her and how frustrated the Local is that they cannot help more.

A Local commented that the employer changed a lot of policies since they brought out the snitch line. It’s becoming another vexatious tool and it’s being used to harass members.  Management does not care because it’s great for them.  The particular case that the Local was talking about is because an anonymous tip came in on the snitch line.  IA goes through all the computer records and verifies for missing time from the employees and hold the employees accountable for stealing time. Even if the member does not have any disciplinary problems with managers for missing time, IA would say otherwise, so they would continue with the discipline.  In this particular case, has they started the interview, they mentioned something about personal benefits received from relationships within the CRA.   This turned out to be nothing more than a vexatious complaint to get back to this individual. Beware of this and bring it to management that this is just a tool of harassment and every opportunity you get bring it up to UMCs and tell them to get rid of it because it’s not doing anybody any good. 

2.  Grievances

The Local indicated that when they have a grievance presentation or when they meet with members, there is no place to meet.  They have to meet in a common area, regardless how sensitive the issue is.  They request that stewards have access to all the floors in the building, but ACs came back and said no.  The OSH Committee has access to all the floors.  There is no risk since they have security check.  The Local mentioned that they filed a grievance against the employer.  They invite other Locals to join them.

Other Local from Ottawa indicated that they have the same issue.

A Local indicated that they had access before they had a celebration.  A few weeks later, the Local was denied the access.

President Brière indicated that he will bring up the issue with Dan Couture.

3.  Union Role in Security Reviews and Recourse

The Local mentioned that this relates to their first topic.  The member brought his spouse, who works in CRA to have support and then he was terminated.  Is there a way that UTE can have a role in this proceeding?

Brother O’Brien indicated that the best advice is to submit a bargaining demand to have it in the collective agreement.  The collective agreement talks in term for the rights of the union representation, meetings with management and disciplinary hearings.  The IAD process is an employer driven process. 

Other Locals had similar situations.  As the Union Rep, they were not allowed to say anything.  It’s very stressful for the members and AD is not made aware that this is happening.  It is a safety and security issue to have an observer. 

President Brière asked the Locals if they have the same issue.  He mentioned that a few Locals were told by management that they are not allowed to speak since they are only observers.

OTTAWA HEADQUARTERS - 70000

1. Chief Shop Steward

The Local mentioned that the Chief Shop Steward of their Local wants to propose if possible, to attend at least once, the Presidents’ Conference with other Chief Shop Steward from other Locals and have a workshop or case study. The Local wants to know if other Locals are interested and if so, when would it take place.

President Brière asked if Locals were interested.  A great deal of Locals is interested.  He told the Locals that UTE will take it under consideration.

2. Mental Health Committees

The Local indicated that the employer is starting a Mental Health Committee and that there was no Union Rep on that committee.   The Local wants to know if the Mental Health Committee in the workplace was brought up.

One Local’s indicated that HRD had tried to have the committee in their building and also mentioned that the Union should push more to have a formal role in that committee to support the members.

Brother Gaetz wants to know if it’s a Wellness Committee or a Mental Health Committee.

The Local is not really certain and will get more information.

Brother Gaetz has not heard about a Mental Health Committee but only heard about a Wellness Committee.  He also mentioned that there is no obligation of the employer to give a seat to a Union Rep in any committee unless it is a Health & Safety Committee.

A few Locals went to the microphones to express their views on the subject. Other Locals indicated that they do not have a Mental Health Committee but has a Local Advisory Committee for EAP.  One of the Local’s wants to approach the senior management with how to educate not only management but also the employees on mental health issues. 

Brother Gaetz asked if any Locals contacted the National Office in regards to all these new committees being set up.  Health and Safety Committee and EAP should always be involved to form these committees.

The Local will push the issue with management so that the Union is on that Committee.  If they do strike this committee, along with the RVP, they will deal with it and will keep the National Health & Safety Committee aware and ask them for advice.

President Brière gave instructions to the participants in regard the videotaping of participant testimonials. The video is taking place in the Drawing Room.

Recess for coffee break


REPORT OF THE UTE NATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Brother Jamie vanSydenborgh, Chair of the Committee would like to thank the committee and introduced Brother Cosimo Crupi, Co-Chair, Brother Brad Feraday, Presidents’ representative and Sister Annette Melanson, Staff Advisor.

Brother vanSydenborgh mentioned that he had asked the Local activists and the members to lobby their MPs on three (3) issues:

  1. Bargain directly with CRA instead of TB
  2. Fight legislation that destabilizes pension (C-27)
  3. To fix Phoenix

He also mentioned that the committee provided speaking notes and information on Lobbying.  He thanked the Locals that participated and also mentioned that out of the sixty (60) Locals, around twenty-four (24) Locals participated and it was not enough.

Brother vanSydenborgh invites the Locals that had participated to come voluntarily to the microphone to talk about their experience. 

Many of the Locals that had participated came to the microphone and indicated that the meetings with their MPs went mostly well, but there is lots of work to be done.  The Locals talked with their MPs about the issues that are going on in their offices.  Some MPs were not aware of the issues.  In overall, the MPs are willing to speak with the Minister.  One of the Local’s encourages the members to go to their MPs on their behalf and have information ready for the members so they can approach the MPs. 

Brother vanSydenborgh mentioned that he also met with his MP and the MP was receptive.  Some will listen and some will avoid us. He appreciated that most of the Locals that submitted something to the committee and for a few more Locals that did not submit anything to the committee commented on their experience.

One of the Local created a petition on-line and only 983 signatures were reached.  They indicated that when we decide to do something, we should all join in.  It’s simple, it’s easy and it doesn’t take a lot of energy.  A Local mentioned that we should be in solidarity and we should stick together.  Other Locals gave different ideas has to how to reach the MPs.  One Local indicated that we should bombard one MP a week.  The MP will question why he/she is getting all these letters.  A Local also mentioned that once we show our members that they have the power, they will follow us.  It’s our responsibility to educate them.  We come here to be educated, so we should do the same.  The info should be brought to the members and show them what to do. 

One of the Local’s brought up that the AGM’s are coming up and that the chairperson of the Committee should prepare a speech for the National officer that will be attending the AGMs.  The Local also mentioned that she was invited to her MPs office in Ottawa and that we should take that to our advantage.  It was also suggested that we should organize a day of action like it was done for bargaining.  Let’s have the media hear our issues.

Brother vanSydenborgh finished his brainstorming by indicating they can meet with their MPs at any time.   He will ask President Brière to reissue the campaign.  When the RVPs have made their follow-up with their Locals, they should report back on what’s happening and what are their intentions to the December Council. 

President Brière thanked the chairperson of the committee for their great work.  He thinks as a group, we can do much better.  That was his opinion and will make a lot of effort to make this happen.  We need to get the members involved, so that means that the Union has to make sure that the members have the tools to be comfortable with.  If we need to have workshops, have the RVPs work with you.  He thanked the committee and everyone that went to the microphone that gave their feedback. 

Point of privilege

Brother Shady Zekry is replacing the delegate, Brother Jacques Lafontaine.

President Brière mentioned that the new Locals, the Connaught Building and the Albert Street are considered as TSOs for those who are voting.

The meeting recessed at 11:45 a.m.


AFTERNOON SESSION

The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. with President Brière in the Chair.

President Brière acknowledges a Life Member who joined the delegation this afternoon.  He presented the past President, Brother Bob Campbell.

ELECTIONS TO STANDING COMMITTEES

Bargaining Committee

Nominees:

Chris Heywood         (Heather Ford / Johann Ackerman)
Sabrina Williams      (Michele Lafond / Richard Weinberger)

Chris Heywood was elected as TC Representative to the Bargaining Committee.

Nominees:

Brad Feraday            (Andrea Cullen / Wanda Clancy) 
Michelle Neill            (Hicham Youssfi / Chris Beaton)
Randy McKeown      (Selby Hewitt / Catherine Li)
Derek Johannson   (Jennifer McPherson / Terry Ruyter)         

President Brière announced that a second vote is required since no candidate had a majority vote.  The person who had the least vote is automatically removed for the second vote.

Point of privilege

Brother Hicham Youssfi is requesting the number of votes for each candidate.

Brad Feraday            17 votes
Michelle Neill            17 votes
Randy McKeown     1 vote
Derek Johannson    14 votes

Michelle Neill was elected as TSO Representative to the Bargaining Committee.

TORONTO EAST - 00001

1.  Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) and other Unions

The Local talked about the sick leave and the other Unions and PIPSC had a solidarity pack and it worked very well.  The Local wanted to know if UTE spoke with the other PSAC Components and PIPSC about having solidarity packs or working together more closely.

Brother Brière indicated that he did not have time to contact all the other Component Presidents, but did talk to a few leaders of the other Components and did not talk about any packs.   

Point of Privilege

Brother Latulippe indicated that President Brière mentioned that there was ten (10) TCs and that there was fifty (50) TSOs for sixty (60) Locals in total.  In the sixty (60), does that count the Local of Trois-Rivières, which are not here to vote?

President Brière realized that yes; Trois-Rivières is in trusteeship so that means there are forty-nine (49) TSOs.  So, there is a total of fifty-nine (59) Locals. 

The point was well taken by the President.

Point of order

Brother Krokosh mentioned that there is an election in process and rather than worrying about a procedure on a future election, we should deal with this election and untilled the doors.

The point of order was well taken by the President.

KITCHENER - 00015

1. AFS Tentative Agreement & Sick Leave

The Local indicated that she received a tentative agreement from a PIPSC AFS member and they have an Employee Wellness Program in their tentative agreement.  The Employee Wellness Program is a change in the sick leave provision.  Employees that are on the Employees Wellness Program considered to be on leave with pay.  The full cost to administrate the program will be borne by the employer.   The program will be implemented within one year.  If they don’t agree at the bargaining table, the current system will remain in place.  The Local is wondering if we are going to see this in the next round of negotiations.

Brother Jackson, the Chairperson of the Bargaining Committee indicated that we will not see it in the next round of negotiation.  He mentioned that PIPSC broke away from the pack of sick leave but not PSAC.  It is not the intent at all whether they offer it or not, it is not an issue.  We are very clear on where we stand right now.

By-Laws Committee

Nominee:  Darlene Bembridge      (Michelle Neill / Terry Ruyter)

Darlene Bembridge was acclaimed to the By-Laws Committee

Staffing Committee

Nominees:

Susanne Ehrhardt   (Celine Germain / Michelle Lafond)
Joanne Coish           (Darlene Bembridge / Clarkson Newport)

Joanne Coish was elected as Call Centre Representative to the Staffing Committee.

Nominee:

Patrick Bertrand (Richard Weintrager / Wanda Dufty)

Patrick Bertrand was acclaimed as TC Representative to the Staffing Committee.

Nominees:

Jennifer MacPherson          (Richard Harron / Glenn Murphy)
Josée Verret                         (Jennifer Keays / Hicham Youssfi)

Jennifer MacPherson was elected as TSO Representative to the Staffing Committee.

Point of privilege

Sister Kimberley Koch advise that they raised $450 for Louise Dorion daughter’s wheelchair on the 50/50 draw.  Brother Adam Jackson will do the draw for the 50/50. 

As President Brière mentioned before, Sisters Melanson and Labrie are here for their last conference in their respective roles.  He informed the participants that a cake will be served during the break to underline the departure of our Sisters.  He also advised them that a little montage on both of them will be shown.

Recess for coffee break

Technological Change Committee

Nominees: 

Idriss Goundiam (Lynne Scott Cadieux / Wanda Clancy)
Josh Atwood (Trixie Gorzo/Glenn Murphy)

Brother Idriss Goundiam was elected as the Representative to the Technological Change Committee.

Point of Privilege

Brother Aywood raised a point of privilege that Sister Marcotte will be celebrating her birthday on Sunday.  He wants her to be acknowledged.

The point was well taken by the President.

Health and Safety Committee

Nominees:

Annick Lamoureux (Daniel Gagnon / Selby Hewitt)
Kirsten Strachey (Chris Beaton / Imre Bene)
Tracy Marcotte (Richard Weintrager/ Josh Atwood)

Annick Lamoureux was elected to the Health and Safety Committee.

Point of privilege

Chris Beaton is requesting the number of votes for each candidate.

Annick Lamoureux    24 votes
Kirsten Strachey       20 votes
Tracy Marcotte          15 votes

BELLEVILLE - 00012

Severance unrelated to Phoenix problems (Belleville)

The Local indicated that a member did receive their delegation form in terms of their severance and they felt that there was a mistake at the time of service.  The Local advised the member to fill out a form on what the member wants to do and the employer will make the correction when the time comes. After a while, Compensation contacted the member and advised her that her starting time was not correct. Compensation did make the correction but not to her expectation.  However, the Compensation Advisor advised the member that she was missed informed.  Since she did not submit her declaration, her severance will not be released until she retires.  Had anyone else have the same situation?

One of the Local mentioned that they have two cases. They filed two grievances to change the form.  One of the grievance has been accepted as if it was received on time.  The second grievance is still active and it’s the same situation, for whatever reason, the member could not put in his form on time. 

Brother O’Brien suggested to the Locals to provide the National Office with details in writing, with any supporting documents they have before filing a grievance.  The Union resolved similar issues, maybe not identical. UTE will talk to the Director General about the issues.

Point of Order

Sister Celine Germain indicated that we are supposed to do the elections before going to the items submitted by the Local.  She suggests that we finish the elections before going through the other Items of Discussions.

President Brière accepted the point of order and will only continue with the elections.

Points of Privilege

Brother Ryan Harron indicated that he understood the point of order in terms of going back to the agenda.  He mentioned that this is where we bring the members’ issues.  To fill in while they are waiting for ballots to be counted, it’s being proactive in terms of getting the needs that are met by the members.  He would like the chair to potentially look at changing things a little and allowing this opportunity to happen in the future.

President Brière explained that the agenda that was adopted is the items that are submitted by the Local prior to the conference.  When items are added on the floor, we take them, but are not obliged to treat them.  Normally, we are not supposed to go back and forth when we have elections.

Brother Mike Chartrand suggested that we should go with an electronic version because it is faster.  The National Office should look into it.

Sister Melanee Jessup wanted to point out that we look at the agenda, we move and second it and then we amend it and we carry it.  Is that not accepting an amended agenda which includes these additional items?

President Brière agrees with Sister Jessup, but the ongoing practice for the longest time at the Presidents’ Conference are, we try to go through all the items that have been submitted prior to the deadline.  After, we try to finish all the additional items.  It has been done before that the additional items were not finished and the conference was closed without doing all the additional items.  It’s not a new ruling, it’s an ongoing practice.

Equal Opportunities Committee

Nominees:

Mary Ellen Lucier (Marc Chartrand / Ashley Green)

Mary Ellen Lucier was acclaimed to the Equal Opportunities Committee.

Employee Assistance Program Committee

Nominees:

Heather Ford (Michelle Neill / Trixie Gorzo)

Heather Ford was acclaimed to the Employee Assistance Program Committee.

Finance Committee

Nominees:

David Webster (Dean Grychowski / Josée Verret)
Glenn Murphy (Michelle Neill / Josh Atwood)

David Webster was elected to the Finance Committee.

Honours & Awards Committee

Nominee:

Gesine Campbell (Marc Latulippe / Christine Krokosh)

Gesine Campbell was acclaimed to the Honours & Awards Committee.

Workforce Adjustment Committee

Nominee:

Glenn Steele (Chris Heywood / Ashley Green)

Glenn Steele was acclaimed as TC Representative to the Workforce Adjustment Committee.

Nominees:

Andrew Wickens (Sharon Cowie / Sue Moser)
Gabriel Bourdon (Jennifer Keays / Colette Fortin)

Gabriel Bourdon was elected as TSO Representative to the Workforce Adjustment Committee

Communications Committee

Nominees: 

Johann Ackerman (Lynne Scott Cadieux / Terry Ruyter)
Nate Angus-Jackman (Chris Beaton / Daniel Gagnon)
Melanee Jessup (Selby Hewitt / Marc Latulippe)

Nate Angus-Jackman was elected to the Communications Committee

Point of privilege

Scott Henneberry requested the number of votes for each candidate.

Nate Angus-Jackman 27 votes
Johann Ackerman 16 votes
Melanee Jessup 16 votes

Notice of Motion

M/S          Joanne Coish / Josh Atwood

That the hours of sessions be extended to finish the conference business.

MOTION CARRIED.

Point of privilege

Brother O’Brien wanted to point out that he’s really overjoyed for so much interest from members, especially new members that advocate in the history that he’s been with UTE.  That goes back to April 1978.  He has never seen such an interest in committees and it’s a great thing for the Union.  More and more people want to be of the drive to improve our union and everyone one of the participants should commend themselves.  He’s really heartened when he sees where the participants are going.  The new blood and the new activists are going to take this union for the future.  He also wants to commend Brother Brière on his first conference.

The point was well taken by the President.

Political Action Committee

Nominees: 

André Michaud (Josée Verret / Trixie Gorzo)
Jennifer Keays (Imre Bene / Ashley Green)

André Michaud was elected to the Political Action Committee.

Points of privilege

Brother Hicham Youssfi wanted to say thank you to Sister Pierrette Labrie for everything she has done over the years.  She has been very accommodating, patient and very nice to us.  He wishes her the best and a happy retirement.

Brother Gary Esslinger wanted to indicate that we mentioned at the beginning of the conference that Sister Christine Krokosh is retiring.  He also wants to mention that Sister Christine McKlennan will not be running again and wants the delegation to wish her well.

Sister Heather Ford also wanted to state that Sister Ginger Cole, President of the Summerside Local, will not be seeking re-election this time at her AGM.  She wanted to thank Sister Cole for her hard work over the years.

The points were well taken by the President.

Call Centre Committee

Nominees:

Gina Degner (Trixie Gorzo/ Clarkson Newport)
Justin Von Bornhoft (Celine Germain / Richard Weintrager)
Deoraj Mahabirsingh (Catherine Li / Richard Hyatt)

Brother Justin Von Bornhoft was elected to the Call Centre Committee.

Notice of Motion

M/S     Marc Latulippe / Melanee Jessup

That the ballots be destroyed.

MOTION CARRIED.

CLOSING REMARKS

President Brière did a special presentation and invited the RVPs, Shane O’Brien, Annette Melanson and Pierrette Labrie to the stage.  Brother vanSydenborgh pointed out the departure of Sisters Melanson and Labrie.  He thanked both of them for their help during the years. He also wished Sister Labrie good luck in her retirement. Sisters Melanson and Labrie were each presented with a gift and flowers.  Brother Shane O’Brien gave a short tribute to both of them and that they deserve to be appreciated by all of the delegation.  On behalf of the office staff, the participants, the members, current president and everyone here, he wished them a good life.

President Brière thanked everyone for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at 18:00 p.m.