Minutes of the Presidents' Conference

March 22 - 24, 2018

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
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, Shane O’Brien, Mathieu Juneau and Annick Lamoureux. 

The CPR attendants were introduced as follows:

Bill Blair, Ottawa TC
Elizabeth Boudreaux, Ottawa TC
Marc Brière, National President
Ken Bye, RVP – Greater Toronto Region
Mike Chartrand, Ottawa HQ
Cosimo Crupi, RVP – Northern and Eastern Ontario
Monique Déry, Shawinigan TC
Scott Henneberry, Albert Street
Linda Koenders, RVP – National Capital Region
Greg Krokosh, RVP – Rocky Mountains Region
Annick Lamoureux, Laval
Justin Leinhos, Montérégie South Shore
Hugh McGolderick, Ottawa HQ
Teri McNamee, Kingston
Barb Pawlovich, London
Rachel Rock, Ottawa TC
Millissa Ryan, Ottawa TC
Lynne Scott Cadieux, Ottawa Centre
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.  He then asked the Local Presidents to introduce themselves. 

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

He also presented our former 2nd National Vice-President, Madonna Gardiner.

New Local Presidents

Miranda Coutu, Belleville
Gina Degner, Hamilton
Maureen Geston, Summerside
Heather Kenny, Surrey
Stacy L’Hirondelle, Edmonton
Michelle Lafond, Shawinigan TC
Robert Malouf, Ottawa ITSO
Tracy Marcotte, Sudbury
Barb Pawlovich, London
Stepanie Smyski, Winnipeg CCSC
Pattie Wright, Lethbridge
Shady Zekry, Connaught Building
Jacqueline Whyman, Kingston
Scott Henneberry, Albert Street

Mireille Dupont on the chair for Trois-Rivières Local in Trusteeship

Shelly Martel from the Kitchener Local is replacing Melanee Jessup this afternoon.

Brother Brière also mentioned that Jerry Meddlewitz from the Toronto North Local is here for the last time.

HOURS OF SESSION

m/s      Lynne Scott Cadieux / Hicham Youssfi

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      Hicham Youssfi / Joanne Coish

That the agenda be adopted with the following additional items:

  • Senior Collection Enforcement Officer Funding (Moncton)
  • Remote Reporting Province of Residence (Charlottetown)
  • CCART (St. John’s TSO)
  • Privacy Issues CRA Website (Toronto East)
  • GTA Modernization Update (Toronto West)
  • Bilingual Bonus (Bathurst)
  • Compensation Advisor MOU (Ottawa TC)
  • Communication Subsidy (Moncton)
  • Permanency without Selection Process (Connaught Building)
  • Emails coming out of the National Office (Kelowna)
  • Coughlin Insurance Premium Arrears (Charlottetown)
  • Payment Workers Compensation (Bathurst)
  • MOTION CARRIED.

Point of order

Sister Heather Kenny from the Surrey Local advised that they have a bomb threat in the Surrey office. She wanted to make us aware the reason why we have no communication from the employer.

President Brière mentioned that Brother Gaetz is the Chair of the Health and Safety Committee and he will get a report.

OPENING REMARKS

President Brière would like to thank the Locals that got involved with the Phoenix Rallies on February 28.  We had difficulties getting the information out and had some confusion.    Our Component refused to have the Lunch and Learn Session in the offices because the presentation they were using contained information that we weren’t comfortable with, namely the Pay Advocate.  Therefore, President Brière advised Sister Benson that we were not moving forward with that.  They came back to the Lunch and Learn with a revised presentation made by President Brière and it was well appreciated by Sister Benson.  Unfortunately, the revised version was not cascade down very well in the regions.  The NBoD was supposed to receive information on the content of the flyers that was supposed to be distributed.  Unfortunately, the information got delayed.  The chair also mentioned that PSAC Regional Offices were supposed to get in contact with the Locals to inform them of rallies that are being held in different regions.  Some Locals did received information before the rally and some Locals never received any information until the day of the rally.  President Brière thanked the Locals that participated and for those who couldn’t, he understands. 

He assisted various AGM’s across the country and gave interviews.  The National Officers are trying to go on the floor to meet members and also do site visits of work locations.  During the visits he tried to push some messages through and let them know that we are working with the employer nationally and also at the Regional level. 

President Brière also mentioned that we did not sign the UMA with the employer.  We are waiting for some dates to meet with the Commissioner and the National President of the AFS Group, Doug Mason.  It was postponed because the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner are both fairly recent in CRA and HR wants to brief them on the history of Union/Management initiative.

He drew attention that he has been made aware that there are cases of “In Fighting” within our Union.  He was annoyed that he was forced to add an “In Fighting” workshop on the agenda.  People should learn to work together and needs to be professional.

In addition, Brother Shane O’Brien wants to remind the Locals that when the National Office is asking for feedbacks on special issues, please respond in a timely manner. 

President Brière advises the members that we are moving to a new hotel.  We’ve been at the Château Laurier for at least 10 years with a contract ending at the end of 2018.  We will be moving to the Delta Hotel on Lyon Street for a 3-year contract.  It was a very difficult decision but we came to a conclusion that it is a reasonable decision made for the years 2019-2020-2021.

For the 2020 UTE Convention, a resolution was given at Executive Council to hold the Convention in Winnipeg. 

He also mentions that Brother Jackson will speak on bargaining later on.  He was disappointed on the result we received during the arbitration on January 31st.  The employer changes the offer that was made in May 2017 that was .5, .5 to .25, .25.  They were offering less than everyone else in the Public Service. 

Further information in regard to the PSAC Convention will be sent by email in the weeks to come.  He also mentioned that he will be supporting Brother Chris Aylward for National President and Magalie Picard for the National Executive Vice-President (NEVP) Quebec Region campaign.  Brother Aylward is a UTE member and President Brière is on his campaign team.  Everyone will be briefed in our Caucus by the four (4) officers that went to the Pre-Convention Committees.  They are as follow: 

  • Sister Linda Koenders - General Resolutions;
  • Brother Adam Jackson - Bargaining Resolutions;
  • Brother Doug Gaetz - Finance Resolutions; and
  • Brother Brière - Constitution Resolutions will be briefing everyone.

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 March 2018 that were sent earlier).

Recess for coffee break

President Brière would like to recognize a Life Member present at the Presidents’ Conference.  He welcomed Sister Betty Bannon, past President.  He also mentioned that the delegate for the Kitchener Local, Sister Melanee Jessup is back.

Points of Privileges

Brother Mike Chartrand, Ottawa HQ Local asked that we recognize Brother Hugh McGoldrick.  This is his last conference and has been an activist for 28 years.

Brother Alan Craig, Ottawa East Local asked the participants to bring their room toiletries that they will not be using during the week.  He will distribute them to homeless shelters in Ottawa.

Brother Shady Zekry, Connaught Building Local asked to support Carleton CUPE Local, Administration Team, they are on strike for three (3) weeks.  It’s regarding their Pension and the language used. Also, there is a rally at lunch time on Friday.

Brother David Lanthier, Ottawa HQ Local, can get taxi chips for the rally on Friday.

The points of privileges are well taken by the President.

REPORT OF THE UTE NATIONAL BARGAINING COMMITTEE

The Collective Bargaining Committee, the chairperson, Brother Jackson, the co-chairperson, Brother vanSydenborgh, Michelle Neill, the TSO’s Rep, Shane O’Brien, Technical Advisor and absent Chris Heywood the TC’s Rep was asked to the podium for an update.  He would alos like to acknowledge the committee’s work.

President Brière announced the bargaining team for the next round of bargaining.  The team is composed of eight (8) members.  The first member is Brother Jackson, the chair of the Committee, Brother vanSydenborgh, the co-chair, Sister Michelle Neill, the Local TSO’s Rep, Brother Greg Krokosh, Brother Gary Esslinger, Brother Eddy Aristil, Brother Brian Oldford and Brother Cosimo Crupi.

Brother Jackson thanked everyone for submitting the demands.  Approximately 300 demands were received and at least sixty (60) were retained.  If the demand was not accepted, for whatever reason, the Local would have received an email.  He is asking that all members stand together. 

We’ve made it very clear to the employer under no specific term whatsoever that we are looking for term conversion after three years instead of five years. 

We have a slogan contest and the deadline is 5:00 p.m. Friday. It will be decided by Brother Jackson, Brother Brière, Brother vanSydenborgh, Sister Neill and Brother Heywood by email.

Brother Jackson asked that the members display their support by wearing Union Pride t-shirts, etc.  It will show a gage of support. 

The Committee answered a few questions from the participants.

President Brière took the time to thank the committee for their hard work. 

Point of Privilege

Barb Stewart on behalf of the Workers History Museum thanked everyone for their support for the 50/50 draw.    The winner is Josh Atwood from the Halifax Local.  The amount of the 50/50 draw is $205. 

REPORT OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMITTEE

The chairperson of the committee, Sister Linda Koenders introduced Brother Krokosh, co-chairperson and Sister Andrea Holmes, Technical Advisor.  She also mentioned that in the fall, the committee and the Local Rep, Mel Lucier went through the applications to select the representatives for each equity groups. The representatives for each equity groups are;  Lisa Halbach, Rep for Aboriginal People, Loree Ann Huard, Rep for GLBT, Lea Serron, Rep for Women, Georges Ten, Rep for Racially Visible and Jim Austin, Rep for People with Disabilities. She would also like to thank the Administrative Assistant, Christiane page for the work she has been doing.

She announced that the Regional Conferences are being held in 2018 and all the information is going to be on the UTE website.  The theme for the Regional Conferences is “Awareness, Empowerment, Action”.  The first conference is being held in Calgary, August 23-26 for the regions of Pacific, Prairies and Rocky Mountains. The regions of Montreal, Quebec, Atlantic and the National Capital Region is being held in Montreal, October 31 – November 4. And the regions of Greater Toronto, Southwestern Ontario   and the North and Eastern Ontario will be held in Toronto, November 29 – December 2.  She briefly discusses the procedure to participate at the Regional Conference.  There will be two participants per Local that will be funded by the National Office and observers can be funded by their Local.

She also mentioned that Brother Alan Craig is doing a raffle under the EO umbrella.  The raffle is two (2) paintings and the funds from the raffle are going to the NWAC, the Native Women Association of Canada.  It will be used specifically toward the national enquiry of the missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. 

President Brière presented the new Charters to the 2 new Locals from the National Capital Region.  President Brière and Sister Koenders, RVP of the National Capital Region presented the Charters to Brother Scott Henneberry, President of the Albert Street Local and Shady Zekry, President of the Connaught Building Local.  He also presented a 25-year service pin to Sister Monique Déry from the Shawinigan Local. 

ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS

MONTREAL - 10008

1. Bill C-27

The Local received many questions from their members regarding Bill C-27.She drew the attention on the first reading of the Bill that was passed on October 19, 2016.  It’s been more than one-year and we need to be mindful because it could be a risk and wants everyone to be vigilant.  It is important that we keep our Pension Plan and yes, it can affect us eventually.

President Brière mentioned that Bill C-27 is part of the National Officers discussions at the AGMs.

ALBERT STREET – 70022

1. Canada’s Top 100 Employers

What is the UTE's position on this CRA campaign? CRA is not a legitimate top 100 employer in Canada. Staffing cuts devastated the Agency to the point that a regular appeal took 18 months to start, a non-resident assessment took nearly a year to action, less than half of calls to the General Enquiries Line got through, and of the calls that made it through, and nearly 30% were answered incorrectly. This is solely due to staffing cuts and a lack of training. The Local is asking the presidents of the Locals and the National President what they think of this and should we not be boycotting the Public Service picnic. The question is, when we receive the email to have a piece of cake or have a coffee to celebrate with CRA being on the list of the Top 100 Employers, what are we to do?

President Brière is trying to build a better relationship with CRA, he had some success.  He does not think we should boycott the celebration of the employer.  He will not encourage the members to go and he’s not sure at this point if he will order the members not to go. 

SASKATOON - 40023

1. Staffing – Talent Management Teams

The Local mentioned that he spoke with Local Presidents along with the RVP from his region.  They are well aware of this issue.  In their region and within the office, a new Pilot Project has been put in place for well over a year.  The Local received a record of complaints with regards to staffing.  If the Union do not act now, he is afraid that this Pilot Project might be rolled over at the National level.  As of that, he is asking that the National Leadership take this issue and either assign it to the Staffing Committee or take a direct approach and turn it into discussion in their region to at least influence the staffing process to being molded. It has been taken to the AC and the Director and we are getting some positive push that they are accepting on a lot of these issues, but they are not walking from it.   

President Brière mentions that it was brought up at the Regional and National level.

Brother O’Brien was contacted by the Local about the Talent Management Policy.  He realizes the stake at this point and rather than wait for the Staffing Committee to meet, he met directly with Resourcing.  It was an opportunity because when he asked to have a meeting to discuss the issue, they said that they will discuss it at the next Staffing Project and Activity (SPA) meeting.  The employer talked about this Pilot Project.  Brother O’Brien is surprise that the Regional AC has provided some positive changes because she is the champion of the Pilot Project.    

In addition, Brother O’Brien stated that all Pilot Projects should be consulted at the National level.  The Agency provides us once year an annual list on all the Pilot Projects across the country that they are initiating.  The Agency did not listen to us and proceed with this project. 

The problem that the Local raised, is an external process.  His concern is that once they pilot this and how good it is, we will see this roll out internally.  Needless to say, the Staffing Committee and Brother O’Brien will continue to raise at every opportunity our issues with Talent Management and not just Talent Management on the use of External Pools before they use Internal Pool.  That has been a consistent UTE position since 1967 when the Public Service Employment Act was created. 

The Local wants clarification on this situation. 

Brother O’Brien pointed out that there is no recourse.  This is a regional issue; since our members have no recourse through the Staffing Program, everyone of them should file a grievance and it will give us an opportunity to address it locally, regionally and at the National level.    Brother O’Brien does not think that the matter should be referred to the Staffing Committee because one of their mandate is to monitor the use of Staffing Program. 

The meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m.


FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018
MORNING SESSION

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

President Brière acknowledged a Life Member among the delegation, the past President Brother Robert Campbell.

Points of Privileges

Sister Gina Degner wants a quick meeting with members of Call Centers at 5h00 p.m. in the Ballroom. It’s just to examine what is going on in our Call Centres.

Brother Shady Zekry wants to remind that CUPE members are on strike and that Brother Lanthier is going to the PSAC office to get taxi chips.  He wants to know who would like to go to support the members during lunch so he can get enough taxi chips.

The points of privileges are well taken by the President.

ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS (cont’d)

SASKATOON - 40023

1. Staffing – Talent Management Teams (cont’d)

One Local wants to point out that in their region, HQ’s have a mobility bank.  They have been trying to shut it down for years and basically if you are interested in a lateral move into another department, you go on a list, your manager says yes, you are good to go and you get a lateral move in to another department.  At that point, they will staff you on a permanent position.  All she wants is for UTE to look into that one also.

Brother Martel, the Chair of the Staffing Committee, wants to remind everyone that it is important to go to your Local/Management level and then to your RVP when there is an issue.  Therefore, if nothing works, bring it up with the National President so he can address it to the Staffing Committee.   Also, make sure you follow the steps and that all staffing recourses are made available.

SUDBURY – 00042

1. Discrimination and Harassment Centre of Expertise

The Local complains about the length of time it takes to acknowledge and respond when a complaint is received.  In addition, how long it takes them to even screen in or out for a complaint. What are we going to do as a union to push the employer to follow their policy and get more people working in the center?

Brother Shane O’Brien and Brother Doug Gaetz have attended a meeting on behalf of UTE with representative from the Centre of Expertise.  He advises the employer that UTE does not support the Agency Harassment Policy.   He told the employer that the Union message to the members is not to use the Harassment Complaint Procedure but instead UTE recommend our members to file grievances and file a complaint under Workplace Violence (Regulation 20).  

The Local mentions that the member has two (2) Human Rights Complaints.  The issue is that for them to do their grievances, the internal process has to happen.  If the Harassment Complaint is withdrawn does the Local get to push the grievances to the top level?  What will happen if the Local withdraws the Human Rights Complaints?  The Local wants the Commissioner to know that this is not working.   

Brother Shane O’Brien mentions that the employer can look at the grievances.  If harassment is mentioned in it, it falls under their authority.  However, it is not up to them to hold then in abeyance.  You can tell them you don’t agree.  If they don’t response under their policy, if you indicate it is an harassment, it goes to Regional Assistant Commissioner.  If the Regional Assistant Commissioner holds it in abeyance without your agreement and it’s a grievance, submit your transmittal.  The employer has 10 working days to response; if they don’t, you have to wait 5 more days to elapse and the 16th day submit it to the final level.  Do that a few times, after that, they won’t hold it in abeyance; they will be coming to seek your approval. 

OTTAWA HQ – 70000

1. Accidents in the area just outside of CRA buildings

The Local wants to know how other Locals deal with accidents outside of their buildings and what kind of arrangements do they have.

Another Local has been told that there is a difference between CRA that owns a building and a lease building.  If CRA owns the building, there is no problem it would have been WSAP and CRA would have handled it.  But if CRA leases the building; the member would have to sew the landlord.

Brother Doug Gaetz mentions that the purpose of workplace inspections is to: identify work place hazards; review potential problem areas, based on local accident reports and trends; and recommend corrective measures to address health and safety risks.

Subsection 122 (1) of the Canada Labour Code (Code) provides a definition of "work place" which is broad in scope and is not based on geography or other specific criteria. As a result, jurisprudence requires that it be interpreted broadly and generously demanding employers' flexibility in determining what constitutes the work place in their own circumstance. Furthermore, the purpose of the Code, stated at section 122.1, is ".... to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, linked with or occurring in the course of employment to which this Part applies.", which does not limit responsibility to a particular location. A work place committee may recommend various types of inspections for which there is no direct responsibility.

There are various areas that provide safe ingress and egress from the building, such as the main floor lobby, stairwells, and emergency exits. These areas should be inspected by the WPHSC if CRA is the sole tenant of the building. These areas could also be inspected by the WPHSC where the CRA is only one of the tenants, as other employers are also inspecting these areas. In some cases, a ‘building committee’ has been established so that representatives from each employer can raise joint concerns and issues regarding common areas, to the property manager or owner. Specific concerns could also be brought to the attention of the PWGSC National Service Call Centre.

This information was sent to all locals and HSC members in March 2017.

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

Brother Doug Gaetz advises that whether it’s a lease building or not, the employer has an obligation to the Health and Safety of all employees in that building.  When an accident occurs, they should be filing the Form T4009 and should be investigated.  If something occurs like that, the Local is to advise Brother Juneau or Brother Gaetz about the incident.  If the member falls beside his desk, it’s the responsibility of the employer.   

2. Building Evacuations

The Local wants to know if staging areas are considered part of the workplace. It would be good to know how CRA deals with these areas. In the case of 2465 St. Laurent, they say that the parking lot is not under their jurisdiction, yet they identify this area as suitable during an evacuation.

Brother Doug Gaetz mentions that the CLC and Regulations do not prohibit the use of tenanted sites as evacuation areas. The CRA imposes a minimum of 100 metre (300 feet) from the building as a safe meeting location. This could fall in the parking lot or other safe meeting area.

Any issues regarding the CRA’s Emergency Evacuation Plan should be addressed to the local HSC, then up the chain to Local management and the Building Emergency Organization members.

Any outstanding issues should be sent up to Brothers Doug Gaetz/Mathieu Juneau by a UTE Local HSC employee member.

3. Referrals to the National OSH Committee

When issues come up involving a Local OSH, the Local wants to know what is the correct protocol to elevate the issue quickly so that it can be dealt with?  Do Locals have to wait until the committee meets or do they deal with issues as they arise? The Local withdraws the items since it was addressed by the Chair of the Health and Safety. 

Brother Gaetz decided to give the answer, even though the Local withdrew the item.  He indicated that it depends of the situation for example:

  1. If you are representing a member in a Reg. XX complaint and have questions, you should first contact your RVP and then Brothers Doug Gaetz and Mathieu Juneau at the National Office, the reason being that we do not want you going to the Local HSC and compromising the identity of the complainant, revealing details that she or he would not want revealed within the office;
  2. If, however, you are not dealing with a Reg. XX complaint but instead a potential H & S hazard or accident, you should first report it to management, and speak with the UTE employee co-chair or member of the local HSC (and you should know who these people are) about the issue. They should take it up locally and then contact us at the national level (Doug Gaetz/Mathieu Juneau) if the issue cannot be resolved locally.

KITCHENER – 00015

1. Merit Assessment Protocol

The Local indicated that this has been sent to Brother O’Brien for review.  It was developed in the Kitchener/Waterloo TSO and is now being shared with other offices.  The Merit Assessment Protocol has two components to it.  40% is the Reference Component and 60% is the Technical Component. Files are pulled and are reviewed by Team Leaders and it is done every 6 months.  They have a lot of problems in their office with this protocol.  The Local has concerns with it because essentially there making the members compete every 6 months for their jobs.

Brother Jérôme Martel, Chair of the Staffing Committee, indicated that it was done in the past by the employer.  The employer mentioned that they submitted it to the Staffing Committee so that it can be verified.  The employer advised the Union that it was a regional program and not national.  They told us that the Union was consulted in all the details but which it was not true.  The area pools are only for the workloads that are recurrent and temporary.  The Staffing Procedures is clear.  It is not to be used for programs that are year-round.  When you see things like that, contact your RVP and the RVP will communicate with the Staffing Committee.  It is mandatory that the appeal has to be given in writing. 

Recess for coffee

Participants broke into “In Fighting Workshops” and “Disability Insurance Sessions” for the rest of the day.

The meeting recessed at 1145 hours.


SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018
MORNING SESSION

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

Points of Privileges

Sister Barb Stewart from Workers History Museum would like to say thank you for all the donations.  The amount of $260 went to Brother Bill Blair of the Ottawa TC Local.

Brother Shady Zekry from the Connaught Building Local mentioned that a few of them went out to support CUPE who are fighting to keep the wording in their contract for their pension.  With the indulgent of the floor and the chair, an envelope will be passed around the floor to support them. 

Brother Alan Craig from the Ottawa TC Local inform that the box for the toiletries is a green bag by the door. Also, the draw for the paintings will be done later today. 

The points of privileges are well taken by the President.

ITEMS SUBMITTED BY THE LOCAL (CONT’D)

KITCHENER – 00015 (cont’d)

1. Merit Assessment Protocol (cont’d)

A Local went to the microphone to voice their concerns and frustration on the subject. 

The Local mentions that if the MAP has issues from staffing prospect from all sorts of aspects and wants to highlight the effect that has on the members.  Members are coming to work and they break out in tears and it’s not a healthy place to work for the members.  Can it be referred to the Staffing Committee?

Brother O’Brien would not recommend it at this point of time.   The Chair of the Committee and Brother O’Brien has been talking in the last few weeks and has contacted the RVP of the Region.  Brother O’Brien has provided comments on the MAP and to the Staffing Committee.  Since it is not a National issue, so therefore, it is not within the scope of the National Staffing Committee.  The Committee recommended to the RVP of that Region that the sister raise it locally at the UMC.  Should it be unresolved at the UMC then it should be brought up to the RVP to be raised with the Regional Assistant Commissioner.  And only then, if it cannot be resolved, the Committee suggest that the RVP brings it up at Council and ask for a referral or contact the National President and ask for a referral.

2. Email etiquette

The Local just wants to remind the delegation that CRA has an email protocol and has been forgotten lately.  When you reply to emails, do not reply to all to fill up all the inboxes. 

WINDSOR – 00018

1. Article 34.11

The Local indicates that Article 34.11 is in regard to carryover/liquidation of vacation leave.  The members has been told by the managers that due to Phoenix they are making members take the time because they are unsure how Phoenix will handle the access cash out.  The Local is looking for an interpretation and also where it will go if we grieve this.  The employer has already made the members take that time, how will it affect a grievance in the future.  Would they give back the time, can they grieve it, is it worth it? 

Brother O’Brien indicates that Article 34.11 talks about pay out of vacation leave, we can’t read it in isolation.    In Article 34.05 of the Collective Agreement that says, employees are expected to take all their vacation leave during the vacation year in which it’s earned.  Then if your look at 34.11, it says were an employee has not been granted.  The employer is not granting it, the employees are trying to bank their leave and carry them over.  The grievances that we had in the past throughout the PSAC, not only in our Component have not been successful.    We have negative jurisprudence; they have a right to expect you to take your vacation leave in the year that it is earned.

2. Integrated Staffing System (ISS)

The item was withdrawn by the submitting Local with approval of the floor.

ST. JOHN’S TC – 90000

1. Rejection on probation instead of discipline for unauthorized access

The Local mentions that in her Local if you are on probation and you access the system without authorization your probation will be rejected.  If you have been working more than 1 year and you access the system without authorization, you will be suspended for 10 days.  The Local would like to know if it’s happening in other Local or is it just their region. 

Other Locals mentioned that they have the same issues and they are let go before the year of probation is over.   They file grievances without any success.

President Brière announced that Wayne Little is replacing Andrew Wickens from the Victoria Local and Joel Bermack is replacing Patti Wright from Lethbridge as delegates. The replacements have been authorized by President Brière.

SAINT JOHN – 60005

1. Dues – Phoenix/PSAC

The Local has concerns about this issue.  The issue was brought up 6 months ago in regards to the dues to be recuperated and in November everything stopped and was not advised by the National Office.  The history is that PSAC is supposed to take double dues but it is not what is happening in the field.  Compensation takes a lump sum.  The Local is frustrated that the members received no communication from the National Office on these issues.

President Brière understands the frustration.  He spoke at the NBoD in October and Sister Benson talked about the problem coming up in November.  We were told nothing in writing that it was supposed to be as usual twice the regular amount per month.  It was supposed to be done in November; we were supposed to get something in writing.  All the Components Presidents understood that the refund should not be capped.  The reason it did not happen in November is that Treasury Board ordered PSAC not to go ahead for their own reason.  Sister Benson advise that they will try to apply the patch to the change tape around May or June.  The PSAC has taken a recourse against the government and a Complaint of Interference.

A few locals went to the microphones to voice their concerns and frustration of not getting communications from the National Office. 

The point was well taken by President Brière.

President Brière invites Sister Robyn Benson, National President of PSAC to the microphone to address the delegation on Phoenix.

Sister Robyn Benson addresses the delegation on Phoenix.  She mentions that Brother Brière was right about running the change tape in November.  What she means about running the change tape is that PSAC would have implemented all the dues increases that came from Locals and Components that PSAC were aware off.  Someone from Treasury Board decided that our process of 30 years was against the law.  It has something to do with privacy, with names, and addresses etc. It was determined that PSAC had to review all of this and then is able to run the change tape in the spring.  At that time, PSAC determine that it would be best to refund the UTE Component because while they were able to implement the 2016 dues increase, they were not able to implement 2017 dues increase.  She also mentions that the 2018 dues increase will not be implemented.  So, UTE will have every penny that they asked for regardless the fact that PSAC were not able to collect the money from the membership.  The PSAC will pay the Local dues if they know the amount of dues increase. They will give the money to UTE and it is UTE’s responsibility to give that money to the Locals.  The PSAC will not put any Components in financial hardship.  She also mentioned that Brother Brière was right, PSAC has a rule that they always go back a year.  That rule was implemented in 1988.  PSAC does have a Complaint of Interference with many other complaints against the government.  She mentions that PSAC will be getting a 5 million-dollar cheque from the government as an advance because of the union dues.  PSAC is short 12 million dollars, because all of the Components received all their money.  She apologized to the delegation because PSAC could have sent something to the Locals and that communications could be better from PSAC as well.  The change tape will be run sometime in May and the number one order of business on this change tape is any refunds owed to the members.  The most important thing that we need to concentrate on is that the members get paid.  Anything that PSAC can think about, is to make the members whole, they are trying to do that.

President Brière invites Sister Robyn Benson to proceed with her speech. 

Guest Speaker – Robyn Benson

Sister Benson addresses the delegation about her time in her Leadership role.  She indicated that her first speech to UTE as National President of PSAC was six (6) years ago and now she was doing her last speech to UTE as National President of PSAC.  She is very proud to be a member of UTE and that UTE is the Component closest to their membership and she thanked the delegation for all of the work they do.  She did a quick briefing on bargaining and Phoenix.  In addition, she reiterated that we should try and find out what the members want and care about.  We should work toward that goal.  We need to work collectively together, we need to share and we need to care for the membership.  She also talked about how it was growing up in the Union.   

President Brière thanked the Sister for all her hard work and wishes her all the best for her retirement.

Recess for coffee break

Presentation on Members vs Members, Complaints Procedure.

The presentation was given by Brother Shane O’Brien.

The meeting recessed at 11h45 a.m.


AFTERNOON SESSION

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

Point of Privilege

Sister Annick Lamoureux from the Laval Local is asking if everyone would like to sign the petition on-line.  The website in English is 15weeks.ca/ and in French it is 15semaines.ca/.  The petition is on the Employment Insurance website. She wants people to sign and share the petition.

President Brière suggest to the sister to send him an email with the links so it can be forwarded to the Locals.

President Brière invites Brother Chris Aylward, National Vice-President of PSAC to the podium.

Guest Speaker – Chris Aylward

Brother Aylward talked about the UTE bargaining process that is starting today and encourages the members to start talking about it.  He mentioned the Pay Equity Legislation from the Trudeau government that was promised in 2015 and haven’t seen it yet. He also briefly talked about Phoenix.   He points out that it is very important to communicate with the members and that PSAC, UTE and the other 14 Components should be working together.  He briefly referred to the budget that will be presented at the upcoming PSAC Convention.  He is very proud to be a member of UTE and thanked everyone for having him as a guest speaker.  He advised everyone that he will be running as National President at the PSAC Convention and is asking for the support. 

President Brière presented Brother Aylward with a donation of $1,500 for his campaign. 

Point of Privilege

Brother Richard Weintrager from the Ottawa TC Local presented to Brother Aylward a donation of $500 for his campaign.

The point of privilege is well taken by the President.

President Brière called up the Health & Safety Committee to the podium.  He introduced the Chair of the Committee Brother Doug Gaetz. 

Brother Gaetz introduced the Committee members, Annick Lamoureux, representative of the Locals, the co-chair Brian Oldford and the Technical Advisor, Mathieu Juneau.  Brother Gaetz advises the delegation that the National Health and Safety Conference is being held on October 12-14, 2018 in Ottawa.  The member must be a member of the Workplace Health and Safety Committee to be a delegate.  It will be an on-line application.  The Local will receive a confirmation email and must be approved by the Local President.  If the confirmation email is not approved by the President, it will be considered late.  There will be a deadline, with no exception. 

PRESENTATION – UTE Health & Safety Committee

Presentation on Workplace Violence.

The presentation was given by Brother Mathieu Juneau.  The presentation led to some questions from the participants.

The Chair of the Committee, Brother Gaetz emphasized that it is in reference to the National Health and Safety Conference.  They will be presenting this to the Health and Safety Representatives that will be attending the conference. It will be geared towards the Health and Safety reps, so they know their roles and responsibility in this

President Brière invites Brother Jackson to join him on the podium to announce the winner of the bargaining slogan.

Brother Jackson was impressed with the number of slogans they received. He announced the winning slogan “My Contract, My Voice, Mon contrat, Ma voix”.  The winner is Miranda Coutu from the Belleville Local.

President Brière invites Brother Eddy Aristil, Chairperson of the Ad-Hoc UMA/Conflict Resolution Committee to the podium.

AD-HOC UMA / CONFLICT RESOLUTION COMMITTEE UPDATE

Brother Aristil, Chairperson of the Committee thanks Brother Gaetz for his support and his experience.   He acknowledges that for the past four (4) years, UMA was not part of CRA. They revised the training.  Changes were brought up and hopefully it will resume in weeks to come.  That means that there will be lots of changes in the way the course will be given in the Locals.  In addition, we have now three trainings, two on-line and the third one will be the same as before which is a group meeting for one day.  Basically, some things will not change for example; the Union and the RVPs from each region will choose the trainers who will give the UMA training.  Also, it will still be up to management to choose the managers.  We still are going to have a say if we think that the managers do not abide by the philosophy of the UMA.  The three parts will be the philosophy, communications, and the group meetings. The goal of the committee is to meet the needs of the members and to resolve situations that is going on in the offices. The committee is also looking into making UMA a point of discussion in all of the Union/Management Consultation that is being held in all the offices.

In addition, Brother Gaetz mentions that the length of training needs to be approved.  

Recess for coffee break

Point of Privilege

Brother Shady Zekry from the Connaught Building thanked the delegation for the amount of $405 that was raised for Local 2424 CUPE on behalf of the UTE Presidents’ Conference attendees.

ITEMS PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS (cont’d)

SAINT JOHN – 60005 (cont’d)

1. Dues – Phoenix/PSAC (cont’d)

A Local mentions that in regards to the communication piece, he would like to have a more accurate protocol to deal with dues in particular to overpayment by members. 

President Brière mentions that the problem is with the Phoenix system, it is not with the PSAC.  The Phoenix system does not read properly some changes from the PSAC change tape when it is processed.  For example:  the UTE dues increase for 2017 and 2018 are not being applied on anyone’s’ pay cheque.  Furthermore, we need to wait until May for the change tape.  They are trying to put a patch and if it works we will be able to get the dues back.  So there is nothing the Union can do until Phoenix can read the change tape.  Sister Benson has been working hard to get it fixed.  The employees in the Membership Administration Section have been working hard on this issue. 

Another Local brought up the issue that some of her members have not paid dues for at least a year.

President Brière reconfirmed what Sister Benson mentioned earlier that Locals should not be short of money.  If Locals have issues with money they are not receiving, he advised them to summarize their issues and send them to their RVPs and it will be forwarded to Brother Gaetz.  The Finance Section in the National Office will look into it before going to the Membership Administration Section in PSAC. 

2. DMCC Pilot Project Issue and the future of Collections at the TSO

The Local mentions that in January the Local President received an email from her steward in regards DMCC Pilot Project issue.  She sent it to her RVP and the RVP sent it to the National Office looking for some information.  She also brought it up at the UMC.  Her concern is that the Local did not get any briefing from the Union when the information came out.     

Brother MacDonald mentions that he was invited to a meeting on November 22nd.  He indicated that the DMCC is in Ottawa with the creation of the NVCs (National Verification Centres), they moved 1/3 third of the work to Surrey, 1/3 of the work to Shawinigan.  Basically there are approximately 80 FTEs in the two other sites and the remainders of the FTEs are in Ottawa.   The Pilot Project is taking place only in Ottawa because Ottawa has the technology to do what this Pilot Project is intended to do.  This list was supposed to be on the Pilot Project list that Brother O’Brien usually gets every 6 months but Brother O’Brien is having problems to get them to follow-up on this issue.  All the Pilot Project that is going on in CRA goes on that list and Brother O’Brien gets a follow-up.  The DMCC Pilot Project was supposed to be a follow-up in the spring to see where they are at with that project.  If the Pilot Project works, it’s going to go in to two other locations, if and when they get the technology to do it.    The impact on future collections down the road is very minimal, if any impact whatsoever.  

A Local mention that he was not aware that it was put up on the Infozone.  It’s an exceptionally small project.  In the last 14 years DMCC there were 8 similar pilot projects.  The unions are being briefed substantially and significantly.  The Local was briefed the day after Brother MacDonald was briefed.  It will never take away the TSOs work.  Brother Weintrager also requested and encouraged all TSOs Local who sees something on DMCC to communicate with him and connect you with Brother MacDonald etc., so that the concerns and worries can be addressed immediately.

President Brière wants to clarify with the Locals that if they have technical, Labour Relation issues sent them to the RVPs.   The RVPs will send it to Brother Shane O’Brien and cc President Brière and the LRO.

3. UMA

The item was withdrawn by the submitting Local with the approval of the floor.

Point of Privilege

Barb Stewart, Workers History Museum, announces the winning number.  The winning amount is $330.  The winner is Traci Marcotte from the Sudbury Local.

Alan Craig announces the winning number for the paintings.  On behalf of UTE, a donation of $315 will be given to donates to the Native Women Association of Canada.  The winner is Bill Blair from the Ottawa TC Local.

SUMMERSIDE – 90006

1. Change hours of work due to weather conditions

The Local wants to know if other Locals have the same issues in which management expects the employees to change their hours of work instead of taking LWP for other reasons on days late due to weather conditions. 

Other Locals from that region indicated that they have the same issues. 

Brother Gaetz gave an example in reference to that issue. When he was an RVP, the Director indicated that it’s the employee who decides to live there.  There is no way that the employer should be doing a blanket statement on these types of cases.  He strongly encourages the members that have these types of issues to file a grievance. 

President Brière encourages filing grievances and bringing it to the UMC and the Assistant Director of that Region.  In the last newsletter, there was an article on that issue.

EDMONTON – 30025

1. Annual Pay Disparity

The Local President requests that the past president of her Local speak on this issue.  Since the delegation has no issue, the observer is allowed to speak.  This is to discuss the employer's calculation of pay and the disparity between the amount received and the actual annual rate of pay. The employer's formula to make up the difference excludes many members. He is asking if we can consider looking into it and find a solution.

Brother Shane O’Brien indicated that the problem is that there is no solution.  It is because we negotiated that.  If we look at the definition of “weekly rate of pay” means that an employee’s annual rate of pay divided by 52.176.  The archive information is correct but the rationale behind the discrepancy between your income amount and your annual rate of pay is that there are 26 pay periods a year but every 11 years, there is an extra pay period which gives you 27 pay periods.  To encounter this extra pay period every 11th year, the government uses the conversion factor 26.088 to make the calculation for the next income tax purposes.  Annual rate of pay divided by 26.088 times 26, that is why there is a discrepancy.  This language goes back probably to the late 1960’s when it was negotiated.  The solution is to put a bargaining demand to change the weekly rate of pay divided by 26 instead of 26.088.  

President Brière mentioned it was brought to his attention why UTE would not pay differently the reimbursement when “on leave without pay”. It is calculated that way by the government and UTE is using the same formula.

SYDNEY – 80004

1. MOU between CRA and UTE – TLMs (Temporary Lateral Moves) to Lower Levels

The Local President referred back to the information that Brother Shane O’Brien provided them in March 2017 in regards to a Policy Grievance that we had and that their office was one of them.  AU-02 were acting as MG-03 in Audit and the information he provided was that, effective immediately CRA agreed to discontinue this.  AU-02 would have to take their pay as MG-03 because they were salary protected or they would have to go back to their position.  He mentions that he had a member that her classification is a SP-08 and that she applied for a MG-03 position but her salary could not be salary protected.  The MOU is in regards to the AU-02 position.  They could file a grievance however; they were told that there is no salary protection in the collective agreement and they would be unsuccessful.  The Local would like the Staffing Committee to look into this.   

Brother Shane O’Brien recommends to the President to not refer this to the Staffing Committee.  He gave a little of the history about what happen.  When AFS group members sits on our jobs we want the union dues.  If you are a SP5 and you apply for a SP3 and you get it. You will get the salary of a SP3. His recommendation is not to recommend this to the Staffing Committee. 

President Brière acknowledged that this will not go to the Staffing Committee. 

Brother O’Brien also stated that when the MOU was signed, they forgot to advise Local Management.  The MOU has no escape clause, there is no expiry date, and there is no opting out provision. Brother O’Brien does not want to re-open that MOU to allow what the Local was suggesting.  Once the MOU is re-opened, it gives an opportunity to re-negotiate things with this. 

The Local expressed his appreciation for the explanation and the rational. 

ST. CATHARINES – 00016

1. Disciplinary Issues

The Local President expresses his concerns in regards to Article 17.02 of the Collective Agreement.  To paraphrase the Article:  The employee is entitled to have at his/her request, a representative of the Alliance to attend the meeting.”  He indicated that management has meetings with members without asking the member if they want a Union Representative present.  The RVP confirmed that there should be a Union Representative present with the member.  IAD refuses to consider that it is a disciplinary process.  Under this prevision, do we have the right to tell IAD that we cannot have the meeting on this day because there is no Union Representative to represent the member?   

Brother Shane O’Brien stated that we have jurisprudence on IAD Investigations.  Adjudicators appointed under the Public Service Relations and Employment Board has found that these were not disciplinary meetings.  However, under IAD Investigation Guidelines, it says that they are entitled to have a Union Representative to accompany the member.  Can they insist?  The answer is yes they can insist, however, he would have the member put in writing that he/her wants to be accompanied by their Union Rep.  If IAD does not allow it, the Union Rep should have the member file a grievance, that they were deprived to have Union Representation.  If IAD finds the person guilty and gets disciplined, we can possibly look at Judicial Review Application of the decision.  Brother O’Brien best advice is that if you push and IAD does not back off, talk to your RVP immediately and have the RVP talk to the Regional AC immediately.  If that is not resolved, contact the National Office.

The Local indicated that prior to July 2016, they were told by the manager that was conducting the investigation they were not to use recording device during the meetings.   However, since then, the preferred method to conduct the interviews is to record it.  But they specifically prohibit the member or the union rep from recording these conversations.  Is there any position from the Union who allows us to record these meetings like IAD people can if the member consents to it?

Brother MacDonald stated that in Canada we are able to record a conversation just as long as one-person consent.  You don’t have to give your notes or the members notes.  If the employer is recording, ask a copy of the recording.  We have a million problems with them that this will need to be addressed with respect to all the areas of IAD Investigations.

One Local indicated that they can record the interview but only with IAD.  The Security Directorate, don’t record their interview.  You need to ask permission if you want to record it.  They also had the same issue in regards to having a Union Representative to attend the interview.  

2. Revocation of medical and dental benefits while suspended

The Local was able to get this issue sorted out with the help of his RVP.  This is to make people aware of the situation.  Out of his 2 ADs and 2 managers that he was dealing with, none of them did not know that when a member gets suspended that there is a possibility that if the suspension straddles a month end into the next pay period that they could have their medical/dental benefits suspended.  He’s been trying to work with management to ensure when someone gets a long suspension that it all fits into one calendar month so that it does not affect their benefits.  The members are disciplined by getting a suspension of X number of days.  Has the Union ever looked at the fact that losing their benefits is an additional punishment on top of the ten days lost of pay and that shouldn’t be allowed to happen.    

Brother David Girard mentions that the employer should put in the suspension letter a paragraph indicating that the member has the right to pre-pay.  If the suspension begins the first of the month, than your benefits will be suspended for that month!  However, if that paragraph is not mentioned in the suspension letter, follow the chain of command and bring it up.  We should be able to solve this issue.  We will refer this to the Committee that is in charge of this and the member will have the opportunity to repay for that month.  If the member knows in advance that he/she will be suspended the first of the month, the member should make the request to pay his/her benefits for that month.

The Local confirms that in the last two disciplinary letters they have included the paragraph that they could pre-pay for their benefits. Furthermore, you get the letter the same day that you are suspended so you cannot pay in advance your benefits. 

Another Local mention that the discipline is one penalty and losing your dental/medical benefits is a second penalty for the same issue!  If indeed it’s going to cover the first of the month, and the member is losing his/her benefits. Wouldn’t that be a second penalty?  Should we be making the employer pay the benefits?

Brother Shane O’Brien acknowledges that it would not constitute what they call double jeopardy.  If you have a decent working relationship with the employer and the member is going to be suspended, try to discuss the issue with management.  Ask them not to be suspended the first day of the month.

3. Dealing with security reviews

The Local inquires if there was any discussion with management for us to have the same capability to be present with a member, like they do with IAD Investigations, under Article 17.02.

Brother O’Brien mentions that there has been discussion every time we meet with Finance & Administration to talk about these Security Reviews.  The Union always advocates that they should be allowed Union Representation.  Even when they meet with IAD, the Union wants full representation rights. He suggested to the Local to write up a bargaining demand.

4. Internal Fraud Hot Line/Snitching

The item was withdrawn by the submitting local with the approval of the floor.

TORONTO EAST – 00001

1. Biohazards, bombs, etc.

The Local indicated that they had a bomb threat and two powder incidences in the last 2 years.  Members are asking what is happening, what they should be doing even though the Building Emergency Organization (BEO) is the one that are responsible to get the employees up-to-date.  The Local finds that the BEO is not doing that. As we, as a Union has been asked to be part of BEO or someone from the Local Executive been present? 

Brother Gaetz asked the Local if the Health & Safety Committees has been informed during, after, etc.?

The Local advises that they have been informed 3 hours after the event.

Brother Gaetz mentions that the Health and Safety Committee should be involved from the start.  He read Part 17 of the CLC Regulation:

Buildings of 50 or more employees must have emergency officers.  Fire Wardens and monitors for people with disabilities.  There must have an emergency evacuation plan in place. 

The Building Emergency Organization is made up of a Responsible Building Authority (most senior official in the building) and delegate, a Chief Building Officer, Deputy Chief Building Officer, two Floor Emergency Officers, two Deputy Emergency Officers and Monitors for people with disabilities (for more information, see p. 3 of the CRA’s Building Emergency Organizations Procedures, available on InfoZone).

Local HSC members are not to hold any responsibilities on the BEO because they will have to monitor the evacuation afterwards, provide feedback and recommendations, perform inspections if required and may be in a conflict if they also have responsibilities as part of the BEO.

Nothing in the CLC Regulations, however, prevents union members from being part of the BEO and, indeed, many union members have BEO-related responsibilities (fire wardens and monitors).

Regarding bomb threats and biohazards, specifically, the procedures are found on InfoZone in the Employees Guide to Emergency Situations.

The Local is asking if the Union can have a seat on the BEO. Brother Gaetz would probably say no.  But you can get a seat on the other measures that he mentioned previously. 

The Local was satisfied with Brother Gaetz answer.

A Local wants clarification on what Brother Gaetz said.  She wants to know if someone is a member of the Health & Safety Committee, they should not have any part on the BEO?

Brother Gaetz reconfirmed the statement.

2. Credit checks now being used for Reliability Status after Reliability Status + (RS+) ended. 

The Local would like to know why and what is PSAC and UTE are doing to reverse this?  Is the Union going to actively be pursue this issue?

Brother O’Brien indicated that the problem is not with CRA.  He had meetings with respect to the Credit Check.  It is a 17 pages security check they had to do.  The problem is that Treasury Board came in and overruled them and told them what they had to do.  Treasury Board directed all deputy heads and agencies to revise all their policies.  They looked at the CRA Reliability + and said that it was not in compliance with the rest of the Public Service.  There is only one difference between the Reliability +, it would be the finger prints.  The Agency has no latitude and this is the way it’s going to be. 

In addition, the Local acknowledge that the issue is not only with our Component but other Components and they are actively pursuing it as far as the Local is aware.  The Local wants to know if we can ask to be part of a larger class action and if we can get rid of the credit check as a criterion for all PSAC members in all Components. 

Brother Shane O’Brien stated that PSAC is already on top of it.  PSAC had extensive discussion with Treasury Board.  When the Local talked about class action, we will not get anywhere in court.  It is not judicable, so there is nothing we can really do other than trying to persuade Treasury Board that what they are doing is wrong and unnecessary. Unfortunately, Treasury Board has the full support of the government.

Another Local suggests that if you know that your Reliability Status is coming up; you can go to the credit bureau and ask for a credit report.  You can ask them to remove certain lines that does not belong to you.

Brother Shane O’Brien does not think it’s a wise strategy to go to the credit bureau.  Every time you contact the credit company, it affects your credit score.  He is not telling you not to use it but use it wisely.

3. Family Related leave

The Local referred to the Family Related Leave, Clause G in the Collective Agreement which it says “to provide for the immediate and temporary care of a child where, due to unforeseen circumstances, usual childcare arrangements are unavailable.  This also applies to unexpected school closures for children aged fourteen (14) and under.”  They did not have a school closure but the buses weren’t running because of extreme conditions.  The members ended up taking their children to school and had to take time off.  When they put in the Family Related Leave, they were denied the leave.  Is there something that we can do to ensure that the clause is more broadly used?

Brother Adam Jackson indicated that there may or may not be something in the upcoming round of negotiation. 

CLOSING REMARKS

President Brière apologizes to the Locals that brought items on the floor and we could not go through them.  As he mentioned before, he indicated that it is very important to submit the subject items before the deadline so that the agenda can be organized accordingly.  He would like to thank all the participants at the conference, the National Office staff for their help, the interpreters and the ELC technicians for their excellent work.  He also thanked the Executive Council, as it was a long week.  A lot of issues were discussed before coming to the Presidents’ Conference. 

He mentioned that the PSAC Convention is coming soon.  We will be sending some information soon among others, like the location of the group.   The Caucus meeting will take place on Sunday morning in room 206D.  The Hospitality Suite will be used all week and we will help Brother Chris Aylward with his campaign. On Tuesday night, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Brother Aylward will be using the suite for his Meet and Greet.   

He also mentioned that he appreciated everyone that participated in the “In Fighting Workshop”.  He thinks that this is important, we need to discuss the issues and we will look at all the comments and the feedback we receive.  We will ask all the Locals and the RVPs to participate.  We, the National Office will look into different options, possible solutions.  If we need to revisit this again, we will see in the future.  He was told by members and other facilitators that it could have been a half a day workshop. 

President Brière drew the attention on what Sister Benson and Brother Aylward, both mentioned, the importance of working together collaboratively, to be united and building relationships. When we are united, we can accomplish a lot of things. We are going in to bargaining once again.  The last bargaining round was a four year of ongoing never ending bargaining session.  We were able to build a momentum.  We had the support of our members for the rejection of the first offer from the employer. So, the members put their trust in us and we did not let them down.  We did the right thing to go in front of the Conciliation Board.  The most important thing to remember, is that we were there to defend our rights, to bargain for our members

Over the coming weeks, you will be hearing a lot on bargaining.  Some people asked that if they can reproduce the sign that we had, “I Support my Bargaining Team”.  He has no issues with people reproducing the sign.  We will see with Brother Jackson and the Bargaining Team what will be done, what kind of items we can produce with the new slogan, “My Contract, My Voice” “Mon contrat, Ma voix”.

He acknowledged that UTE is the best Component in the PSAC.  When we go in to bargaining, we want to show our strength.    We will show the employer and Treasury Board that we will not give up.  We need to fight back and we can do this once again.  We are going to ask a lot from the Locals and we will be there to support them at all levels.  He encourages the Locals to go out and talk to their members, to let them know what is coming up.

Point of Privilege

Brother Alan Craig from the Ottawa TC Local would like to point out that Brother Gerard Kirkham will be retiring next month.

The point of privilege is well taken by the President.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.