Minutes of the Presidents' Conference

March 20,21,22, 2025

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025
AFTERNOON SESSION

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Marc Brière, President of the Union of Taxation Employees. He gave instructions for the translation devices. He acknowledged, that the meeting is taking place on traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin, Anishinaabe peoples. The in person and virtual Conference is taking place from Turtle Island as First Nations, Inuit and Metis people and the settlers. He invited to reflect on where we live on the land that we call home and to give our respect to the land and to its people across generations.

He offered other administrative details.

The delegation sang the song Solidarity Forever.

President Brière asked the delegation to respect a moment of silence for our brothers, sisters and friends who have passed since the last conference. He mentioned Sister Madonna Gardiner’ passing.

He mentioned that it the International Francophone Day.

The plenary room configuration is being assessed. He mentioned his pleasure in seeing so many participants attending this Conference either in person or virtually.

He reminded that considering the large number of Items on the agenda he would be mindful of the time.

He introduced the Complaint Administrators for the Harassment Policy: Doug Gaetz, Brian Oldford, Jennifer MacPherson and Shirin Amiri. He reiterated that the Policy applies in all the conference spaces.

He reminds participants that all UTE events are scent free and that it is expected that the policy be respected in all the spaces available to UTE.

He introduced the members that have the First Aid - CPR training: Josh Atwood, Ken Bye, Cosimo Crupi, Trixie Gorzo, Alex Thon and Jennifer MacPherson.

He asked other participants to identify themselves if they have the First Aid-CPR training: Deoraj Mahabirsingh(D), Jonathan Jenkins(D), Shivonne Smith, Ashley- Ray Snape, Guillaume Jubinville, Christine Vallières, Shivonne Smith, Antoine Gomis, Edith Nganga, Kyle Berry (D), Vanessa Erickson, Dallas Walsh, Miguel Meneses Rinaldi (D), Delyth Thomas, Nina Costain, Kerry Turcott, Glenn Steele,  Christopher Camacho-Castro.

He encouraged participants to fill out or to update their information on the emergency form.

He introduced the members of the Executive Council: Eddy Aristil (Montréal Region), Patricia Sleczkowski (Greater Toronto Region), Cosimo Crupi ( North-East Ontario Region),  Wanda Dufty (Alternate RVP Prairies Region), Kimberley Koch (Pacific Region), David Lanthier (National Capital Region) , Kevin Welgush ( Rocky Mountains Region), Jérôme Martel ( Québec Region ), Brian Oldford (Atlantic Region),Jamie vanSydenborgh (South-West Ontario Region), Adam Jackson, 2nd National Vice-President, Doug Gaetz 1st National Vice-President and himself Marc Brière National President. 

He introduced the National Office staff.

  • Finance: Liam Merrigan, Stephanie Wolff (absent), Mariela Monsalves
  • Labour Relations Officers: Shirin Amiri, Kristina Cooke, Henri Vodon, Richard Weintrager, Chantale Mercier and Andrea Holmes.
  • Administrative Assistants: Alexandra Assad, Louise Dorion, Magalie Jean- Louis, Connie Nunez.
  • Information Systems Officer: Alex Thon
  • Web & Communication Officer: Mohamed-Ali Fakhfekh
  • Senior Labour Relations Officer: Manon Desormeaux
  • Administrative Assistant to the National President: Guylène Lepage
  • Executive Assistant to the National President: Daniel Camara

He asked the Local Presidents to introduce themselves:

Francis Snyder-Philipe-attending virtually (10008), Tony McFetridge (30025), Matthew Kastern (30024), Valerie Illingworth (40023), Trixie Gorzo (30022), Heather Kenny (20029), Zita Lambert (A)(20007), Stephanie Smylski (50032), Jennifer Scalabrini (40022), Kyle Berry (50021), Vanessa Erickson (A), Darlene Bembridge (60005), Lindsey MacLellan (90002), Kandra Bertin (60006), Doron Jacob (00051), Ken Bye (000952), Michelle Spencer (00048), Jackie Robertson (20028),Tracy Bégin (A) (20002), Deoraj Mahabirsingh (20050), Ashley Ray Snape (20026),Caitlin Marganelli (SA)(20003), Sharon Cowie (20027) Sebe Pulickunnel (A) (00013),Pattrell Jones (00001),Marc Aubertin (A) (10027),Marc-André Gobeil (A) (10004), Josh Atwood (80003), Jonathan Jenkins (80004), J-P Gallant (90006), Joanne Coish (90001), Miguel Meneses Rinaldi (60008), Ashley Green (90000), (Claude Flamand(10009), Pamela Salem (10028), Kristine Leclerc (10007), Alexandre Dumont (70035), Julien Nobert (10005), Solène Boudrias (10110), Jean-Christophe Boulinguez (10006), Tracy Marcotte (70001), Terry Lloyd (70004), Elisa Rogolino (70000) Kyle Pharand (00042), Tammy Veltri (00020), Pellow Matt (00008), Miranda Papakiriazis (00012), Jacquelyn Whyman (00011), Iain Auld (00017) , Zaineel Braun (00016), Melanee Jessup ( 00015), Kyle Berry (50021), Jennifer MacPherson (00018), Gina Degner (00014)

He introduced the new presidents elected since the last Conference:

Kandra, Bertin (60006), Elissa Rogolino (70000), Ashley-Rae, Snape (20026),

Marc, Aubertin (10027)

He introduced the Life member Doug Gaetz

Brother Doug Gaetz provided finance and store information.

Brother Adam Jackson gave information for the Karaoke night.

HOURS OF SESSION

m/s      Julien Nobert (10005) / Ken Bye (00052)

That the hours of session be as follows:

  • MOTION CARRIED

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

m/s     Michelle Spencer (00048) / Alexandre Dumond (70035)

That the agenda be adopted with the additions.

  • MOTION CARRIED

THURSDAY MARS 20, 2025

  • 01:15 pm – 03:00 pm   Call to Order
                                         Administrative details
                                         Hours of Session
                                         Adoption of Agenda
                                         Opening Remarks - National President
                                         Highlights on Items dealt by the Executive Council
  • 03:00 pm – 03:15 pm   Health break
  • 03:15 pm – 03:30 pm   Call Centre Committee update
  • 03:30 pm – 04:00 pm   Collective Bargaining update
  • 04:00 pm – 05:00 pm   Items submitted by Local Presidents

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025

  • 09:00 am – 10:15 am   Workforce Adjustment (WFA) Presentation                                        
  • 10:15 am – 10:30 am   Health break
  • 10:30 am – 11:00 am   Workforce Adjustment Appendix (WFA) Q&A
  • 11:00 am – 11:45 am   Items submitted by Local Presidents
  • 11:45 am – 01:15 pm   Lunch
  • 01:15 pm – 03:00 pm   Emerging issues on pension and disability Insurance Presentation
  • 03:00 pm – 03:15 pm   Health break
  • 03:15 pm – 05:00 pm   Items submitted by Local Presidents

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

  • 09:00 am – 10:15 am   Items submitted by Local Presidents                                 
  • 10:15 am – 10:30 am   Health break
  • 10:30 am – 11:45 am   Political Action Committee Presentation
  • 11:45 am – 01:15 pm   Lunch
  • 01:15 pm – 03:00 pm   Items submitted by Local Presidents                                     
  • 03:00 pm – 03:15 pm   Health break
  • 03:15 pm – 04:15 pm   Items submitted by Local Presidents
  • 04:15 pm – 05:00 pm   Convention 2026 Update
                                         List of action items
                                         Closing remarks - National President

ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCALPRESIDENTS

SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005

  1. 275 Bank Street
  2. Alternation under WFA

PETERBOROUGH – LOCAL 00008

  1. Explanation of $440,000 Furniture and Equipment Expense

QUÉBEC – LOCAL 10006

  1. Bums in seats vs members living over 125km from CRA offices
  2. Temp employees’ terminations vs future hiring processes (regional pools)

SHAWINIGAN – LOCAL 10005

  1. National Public Service Week
  2. Discipline at UTE

BELLEVILLE – LOCAL 00012

  1.  PSAC Member Link Portal

CALGARY– LOCAL 30024

  1. 1.1.3 Where appropriate, the CRA shall: A) establish WFA committees, where appropriate, to manage the WFA situations within the CRA.
  2. 1.1.29- Counseling options for affected employees

HALIFAX – LOCAL 80003

  1. Attendance at Executive Council where the topic of office furniture expense was   discussed

SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 00042

  1.  Support for hybrid AGM
  2. National Office Expenditures

ST. JOHN’S – LOCAL 90001

  1.   Article 60.01
  2. Accountability framework

ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000

  1.  Resolution of record- wage freeze for National Officers
  2. Over budget expenses

ST. CATHARINES – LOCAL 00016

  1. Time codes: 040 / 041 / 048
  2. Update on Union-Management Consultation Committees (UMCC)

WINDSOR – LOCAL 00018

  1. CRA Medical Certification Note being used in place of OFAF
  2. Communication from UTE National.

TORONTO NORTH – LOCAL 00048

  1.   Accountability Framework at Contact Centres    WITHDRAWN
  2. Part-time workers’ not being paid for Truth and Reconciliation Day (September 30th statutory holiday

SHAWINIGAN – LOCAL 10005

  1.  Boycott de NUMC

SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 00042

  1.  Delays in Workplace Inquiries Centre (WIC) Process

ST. JOHN’S – LOCAL 90001

  1.  Criteria for layoffs
  2. Quality Monitoring Section (QMS).

ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000

  1. Late registrations policy exemption- Situations outside of our local’s control
  2. Proactive planning and realistic deadlines-workshops announced after deadline for observers.

SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005

  1. AU in SP’s job.

TORONTO NORTH – LOCAL 00048

  1. Clarification on what constitutes a Call Centre Local
  2. Update on the Black Class Action Lawsuit and Black Class Action Secretariat

ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000

  1.  Executive Council minutes
  2. Agenda Items not addressed from other conferences

TORONTO NORTH – LOCAL 00048

  1. Follow-up on the action items that were not completed from March 2024 Presidents Conference
  2. Follow-up on action items from the November 2024 Presidents Conference, particularly message to members about accommodations and discussion with the employer regarding lack of advance notice to Locals

ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000

  1.  UTE position on Facebook / meta in light of allowing hate speech

OTHER ITEMS SUBMITTED BY THE PARTICIPANTS FROM THE FLOOR – MARCH 2025

Flexible work Arrangements – S. Cowie (20027)
Article 34.05 (b) - D. Mahabirsingh (20050)
Change of Hours in the Contact Centres – J. Coish (90001)
Contracting out - D. Bembridge (60005)
Accountability Framework at Contact Centres- M. Spencer (00048)  WITHDRAWN

CARRIED

HIGHLIGHTS ON ITEMS DEALT BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

President Brière gave an update on the Executive Council business that was dealt with in March 2025.

  • Internal Tracking Systems: RVP’s will have to consult locals and confirm how many licences are required.
  • Meeting with Sharon DeSousa and Alex Silas to discuss on issues following the March 2024 Workshop – Relationship and issues with PSAC.
  • Motion to extend the trusteeship of the Montérégie - South Shore Local 10017
  • Motion to lift the boycott of the Union Management meetings
  • Motion to lift the boycott of the Union Management Approach
  • Motion to Boycott Amazon

OPENING REMARKS

President Brière welcomed all participants. Asked participants to send an e-mail to Guylène if they have an issue with the hotel.

He spoke on the numerous job losses at CRA, Workforce rearrangement. The Commissioner of CRA, Bob Hamilton stated that more cuts are to come. Other ministries are facing the same budgetary cuts. The funding will go back to the pre-pandemic period. He stated that hard years are ahead concerning job stability and the workloads. He thanked the union leaders at all levels for the hard work representing affected members. He reiterated that he is following up with Brother Gaetz on having a Mental Health training available some time in the 2025 year. He encouraged leaders to take care of themselves during these difficult times.

HEATH BREAK

The session resumed at 3:15.

The chair introduced the other Life members in attendance, Linda Cassidy and Kent MacDonald

CALL CENTRE COMMITTEE UPDATE

Brother Brian Oldford, Chair of the committee introduced the other committee members: Kevin Welgush, Trixie Gorzo and the technical advisor Andrea Holmes. They reported on the work of the committee and gave an update. Richard Weintrager will replace Andrea Holmes after she retires. Discussed with the employer the Accountability Framework, Article 60.1, recording time, call handling time. Issues will be submitted to the Bargaining Committee. The committee answered questions and accepted comments.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UPDATE AND STRIKE BREAKERS UPDATE

Brother Adam Jackson, Chair of the Bargaining Committee was joined by the committee members, Jérôme Martel, Tracy Marcotte and Vanessa Erickson. A Notice to Bargain can be done as of July 1st. Important to respect the deadline to submit the demands forms.

Brother Gaetz took over the chair.

Brother Adam Jackson gave an update on the Strike Breakers motion process for discipline and answered questions.

Brother Brière returned in the chair.

ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL PRESIDENTS

SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005

  1. 275 Bank Street: the submitting speaker had questions regarding the way the decision to move the UTE National office to its new location at 275 Bank Street was made. Other questions regarding the decision, accessibility, health and safety.

Speakers: D. Bembridge (60005), A. Dumont (70035), A. Green (90000)

M. Brière, National President: Started discussing in 2022, it was not possible to have additional space at the PSAC building and that the rent increase would have been 42 $/square foot. Suitable space and location were rare to find.  In September 2023 after the Convention the lease was signed for the new location at Bank Street as it was a sound move to make. The Executive Council was informed. Criteria for selection of the new space were sufficient space requirements, downtown location, price, condition of building, availability of parking, potential of retrofitting space according to UTE needs. The National office respects the health and safety requirements, problems are addressed with the landlord. The lease at 233 Gilmour was due to expire in December 2023.

L. Merrigan, UTE Finance Supervisor: Gilmour was 9212 sq ft and Bank was11300 sq ft.  Over the 3-year cycle Gilmour would have cost 47$/sq ft and Bank 39$ /sq ft.

The meeting adjourned at 5 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025

MORNING SESSION

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. with President Brière in the chair.

WORKFORCE ADJUSTMENT (WFA) PRESENTATION

Brother J. vanSydenborgh Chair of the Workforce Adjustment Committee introduced the committee members Heather Kenny, Alexandre Dumont and Kristina Cooke.

Erin Sirett, Senior Research Officer with the Public Service Alliance of Canada offered a presentation on the Workforce Adjustment. 

HEALTH BREAK

WORKFORCE ADJUSTMENT APPENDIX (WFA) Q&A

The presenter Erin Sirett answered questions.

ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL PRESIDENTS

SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005

  1. 275 Bank Street (continued): Timing, budget line of furniture for the 3 years, accessibility, unionized staff at 275 Bank, real estate broker, consultation with the UTE staff.

Speakers: J. Atwood (80003), J. Jenkins (80004) H. Kenny (20029), M. Meneses (60008), J. Whyman (00011)

M. Brière, National President: December 2022, there was an open discussion with Executive Council about the need to have a more suitable space. As the need for more space was increasing further and the lease of 233 Gilmour St. was going up considerably, UTE National was caught moving on the new lease faster because of the opportunity at 275 Bank Street. It is the responsibility of the National Office to handle office leases. He acknowledged that it could have been better handled. The new lease was signed for a period of 10 years. The staff at the 275 Bank building is not unionized. UTE did not hire a real estate broker. The UTE National does not have an obligation to consult the staff about real estate decisions.

LUNCH

AFTERNOON SESSION

The session resumed at 1:15 with President Marc Brière in the chair.

EMERGING ISSUES ON PENSION AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PRESENTATION

James Infantino Pensions and Disability Insurance Officer

of the Public Service Alliance of Canada offered a presentation on emerging issues on pension and disability insurance et answered questions.

HEALTH BREAK

ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL PRESIDENTS

SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005

  1. 275 Bank Street (continued): This should be a learning guide as to how to handle important issues and have a vote on the issue at hand. Percentage of rate per sq ft. Rules of the organization.

Speakers: J. Whyman (00011), Z. Braun (00016), M. Singh (observer 30004), Ashley Green (90000)

M. Brière, National President: He reiterated, that he understands and accepts the concerns about the process.

  1. Jackson, 2nd Vice-President: He stated that when it was announced at a President’s Conference that the National Office was moving, the delegation showed resounding approval of the move. A move like this is not an easy process, an expectation for it to be perfect is not reasonable   He encouraged to show unity and move on from the issue.
  2. Alternation under WFA: WITHDRAWN

PETERBOROUGH – LOCAL 00008

  1. Explanation of $440,000 Furniture and Equipment Expense

Speakers: M. Pellow (00008), J. Atwood (80003), C. Crupi (observer RVP): the expenditure on Furniture and Equipment Expense should have been more transparent.

M. Brière, National President: Explained that Executive Council was informed before the final tally as there were many discussions with different suppliers. Council was informed of a 200,000 over expense. There were issues to consider along the way, like ergonomic needs, workspace configurations, security. The Finance department prepares reports for what is know and for what is expected. This is why the numbers were initially presented as 435,000. The forecasted number is now down to 336,000.

L. Merrigan, UTE Finance Supervisor: The overspending was an estimate, it was very difficult to estimate the costs.

A. Jackson, 2nd Vice-President:  Tried to keep some furniture. According to spaces of the new office and also the condition of the old furniture, some of it 25-year-old, it was decided to replace most of the furniture. The new furniture has a 10-year warranty. As the furniture was outdated, UTE did not find a taker for a sale.

QUÉBEC – LOCAL 10006

  1. Bums in seats vs members living over 125 km from CRA offices. Problematic when the km falls just under 125 km. This rule has its problems. It is proposed to review this rule. Exceptions, when necessary, should be considered.

Speakers: J-C Boulinguez (10006), A. Green (90000), J. Nobert (10005), J. Coish (90001),

M. Brière National President: This is in the Guiding Principles that were voted. For those over the 120 km applies that they do not report to work. Open to reviewing, reiterated not an easy task to review as there is no perfect solution that would suit all.

  1. Temp employees’ terminations vs future hiring processes (regional pools): Worried, the employer will re-hire employees at a lower rate.

Speakers: J-C Boulinguez (10006), A. Dumont (70035)

H. Vodon (LRO): Asked to receive examples and names of members affected in regard to re-hire pools.

SHAWINIGAN – LOCAL 10005

  1. National Public Service Week: It was asked to participate in the National Public Service Week and not boycott but rather plan other initiatives and engage the members.

Speakers: J. Nobert 10005), J-C Boulinguez (10006), A. Dumont (70035), H. Kenny (20029), J. Coish (90001), M.  Singh (observer 30024), Z. Lambert (20007), J. Atwood (80003), D. Bembridge (60005), C. Flamand (10009), A. Dumont (70035).

SHOW OF HANDS:

M. Brière National President: will advise PSAC about the views on not doing the boycott while not promoting it. 

The session adjourned at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025

MORNING SESSION

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

He gave announcements.

ITEMS SUBMITTED BY THE LOCALS’ PRESIDENTS

SHAWINIGAN – LOCAL 10005

  1. Discipline at UTE: The process is too lengthy and is causing harm to the members.

The locals should have a means to be able to address situations. Framing the process. Make sure PSAC review the regulation. Victim support.

Speakers: J. Nobert (10005), A. Dumont (70035), J-C Boulinguez (10006), A. Green (90000), P. Salem (10028)

M. Brière National President: NBoD had discussions about this. Complaints are all going to the National President. Need to boost the number of investigators. The process is lengthy because of the nature and number of allegations. The process must be dealt with while having an impartial body. He is open to looking at ways to better the process.

A. Jackson 2nd Vice-President: At the last NBoD looked at Regulation 19 to make a more streamed lined process.

BELLEVILLE – LOCAL 00012

  1. PSAC Member Link Portal: Asked to put pressure on PSAC for authorizations. Ask PSAC to be able to search with member number. No way to select all when sending email to group. Updating addresses is not working. Changes to authorizations following elections take a long time.

Speakers: M. Papakiriazis (00012), J-C Boulinguez (10006), H. Kenny (20029) A. Green (90000), J. Atwood (90003)

M. Brière National President: UTE has submitted to PSAC a list of authorized positions, could evaluate the need to review authorizations. Free access with member numbers will not be possible because of the security of information access. Our staff does the entries. Will look into the possibility of adding Vice-presidents.

CALGARY– LOCAL 30024

  1. 1.1.3 Where appropriate, the CRA shall: A) establish WFA committees, where appropriate, to manage the WFA situations within the CRA. Who is making the determination. Guidance on who will be sitting on the committees.

Speakers: M. Kastern (30024), S. Cowie (20027)

J. vanSydenborgh, Chair of the WFA Committee: The committee is looking at the Terms of Reference for the National Committee.

  1. 1.1.29- Counseling options for affected employees: There is not a direct way to access services.

Speakers: M. Kastern (30024),

K. Cooke (LRO): The employer has requirements. GRJO’s were guaranteed. If locals have issues, suggested to contact national office.

HEALTH BREAK

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE PRESENTATION

Jérôme Martel Chair of the Political Action Committee, Co-chair David Lanthier and Julien Nobert asked local leaders to campaign on encouraging members to vote. Should not tell a member who to vote for, they may however tell them how they are personally voting. They answered questions.

M. Brière National President: UTE is receiving numerous memos regarding elections that are not timely. UTE has to review and provide more information.

Brother Gaetz took over the chair.

LUNCH

AFTERNOON SESSION

The session resumed at 1:20 with President Brière in the chair.

HALIFAX – LOCAL 80003

  1. Attendance at Executive Council where the topic of office furniture expense was discussed: proud of his region and proud of the unionists for the debates.

Speakers: J. Atwood (80003)

SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 00042

  1. Support for hybrid AGM’s: Difficulty of finding a local service provider to host hybrid AGM’s. The local reached out to ELC for a quote. Those hybrid services are very expensive, UTE National should revisit notion of funding for these services. The ability to participate in virtual should be considered as an accommodations request. A group contract, national provider for locals would be appreciated. The templates provided by national would be appreciated.

Speakers: K. Pharand (00042), A. Green (90000), K. Berry (50021), M. Kastern (30024) J. Coish (90001), A. Dumont (70035), J. Jenkins (80004)

M. Brière, National President: There is no line item for these services because they are the local’s AGM’s. Not in the mandate of national to offer those services. He offers to look at what can be done with ELC. National assistance was offered to locals only because of the needs during the pandemic. It is not the national staff’s responsibility to assist AGM’s.

D. Gaetz, 1st Vice-President: National is not against hybrid, but it has a cost. If brought at convention might not be fair to all locals because it would potentially

be dues increase. He will check with the Information Systems Officer for the AGM templates. 

  1. National Office Expenditures: The local would like to withdraw from the ITEM 
    Not all in Favor

    Speakers: A. Green (90000), D. Bembridge (60005): Line item for security

    M. Brière, National President: Security would fall under rent.

ST. JOHN’S – LOCAL 90001

  1. Article 60.01: What the CRA has done to this article is unacceptable. The intent of the article is a 5-minute break. Asked all locals to put in a bargaining demand to have this article reviewed. Misinformation with the members, no clear guidance. Employers are taking every opportunity to avoid giving them 5 minutes.

Speakers: J. Coish (90001), M. Spencer (00048), A. Green (90000), G. Degner (00014), J. MacPherson (00018), D. Mahabirsingh (20050), M. Meneses Rinaldi (60008), Laila Richardson (observer 20029), J. Scalabrini (40022), D. Fernandez (observer 60008)     

  1. Jackson, 2nd Vice-President: You only need one demand for it to go in the package list.
  2. Holmes LRO: Not allowed to use the 5 minutes at start of shift and at end of shift.

Cannot be added to another off-phone period (ex. training). The employer has sent out memos on this issue to managers. The committee can bring it up again.

K. Welgush (RVP Rocky Mountains): Commented that each Call Centers locals should submit language to the Committee.

  1. Accountability framework: Does not think this is better. No input into the     Accountability framework; none of the data is going to be included by the time the contract is over. Accommodation is not being respected. Employer as started creating other types of Call Centers. Great frustration. The impact of constant monitoring is unhealthy. Tool is broken, could be a good tool with changes. Suggested to bring issues to the director and the committee.

Speakers: J. Coish (90001), D. Fernandez (observer 60008), M. Spencer (00048), D. Mahabirsingh (20050), D. Bembridge (60005), M. Meneses (60008), G. Degner (00014), C. Gorman (observer 90001)

T. Gorzo (Committee member): The committee needs help finding solutions.

HEALTH BREAK

ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000 

  1. Resolution of record- wage freeze for National Officers WITHDRAWN
  2. Over budget expenses WITHDRAWN

ST. CATHARINES – LOCAL 00016

  1. Time codes: 040 / 041 / 048: Employer said to use then not to use 040 / 041. Multi-tasking, impossible to carry the load, time buried in time codes.

Speakers: Z. Braun (00016), A. Dumont (70035), K. Berry (50021), C. Marganelli (20003), G. Jubinville (observer 10008), D. Mahabirsingh (20050), H. Kenny (20029), J. Coish (90001), Berni Frampton (virtual Observer 20003), Trixie Gorzo (30022), S. Smylski (50032)

H. Vodon, LRO: If there are problems with these codes, you may grieve it, particularly if you think there is discrimination.

  1. Update on Union-Management Consultation Committees (UMCC): Important to have those meetings back. Encouraged to wear Union gear.

Speaker: Z. Braun (00016)

WINDSOR – LOCAL 00018

  1. CRA Medical Certification Note being used in place of OFAF: Recently found out that there are 1-page CRA certification form. (used to justify if has to be accommodated for a certain amount of time). Employee has to pay for this form for the doctor to confirm return to work with accommodations

Speaker: J. MacPherson (00018)

S. Amiri, LRO: Duty to accommodate is a legal obligation. Encouraged locals to file a discrimination grievance.

  1. Communication from UTE National. WITHDRAWN

TORONTO NORTH – LOCAL 00048

  1. Accountability Framework at Contact Centres   WITHDRAWN
  2. Part-time workers’ not being paid for Truth and Reconciliation Day (September  

         30th statutory holiday: was not covered under the past collective agreement.

Speaker: M. Spencer (00048)

R. Weintrager, LRO: There is no follow up necessary because there is now a clause that will take care of it. Encouraged to submit a bargaining demand.

SHAWINIGAN – LOCAL 10005

  1.  Boycott de NUMC WITHDRAWN

SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 00042

  1. Delays in Workplace Inquiries Centre (WIC) Process: the process is broken; it is   too slow and very flawed.

Speakers: K. Pharand (00042), T. Arrowsmith (observer 20002), C. Dahl (observer 20028)

S. Amiri, LRO: there is a process under health and safety, but it is a process that is not fault finding. Investigation and report will come out quicklier

H. Vodon, LRO: managers are holding it out. Encouraged locals to file grievance on Article 29.

CONVENTION 2026 UPDATE

Brother E. Aristil Chair of the Host Committee and RVP for the Montréal Region gave an update on the Host Committee for the 2026 UTE Convention.

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS – MARCH 2025

Bums and seats
PSAC Member link portal
Discipline at UTE
National Public Service Week
Support for hybrid AGM’s

There was tribute for Andrea Holmes, LRO who will be retiring March 31st.

CLOSING REMARKS

President Brière thanked all participants, for their ongoing commitment. He spoke on the difficult times and the ones to come; He thanked the locals for the Items submitted.

He spoke on the challenges with the employer.

Hard discussions to be had, it is normal to be passionate. He thanked the participants for the healthy debates and solidarity.

The National Office has very dedicated staff.

Thanked all those involved in the preparation and delivery of the conference.

Encouraged participants to submit the Conference Evaluation Forms.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.