Robin Johnson
The National Equal Opportunities committee met on May 7-9, 2013 to work on the National Conference that is being planned for October 18-20, 2013. The theme of the conference will be Past, Present and Future and we are also planning a dinner for all participants on the Saturday night. Please encourage the Locals to send individuals that are involved in Employment Equity or new members that have an interest in Equity issues. The committee is excited of the work they have done and are hoping for an excellent conference. The call out will be issued in August with a cut off date in the beginning of September. Because of everyone having a busy summer schedule, the date will be issued in June before vacations to remind locals of the upcoming conference notification.
In regards to the new National Employment Equity Governance Model, I forwarded a letter to Ms Hashimoto who is the Director of the Official Language Employment Equity Division (OLEED) on April 9, 2013 when no return calls were forthcoming. In the letter, I asked for a response in regards to their decision to use the new governance model and reminded them that under the Employment Equity legislation specifically section 15 that the employer shall consult with its employees representative and collaborate in the employer’s employment equity plan. A response to this letter was received on May 10, 2013 with little or no response received from the employer. A face to face meeting with the employer is scheduled for May 22, 2013 and again we are going to advise them of lack of communication with this initiative and our unhappiness with the changes suggested. A verbal update of what happened at this meeting will be provided to Executive Council.
Recommendation #1
The EO committee recommends that the Terms of Reference be amended as attached.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
1. Statement:
The UTE supports equal opportunities for all members regardless of sex, sexual orientation, age, mental and / or physical disability, race, colour, ethnic / national origin, religious belief, political belief, marital status, family status or conviction for which a pardon has been granted.
2. Aims and Objectives:
- To provide support and guidance to members regarding equal opportunities issues and;
- To promote a greater understanding of equal opportunities issues and;
- To monitor the implementation of employment equity / diversity programs and to recommend action as necessary and;
- To develop awareness of equity / diversity issues, in particular those associated with employment equity and to develop support for these issues among union members and the public and;
- To consult and collaborate with the employer on all aspects of employment equity and to ensure compliance of the legislation by the employer and;
- To liaise with other organizations both outside and within the union to ensure the needs of members are taken into consideration and;
- To identify emerging equity / diversity issues of concern to members and to recommend action as necessary and;
- To develop and deliver Regional and National Equal Opportunities Conferences.
3. The Committee shall consist of:
- Two (2) national officers, of which one shall be appointed chairperson and;
- One (1) member elected by the local presidents and;
- One (1) member representing each of the five (5) designated equity groups to be selected by the selection committee and;
- The Labour Relations Officer assigned as the Technical Advisor to the Committee.
- The selection committee will be comprised of the two (2) national officers, the one (1) member elected by local presidents and the Labour Relations Officer assigned to the Committee. The final selection will be submitted to and ratified by the Executive Council. The input will be via an application form for interested members.
4. Duties and Responsibilities of the Chairperson:
- In general, be responsible for equal opportunities issues and;
- Co-ordinate the efforts of the Committee and;
- Represent the UTE on the PSAC National Human Rights Committee and;
- Ensure that the minutes of all meetings and all relevant correspondence are issued to the members of the Committee and;
- Provide advice to the UTE on equal opportunities issues and;
- Be responsible for approving all official communications by the Committee and;
- Be responsible for recommending the expenditure of the equal opportunities budget on behalf of the Committee and;
- With the assistance of the Committee, develop and deliver Regional and National Equal Opportunities Conferences.
5. Duties and Responsibilities of Committee Members:
Under the direction of the Committee chairperson:
- Create and maintain contact with members who belong to the representative groups and disseminate information to said members on a national basis. Encourage participation of the members in their union and;
- Maintain contacts with regional and national community organizations related to the Committee members’ portfolio and;
- Actively participate in and promote UTE and PSAC campaigns involving equal opportunities issues and;
- Keep the Committee informed of their equal opportunities activities and;
- Provide input to the development of Regional and National Conferences and;
- Participate in the Regional and National Conferences as required and as directed by the chairperson.
6. Meetings:
- The Committee shall meet at least four (4) times per year and;
- The Committee shall meet with the employer as required.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Johnson
Chair of the Committee