REPORT OF THE REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT PRAIRIE AND NORTHERN REGION MARK R. GILCHRIST

Transcription

1 REPORT OF THE REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT PRAIRIE AND NORTHERN REGION MARK R. GILCHRIST This Report covers the period from December 8 th, 2011 through May 25 th, 2012 covering my activities up to our National Executive Meetings in Ottawa, May 26 th - 31 st, Local Annual General Membership Meetings for the P&N Region Local President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary DOE Calgary Joel Goodfellow Tim Pitman Raenelle Bruegeman Jordan Greco DOE Saskatoon David Gallén Daryl Halliwell Jonathan Bailey Jonathan Bailey DOE Regina Daniel Grunert Joel Kelly Elka Eisenzimmer Larry Skibicki CFS Edmonton Jim Weber Martin Blank Jim Hammond Catherine McNalty DFO Winnipeg Campbell Alexander Bernard LeBlanc Michelle Wetton Michelle Wetten DOE Winnipeg Greg Luschinski Debbie Corbitt Robert Shindler Robert Shindler DOE Edmonton Ben Lemon Kara Ratha Gillian Turney Sharilyn Westworth DOE Yellowknife Don Pittman Dwayne Ofukany Brian Yurris Lee Ross

2 -2- Local Annual General Membership Meetings for the P&N Region (Cont d) I want to express my appreciation and thanks to out-going Local Presidents; i.e., Local Calgary - Brother Brian Stifora, a long-serving Local President who is retiring this year. He has been a strong and steady guide within our Region. He has worked hard and led discussions on sound financial planning for union work for our members. Local Winnipeg Sister Cherylyn Shewchuk, a long-standing passionate unionist and Local President who now focuses her union energy as our Region s E.O. Representative and a Local Steward. I also welcome two new Local Presidents to the Prairie and Northern Region (P&NR); i.e., Local Joel Goodfellow (DOE) and Local Campbell Alexander (DFO). Workforce Adjustment and Deficit Reduction Action Plan (DRAP) I ve had seven meetings relating to Workforce Adjustment in some form since December including at least one from each Department. Environment Canada (DOE) has been working at this the longest, has been learning lessons along the way, and has been improving its consistency and informational discussions in the Region. Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) was a little slower getting going and has finally released its plan for DRAP. The Canadian Forestry Service (CFS) has begun to discuss workforce adjustment at its Regional Labour Management Consultation Committee (LMCC) and its operational plans. This file is generally taking the majority of my efforts and I don t expect this to change for a while.

3 -3- Workforce Adjustment and Deficit Reduction Action Plan (DRAP) (Cont d) This is a difficult time for all three Departments, re-organizing as they place our members in affected status. Members are being released and working groups are being asked to again do more with less. This is going to be a struggle over the next two to three years as we re-define ourselves in our role working for the people of Canada. National Executive Meetings The Minutes of the December 2011 meeting can be reviewed by visiting the UEW website. I ve participated on three conference calls since the December meetings. These have been for the most part updating the Executive on developments relating to workforce adjustment, DRAP and national issues of which we need to stay apprised. The NP, NVP and RVPs have been very active communicating between teleconferences via regarding events occurring in different Regions across the nation. I ve found the entire Executive active and open to discussions and freely expressing possible solutions to assist others. I will be writing a secondary Report to my Local Presidents to more fully express events and my activities related directly to my Region. National Joint Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee I ve attended two meetings during this reporting period, one in person. Manon Desormeaux, one of our UEW Service Officers, has been available as an advisor to me. The Committee is in a transition phase with George Enei now seated in Management s Chair. At the May meeting, long-time Union Chair Pierre Tourigny stepped down. The four unions will shortly be choosing a new Union lead.

4 -4- National Joint Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee (Cont d) Topics being discussed included: i.e., - Review of HRSDC report regarding an operational diving accident resulting in the loss of life - Security lock-down procedures - PeopleSoft and ergonomic issues - AED safety equipment and Directive - WFA Stress at the workplace - Water Testing in Offices - Review of the Terms of Reference A sub-committee has been formed to review Environment Canada s 2002 and 2006 policy decision with respect to AED equipment. The Committee is to return with recommendations detailing any changes that could be looked at with the continued development of the equipment since the original position was taken by the Department. Mike Norton, the RDG for P&NR, is also sitting on the Committee. PSAC National Triennial Convention & UEW Pre-Convention Meetings UEW delegates sat for two days prior to Convention discussing the Committee Reports and resolutions in detail. This was my first opportunity to attend a PSAC Convention. I ve heard many things by countless people about the work done during Convention. I found small truths in almost every point of view.

5 -5- PSAC National Triennial Convention & UEW Pre-Convention Meetings (Cont d) I was very impressed with the professionalism of our RVPs and other delegates selected at our own Convention last August. We listened to each Committee member speak of how he/she arrived at his/her priorities and the thinking of his/her respective Committee. We questioned and spoke with great passion as each resolution was brought forward. What caught my attention was when anyone spoke against the general accepted view of an issue, not once did anyone attack that person for it. Members around the table used facts and positions to describe better ways of seeing the issue to enlighten everyone. By the time the Convention started, our delegates were well versed on issues and ready to speak as needed. The PSAC Convention opened with about 525 delegates. It was clear from the start that a number of Components had come with closed minds and orders to block any resolutions that would result in any dues increase without any thought to their need or benefit to the members. I ll summarize a few resolutions and issues that I feel need noting. PSAC pension solvency special dues levy This is a levy that is needed due to changes in legislation in Ontario that covers employee pension plans. The PSAC will need to cover the shortfall as a result of this calculation. It equates to about $2.58/member/month. This value needs to be rechecked but will be in place for the next 3 years. It was passionately debated but in the end, the majority felt that if we delayed until next Convention, this issue could handcuff the union and any decision-making power we have.

6 -6- PSAC National Triennial Convention & UEW Pre-Convention Meetings (Cont d) FIN-005A - PSAC Supplemental Pension Plan The floor rose in full support of the Committee recommendation for concurrence with this composite resolution. Those members at the low end of the scale would especially be troubled by the dues taken out of their pockets. When we as union activists take our positions, it is not on principle for the money and benefits. We are here to support and speak for the members. Elected officers need to ensure that any further discussions are open and transparent to rebuild the trust. FIN-019A - Reciprocal Transfer Agreement This was brought forward by the members to have a process in place to bring information and clear direction to deal with this identified situation. This is not a discussion about a Supplemental Pension Plan but about a more thorough study to report back to the Alliance at the 2015 Convention. There were statements from the floor that indicated that the combined pensions were actually healthier than if the elected member had just stayed with the Government. Expectations are that this will remain an issue with the members and the leadership over the next three years. Many did feel that the discussion could be divisive and troubling but others also feel that information, discussion and facts would move us to a better understanding. NEG-029A - Regulation 15 - Electronic Voting We needed to move ahead on how we vote. We need to be inclusive and not deny members the opportunity to cast ballots for critical events like contract ratification. The resolution passed (nearly unanimous) with the needed 2/3rd majority.

7 -7- PSAC National Triennial Convention & UEW Pre-Convention Meetings (Cont d) CS Regional Youth Committees The delegates gave a 2/3 majority to this resolution resulting in a 0.04/member/month dues increase. I voted against this resolution. The arguments are to give them the opportunity to participate. I feel that this belongs with our Locals. Our leaders are the ones that know the make-up of our Locals. I challenge our Locals to seek out our youth with talent and interest and mentor and encourage them. They look to solve world problems and I believe them when they say that they will. Get the youth to attend meetings and conferences as observers. Invest in the youth to follow us and be ready when the time comes to lead. CS Suspension of Membership A resolution was passed by the floor which needed the support of only 50% of those voting. I spoke against this and disagreed with its intent as a solution. We can do better as a union. It was a good start but we need to find a way past the fines which create punitive punishment well beyond the suspension period, results in the alienation of members, and divides Locals and work units. I accept that this was not the general feeling of the delegates. The Technical Services Bargaining Unit has been without a contract since the Summer of I will do all I can to ensure all members are ready and understand their roles if it comes to action at our workplaces.

8 -8- PSAC National Triennial Convention & UEW Pre-Convention Meetings (Cont d) Election - PSAC National Positions The REVP from P&NR, Robyn Benson, was elected as our new National President on the 3 rd ballet. She replaces John Gordon and will lead our union over the next three years. Joining her are Chris Aylward, NEVP, and Danielle Dubuc as Alternate NEVP. Conclusion I ve been kept very busy attending each of eight AGM meetings in the Region since January. I had the pleasure of having our UEW President on hand for four AGM meetings in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. I ve enjoyed my time at each site and my opportunity to visit with the Local Executives and members. Workforce adjustment has transitioned into DRAP with the federal budget affecting our members in all three Departments. The number of meetings has been a challenge but ensuring everyone is being treated fairly under policies and directives has continued to remain the focus. Through it all, I ve almost lost track of the TC bargaining unit which remains without a contract. I applaud our bargaining team for their hard work to this point and ahead during these difficult times.

9 -9- Union Activity Report - December 8 th, June 1 st, Event Location December 8 UEW - Team Session with National Office Ottawa December 9 UEW - National Executive Seminar Ottawa December 10 UEW - National Executive Strategy Session Ottawa December UEW - National Executive Meeting Ottawa December 14 DOE - National Joint Occupational Health and Ottawa Safety Policy Committee Meeting (NJOHSJPC) December 20 Unions of Regina Christmas Dinner Regina 2012 Event Location January 4 DOE - P&NR WFA Committee Meeting Conference Call January 17 DOE AGM Calgary January 19 Bargaining Update - TC Meeting Regina January 24 DFO - C&AR WFA Committee Meeting Conference Call January 27 DOE Local Executive Meeting Regina January 31 DFO - DM - Union Meeting Conference Call January 31 DOE AGM Regina February 1 DOE Local Executive Meeting Saskatoon February 1 DOE AGM Saskatoon February 15 DFO - Strategic Review Implementation Conference Call February 16 CFS Local Executive Meeting Edmonton February 17 DOE - PNR WFA Subcommittee Meeting Edmonton February 17 CFS AGM Edmonton February 27 DFO - WFA Committee Meeting Conference Call February 28 DFO AGM Winnipeg February 29 DOE AGM Winnipeg March 6 DOE AGM Edmonton March 7 DOE AGM Yellowknife March 13 DFO - RUMCC Conference Call March OSH Committee Training Regina March 15 DFO - RHSC Conference Call March 16 NRCan - Local UMCC Meeting, Edmonton Conference Call March 27 DOE - PNR WFA Subcommittee Meeting Conference Call

10 -10- Union Activity Report - December 8 th, June 1 st, 2012 (Cont d) 2012 Event Location April 5 UEW - National Executive Meeting Conference Call April 12 UEW - National Executive Meeting Conference Call April 19 Regina Office - Associate DM Meeting Regina April 23 CFS - LMCC Conference Call April 24 DOE - PNR WFA subcommittee Meeting Conference Call April UEW Preconvention Meetings Ottawa April 29-May 4 PSAC 16 th Triennial Convention Ottawa May 14 UEW - National Executive Briefing Conference Call May 15 DOE - NJOHSJPC Meeting Conference Call May 17 DFO - Department Briefing Conference Call May 17 DFO - Strategic Review Contaminants Briefing Conference Call May 23 DOE - PNR WFA Subcommittee Meeting Conference Call May 26-June 1 UEW - National Executive Meeting Ottawa