Prairie Region Council Meeting
February 16 – 18, 2002
Winnipeg
Saturday, February 16, 2002
Present:
Robyn Benson (REVP) Pat
Davis (Regional Coordinator)
Niru Channan (N AB) Jo
Chelick (N AB)
Marianne Hladun (N SK) Satinder
Bains (S SK)
Janet Letwinka (S SK) Dale
Buck (MB)
Mary Jane Ellis (MB) Barb
Hall (MB)
Pat Mason (MB) Debbie
Metz (DCL)
Don Rogers (EG) Balwinder
Dhaliwal (RWC)
Brian Molsberry (Alt. REVP) Shelley
Jamieson (EA)
Regrets:
Della Winkler (N SK)
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 9:20 a.m. on February
16, 2002 with Sister Robyn Benson in the Chair. Sister Benson
offered congratulations and welcoming remarks to the new PRC. Sister
Benson also thanked Sister Buck & Sister Mason for their work
on the Hospitality Room. Saturday evening all Manitoba RVPs
/ NVPs / Branch Presidents have been invited to meet the new PRC.
Adoption of the Agenda:
The following items were added to the agenda:
21. Solidarity & Pride
22. Solidarity
Network
PSAC Policies:
The policies / statements on Harassment, Smoking and No Scents were distributed
at the meeting and will be in effect for all PRC meetings. These policies
should be added to PRC Rep Binder as they will not be distributed at subsequent
meetings.
Consensus Decision Making:
It was agreed that the PRC will continue to make decisions by consensus,
however, expenditures of finances may require a vote.
Regional Executive Vice-President's Report:
Written report distributed to members in binder.
PRC Rep Reports:
As this is the first meeting, no written reports were submitted,
however, each PRC Rep provided an introductory verbal report.
Reports are to be submitted electronically at least one week prior to the upcoming
PRC meeting via email to Sister Jamieson.
PSAC Financial Update:
Sister Benson provided an update on the finances of the PSAC. There will
be a surplus for the year ending 2001(after several years of deficit). This
is due in large part to the ongoing financial evaluations, the work of the Standing
Finance Committee as well as the commitment of the AEC and Staff. Our
budget was based on 140,000 members however we have averaged approximately
10,000 more than expected. We will be ensuring that our Liabilities are
funded and as such have increased our Long Term Assets. The audited Financial
Statements will be presented to the May NBOD and then will be distributed. The
Standing Finance Committee and the NBOD recognize the need for increased staff
and as such have approved a number of term positions.
Staffing Prairies:
Sister Benson advised that Brother Phil Trottier will
be transferring to Kingston and is expected to leave by the end
of June 2002. There will be a staffing process to replace
Brother Trottier. There will also be processes for a Term
Rep (Winnipeg RO), a Term Negotiator and a ½ term Administrative
Support for Regina.
Education:
Sister Benson advised that the Prairies Education Schedule
is on the Prairie Region Web site. As we did not have a
committee in place the PRC members were invited to meetings at
their respective Regional Offices to ensure their input.
Brother Pellerin-Fowlie asked when will National Officers Training take place – Sister
Davis responded that the training is usually after the Component Conventions
are completed. Sister Letwinka suggested that an abridged version could
be delivered by Sister Judy Shannon to the PRC.
The “PSAC/TBS Joint Learning Program” working group is now in place. Brother
John Gordon is the AEC officer responsible and he will ensure that we are kept
updated.
Roles & Responsibilities:
The Council spent the next several hours discussing the intent of By-Law (pg
5 – d), as well as redefining their roles as Prairies Region Council members. Sister
Davis facilitated the session and the Council is pleased with the direction
their roles are taking. To ensure that the Council members are kept abreast
of the activities within their jurisdiction sister Davis will instruct the
RO's to add them to their mailing list if they are not already on it. The
Council decided that the following committees would be needed to ensure we
were effective:
Committees:
Bylaws Education Finance Communication Political
Action
As well there was a discussion on “Recruitment of Youth” and a subcommittee
was struck.
Sunday, February 17, 2002
ITEMS SUBMITTED
1. Committees:
In order to ensure representation (regionally) the committees
are comprised of a representative from each province and are as follows:
Communication Finance
Dale Buck Brian
Molsberry
Marianne Hladun Janet
Letwinka
Greg Krokosh Balwinder
Dhaliwal
Don
Rogers
Education Political
Action:
Mary Jane Ellis Steve
Pellerin-Fowlie
Della Winkler Debbie
Metz
Niru Channan Pat
Mason
By-Laws Youth
Committee Leads (but includes whole PRC)
Jo Chelick Marianne
Hladun
Barb Hall Balwinder
Dhaliwal
Satinder Bains Jo
Chelick
Honours & Awards Convention
Committee
Dale Buck Greg
Krokosh
Janet Letwinka Steve
Pellerin-Fowlie
Greg Krokosh Jo
Chelick
Niru
Channan
2. Budget:
Sister Benson reviewed the 2002 & 2003 budgets that
were passed at Convention. As the budget were passed as a
whole, if the need arose a line item could go over budget however,
the budget as a whole cannot.
Financial Statements were not available as Leave without Pay items from Ottawa
are delayed due to Convention being held so close to the year end.
Hardship:
Sister Benson advised that so far $23,343.68 has been contributed to the Regional
Hardship Fund. She also advised that there is discussion with respect
to ensuring that the money stays within the Region. There was a resolution
at the last NBOD with respect to Regulation 6B and it has been referred to
the AEC. Sister Benson is a member of the AEC committee who will review
the regulation and make the appropriate recommendations. The Council
discussed the various situations with respect to collecting the monies as well
as the expressed desire of the members to ensure that the money is in fact
used for hardship and is maintained within the Region.
Financial Statements for 2001:
The representatives from Alberta will be responsible for
reviewing the books once all of the information has been received from Ottawa. Sister
Jamieson will provide them with the completed financial statements
as well as a copy of the “workbook”.
The RWC Rep will have to determine how to distribute the money from 2001as
that was not done in 2001. It would be nice to send the 2001 allocation
before the RWC Conference. A discussion took place as to the provisional account,
special PRC projects & donations line item etc.
The Finance Committee will provide financial descriptions for each line item
as a guide.
3. Pamphlet:
Pamphlet referred to the communications committee for updating.
4. Collective Bargaining
Update:
PRC Reps – Should be aware of bargaining updates. Reps
may be asked to attend meeting/give interviews in Sister Benson's
absence.
CCRA – Significant break throughs - Incremental increases for
terms, Harmonization similar to TB & additional harmonization,
down to 2 Zones for the GL/GS's. Brother Pellerin-Fowlie added
that the Customs Officers are not happy that they did not get their
own bargaining unit irrespective of the great job that the PSAC did
at the recertification hearings.
UPCE – In Ratification Now. Did very well. Canada
Post underestimated our membership and did not anticipate a strike. The
strike was very effective and of course successful. Sister Benson
was not able to picket in the Prairies however did in Ottawa. Canada
Post now knows the members are a force to be reckoned with.
Parks – The same economic increase as TB is on the table however
the Employer has tabled take aways. We are currently conducting
a strike vote. The time frame for this vote is longer than usual
as there are a lot of seasonal workers that must be reached. Banff
is the largest revenue generator. The PRC should work with the
RO's and elected officials from National Component and UCTE on mobilizing.
UCS:
Sister Benson will speak with Sister Margaret Jeckyl to get
an update on UCS. Discussion on Classification System: Update
by Brother Molsberry in terms of DND, Sister Benson for TB.
Regional Units
ATCO – First Collective Agreement Aramark – Notice
to Bargain
Bombardier – Vote March 5 Fort Qu'appelle – in
negotiations
Port of Churchill - in negotiations
5. Discussion Papers:
The papers as well as the reports from the Prairie Region
convention have been distributed to all of the Components. The
reports are on the Prairie Region website as well. One
or more papers will be at PSAC Convention. The Prairie
Region council members should discuss the reports at meetings
they attend to ensure that our membership is aware of the discussion
papers.
6. Workers of Tomorrow:
This is a program that fund individuals to do H&S School Campaign. Sister
Ellen Olfert has requested PSAC participation. The Council agreed to
fund leave without pay to a maximum of $500. We have in the past had
Brother Campbell working on this. Brother Molsberry feels Health & Safety
is a key issue. MFL has done great work around this issue as can be seen
by the billboard campaign that PSAC is contributing to.
7. G8:
The council members were given a clear concise SFL publication
for their information.
Brother Pellerin-Fowlie reported verbally however will submit a written report
to be posted on the web site.
He attended a meeting on Nov 12 & 13 on behalf of Sister Benson. This
was a meeting of Labour Organizations in AB within Social Justice Movement
in anticipation of G8. The approach for G8 put forward by CEP was for
a Peace (Refugee) Camp. It was determined that the Peace Camp will be
on an area owned by Stony Land – Stony people are receptive to political action
as the feds tried to buy them off however it didn't work. Will
look somewhat like Quebec City in that it will be Non-violent. There
will be a vast array of organizations putting on seminars – social outings/music. The
Council discussed the probable increase in security etc.
Sister Hladun reports the SFL putting together a committee. Randy Fleming
involved. Political Action will fund.
Sister Jamieson and Brother Trottier have attended meetings at the University
of Winnipeg and will keep PRC posted.
Our region will be asked to take the lead as it is in our region.
Sister Davis talked about our commitment and how we can fund things collectively
as generally environmental groups have no money.
Our Political Action Committee has to work with the Area Councils to gain commitment
to work on issues such as the G8.
Solidarity Network Assembly -
Brother Pellerin-Fowlie as well as several PSAC members attended the above
conference. The conference dealt with the left-wing of social justice
movement. He noted that at least 25% of participants were from Youth
Organizations. Social justice issues appear to be key for youth and they
show a whole lot of enthusiasm & interest for them. There is a Flying
Squad that will go anywhere – they are not meek people. Brother Richard
Sharpe also attended from this region. Brother Pellerin-Fowlie & Brother
Sharpe will work together on report that will be posted on our web site. BC
Region Rep also attended. Reports to be submitted to Sister Turmel.
8. Prairie
Region Convention:
The resolutions that were passed at Convention were given to our new Bylaws
committee to address.
9. NBOD Strategy Session:
Sister Benson quoted from the “Message to the PSAC Membership” that
was posted on the PSAC web site. “We strongly believe that
within the PSAC, there is a place for Components, Regions and the
national PSAC structure” The NBOD reaffirmed the commitment to
union education & local development.
Sister Shannon for our Convention had developed a Local Development Workshop
however due to time constraints it was not delivered. She did a pilot in Edmonton
on Feb 9 and Sister Benson was invited to attend. Sister Shannon is preparing
a report on pilot and it will soon be rolled out in our Region.
10. SFL/Rabble
A letter from Judy Rebick, publisher of Rabble was given
to the Council members for their information and future action. Information
on Rabble can be found at www.rabble.ca.
11. SVMEA
The call out letter for the SVMEA was distributed to the
Council for their information & action. The theme of
this conference is “Visible Minorities and the Looming Labour Shortage
in Saskatchewan. It will be held May 15 and 16 2002 in Regina.
12. CLC Aboriginal/Workers of Colour
The pre conference call for the second Triennial national
Aboriginal / workers of Colour Conference was given to the Council
members for their information.
13. Area Council:
Sister Benson asked the Council members to take note of
Section 14 in the PSAC constitution. This is the Section
that deals with the Area Councils and as PRC members they should
take responsibility for the area councils in their jurisdiction.
Sister Benson updated the PRC on the Edmonton Area Council. For the time being
the by-laws will be held in abeyance and they will work on consensus model. They
did determine that there will be 2 officers for signing. They will work
collectively together on who is responsible for distribution of meeting minutes. They
will be issue based which will allow for greater flexibility.
Sister Dhaliwal stated PRC Reps are there to re-infuse Area Councils and to
provide role-model & direction.
Sister Buck advised the Winnipeg Area Council is not functioning as well as
she would like it to and that the same people are there. There appears
to be no direction and that with the direct involvement of the new members
of the council from Manitoba things may change.
Brother Molsberry thought that we should look within our provinces and membership
for issues that the Area Council can work on.
Brother Pellerin-Fowlie had the view that Area Councils need to have a reason
to exist. There still appears to be some vagueness of “regionalization” with
respect to some of our activists however the Council members committed to attending
the meetings to help them if needed. He advised that working on the Pension
Reform Campaign is a good example of Area Council's responsibility.
The Council agreed that the Prairie Region Political Action Committee could
assist the Area Councils with respect to issues that they may want to involve
themselves with.
14. Local Development:
Sister Benson reviewed the status of the Local Development
Sub Committee of the NBOD. The committee has drafted guidelines
which were distributed to all of the Components.
15. Conferences:
Sisters Hladun & Dhaliwal presented information on
the Prairie Regional Women's Conference which takes place from
May 4 – 5. The Operating Budget is $70,000.
Sister Patty Ducharme will open the conference. Sister Barb Byers of
the SFL will give an address. Sister Benson has agreed to provide the
closing address. There will be 4 or 5 workshops and these will be done
by Alliance Facilitators. It is hoped that there will be full subsidies
however it will depend on the number of Sisters who attend. We hope to
attract at minimum 120.
Sister Benson reminded the Council that the Health and Safety conference is
March 14 – 17 in Montreal, the Access Conference is May 9 – 12 in Toronto,
the National Women's conference is Sept 12 – 15 in Ottawa and the Unity Conference
is Oct 17 -20 in Winnipeg.
16. Organizing in the Prairies:
Brother Molsberry had been an acting organizer for the
Prairies and he reported that the Commissionaires in our Region
has been but on hold for now. The Council discussed the need
to hire an organizer for our region. The membership needs
to bring leads to the Regional Offices so that we ensure the appropriate
timing, best use of funds etc. If the Council members have
any leads they should advise Sister Davis. An example given
by Brother Molsberry was that Call Centres could be a target. We
have experience with Call Centres and should use own members as
it would reflect the membership we could be trying to organize.
17. New Locals & Local Development:
Brother Molsberry advised that Local Development is an issue
for UNDE in the Prairies. He also committed to working with the
Regional Offices to hold courses UNDE specific as he has a budget
to do so. Sister Benson expressed her appreciation of work
being done in the Prairies by Brother Molsberry with respect
to co sponsorship of courses for UNDE.
A discussion ensued with respect to the Education schedule and the Alliance
Facilitators and the need to ensure we make the best utilization of our network. Sister
Davis took note of the concerns raised and will speak with Sister Shannon. There
are a number of lunch time modules that our facilitators could present to help
educate our members.
18. Leadership Training
Sister Benson advised that the Standing Finance Committee and the NBOD approved
funding for leadership training. The details have not been worked out
as yet as there is a committee developing a proposal for the Standing Education
Committee and the AEC. The Prairie Region will start their training
in the fall of this year.
19. Update on UNDE Supply Chain Project:
Brother Molsberry - UNDE has started a “Fight Back” campaign. There
are upcoming TV ads which will be aired in Ontario. We
should be targeting Liberal MP's to voice our concern over privatization
and the security of our troops. PSAC will be a part of
this process.
The Supply Chain Project affects approximately 1100 people nationally and approximately
400 in Prairies.
Brother Molsberry thinks we need to concentrate on getting a Collective Agreement
to ensure we win successor rights. We will be hearing a lot more on this
issue and as information becomes available both Sister Benson and Brother Molsberry
will share it with the Council. UNDE is having a Presidents Conference
in March and the Supply Chain Project will be thoroughly discussed there. There
was a bit of a fight-back campaign already in Edmonton and Sister Mary Villieux
sent out a press release at the same time as Tibbet and Britain was there to
give information sessions to our members their potential employees. The Prairie
Region Council members committed to working with the members of UNDE in whatever
fashion is needed.
Brother Molsberry will take the PRC support back to his component.
20. Brother Johann Tan's Email:
Sister Benson was asked to speak at an International Women's
Day event in Edmonton. Sister Dhaliwal graciously accepted
to on Sister Benson's behalf. These are the types of events
that the Prairie Region Council members could avail themselves
of when Sister Benson is unable to represent the PSAC.
21. Solidarity & Pride – Conference
in Vancouver:
Brother Pellerin-Fowlie attended on behalf of the PSAC. This conference
is sponsored by CLC. It was fraught with controversy with respect to
the venue. It was originally scheduled for UBC, then decided to move
to Surrey because of complaints, then back to UBC. There was worry
that the conference would have demonstrators outside of the venue which of
course led to some of the speakers canceling. Sven Robinson was in attendance
as well as members from Amnesty International. They had shocking reports
on executions for sexually-related offenses. Canada is one of two
countries that recognize sexual orientation. PSAC had 2 caucuses. Brother
Pellerin-Fowlie believes it would have been more practical if the conference
had been in central Canada instead of B.C. There were not many delegates
from the Atlantic because of the location and there were also problems with
translation. A written report will follow so that it can be posted on
the web site.
The members of the PRC spent the remainder of the
day in committee meetings and geographic meetings to discuss and
prepare their plan of action.
Monday, February 16, 2002
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
All Committees provided a verbal report but will submit written actions plans.
Finance Committee
Budget will have line items with explanations. Sister Letwinka will prepare
a written narrative to describe items.
The following expenditures were agreed to:
SFL Youth Camp – The Council agreed to make a $500 donation with the following
instructions: we will sponsor SFL PSAC Children first, Children will be evaluated
by need, the child will be required to write an essay on the Labour Movement
in SK, the monies will be expended from line item 15 – Fed of Labour
Donation to CUPE Local 2128 of $250.00. The 46 members of this Local
are employed as education workers in the Biggar Public School Division. They
have been trying to negotiate a fair collective agreement for almost a year
and find that the employer wants to re-write the entire collective agreement..
Donation to USWA Local 5917 of $250.00. The 38 members of this Local
were locked out at Wheat City Metal in Regina. The picket line is located
on Pasqua Street north of # 11 highway west of IPSCO. This line is up
twenty four hours a day seven days a week.
The PSAC recently organized a new Local in Moose Jaw. Local 40817 15
Wing Moose Jaw – Aramark is just starting out and as such has a financial appeal
to the Locals of UNDE. The Council agreed to donate $100.
As the Bylaws committee is a newly formed committee
of the Prairie Region Council it was determined that we should
add a $500.00 line item in our budget to fund their work.
The Finance Committee recommended that the surplus
of the Council Representatives should be allocated to a provisional
account for their use to attend the Prairie Region Convention. The
Prairie Region Council will review the existing surplus (once financial
statements for 2001 are prepared) to allocate appropriately.
Communications Committee:
The Communications Committee determined the following priorities for the Council
members:
1. Letter of introduction to all Locals (draft
letter will be supplied)
2. Brochure will be
revised and ready for the end of March for all Locals
3. Develop a communication
kit of standardized information for distribution by the end of
Sept/02 for Locals and education courses etc.
Website
It was determined that we should have a “site map” on our web
site. This site map will identify Locals, Regional Offices
etc. The committee will prepare a draft of their needs and
submit to Sister Jamieson for her posting. As well the web
site will continue to have Area Council, Regional Women's Committee
and Prairie Region council minutes posted. Brother Krokosh
will work with Sister Jamieson to develop a protocol of submissions
and will review the web site to ensure information is timely.
Promotional Items
The committee will identify suppliers and create a purchase list
for promotional items with the Prairie Region logo. It was agreed
that they will expend an initial $500.00 for samples. These promotional
items will be for sale on the web site as well as be available at the
various conferences etc. The Council members will have samples
for our members to view and will ensure that orders are taken so as
to avoid bulk buying of items that may not be popular with our member.
Education Committee:
The Education Committee will work on Terms of Reference and will report at
the June meeting. The terms of reference will include but are not limited
to the following: work with the Regional Coordinator and Regional Education
Officer to develop the course schedule, budget etc., outreach to the other
Regions for best practices, outreach to the Locals and Equity Groups to ensure
needs are met, assist Alliance Facilitators, promote mentoring. The
committee also felt that they could provide input to the PSAC/TBS Joint Learning
Program through Brother Gordon.
Political Action:
Our priority will be the G8 Peace Camp. The committee committed $5000.00
from the political action budget be earmarked for this. The political
action committee will contact the Area Councils to ensure that they are aware
of the activities and to assist them with there planning. We as a Region
may have to seek financial support from Ottawa depending on the activities
planned.
Monies will be put aside for 2003 as there may in fact be a provincial election
in Saskatchewan.
It should be noted that each Federation of Labour will be putting on
educational sessions around G8.
By-Laws Committee:
The committee reviewed the resolutions passed at
Convention and recommended the changes to the Prairie Region Bylaws.
Representative Action Plans:
The reps shared their action plans with respect to
the work that they would like to do with in their respective geographic
assignments.
Meeting Adjourned at 11:00 am
Back to Prairie Region Home
Page |
