Edmonton Area Council Meeting

June 18, 2002

In Attendance:

Barb Ward - UTE                                       Jo Chelick - UTE
Raymonde Groulx-Lefebvre - ENV             Murray Heap - Natl -Parks
Irene Berube - ENV                                   Martine Mongeon - GSU

Concensus was used for the meeting in order to discuss items on the agenda prepared by Sister Barb Ward, who had called all the locals prior to meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

GLOBALIZATION

Information pertaining to the events happening in Calgary was shared and discussed. G - 8 events are posted at: www.afl.org

SIGNING AUTHORITIES

Discussion took place on having another volunteer for signing authority in order to have three (3) in case one not available. Cheques need two (2 signatures). No volunteers mentioned.

NEW BUSINESS

FUNDING/BUDGET

Treasurer not in attendance to provide financial report, but Barb mentioned that the council had received $1000.00 re the year 2002 for operating.

UFCW STRIKE

PSAC members have been supporting the workers at the Shaw Conference Centre who have been on strike since May 3, 2002 . UFCW had a barbeque for the strikers, but soon found that the homeless were lining up for burgers. Since that first barbeque, they now plan for the numbers and have also invited supporters to participate with their barbeques eg PSAC & PIPS. In keeping with the community spirit and as a thank you for their invitation, the Area Council donated $300.00 to UFCW Local 401 last week. This was done on concensus basis thru calls to some participants at prior meetings.

EDMONTON DISTRICT LABOUR COUNCIL

Sister Barb Ward attended the Labour Council meeting on June 17, 2002 . She met with President Alex Grimoldi , Treasurer Gordon Steele and CLC rep Michael Desautels to discuss PSAC becoming a member thru the Area Council, as opposed to each local joining. This has never been done before, so Brother Michael Desautels will check with the National office if it can be done.

ALBERTA FEDERATION of LABOUR

Discussion was held on the importance of affiliating with the AFL and participating in education and events in order to form a stronger bond between all unions. PSAC locals who are already affiliated can participate in all AFL events, including convention. For locals who are not affiliated, can complete the application form, submit it to the AFL office, who in turn will then forward it to the National PSAC office. The National office pays the affiliation dues. Barb Ward has blank forms, or you can call the AFL office if you want to check if affiliated or not - telephone # 780/483-3021.  It was suggested to bring in speakers from both AFL & EDLC to explain what are the benefits of affiliating.

LABOUR NEWS AD

Barb Ward to contact AFL about having an ad placed in the next newsletter. To be discussed with AFL whether to just place ad, or to state support for UFCW, etc. It is a form of public relations to promote the Area Council.

DND CAMPAIGN

There was no representative from DND to speak on the campaign they are currently working on to divert contracting out of supplies at the DND sites. Barb did share a package of what Sister Mary Vieulleux had presented at the EDLC meeting.

NAV CANADA

No representative from NAV Canada to present the latest update on their negotiations which have been ongoing for 2 years.

CLC PREVENT CANCER CAMPAIGN

Sister Ward to obtain more booklets in order for all locals to develop campaign in their respective areas. 

PENSIONS

Discussion was held on the reform needed for out pension. Suggestion was that a sub committee be formed to possibly work with APSAR. If each local had a representative that was not on the executive, but a member who would be interested in working on this project, more time could be spent on the project, and involve more members.

H & S Scent Free BUILDINGS

Sister Ward suggested that since numerous JOSH committees are having problems with scents in the workplace, that a campaign be started to have scent free buildings. Those present felt that maybe for the time being just the PSAC scent booklets be sent our to all the H & S committees.

TRAINING

Discussion re update on the training initiative as per the Treasury Board agreement. Barb to touch base with Prairies Education officer Judy Shannon for update on what has been happening to date.

PARKS CANADA

Brother Murray Heap gave an overview of what has been happening at their work sites pertaining to their negotiations and the use of firearms. They have requested that they be trained and allowed to carry a gun for safety in their duties as Peace Officers, but have been denied. Instead the employer has employed the use of the RCMP at Elk Island at a much higher cost and inconvenience. This issue is not part of their agreement, so the safety issue is an ongoing struggle.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Please send your agenda items to the EAC contact persons: Barb Ward, Martine Mongeon or Joyce Boettcher (listed on web site).

FUTURE MEETINGS

Discussion was held on whether meetings should be held monthly or not. Another suggestion was that possibly conference calls could be held some months. Barb to check on costing with staff at regional office.

NEXT MEETING: August 20, 2002 7 P.M. PSAC Regional Office

NO MEETING TO BE HELD IN JULY 2002

Edmonton Area Council Contacts:

Joyce Boettcher      (h) 476-3975        (w) 495-4768

Martine Mongeon   (w) 497-3527  Email:  martine.mongeon@pwgsc.gc.ca
Barbara Ward         (w) 495-6757 Email:  bjward@interbaun.com

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