The Council held our third meeting of the year in August at which we held discussions and eventually passed three resolutions to send to the PSAC Triennial convention in 2018. A fourth resolution was discussed but after much debate the submitting member withdrew the resolution.
Minutes of this meeting can be found on the PSAC Prairies website.
As in past years the Westman Area Council participated in the Labour Day event held at the UFCW hall in Brandon, MB. During this event I, along with other members of the Council discussed the ongoing Phoenix fiasco with the people who came out to enjoy the festivities. We also set up a prize wheel for the kids and a few adults to hand out PSAC merchandise and promote the Council in the region.
This year was a little different for our fourth meeting, held in October, in that the Council held an AGM to elect officers, present financials and elect a delegate to PSAC National Triennial Convention. Usually the Council holds it AGM’s in the first quarter of the year but in order to comply with the PSAC Constitution the change was made.
There was no change in Officers as both Br Kaminski (VP) and Sr Grant (Secretary) were acclaimed to their positions. Br Weisgerber was elected to attend the Convention on behalf of the Council. As at all meetings, discussion on organizing training events in the Westman region were held with a commitment made from all members to try and mobilize members to take some Union training. Minutes of this meeting can be found on the PSAC Prairies website.
The Brandon & District United Way Christmas Tree Auction took place at the end of November this year and again the Council played a big role in the festivities. Collectively over $34,000.00 dollars was raised in support of families in need in the Westman area. Local & retired members along with spouses and friends helped make this event a fun occasion for all involved.
In December, I attended the Leadership training in Ottawa. My main interests for this round were the discussions on Mental Health in the workplace as this is an area that has gone for too long without recognition for our members. With the ongoing Phoenix boondoggle, more and more pressure is being put on our members and their families and friends.
In Feb, Council President Br Sexton and I will be attending the United Way Kickoff Luncheon to receive an award from the United Way to recognize the Council’s continued support of the Auction and United Way activities in the area.
There will also be Steward Advocate training taking place in Brandon on the 6th of Feb. I will be attending the training along with members from my home Local and other members in the Region.
Respectfully submitted,
Glen Johnston
WMAC Rep to the PRC