Krysty Thomas Reports
July 2017
I was elected Lethbridge Area Council President in November 2016. Since being sworn in at the 7th Prairie Region Triennial Convention the Lethbridge Area Council has been very busy.
We held a General Meeting May 3rd to plan our summer activities including supporting Lethbridge Pride, National Aboriginal Day, Whoop up Days Parade, Lethbridge and District Labour Council Labour Day Picnic.
In 2015 and 2016, the Lethbridge and District Area has supported a dragon boat team to be a part of the Rotary’s Dragon boat festival in Lethbridge. This year we did three email call outs asking for paddlers from all PSAC components in Southern Alberta. However we were unable to generate enough interest fill a full boat. We have taken a break from this festival this year and will attempt to field a team next year as the festival is a great way for PSAC to have a community presence and allow members from across different components to get together in a team environment.
The Lethbridge and District Area Council was involved in two boycotts of National Public Service Week. The first was at an employer’s Pancake Breakfast at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre in which we stood outside the event with the “Burnt by Phoenix” banner handing out fake paycheques that were written out to the “hardworking public servants” for two pancakes, signed by Treasury Board. Local Management thought that these were clever and were going to pass them on to upper management. Our members also thought that they were a smart idea and gladly took
“Burnt by Phoenix” and #FixPhoenix stickers to wear proudly. Most of our members did not part-take in the employer’s pancake breakfast and signed the postcards to Scott Brison. The second event was also during the employer’s free hamburger lunch. Here we handed out ice cream sandwiches and started a conversation about why we are boycotting National Public Service Week explaining that that the Treasury Board contracts were still NOT signed and that the pay system was still in shambles. Finally, during National Public Service Week I reached out to my MP, Rachel Harder over the phone to request a meeting. I was advised that I needed to email my request to her; I have only received an auto email reply suggesting she will get back to me shortly.
Lethbridge Pride is a weeklong event that runs from June 19 – 25th, ending with the Pride Parade. This year the Lethbridge and District Area Council financially contributed to two crosswalks including the pride flag (rainbow coloured) and the world’s first transgendered flag (pink, white and blue) that are showcased in downtown Lethbridge. I also attended several Pride events throughout the week.
June 21st was National Aboriginal Day, the Lethbridge and District Area Council help to support the events that were taking place in Lethbridge Galt Gardens. I was lucky enough to be able to part-take in a teaching tool to share the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada called the Blanket Exercise. The LDAC also supported a Pow Wow at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre which was organized by First Nations Co-op Students who are working at the centre. There were young drummers from the local elementary school who were learning to drum as part of their culture as well as young women who were learning the jingle dance and the fancy dance. This event was well attended by students, members of the community, management and members from AGR 30048.
This term I also attended two Lethbridge and District Labour Council Meeting and gave short verbal reports of PSAC latest activities including Phoenix, bargaining, and convention updates, as well as our plan to boycott National Public Service Week.
Should you have any questions about my report, please contact me directly at munnsk@gmail.com or phone 403-393-2688.
Activities
May 3rd Chaired the Lethbridge Area Council Meeting
May 5th First call out for Dragon boat Festival
May 10th Attended the Lethbridge and District Labour Council Meeting
May 29th Attended my local’s (AGR 30048) General Meeting
June 12th Boycotting National Public Service Week – Pancake Plant-gate
June 13th Attended the community event “Pride denied: homonationalism & the future of queer politic” at the CASA Lethbridge.
June 14th Attended the Lethbridge and District Labour Council Meeting
June 14th Boycott National Public Service Week – Burned by Phoenix Ice Cream Sandwich Plant-gate.
June 18th Attended the Trans March in Lethbridge as part of Pride Week
June 19th Attended the Lethbridge Pride Flag raising ceremony at City Hall (Lethbridge).
June 21st Attended National Aboriginal Day festivities in Galt Gardens (Lethbridge)
June 21st Attended a Pow Wow at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, organized by First Nation students working at the station.
In Solidarity –
Krysty Munns
PSAC Lethbridge and District Area Council President
February 2018
Since my last report from the Lethbridge and District Area Council (LDAC), I attended the first Face-to-Face Meeting of the Prairie Region Council in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in July.
In August, the LDAC participated in the Whoop-Up Days Parade in conjunction with the Lethbridge and District Labour Council. On August 29th the LDAC held a general meeting to discuss and debate potential resolutions for submission to PSAC National Convention to be held in Toronto. The meeting was well attended and we were able to put forth five resolutions from our committee. These were submitted on August 31st.
In September the LDAC contributed to the Lethbridge Labour Day Family Picnic with financially supporting a generator for bouncy castles and some helium for PSAC balloons. Members from the committee donated their time to supervise children at the bouncy castle throughout the day. A tent was set up where we spoke about the public service, Phoenix issues and handed out PSAC swag. The LDAC also supported members in Medicine Hat by contributing some funds to cover the cost of bouncy castles at their Labour Day Picnic. This was the first time PSAC was involved in the Medicine Hat Labour Day Picnic. Sr. Danielle Poissant (Union of National Defence Employees Local 30907) organized this event in conjunction with the Medicine Hat Labour Council.
During this term the LDAC held an Annual General Meeting on Oct 17th. A new executive was elected whereby I was re-elected president, Br. David Person (AGR) was re-elected Secretary/Treasurer and Sr. Kristy Slattery (CIU) was elected Vice-President. At this meeting I was elected as the LDAC delegate to the National PSAC Convention.
Members of our committee attended the Lethbridge and District and Labour Council General meetings in September, October and November and gave short verbal reports of PSAC latest activities including Phoenix, bargaining, and convention updates. Several members of the LDAC also attended a strategy meeting to help shape the next year of the Lethbridge and District Council. In September the Lethbridge and District Labour Council held an endorsement meeting for Lethbridge Municipal Election. In partnership with the CLC, endorsement cards were printed. I made sure all PSAC members received a copy of this card letting them know which candidates had a labour friendly platform.
On November 28th, I was called upon to give a media interview for Bridge City News (Lethbridge) regarding Bill 30: Alberta’s new safety legislation including the right to refuse unsafe work, the right to know about unsafe work and the right to participate in Occupational Health and Safety Committees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-W81HacQvo
In November, members of the LDAC attended the Canadian Labour International Film Festival that was held at the Lethbridge Public Library. Two members of the LDAC were also in Ottawa for leadership training.
On December 8th, I lobbied Conservative MP Rachel Harder to discuss the ongoing Phoenix issues. I asked Ms. Harder to speak about Phoenix in the house and demand that the liberals hire more compensation representative region wide to help alleviate some the issues our member are facing. I advised if she doesn’t speak to this issue in the house on our behalf we will have “Burnt by Phoenix Pizza Lunch” demonstrations outside her office on Feb 21st. Ms. Harder committed to requesting approval to speak in the on house on behalf of her constituents about Fixing Phoenix. She asked me to keep her in the loop regarding our day of action and could potentially speak at our rally.
This term I was also sworn into the Alberta Federation of Labour Executive Committee and Alberta Federation of Labour Council. I have attended two meetings for these committees, the first being in Calgary and the second being in Edmonton. At these meetings I present updates about PSAC, including our struggles and where we need labour allies within the province. I also become aware provincial and national labour campaigns.
Finally in January, the PSAC Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee hosted the first every Lethbridge Living Library. This event was in recognition of the second anniversary of the Women’s March on Washington and Canada. The Lethbridge Living Library included various organizations (including PSAC) and speakers from within our community who serve the principles of human rights, social justice, equality, and compassion. I gave five media interviews leading up this event on CTV, Global, Bridge City News, and 95.5 Country FM.
Should you have any questions about my report, please contact me directly at munnsk@gmail.com or phone 403:393:2688.
Activities:
2017
July 5-9: 1st Face-to-Face Meeting of the PRC in Saskatoon, SK.
August 8: PRC Finance Committee Conference call
August 29: Lethbridge and District Area Council regular meeting
September 4: Labour Day Family Picnic – Lethbridge
September 4: Labour Day Family Picnic – Medicine Hat
September 14: PRC Conference Call
September 22: Lethbridge District Labour Council Municipal Candidate Endorsement meeting
October 4: Members of the committee attended the Sisters in Spirit Vigil – Lethbridge
October 16: Attended my local’s (AGR 30048) regular meeting
October 17: Lethbridge Area Council Annual General Meeting
October 17: Attended the Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee Meeting
October 18-19: Alberta Federation of Labour Executive and Council Meetings – Calgary
October 28-29: Participated in the course Duty to Accommodate in Calgary, Alberta.
November 8: Lethbridge and District Council Monthly Meeting and Strategy Planning Meeting with CLC representative C. Longo.
November 23: Attended my local’s (AGR 30048) AGM General Meeting – re-elected secretary
November 24 -26: Attended the PSAC Women’s Retreat in Calgary
Nov 29 – Dec 3: PSAC Leadership Training – Ottawa
Dec 5 – 6: Alberta Federation of Labour Executive and Council Meetings – Edmonton.
December 7: Participate in the Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee Holiday Giving Project
December 8: Lobbied Conservation MP Rachel Harder, constituency office
2018
January 15: Lethbridge and District Area Council regular meeting
January 17: Area Council Conference Call – National Conference Call
January20: Members of the LDAC attended the Lethbridge Women’s March On Event and Lethbridge Living Library
January 25: Attended the Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee Meeting
In Solidarity,
Krysty Munns
PSAC Lethbridge and District Area Council President
November 2018
Since my last report from the Lethbridge and District Area Council (LDAC) myself and the committee have been very busy!
Our biggest event of the summer was the Burnt by Phoenix dragon boat team. With support from PSAC the Lethbridge Area Council successfully entered the “Burnt by Phoenix” dragon boat team into the ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival. Registration was open to all PSAC members in Southern Alberta. There was a formal call out via email and posters were hung in workplaces across components. We had a total of 26 team paddlers from the Agriculture Union, Government Services Union, Union of Taxation Employees, and Customs and Immigration Union. We decorated a tent with PSAC flags, component flags, the Burnt by Phoenix Banner, other banners, balloons, streamers, and PSAC swag. In the tent we had a few refreshments and chairs providing members an excellent opportunity to get to know one another, make connections, and have important conversations about how individuals have been affected by Phoenix, workplace concerns, the upcoming provincial election and other union issues. Here we were able to explain how to get more involved with PSAC, i.e. described the role of the Area Council, when and where meetings are held and invite members to be a part of the Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee. Our team bio was “A team supported by the Lethbridge District Area Council of the Public Service Alliance of Canada with a purpose to be out and about in our community promoting and celebrating the value of Canada’s Public Servants. Our team name Burnt by Phoenix brings attention to the on-going Phoenix pay-system debacle, whereby more than 200,000 federal public servant workers have suffered, and are continuing to suffer pay problems.” This message was frequently broadcasted over the PA system during the four races we had over the entire weekend. We received compliments from the public about our bio and several individuals stopped in at our tent to tell us their own horror stories about Phoenix as retirees or how they empathized with the Phoenix issues and how they cannot believe that this is still on-going.
Lethbridge Pride is a month long event with the culmination of the Pride Parade on June 23. The LDAC provided a financial contribution to Lethbridge Pride Fest Society. We walked in the parade with the Alberta Federation of Labour float. The parade route was about 3km ending the central park of Lethbridge called Galt Gardens. There were approximately 3000 people lining the streets leading up to the big party in Galt Gardens.
In August, the LDAC participated in the Whoop-Up Days Parade in conjunction with the Lethbridge and District Labour Council. Members of the committee wore our “Still burning – Burnt by Phoenix T-shirts” and carried our Burnt By Phoenix Banner. Our float was apart of 110 entries in the annual parade that kicks off Whoop-up week in Lethbridge. Hundreds of Lethbridge citizens lined the streets along the 3km route. Sr. Karen Mah, Sr. Krysty Munns and Br. David Person handed out Burnt by Phoenix stickers, Standing Together for Public Service lollipops, balloons and stickers, as well as PSAC ladybug tattoos. Our float captured third place the novelty category! A member from our float was interviewed for CTV. The news clip can be found here:
https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1467567 . You can see our Burnt by Phoenix Banner at min 1:38!
Other Phoenix actions included workplace plant gates on February 28th. I lobbied our MP, Racheal Harder on June 8 about Phoenix. I told her that it was National Public Service Week and that several members of the Public Service were still not being paid at all, on time or correctly. She agreed with me. I told her that our latest asks were to demand a public inquiry which she was very supportive of. Also that PSAC calling on Prime Minister to follow through on his government’s commitment to address the undue hardships caused by the Phoenix pay system by coming to an agreement on damages. In August, MP. Harder hosted a community Pancake Breakfast. Several members wore our Burnt By Phoenix T-shirt, which did not go unnoticed by the MP. In addition, I spoke with an NDP MLA, Linda Duncan on the matter at CLC Labour Council meetings. At a workplace town hall, I asked our Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Technology Branch – Dr. Gilles Saindon what the department was doing to ensure our government paid our members on time and correctly.
I had the privilege to sit on the PSAC National Convention Constitution Committee as an Area Council representative. I learned a great deal about the PSAC constitution on this committee and I am appreciative of the experience. At the end of April, I attended National Convention in Toronto as an Area Council representative.
For Labour Day the LDAC setup the Prairies PSAC pop-up tent and had a table with Burnt by Phoenix stickers, the Burnt By Phoenix petition and lots of treats for the kids, colouring sheets, crayons, tattoos, rulers, and lollipops. New this year we added cotton candy to our booth! That was a hit! There was a line up at our table for most of the event. This was great because it ensured people stopped by and while their kids were waiting for cotton candy, we could have a chat about Phoenix. We were all wearing out Burnt By Phoenix T-shirts. The BBQ overall served 800 members of our community. There was free face-painting and live music. The only downside was the chilly weather, but it didn’t stop those that came out to have a good time! The Lethbridge Area Council also helped to support an event in Medicine Hat. Sister Danielle Possiant recently helped her local (30907) affiliate with the Medicine Hat Labour Council. At their event she organized a bouncy castle as well.
Throughout this term, I have attended several Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) Executive and Council Meetings both in Edmonton and Calgary. Here I report updates regarding PSAC including Phoenix and hear from other unions what about their victories and setbacks. The AFL is very involved in pushing forward legislative changes that are in favour of working people including raising the minimum wage and improving the labour standard code. This organization is also a driving force in getting the NDP re-elected in Alberta. They have developed a labour-friendly campaign called NextAlberta that focuses on energy transformation as an election issue suggesting that voters need to elected a government that is leading the way in this field (i.e. NDP).
During this term the LDAC held three regulars meetings and the Annual General Meeting on Oct 3th. A new executive was elected whereby I was re-elected president, Br. David Person (AGR) was re-elected Secretary/Treasurer and Sr. Kristy Slattery (CIU) was re-elected Vice-President. The LDAC also supported the Lethbridge Sister’s in Spirit Candlelight Vigil.
Should you have any questions about my report, please contact me directly at munnsk@gmail.com or phone 403:393:2688.
Activities
2018
February 9-11: 2nd Face-to-Face Meeting of the PRC in Edmonton, AB
February 13-14: Alberta Federation of Labour Executive and Council Meetings – Calgary
February 18-23: PSAC 2018 National Convention Pre-Convention Constitution Committee
February 15: Lethbridge and District Area Council – Regular Meeting
February 28: National Day of Action for Phoenix – workplace plant gate
March 5: Community in Crisis Coming together Rally around the Opioid Crisis
March 6: Lethbridge and District Area Council – Regular Meeting
March 6: Attended the Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee Meeting
March 8: International Women’s Day – Workplace Day of Action
March 15: Participated in the Agriculture Union National Human Rights Committee Conference Call
March 16-18 Attend Agriculture Union Regional Seminar – Red Deer AB
March 20: PRC Conference Call
March 26-29: Treasury Board Bargaining Conference – Ottawa, ON
April 11: Lethbridge and District Council Monthly Meeting
April 16: Attended my local’s (AGR 30048) regular meeting
April 26: Participated in workplace UMC meetings
April 29-May 4: PSAC 2018 National Triennial Convention
May 4-5: Alberta Federation of Labour Midterm Forum
May 9: Elected President of the Lethbridge & District Labour Council at AGM
May 11-12: PRC Finance Committee Review Meetings, Winnipeg MB
May 16: Conservative MP, Racheal Harder Town hall
May 17: PRC Conference Call
May 30: Burnt by Phoenix Dragon boat – Team Practice #1
May 31: Lethbridge and District Area Council – General Meeting
May 31: Attended the Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee Meeting
June 6-7: Alberta Federation of Labour Executive and Council Meetings – Calgary
June 7: Burnt by Phoenix Dragon boat – Team Practice #2
June 8: Meeting with Conservative MP, Racheal Harder RE: Phoenix and Pharmacare
June 9: Cardston 1st Pride
June 13: Lethbridge and District Council Monthly Meeting
June 17: AFL Fair Start for Families Childcare campaign – Father’s Day BBQ
June 19: Participated in workplace UMC meetings
June 21: Burnt by Phoenix Dragon boat – Team Practice #3
June 22-25: Burnt by Phoenix Dragon boat Weekend
June 23: Lethbridge Pride
June 30: #FamilesBelongTogether Rally
June 30: I Am The Opioid Crisis Book Launch
July 4: ALL Area Council Conference Call
July 11: Lethbridge and District Council Monthly Meeting
August 8: Lethbridge and District Council Monthly Meeting
August 20: Conservative MP, Racheal Harder Pancake Breakfast
August 21: Lethbridge Whoop-Up Days Parade
September 3: Labour Day Family Picnic – Lethbridge
September 3: Labour Day Family Picnic – Medicine Hat
September 11: Participated in workplace UMC meetings
September 12: Lethbridge and District Council Monthly Meeting
September 19-20: Alberta Federation of Labour Executive and Council Meetings – Edmonton
October 3: Lethbridge and District Area Council – AGM
October 4: Sisters in Spirit Vigil – Lethbridge
October 10-11: All Alberta Labour Council Conference – Edmonton
October 24: Local’s (AGR 30048) regular meeting
Upcoming:
November 2-4: PRC Face-to-Face Meeting, Winnipeg MB
November 21: Local’s (AGR 30048) Annual General Meeting
In Solidary –
Krysty Munns
PSAC Lethbridge and District Area Council President
May 2019
The theme of this term was Phoenix, bargaining and the Alberta provincial election.
Phoenix Actions:
Shortly after the PRC Face-to-Face meeting in November the Lethbridge and District Area Council (LDAC) organized the “Payday Pizza Picket” in support of Phoenix. This rally was held at lunchtime on November 14th outside MP Racheal Harder’s office to demonstrate our frustration over the Phoenix Pay System. We had approximately 45 people in attendance from both the public and our membership. Two different media outlets (CTV and Lethbridge Herald) were present and our event ended up on the front page of the Lethbridge Herald. Ms. Harder was unable to attend but prepared a letter of support about the Phoenix issue and forwarded that to the Finance Minister on our behalf.
Bargaining Actions and Lobbying:
I participated in two bargaining webinars this term. One presented by the REVP’s office and the other Magali Picard. Myself and Br. Joel Bermack (UTE) lobbied our MP, Racheal Harder on March 13 to discuss the current situation with Treasury Board (TB) and CRA bargaining. The meeting was very constructive and MP Harder followed up with a letter to Minister Joyce Murray, President of the Treasury Board encouraging her to ensure a new collective agreement is completed prior to the House rising for the next general election. Lobby reports and copies of the letter have been forwarded to the Regional Office.
On February 26, I was in Ottawa to take part in the CLC Lobby Day around pension reform and Pharmacare. There was a mandatory PSAC training session regarding bargaining lobbying. Throughout the day was scheduled to meet with three senators and one MP so I was only able to bring up TB bargaining in the meeting with the MP John Barlow, Conservative MP and Shadow Minister of Labour. Unfortunately he didn’t commit to any actions but did say that going forward his party would like to have a better relationship with labour. He acknowledged that the way the Conservative Party of Canada treated Labour under Steven Harper was disrespectful and that as shadow Minister of Labour he vows to never go down that road again. He mentioned that if the Conservatives form government in the next election that he would like to start off on the right footing with labour. He mentioned that the attacks on labour through the final bills that were put through when the Conservatives were in power were not a way to build respectful relationships. He mentioned that he would welcome the opportunity to talk with the Alberta Federation of Labour on ways to work together in the future.
Alberta Provincial Election:
The LDAC promoted the Election Town Halls for Union Members that took place April 1st at the Galt Museum in Lethbridge. This event centred around What’s at Stake for Alberta’s provincial election. There was a panel of speakers including President of the Alberta Federation of Labour, Gil McGowan as well as other union leaders including: Heather Smith, United Nurses Association President, Mike Parker, Health Sciences Association of Alberta President, and Doug O’Halloran, UFCW 401 President. Several members of the LDAC were in attendance.
As President of the LDAC I helped to review and endorse a special edition of Union Voice: Alberta Election Edition that was sent to all Alberta PASC members before the provincial election that took place April 16th.
I was a PSAC delegate to the 51st Constitutional Convention of the Alberta Federation of Labour that was held April 30th – May 5, 2019 in Calgary. I had the honor of serving on three committees including the general resolution committee, credentials committee and the balloting committee. The week was full of engaging and motivating speakers and workshops related to Labour’s plan to combat the “Summer of Repeal” as promised by Jason Kenny and the newly elected UCP government. At convention was I elected at Vice-President to the AFL Executive Committee and Council.
Should you have any questions about my report, please contact me directly at munnsk@gmail.com or phone 403.393.2688.
Activities since last report:
November 2-4: Attended the PRC Face-to-Face Meeting, Winnipeg MB
November 14: Burnt by Phoenix Payday Picket, MP Racheal Harder’s office, Lethbridge, AB.
November 21: Local’s (AGR 30048) Annual General Meeting
November 29: Canadian Labour International Film Festival, Lethbridge
December 2-4: Political Action Training, Edmonton
December 6: National Day of Action for Violence Against Women Event, Lethbridge YWCA
December 6: Prairie PSAC Education Consultation, Lethbridge
December 10: Amnesty International Write for Rights, Human Rights Day, Lethbridge
December 11: Participated in workplace UMC meetings
January 8: AFL Conference call
January 9: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Monthly Meeting
January 10: Prairie Region Webinar on Treasury Board Bargaining
January 19: March On Lethbridge, Annual Women’s March/Rally, Lethbridge
January 22: Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee – Volunteer Social
January 23-24: Alberta Federation of Labour Executive and Council Meetings, Calgary
February 4: Lethbridge and District Area Council Meeting – Regular Meeting
February 5: Local 30048 – Regular Meeting
February 7: PRC Conference call
February 13: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Monthly Meeting
February 25-26: CLC Lobby Day Ottawa, Pharmacare, TB bargaining, and Pension Reform
March 4: Lethbridge and District Area Council Meeting – Regular Meeting
March 4: Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee – Regular Meeting
March 8: International Women’s Day Workplace action
March 8-10: Agriculture Alberta Regional Seminar, Lethbridge
March 12: Participated in workplace UMC meetings
March 13: Lobby MP Rachel Harder about bargaining
March 13: Lethbridge and District Area Council Meeting – Regular Meeting
March 19: Timeout Tuesday – workplace action around bargaining
March 21: National Human Rights Committee, Agriculture Union Conference call
March 22: Alberta Workers Health Centre – Health and Safety workshop, Lethbridge
April 1: Election Town Halls for Union Members, Lethbridge
April 4: Leaders Tour, Chris Aylward, Magali Picard, and Marianne Hladun, work place tour
April 10: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Monthly Meeting
April 17: Bargaining Webinar with National VP Magali Picard
April 27: PRC Finance review, all day conference call
April 28: Attended the Lethbridge Day of Mourning Ceremony, Mountain View Cemetery
April 30: Alberta Federation of Labour Executive and Council Meetings, Calgary
May 1: AFL Pre-Convention Committee Meetings
May 1: PSAC May Day Rally, Calgary AB
May 2-5: AFL Convention
May 8: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Monthly Meeting
May 9: PRC Conference Call
May 15: National Human Rights Committee, Agriculture Union Conference call
Upcoming:
May 24-26: PRC Face-to-Face Meetings, Winnipeg
May 25: Winnipeg General Strike Commemoration
June 4: Regular Meeting of the Lethbridge and District Labour Council
June 4: Regular Meeting of the Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee
June 20-24: National Human Rights Committee Face-to-Face, Agriculture Union Conference
June 24-26: AFL Strategic Planning Session
In Solidary –
Krysty Thomas
PSAC Lethbridge and District Area Council President
November 2019
Since my May 2019 report, the Lethbridge and District Area Council (LDAC) has been busy with several community events, the Alberta Federation of Labour Fight Back Strategy, and the federal election.
Community Events: Lethbridge Pride is an entire month event with the culmination of the Lethbridge Pride Parade on June 22. This year the event was well attended with nearly 30 members from three different PASC components walking in the parade. We walked about 3km ending Lethbridge’s central park; Galt Gardens. There were approximately 5000 people lining the streets leading up to the big party in Galt Gardens. Other events that the LDAC took part in for Pride month included the Lethbridge Pride Flag raising in at City Hall and the Trans March.
Sr. Danielle Poissant (UNDE local 30907) took the lead on PSAC info tent at the Medicine Hat Canada Day Celebrations. The tent has information about PSAC bargaining, Here for Canada campaign and swag. The tent had visitors from PSAC members and members of the community including other unions voicing their support (IBEW, PIPSC, UNA and HSAA).
On July 7, members of the committee volunteered at the AFL Fair Start for Kids BBQ that was held in Lethbridge. This year the theme are about a Fair Start for Women and Sr. Karen Mah helped to capture nearly 70 signatures on the petition the Legislative Assembly to commit to a fair start for women through Early Childhood Education and Care.
In August the LDAC supported an event held in Lethbridge called Shelter Me! Party in the Park. This event was a family event, with the main message of encouraging inclusiveness in the Galt Gardens Park. It was an opportunity for all community members to come together and learn more about homelessness and issues around homelessness (addiction, poverty, housing availability, mental health, etc). There were many family friendly activities, as well as live entertainment and an opportunity to learn from local agencies about resources provided to people who live in homelessness, as well as other resources available to individuals and families in our community! The LDAC feels that homelessness is a political issues and that being out and about in our community bringing awareness to this issue is one way to can effect change be it municipally, provincially or federally.
Finally, the biggest event for the summer, the Lethbridge Labour Day BBQ was a huge success, with over 1000 community members joining the Lethbridge Labour Council and its affiliates at Kinsmen Park. The LDAC setup the PSAC Prairies tent and handed out PSAC swag, literature and cotton candy. The cotton candy was a huge success bringing all the children (and parents) to our table. We were able to connect with community members on what public services we provide in Lethbridge and how we are still affected by Phoenix. Big thank you to Area Council volunteers: Karen Mah, Sherry Hunt, Dorothy McRae, Patti Wright, Krysty Thomas, Kole Thomas and William Dowson.
The Area Council also provided some support for two public films screenings in Lethbridge. The first being Heroin(e) a film about the opioid epidemic, a pertinent issue in Lethbridge. The second being the National Film Board’s nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up, a film about Colten Boushie’s death that raises questions about racism embedded within Canada’s legal system and propelling Colten’s family to national and international stages in their pursuit of justice. For both films, the LDAC provided some refreshments for those in attendance. We were acknowledge for our support on the posters, digital shares, and social media.
Alberta Federation of Alberta – Alberta Fightback Strategy: In the spring session of the Alberta Legislature, the current UCP government introduced several bills that are direct attacks on Labour. Most notably Bill 9: the Public Sector Wage Arbitration Deferral Act, delays wage arbitration for Alberta Union of Provincial Employees AUPE members and many more working Albertans, until after October 31, 2019. On July 24, members of the committee attended a rally against the proposed cut-backs and Bill 9. The rally was well attended with nearly 300 protesters in front of the Alberta Provincial Building at noon. Additional rallies were planned for Aug 19 and Oct 4th, both of which the members of LDAC were in attendance. Further to this, the AFL has developed a Fight back Strategy which includes a campaign to defend public services, a campaign to offer an alternative vision [other than the UCP] and a campaign to defend Unions and Labour Rights. More material, including digital ads, sharable, and events will be coming out during the fall sitting of the legislature and into the new year.
On November 2, the LDAC helped to sponsor a drop-in letter writing event in solidary of the austerity budget that was release by the UCP government on Oct 25th. The event was held in Lethbridge with members of the committee and other community allies in attendance. Dozens of letters were written to MLAs and the Premier demanding strong public services for all.
Federal Election: Planning for the federal election started at the LDAC Sept 18th meeting where we brainstormed ideas on how to reach our members and educate them on important election issues including Phoenix, bargaining, Pharmacare, and the protection of public services. Our actions included workplace plant-gates with material provided from the Regional Office. Material was disseminated through our locals and union bulletin boards were updated. Members from the LDAC were able to attend two all candidate forums and spoke at the microphone at both events and asking about Phoenix. Specifically, I asked our current Conservative MP, if re-elected would she help to secure a fair compensation package. She did promise to work with her party if they formed government to ensure PSAC members received fair damages for the Phoenix fiasco. This was easy for her to say, but at least it was a public statement in front of 200 individuals and I can now hold her to account when I lobby her at her office. Members the public still empathize with our phoenix situation and I gave away several buttons that said: I’m voting for Public Services, the environment, child care, and health care.
In addition to reaching out to our members, the LDAC identified an accessibility gap for the vulnerable members within Lethbridge (including homeless, indigenous, persons with mental illness and persons with disabilities) when it came to voting. Many of the individuals that fell within this populations did not have the tools with which they could exercise their right to vote. We partnered with community organizations Streets Alive, SweetGrass Youth Alliance, and the Sage Clan to help organize two information sessions, open to everyone in our community, in an attempt to empower individuals to vote.
Our first session was held on Oct 3rd at Streets Alive Mission. We provided a meal and information on where to vote, what ID to bring, how to apply for ID, and assistance with getting ID. We also prepared information about each parties platform, a variety of buttons that say “I pledge to Vote”; “My Vote Matters” , and computers set up to take the Vote Compass test. We also had sign up sheets for those were in need of a ride on E-Day. Our first event reached 35 individuals, most of which already had ID, but 15 signed up for rides on E-day.
Our second event was held on E-day in Galt Garden, a popular location for individuals who live at the shelter or on the street. We again provided a meal and informed individuals that today was voting day. If they had their ID we would identify their polling station and give them a ride to their respective poll in the van that we had rented. Some individuals did not have ID so members of the Area Council would vouch for them as their home polling station. According to Elections Canada, an individual can vouch for one person at their polling station, so long as they were on the list. We were able to vouch for six people to vote using this provision. Our second event reached 50 people and we were able to get 24 individuals to the polls who would have otherwise not voted.
Both events were appreciated by those in attendance and yielded engaging conversation of everyone’s right to vote and empower those who may have thought they did not have the tools to vote or that their vote didn’t matter. The event also helped to forge deeper relationships with other community agencies in Lethbridge who are looking out for Lethbridge’s most vulnerable. Also of note, voter turnout for the Lethbridge riding was up from 66% in 2015 to 72% in 2019.
In October we held our AGM. I re-elected President, Br. Ray Wilson was elected Vice President and Dave Pearson we re-elected Secretary/Treasurer. I look forward to serving as Area Council President for another year.
Should you have any questions about my report, please contact me directly at munnsk@gmail.com or phone 403.393.2688.
Activities since last report:
May 24-26: PRC Face-to-Face Meetings, Winnipeg
May 25: Winnipeg General Strike Commemoration
June 4: Regular Meeting of the Lethbridge and Area Council
June 4: Regular Meeting of the Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee
June 20-24: National Human Rights Committee Face-to-Face, Agriculture Union Conference
June 24-26: AFL Strategic Planning Session, Banff
July 7: AFL Fair Start BBQ – Lethbridge
July 3: Regular Meeting of the Lethbridge and District Labour Council
July 24: AUPE Rally against Bill 9 – Lethbridge
July 14: Regular Meeting of the Lethbridge and District Labour Council
Aug 14: Regular Meeting of the Lethbridge and District Labour Council
Aug 19: Conservative MP, Rachael Harder Pancake Breakfast
Aug 19: AUPE Rally against Bill 9 – Lethbridge
Aug 26: PSAC Area Council President’s Political Action Conference Call
Sept 2: Lethbridge Labour Day BBQ
Sept 4-6: Alberta Federation of Labour Executive and Council Meetings, Edmonton
Sept 6-9: Prairie Regional Women’s Conference, Regina SK
Sept 10: Participated in workplace UMC meetings
Sept 11: Regular Meeting of the Lethbridge and District Labour Council
Sept 16: Alberta Federation of Labour Political Action Committee Conference call
Sept 16: Finance Committee Conference Call
Sept 17: Agriculture Local 30048, General Membership meeting
Sept 18: 3rd Meeting of the Lethbridge and District Area Council
Sept 19: PRC Conference call
Sept 27: Lethbridge Climate Strike Rally, City Hall
Sept 30: Orange Shirt Day, workplace demonstration
Oct 1: Lethbridge and District Area Council AGM
Oct 1: Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee meeting
Oct 3: Get Out the Vote Lethbridge – ID clinic & election information session #1
Oct 4: AUPE Rally against Bill 9 – Lethbridge
Oct 4: Sister’s in Spirit Lethbridge Vigil
Oct 10: Federal Election All Candidates Forum, Lethbridge AB
Oct 14: Solidary Action for Striking CLC Staff
Oct 15: Workplace plant-gate – Election information
Oct 16: Canadian Federation of University Women – Person’s Day Breakfast
Oct 18: Alberta Federation of Labour Political Action Committee Conference call
Oct 18: Take back the Night Lethbridge Rally
Oct 17: Participated in the Prairie Region Election Town hall
Oct 21: Get out the Vote Lethbridge – Election Day ID Clinic and transportation to the polls.
Oct 22: Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee Conference call
Oct 23: PRC Finance Conference Call debrief about training sessions
Oct 30-31: PRC Finance Training and Strategic planning session, Calgary AB
Nov 2: Drop-in Letter Writing Event Solidarity against the budget
Nov 4: Film screening: nîpawistamâsowin – we will stand up, Lethbridge AB
Nov 5-6: Alberta Federation of Labour Executive and Council Meetings, Calgary
Nov 5: AFL’s Join the Resistance Town Hall, Calgary AB
Nov 6: CUPE Rally – Stop the Cuts, Calgary AB
Upcoming
Nov 13: Alberta Federation of Labour Political Action Committee Conference call
Nov 14: PRC Finance Committee Meeting, Regina
Nov 15-16: PRC Face-to-Face Meeting, Regina
Nov 27: Canadian Labour International Film Festival, Lethbridge
In solidarity –
Krysty Thomas
PSAC Lethbridge and District Area Council President
February 2020
Although it has only been a few months since my November 2019 report the Lethbridge and District Area Council (LDAC) has been involved in several notable activities.
In recognition of December 6th, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, the members of the LDAC were in attendance to Lethbridge’s first ever commemorative brunch, hosted by the Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee. On December 10, International Human Rights Day, the LDAC helped to support Amnesty International Write for Rights letter writing event. In addition to a silent auction donation, several members of the committee were in attendance.
The Alberta Federation of Labour held an event in Lethbridge called Join the Resistance Town hall. The event was centered around the recent cuts to public services from the current UCP government. I was asked to sit on the panel as a labour leader alongside other provincial and private sector union leaders. The town hall was well received will over 150 people in attendance and several media outlets covering the event.
The committee held two meetings since the last reporting period one in which we discussed resolutions to the Prairie Region Triennial and the second was our AGM which included executive elections, brainstorming our 2020 plans and formulating our budget for the year. At that meeting we also reviewed and approved the 2019 reporting package that will be sent to PRC March 15th.
On a personal note, my husband, Kole, and I welcomed our baby girl, Kacey, into the world on Feb 4th. She arrived a few weeks early, but is healthy and thriving. Kole and I are doing well as we adjust to this new chapter in our lives.
Should you have any questions about my report, please contact me directly at munnsk@gmail.com or phone 403.393.2688.
Activities since last report:
Nov 14: PRC Finance Committee Meeting, Regina
Nov 15-16: PRC Face-to-Face Meeting, Regina
Nov 19: Agriculture Union Human Rights Committee Conference Call
Nov 19: Agriculture Local 30048 AGM
Nov 20: Trans Day of Remembrance – City Hall Ceremony
Nov 21: AFL’s Join the Resistance Town Hall, Lethbridge AB
Nov 27: Canadian Labour International Film Festival, Lethbridge
Dec 7: Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee Dec 6th Commemorative Brunch
Dec 10: Attended Amnesty International Write for Rights Event
Dec 11: Lethbridge and District Labour Council December Meeting
Jan 8: Lethbridge and District Labour Council January Meeting
Jan 16: Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee Meeting
Jan 21: Agriculture Local 30048 Dinner Meeting
Jan 22: All Alberta Council Meeting hosted by the CLC
Jan 23-24: Alberta Federation of Labour Executive and Council Meetings, Calgary
Jan 27: Lethbridge and District Area Council Regular Meeting
Jan 29: AFL political action committee conference call
Jan 30: PRC Conference Call
Feb 5: Agriculture Union Human Rights Committee Conference Call
Feb 17: Lethbridge and District Area Annual General Meeting
Upcoming:
Feb 26: PRC Finance Committee Meeting, Calgary AB
Feb 27-28: PRC Meetings, Calgary AB
Feb 29-Mar 1: Convention Committee Meetings, Calgary AB
In solidarity,
Krysty Thomas
PSAC Lethbridge and District Area Council President
December 2020
A lot has changed since my last report from February 2020. The operations of the Area Council have looked a little different since March 15th, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However we have not slowed down and continued to think of creative ways to serve our members and the community we work and live.
As VP to the Alberta Federation of Labour Executive Council, I took part in several COVID response conference calls. These discussions were centered on how Alberta workplaces as well as governments, both provincial and federal were responding to the COVID crisis. There was conversation on how to protect workers from workplace exposure to COVID as well as rolling out necessary supports to those affect by closures and lack of sick leave.
On May 7th, I has the opportunity to join a ZOOM call with NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and NDP MP Heather McPherson to discuss the labour movement within the context of the federal government. I asked the leader to push the current government to get back to the bargaining table and also reminded that Phoenix pay system is still not working for everyone.
May 15th was Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day. The Area Council signed onto an open letter to Alberta Minister Schulz, the Minister of Children’s Services, calling on the Alberta government to provide the necessary funding needed for child care providers to remain viable during the COVID pandemic and beyond. As well as provide early childhood educators with better wages and working conditions.
The Area Council held on online meeting May 27th to brainstorm some summer actions taking into consideration the COVID restrictions that are now in place.
On May 28th, members of the Area Council attended a physically distanced protest and left chalk messages on the sidewalks of our local MLA. Messages we related to access to high quality childcare and protecting our public services.
On June 4th, members of the Area Council attended a protest at City Hall Protest Against Racial Discrimination in light of the Black Lives Matter Movement.
In recognition of National Public Service Week, the Lethbridge and District Area Council had a letter published in the Lethbridge Herald calling on the government to reach a fair collective agreement with our bargaining teams as well as provide adequate compensation for the Phoenix damages.
On July 13th, members of the Area Council attended a protest at City Hall to support a bylaw that bans conversion therapy within Lethbridge. A letter of support for the bylaw was also submitted to city council from the Regional Office. The bylaw was passed.
August 31st was International Overdose Awareness Day and members of the Area Council attended an event at City Hall. This day raises awareness of overdoses, reduces the stigma of drug use and drug-related deaths and acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends. This year August 31, 2020 also marks the closing of Lethbridge’s only Supervised Consumption Site, along with other harm reduction-oriented programs. Lethbridge’s SCS was the most accessed in all of North America and the closure will bring with it a spike in deaths that could have been prevented.
The Area Council also partnered with a local organization called Stitch it Forward to make 100 re-useable masks that were donated to vulnerable members within our community.
For Labour Day, the Lethbridge and District Labour Council did not host their annual Labour Day BBQ. The Area Council usually sets up a booth at this event as well as contributes cotton candy for this kids. This year the Area Council donated these funds to help support the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen for an entire month. Members of the Area Council volunteered their time on Labour Day to help serve meals that day.
The Kenney government has been taking Alberta in the wrong direction since they took office. They’ve attacked wages, overtime, worker rights, unions, fired thousands of teachers and education workers, are driving doctors out of the province and the list goes on. The AFL is organizing and connecting people who have had enough into Community Action Teams. Members of the Area Council have signed up to be leaders within Lethbridge Community Action Team. This group with help people come together and regularly participate in local actions to show our UCP MLA, Nathan Neudorf, what the government is doing is wrong and that we won’t stand for it. There will be several more actions going forward leading up to the next provincial election.
Should you have any questions about my report, please contact me directly at munnsk@gmail.com or phone 403.393.2688.
Activities since last report:
Feb 26: PRC Finance Committee Meeting, Calgary AB
Feb 27-28: PRC Meetings, Calgary AB
Feb 29-Mar 1: Convention Committee Meetings, Calgary AB
Mar 8: Women’s Day Rally, Lethbridge
Mar 10: Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee Annual General Meeting
Mar 11: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Regular Meeting
Mar 13: AFL Political Action Committee Conference Call
Mar 18: AFL Conference Call – Covid Response Call #1
Mar 23: PRC Conference Call Covid Response
Mar 24: All Prairie Labour Council Zoom Meeting
Apr 1: AFL Conference Call – Covid Response Call #2
Apr 8: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Regular Meeting (via Zoom)
Apr 9: AFL Political Action Committee Conference Call
Apr 15: AFL Conference Call – Covid Response Call #3
Apr 29: AFL Conference Call – Covid Response Call #4
Apr 29: Agriculture Union Human Rights Committee Conference Call
May 4: PRC Finance Committee Conference Call
May 5: PRC Conference Call
May 7: Zoom call with NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Heather McPherson
May 13: AFL Conference Call – Covid Response #5
May 13: Agriculture Local 30048 Regular Meeting
May 13: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Regular Meeting
May 26: Lethbridge and District Area Council Regular Meeting (via Zoom) #3
May 27: PRC All Committee Call
May 27: Municipal Election Planning Meeting #1
May 27: AFL Conference Call – Covid Response #6
May 28: Agriculture Union Human Rights Committee Conference Call
May 28 AFL Political Action Committee Conference Call
June 3: Municipal Election Planning Meeting #2
June 4: Protest against Racial Discrimination
June 10: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Regular Meeting
June 22: Digital Pride Flag Raising
June 24: AFL Conference Call – Covid Response #7
July 6: AFL Webinar: Universal Childcare Now!
July 8: AFL Conference Call – Covid Response #8
July 8: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Regular Meeting
July 13: Ban Conversion Therapy Rally, Lethbridge City Hall
July 13: AFL Defend Worker’s Rights Campaign Kick-off Webinar
Aug 12: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Regular Meeting
Aug 31: International Overdose Awareness Vigil, Lethbridge City Hall
Sept 7: Labour Day – Soup Kitchen Volunteering
Sept 9: AFL Political Action Committee Call
Sept 9: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Regular Meeting
Sept 23-24: AFL meeting of the Executive Committee and Council (via bluejeans)
Sept 23: Lethbridge Town Hall with Rachel Notley and Shannon Phillips (NDP)
Oct 4: Sister In Spirit Annual Candlelight Vigil
Oct 8: PRC Conference Call
Oct 13: Agriculture Local 30048 Regular Meeting
Oct 14: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Regular Meeting
Oct 18: Volunteer a Soup Kitchen in recognition of Person’s Day
Oct 26: Rally to support for hospital workers wildcat strike
Nov 9: AFL Political Action Committee Call
Nov 17: Agriculture Local 30048 Annual General Meeting
Nov 18: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Annual General Meeting
Nov 18-19 AFL meeting of the Executive Committee and Council (via bluejeans)
Nov 19: Lethbridge Community Action Team – Lethbridge Leaders Call
Nov 24: PSAC Webinar – 16 Days of Activism
Nov 28: Municipal Election Planning Strategy Call
Nov 29: Canadian Labour International Film Festival, Lethbridge (hosted by Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee
Dec 1: Bill 32 Regulations Consultations meeting
Upcoming:
Dec 3: Bill 32 Update on Legal Strategy Meeting
Dec 4: AFL Political Action Committee Call
Dec 6: The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women Soup Kitchen volunteering
Dec 15: Lethbridge and District Area Council Regular Meeting #4 (via Zoom)
In solidarity –
Krysty Thomas
PSAC Lethbridge and District Area Council President and Representative to the PRC
March 2021
Since my last report to the PRC the Lethbridge and District Area Council (LDAC) held two meetings. The final meeting of 2020 was held in December and the first meeting of 2021 was held in February. At the last meeting we held a brainstorming session to develop action plans for projects that we as a council want to complete. This year the LDAC will focus on municipal election planning. In partnership with the Lethbridge and District Labour Council, with support from the Canadian Labor Congress, the LDAC will partake in conversations to help get progressive, labour friendly candidates elected to city council here in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. The LDAC will also prepare for a potential federal election and continue to put pressure on our Member of Parliament Racheal Harder. We have also planned to work on several other political action themes including ending privatization, specifically brining attention to the private, for profit, Canada pension planned owned long term care provider Revera. The LDAC will also continue our work around homeless and harm reduction, community building, reconciliation, and PSAC awareness within our communities. We are holding the annual general meeting of the LDAC March 9 in which we will elected our executive, finalize the 2020 financials and pass a proposed 2021 budget.
In February, we organized a COVID-safe Lethbridge protest called “Have a Heart Nathan and the UCP”. This action was part of a larger Alberta wide event where members of the public dropped Valentine messages at sixteen different UCP MLA offices. People were encouraged to share their displeasure with the current government and, in keeping with the theme of Valentines Day, how the UCP have broken their hearts. This event was extremely well received province wide and Lethbridge was no exception. We received over 150+ cards, notes, letters, crafts for UCP MLA Nathan Neudorf related to healthcare, coal mining, clean water, cuts to post secondary education, the economy, you name it! They were taped to the outside of his office building for everyone to see. CTV-Calgary also attended the Lethbridge event and my interview was captured in the province wide media package that aired on CTV (https://tinyurl.com/2n3dxner ). The LDAC also held a counter protest for our NDP MLA Shannon Phillips, but the messages received for her we much more positive, thanking her for standing up to the Kenney government who continues to mislead and disappoint Albertans with cuts to healthcare and education, attack on workers, and a failed COVID-19 recovery plan.
Other things of note to report, the Alberta Federation of Labour will be holding their biennial convention on May 13-15, 2021 online. As VP to Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) I will be attending and encourage other Alberta locals to send delegates to this convention as this event helps to shape the face of labour in Alberta and there will be leadership elections. I will also be attending the virtual CLC convention in June in which there will also be a change in leadership.
Should you have any questions about my report, please contact me directly at munnsk@gmail.com or phone 403.393.2688.
Activities since last report:
Dec 3: Bill 32 Update on Legal Strategy Meeting
Dec 4: AFL Political Action Committee Call
Dec 6: The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women Soup Kitchen volunteering
Dec 8-9: PRC Meetings (via zoom)
Dec 15: Lethbridge and District Area Council Regular Meeting #4 (via zoom)
Jan 13: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Regular Meeting (via zoom)
Jan 14: All Regional Area Council Presidents/Geographical Reps conference call
Jan 20: Agriculture Local 30048 Regular Meeting
Jan 22: AFL Political Action Committee Call
Jan 25 Agriculture Union Human Rights Committee Conference Call
Jan 28: PRC Conference Call
Jan 29: Agriculture Union Human Rights Committee Conference Call
Feb 2: Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee Meeting (via zoom)
Feb 3: PSAC Webinar: Changes in the Federal Sector for Workplace Violence Prevention Legislation
Feb 9: Lethbridge and District Area Council Regular Meeting #1 (via zoom)
Feb 10: All Regional Area Council Presidents/Geographical Reps conference call
Feb 10: Lethbridge and District Labour Council Regular Meeting
Feb 13: All Alberta Labour Council Meeting – Municipal Planning
Feb 13: AFL Day of Action: Have a Heart Nathan the UCP (protest)
Feb 18: AFL Political Action Committee Call (via bluejeans)
Feb 24-25: AFL meeting of the Executive Committee and Council (via bluejeans)
Mar 2: AFL Labour Liaison Meeting with Rachel Notley and Christina Gray
Mar 3: Lethbridge Regional Women’s Committee Annual General Meeting (via zoom)
Mar 5: Check in meeting with Alberta Labour Leaders and Heather McPherson, NDP MP
Mar 5-6: PRC Meetings (via zoom)
Mar 5-7: Agriculture Union Alberta Regional Seminar (via zoom)
Mar 9: Lethbridge and District Area Council Annual General Meeting #2 (via zoom)
In solidarity,
Krysty Thomas
PSAC Lethbridge and District Area Council President and Representative to the PRC