National Executive Meeting
Feb. 23-25, 2020
Ottawa, ON
| Chairman | June Winger | National President |
| Members | Benoit Laberge | Executive Vice-President |
| Dennis Sheppard | Deputy Vice-President (NL/NB) | |
| Terry Kiley | Vice-President (NS) | |
| Michel Allard | Vice-President (QC) | |
| Jeff Wrinn | Vice-President (NCR) | |
| Serge Desbiens | Vice-President (ON) | |
| Mona Simcoe | Vice-President (MB/SK) | |
| Bryan Meakin | Vice-President (AB/North) | |
| T. Mark Miller | Vice-President (BC) | |
| Cathy O’Kane | Vice-President (NPF) | |
| Eugene Stone | Vice-President (CSE) | |
| Paul Jones | Human Rights Advisor | |
| Recording Secretary | Sandra Mombourquette |
Absent Dan Frost Vice-President (NL/NB)
OPENING REMARKS
The National President welcomed everyone to the Spring meeting, including two observers who are new Deputy Vice-Presidents: Sister Denise Davey, DVP ABN and Johanne Roberge, DVP Quebec.
The harassment statement was read aloud by Human Rights Advisor Paul Jones who was also named intervener.
The hours of sessions were set as follows:
Sunday, February 23, 9:00 – 11:45 / 1:00 to 5:00
Monday, February 24, 9:00 -11:45 / 1:00 to 5:00
Tuesday, February 25, 9:00 – 11:45 / 1:00 to termination of business.
The agenda was adopted. m-s Meakin/Wrinn CARRIED
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
–NBoD update: Minutes of the last meeting will be forwarded once received.
–PSAC internal organizing campaign: Locals have access to update membership contact info in Unionware via PSAC RO. The EVP will send emails to the National President when emergency pay advances requests are denied. Also, National President to find out if some members did not receive their severance and why.
–Chris and Magali AGM Tour: Most of UNDE’s AGMs are now completed, however Chris and Magali will meet with members when they are in the region upon request.
–Strike Protocols: Members should be participating on PSAC strike trainings sessions for members on how to act on a strike line or when they encounter one.
–UNDE Public Image: National President wants civilians’ role at DND to be highlighted more to showcase what civilians do when supporting the military. VPs to provide information to National President of work that can be highlighted, especially when it is directly related to high profile CAF missions assisting Canadians.
–MOS Supervisory Differential: National President received a low response to her repeated queries to determine if members have received full compensation and needs to know if the MOS is complete. National President requested VPs inquire with the members in their regions to confirm otherwise it is risked that the MOS is closed without completion. EVP to get answers from Department, get codes and send to VPs who can send to members to get reconciled.
–Honorariums paid to Locals: Reminder that these are taxable. COMTRA added a T4A module in the Module 1 training prior to 2014. Not for profit status could be compromised if not managed properly. National President will provide previous legal opinion. This should be reviewed and discussed as appropriate when the VPs review their Locals’ bylaws each mandate, a reminder to VPs will be sent out after 1st meeting in mandate. VPs requested the NE Fall meeting add a familiarization on UNDE Modules for the VPs.
–Contracting In: UNDE PSAC campaign is at the initial stages. Michele Girash and other PSAC staffers in addition to National President and Kim Brackhahn are working on the Committee.
–Gender Equity Task Force: National President is on this task force which looked at gender equity at PSAC. All components may be asked to review their Bylaws to ensure diversity and intersectionality. A report was done with recommendations, waiting to see if NBoD accepts it, then National President will send out to VPs.
–Union Development Program: PSAC looking for members who have experience, commitment and 5 years of activism for this intense and expensive training. Stronger requirements for selection in the future, PSAC will be further scrutinizing each application due to the commitment that is required to complete the training.
HONOUR ROLL
A moment of silence was observed for the following members who have passed since the last meeting:
Sister Trina Murry, Local 30907
Sister Odette Lutcher, Local 40807
Brother Hugh Connors, Local 21001, Lifetime member
Brother Gordon Guthrie, Local 30908
Brother OP Smith, Local 30907, former Regional VP ABN
Brother Larry Woynarski, Local 40800
PREVIOUS MINUTES – ADOPTED m-s Meakin/Stone
CARRIED
STANDING ITEMS
ADM IE (RPops) Report m-s Miller/O’Kane
VP Miller presented his written report which stated there are problems with Communication with the CO, not backing up promises made. Work being done by outside company instead of using civilians. VP Miller is trying to get the business case. There are budget issues within RPOps, not enough funding.
Real Property Ops Unit Ontario LMCC m-s Desbiens/Meakin
VP Desbiens presented his written report. Concerning Standardized Job Descriptions, members have been informed to put in grievances if they don’t agree. DCC should not be at the townhall meetings (ie: Local 00621). Members who have previously worked with asbestos or radon should get medical testing yearly as tracking is important.
Real Property Ops Unit West LMCC m-s Simcoe/Desbiens
VP Simcoe presented her written report. Budget issues continue with the SWE being capped. Management has to fill vacancies if they expect the same amount of services. There are concerns about the lack of progression for employees against the number of contracts. Jobs should not be filled by military.
Real Property Ops Unit Atlantic LMCC m-s Kiley/Allard
VP Kiley presented his written report. Management believes the SWE will be increased in the new year. UNDE continues to challenge management that Red Seal and QL5 are not equivalent. Standardized job descriptions have been rolled out for the SV group, although members are nervous at the outcome, management pointed out that no employee would go down in pay as employees are salary protected.
Real Property Ops Unit Quebec LMCC m-s Allard/Wrinn
VP Allard presented his written report. Labour relations between management and the union are very good with most of the issues being resolved before they become grievances. They also help an emotional intelligence conference with the new Commander LCol Nith.
Air Command m-s Miller/Laberge
VP Miller presented his written report and noted as PICs are due in May/June, he is looking forward to a productive meeting. The next CAD UMCC is tentatively set for May 2020. At the request of the group, VP Miller will add a graph to his report next time to show different divisions. RV 6 – CARRIED
2nd Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) – Quebec m-s Allard/Desbiens
VP Allard presented his written report, which identified the operation plan was discussed for 20/21 at this meeting. There is a question as to why Quantum is bring used to fill kitchen positions at the base in St-Jean when Casuals should be used, this needs to be raised locally.
3rd Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) – Western Canada m-s Simcoe/O’Kane
VP Simcoe presented her written report. At the meeting, the question was raised as to why Conflict and Complaint Management Program (CCMS) is a standing agenda item when this is a service for CAF members, Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) is used for civilians. There was also discussion on the FR (Firefighters) in Shilo, it was stated that once the new MOU is signed then everything will be updated appropriately to meet RHA regulation.
4th Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) – Central m-s Desbiens/Sheppard
VP Desbiens presented his written report. New Terms of Reference were agreed to by both parties. There was mention that the Union co-chair will endeavour to have the appropriate representatives for the next LMCC, the National President will reach out to Glen Maxwell, PIPSC.
5th Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) – Atlantic Canada m-s Sheppard/Allard
DVP Sheppard presented VP’s Frost written report. ODM agents needed for Gagetown. Phoenix transactions still being worked on to be rectified. The SWE is still a challenge and will be slowed down in Gagetown due to being overspent.
PRESENTATION to UNDE National Executive: Marc Natal, Vice-President Client Servicing at Montrusco Bolton gave the NE a quarterly review of the surplus operating fund.
Canadian Forces Housing Authority (CFHA) m-s Sheppard/Wrinn
DVP Sheppard presented VP Frost’s written report. The Committee is happy to announce they have achieved platinum level certification in excellence. Standardized Work Descriptions: they are creating their own within the Department, the EG work description has been downgraded due to no need to be Red Seal certified any longer; VP Frost to verify if this needs to go up to IE. The agency will continue to look for a $1 billion investment over 10 years. It was asked if with the new funding will create new positions at the regional levels, the answer was that the current workforce level was in line with this level of capital funding.
Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) m-s Wrinn/Meakin
VP Wrinn presented his written report. The CR-03 to CR-04 reclassification incumbents in these positions have been paid, except for a few exceptions such as those on LWOP. They will create a single Point of Contact (POC) for internal and external employees, in order to collect information and/or liaise with internal and external stakeholders impacted by an issue. A positional mailbox was requested but has not yet been created. VP Wrinn will send the email address to the NE once received. There is still an issue of the military being put into CFHS jobs, need to know get a plan for when this will be fixed.
DRDC m-s Meakin/O’Kane
VP Meakin presented his written report. There is question of PMAs (Performance Management Agreement) not being meaningful nor useful, the process needs to be revamped. SCInergy was created to promote accomplishments of Defence Research, however it is not achieving this goal and nothing is clearly linked to the successes of DRDC. The Director General is retiring at the end of the year.
Apprenticeship m-s Miller/Desbiens
VP Miller presented a nil report for this period. The National President noted that there has been no action on this portfolio for some time and that perhaps it should be discussed at other meetings going forward. Certain departments seem to need it more than others.
Employee Assistance Program m-s Wrinn/Stone
VP Wrinn presented his written report. It would seem that EAP stakeholders are all heavily invested in the program’s success, however they are lacking a common strategic approach to guide their decisions. VP Wrinn will check why process of approving Referral Agents has changed. Statistics being recorded by the Referral Agents is done incorrectly. Vacated positions are not being filled, leading them to say that the program is under utilized, this is an assumption that it not accurate. VP Wrinn will also verify why the EAP button on the Department’s website was removed and get it reinstated. There will be more training before year end. The DGWD will be at the next meeting. RV 15 – CARRIED
NOTICE OF MOTION – VP Meakin
Finance Report m-s Meakin/Desbiens
VP Meakin presented his written report along with membership reports and financial statements. There has been a small increase in members, Locals should look at their MUD sheets to ensure accuracy in their members. VP Meakin and the new Comptroller Brother Koussis are looking at creating an annual budget which would be easier to view. UNDE is now receiving invoices for Leave Without Pay. The new e-claim form and the new direct deposit payment process have both been successful.
FR Steering & Wellness m-s Desbiens/Laberge
VP Desbiens presented his written report. Efforts continue on the equitable retirement file, it is being taken more seriously by the Department. There is an issue with uniforms being bad quality therefore members have been buying their own and not being reimbursed, this is in the works. Jason Elder is on the career path project for FRs Committee.
Health & Safety m-s Kiley/Allard
VP Kiley presented his written report. There is an Internal Complaint Management process which provides alternate dispute resolution for civilians, however there is a question about how investigators are being trained. Working on a draft concerning impairment as a whole, not just Cannabis, in order to have one policy. New funding being looked at for Return To Work (RTW), this agenda item should be added at all LMRCs. Office of Disability Management (ODM) is to help or enhance RTW not replace it.
Young Workers m-s Simcoe/Meakin
VP Simcoe presented her written report which provided highlights in all the regions. The Committee continues to communicate regularly through conference calls. There are currently 5 vacancies for reps on the Committee. The Committee is working on building a job description that Locals can use to guide their Young Worker Reps.
NOTICE OF MOTION – VP Simcoe
MOTION – Auditors m-s Meakin/Desbiens
Whereas UNDE must reappoint an auditor for every fiscal year to verify their financial statements;
Whereas UNDE has used the service of McCay Duff LLP as auditors of their financial statements and are satisfied with the results and costs;
Be It Resolved that UNDE reappoints McCay Duff LLP for the audit of their 2020 fiscal year.
STANDING REPORTS
LMCC Army Commander m-s Frost/Desbiens
DVP Sheppard presented VP Frost’s written report. Letters for essential workers have been negotiated although not complete, no new submissions will be supported, these designated essential lists are only to be used during a strike. The SWE has been allocated, there was a question about the amount of the SWE which DVP Sheppard will get info from VP Frost.
NOTICE OF MOTION – VP Allard
NOTICE OF MOTION – VP Stone
MOTION – Re: Young Workers m-s Simcoe/Sheppard
The motion was withdrawn by the Mover and Seconder. CARRIED
NOTICE OF MOTION – VP Simcoe
STANDING REPORTS
ADM MAT (GLMC) m-s Simcoe/Allard
VP Simcoe presented her written report of her first meeting with this Committee. The action plan for priorities following the Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) results are: job satisfaction, harassment then discrimination. VP Simcoe also raised the issue of not allowing the evaluation of the classifications of the ELEs done with DCCO 202 workshop in Montreal and was told a call was placed to get a better understanding of the situation.
CMSG m-s Simcoe/Wrinn
VP Simcoe presented her written report of the first meeting with the Committee. They are trying to implement a Standardized Job Description (SJD) system ensuring members are briefed on their new SJD. VP Simcoe stressed the importance of the union being in attendance at unit levels for Essential Service Agreement (ESA) meetings.
REGIONAL REPORTS
Newfoundland, Labrador & New Brunswick Report m-s Sheppard/Miller
DVP Sheppard presented VP Frost’s written report which provided highlights of activities in his Locals. Phoenix issues continue across the region. Training for private sector locals has been approved for March.
Nova Scotia Report m-s Kiley/O’Kane
VP Kiley presented his written report detailing meetings he attended included the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and the PSAC National Health & Safety Conference. Annual General Meetings (AGM) took place in the Fall for his Locals. The Standardized Job Description process is of some concern for members.
Quebec Report m-s Allard/Desbiens
VP Allard presented his written report which provided updates on his Locals as well as meetings he attended for this period.
Ontario Report m-s Desbiens/Allard
VP Desbiens presented his written report. He gave an update on Treasury Board Bargaining as he sits at the negotiation table. There was an anti-privatization rally in Kingston to stop the Department from contracting out core public service jobs. Local 00639 in Petawawa had a meeting concerning strike breakers.
National Capital Region Report m-s Wrinn/Miller
VP Wrinn presented his written report. He continues to attend monthly meetings concerning parking at the new DND Carling campus. There is also an investigation being performed in Local 70607.
STANDING REPORTS
Bylaws Report m-s Miller/O’Kane
VP Miller, Chair of this Committee, presented a written report. Following the Human Rights Advisor’s recommendation, the UNDE Harassment Policy will be modified with some changes in wording.
Motion to amend paragraph 5. RV 29 – CARRIED
Adoption of report. RV 30 – CARRIED
Honours & Awards Report m-s Kiley/Allard
Lifetime Membership for Brother Glen Johnston, Local 50704
The Committee recommended concurrence. Secret ballot vote. CARRIED
Motion to destroy all ballots m-s Wrinn/Laberge CARRIED
Adoption of report. RV 31 – CARRIED
REGIONAL REPORTS
Communications Security Establishment Report m-s Stone/O’Kane
VP Stone presented his written report. Employees at the new Cyber Security center have still not been transferred to UNDE. CSE had a successful regional conference in February where they had training for Stewards. Sister Stephanie Torrealba has been organizing training sessions for the membership.
Non-Public Funds Report m-s O’Kane/Desbiens
VP O’Kane presented her written report which gave an update on bargaining for all NPF Locals. As part of the National Benefits Consultation Committee, VP O’Kane said they have made positive changes to their benefits. Members across Canada have also had successful mobilizations in order to be recognized as Federal Employees.
Manitoba/Saskatchewan Report m-s Simcoe/Meakin
VP Simcoe presented her written report which provided an update on bargaining and activities in her Locals. She highlighted some areas of concern such Local 50704 having issues with HR concerning interpretations on Duty to Accommodate, Local 40801 waiting on national org charts to move ahead with classification grievances, Local 40807 having issues with management being granted leave according to the Collective Agreement.
Alberta & The North Report m-s Meakin/Desbiens
VP Meakin presented his written report. There was an election of a new DVP for the region in January. More training planned in the Spring for grievance handling and classification. Monthly teleconferences with the Locals have been successful.
British Columbia Report m-s Miller/Laberge
VP Miller presented his written report which highlighted his activities for this period. There have been some issues with the filming of PSAC’s “Here for Canada”, these issues involve errors in payment as well as members involved in the filming. VP Miller will be speaking to PSAC about correcting these. The AGMs were done by DVP Kevin Hunt. Looking at having a BC Regional Conference in the Spring.
Human Rights Report m-s Simcoe/O’Kane
Human Rights Advisor Jones presented his written report. The Human Rights Coordinators had a meeting in Winnipeg in November where the Committee developed a vision statement and also developed resolutions for UNDE’s upcoming Convention. There will be an award presented at Convention for the first time. Still working on script for the Human Rights video.
NOTICE OF MOTION – VP Wrinn
NATIONAL OFFICE
Executive Vice-President Report m-s Laberge/Wrinn
EVP Laberge presented his written report listing his activities and meetings for this period as well as the LRO reports and report on grievances. The EVP has been working with the new Director of National Compensation on the pay issues file. COMTRA update: more training to follow in some regions, NPF wants facilitator training, will be done nationally, need to send EVP an email; video for Human Rights will be completed by the Convention. Privatization Committee has revised their terms of reference to have conference calls reduced to an as needed basis. Essential Services Agreement lists to be finalized and signed, although some regions say list is incorrect.
NEW BUSINESS
National Public Service Week – National President Winger asked the Officers for their ideas on options for National Public Service week. After some discussion, the VPs concluded they preferred that each region will do their own for what works for them without a national strategic approach.
Election Process – VP Simcoe says she had some concerns on how the EVP elections were delivered, including the length of time, the process and issues with the Chief Electoral Officer. There is a possibility of putting forward a resolution for Convention or discuss at beginning of next mandate during first NE meeting.
MOTION – Young Workers to Convention (Revised Motion) m-s Simcoe/Sheppard
WHEREAS UNDE Triennial Convention is a great educational opportunity to build young workers’ leadership, communication and political action. This opportunity is about building, energizing, and strengthening the union movement as a whole.
WHEREAS This convention will bring together the young worker committee to build young workers power to address the changing nature of work, empower young and new leadership in workplaces and unions, and lay the framework for a renewed and growing labour movement.
WHEREAS per the UNDE Young Workers Committee roles & responsibilities, this convention will help to disseminate information relevant to young workers and keep current on issues. This is an opportunity for Young Workers to meet during this week to set an action plan for the next three years for this committee.
WHEREAS There are NO funds assigned to this committee, we have been moving forward by strongly encouraging members to attend PSAC and CLC events. A great start to networking and encouraging representatives to be more active and to bring these ideas and opportunities back to their regions to encourage other young workers to get involved. This committee needs guidance from myself as OPI, from the National Executive and from their local membership. This guidance can be found at convention and the networking and mentoring that will be created will be invaluable for these members.
WHEREAS Convention brings together hundreds of activists from across the country to address issues. Education. Membership Engagement. Retention. Ageism. Communication. Succession Planning. Precarious work. Income Inequality. Climate Change. We are at a pivotal point in time where these phrases have come to define the challenges facing this generation of workers. Their future is not yet decided. This generation has a powerful, collective voice to achieve the changes they want to see, and guide the country in which they want to live.
WHEREAS Young Workers will grow leadership, organizing, and political action skills that will build their power as young workers. It will be a space for young workers to exchange stories, skills, and strategies about unions and social justice issues. Our Young Worker representatives will build solidarity with a diverse group of other UNDE members and leave energized and more knowledgeable about how to build a stronger union.
WHEREAS The UNDE Young Workers Committee mandate this convention fosters an environment that will facilitate the education and representation of UNDE young workers by providing a learning opportunity that is relevant to young workers.
WHEREAS Increased training builds the local union structure with the intent that a trained engaged membership usually steps forward for local duties and executive positions.
WHEREAS the funds requested in support of sending young worker representatives to convention are a solid investment in our ability to serve our members to the best of our abilities.
WHEREAS “A trained membership is an active membership and active members build a strong union.”
BE IT RESOLVED that we send the UNDE Young Workers Committee Representatives as of April 23, 2020 as Observers to the 2020 UNDE Triennial Convention fully funded by UNDE.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the UNDE Young Worker Representatives prepare a three-year action plan during convention and present this action plan at the end of convention.
UNDE Young Worker Observers to Convention 2020 Business Case.
NEW BUSINESS
CLC Convention – National President Winger opened the discussion on UNDE members attending the CLC Convention when it is held in a location where it would be convenient and cost effective to attend. For example, the 2020 convention is scheduled to be held in the same city as and immediately following the BC PSAC Regional Convention. The National President noted that this would require a bylaws change at convention if decided to pursue this initiative.
MOTION – Budget Transfer m-s Allard/Miller
Whereas there is not enough money in the line budget of the Regional Conferences to organize a conference for each region;
Whereas it is important to mobilize, especially this year with the strike possibility;
Whereas it’s a good practice to meet and look for resolutions, region by region;
Whereas we have more than $700,000 left in the Education Training.
Be It Resolved to transfer $300,00 of the Education in the line budget of Regional Conference.
MOTION – Brother Phil Turcq to Convention m-s Stone/Wrinn
Whereas UNDE has a history of presenting deserving members their life membership at our Triennial Convention;
Whereas the UNDE National Executive has decided to award life membership to such a deserving member.
Be It Resolved that UNDE bring Brother Phil Turcq to the Triennial Convention to receive his life membership award.
MOTION – Human Rights Coordinators to Convention m-s Wrinn/Stone
WHEREAS the UNDE has a long history of fighting for, defending, safeguarding, maintaining and promoting the human rights of all its members. The union believes in equality for all; and
WHEREAS Human Rights Coordinators represent entire regions and are a vital resource in the dissemination of knowledge and information to the membership, acting as a resource person for union representation on HR/EE issues and promoting a greater understanding HR/EE issues locally; and
WHEREAS the UNDE Human Rights Policy outlines the HR Coordinator’s roles & responsibilities to disseminate information about HR/EE issues that are current and emerging and are the initial point of contact for Local representatives seeking advice and guidance on Human Rights and Employment Equity issues; and
WHEREAS the UNDE HR Coordinator’s responsibility is to establish a network whereby each local has, as part of their team, a Human Rights/Employment Equity representative.
WHEREAS the geography of the UNDE regions are vast where locals are spread out over these vast areas is a barrier to making the in-person connections needed to fulfill their roles;
WHEREAS over the past 2.5yrs the HR Coordinators have dedicated significant time to take part in departmental initiatives, undertaken education, forged relationships with HR organizations in the union and have attended and supported their communities at large; and
WHEREAS the 2017 -2020 UNDE Human Rights Committee has accomplished an enormous amount of work to bring Human Rights awareness to the membership, have completely revamped the HR portfolio and what is remaining is the establishment the network required to promote of HR representatives in the local and the 2020 UNDE Triennial Convention would provide an opportunity to fulfill their role; and
BE IT RESOLVED that the 10 Regional Human Rights Coordinators be offered fully funded observer status to the 2020 UNDE National Triennial Convention.
NEW BUSINESS
Repeal Life Memberships – National President Winger suggests the Honours and Awards Committee consider developing a process of removing life memberships where warranted.
Next NE Meeting will take place prior to the UNDE 18th Triennial Convention in St. John’s, NL.
Adjournment.