May 3-6, 2011

May 3-6, 2011

Ottawa, ON

TUESDAY, MAY 3

OPENING REMARKS

The National President welcomed members to the spring meeting of the National Executive.

The harassment statement was read aloud and Human Rights Advisor McGrath was named intervener.

The hours of sessions were set as follows:

Tuesday, May 3, 9:00 -11:30 / 1:00 to 5:00
Wednesday, May 4, 9:00 – 11:30 / 1:00 to 5:00
Thursday, May 5, 9:00 – 11:30 / 1:00 to 5:00
Friday, May 6, 9:00 – 11:30 / 1:00 to finish of business.

The agenda was adopted.

Final minutes from the September 2010 meeting were adopted.

NEW BUSINESS

Civil lawsuit – National President MacLennan explained to the group the background of this civil action against named defendants PSAC/UNDE members.  The National Officers reviewed a letter sent by PSAC National President John Gordon detailing a proposal to settle this civil lawsuit.  The defendants in this civil suit include five UNDE members.  Fees to date have been paid entirely by the PSAC.

Brother MacLennan received unanimous approval from the National Officers to support the strategy laid out in the letter from John Gordon.

Letter from John Gordon to John MacLennan  – National President MacLennan discussed the letter of April 6 received from PSAC National President John Gordon alleging inappropriate actions by some UNDE members concerning the February NBoD decision on the supplementary Pension for full time elected officers.

Brother MacLennan noted the inaccuracies and misleading information in the letter.   A draft letter of reply to Brother Gordon was presented to the National Officers for their approval which was unanimously approved and will be sent out by week’s end.

UNDE Locals will receive the April 6th letter from Brother Gordon today which will be followed up with the reply going out at the end of the week.

MOTION –  Severance packages for future full-time elected UNDE officers 
m/s/c – MacLennan/Winger

“WHEREAS members in Treasury Board PA, SV and EB Bargaining Groups have lost their entitlement to a severance package from the expedited round of collective bargaining in 2010;
WHEREAS leaders in the union are expected to lead by example;
WHEREAS full time elected UNDE officers are no different than other UNDE members;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the current full time elected UNDE officers will continue to receive any earned severance asdescribed in AEU 14 Collective Agreement Article 20:02 (a) up to the expiry dates of the PA, SV and EB Collective Agreements in 2011, then the accumulation of severance will cease;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the current full time elected UNDE officers will be entitled to cash out their severance at their salary rate at the time of their departure from office or at an earlier date as decided by the elected officer; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT future full time elected UNDE officers will not be entitled to any severance package unless severance packages are negotiated in all UNDE-represented members’ collective agreements.”

RV 1 – CARRIED

REGIONAL REPORTS

Nova Scotia –  VP Kiley presented his written report. (Annex 1) m/s/c – Kiley/Turcq

RV 2 – CARRIED

Quebec –  VP Turcq presented his written report.(Annex 2)m/s/c – Turcq/Chamberlain

RV 3 – CARRIED

Non-public funds –  VP Verreault presented his written report. (Annex 3)   m/s/c – Verreault/Turcq

VP Verreault commented that during a televised political debate the week of April 25, 2011 (prior to the Federal Elections), the delegate for the Conservative Party, Minister of Veteran Affairs Mr. Jean-Pierre Blackburn, was quoted as saying: “ A vote for the Bloc, The Liberals, The NDP will put the future of the 3 Wing Bagotville Base in danger”.   Now that Mr. Blackburn is no longer a Member of Parliament, how far will this quote go?

Brother Verreault will do everything possible to ensure that the new NDP members of parliament are educated on the subject and ready to fight for the future of that base as well as future investments.

RV 4 – CARRIED

Ontario –  VP Desbiens presented his written report. (Annex 4)m/s/c – Desbiens/Turcq

RV 5 – CARRIED

NATIONAL OFFICE:

Executive Vice-President  – EVP Chamberlain presented her written report (Annex 5).   The EVP Report includes USO reports,the COMTRA report and the updated list of members trained across the country.m/s/c – Chamberlain/Turcq

RV 6 – CARRIED

Human Rights Advisor –  HRA McGrath presented her written report. (Annex 6)
m/s/c – McGrath/Chamberlain

RV 7 – CARRIED

British Columbia – VP Miller presented his written report. (Annex 7)m/s/c – Miller/Kiley

RV 8 – CARRIED

NEW BUSINESS
MOTION – Local 684 Re-instated

m/s/c – Verreault/Turcq

“WHEREAS LOCAL 684 NPF OTTAWA WAS TO BE AMALGAMATED WITH THE DIRECTIVE OF THIS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE 18 MONTHS AGO.
WHEREAS PSAC, THROUGH ADMINISTRATIVE CONFUSION/MISCOMMUNICATION, HAS NEGLECTED TO PROCESS THE APPLICATION TO THE BOARD IN ORDER TO PROCEED TO THIS AMALGAMATION.
WHEREAS LOCAL 684 CONTRACT IS NOW UP FOR RENEGOTIATION THEREFORE DELAYING TO A LATER DATE THE POSSIBILITY OF AMALGAMATION AND FAIR LOCAL REPRESENTATION.
BE IT RESOLVEDTHAT THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE REINSTATETHE NEWLY ELECTED EXECUTIVE AND RECOGNISE THEM AS IN THE PAST AS LOCAL 684 NPF.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT LOCAL 684 BE PERMITTED TO SEND A DELEGATE TO THE UNDE CALGARY CONVENTION.”

Motion to divide.m/s/c Graham-Chamberlain CARRIED

The first Be It ResolvedRV 9  – CARRIED

The second Be It Resolved

VP Verreault explained that this Local was to be amalgamated with Local 682, however the PSAC has not processed it on time.   VP Verreault asked for leniency in passing this motion to allow a delegate to the UNDE Triennial Convention this summer.   After some debate by the National Officers it was voted on and approved.

RV 10  – CARRIED

STANDING ITEMS

Employee Assistance Program –  VP Winger presented his written report.(Annex 8)
m/s/c/ – Winger/Miller

VP Winger said this program is working in some areas and not so well in others.   He noted concerns over having a 1-800 number as well as lack of funding and union involvement. VP Winger said that this program is not meeting the needs of members and questions the value of continuing with this program.   After these issues were addressed by the National Officers, it was decided that UNDE may consider having its own program and explore the options of doing so.

It was agreed that the National Officers will each contact their EAP Regional Coordinators in their specific regions to discuss how to get the program back on track.   These findings will be reported back at the following National Executive meeting in August.

RV 11  – CARRIED

FR Committee –  VP Winger presented his written report. (Annex 9)m/s/c/ – Winger/Turcq

VP Winger’s report consisted of two parts: the FR Wellness Committee and the FR Steering Committee.

RV 12 – CARRIED

GLT –  VP Miller presented his written report.(Annex 10)m/s/c/ – Miller/Joyce

VP Miller noted that the entire Apprenticeship Program costs $18.2M per year for the next 2 years.

VP Miller informed the group that a vote was taken with the Committee concerning the “No Zones” celebration at this year’s Triennial Convention and that due to a lack of response the celebration will simply involve a cake during Convention.

RV 13 – CARRIED

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4
VP Graham had to be excused from the meeting for the morning due to a personal matter.

Bylaws Report –  VP Miller presented his written report. (Annex 11)m/s/c – Miller/Chamberlain

VP Miller noted the changes in the Harassment Policy which will be put forth at Convention.

RV 14  – CARRIED

Agenda was amended to add a presentation by Ian Capstick on Thursday at 1pm concerning the progress on the CSEC Fight back Campaign.

GS Report –  VP Buck informed the group there was nothing to report.

Young Workers Initiative Report –  VP Barker presented her written report. (Annex 12)
m/s/c – Barker/Joyce

VP Barker noted a lack of interest and also high member turnover from this Committee.   She asked the National Officers for their help in encouraging young workers in their regions to join this Committee.

RV 15  – CARRIED

MOTION – Reconsider vote concerning Resolution for Local 684 
m/s/c – Verreault/Turcq
CARRIED

VP Verreault noted that Financial documents which were not looked at before yesterday’s vote showed the membership in Local 684 at 15 and not 7. Therefore a new vote on this motion was made.

RV 16 – CARRIED

Air Command Report –  VP Buck

The group discussed how there is an imbalance of members who represent this group in all areas: HR, Mgmt and Union.It was noted that this is a joint Committee and should have proper representation, not enough unions are involved at these meetings.

It was agreed that VP Turcq will bring this issue to 1 CAD as soon as possible.

REGIONAL REPORTS

Manitoba/Saskatchewan –  VP Buck presented her written report.  (Annex 13)m/s/c – Buck/Miller

VP Buck informed the group that separate employer members have been busy with negotiations.   Local 807 Sodexho members have just settled on a new Collective Agreement; whereas members of Local 807 Aramark have just begun negotiations.   Local 800 Frontec have recently settled their new agreement and have served notice for the next round of bargaining.
DCC is still a big concern for these Treasury Board Locals as there is concern for job loss.

RV 17 – CARRIED

Alberta/North –  VP Winger presented his written report.(Annex 14)m/s/c – Winger/Barker

VP Winger had been absent from the last National Executive meeting due to his involvement he with the SV bargaining table.   He reported to the group on the highlights of this round of bargaining.  A discussion ensued on the layers of negotiation and the process of bargaining.

RV 18 – CARRIED

MOTION – Young Workers Committee members to attend UNDE Convention as observers
m/s/c – Graham/Miller

“Whereas the UNDE Young Workers Initiative Committee has been working collectively and diligently over the last mandate;

Whereas UNDE wants to continue to engage our young workers to further union education and UNDE involvement;

Whereas there are still many challenges in engaging our young members.

Be It Resolved That the members of the UNDE Young Workers Initiative Committee attend the upcoming UNDE Triennial Convention as observers fully funded by UNDE.”

RV 19 – CARRIED

DISCUSSION

Use of Employer’s Computer System to perform Union duties:

VP Turcq expressed concern in some areas where not all members have access to a personal computer/e-mail account and that they arenot receiving the support from UNDE in a timely fashion due to UNDE’s policy on not using the employer’s system.

A discussion followed by the group in trying to come to an understanding of when it is acceptable or not to use the employer’s e-mail system. UNDE staff are encouraged in some cases to talk on the phone directly with the member or by fax to resolve their issue.

The National President agreed to send out a letter to all Locals as well as UNDE’s Union Services Officers outlining what is to be expected when communicating with members and to show due diligence.

THURSDAY, MAY 5

Finance Report  – (Annex 15)m/s/c – Turcq/Winger
VP Turcq along with Comptroller Brian Loshuk presented the committee’s written report and financial statements dated January 31, 2011.

RV 20  – CARRIED

MOTION –  Re-appointment of Auditors

m/s/c – Turcq/Graham

“WHEREAS the Auditor has recommended that UNDE’s NEC make a motion each year to appoint or reappoint Auditors.
BE IT RESOLVED that UNDE reappoint McCay, Duff & Company, LLP as Auditors for fiscal year 2011.”RV 21  – CARRIED

REGIONAL REPORTS

Communications Security Establishment  – VP Joyce presented her written report. (Annex 16)
m/s/c – Joyce/Desbiens

VP Joyce informed the National Officers that the Fightback Campaign has been successful and that Ian Capstick from MediaStyle will be providing an update presentation this afternoon.

RV 22  – CARRIED

Newfoundland/Labrador/New Brunswick  – VP Graham presented her written report.Annex 17)m/s/c – Graham/Turcq

RV 23  – CARRIED

DCC Report  – VP Turcq presented his written report. (Annex 18)m/s/c – Turcq/Graham

VP Turcq provided an update on his tour of Locals with Expert Consultant Tim McGrath.   They have had successful visits in Dundurn and the Ontario Region and will continue with tours across the remainder of the country.

RV 24  – CARRIED

Presentation by Tim McGrath

Tim provided the group with some background on his experience and knowledge of DCC.   He explained what DCC’s role is including the reason why DND might use them and the problems with the increased usage of DCC.   He concluded by outlining strategies to consider for protecting and enhancing positions.

Presentation by Ian Capstick – Mediastyle

Ian gave an update on the fightback campaign on which he has been working side by side with the CSE Local.   In the past few months, they have developed a website as well as radio and print ads to bring awareness of the campaign.

Forum for discussion between regions –  VP Turcq

VP Turcq expressed interest in having an electronic forum where nationwide issues can be discussed from coast to coast to coast between Locals. Various options were considered such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and the use of our own UNDE website.   VP Turcq will explore these options and will provide feedback on his findings at the next National Executive meeting.

Report of Local 619 Discipline Report –  VP Grahamm/s/c – Graham/Turcq

VP Graham reviewed the recommendations made from the April 20, 2010 special meeting with Local 619 members concerning the UNDE Harassment Policy Complaint dated April 9, 2010.

The National Officers voted on the recommendation for life suspension and in doing so supported the decision of sending this recommendation to the next NBoD in June 2011.

RV 25  – CARRIED

Honours and Awards Report– VP Kiley presented a written report. (Annex 19)m/s/c – Kiley/Graham

Motion to divide:m/s/c – Chamberlain/Graham

1st Lifetime Application: Sister Susan Gibbs from Local 1007

CARRIED by secret ballot

2nd Lifetime Application: Brother Robert King from Local 629

CARRIED by secret ballot

Ballots were destroyed after vote counted. Both recipients will be invited to attend UNDE’s 15th Triennial Convention this summer in Calgary.

VP Kiley also informed the group that the Committee is looking into pins for long-service members (ie: 10, 15,20 and 25 years) with a special pin for 30 years of service.   He will report back on findings at the next National Executive meeting.

RV 26 – CARRIED

REGIONAL REPORTS

NCR Report  – VP Barker presented her written report. (Annex 20) m/s/c/ – Barker/Winger

RV 27 – CARRIED

Health & Safety Report  – VP Graham presented her written report.(Annex 21)
m/s/c – Graham/Chamberlain

VP Graham reminded the group of the importance of sending her all workplace meeting minutes.

RV 28 – CARRIED

Triennial Convention Update  – National President MacLennan

The National President gave a quick update on progress so far of the upcoming Convention this summer.   He provided them the list of delegates and Convention Committees.   The next National Executive meeting will be held in Calgary on August 10 the week before Convention starts.

Adjournment.