National Executive Meeting
November 26-29, 2018
Ottawa, ON
| Chairman | June Winger | National President |
| Members | Philippe Turcq | Executive Vice-President |
| Dan Frost | Vice-President (NL/NB) | |
| Terry Kiley | Vice-President (NS) | |
| Benoit Laberge | Vice-President (QC) | |
| Jeff Wrinn | Vice-President (NCR) | |
| Carolyn Handley | Deputy 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 Montpetit |
OPENING REMARKS
The National President welcomed members to the fall meeting of the National Executive.
The harassment statement was read and Human Rights Advisor Jones was named intervener.
The hours of sessions were set as follows:
Monday, November 26, 9:00 – 11:30 / 1:00 to 5:00
Tuesday, November 27, 9:00 – 11:30 / 1:00 to 5:00
Wednesday, November 28, 9:00 -11:30 / 1:00 to 5:00
Thursday, November 29, 9:00 – 11:30 / 1:00 to termination of business.
Additions to the agenda included: COMTRA videos, the agenda was then adopted.
National President Update:
The National President welcomed members to the fall meeting of the National Executive and began by giving an update on recent meetings with the Department including a meeting with the Deputy Minister where contracting out public service work, phoenix pay, grievance hearing delays and cannabis in the workplace was discussed.
The National President emphasised the collaboration between PSAC and UNDE contributed to the success of impeding local managements ability to contract out UNDE members work without oversight. The National President reminded National Officers to respond to any attempts to contract out UNDE work with their counterparts and advise the National President of the situation.
The National President provided an update on Standardized Job Descriptions, advising the descriptions contain less detail, reminding if members disagree with the SJD they should discuss their concerns with management being mindful of the grievance timelines.
The National President gave a brief update on the Treasury Board Bargaining, explaining they were likely reaching an impasse as the employer has proposed no retroactivity and has refused nearly every PSAC proposal. National Officers should work towards mobilizing Locals regarding bargaining and the upcoming federal election.
Previous Minutes – ADOPTED m-s Meakin/Stone
Honour Roll: A moment of silence was observed for the following members who have passed since the last meeting:
Sister Diane Ouimet, Local 10511
Brother Matthew Weston, Local 21007
Brother Bob Bader, Local 21016
Sister Geneviève Batko, Local 50705
Brother Gilles Grégoire, Local 70654
Brother Ian Veinot, Local 80407
STANDING REPORTS
ADM-IE (RP Ops) m-s Miller/Turcq
No report provided.
RPOPS Ontario m-s Handley-Laberge
DVP Handley presented VP Desbiens’ report which indicated there is a draft standing order where safety boot allowance reimbursement is going to be added into the Collective Agreements. Also vacation leave plan has become complicated due to Phoenix.
Presentation to National Officers on disability management from Erinn Yakabuski, National Manager, Office of Disability Management, Department of National Defence.
RPOPS West m-s Simcoe/Frost
VP Simcoe presented her written report which contained an update on vacancy management reports, many of which are positions that have been eliminated and no longer needed. VP Simcoe also noted her disappointment with the Standardized Job Description/Classification Review meeting in Edmonton in June, many questions were left unanswered and caused confusion.
RPOPS Atlantic m-s Kiley/Wrinn
VP Kiley presented his written report which identified problems after the Standardized Job Description/Classification Review meeting in June because there were concerns that a 3-page job description will not cover the complexity of the work performed, and members may not be properly classified.
Paul Dagenais was called into the room to answer questions and give clarity to the National Officers. He says he wants to know when the process is not done properly, management is supposed to sit with the employee to explain the job description, not simply ask them to sign it. Regions are supposed to have teams and townhall meetings. If information is missing on a job description, send Paul an e-mail and he will inquire about it at his weekly meeting.
There was also some discussion about Red Seals and how correspondence courses are not equivalent to having a Red Seal. The National President suggests concerned should cross-reference qualifications with certifications required to perform the work.
RPOPS Quebec m-s Laberge/Turcq
VP Laberge presented his written report. The Standardized Job Description/Classification Review is going well in his region, a working group has been set up and all descriptions should be signed by end of 2018. RV 5 – CARRIED
Air Command m-s Miller/Frost
No report provided.
2nd Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) Quebec m-s Laberge/Meakin
VP Laberge presented his written report. Issues discussed at this meeting in November were the lack of human resources due to a structural reorganization, the Commander is looking into having this problem corrected. Following the Public Service Employee Survey priorities identified for are: workplace harassment, staffing and performance management. RV 7 – CARRIED
3rd Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) – Western Canada m-s Simcoe/Laberge
VP Simcoe presented her written report which gave an update on issues discussed at this meeting including conflict management which is not a replacement for grievances. Also discussed was the fact that not all regions or Locals have received their printed copies of the Collective Agreement. The National President asked the National Officers to send her which Locals have not received their collective agreements and she will push to have them sent. RV 8 – CARRIED
4th Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) – Ontario m-s Handley/Turcq
No report provided.
5th Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) – Atlantic Canada m-s Frost/Kiley
VP Frost presented his written report which contained items discussed at this meeting including the new Office of Disability Management that recently opened in Halifax serving the Atlantic. They are also tracking Phoenix overpayments and underpayments to continue to provide assistance to employees with Phoenix issues. This includes supporting emergency salary payments. VP Frost will provide the National President with a list.
CF Housing Authority (CFHA) m-s Frost/Wrinn
VP Frost presented his written report which discussed uniforms because it was noted that even though uniforms are not required it is important to ensure their employees are easily recognized as CFHA employees. Decals for helmets will be ordered as well as DND identification card holders for the all site employees. VP Miller says that he will address uniforms at his next ADM IE meeting. RV 11 – CARRIED
NOTICE OF MOTION – VP NPF
NEW BUSINESS
AGR Insurance – The National President explained that AGR Insurance has a voluntary ambassador program; each Local that registers online at psaclocals.ca will receive a kit consisting of pamphlets, newsletters and a banner for Locals to put out at meetings, training sessions, events, etc. There are monthly cash draws for participating Locals.
National Joint Council – The National President reminded the National Officers of her previous request to review the Commuting Assistance Directive and provide proposals. Due to the low response received, the deadline for submissions is extended to Dec 5, 2018.
STANDING REPORTS
CF Health Services (CFHS) m-s Wrinn/Simcoe
VP Wrinn presented his written report. The reclassification of CR3 to CR4 will be retroactive to 2007, letters should all be sent out by December 31. If there are any members hired before this date, then they need to grieve. There is currently a review of all Calian positions as they want to convert positions back to Public Service, this will result in a cost savings of $5.6 million. They are posting the jobs internally and externally at same time as they say this saves time, members need to grieve this. Issues with job descriptions being too generic should be sent to VP Wrinn for his next meeting with CFHA.
Defence Research Development Canada (DRDC) m-s Meakin/O’Kane
VP Meakin presented his written report. He said it was a successful and productive meeting. The new Chief of Staff was introduced at the meeting. The Terms of Reference will be back on the agenda for the next meeting. VP Meakin will be starting teleconferences/social media with the DRDC Presidents to assist in opening the communication lines between the centres.
Apprenticeship m-s Miller/Handley
No report provided.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) m-s Wrinn/Handley
VP Wrinn stated there was no report for this period since there was no meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 12th, they are not meeting their quota of having two meetings per year. The National President and VP Wrinn will sit down with Des Rogers (dockyard union) to see if Des wants to remain Chair and to discuss way forward with this Committee.
FR Steering/Wellness m-s Handley/Turcq
DVP Handley presented VP Desbiens’ report. The Committee met in September when they also attended the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Day. The general membership campaign concerning the FRs pensions is going well, PSAC National President Chris Aylward will speak to it at the next Pension Advisory Board meeting. The presumptive cancer awareness program is going well with letters being sent to all Provincial Premiers to add this into legislation. There are still serious cases of harassment happening at some of the firehalls, VP Miller and VP Kiley will bring this up at their meeting next week.
Presentation of the quarterly financial review to National Officers from Marc Natal, VP Client Servicing, Montrusco Bolton.
Health & Safety m-s Kiley/Laberge
VP Kiley presented his written report. The Atlantic Office of Disability Management officially opened in Halifax on October 22, 2018. The Committee also deals with all work refusals. There is also a general safety working group made up of D Safe G and bargaining agents, VP Kiley suggested that since UNDE is the largest of the unions that a UNDE Labour Relations Officer be added onto this working group. The National President asked VP Kiley if all the Health & Safety committee members are adequately trained, he will get info for her.
Honours & Awards Committee m-s Kiley/Meakin
The Honours and Awards Committee Chair, VP Kiley, presented the Committee’s written report. There was a total of 6 scholarship applications received at National Office. The four successful recipients met all the requirements and were therefore recommended for the $2,000 scholarship, and they are:
Sukhcharhat Dhillon, awarded the Ken Green Scholarship Award – Local # 50705 Manitoba
Dominique (Quinne) Arsenault, awarded the Pat McGrath Scholarship Award-– Local #80411 Nova Scotia
Alexsandria Ryan, awarded the Gary Smith Scholarship Award – Local #80407 Nova Scotia
Tyler Russell, awarded the Bob Percher Scholarship Award – Local #80406 Nova Scotia
The National President asked if candidates for lifetime and honourary membership applications are informed if not chosen, VP Kiley will discuss a way forward with Committee. There was also some discussion on the lifetime memberships quota, the Bylaws Committee will review this bylaw. RV 18 – CARRIED
Young Workers m-s Simcoe/Handley
VP Simcoe presented her written report. There is a Young Workers Forum on Dec. 7-9, 2018 that a few of the Committee members will be attending. She also gave highlights from each of the regions. Newest member is Brandon Thorne for Nova Scotia. There is not a lot of participation on teleconferences. The employer is not allowing the Quebec young worker to attend union functions, the National President will bring this up at the next UMCC National Meeting. RV 19 – CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Claims Process – VP Meakin asked to have an auto-reply when claims are sent to the claims@unde.org e-mail account to say the claim was received and being processed. This will be added with a 7 to 10-day timeframe to process.
Next NE Meeting – The National President said due to the 100th Anniversary of May Day in Winnipeg next May 2019, which is where May Day all started, that the next NE could be in Winnipeg for the celebrations and parade. It was suggested that the next NE meeting be on May 21, 22 and 23, 2019 in Winnipeg and that the National Health & Safety Conference take place right after on May 24 and 25. A comparison was done to determine costs between having it in Ottawa or Winnipeg, it was less expensive to have it in Winnipeg, therefore the group agreed.
Human Rights Advisor Paul Jones also asked if he could have the Human Rights Coordinators meeting at the same time, same place. Pending an approved business case proposal, National Office will see if there is availability to add that as well.
Contracting Out Campaign – The National President struck a committee to allow UNDE to be in a ready state to address any attempts to have members work contracted out and where it make sense to, return previously contracted out work back to the public service
Members are: Eugene (VP CSE), Mark (VP BC), Jeff (VP NCR), Benoit (VP QC), Mona (VP MS), Serge (VP ON) and Phil (EVP). There will be a teleconference with the National Executive as a whole on January 28, 2019 to give an update on the Committee’s work thus far.
Locals’ e-mail user activity – The EVP discussed how not all the Locals are using their new UNDE e-mail account. The VPs are asked to remind their Locals about the importance of using these e-mail accounts since National Office sends all pertinent Local information to these accounts. Reference to other e-mail accounts on the website will be replaced with the UNDE addresses.
STANDING REPORTS
Finance m-s Meakin/Handley
VP Meakin presented his written report. Membership numbers have increased due to corrections in Phoenix. Locals must have their financial statements and AGM minutes in to Amanda at National Office by December 31 if they want to attend union events. The new direct deposit process has been rolling out very well. If there are corrections to be made in unionware contact Kim at National Office. Membership allocation also sent from Kim to the VPs, mud sheets got to Locals and not VPs. RV 20 – CARRIED
Human Rights Pamphlet Update – Human Rights Advisor Jones presented the updated pamphlet since the last meeting. There were a few suggested revisions by the group. There will be 1000 copies printed to start, these will be given to the Human Rights Coordinators to hand out when they attend events or meetings.
REGIONAL REPORTS
Newfoundland/Labrador & New Brunswick m-s Frost/Turcq
VP Frost presented his written report which gave highlights in all the Locals. There are still Phoenix pay issues involving basic pay, acting pay, stand-by, overtime as well as casual pay. There were discussions with the SERCO site managers concerning the upcoming RFP which will be awarded in 2020. Trying to meet with Minister of National Defence to keep jobs in public service or have succession rights with the new company that comes in and to keep wages. The regional conference in September was a success. RV 21 – CARRIED
Non-Public Funds m-s O’Kane/Meakin
VP O’Kane presented her written report which highlighted meetings attended during this period including the National Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee as well as the National Labour Management Committee where the safety of members was discussed. VP NPF asked for training to be provided to her members on PTSD. Also, at the Benefit Consultation meeting at CFMWS, the good news if that there are increases and a few enhancements to the monthly benefits package. Four Locals going into bargaining this year: Ottawa, Gagetown, Valcartier and Petawawa.
MOTION – VP NPF m-s O’Kane/Wrinn
“Whereas NPF Local 90181 in Goose Bay was placed in trusteeship status in 2012;
Whereas NPF Local 90181 has been placed in abeyance;
Whereas each exit plan established for NPF Local 90181 has failed;
Whereas NPF Local 60380 in Gagetown have agreed to represent the members of Local 90181;
Be It Resolved that NPF Local 90181 Goose Bay be dissolved;
Be It Further Resolved that dissolved Local 90181 Goose Bay be amalgamated with NPF Local 60380 Gagetown.”
RV 23 – CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Videos – EVP Turcq explained that COMTRA is working with PSAC to produce two bilingual videos, one on Human Rights and the other on Local Unions since this was mandated at the last Convention. The total cost is estimated at $10K. There was no costing associated to this during Convention.
MOA Supervisory Differential – VP Laberge advised that the supervisory differential his members are being paid continues to be calculate incorrectly despite having the MOA. The National President said that members should file a grievance, put it in abeyance and provide her and the appropriate LRO with the specifics for furtherance with the Department.
Pension – VP Stone explained to the group about the Public Service Superannuation Act in relation to veterans. As a result, veterans will have to wait five years longer to receive a pension. Currently there are 109 public service veterans that are affected, this number could be up to 500 veterans by 2033. Need to talk to MPs to have retirement age of veterans changed.
STANDING REPORTS
Nova Scotia m-s Kiley/O’Kane
VP Kiley presented his report which listed his meetings and activities for this period. The campaign to protect cleaning staff jobs in Greenwood was successful as these positions were returned and jobs were saved. The MARLANT Committee has lost a position, not properly represented. VP Kiley’s region also had a successful conference in October.
Quebec m-s Laberge/Miller
VP Laberge presented his written report which highlighted meetings and activities he attended for this period. Phoenix protests have been successful, media attended these and PSAC helped organize them. VP Laberge expressed his disappointment with the way PSAC is handling union dues recovery from members due to Phoenix. The National President explained that this is the only way the process can be done to be effective. The Quebec Regional Conference in October was a success. RV 25 – CARRIED
Ontario m-s Handley/O’Kane
DVP Handley presented VP Desbiens’ written report. Of note were the Kingston custodial contracting fightback campaign, an FR Steering and Wellness Committee Meeting in September and a Regional Conference which were all successful. With VP Desbiens busy at the Treasury Board Bargaining table, DVP Handley assumed the duties of the VP numerous times during this period, including attending this meeting. RV 26 – CARRIED
National Capital Region m-s Wrinn/Laberge
VP Wrinn presented his written report which highlighted a successful regional conference in July as well as a PSAC Labour Day Parade. The monthly OGULs are still scheduled with all the Local Presidents. VP Wrinn and Deputy VP Robert Basque, are working with the Locals to clean up the MUD list and ensuring members are in the right Local as we are working on the realignment of the locals. The exercise is expected to be completed Spring 2019. RV 27 – CARRIED
MOTION – EVP Re: Videos m-s Turcq/Miller
“Whereas at the last Triennial Convention two resolutions were passed pertaining to videos on the UNDE website. One for Human Rights and one to encourage participation in the Union;
Whereas the Convention process did not include funding but was passed;
Be It Resolved that the UNDE National Executive find within the existing budget a sum not to exceed $10K for the production of these videos.”
NOTICE OF MOTION – VP BC
Communications Security Establishment m-s Stone/Frost
VP Stone presented his written report. As of October 1, the new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) was established, CSE will gain about 150 new employees however they are currently represented by three other unions (PIPSC, USG and CAPE). PIPSC are the only ones challenging becoming UNDE members. The Regional Conference in October was successful as well there was one day of training in Change Management. With the current collective agreement to expire in February 2019, the notice to bargain has been issued. RV 29 – CARRIED
STANDING REPORTS
Bylaws m-s Miller/Stone
VP Miller presented the Committee’s written report. Another reminder to the group that harassment reports need to be sent to him, these are for UNDE events not the employer’s events. The new Terms of Reference and the new Travel Policy have both been posted on the website. The Committee has recommended to keep the current Accommodation Form for UNDE events, any requests that are out of the ordinary should be sent to the National President for authorization. In the coming months, the Committee will undertake to review all Bylaws dating back to 1999 to ensure consistency.
MOTION VP Miller – Lifetime Memberships (Bylaws) m-s Miller/Simcoe
“Whereas the UNDE has been unintentionally operating in error in relation to our Life Memberships since the 1999 Convention;
Whereas how UNDE has been operating is in line with the intent of the 1999 Convention floor and Committee;
Be It Resolved that the UNDE Bylaw Regulation “0303-01 Not more than (1) life membership shall be in existence at any time for each 750 members in the Union” be removed in its entirety to end all confusion pertaining to our Life Membership;
Be It Further Resolved that in accordance with our Bylaws, this regulation removal be presented to the Bylaw Committee for the 2020 UNDE Convention.”
REGIONAL REPORTS
Human Rights m-s Turcq/Laberge
Human Rights Advisor Jones presented his written report. The new Pride flag has been flown in 13 cities during the Pride parades and is available for purchase from the UNDE Boutique should any Locals wish to purchase one. The Human Rights Pamphlet will be ready for printing once the final draft is tweaked and then translated.
Manitoba-Saskatchewan m-s Simcoe/Meakin
VP Simcoe presented her written report detailing meetings and activities attended during this period as well as highlights from all Locals. There was training in June: Modules 1, 4, 6 and 8. The regions of Winnipeg, Moose Jaw and Dundurn joined together to form one LMRC to attend the Health Services LMCC. VP Simcoe is happy to see PSAC Prairies is very involved in many issues lately. RV 33 – CARRIED
NATIONAL OFFICE
EVP Report m-s Turcq/Frost
EVP Turcq presented his written report which outlined meetings and activities such as the Phoenix Ad Hoc Committee which he is part of, members are asked to continue to send Phoenix pay issues to the e-mail address: payissues@unde.org. UNDE National Office had a competition for a Labour Relations position, the successful candidate will be announced by the National President the first week of December. The EVP will be updating all the UNDE Training Modules with input from VP Simcoe. The EVP will be working with LRO Paul Dagenais on the Essential Services with the Department, this process should be finalized in December. This report also includes the Labour Relations Officer (LRO) reports and grievance reports.
REGIONAL REPORTS
Alberta & The North m-s Meakin/Handley
VP Meakin presented his written report detailing meetings and activities in this period. Monthly conference calls with the Locals has proven to be helpful for networking and discussing local issues, especially with many new members on Local Executives. VP ABN is planning a training course of Module 1 in the new year. RV 35 – CARRIED
British Colombia m-s Miller/Simcoe
VP Miller presented his written report which highlighted his activities for this period. After discussion, it was decided that although the recipient member’s local previously paid for framing lifetime and honourary membership certificates, National Office will send the purchase the frames.
VP Miller spoke about having the Youth Rep, the DVP and the Human Rights Coordinator of the region accompany him to AGMs. The National President stated that while this may be an initiative she could support, this was not costed in the budget. The National President reminded the group initiatives similar to this should be raised at convention to ensure adequate funds are available, allowing every region to participate. RV 36 – CARRIED
The next National Executive Meeting is scheduled for May 21 to 23, 2019 in Winnipeg.
Adjournment.
June Winger, National President