Executive Meeting Minutes 

DATE:  September 22, 2005

 Meeting called to order at 5:36 pm.

 Minutes from previous meeting:  adoption held over to next meeting.

 Committee reports: 

OSH:  Ken Martens presents OSH report.  Brief discussion ensued about roles and responsibilities for UTE’s OSH representatives and the OSH committee.  Several security incidents have occurred without the knowledge of the union.  Hilde Sellmeyer stresses that security incidents fall under the jurisdiction of the OSH committee.  Management should be reminded to advise the OSH committee about security incidents.

 Old Business:

Refit:  Things are progressing but dust still continues to be a pressing problem.  It is suggested that staff keep windows closed while roofing truck operates in the link area.  Ken Martens will follow this suggestion up. 

 New Business: 

President Report:  Hilde Sellmeyer states that we should continue on with our involvement to ensure the client service counter will not be closed.  The union is working hard to keep service since it is an important service to Canadians.  Hilde asks how can we impact the public with this issue. 

 Hilde Sellmeyer advises that Nycole Turmel, National President, PSAC, advised that members will get a health card so members will not have to wait to get reimbursed for prescription costs, etc.  Other improvements to the health benefits will happen as well.  However, at the time of the conference, it had not yet been ratified.

 A day is a day grievance has been resolved and members will be given full credit for their personal needs day whether they filed a grievance or not.

 CRA will be welcoming HRDC employees as UTE members sometime in the next year per the amalgamation of collection responsibilities within these two government departments. 

 CRA mileage rates are not rising to the rising costs of fuel.  The union is addressing this issue.  In the meantime, members are reminded they are not obliged to use their own car.  Furthermore, fleet vehicles must be in safe condition.

 The ACS system will bring forward new broader and less detailed job descriptions.  It will have the core responsibilities.  No members will lose pay on this change.  The Agency stressed it will be a fair classification system and is compliant with human rights code.  The MG group will not be changed.  It will be used as model to reclassify other groups.  

UTE presentation kit is now available for new employees.  We need to ensure that these meetings are held when new members join our office.  Management does not have to be present during this meeting.

 There is a free life insurance policy for UTE members.  Go to the website for more information.

 Computer scanned competition results is a process where the computer marks your exam and are not necessarily accurate.  There was a case where someone was not given the correct mark.  Members are encouraged to challenge the results a computer scanned test if errors are suspected.  

Bargaining Demands may be brought forward to the executive at anytime.  The UTE National office will gather them.

 Nycole Turmel, stated that PSAC may be requesting a dues increase in 2007.

 National UTE sent $5000 to Red Cross hurricane Katrina disaster relief fund.

 Guest speaker at Presidents’ Conference was from ICA.com, an organization that provides assistance to enable third world communities to self sufficiency.  It’s goal is to provide health, education and water to the children.  It is a totally volunteer organization. 

Our Local should review our bylaws for any revisions for the upcoming AGM.  Any members who are interested in assisting are asked to contact Hilde Sellmeyer. 

Members are encouraged to check our website and provide any feedback.

burnabyfraser@bcute.org

 Meeting adjourned at 7:15

 Next meeting:  October 20, 2005 @ 5:30 pm at the Surrey Recreation Centre.