UTE Local 20002 – Executive Meeting

Tuesday April 18, 2006

PRESENT:     Martine Fillion, Dominic Maguire, Brenda Hooker, Floyd Knelsen, Joanne Berkhoven, Lisa Tanasichuk

The meeting was held at Jake’s on 3^rd Avenue and commenced at 5:35pm.

Opening Remarks:

Martine welcomed everyone to our first meeting of our new executive.  She advised that there was no set agenda for this meeting and that it would be mostly an “information” meeting. 

Martine advised she attended a Presidents Meeting March 7 & 8 in Abbotsford, along with the Grievance Training March 9 to 11 in Abbotsford.  A copy of the Presidents meeting minutes is to be provided to all.  

Major highlights of the Presidents meeting:

-          We are to come up with a 3 Year Plan for our local, the blue print is to be provided to Pamela Abbott (RVP) and is due prior to the September Presidents Conference.  We are to follow the National UTE Council in our preparation and planning.

-          Results from the survey held at our AGM were provided.  (copy to be provided to the executive).  Voting and Communication were the biggest complaints/concerns noted.

-          Suggestions for 3 year plan are increased participation at the AGM.  It is requested by national that minimum of 50% of members attend to get the membership more involved in the union.  Our plan is to be based in part on their mandate. 

-          ACTION ITEM – it was agreed that we will set up a planning day for June, after the conference in Toronto, to work on our 3 year plan.

Highlights of the Grievance Training:

-          Brenda, Lisa and Martine attended the training in Abbotsford.

-          Everyone agreed it was excellent and very useful/informative

-          An extra ½ day session was given on Harassment training

-          We were advised that nationally, we win less than 5% of the harassment claims

-          We were advised to consider filing a grievance instead of a harassment complaint.

-          As a result of the training, it was agreed that we will be setting up a Grievance Committee.  It was suggested that the Committee be chaired by the Executive Steward and include 2 other executive members (likely to include the President).

National President’s Conference:

-          Martine advised that Betty’s opening remarks included comments urging the Locals to work towards resolving all the “fighting” going on, ie; member vs member, member vs employer, etc.

-          Copy of full minutes to be provided to the executive.  

Other:

-          Clarification on use of union time codes for the executive and others to be added to the next UMC Agenda. 

-          When you are on course/conference, it is expected that you are there for the scheduled start/end time.  Members are not allowed to leave early without prior approval from either your President, if in attendance, or the course instructor.  There is no excuse and fines/penalties will be levied. 

-          A policy to be drafted for members on travel status for course/conference and will be included in our planning day discussions.

-          Discussion was held regarding the recent fine of $100 (a full day per diem) for a member on the Grievance Course for leaving one hour early after speaking with a few other people.  It was agreed that this seemed excessive for the situation.

-          MOTION made by Joanne to reduce the fine from $100.00 to $35.00 and to reimburse the member for the additional $65.00.  Seconded by Lisa.  Vote taken – 5 in favour, 1 opposed.  Brenda asked to go on record as opposing this motion.

Motion carried.

-          Plantgate – April 26/06 from 10:00 to 2:00 for Client Services closures.  Everyone is expected to cover at least one half hour shift.  Martine to check with Client Services staff to see if they are available also.

-          Pay Issues with ESS/MSS/other Compensation changes to the new call centres are a hot topic right now.  Please advise Martine if you have any issues as it is being tracked nationally.

-          Union/Management Initiative (UMI) – earliest potential roll out is September/06.  Being piloted/tested in the Quebec region at this time.

-          June training – possibly an extra seat.  After much discussion, it was decided to put out an expression of interest to the stewards.

Treasurer’s Report:

-          Dominic advised the bank balance is $6,700.04.  This balance will change once additional deposits are made from cheques expected to be received. 

Action Items:

-          Executive to provide home email addresses to Martine to ensure we are able to share information in a timely manner.

-          Martine to confirm with Johann if all current executive is set up on BC UTE email.

-          Martine to check the mail box once a week minimum.

Meetings:

Discussion held about possibly changing the meeting date.  It has always been the 3^rd Tuesday of the month but if we are going to hold it at the Union Hall, that day is not available so discussed changing it to the 2^nd Tuesday of the month.  Also discussed the option of having dinner available, ie; pick up or order pizza or some other food item. 

It was agreed that Joanne Berkhoven would look after arranging dinner for our next meeting.