Unadopted

Executive Meeting

Union of Taxation Employees

February 19, 2009

Attending:   

-        Janet Graham, Robert Hume, Grant Inglis, Sharon Cowie, James Keng,                           John Prasad, Paul Mazzon Fiorenzo Bellucci, James Painter

Regrets:         

-     Bruce Ogilvie, Jamey Mills and Gregory Russell

===============================================================

1.      Meeting called to Order at 5:40pm.

2.      Approval of Minutes of previous meeting (with correction) on January 15, 2009.  Moved by Grant, seconded by Robert and carried. 

3.      Business Arising:

-         PSAC OHS Conference on February 28^th and March 1^st will be attended by Janet Graham, Robert Hume, Roseann McCoy and James DeBruyne.

Committee Reports:

-         Bylaws:  the committee will be recommending some additions to our regulations and resolutions of record.

-         Grievance:  updated executive on a couple of ongoing grievances

-         Communications:  Gill is working on getting Fiorenzo set-up for web and email updating and James Keng is taking care of picking up the mail for the post office

-         Equal Opportunities:  the VTSO committee is in the middle of big changes and there should be announcements coming out soon

New Business: 

4.      President’s Conference:  This will be taking place in Ottawa April 1^st -5^th (includes travel days).  Janet made a motion to send one observer to the President’s Conference and that the person be James Keng as he has not attended one yet.  Seconded by Sharon.  Carried.  Sharon to email Pierette to advise we have one observer attending so she can make the appropriate bookings.  Sharon to book flights for James.

5.      Committees:  Everyone was asked to select at least two committees that they would like to sit on so we have gathered that information and the updated list will be ready early next week for distribution.

6.      Local Regulations:

Grant moved and Paul seconded and the motion was carried to add a new regulation which would be Regulation [4] Union Education for Officers and Directors of the Executive Committee and it reads as follows:

-        [a]       The Local Executive Committee shall consult with the PSAC                                         Regional Office to provide the following core PSAC courses:

[i]    Talking Union Basics

[ii]   Understanding and Interpreting the Collective Agreement

[iii]  Grievance Handling

[iv]  Facing Management

[b]       Officers and Directors are required to complete the “Talking Union Basics” course.  Newly elected Officers and Directors are required to complete this course during their first 2 year term of office.

[c]       Subject to course availability, Officers and Directors who have not completed the remaining core courses are expected to do so within a reasonable period during their term of office.

[d]       Nothing in this regulation shall restrict Officers and Directors from attending other PSAC and/or UTE courses.  The UTE Grievance course may be substituted for the PSAC course in [4][a][iii].

Grant moved and Robert seconded and the motion was carried to add a new regulation which would be Regulation [5] Attendance at Executive Committee Meetings and it reads as follows:

-        [a]       Officers and Directors are expected to attend Executive Committee meetings unless reasons or circumstances prevent their attendance.  An Officer or Director who is absent from 3 consecutive meetings without reason shall be deemed to have abandoned their position.

Paul moved and Sharon seconded and the motion carried (James Keng and John Prasad are recorded against) to add a new Resolution of Record which would be #3 that states:

Whereas: Members expect that those elected to the Executive Committee have the skills, knowledge    and personal commitment to represent their interests, and actively contribute to the function of the Local.

Whereas: Regulations 4 and 5 were adopted to accomplish these objectives.

 Be it Resolved:

The Executive Committee may deny attendance to National and Regional conferences and conventions to any Officer or Director who contravenes these Regulations or does not actively contribute to the Local

Be it Further Resolved:

“Actively Contribution to the Local” is defined as participation in Committees and carrying out Local and National UTE activities that the Local is required to complete.

7.     VTSO UMC:  This will be coming up in April will advise once date is known.  We will be bringing up UMI/Communication.

8.     Talking Union Basics Course:  Robert is looking at arranging a course with the other locals in the region so please email him if you are interested in attending.

9.     Union service pins:  The Honours and Awards committee will look into these and see what available, costing etc is.

10.  Meeting locations:  Bruce wants to know if we can have meetings halfway between downtown and Surrey.  For the time being we will continue where we are as it was very difficult to find an appropriate location.  Will look into the matter at a later date.

11.  Executive Contact List:  this is in the process of being updated.

12.  Staffing courses:  are these available to us?  As the collective agreement doesn’t cover many staffing issues there aren’t’ many courses available to us but it will be checked into.

Round Table

 

-        The UTE Surveys have been sent out please be sure to complete them and return them, encourage all members to do this, there is a poster available for printing on the web site

-        Anyone requiring business cards please email Sharon with your request by Friday, February 27^th

-        There is an upcoming PSAC course for young union members (under 30yrs old), it will be in March and James Painter will advise us of the dates, the PSAC will be covering salary for anyone attending

 Next meeting March 19, 2009.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00pm

Unadopted Annual General Meeting Minutes

Union of Taxation Employees, PSAC

Local 20027

Vancouver Tax Services Office

Firefighter’s Club, Burnaby

January 29, 2009

Guests: 

National 1^st Vice President: Bob Campbell

Regional Vice President Pacific Region: Pamela Abbott;

Public Service Alliance of Canada Vancouver Representative: Monica Urrutia, 

President Surrey Taxation Centre: Johann Ackermann;

Local Officer Surrey Tax Centre:  Sigrid Hagglund;

President Burnaby/Fraser Tax Services Office: Terry Ruyter;

Past President Burnaby/Fraser Tax Services Office: Hilde Sellmeyer

President Victoria Tax Services Office: Wayne Little

Executive Local 20027:

President Janet Graham: 1^st Vice President: Robert Hume; 2^nd Vice President: Grant Inglis; 1^st Secretary: Florence Hawker; 2^nd Secretary: Sharon Cowie;

Treasurer: James Keng; Directors: Perminder Gill; John Prasad; Jamey Mills; Jeremy Price , Bruce Ogilvie and Gregory Russell

The meeting was called to order at 6:15P.M. 

 Janet introduced the guests and the Executive of the Local. 

1. Janet advised everyone about the rules of order for motions.
2. Janet called for approval of the Agenda.   M/S/C
3. Motion made to add an item regarding the approval of a donation to support Spirit and Communications at the call site.  Moved by Paul Mazzon.  Seconded by Estrella Holgado.  M/S/C. Item added to the agenda as Item No. 8.
4. Motion to adopt Minutes of the 2008Annual General Meeting.  Moved by Richard Hyatt.  Seconded by Rachael Kolesar. M/S/C
5. There was no business arising from the previous annual general meeting.
6. Motion to adopt the Reports as a whole but not including the Financial Statements or Proposed Budget.  Moved by Chris Clark. Seconded by James DeBruyne.  M/S/C
7. Pamela Abbott stepped forward to handle the elections of the Local. 

Doors were ordered to be tiled. 

                Nomination for President called three times

      Janet Graham nominated by Sharon Hargrove.  Seconded by Bill Corden.  Janet elected by acclamation.

Nomination for 2^nd Vice President called three times.

Grant Inglis nominated by Noor Bhaloo.  Seconded by Tim Rose.  Grant elected by acclamation.

Nomination for Secretary called three times.

Sharon Cowie nominated by Tim Rose.  Seconded by Maureen Sunnus.  Sharon elected by acclamation.

Nomination for 2^nd Secretary called three times.

Jamey Mills nominated by James Painter.  Seconded by Noor Bhaloo. 

Florence Hawker nominated by Tim Rose but she declined.

Jamey elected by acclamation.

Nomination for 4 Directors for two-year terms.

Paul Mazzon nominated by Richard Hyatt.  Seconded by Estrella Holgado. 

James Painter nominated by Charlie Lim.  Seconded by Darlene Taylor

Gregory Russell nominated by Robert Read.  Seconded by Elizabeth Stephenson.

Fiorenzo Bellucci nominated by Guy Provencher.  Seconded by Elizabeth Stephenson.

James DeBruyne nominated by Jeremy Price.  Seconded by Jamey Mills.

Monique Desrosiers nominated by Denzil Bee.  Seconded by Haleh Hajibashiri but Monique was not in attendance and there was no acceptance letter.

The remaining candidates agreed to stand for election and, in reverse order, each candidate spoke.  A ballot was held.  During the voting, Pamela Abbott thanked Florence Hawker for all her hard work for the union over the years and draws were held for door prizes. 

8. Results of the vote for the four Directors were announced: 

Elected:  Paul Mazzon, Fiorenzo Bellucci, Gregory Russell and James Painter.

Janice Maslanko moved to destroy the ballots and Sharon Hargrove seconded.  M/S/C

9. Pamela Abbott did the swearing in of the newly elected officers.

We broke for dinner at 7:39pm.

Meeting called to order at 8:26pm 

10. James Keng brought the Financials to the floor and made a motion to accept the budget.  Seconded by Chris Clark. 
11. Elissa Bell noted that on the Budget for Fiscal Year End October 31, 2009 there was an adding error in the YTD column in the Total Revenue figure which would in turn decrease the net loss.  This will be corrected by the Treasurer.  Sharon Hargrove asked the Treasurer where the breakdown of investments was as she hadn’t seen them in the package.  Maureen Sunnus and Ludy Mosiuk also stated that this was agreed to at the last AGM to provide this information in the AGM package.  The budget was accepted with the mathematical error correction.
12. Paul Mazzon brought a motion to the floor “Be it resolved that Local 20027 donate $500.00 for the Central City call site Spirit and Communications Committee.  Be it further resolved that the amount of the donation be payable to Judy Smith.  Seconded by Roy Nader.  This motion was carried.
13. Maureen Sunnus made a motion that in the AGM packages the Treasurer include a listing of what short term investments we have, the amounts, maturity schedule, interest rates and where they are located.  This was seconded by Elissa Bell.  Jamey Mills spoke against this motion for sustainable development purposes.  The motion was carried.
14. National 1^st Vice President Bob Campbell spoke on a few items as follows:

a)     The National Office is working on communications and wants to make sure that everyone is getting the monthly newsletter

b)     On the website there is a sign-up section where you can receive all the bulletins, also all committee minutes are available to look at on the site

c)     Reminder that there are two National UTE Scholarships worth $2500.00 each and ten Regional Scholarships worth $1000.00 each

d)     The UTE survey is coming out February 16^th and must be returned by March 15^th, be sure to let them know if there is something you would like to see done

e)     The PSAC National Convention is being held in Vancouver and all members can attend as a visitor – it is very interesting to see

f)      The following conferences are coming up this year:

-        National and Regional Equal Opportunities

-        National Employee Assistance Program’

-        National and Regional Occupational Health and Safety

g)     The UTE National Convention that was held in Vancouver last year was fantastic and the National Office would like to thank VTSO, BFTSO and STC.

h)     January 27, 2009 Budget information

-        Wages frozen

-        We don’t know details about our contract yet but National will let us know as soon as they do

-        Call your MPs and ask them what is happening

-        It was the first time the contract was signed before it’s expiry

-        Government shouldn’t’ be allowed to roll back wages, if it happens PSAC will be going to court

15. Discussion from the floor:

a)     Sharon Hargrove noted that cut backs affect all Federal Government employees and maybe we should have a National Strike

b)     Marco Michelacci asked if the National office was organizing any political action and Bob stated that yes the committee has been working on things

c)     Tim Rose suggested when staff aren’t feeling well they should use their sick time

d)     Janice Maslanko thanked Bob for coming to the meeting and wanted to stress the point that it’s just not the money but the government is breaking legal contracts, the PM has no respect for civil servants

e)     Roy Nader said “What cut is coming next” we must fight now

f)      Paul Mazzon said we must fight it will only get worse if we don’t, shame on the PM and his party

16. Regional Vice President Pamela Abbott spoke on a few items as follows:

a)     Lobbying  has been going on for a couple of months now

b)     We are working on regional communications

c)     There is a couple of new President’s in the Region

d)     Opportunities for members as Shop Stewards and floor reps

e)     At the UTE National Convention in July 2008 the following resolution was passed:  Resolution 312.  UTE POLITICAL ENDORSEMENT

BE IT RESOLVED THAT all Locals be mandated at their upcoming AGMs to include an agenda item to discuss with their members whether UTE endorse a particular political party or individual candidate(s); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT all Locals send a written report of these discussions from their AGMs to the PAC, through their RVPs, no later than thirty (30) days following the individual AGMs.

The following points were brought forward by members:

-        With the climate in Canada we lose trust in politicians, I think it would hurt UTE to back someone if we lose trust, UTE could make recommendations if they know someone is against us.

-        When the membership was asked if UTE National should themselves endorse a political party only a couple of members showed their hands, when then asked what about an individual candidate a member noted that in her area people are elected strictly by their own merits not the merits of the National Party.

-        A member was in favor of Political Action if it was involving UTE issues only not other issues for example wars.

-        Some people feel is they don’t support the union’s political party they don’t fit in with the union.

-        One member knew someone who helped in Obama’s campaign (major time and energy), if we only put in 1% of the time this person did we would do well, the union should support a party that would help us.

-        One member who doesn’t comment much on politics stated that the last three months have been bad, now is not the time to be them and us, we need to all work together as Canadians, our government has been irresponsible, people are being hurt.

-        Another member has a fear of going back in time, would it be interesting, to play politics with the politicians, maybe give up the 1% increase saying we are doing our part for Canada and we could look good, wondering if we can play the game also, we need to play hardball, maybe giving a little will help us greatly in the future.

-        Another said quick thought, people take for granted the work CRA does, without CRA collecting money there would be no social benefits, politicians haven’t been going to work recently so they should take a pay cut (maybe bring it to a childish level) advise the public we do important work, raise that awareness, hold politicians accountable.

-        It seems the general consensus was that the membership was not in favor of UTE endorsing a particular political party. 

The Annual General Meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm.

Unadopted

Executive Meeting

Union of Taxation Employees

January 15, 2009

Attending:   

-         Robert Hume, Jeremy Price, Jamey Mills, Janet Graham, Sharon Cowie, Grant Inglis, Gregory Russell, P. Gill, , James Keng, John Prasad

Regrets:         

-     Flo Hawker and Bruce Ogilvie

===============================================================

1.      Meeting called to Order at 5:55pm.

2.      Approval of Minutes of previous meetings on October 16, 2008 and November 20, 2008.  Moved by Gill, seconded by Jamey and carried. 

3.      Business Arising:

-         BC Federation of Labour Convention – Jamey, Robert and Sharon are doing a combined report and it will be ready soon.  A brief synopsis was given to the executive.

4.      Business Arising:

-         UMCs (VTSO, HR and F&A) the same messages were given by the union to all of the UMCs.  Harassement Awareness Sessions were discussed and facilitators are needed on both the union and management side.  We want the same message going out to all employees.  We asked what arrangements have been made for employees during the 2010 Olympics and the Agency is in the planning stages.  “Staffing Updates” is a standing item at each UMC and we would also like to have “Acting Assignments” added as a standing item.  We need to be advised regarding these assignments.

New Business:

5.      AGM – The cut off for ticket sales is 1:00pm, Friday, January 23^rd as we have to advise the caterers of numbers.  We have reserved for 100 but the numbers can be increased to a maximum of 300 if needed.  Packages are ready and will be posted on the boards this week.

6.      PSAC OHS Conference – to be held at the Hilton Metrotown February 28^th and March 1^st.  The PSAC will cover cost except for the $50 application fee.  Four members of our local (Janet Graham, Robert Hume, Roseann McCoy and James DeBruyne) have applied to PSAC to attend.  The PSAC will select which members will get to attend.  It was moved by Sharon and seconded by James “The local pay the conference application fee for each member selected by the PSAC from the above names.”  Motion carried.

7.      PSAC Convention Observers – The convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver from Sunday, April 26^th to Friday, May 9^th, 2008.  It was moved by Jamey and seconded by Gill “The local fully fund 6 observers (those being Grant Inglis, John Prasad, Sharon Cowie, Jeremy Price, Gregory Russell and Jamey Mills) to the PSAC Triennial Convention in Vancouver.”  Motion carried.  It was also moved by Jamey and seconded by John “The local fully fund P. Gill as an observer to the PSAC Triennial Convention in Vancouver.”  Motion carried.  The alternates selected were Bruce Ogilvie and James Keng.

8.      Central City OHS Committee – Todd Owen advised the executive that Shelagh Balance has resigned from the committee as she will be moving to another local on assignment.  The executive would like to thank Shelagh for all her hard work.  Stacy Hodges has expressed an interest to replace Shelagh and the executive would be happy to have Stacy as a union representative on the committee.  Robert to contact Stacy.

Next meeting February 19, 2008.

Meeting adjourned at 7:07pm

Unadopted

Executive Meeting

Union of Taxation Employees

November 20, 2008

Attending:   

-         Robert Hume, Jeremy Price, Jamey Mills, Janet Graham, Sharon Cowie, Grant Inglis, Gregory Russell, P. Gill, Bruce Ogilvie

Regrets:         

-     Flo Hawker, James Keng and John Prasad

===============================================================

1.      Meeting called to Order at 5:40pm.

2.      Approval of Minutes of previous meeting carried over to the next meeting. 

3.      Business Arising:

-         The UTE Grievance course was cancelled so Robert checked with Monica at PSAC to see if we could get a “Talking Union Basics (TUB)” course set-up with them.  This is a two day course and they would be available the first couple of weekends in December, so it was decided to book for the December 13/14 weekend for a maximum of 20 people.  Jamey moved and Robert seconded “To have the “TUB” course at the PSAC office December 13^th and 14^th for a maximum of 20 people using the stipend/childcare and parking policies of the PSAC.  If the PSAC does not cover these costs our local will.”  Motion carried.

4.      Business Arising:

-         Updating of membership list rands will be done by Jamey, Gill and Sharon will arrange amongst themselves the date to accomplish this.  As previously agreed LWOP will be covered.

5.      Business Arising:

-         As we are now having our monthly meetings in a boardroom it was moved by Gill and seconded by Gregory “That the executive members attending executive monthly meetings be paid a $15.00 meal allowance.”  Motion carried.

New Business: 

6.      Calendars – The PSAC calendars have arrived and the UTE ones are in transit.  Jamey suggested that the executive hand deliver the calendars and promote the AGM at the same time.  This was agreed to and if all executive could email Sharon with dates they are not available for the weeks of December 1-5 and December 8-12 (please send this email to vaneerep@bcute.org).  It was moved by Robert and seconded by Jamey “The local provide LWOP funding for delivery of calendars and promoting the local AGM for those executive members that are unable to get leave with pay for union business.”  Motion carried.

7.      AGM – The date of January 29, 2009 is confirmed and Bob Campbell for the National Office will be attending.  Gill has made reservations with two locations and is just waiting for pricing.  He is still checking into a downtown location also.  He will advise the executive by email as soon as he has the information.  A reminder that all reports for the AGM are due by December 15^th, please send them to the secretaries.

8.      VTSO UMC – this is December 4^th from 1:30pm to 2:30pm.  Please send any items for discussion to Janet by Monday, November 24^th and if any executive member would like to attend please also send your request to Janet.

9.      Job Actions – Canada Post has pickets at the main post office on Georgia but are not picketing Library Square.  The Commissionaires are coming up at the end of the month and may have pickets out.  Reminder that we do have commissionaires at WP, Sinclair, 333 Dunsmuir and Library Square.  Janet has the name and phone number of the Strike Captain if we need assistance or information.

10.  CLC Winter School – Jamey wanted to remind everyone that these courses are occurring in January and they are one week in length if anyone is interested in attending.

11.  BC Federation of Labour Convention – Jamey, Robert and Sharon had a previous discussion about the convention and Jamey forwarded the agenda via email.  Due to work meetings Robert is now unable to attend Tuesday and Wednesday.  Do we replace him for the entire week or send an alternate on Tuesday and Wednesday.  After discussion it turns out that nobody is available for the entire week but Gill would be interested in the Tuesday and Wednesday attendance, he will check for the time off and advise.  Robert will still attend Monday, Thursday and Friday.

12.  Vancouver Area Council – The AGM was on October 21^st and both Jamey and Bruce were elected to positions.  Information of meeting attached.

13.  Bilingual employees – Bruce wanted to know if bilingual employees in other divisions besides the call site have issues as there seem to be many concerns at the call site.  After discussion it was noted that this is not unique to the call site but is in all divisions.

14.  Note to everyone that there is now a new Assistant Director in Collections and that is Lorna Gray and we would like to welcome her. 

Next meeting tba after discussion with the treasurer.

Meeting adjourned at 7:26pm

 

Unadopted

Executive Meeting

Union of Taxation Employees

October 16, 2008

Attending:   

-    Robert Hume, Jamey Mills, Janet Graham, Grant Inglis, Gregory Russell,

    P. Gill, Flo Hawker, James Keng and John Prasad

Regrets:         

-  Bruce Ogilvie, Sharon Cowie and Jeremy Price

===============================================================

1.      Meeting called to Order.

2.      Approval of Minutes of previous meeting with corrections.  M/S/C 

3.      Business Arising:

-         The UTE grievance and staffing course had to be cancelled due to not enough attendees from other locals in the region.  Our local would have been well represented.  The staffing course may be held in the New Year if there are enough attendees in the region.  No information at this time.

New Business:

4.      President’s Conference Update:

-         The National Officers will not be available for AGMs between February 5 and 15, 2009 due to PSAC Resolution Committees.

5.      If anyone has suggestions on promotional items for the International Child Awareness Fund please send them to Bob Campbell.  (stainless steel water bottles was one of the ideas)

6.      Educational needs of the Local

-         If anyone has any ideas on educational courses that we could benefit from please advise Robert.

7.      If there are any compensation problems that occur between October 15 and November 15, 2008 please advise Janet so she can forward to the National office.

8.      Survey for the Union of Taxation Employees – if you would like anything added please advise Bob Campbell.

9.      We need to get our rands signed up by the end of October.  A motion was made to fund LWOP for Union Business for Sharon, Jamey and Gill so they can get to all the work sites to sign up the rands.  This is so we can obtain extra seats for the PSAC Convention in 2009.  Moved by Robert/Seconded by James/Carried.

10.  A report on an outside survey for a Health and Safety project will be out at the end of November.

11.  A motion was made to fully fund three delegates to attend the B.C. Federation of Labor Convention in November 2008. M/S/C.   A ballot was held and those attending will be Jamey Mills, Robert Hume and Sharon Cowie.  Motion to destroy the ballots.  M/S/C.

12.  The AGM date was confirmed for January 29, 2009.

13.  James is to set a date in December 2008 for a budget meeting.

Next meeting November 20, 2008.  Location to be announced.

Meeting adjourned.

Union of Taxation Employees, PSAC

Local 20027

Vancouver Tax Services Office

Adopted Executive Minutes

September 18, 2008

 

Attending:   

-         Robert Hume, Jeremy Price, Jamey Mills, Janet Graham, Sharon Cowie, Grant Inglis, Gregory Russell, P. Gill, James Keng, John Prasad

Regrets:         

-     Bruce Ogilvie and Flo Hawker

===============================================================

1.      Meeting called to Order at 3:00pm.

2.      Motion to adopt Minutes of previous meeting with corrections.  Moved by Grant/Seconded by Jamey/Carried.

3.      Business Arising:

-         Social Committee will be carried forward to the next meeting.        

4.      Business Arising:

-         Grievance Course – The course will take place at the Signature Sandman Inn in Richmond October 17^th to 19^th, 2008.  Two people are fully funded by the Regional Budget.  Grant moved that the local fully fund 5 members and this was seconded by Jamey.  Motion carried.  Janet, Robert, Gill, Sharon, Grant and Flo have already taken the course.  Jeremy and Jamey are not available that weekend and the balance of the executive will check their availability.  Robert will send an email to members that have shown interest in becoming shop stewards and we ask everyone to respond with their availability by Tuesday, September 23, 2008. (Action)

5.      Business Arising:

-         Staffing Course – This course is still be finalized but will probably take place in January 2009 in Richmond.  Details to follow at a later date.  Janet, Grant, Robert, Gill and Sharon have already taken this course.

6.      Committee Updates:

-         Finance – James is putting a call out for budgetary items.

-         AGM – Gill is requesting ideas for the venue for the AGM.  One suggestion given at the meeting is the Firefighter’s Hall at Metrotown.  Gill will check into this. (Action)

-         Political Action – PSAC is looking for volunteers to call members regarding the upcoming Federal election and a reminder to everyone of the Civic election on November 15, 2008.

 

New Business:

7.      Call center contact - It was decided that Bruce would be the call site contact with Flo as his back-up.

8.      Area Council AGM/Affiliation – The area council is happening October 21^st at the PSAC Regional office.  Jamey is reminding all that can to attend.  Affiliation dues were overpaid last year so this year we owe approx $80 - $100 so Jamey moved that we pay this fee and Jeremy seconded.  The motion was carried and James will need the invoice to pay. (Action)

9.      BC Federation of Labour Convention and Resolutions Deadline - For the upcoming convention our local is entitled to seven delegates.  This takes place November 24-28, 2008 at Canada Place.  Jamey will check into the funding from PSAC and the item is carried forward to the next executive meeting. (Action).

10.  PSAC Union School – Jamey was asking if anyone on the executive is attending October 2,3 and 4^th although the deadline for registering is past.  None of the executive is attending this session.

11.   Stewards and Training -  Jamey suggested targeting members that are attending the union schools.

12.  United Way 50/50 draw – The question was raised as to why the employer is running a 50/50 draw as staff were under the impression this was not allowed.  Janet (to action) will check into this with the director’s office and advise the executive.

13.  President’s Conference – Confirmed that Jeremy and Gregory have their tickets for departure October 1^st and returning October 5^th.  Robert will be an observer and can assist our first time attendees.  Just a reminder regarding the No Scent Policy.

14.  Social Committee – this was discussed under Business Arising.

15.  UMI Phase 2 - just a reminder to everyone that this will be starting up mid October.

16.  F&A UMC – Agenda items are required by September 22^nd so please have them to Janet by September 19^th.  Janet and Robert will both be in Ottawa so Grant will attending Monday, October 6, 2008.

17.  Situations with access – There are too many Section 241 violations in this Region.  Two of the worst areas are Client Services and Revenue Collections.  This issue is being looked at from a Regional level.  We want corrective not punitive action taken.  “ACCESS NEED TO KNOW ONLY, NO SECTION 241 VIOLATIONS”

18.  Policy regarding minutes and agenda issuance – It was suggested that all executive members could set-up a reminder for themselves on the system for the second Thursday of every month to send agenda items to Flo and Sharon.

 

Next meeting October 16, 2008.  Location tba.

Meeting adjourned at 5:05pm

 

Union of Taxation Employees, PSAC

Local 20027

Vancouver Tax Services Office

Adopted Executive Minutes

August 21, 2008

 

Attending:   

-         Robert Hume, Jeremy Price, Jamey Mills, Janet Graham, Sharon Cowie, Florence Hawker, Grant Inglis, Gregory Russell, P. Gill,  John Prasad, Bruce Ogilivie

Regrets:

-     James Keng

===============================================================

1.      Meeting called to Order at 5:50P.M.

2.      Motion to adopt Minutes of previous meeting with corrections.  M/S/C

3.      New Business:  Observers for Presidents’ Conference in September:

4.       Motion to send two observers.  Moved by Sharon.  Seconded P. Gill M/S/C

5.      Sharon moved Greg and Jeremy attend the Presidents’ Conference.  Seconded by P. Gill.  M/S/C

6.      Staffing/Grievance Course:  Names submitted to Robert.  Robert believes the course will be held in the Lower Mainland.  Names will be decided.

7.      An invoice was received from the B. C. Federation of Labour for $250 for Ed Painter.  This was forwarded to the PSAC. 

8.      Meeting with acting A/D TPSDM:  A meeting was held due to concerns that our members had on Staffing, moral and communications in the area. The A/D was very open on trying to work on improving these situations in the workplace. The Union now has a standing meeting with A/D every Wed. to try to work on improving these concerns. If you have concerns please bring them to the attention of the local executive and they can be brought up at the weekly meetings.

9.      Janet’s Vacation:  Janet will be on vacation until September 10^th.  Robert will be in charge.  When Robert is gone Grant will be in charge.

10.  Social Committee:  A lengthy discussion was held on the guidelines of funding and it was determined that they were to open to interpretation and that there was more work to be done on them. Ideas for refining them are to be brought to next meeting. It was also discussed that it would be an idea if we had members not on the executive be on the social committee as it might get more interest in the local union.

11.  Call site representation:The executive from the area wanted to know how to get members motivated in this area as there is a feeling of not belonging in the big picture. Some of the ideas were walk about  by the local executive and the national UTE has a committee just for call site problems and situations  that are  call site  specific and Jeremy could send for information and concerns to there attention. It was also brought up that it is not only the call site that there is no representation but other work locations as well.

12.  PSAC Union Dues Error:  An email was received from the PSAC stating that August dues were not deducted from some members.  The correction will affect some members.

13.  UMC September 4, 2008:   Go through Robert.  VTSO ADs and Director.  Send an email to Robert if you are interested.

14.  Reports from Regional in Toronto are due.

 

Meeting adjourned.

Union of Taxation Employees, PSAC

Local 20027

Vancouver Tax Services Office

Adopted Executive Minutes

June 12, 2008

 

Attending:   

-         Robert Hume, Jeremy Price, Jamey Mills, Janet Graham, Sharon Cowie, Florence Hawker, Grant Inglis, Greg Russell, P. Gill, James Keng, John Prasad

Regrets:

-     Bruce Ogilvie

===============================================================

1.      Meeting called to Order.

2.      Motion to adopt Minutes of previous meeting with corrections.  M/S/C

3.      Business Arising:

-         Require two more bilingual volunteers for Convention door tilers

-         Bruce Ogilvie and Jeremy Price will be door tilers

4.      Business Arising:

-         Grant took care of correcting our date of arrival for Convention

5.      Committee Reports:

-         Committees – P. Gill has this completed and will post.

-         Grievance - James and Janet have delivered grievance forms to affected area for SP Conversions.

-         Social Committee – Motion of regulations governing committee should be included in the Minutes.

6.      New Business:

-         Mock Convention at Inter Regional in Toronto

-         Those attending will give a report when they return.

7.      VTSO UMC (Union Management Committee):

-         There was a definite lack of information provided to Janet for the last UMC.

8.      ILP – Individual Learning Plan

-         If you are intending to do or interested in accomplishing a task at work ensure your goals are in your Individual Learning Plan so that your needs are met.

9.      Work Assessment For Accounts Receiveable

-         The work assessment is not supposed to be used as a performance review measure.

10.    Bilingual members for Convention

-         A discussion was held on the need for bilingual members for Convention, and the covering of costing for the members.

11.    Careen Fair

-         Sharon Cowie, Jamey Mills, and Robert Hume will be at the Career Fair.

-         A discussion was held on what to provide for the Career Fair. 

Reports from the PSAC Regional Triennial Convention will be attached to these Minutes.  Meeting adjourned.  There will be a special Convention Meeting June 25, 2008 at the     PSAC office.

===============================================================

PSAC BC Regional Convention

Delegates Report

Sharon Cowie, P. Gill, Janet Graham and Robert Hume

 

We attended the convention as delegates, along with 138 other delegates, for our component Union of Taxation Employees from the 17^th to 20^th of April.

The three-day convention was very politically based as we voted in elections for REVP, Health and Safety coordinator, Geographic District coordinator, Women’s coordinator, various other positions and their alternates. We also reviewed and voted on approximately 35 resolutions concerning finance, bylaws and general issues, which were put forward from different components. Some of the resolutions proved to be very contentious and time consuming.

The main focus for resolutions was the budget for our region, as we were not provided with any financial statements only three-year budget update with line item allocations and expense. Through discussion we requested financials and found that the Regional PSAC is required as per bylaws to have the books audited, which was not done. It is not that they were doing anything dishonest but procedures were not followed correctly. UTE delegates were very vocal on the mikes and had other components questioning things as well. Of particular note and achievement, our local put forward a resolution that would make mandatory meetings at ratification votes, changed to optional. This resolution was successfully passed at convention.

 

We had two very dynamic speakers John Gordon and Jim Sinclair who spoke on topics of the roles of union in the public service as well as poverty in our country.

 We also participated in different caucuses to vote for our regional representatives on the following groups:

• Visible minorities

• Women’s

• Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered.

 In our regional caucuses we voted to elect our regional representatives, Jamey Mills was elected Metro Vancouver Coordinator and James Painter for youth delegate, both are from our local and UTE.

 

In Solidarity

Union of Taxation Employees, PSAC

Local 20027

Vancouver Tax Services Office

Adopted Executive Minutes

May 16, 2008

Attending:   

- Janet Graham,  Jamey Mills,  James Keng,  Jeremy Price,  Flo Hawker, John Prasad,  Bruce Ogilvie,  Perminder Gill, Grant Inglis, Robert Hume

Regrets:

 - Gregory Russell

Guest:

- Noor Bhaloo

================================================================

Meeting brought to order.

1.     Motion to adopt Minutes of prior meeting.  M/S/C

2.     Committees:

Grievances - The committee worked on grievances for three hours plus a letter to a member.  There are no new grievances.

Political – The Local is now affiliated with the Vancouver Area Council.  There is a meeting at the End Cafe close to Broadway Skytrain Station on May 26^th at 5pm.  It is ½ block north of Commercial Drive.

Health and Safety – Shelagh Ballance is going on extended leave in October.  The Committee will need someone to step-up to replace Shelagh. 

3.     Previously Bruce brought forward the topic of compressed hours.  There is an issue regarding a recent email limiting options for scheduling with no consultation.  This is not covered under the collective agreement.

4.     An in-depth discussion was held regarding the Finances of the Local particularly regarding the Treasury Bills held by the Local.  Everything has now been clarified with the member regarding their concerns.

5.     Is the Local doing anything for Public Service Week.   We have been offered a table at the Career Fair being held at 1166 West Pender St.  Email Sharon if you are able to assist with the booth by May 21^st. 

6.     Meeting for Convention Resolutions.  Tentative date is June 25^th, Jamey to check availability on the PSAC office, Copies of Convention Packages will be available. 

7.     Boat Cruise for Convention: - The booking and payment have been taken care of.  All but two Executive are attending.

8.     Hotel reservations for Convention.  Grant will phone National Office and ask Pierrette to correct the Executives’ arrival at the hotel to the 15^th of July.

9.     Committees – Advise Gill which ones you would like to be on as each executive needs to sit on two committees.

10.    Claims for expenses – Please submit to James as soon as possible.

11.    Copies of SP Grievances

12.    Rules for Social Committee voted on and accepted unanimously.

Next meeting June 12^th at Appeals boardroom 3^rd floor.  Meeting adjourned.

 

Social Committee Funding Rules

 

1.     Funding may be requested by any two members in good standing of UTE Local 20027.

2.     The social committee will only examine requests less than $500.01.

3.     All requests over $500.00 will be put forth to the membership only at the AGM.

4.     The funding request must be for an event that advances the interests of UTE Local 20027 and its membership.

5.     Any event funded must mention UTE Local 20027 in a written communication, such as “Sponsored by” or “Grant donated by”.

Union of Taxation Employees, PSAC

Local 20027

Vancouver Tax Services Office

Adopted Executive Minutes

April 17, 2008

Attending:   

-           Janet Graham, James Keng, Sharon Cowie, Robert Hume, Gregory Russell, Flo Hawker, John Prasad, Perminder Gill, Grant Inglis

Regrets:

-           Bruce Ogilvie, Jamey Mills, Jeremy Price

 ================================================================

Meeting brought to order at 5:30pm.

1.     Motion to adopt Minutes of prior meeting with corrections.  M/S/C

2.     Committee Reports:

a.      Bargaining: Nothing to report.

b.     Bylaws/Regulations:  Nothing to report.

c.      Communications: Nothing to report.

d.     Employee Assistance Program: Pauline King, Roger Smith and Linda Ross will all be retiring this year.

e.      Equal Opportunities:  Meeting will be next week.

f.      Finance:  Nothing to report.

g.     Harrassment:  Nothing to report.

h.     OSH:  Nothing to report.

i.       UMC:  Nothing to report.

j.       Political Action:  Nothing to report.

k.     Workforce Adjustment:  Nothing to report.

l.       Grievance:  Meeting in near future.

m.    Staffing:  Nothing to report.

n.     Social:  James will have the guidelines for the next meeting.

o.     AGM:  Nothing to report.

1.     What committees are new executive sitting on – Gill checked with everyone at the meeting and will check with members that are not at the meeting.

2.     Re-imbursement to be paid by lower mainland locals for host committee’s bilingual members (who are from the Vancouver local) – It was M/S/C that our local covers half of the costs including salary and per diem for the two members.

3.     President’s Conference – Janet re-capped her report, which will be attached to the minutes.

4.     Registration fee for UTE Convention – Janet advised that the cheque to cover delegates and observers (total $600.00) needs to be sent to UTE National, attention Stephanie Wolf with a list of names attached. 

5.     Social Night at UTE Convention – The cost for the dinner/cruise is $40 per person.  It was M/S/C that the local pay for the tickets for allof the executive that are interested in attending.

6.     Regional t-shirts for Convention – The cost of the shirts if $48 each and the Regional budget will pay for $20per delegate.  It was M/S/C that the local pay for the total cost of the observers t-shirts and the balance of the cost for the delegates.

7.     National covering costs at Regional PSAC – National UTE will pay for the registration fee of $50 for each of the four delegates and for the loss of wage for the Friday.

8.     Flights for interregional in June – Sharon confirmed who needed flights booked for them and she will take care of them.  Our RVP needs an email with names of delegates, gross loss of wages, cost of airfare, per diem and hotel room request.  Also delegates must bring a completed expense claim form to the meeting. 

9.     Call center ad hoc committee – Gill asked if we were sending in a name for this committee and it has been decided regionally that we will not be.

10.    Full email mailboxes for executive members – There is a problem with executive members not clearing their email and in particular one member where email is being rejected.  This has been mentioned to the member and it has not been fixed so they will be taken off of the distribution list.

11.    Renewing certificates for deposit/changing financial institutions – A member has brought a concern forward regarding insurance coverage of these monies.  The member will be advised to contact the Treasurer with any concerns.

 

Meeting adjourned.

 

Union of Taxation Employees, PSAC

Local 20027

Vancouver Tax Services Office

Adopted Executive Minutes

March 20, 2008

Attending:   

-           Janet Graham, James Keng, Jeremy Price, Greg Russell, Flo Hawker, John Prasad, Bruce Ogilvie, Perminder Gill, Jamey Mills

Regrets:

-           Grant Inglis, Perminder Gill

 

 ================================================================

Meeting brought to order.

1.     Motion to adopt Minutes of prior meeting with corrections.  M/S/C

2.     Business arising from February Minutes:

·       Air Canada Tickets – James did research into this item.  The cost is approximately seven hundred dollars per pass.  The Local Executive has maintained a low cost approach to purchasing air fares so the passes are not really cost effective.  The Executive will continue to book flights early to save on costs.

·       PIPSC Presentation on Retirement – There was a discussion on presenting a similar program to our members, but there is already a presentation by management.  There is also a cost involved in obtaining speakers who are financially aware.  The cost would have to be approved by the membership at the next Annual General Meeting.

·       Door Tilers at UTE Triennial Convention – Bruce and Jamey have volunteered to assist.  Bruce is bilingual.  Members who interested in assisting with the convention should make themselves known to the Executive.

 

1.     Flex Schedules:  A discussion was held on schedules and the hours that employees are being asked to work. 

2.     Overtime:  Overtime being offered to staff with the proviso that those with performance or attendance problems will not be allowed to work overtime.  This is violation of employees’ privacy, and the ability to work o/t.

3.     Steve Charlton Golf Tournament:  The funding for this was not put forward at the Annual General Meeting.  The request for funding must be brought forward at an Annual General Meeting so the membership can vote on the request.

4.     A motion was put forward to fund the Steve Charlton Golf Tournament.  The motion was seconded but defeated when put to a vote.  Robert Hume and Jamey Mills requested that it be noted that they abstained from voting.

5.     Rollover of T-Bills:  The even amounts of the T-Bills are reinvested when the Bills mature.  The interest is put into the Local’s account.  The Executive discussed the evening-up of the T-Bills to 25K each on future rollovers.

6.     Salary reimbursement for leave without pay & does it affect your pension:  The Executive was advised that if too much leave without pay was taken  that it could affect your retirement date/pensionable time.

7.     Presidents Conference:  Robert Hume was just elected as the Alternate Regional Vice President for the Pacific Region.  He has an opportunity to attend Executive Council prior to Presidents Conference.  Robert requests that the Local sponsor him for Saturday, Sunday per Diem, and loss of wages.  Janet moved that the Local cover the costs of per diem X3, and loss of wages.  Stipend:  if there is a prior motion in the January Minutes that no observer be sent the motion to finance Robert would fail.  M/S/C 

8.     Resolution Committees:  A motion was made to send three observers to Ottawa to sit in on the Committees.  The Local is allowed, and financed for one observer who would be Janet.  M/S/C   The observers will be Robert, Sharon, and Florence.

9.     Two members of the Local have been accepted as Equity delegates to the Regional PSAC Conference.  They are youth delegates.  A discussion was held on funding as the PSAC does not provide the same funding as UTE.  The two members are James Painter, and Steven Hand.  Discussion on funding registration and salary for Friday.  Motion to include costs not covered by PSAC.  M/S/C.  The Local Executive will expect a report from both James, and Steven.

10.    Since Executive Members must use local transit for Union business a motion was put forward to purchase one and 3 zone transit passes, and that they be split between Central City and Vancouver.

11.    Next meeting will be 9^th April, 2008.

12.    Meeting adjourned.

Union of Taxation Employees, PSAC

Local 20027

Vancouver Tax Services Office

Adopted Executive Minutes

February 21, 2008

Attending:   

- Janet Graham, James Keng, Jeremy Price, Greg Russell, Flo Hawker, John Prasad, Bruce Ogilvie, Perminder Gill, Jamey Mills

Regrets:

- Sharon Cowie, Robert Hume

 ================================================================

Meeting brought to order.

1.      Motion to adopt Minutes of prior meeting with corrections.  M/S/C

2.      Report on Union/Management meeting with F & A.

• Robert Hume will attend the next F &  A meeting in Janet’s place.

3. Committee Reports:

a.       Grievance Committee: will bring forward polices

b.      Bylaws/Regulationsl  Nothing to report

c.       Bargaining: Nothing to report

d.      Employee Assistance Program: Nothing to report

e.       Equal Opportunities:  Nothing to report

f.       Financial:  Payroll up-to-date

g.      OSH:  Presentation to Collections.

h.      Political Action:  Nothing

i.        Workforce Adjustment:  Nothing

j.        Staffing:  Nothing

k.      AGM:  Perminder’s report submitted

1. Air Canada Travel Package:  James submitted that the Local may save on using an Air Canada Travel Package whereby the Local would prepurchase tickets which would save money on flights back East.  James will have a report for next meeting.
    

2. Satellite Offices:  Executive members will visit other VTSO offices to see how the members are doing.
    

3. Access to Information and privacy regarding emails.
    

4. PIPSC Pension Presentation. 
    

5. Presidents Conference:  Motion that the observer for the Presidents Conference be the person attending the callsite meeting.  M/S/C  The Local will pay the costs not covered by National Office.  Jamey Mills will be attending the Ottawa callsite meeting.  The alternate will be Flo Hawker.
    

6. Arlene White:  Motion to present Arlene with a token of thank you for her being an active proponent of the Union/Management Meetings.  Arlene will be leaving us.  M/S/C
    

7. Door tilers for Convention:  Please forward your expression of interest to Sigrid Haglund.
    

8. Executive Meetings:  Those Executive Members having to attend in house meetings must notify their team leaders of the time and date of the meeting and how much time is needed for transit.  March and April Executive Meetings will be outside of the office.
    

9. PSAC Vancouver Area Council:  It is a group of the components of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, and is an active political arm.  In the past Local 20027 has been active in the Area Council.  Motion was put forward to affiliate with the Vancouver PSAC Area Council.  M/S/C   Jamey Mills is currently active in the Council as is Bruce Ogilvie.

 

Meeting adjourned.

Annual General Meeting

Union of Taxation Employees, PSAC

Local 20027

Vancouver Tax Services Office

Holiday Inn Express Metrotown

February 8, 2008

The AGM this year was well received and reasonably attended given the inclement weather conditions, many members did not attend due to the snowstorm and chose to go home in interest of safety.

 However, those that attended enjoyed their AGM, as we had 198 Items to give out to the membership. Each member received 2 tokens of our appreciation ranging from a UTE jacket to UTE stickers. The items given out to the membership came from the Regional PSAC, National UTE and purchases by the local. Additionally we also made available to all attendees UTE lanyards and retractable ripcords provided by the local.

We had 16 members request to be added to our email distribution list and no members volunteer to assist on local projects or committees.

 We had sold tickets to 89 members not including the Executive Directors of the Local. As such we had expected actual attendance of 106, comprising of the 89 Members, 11 Directors and 6 Guests.

Our sign in sheet has 70 members as signed in (and refunds issued for $10) with 10 Directors in attendance bringing our actual membership attendance to 80 members.

We had 2 members leave prior to voting and that reduced our total number of members voting at the AGM to 78. The secretary has confirmed the preceding.

Regarding funds collected as a result of presales of tickets we sold $890 of tickets and $700 was reimbursed to members at AGM and further $50 was refunded to 5 members who were unable to attend. The remaining $140 has been given to the Treasurer for deposit to our accounts.

From our budget of  $9000 for the 2008 AGM we spent a total of $9284.48

Comprising of

·         Facility and catering $7,284.48

·         Promotional items $594

·         Printing $1,400 (*approx)

 

We are considering this as within budget as there are still a number of promotional items remaining to be distributed to membership in future.

Union of Taxation Employees, PSAC

Local 20027

Vancouver Tax Services Office

Adopted Executive Minutes

January 16, 2008

 Present: 

Janet Graham, Grant Inglis, John Prasad, Robert Hume, Parminder Gill, Florence Hawker, Bruce Ogilvie

Regrets:

Jamey Mills, Sharon Cowie, Sharon Hargrove, John Prasad, James Keng

Meeting called to order.

1. Minutes from previous meeting be adopted as amended.  M/S/C
    
2. Business arising from:  Promotional items – Draw for jacket.   Executive decided that the Jacket we received at the UTE Conference would be the main prize for the draw at the Annual General Meeting.  The jacket will be ordered when the winner is known!  Other promotional items may include disc organizers, portfolios.  Perminder says we have a lot of promotional material on hand. 
    
3. Updates:
   1. Grievance Committee -Ensured all submission on SP conversion weree organize, grouped, and sent off on time. 

2. Bylaws -Grant advises taking the item off of the AGM agenda.
3. Bargaining -Nothing new to report
4. Communications -Perminder advises one new board set-up at Central City.  Bruce advises we will probably need a few more.
5. Employee Assistance -First meeting with referral agents is this month.
6. Equal Opportunities - Nothing new to report

7. Financial - Nothing new to report
8. Occupational Health and Safety - Nothing new to report
9. Political Action - Nothing new to report
10. Workforce Adjustment -Still have employees in Finance and Administration who are affected.  No problems foreseen for those who are affected.
11. Staffing - PM02 and MG03 hiring in the future
     

4. Annual General Meeting –
   1. Janet thanked Perminder for putting it all together.
   2. Package from the AGM includes Minutes from last year - Offices up for election    

3. Schedule to drop off tickets/invitations for the AGM, and the ripcords
    
5. Grant said that for the next bargaining round we can submit a request to amend the bereavement leave to five days.
    
6. Medical Cards - There is a delay in the provision of the medical cards.  It will not happen until 2009.
    
7. Public Service Alliance of Canada Regional Convention is in either April or May.
    
8. Union of Taxation Employees Convention
   1. Timelines are posted on the website.
   2. We must provide the names of the delegates by March 21^st.
       
9. Finance and Adminstration
   1. Will have first UMC with Selma Bhaloo in the Director’s Chair.

Meeting adjourned.