GSU Local 20008

Annual General Meeting

Held: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 11:30 am

Room 510 - 800 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C.

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 2:13 pm by Phil Robinson, Local President.

2. Roll Call of Officers:

Present: Phil Robinson - President

Jack Seto - Vice President, Area Council

DJ Lawrence - Vice President

Bill Pleming - Treasurer

Jeanne LaRocque - Secretary

Rand Ameye - Area Council

Larry Ghini - Auditor

John Hatton - Area Council

Guests: Mark Brunell, National President, GSU

Monica Urrutia, PSAC BC Regional Representative

Bob Graves, Regional Vice President, GSU

Elizabeth McCormick, Regional Vice President, GSU

29 members of GSU Local 20008 were in attendance; the sign in sheet is attached.

3. Adoption of the Agenda

Larry Ghini moved that Item 8 on the Agenda, Proposed Amendments to Local Bylaws, be heard at 3:00 to allow those members who would have to leave early an opportunity to speak and vote on the item. He also moved to have item 11 follow item 8 at 3:15. Marge Mohart seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

4. Minutes of the Previous Annual General Meeting

As there was no discussion surrounding the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting held November 19, 2002, Jeanne LaRocque moved to accept the minutes as written. Larry Ghini seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Report of the President

The report of the President was presented by Phil Robinson and is included as written.

"At the last AGM you again elected me to serve as your President; thank you. So now I have to tell you what the executive and I have done in this term.

As you are no doubt aware while I am your local president, I wear several hats, and will report on each. Part of my job is to try and awaken an interest in all members in the activities of your union; perhaps holding meetings like this annual general meeting on work time will help. This union is yours. If you don't take part in its running, you should not complain about the result.

I have represented you at various meetings with our component, GSU, and with our Union, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, where I have done my best to convey your needs, opinions, and desires to those bodies. At the PSAC Western Bargaining Conference, accompanied by Brother Kim Deane of local 20001, and Sister Jeanne Larocque, we pressed for those changes to the collective agreement you told us you wanted and elected representatives to take the information to the National Conference. From there the negotiating teams who are bargaining with Treasury Board to get for us the best possible wages, benefits, and working conditions in our contract, are elected. Theirs is a difficult and daunting task; they will not get all those things we want, nor will they give Treasury Board all they want. They deserve, need, and appreciate the boost they get from your messages of support and thanks.

I also attended, as an observer, the National Executive Meeting held in Victoria. This was a chance to meet some of the executive and staff and see them at work.

At home I have chaired the executive meetings when possible. We have some new officers who wish to continue to learn and grow in the union, something that pleases me greatly. A handful of people no matter how dedicated and strong wear out eventually. Succession is important; we need more people carrying less of the load. If you have an interest in helping your fellow workers and can spare an hour or two a week, we, your fellow workers, need you if you have an interest in Health & Safety, Labour Relations, Finance, Information Technology, Education, Public Relations, and other fields. True the pay is poor, but the pay off is tremendous. You get real satisfaction from the work, recognition, and respect from co-workers and management, and some experience to add to your resume. The PSAC will train you and you get paid for that. The local, regional, and national offices will ensure you get the support and experience you need.

Sitting as co-chair of the LUMCC, I and your other representatives at the table work to keep the dialogue between management and union open, honest, transparent, and effective, while maintaining a mutually respectful, positive atmosphere. It is not always easy and we do not always conclude our deliberations successfully. Those problems go upstairs to brother Bob Graves to solve in the Regional Committee.

With my hat of co-chair of the LOSH committee, I have worked with other members of the committee, union and management to help make this a safer place to work. I have also worked with the "wellness" committee to organize a couple of bicycle trips, which we hope we can expand when the weather is good, and I'm working on some X-country ski trips for the winter. I would like to see some of you at those events. We have to take responsibility for our health and welfare and if we can make it fun, all the better.

As a steward of your rights under the collective agreement, I am active on one or two complaints which may be grievances for members. Most grievances should be and are handled by the shop stewards. I will move further from direct involvement in those questions. As the Appeals representative for members, I have completed two appeals this year, one for this local and one at our other local in Victoria.

While not directly in your service, I wear the hat of a facilitator in the PSAC - TBS Joint Learning Program, which delivers to union members and managers one or two day seminars learning about the collective agreement, the UMCC process, anti-harrasment, or respecting differences. It is hoped that both members, and managers who have taken this course will have a better appreciation of the Collective Agreement and we will have fewer grievances to handle, saving time and money for all.

That was yesterday, now to tomorrow. What do you want from YOUR local, and YOUR union? Think about it, then come to the AGM and elect officers you think can provide the leadership you want.

During the coming year we will face a great unknown, a new unelected Prime Minister whose history leads us to believe he may drastically reduce the size of the public service and increase the contracting out of our work. A new collective agreement is being negotiated. We must be prepared to support our union to achieve the best result. Finally Bill C-25 will change the way we work to an extent few of us appreciate. You need good leaders and a strong union voice for a good future. Is that leader You ?

Finally, I must thank the members of the executive for their work and support this year, especially our secretary. I hope Sister Jeanne will continue her involvement in the local and not only as secretary; Brother Bill Pleming for getting our financial reporting in line with the changed requirements of head office, and brother Jack Seto for taking care of things when I was not able to do so. My thanks to brother Bob Graves, who takes all the stuff I can't handle, and brother Mark Brunel, for the leadership and support personally, and his executive, and staff in our head office. Also each and every member of this local for their support and encouragement."

6. Report of the Treasurer

Bill Pleming walked the membership through the Local's Income Statement and Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2003. Both the Income Statement and Balance Sheet are attached. Larry Ghini provided the auditor's report, confirming that the books are balanced and that the statements are accurate.

7. Committee Reports

There were no Committees to report for this meeting.

8. Proposed Amendments to the Local By-laws and Amendments to GSU By-laws

Amendment #1

Whereas each member of the Local Executive swears an oath to abide by the constitution of the component and By-laws of the Local and;

Whereas one of the stipulated duties of the Executive is to sit in Executive Council to discuss, debate and determine the Local's business and;

Whereas the Local's Bylaws call for monthly Executive meetings and;

Whereas many executive members opt not to regularly and sometimes ever attend;

Be it resolved that any Executive Officer who misses two consecutive monthly Executive meetings without a bona fide legitimate reason, as determined by the Regional Vice President, will be censured by the Local Executive and the RVP. If a third meeting during the course of the year is missed for no legitimate reason, the guilty officer's position will be declared open and the vacancy filled pursuant to the Local's Bylaws.

Larry Ghini moved to accept this amendment as written. Tom Gallagher seconded. Discussion ensued and the membership was reminded that discipline of members of the Executive Committee lay with the Executive and was already written into the by-laws. The membership voted; 4 in favor, 25 opposed. Motion defeated.

Amendment #2

Whereas the authority of the Local's non-Executive Auditors is too weak to ensure that the day-to-day business of the local is conducted within the framework of the budget and;

Whereas this has resulted in the local failing to produce a required audited statement as required by the Component Constitution

Be it resolved that the Local Auditor's be notified of all expenditures and financial obligations and encumbrances as they arise.

Be it further resolved that any matters that are disputed by the Auditor be referred to the RVP for immediate resolution.

Larry Ghini moved to accept the amendment as written. Leanne Ridley seconded. Discussion ensued. The question was raised as to whether these responsibilities were not already written into the responsibilities of the Treasurer. The membership voted; 1 in favor; 28 opposed. Motion defeated.

Amendment #3

Preface: In selecting certain services, our local sought costs but after quotes were received with the least expensive supplier offering same or better services, certain local executive established other criteria such as Union shop or Canadian. In these instances, the non-union shop was a North Vancouver stay at home mom, hardly an oppressor of the proletariat and offering the same service at 2/3's of the cost, and the non-Canadian supplier offered the same service at almost half the cost.

That GSU Local 20008 use cost as the most important criteria in selecting suppliers, and that if other criteria are also considered that other suppliers must be within 5% of the best price quoted.

The President informed the membership that this amendment was in contravention of GSU Policy 14, Use of Unionized Goods & Services, and was therefore out of order.

Amendment #4

Preface: The PSAC and GSU must represent all members of the union, not just those of one ideology or another. In the last federal election, the PSAC sent out literature on behalf of a particular candidate and party, encouraging members to support that candidate and party. Furthermore, the PSAC regularly supplies literature that goes beyond supporting our members, it attacks specific political parties and leaders. Finally, the PSAC provides logistical, moral, and financial support and allows its employee's on union paid time to support certain political agenda's. Included in these are the Anti-globalization forces of the Black Watch whose hooded members destroyed public property and threw rocks at Canadian Police Officers. The PSAC statement on harassment includes freedom of political opinion, and our union dues are funding their staff to attack the political views of some of our membership.

That GSU Local 20008 advise the PSAC that we do not all support their political agenda and do not support the PSAC offering any type of support to one political campaign over another at any level of government.

The President informed the membership that this amendment was in contravention of PSAC policy and was therefore out of order.

Amendment #5

That GSU Local 20008 advise the PSAC that it is not enough that a delegate at a conference vote for an initiative, the membership should be consulted on matters of great importance through plebiscite with clear questions and alternatives, and that GSU 20008 follow this requirement as well. (ures had not yet been changed over but would be done soon???)

The President informed the membership that this amendment was in contravention of PSAC policy and was therefore out of order. When questioned, the President advised that these issues could be raised at the next GSU National Convention.

9. Discussion and Determination on How and When Strike Funds should be Used.

The Treasurer advised the Committee that the motion to create a strike fund had been passed by the membership to assist in the event of a strike, but that no specifics had been set out in the use of these funds. The issue was brought to the membership to determine how and when these funds should be used. Discussion ensued. Cheryl Fulton moved that the Executive formulate a plan to bring to the members at a later date. Michelle King seconded. The membership voted; motion carried unanimously.

10. Discussion and Determination of Reinvestment of Income

The Treasurer advised the membership of an existing Investment that was due for renewal and approached the membership for determination on whether to invest these funds in a long or short term portfolio. The question was raised as to whether these funds could be added to the strike fund. The President replied that while it is the members money and can be used however the membership sees fit, it makes good sense to keep a cushion. Cheryl Fulton added it's good to have in the event membership falls and expenditures rise while revenue drops. Bill Pleming moved to roll the investment in to a one-year GIC. Larry Ghini seconded. Michelle King moved to amend the motion to a redeemable one-year GIC. Jeanne LaRocque seconded. Motion carried.

11. Discussion and Determination of Use of Funds for Social Events.

The Treasurer made note that the budget did not include an amount for social events as it had in previous years due to concerns that members of other unions were benefiting from funding by ours. Jack Seto added that we have often had a deficit budget and preferred to present a balanced budget. Discussion ensued. Jeanne LaRocque moved to leave this item out of the budget. Jack Seto seconded. Motion carried.

12. Presentation and Approval of Budget

The Treasurer presented the proposed Budget to the membership (attached). Discussion ensued. In respect of the amount for appeals and grievances, it was questioned whether that would be enough. The President advised the membership that it costs almost $400 for an appeal but grievances are much less. The question was raised whether grievances were expected due to the move of the Surrey office. The President stated it could not be determined at this point but they had anticipated this when preparing the budget.

Tom Gallagher noted the budget had been prepared on the basis of 220 members and wondered if there had been a loss of membership. The President advised that the membership was around 260 but tended to fluctuate and the budget was based on 220 to allow a little flexibility.

With no further discussion, Maxine Montague moved to accept the budget as presented. John Hatton seconded. Motion carried.

13. Presentation of Guest Speakers

Mark Brunell gave the membership an update on collective bargaining, advising that all tables had either gone through or were in their third session of negotiations, and that some administrative items had already been signed off. He encouraged the membership to check the PSAC website for updates. Treasury Board had not yet made an offer, and Mark expected negotiations to move to conciliation by February. The question was raised as to why we wait until after the contract expires to negotiate. Mark advised that the process is legislated. He advised the membership that Bill C-25 will substantially change the bargaining process. He advised that while some of the changes in respect to labour relations will be good, there are issues with respect to staffing. Members will only have grounds to appeal where it can be shown that the manager abused his or her authority or refused to allow a candidate to be interviewed in the language of his or her choice. He expects the Bill to pass in 2004, with the changes to staffing occurring in 2005.

Mark also advised the membership that the department (PWGSC) has determined that when the AFD contracts expire, they will re-tender by expanding the scope of work by the AFD's by approximately 30 buildings. The department has committed to stating that no members will be transferred to the AFD but will be accommodated elsewhere. This should occur in 2005.

Mark touched on the present realignment and classification structure. It appeared that the department would realign similar to the previous organization and that the impact would be substantial in the National Capital Area and minimal in the Regions. GTIS will be converted to a separate operating agency as a mechanism for funding, but should have no impact on the members. He informed the membership that UCS is dead and there is no desire to resuscitate it. There is some classification reform occurring with respect to standards for certain groups and there has been a promise to start updating the present job descriptions.

A question was raised on the issue of pay equity. Mark advised that the Human Resources Tribunal had been successful in obtaining funds and an order that the employer has to develop an equity hiring system.

The concern was raised that the incoming Prime Minister, Paul Martin, was intent on shrinking ministries. Mark stated the new Deputy Minister was very politically connected and had been brought in to fix problems and make changes to PWGSC. He added that the DM's actions appeared to be in line with the reviews, but that the Treasury Board report would not be out until the new year. A member asked if the National PSAC office was comfortable with communication from the upper levels. Mark stated that there appeared to be a conscious attempt to be more open and that there is a very good relationship between the component and the department, based on a good deal of respect.

A member asked how the National office sees the joint committees working. Mark advised it is a problem as Treasury Board would prefer to deal with one group. The problem is that the issues are different with each group, though they have agreed to sit together on health and safety issues.

The question was raised whether larger locals were subsidizing smaller locals for training and conferences through their component portion of union dues. Mark advised that the number of locals had been reduced by merging a number of the smaller ones, but that ultimately, they were not a drain on other locals. The question was then raised whether there could be further compression. Mark suggested this would be too difficult for a number of locals in respect of how we provide service to our membership. Smaller locals with specific issues would be lost.

Monica Uruita gave an update on the call out for the strike structure and advised that it was in the process of being put in place. She advised the membership that strike training would be held in January and February and encouraged all members to attend. She informed the membership of Solidarity Week running December 1 to 5 with a forum, dinner and meeting on December 1 with the negotiating teams attending. She advised plant gates would be set up at different sites throughout the week to give information on bargaining.

Monica advised that the new training schedule would be out shortly and that the National Health and Safety conference was scheduled for March in Toronto. She encouraged anyone who was interested to sign up.

Bob Graves thanked the Executive Committee for their work in the previous year, making note of the new GSU Local 20008 web site (http://www.gsu20008.com) and how well the Committee held management to its requirements. Bob also encouraged members to bring issues to the Executive and provide them with support in the upcoming year.

14. Nomination and Election of Officers

The President turned the Chair to Mark Brunell, who conducted the nomination and election of the local Officers.

President Phil Robinson Acclaimed

Nominated by Rand Ameye

Seconded by Cheryl Fulton

Jack Seto

Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by Bill Pleming

Vice President Bill Pleming Acclaimed

(three positions) Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by Larry Ghini

Jeanne LaRocque Acclaimed

Nominated by Michelle King

Seconded by Wendy Campbell

Jack Seto Acclaimed

Nominated by Bill Pleming

Seconded by John Hatton

Cheryl Fulton

Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by John Dogherty

Leanne Ridley

Nominated by Marg Mohart

Seconded by Cheryl Fulton

Gail Lynds

Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by Jeanne LaRocque

Secretary Melissa Rourke

Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by Jeanne LaRocque

Leanne Ridley

Nominated by Bill Pleming

Seconded by Harry Taylor

John Dogherty

Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by Larry Ghini

Michelle King

Nominated by Jeanne LaRocque

Seconded by Cam Brown

Wendy Campbell

Nominated by Bill Pleming

Seconded by DJ Lawrence

Rand Ameye

Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by Harry Taylor

John Hatton

Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by Jack Seto

Jack Grigo

Nominated by Bill Pleming

Seconded by Jeanne LaRocque

All nominated parties gracefully declined their nomination. When no further nominations were received, Maxine Montague volunteered to act in the position of Secretary until the position was filled.

Maxine Montague Acclaimed

Treasurer: Cheryl Fulton Acclaimed

Nominated by Larry Ghini

Seconded by Leanne Ridley

Larry Ghini

Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by John Dogherty

David Lavery

Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by Gail Lynds

Gail Lynds

Nominated by Bill Pleming

Seconded by Jeanne LaRocque

Michelle King

Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by Cam Brown

15. Nomination and Election of Area Council Representatives

Vancouver Rand Ameye Acclaimed

Nominated by Phil Robinson

Seconded by Bill Pleming

Surrey Jack Seto Acclaimed

Nominated by John Hatton

Seconded by Jeanne LaRocque

16. Nomination and Election of Auditors

Larry Ghini Acclaimed

Nominated by Cheryl Fulton

Seconded by Bill Pleming

John Dogherty Acclaimed

Nominated by Larry Ghini

Seconded by Harry Taylor

Winfield Wong-Moon

Nominated by Cheryl Fulton

Seconded by Michelle King

Jack Grigo

Nominated by John Hatton

Seconded by Gail Lynds

Wendy Campbell

Nominated by Leanne Ridley

Seconded by Jeanne LaRocque

Leanne Ridley

Nominated by Marg Mohart

Seconded by Jeanne LaRocque

17. Oath of Office

The Oath of Office was administered to the new Local Executive Officers of GSU Local 20008 by Mark Brunell, President, GSU.

18. Other Business

Phil Robinson advised that there was an appeal to the floor on the ruling by the Chair to the proposed amendments being ruled out of order. Both the appellant and the President provided argument to the membership. Tom Gallagher moved to sustain the President's ruling. Seconded by Larry Ghini. Motion carried.

Winfield Wong-Moon moved to pay for the refreshments provided for the AGM. Seconded by Jeanne LaRocque. Motion carried.

19. Adjournment

With no further business, Jeanne LaRocque moved to adjourn the meeting. Bill Pleming seconded. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:03 pm.

Phillip Robinson Recorded by Jeanne LaRocque

GSU 20008 Local President GSU Local 20008 Secretary