ALBERTA UNION OF PROVINCIAL EMPLOYEES PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING Edmonton Expo Centre September 07 and 08, 2017
Date: Thursday and Friday, September 07 and 08, 2017
Place: Edmonton Expo Centre
1. CALL TO ORDER
Executive Secretary-Treasurer Heistad called the meeting to order at 9:06 AM. Regular roll call was taken. The President will be in attendance later this morning.
ROLL CALL, INTRODUCTIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Present:
G. Smith, President J. Heistad, Exec. Sec-Treas T. Paskuski, Loc. 053 M. Dempsey, Vice-President (Thurs.) K. Peacock, Loc. 020 B. Gostola, Vice-President L. Pestano, Loc. 049 G. Scott, Vice-President C. Plettl, Loc. 001 S. Slade, Vice-President R. Poggemiller, Loc. 006 K. Weiers, Vice-President B. Preston, Loc. 045 D. Coombes, Loc. 044 J. Prokopchuk, Loc. 040 D. Fearon, Loc. 005 M. Siebels, Loc. 047 J. Huseby, Loc. 052 P. Steward, Loc. 071 D. Johnston, Loc. 048 T. Tate, Loc. 004 D. Koster, Loc. 060 V. Whelen, Loc. 043 M. Larson, Loc. 003 B. Wiebe, Loc. 042 (Fri) B. Macdonald, Loc. 046 D. Williams, Loc. 002 D. Mason, Loc. 009 T. Wispinski, Loc. 012 K. McDonald, Loc. 095 L. Wood, Loc. 039 J. Noel, Loc. 057 N. Woods, Loc. 054 P. Ogden, Loc. 056 Alternates: H. Bowen, Loc. 069 C. Moskalyk, Loc. 050 M. Bremner, Loc. 041 L. Preete, Loc. 058 K. Hamel, Loc. 038 L. Scheideman, Loc. 042 (Thurs) B. West, Loc. 003 (pt of Thurs) Absent with Regrets: M. Banack, Loc. 050 B. Nahornick, Loc. 069 R. Feland, Loc. 038 D. Pomfrey, Loc. 118 M. Meyer, Loc. 058 C. Sivasankar, Loc. 041 (Thurs.) Staff: C. Soderstrom, Executive Director C. Murphy, Manager M. Guido, Admin Assistant (Finance & Accounting) J. Salegio, Strategic Assistant
2. STATEMENT OF EQUALITY
Read by Vice-President Susan Slade.
3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 2 September 07 and 08, 2017
3.1 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to approve the agenda as amended.
A Moment of Silence was observed for Larry Weslowski, Local 118 PE rep who passed away unexpectedly in the summer.
4. PRESENTATION OF AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
4.1 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the Audited Financial Statements as presented.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS of June 2 and 3 and July 17, 2017.
5.1 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to approve the minutes of the meetings of June 2 and 3 (as amended) and July 17,2017.
The June Minutes should reflect the attendance of Steve Eagles, Local 004 PE Alternate in place of Todd Tate on June 03.
The PE observers in attendance introduced themselves and were welcomed to PE.
6. PRESIDENT’S & OFFICERS’ REPORTS
6.1 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to approve the report of Executive Secretary- Treasurer Jason Heistad for September as contained on the PE Portal.
6.2 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to approve the report of Vice-President Mike Dempsey for September as contained on the PE Portal.
6.3 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to approve the report of Vice-President Bonnie Gostola for September as contained on the PE Portal.
6.4 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to approve the report of Vice-President Glen Scott for September as contained on the PE Portal.
6.5 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to approve the report of Vice-President Susan Slade for September as contained on the PE Portal.
6.6 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to approve the report of Vice-President Karen Weiers for September as contained on the PE Portal.
7. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
7.1 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED that the 2018 PE meetings be held as follows: February 1&2 (Thur/Fri) Edmonton; April 12 &13 (Thur/Fri) Edmonton; June 8&9 (Fri/Sat) Calgary; September 6&7 (Thur/Fri) Edmonton; Oct 10 (Pre-Conv.) Edmonton; and Nov 29/30 (Thurs/Fri) Edmonton.
2 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 3 September 07 and 08, 2017
FINANCE COMMITTEE
7.2 MOVED SECONDED to accept the Financial Statements for the months of May and June 2017.
7.3 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to forgo the Financial Statements for the months of May and June 2017 as Audited Financial Statements approved.
7.4 MOVED SECONDED that a donation of $25,000.00 be made to the Aspen Foundation for the 2017 fiscal year.
7.5 MOVED SECONDED and DEFEATED to AMEND the donation to $20,000.00.
7.6 CARRIED on MAIN MOTION to donate $25,000.00 to the Aspen Foundation for the 2017 fiscal year.
A recommendation was made that the different organizations we donate to should come in and speak to PE and give an update on what they do.
7.7 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to approve the budget for the Health Care Sector Conference to be held on September 19-21, 2018 in Edmonton.
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COMMITTEE
7.8 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED that the Life Membership Nomination Application for Melanie Thompson, Local 054 be accepted for 2017 Convention.
7.9 MOVED SECONDED to amend Policy 3-9, Union Steward Expectations.
7.10 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to AMEND by reversing the order of point 6 and 7 in the Policy.
7.11 CARRIED on MAIN MOTION to amend Policy 3-9, Union Steward Expectations as amended.
3-9 Policy on Union Steward Expectations
1. Once an AUPE member has been properly nominated and has completed the AUPE Union Steward training program it is expected that they will assume their roles and responsibilities as outlined in this policy. It is also expected that Union Stewards will work in conjunction with their regional AUPE Office/ Membership Services Officer [MSO] in order to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
2. To be effective at the workplace, Union Stewards must:
• Know and become familiar with the Collective Agreement, the Union constitution, bylaws, structure and operations, and various legislations; PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 4 September 07 and 08, 2017
• Protect and Defend the rights of Union members by enforcing the Collective Agreement and other workplace and Union rights such as Occupational Health and Safety and Human Rights legislation;
• Building and Strengthen the Union through education, advocacy and distribution of Union literature;
• Communicate pressing issues between the workplace and AUPE Headquarters and Regional Offices.
3. Union Stewards will:
• Interpret Collective Agreements;
• Represent Members in Meetings and Investigations;
• Attend Disciplinary Meetings;
• Handle Grievances.
4. A record will be maintained for each active Union Steward by the Membership Services Officer for the purpose of tracking Union Steward utilization.
5. If a Union Steward feels that they are no longer able to assume the full responsibilities of a Union Steward, they must complete a Union Steward Withdrawal Form. The completed form is to be sent to the AUPE Education Department. The Education Department will send a letter confirming the withdrawal to the Union Steward, the appropriate Membership Services Officer and the Chairperson of the affected component(s). The Union Steward Database will be updated. (See Forms – Union Steward Withdrawal Form).
6. In the event that a member in their capacity as a Union Steward fails to fulfill their roles and responsibilities, the matter shall be referred to the Component Chair to address.
In the event that the issue is with the Local Chair in their capacity as a Union Steward, the issue shall be referred to the Executive Committee to address.
After being addressed, should a Union Steward continue to not meet the expectations as laid out in Policy 3-9, the member shall be referred to the Union Steward Withdrawal form.
7. In the event that a Member in their capacity as a Union Steward has acted in a manner that adversely affects the union, and/or the membership, the matter shall be dealt with in accordance with AUPE Constitution -Article 29 – Member Conduct, Complaints and Discipline.
7.12 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED that Policies regarding Union Stewards be moved from Policy 3 – Education to Policy 10 – Membership Services General.
- Move 3-2 to 10.14 - Move 3-8 to 10.15 - Move 3-9 to 10.16
8. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
4 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 5 September 07 and 08, 2017
8.1 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the Executive Committee Summary as posted on the Portal for September 2017.
8.2 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the Anti-Privatization Committee Summary as posted on the Portal for September 2017.
8.3 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the Committee on Political Action Summary as posted on the Portal for September 2017.
8.4 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the Finance Committee Summary as posted on the Portal for September 2017.
8.5 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the Members Benefits Committee Summary as posted on the Portal for September 2017.
8.6 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the Membership Services Committee Summary as posted on the Portal for September 2017.
8.7 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the Pay and Social Equity Committee Summary as posted on the Portal for September 2017.
8.8 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the verbal report of the Pension Committee for September 2017.
8.9 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the verbal report of the Women’s Committee for September 2017.
8.10 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the verbal report of the Young Activists’ Committee for June 2017.
Vice-President Slade advised that the recipient of this year’s RALY Award was Shuna Williams, Local 039.
8.11 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the report of the Elections Committee.
The Chair of the Elections Committee, Deb Coombes, advised that forums have been scheduled to coincide with union steward workshops. Please watch for further details on social media, etc. to RSVP as to whether you are attending.
8.12 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the Legislative Committee Summary as posted on the Portal for September 2017.
6. PRESIDENT’S & OFFICERS’ REPORTS (Cont.)
6.7 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to approve the report of President Guy Smith for September as contained on the PE Portal.
The President had some additional points to his written report and answered questions: • Untimely death of Larry Weslowski, Local 118 PE Rep PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 6 September 07 and 08, 2017
• Update on GOA Bargaining including need to amend PSERA (Public Service Employee Relations Act) • AIMCO had a decertification vote • Bargaining is number one priority. If anyone needs support it will be available. • ‘Me too’ provision in ATA agreement if wage increases through negotiations with GoA and AHS • ESA negotiations and talks continuing at various tables to reach agreements
7. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (Cont.)
FINANCE COMMITTEE (Cont.)
7.13 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to RECONSIDER and redo the acceptance of the Financial Statements for the months of May and June 2017.
This matter was brought forward for discussion so everyone understands monthly variances.
7.14 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the Financial Statements for the months of May and June 2017.
Presentation of Budget
Executive Secretary-Treasurer Heistad reviewed the proposed 2017-2018 Budget and answered any questions.
7.15 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to accept the 2017-2018 Budget.
9. UNFINISHED AND/OR NEW BUSINESS
Boys & Girls Club
C. Plettl, Local 001 PE read a letter received from the Boys & Girls Club in Red Deer thanking AUPE Ball Tournament for the donation.
Servicing of Membership
A concern was noted from B. Macdonald, Local 046 with respect to notification on MSO assignments. The President advised that there have been a lot of changes with increasing the staff compliment and cover-off for staff during the summer, as well as internal promotions, etc.
The PE Portal will be updated with the current MSO staffing assignments and continue on a regular basis.
Alberta Building Trades
The President, Executive Secretary-Treasurer and Executive Director met with the new leader of the Alberta Building Trades who expressed an interest in working together around some public awareness campaigns and media advertising with issues of common interest. The President advised that if we are to continue he would have our Communications department work with theirs and come up with messages our members
6 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 7 September 07 and 08, 2017
and their members do with work across the province. After some discussion, the President would continue the process and report back.
Expo Centre
The reason for meeting at this venue was to see if it would be appropriate to hold future Conventions.
7. FINANCE COMMITTEE (Cont.)
Building Update
Executive Secretary-Treasurer Heistad provided an update on Camrose and Peace River satellite offices. In addition, a renovation is taking place at Headquarters on the main floor which hopefully will be completed by mid-November.
With respect to the new Edmonton property, a final offer has been submitted however some stipulations with development permit and rezoning. Legal counsel is assisting in this. We should have a better understanding at the end of November how that process is moving along. The Finance Committee is recommending that PE utilize $5 million out of the contingency funds and $4,473,900. out of cash to purchase the land if the development permit and rezoning is completed.
7.16 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to take $5,000,000.00 out of the contingency fund and $4,473,900.00 out of the cash account all of which is contingent on receiving the permit and rezoning for the new Edmonton HQ property.
9. UNFINISHED AND/OR NEW BUSINESS (Cont.)
Electronic Grey Card Project
The President provided an update advising that the electronic grey Card project is ongoing. It has focused primarily on GoA worksites at this time.
Presentation re Governance Training Survey Results
D. Schell, Manager of Communications, Education and Digital Strategies attended and reviewed the responses she received to the governance survey sent out to all PE as to what training everyone desires.
A shorter survey will be sent out following the discussion requesting an opinion on 3 things. Please engage as much as possible.
1. What are some of the things you want out of the Vice-President reports that would be useful to you? Please provide some direction as to what you need. 2. What do you believe are the key messages that you want to report back to your Local on? We could get ideas for a template to report back to your locals. A few questions will be developed on what to report back to PE. 3. In terms of training if ongoing sessions were provided to PE – have a retreat, option of going somewhere isolated; leadership skills development; and moving forward next year or two as to where we can do further training. PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 8 September 07 and 08, 2017
When you see the survey come out, please take the time to complete. It will be forwarded to the alternates as well.
Recognition to M. Larson, Local 003 PE
The President advised that Brother Mike Larson received a prestigious award yesterday being the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal out of Ottawa approved by the Governor General.
Update from Elections Campaign Committee
D. Coombes advised that the RSVP link for the Candidates Forum is being prepared by Headquarters and will be available early next week on how to reply as to whether you are attending the candidates’ forums.
Report from Locals 042
B. Wiebe, Local 042 PE Rep provided some additional information to the report contained on the PE Portal. A Good Samaritan site in Hinton is now up for sale. Alberta Health Services under regulations/legislation is provided with opportunity of first refusal. AUPE is watching closely as to whether AHS purchases the building or whether AUPE will have to organize if a private operator takes over.
Grey Cards
D. Schell provided an update on the status of the electronic grey card process. The process is working very well with the sites that Local 003 have gone into. M. Larson, Local 003 PE provided some additional comments stating that it is a good way to engage members.
Right now the focus is on GoA, however, if other sector worksites are interested, please email [email protected] or call Headquarters.
10. CLOSING
Key messages to report back to Local: 1. Grey Card signing moving along. Focus on GoA right now. 2. Continue to discuss bargaining. A vast majority, total of 75,000 members are in bargaining or preparing for bargaining. The key focus for the strategic plan is to be successful in negotiations at various tables. It is so important to support each component or sector as gains in one sector will resonate through another. The role of the Local is to engage your members in bargaining. Each bargaining unit should have a communication plan so members are updated and involved in bargaining. 3. Inform your Locals that we approved the budget to go to convention. On behalf of the Executive Secretary-Treasurer we are in good financial shape and continue to provide more and more resources to members in terms of their increasing need for support especially in bargaining. Please also get your delegates prepared for Convention and if a new delegate, partner that person with someone that has attended before.
8 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 9 September 07 and 08, 2017
4. Purchase of Calgary building, potential purchase of land to build a new Headquarters building and satellite office purchase. 5. Cold Lake Lock Out ended after 189 days. 6. Each Local to send an email/letter on behalf of their membership to the Minister of Health, Sarah Hoffman enquiring where the public beds are that were promised and that AHS should purchase and operate the Good Samaritan site in Hinton. • Request of President to have a form letter on the website to have people access so that the message is the same. Send out to PE and Local Chairs and ask to sign.
A question was raised about the grey cards and because of the electronic process, the Locals aren’t able to formulate their own phone panel list. The President advised that through the electronic process lists can be generated. We have been overly cautious but realizing that when a member gives information to contact them, that information can be used for union purposes. Request of President to obtain a legal opinion on whether information gained may be given to a Local/Chapter.
Key Messages to be sent out on Monday.
11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next PE meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, Salon 8, Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton commencing at 1:00 PM. (Lunch will be served at Noon).
12. ADJOURNMENT
12.1 MOVED SECONDED and CARRIED to ADJOURN.
The meeting adjourned at 12:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Guy Smith President RECORDING SECRETARY:
Cheryl Austin PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 10 September 07 and 08, 2017
ACTION SHEET
President PE dates for 2018: February 1&2 (Thur/Fri) Edmonton; April 12 &13 (Thur/Fri) Edmonton; June 8&9 (Fri/Sat) Calgary; September 6&7 (Thur/Fri) Edmonton; Oct 10 (Pre- Conv.) Edmonton; and Nov 29/30 (Thurs/Fri) Edmonton.
Exec Sec-Treasurer Donation of $25,000.00 to Aspen Foundation.
President Life Membership to be presented to Melanie Thompson, Local 054 at Convention 2017.
President Policy & Procedures to be amended: Policy 3-9 Union Steward Expectations Move 3-2 to 10.14 Move 3-8 to 10.15 Move 3-9 to 10.16
President Ensure MSO staffing assignments placed on Portal.
President Continue discussions with Building Trades.
Exec Sec-Treasurer $5 million out of contingency fund and $4,473,900 out of cash account contingent on receiving permit and rezoning for Edmonton property.
President Send out key messages on Monday.
President Provide form letter on website for PE and Local Chairs re Hinton Good Sam site.
President Obtain legal opinion re member info being used by union.
10 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 11 September 07 and 08, 2017
PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING ROLL CALL September 07 and 08, 2017
7-6 7-7
YES NO ABST YES NO ABST SMITH HEISTAD DEMPSEY GOSTOLA SCOTT SLADE WEIERS COOMBES FEARON HUSEBY JOHNSTON KOSTER LARSON MACDONALD MASON McDONALD NOEL OGDEN PASKUSKI PEACOCK PESTANO PLETTL POGGEMILLER PRESTON PROKOPCHUK SIEBELS STEWARD TATE WHELEN WIEBE (Sep 8) WILLIAMS WISPINSKI WOOD WOODS Alternates: BOWEN BREMNER HAMEL PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 12 September 07 and 08, 2017
MOSKALYK PREETE SCHEIDEMAN (Sep 7) WEST (pt Sep 7)
12 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 13 September 07 and 08, 2017
PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING ROLL CALL September 07 and 08, 2017
7-11 7-12
YES NO ABST YES NO ABST SMITH HEISTAD DEMPSEY GOSTOLA SCOTT SLADE WEIERS COOMBES FEARON HUSEBY JOHNSTON KOSTER LARSON MACDONALD MASON McDONALD NOEL OGDEN PASKUSKI PEACOCK PESTANO PLETTL POGGEMILLER PRESTON PROKOPCHUK SIEBELS STEWARD TATE WHELEN WIEBE (Sep 8) WILLIAMS WISPINSKI WOOD WOODS Alternates: BOWEN BREMNER HAMEL MOSKALYK PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 14 September 07 and 08, 2017
PREETE SCHEIDEMAN (Sep 7) WEST (pt Sep 7)
14 PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 15 September 07 and 08, 2017
PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING ROLL CALL September 07 and 08, 2017
7-16
YES NO ABST SMITH HEISTAD DEMPSEY GOSTOLA SCOTT SLADE WEIERS COOMBES FEARON HUSEBY JOHNSTON KOSTER LARSON MACDONALD MASON McDONALD NOEL OGDEN PASKUSKI PEACOCK PESTANO PLETTL POGGEMILLER PRESTON PROKOPCHUK SIEBELS STEWARD TATE WHELEN WIEBE (Sep 8) WILLIAMS WISPINSKI WOOD WOODS Alternates: BOWEN BREMNER HAMEL MOSKALYK PREETE PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING 16 September 07 and 08, 2017
SCHEIDEMAN (Sep 7) WEST (pt Sep 7)
16