National Executive Meeting
November 14-15, 2021
Westin Hotel – Ottawa
| Chairman | June Winger | National President |
| Members | Benoit Laberge | Executive Vice-President |
| Dan Frost | Vice-President (NL-NB) | |
| Terry Kiley | Vice-President (NS) | |
| Johanne Roberge | Vice-President (QC) | |
| Jeff Wrinn | Vice-President (NCR) | |
| Grant Tennant | Vice-President (ON) | |
| Mona Simcoe | Vice-President (MB/SK) | |
| Bryan Meakin | Vice-President (AB/North) | |
| T. Mark Miller | Vice-President (BC) | |
| Cathy O’Kane | Vice-President (NPF) | |
| Eugene Stone | Vice-President (CSE) | |
| Paul Jones | Human Rights Advisor | |
| Recording Secretary | Sandra Mombourquette |
OPENING REMARKS
The National President welcomed the National Officers to Ottawa for the last National Executive meeting in this mandate. She explained the mask protocol during this meeting. Also, there is interpretation at this meeting which is not usual for these meetings therefore she reminded everyone to turn their microphone on when speaking.
The harassment statement was read aloud by Human Rights Advisor Paul Jones who was also named intervener.
The hours of sessions were adopted as follows:
Sunday, November 14 9:00 – 12:00 / 13:00 to 16:00
Monday, November 15 9:00 – 12:00 / 13:00 to 16:00
The National Executive stays in session during Convention.
AGENDA: VP Miller added 3 emergency resolutions to the agenda, it was then adopted. CARRIED
National President Winger explained the process of late and/or emergency resolutions. They are first to be brought to the Chair for acceptance. A late resolution would be if it is received after the close of July 30th 2021. An emergency resolution means it was received after the July 30th date, however it needs to be dealt with urgently, the National Executive decides if it moves forward or not.
Notice of Motion – VP Miller
PREVIOUS MINUTES – ADOPTED m-s Wrinn/Stone CARRIED
HONOUR ROLL
A moment of silence was observed for the following members who have passed since the last meeting:
Edith Ouellette, Local 10511
Lenore Dianna Haight, Local 00637
Mike Roberts, Local 21010
Nadine Labreche, Local 70654
Glenn Knudson, Local 50705
Grant McCulloch, Local 00620
Irene Lipon, 21008
Dwain Crawford, Local 40801
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
UNDE Investments: have done very well, spending has decreased with having virtual meetings, only one region had an in-person regional conference in Quebec.
National Convention: It has been a challenge getting this hybrid Convention together is the most expensive way of doing this but allows for accessibility for the members in their union. Most of the other Components have had completely virtual Conventions. Hopefully in August 2023 we will be in St. John’s having the Convention in person.
Sexual Misconduct File: National President Winger has met with Mme Justice Louise Arbour who is overseeing the review into National Defence and the misconduct there. She is very interested in what our members are going through, not only the CAF. The unfair procedures, challenges members are having. Ongoing meetings. National President Winger is preparing a briefing for her to reference in her review. The new Minister of National Defence, Anita Anand, has said incidences of sexual harassment, abuse and workplace harassment must be investigated and prosecuted in the civilian justice system as opposed to the military system.
Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit: Those who are entitled should submit a claim and recognize that they need to file by Nov. 24, can withdraw afterwards if they decide to. Writing these out can be triggering for them so there are people available to assist them in this process. The National President has secured ways for complainants to request vacation leave with the Department to facilitate this, then those credits will go back into their leave bank to maintain privacy. Complainants do not need to be currently employed. The UNDE website and Facebook page has information on this.
Phoenix Pay Damages: Most members have received their damages back in March, although taxed even though that’s not how damages are paid in Canada. PSAC is actively challenging this and is confident they will be successful. Retirees or former employees will have a form available to them in December. The estate can ask for damages if a member has passed away.
Mandatory Vaccination Policy for Federal Employees: Members must attest by Oct. 29, those who don’t will be put on administrative leave as of Nov. 15. Members who are put on leave without pay need to understand what the impact is, such as benefits and pension, so they can adjust accordingly. The Chief of Defence Staff gave direction that CAF be vaccinated or seek accommodation. Civilians have a higher vaccination rate than CAF members. There is a different process for both sides which is unacceptable, CAF members have a 7-day warning to get vaccinated. They get rapid testing 3 times a week, if they don’t change their status then they are put on probation. There is no defined time-period for them to be released and they are still in the workplace during this process. The National President advised we will support grievances relating to the vaccination policy, she asked how this body wants to approach this vaccination mandate, everyone supports grieving. If accommodations are not being met this should move up. Everyone should grieve leave without pay. The Labour Relations Officers will provide wording, we have duty to represent. The National President also wants all unusual or unfair staffing actions brought to her attention.
Per Diem Rate during Convention: As per Bylaw 11, Article 15b, the National President asked the National Officers for their recommendations on what per diem rate should be offered to virtual Convention delegates, if any at all. This amount will be taxed since they are not in travel status. The full day per diem rate is $113.25 for in person delegates. She said other Components offered a variety of per diem rates for virtual delegates.
Notice of Motion – VP Simcoe re: to set the per diem rate at $56.62 for virtual delegates at this Convention
MOTION m-s Simcoe/Stone
To give virtual Convention delegates $56.62 per day which is half of the regular full day per diem of $113.25.
RV 1 – CARRIED
STANDING ITEMS
ADM-IE (RP Ops) Report m-s Miller/Laberge
VP Miller presented his written report. The Deloitte firm will be engaged to look at a contract to have better organized oversight of contracts. They want an impartial outside body to look at contracts. The union will be part of these studies. The next UMCC is on Nov. 26. The Employee Engagement Advisory Committee (EEAC) has not met for a while, therefore no update on this. VP Simcoe missed the last meeting and asked VP Miller to share emails with her to get caught up. RV 2 – CARRIED
Real Property Ops Unit West LMCC m-s Simcoe/Meakin
VP Simcoe presented her written report. Covid protocols are in place, Management says there is no pressure for employees to be staffed at 100%. UNDE suggested that they consult before denying AWA or telework requests from employees. There have been issues with the 699 leave for inclement weather. A vacancy management report is being developed to have more information put in them and have a standard form. RV 3 – CARRIED
Real Property Ops Unit Atlantic LMCC m-s Kiley/Wrinn
VP Kiley presented his written report which stated the employer is working on 43 active staffing files. Positions are filling up well in Halifax. A few grievances that are classification related. Power BI (Business Intelligence) BI is a new tracking tool that is cloud based and they said they are willing to share this information with the union through a Sharepoint link, this information will include vacancies and the status of them. New Commanding Officer (CO) looking at providing LMRC training. VP Frost said Gagetown has been doing well with filling staffing. RV 4 – CARRIED
Real Property Ops Unit Quebec LMCC m-s Roberge/Simcoe
VP Roberge presented her written report. The main issue in the workplace has been related to COVID-19 and vaccination and ensuring everyone is vaccinated. There have been no issues with 699 leave requests, these have been approved by management since they have a good relationship with the LtCol, he has ongoing discussions with the union on various issues. Another big project was the clothing matrix to protect workers, most have received proper protective clothing now. One issue is that maintenance and construction work is going more and more to Defence Construction Canada (DCC), and there are fewer contract inspectors to do the job. RV 5 – CARRIED
Air Command m-s Miller/Frost
VP Miller presented his written report. The relationship with the RCAF leadership has been very good, they are holding informal L1 leadership meetings. The next meeting is November 30.
2nd Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) – Quebec m-s Roberge/O’Kane
VP Roberge presented her written report. There was only a meeting in September to introduce new change of command at the 2nd Canadian Division in July 2021 between Brigadier General Carpentier and Brigadier General Boivin. RV 7 – CARRIED
3rd Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) – Western Canada m-s Simcoe/Meakin
VP Simcoe presented her written report. Had two meetings, Col McBride is new Commander. There was a SWE validation exercise, UNDE asked if all positions that had become vacant were now being backfilled, told that staffing requests would need to be re-submitted. EAP has a new Coordinator for the West, UNDE has asked for a list of Referral Agents. The Office of Disability Management (ODM) is now up in running in many regions, the Senior Manager has stated that she will go to Local UMCCs to do an update. RV 8 – CARRIED
5th Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) – Atlantic Canada m-s Frost/Laberge
VP Frost presented his written report, he said communication with this Committee has always gone well. The ODM office in Gagetown has been set up but not up and running yet, for now the Halifax ODN office will service Gagetown. Reclassification with forestry positions, due to the members not being able to be grandfathered in, they are being University trained, everything being paid for and then once completed they go back into their positions. Public Service week will be celebrated this month.
Canadian Forces Housing Authority (CFHA) m-s Frost/Laberge
VP Frost presented his written report. The CEO has moved on to another position, someone is in an acting capacity, they plan on having it staffed on a rotational basis. Gander will now have their own office. Also looking at setting up an office in Yellowknife. He said 699 leave needed to be dealt with as some members were told to use their leave before using 699. Next meeting will be at end of November.
DRDC m-s Meakin/Laberge
VP Meakin presented his written report. The ADM has moved on to a new position, no meeting yet with new ADM DRDC. He expressed concerns that meeting dates keep changing. Equipment was purchased for people to work at home for those who could. RV 11 – CARRIED
Apprenticeship m-s Miller/Frost
VP Miller presented a nil report. VP Simcoe said there is some apprenticeship movement happening in certain areas. She asked about ways to increase apprenticeships instead of having a nil report. VP Miller said there are many different apprenticeship programs out there, but the funding is not there which is why there is nothing to report. He suggests shelving this report until funding resumes. VP Tennant says our efforts should be more geared on getting additional funding. RV 12 – CARRIED
Bylaws m-s Miller/Simcoe
VP Miller presented his written report. The quarterly harassment reports have been coming in, although sometimes late, they are nil reports which is good. RV 13 – CARRIED
STANDING ITEMS
Employee Assistance Program – Nil Report, verbal update
VP Wrinn said there have been no meetings, the next one is November 17, 2021.
Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) – Nil Report, verbal update
VP Wrinn said there was nothing to report from this period.
Finance m-s Meakin/Frost
VP Meakin presented the Finance Report, good news is that the number of members has increased. Found some inconsistencies in the financial statements, fixing those now. Coffers have increased since the pandemic since spending was halted. Investments did better than previously. A special thank you to Sister Kim Brackhahn for help on the Finance Committee for Convention, she went above and beyond. RV 14 – CARRIED
Firefighter Steering & Wellness m-s Meakin/O’Kane
VP Meakin presented his written report. He said the firefighters have unique challenges which has proved to be difficult to deal with at times. PSAC has committed to working with UNDE National, and negotiations with the Federal Government to establish Binding Arbitration if an agreement between the parties on FR compensation is not reached. National President Winger says there will be a fair investigation. VP Miller says there is a vacancy in BC on the Firefighter Committee. RV 15 – CARRIED
Real Property Ops Unit Ontario LMCC m-s Tennant/Meakin
VP Tennant presented his written report. He says Ontario as a region continues to deal with COVID issues and the different restrictions in locations. Contracting out work is still an issue because there aren’t enough people to do the tasks in the region. They need to do in-house staffing to ensure it is people who understand the building and know the infrastructure. VP Simcoe suggests paying more attention to how long the contractors are there, the contract length and the renewal period. RV 16 – CARRIED
4th Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) – Central Canada m-s Tennant/Wrinn
VP Tennant presented his written report. He said staffing vacancy reports have been requested for the next LMCC. Work description reviews are being brought up to date as soon as possible.
The COVID-19 Committee continues to meet regularly to ensure changes are communicated to employees as quickly as possible. The next meeting to be scheduled for early 2022. RV 17 – CARRIED
Health & Safety m-s Kiley/Laberge
VP Kiley presented his written report. Work refusal back from 2020 in Val Cartier, about hazmat technicians and firefighters, they will work together. There were 16 cases of violence in the workplace, statistics will be forthcoming by region. Mandatory training on Bill C-65 will be offered and all to be trained by end of December with the School of Public Service. VP Miller asked about certificates of completion as it seems they are getting lost. VP Kiley said all who have completed the training will be registered at the School of Business. VP Frost also said you can download and print your certificate at home. RV 18 – CARRIED
Young Workers m-s Simcoe/Wrinn
VP Simcoe presented her written report. There are five vacancies in the region which have been difficult to fill and keep filled. The Committee is working on a job description for new recruits. They are also working on young worker bylaws for Locals to add in their local bylaws. They have submitted resolutions for Convention and are looking at preparing an action plan. RV 19 – CARRIED
LMCC Army Commander m-s Frost/O’Kane
VP Frost presented his written report. Standardized job descriptions is completed at 78%, the deadline is Dec, 21, 2021. The hiring pause has been lifted but all SWE positions must be prioritized for funding review, put forward a detailed plan. 699 leave is not tracking for vaccinations. The telework policy states they want people on the base. The National President says that people should work remotely when and if they can. Next meeting is on Nov. 29th. RV 20 – CARRIED
ADM Mat GLMC m-s Simcoe/Wrinn
VP Simcoe presented her written report. The meeting had lots of good discussion about issues in the workplace, they leave union business for the end when there is no time left. VP Simcoe brought this up and for the next meeting in December, the union concerns will be dealt with first. Clothing for firefighters has been 7 years until this will be fully implemented, hoping for distribution in early 2022. The 202 Workshop Technical Trades Succession Project will be moved to an Apprenticeship Model.
Canadian Material Support Group (CMSG) m-s Simcoe/Meakin
VP Simcoe presented her written report. Brother Gerry McEachern Co-Chairs for the Ammo side of this Committee. There is a concern on some of the standardized job descriptions, there is one grievance where they will re-evaluate the job in question. With the essential staffing status UNDE stressed the importance of having a union steward present when giving letters to help answer questions and provide clarification on their role. There is a new software to connect each ammo depot together.
NEW BUSINESS
UNDE Triennial Convention Update
Host Committee member Sister Tonya Collins, Local 70654, along with staff members Kim Brackhahn, Amanda Agnew, Bev Gallagher and Sandra Mombourquette gave the National Officers an update on the proceedings for hybrid Convention this week.
REGIONAL REPORTS
Newfoundland, Labrador & New Brunswick Report m-s Frost/Stone
VP Frost presented his written report. Flexible work arrangements such as working remotely will probably stay in force after the pandemic. Phoenix issues continue but are decreasing. Looking at having virtual training in the new year on Grievances and Classification. Five locals have deferred their AGMs. RV 23 – CARRIED
Nova Scotia Report m-s Kiley/Frost
VP Kiley presented his written report. Most of his Locals are working at capacity, those who can work remotely are doing so. Covid-19 protocols are working well. Locals are having regular meetings. RV 24 – CARRIED
Quebec Report m-s Roberge/Wrinn
VP Roberge presented her written report. She said she only been in the position for 6 months and was mostly tasked with working with the employer to ensure health regulations were in place during pandemic. Currently dealing with the new mandatory vaccination policy which is challenging for some members. She was also busy with several investigations and workplace violence cases in different regions. Grievances are pending regarding Phoenix, relating to unpaid overtime. There have been several elections in her locals with a few of those resulting in executive positions being filled by new people which is positive. RV 25 – CARRIED
Ontario Report m-s Tennant/Frost
VP Tennant presented his written report. Since he has only been in the VP since January 2021 there is not much to report, he has just been dealing with the Covid situation in his region and attending virtual meetings with the National Executive mostly in preparation for the Convention.
National Capital Region Report m-s Wrinn/O’Kane
VP Wrinn presented his written report. Had OGUL (Ottawa-Gatineau Union Locals) meetings, still working on the realignment of locals within NCR since the move of 9500 members to Carling Campus is complete. AGMs will be after December this year. RV 27 – CARRIED
Communications Security Establishment Report m-s Stone/Frost
VP Stone presented his written report. The relationship with management at CSE continues to deteriorate at a fast pace. The CSE’s vaccine policy mandate is copied from the Treasury Board’s policy. RV 28 – CARRIED
Honours and Awards m-s Kiley/O’Kane
VP Kiley presented the Committee’s report.
Motion to divide report m-s Wrinn/Miller
There were two successful recipients who met all the requirements for the $2,000 scholarship awards this year, and they are:
Samantha Goyette, Local 00641, Kingston, ON, awarded the Ken Green Scholarship.
Ryan Harris, Local 80403, Greenwood, NS, awarded the Pat McGrath Scholarship.
The first successful recipient of the new Human Rights Award is Brother David Carr, Local 00623 London, ON.
Lifetime Memberships were awarded to:
Brother Michel Allard, Local 10526, Montreal, QC.
Brother Dennis Shepperd, Local 90102, Gander, NL.
Motion to destroy ballots m-s Meakin/Wrinn
Congratulations to all the recipients of the above awards!
Non-Public Funds Report m-s O’Kane/Frost
VP O’Kane presented her written report. All NPF collective agreements have been settled, these were done mostly through virtual meetings. Many new Local Presidents in her Locals. Starting meetings on pay equity, discussion on CAT 1 pay grids. RV 30 – CARRIED
Manitoba/Saskatchewan Report m-s Simcoe/O’Kane
VP Simcoe presented her written report. She says her region is still working on the Uncoverthecost campaign to stop contracting out work. PSAC helping each Local with training sessions on how to talk to MPs. Update on her Locals, Winnipeg is struggling to get Stewards, there is no engagement. Some managers have no skills in dealing with members. RV 31 – CARRIED
Alberta & The North Report m-s Meakin/Stone
VP Meakin presented his written report. Locals have been dealing with ever changing restrictions. All Locals, except Yellowknife, have held their AGMs, lots of new Local Executives. The main concern in his region is the carry-over of leave. His region has held two virtual UNDE courses in the fall, one was Grievance Handling and the other Classifications and Work Descriptions. Continues to have monthly teleconferences with his Locals. RV 32 – CARRIED
British Columbia Report m-s Miller/Kiley
VP Miller presented his written report. The Joint Learning Plan (JLP) training coming up which involves all levels of management and union leadership will take part in new course coming up in January. Local 21017 has been in trusteeship and will have to be merged with another Local as no one can be found to take over this Local, possibly 21007 or 21016 as these make geographical sense. AGMs are planned for his region. RV 33 – CARRIED
Human Rights Report m-s Stone/Simcoe
Human Rights Advisor Jones presented his written report. He said the Human Rights Committee accomplished a lot during this mandate. The Human Rights Policy has been passed. The Committee outlined their goals and completed all of them including the logo, pamphlet, pride flag and video. Human Rights Advisor Jones asked for an honorarium to be given for UNDE Brother Steve Laflamme’s work on the videos. RV 34 – CARRIED
Notice of Motion – Honorarium for Human Rights Videos m-s Miller/Simcoe
VP Miller motioned for an honorarium of $1000 for Brother Steve Laflamme for the work on the videos. RV 35 – CARRIED
NATIONAL OFFICE
Executive Vice-President Report m-s Laberge/Meakin
The EVP presented his written report. His report listed his activities for this period as well as the Labour Relations Officer Reports and Grievance Reports. The new Human Rights video was played for the National Officers, it is available in English and French, it will be posted on the UNDE website. RV 36 – CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION – UNDE History Book m-s Miller/Stone
Whereas the UNDE NE in its Dec 2016 deliberations tabled a motion concerning our own UNDE history book;
And Whereas the PSAC has distributed to the 2018 convention delegates a PSAC 50th history book;
And whereas the UNDE has already created its own history book comprising of approximately 281 pages contained in 20 chapters utilizing some 60,000 words and an appropriate number of photos, expending some $29,000.00 of a budgeted $40,000.00, that is merely awaiting translation prior to distribution;
And whereas as a result of a significant underspending of our operating funds as a result of the global pandemic, these funds can be reallocated to other items at the discretion of the National Executive in accordance with our UNDE Bylaws.
Therefore, be it resolved that the UNDE NE reallocate a portion of these funds to translate the existing UNDE history book created last mandate – estimated in 2016 at $69,000.00 and adjusted now to $85,000.00, so that our history can be posted to the website at a minimum if not printed and shared with our UNDE Locals, at an additional cost;
Be it further resolved that the UNDE NE explore all available means to mitigate the cost of translation while respecting our Union values;
Be it further resolved that UNDE continue-on with the creating of our collective history by keeping this book up to date.
MOTION – Three Resolutions for Convention m-s Miller/Stone
VP Miller submitted 3 resolutions for Convention from his BC Firefighter Local for consideration by this body. These are not considered to be emergency resolutions they are considered as late resolutions. RV 38 – DEFEATED
MOTION – Late Resolution to Convention – Human Rights Coordinators m-s Stone/Wrinn
VP Stone asked for a late resolution to Convention submitted by the Human Rights Coordinators be considered by this body.
On behalf of the Human Rights Committee, Human Rights Advisor Jones asked that the resolution be adopted by the National Executive as a late resolution.
National President Winger accepted this resolution as being in order. She said if this motion is carried then it will be the last resolution to be dealt with at Convention.
Adjournment.