AFS HQ Subgroup Executive Meeting Minutes
At Suicha Gardens, Bank Street, Ottawa
August 17, 2017
In Attendance: Brian Hassall, Ian Tait, Zul Nanji, Allan Laaksonen, Susan Amog-Hassall, Abraham Garcia, Domingo Chavez, Muhammad Alam, Nick Watson, Art Iwinski,
Regrets: Art McKenzie
Agenda Item / Discussion / Action
Call to Order
Quorum was achieved and Brian Hassall called the meeting to order at 5:05. Brian welcomed all the members.
Adoption of Agenda
Motion to approve agenda by Brian Hassall. Seconded by Abraham Garcia. Agenda approved.
Approval of previous minutes
The April 6, 2017 HQ Subgroup meeting minutes were reviewed and discussed.
Motion to approve by Brian Hassall. Seconded by Nick Watson. The minutes were approved.
Old Business Arising from prior meeting
None –
New Business
Financial report
The treasurer Zul Nanji a stated that we are in good financial standing.
Zul Nanji
AFS HQ Regional Representative update
Ian Tait has formally resigned due to his retirement. Brian Hassall has replaced him as the AFS HQ Regional Representative.
Bargaining
Brian attended the 1st bargaining planning session in July. The next round of bargaining is Sept. 19 – 21.
Brian Hassall
Classification Reform
The AFS Sub Group Presidents supported the AFS Executive’s decision to move forward with Classification at the next round of bargaining. Classification was an element of the package that had previously been presented to management. It will be tabled and it will be up to CRA management to implement it. It should be revenue neutral to the employees. Brian briefly discussed how it works.
Steward’s Council Sept. 26 to 28 at Lac Leamy
Brian has reserved on Friday night a meeting room to hold a mini caucas. He has asked Doug Mason to give a bargaining update.
Motion by Art Iwinski to provide up to $500 for hospitality for the HQ steward council. Motion seconded by Abraham Garcia.
The motion passed
President’s Report
Brian thanked Ian for all his hard work.
Brian
The OCB will be holding a barbeque on Sept. 21, 2017. He suggested that everyone register as soon as possible.
The suggested date for the AGM is Thurs. October 25th, 2017. It will be held at Prinzo’s and we will need volunteers to help out.
The contract will be prepared and signed.
Issues
There is a reorganization in Toronto that is affecting Toronto staff. Centres of expertise are being set up.
It was brought to attention of the Sub Group that there is a public website that allows people to rate the service provided
The new webpage called Rate your official.ca is tied into GEDS and people can rate staff on GEDS. It is a public website and nothing can be done at the moment.
On August 27th the NCR is taking part in the Pride parade.
In addition there is a Family Friendly picnic at Hintonburg Park on Sunday August 20th.
On Labour Day the NCR will have a float in the labour day parade.
Election of VP to Replace Ian Tait
Allan Laaksonen and Abraham Garcia ran for the position. Abraham Garcia was elected by the executive as VP until the AGM when a formal election will be held for the position for the one year duration of the term.
Brian thanked Ian for his contributions to AFS.
Events and Other Items
Depending on the bargaining there may be the need for additional visibility events like a coffee break. They will be planned if needed.
Brian briefly discussed the bargaining process. He reiterated that the Agency’s offer has not changed from 1.25% per year.
Bill C27 has not received final reading and the unions and opposition are fighting it. PIPSC is asking its members to contact their MPs and ask that the bill be withdrawn.
Round Table
Zul will look at promotional material. This will be discussed further in the future.
All
Motion to adjourn
Motion to adjourn by Brian. Seconded by Zul.
Passed.
Meeting adjourned at 6:10
Next meeting
An email will be sent out determining availability at a location and time to be determined. The tentative date will be during the first week of October for the next meeting.