AFS Saint John Subgroup Meeting
July 30, 2025
Held At: The Country Club on the Boardwalk
Commenced: 5:31
IN ATTENDANCE:
Lori Rowe, Mike Kane, Mike Maxan, Sabra Howe, Aaron Everett, Brian Whelly, Tanya Ripley, Jennifer Sparks, Gayle Armstrong, Jeffrey Wayow
ABSENT:
Dawn Brown
ITEMS
The meeting was called to order at 5:31 pm by Chair, Lori Rowe. UPON MOTION, duly made by Lori, seconded by Mike Kane, and unanimously carried, it was resolved the agenda of the meeting was verified and approved.
1. April 02, 2025, Minutes
Minutes were distributed by Sabra Howe via email on July 28, 2025, and April 06, 2025, in preparation for this meeting. UPON MOTION, duly made by Sabra, seconded by Mike Maxan, and unanimously carried, it was resolved the meeting minutes were verified and approved.
2. Financial Report presented by Aaron Everett - The account balance is $XXX. The subgroup spent $XXX: Microsoft office $XXX and $XXX Valentine Coffee break for members. UPON MOTION, duly made by Aaron, seconded by Mike Kane, and unanimously carried, it was resolved to accept the financial report.
3. Old/New Business
a) Lunch & Learn April 30th at O’Leary’s
Sabra presented on the Collective agreement and the interpretation thereof. There were approximately 20 people in attendance plus the AFS executive and Members at Large, and it was very well received. Building on that success, Lori is interested in organizing another presentation — potentially in late October or early November. To make it as relevant and engaging as possible, we’re looking for topic suggestions. Please send Sabra your ideas.
b) Grievance update summary
There are currently eight outstanding grievances:
Leave Without Pay (2 grievances)
These grievances stem from confusion regarding the use of Leave Without Pay (LWOP). Members are reminded that LWOP cannot be used for vacation purposes and must be approved in advance. Misunderstandings between members and Team Leaders highlight the need for further education and clarification on this policy.
Lay-offs and Severance (3 grievances)
These grievances concern lay-offs where severance was not provided. These grievances are at 4th level.
Duty to Accommodate (5 grievances – in abeyance)
These grievances are currently in abeyance due to the absence of a Duty to Accommodate Specialist. Sabra explained that the earliest appointment of such a specialist is expected in approximately six months, meaning these cases will likely remain unresolved until the new year.
c) Recent Union events/meetings:
• April 23 & 24th- UMC President Only
• May 23& 24th – Atlantic Regional Council (ARC) in Fredericton. Local attendees were Gayle Armstong, Mike Kane, Aaron Everett & Mike Maxan. It went very well.
• June 12-14th – AFS Presidents Meeting was held a Lac De la Maix
d) AGM 2025 – September 9th at Riverside
Invitations & Attendance
Lori advised that all members should have received an invitation to the AGM. As of now, she has received 21 replies confirming attendance.
Presenter Update
Chris Roach, Advisory Council Representative, typically presents at our meetings but will be unavailable due to surgery. Sean O’Reilly will present on behalf of the branch. It was suggested that Sean address specific AFS-related issues during his presentation. Lori inquired whether a second presenter was needed, and it was agreed that Sean would suffice. Gayle noted that in the past, the branch and subgroup typically shared the presenter role.
Sub-Group Executive Elections
The following positions will be filled:
Chair: Lori Rowe
Secretary: Sabra Howe
Members at Large: Two positions to be elected – Mike Maxan and Jeffrey Wayow
Lori will ask Sean to oversee and run the election process.
AGM Swag & Prizes
Available items include books, luggage tags, coffee mugs, book bag, & gift cards. As quantities are limited, not all attendees will receive an item. A ticket draw will be held to distribute the swag fairly. Lori will contact Chris Ryan, Branch President, to finalize the details.
e) Hotels reimbursed
Lori advised that everyone should have seen an email from Sean O’Reilly regarding hotels and reimbursement. Normally PIPSC pays for the hotel; however, the members can now book and pay for their own hotel and get reimbursed. A recent change made by Sean O’Reilly.
f) PIPSC Rule – no buy plastic
g) Members at Large (MAL)
Lori clarified that to serve as a MAL, an individual must either be a certified Steward or committed to completing Steward training. At the 2024 AGM, Tanya Ripley was appointed as an MAL. At the time, the requirement for Steward status or training was not fully understood. Tanya has since declined to pursue Steward training due to personal commitments. As a result, this will be her final meeting in the MAL role.
We thank Tanya for her contributions and service to the Sub-Group.
h) Steward leaving the CRA – Mike Melvin
He took a leave of absence as of last week for at least a year. A replacement is needed.
i) AFS email access – Mike Kane
Lori advised that Mike has full access to the AFS emails.
j) Sept 10th – Sean O’Reilly will be at the Saint John office
k) Sept 10th – Ice Cream Day!
PSAC and PIPSC are teaming up to serve delicious ice cream from Sussex Creamery to everyone at the 65 Canterbury office—no exceptions! Whether you're a cleaner, Commissionaire, or member, you're invited to stop by and enjoy a sweet treat between the hours 11:00 and 300.
They will be asking Fox to make the announcement, so keep an ear out
l) Roundtable
• Jennifer mentioned thar the employer has not asked the staff where to create and find efficiencies. Sabra shared that at the last management meeting it was suggested to Cathy share this with Fox.
• Brian expects serious impact on IT.
Lori Rowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 pm.
Minutes prepared by Sabra Howe.