AFS Saint John Subgroup Meeting Minutes - May 8, 2024
Held At: Beer Bread
Commenced: 5:33
IN ATTENDANCE:
Lori Rowe, Mike Kane, Mike Melvin, Sabra Howe, Aaron Everett, Mike Maxan, Vince O’Neill, Dawn Brown
ABSENT:
Gayle Armstrong, Tim McCullough
ITEMS
The meeting was called to order at 5:33 pm by Chair, Lori Rowe. UPON MOTION duly made by Lori, seconded by Mike Melvin, and unanimously carried, it was resolved the agenda of the meeting was verified and approved.
1. February 21, 2024, Minutes – Minutes were distributed by Mike Kane via email on May 06, 2024, in preparation for this meeting. UPON MOTION duly made by Sabra, seconded by Dawn Brown, and unanimously carried, it was resolved the minutes meeting was verified and approved.
2. Financial Report presented by Aaron Everett
The account balance is $3,279.76. Allotment was received of $2,908, which is up $351 over 2023. This past winter calendars were ordered and paid for, which the subgroup received reimbursement of $172. UPON MOTION duly made by Aaron Everett, seconded by Mike Melvin, and unanimously carried, it was resolved to accept the financial report.
Aaron further discussed the financials and spending for 2024. The AGM is expected to cost $1,200, so there will be left over funds. It was asked if Sabra needed a laptop to do the minutes, which she advised she has a personal laptop. Lunch and learns were discussed again with discussion around explaining the collective agreement (leave), WFA and benefits. Lori explained that PIPSC is not recommending the members participate in Public Service Week June 10th. It discussed if the subgroup wanted to provide lunch, e.g., brown bag, subway, BBQ. Lori will reach out to PSAC (Action for Lori) and see if they would be interested in participating. Sabra will call Paul Daeres to see if we can use the upper parking lot to provide the lunches. (Action for Sabra) Lori advised we may have to call a Virtual meeting to take a vote.
3. Old Business
a) Grievances – three (3) older grievances regarding ROOP are going to the third level. Expected decision Monday, May 13th. Lori explained there is no consultation by CRA. CRA made an announcement last week that starting in September 2024, the return to onsite will be three days per week. Lori explained there was no consultation with the Unions. To reiterate, PIPSC is not recommending the members attend Public Service Week.
4. New Business
a) Chair Updates
Since February 2024, Lori has attended:
- Feb 28-29th UMA Summit in Halifax where the Atlantic Realignment was discussed. UMA was signed Feb 29th; however, it is no longer effective due to the lack of consultation.
- Mar 19th – PIPSC Board Meeting, Member at Large
- Month of April – Filled in as Atlantic Regional AFS Rep for Chris Roach
- Attended two consultations virtually.
- Attended National Union Management Consultation Committee (NUMCC) in Ottawa Apr 22-23. In attendance was Bob Hamilton, Commissioner of CRA; Brigitte Diogo, Deputy Commissioners of CRA; and our Atlantic Regional Assistant Commissioner, Chantal Tourigny, to which Lori had lunch with.
b) Future meetings/happenings
- May 22-25 Atlantic Regional Council (ARC) in Charlottetown. Five members are to be elected.
- AFS President Meetings / AGM June 6-8th
- SUMMER - NIL
- Sept 10th – AFS Sub-group AGM with the Branch
c) Other:
- There is no wellness room at the Saint John location and especially if we are to support diversity.
- NBTSO is soon to dissolve where the Atlantic TSOs will shift to a “Region” and “functions.” The only committee to remain from the NBTSO is the OSH Committee. The Brunswick is no longer in place.
- A new job posting AU5/6 for Case Manager for GST, which is a result of a new “issue” model. It will be under ILB as there are no such positions in SME.
- Employer sent an email today regarding the “Refocus on Spending’ with cuts of $158 million by 2026/27 and reasonable government spending, which mentioned nine WFAs. There was none in Atlantic Canada, but national where 60% PSAC and 40% PIPSC members affected. Expected more WFAs in the Fall of 2024. A hiring moratorium effective April 8 for 12-18 months for term positions. • The Branch is hosting a Family Social Event on June 2nd from 11:00 am to 3 pm at the Quispamsis Arts and Culture Park, 12 Landing Court Quispamsis. Info Zone - employer denying any union notes on the Info Zone. Brunswicker refers to Union Websites.
Stewards waiting for hard copies of the Collective Agreements, it is the employer’s responsibility to print copies.
d) Roundtable
- Mike Maxan mentioned the Branch Family social. Coolers are needed. Sabra advised that she could bring a cooler along with her folding tables. Confirmed.
- Vince O’Neill advised he is retiring. His last day of work is July 16th, but actual retirement date is Aug 27th.
- Lori reminded AFS AGM Sept 10th at Riverside with the Branch, which the plan is to invite Chris Roach.
Sabra Howe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 pm.
Minutes prepared by Sabra Howe.