2022 PIPSC MONCTON NR Sub-Group - AGM -

Record of Discussion:

November 29th 6pm 1045 Main 4th Floor Restigouche Boardroom

6:00pm – David Melanson

President David Melanson mentions few years of Covid have limited the AGM’s, pleased with tonight’s attendance. Presents David Young who will provide updates on current negotiations.

6:05-6:45pm– David Young

  • Two important surveys were conducted by PIPSC, many have responded. A third was proposed but planning process could not accommodate. A list of 10 priority items resulted and was brought forward to Central Bargaining.
  • Salary, Vacation are amongst main priorities, other social and contract housekeeping items are listed.
  • Family day Holiday is another item being added to bargaining.
  • Work from Home and Covid will be a topic at the table.
  • Central Bargaining will be again used for this contract renewal, however PIPSC has added clause that salary cannot be agreed to without PIPSC direct involvement. 
  • PIPSC will be ensuring PIPPSC members priorities are not overlooked at bargaining.
  • PIPSC recognizes specific salary percentage differences with EN02-EN04 as well as larger gaps with EN05-EN06 from those of private counterparts in Engineering. This will form part of negotiations.

6:45-7:00pm Supper Break

7:00-7:30pm David Young and roundtable

  • Some members have shown frustration over hiring or promotion practices in recent years.
  • Phoenix Pay system is still an item to not let go, some members are still affected.
  • Vacation leave may be a hot item on account of EN with many years of vacation at other organizations 
  • Technologists in NB are now able to practice and have their own association regulating, this should be reviewed and considered by PIPSC in the possible implications to PIPSC member over time.
  • Distinction of type of leaves to be taken for Mental Health related leaves should be further clarified for Members and Managers to ensure a consistent approach.
  • Will PSPC’s new initiative for project managers having PMI eventually cause PSPC to hire non Engineer Project Managers with PMI as equivalent to EN’s? 
  • With Hybrid work, members have concerns that GOCB’s still have many masking and limitations in place.

David suggests negotiations may take another year and a half before new contract process is fully completed, based on recent historical timelines.

7:30-7:45pm Sub-Committee election

President – David Melanson and Stephen Arsenault Nominated. Stephen Arsenault declines, David Melanson re-elected;

Vice-President – Stephen Arsenault Nominated and accepts, Stephen Arsenault Re-Elected;

Treasurer – Rene Frigault and Gabriel Vautour Nominated. Rene Frigault declines, Gabriel Vautour is newly elected;

Secretary – Andre Leger Nominated and Re-Elected.

Attendees:

Dave Melanson

David Young

Gabriel Vautour

Lina Streppa

Daniel El-Khoury

Jean-Yves Cormier

Pierre McIntyre

Rene Frigault

Stephen Arsenault

Jean Girouard

Denis Nowlan

Mark Bellefleur