76th Atlantic Regional Council - St. John’s Branch Report

St. John’s Branch Report  76^th Atlantic Regional Council

May 24^th – 25^th, 2019

First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Branch Executive for their support and guidance during my second year as Branch President. Your dedication and efforts to the success of the Branch are greatly appreciated.

The Branch held five meetings this year. Our goals for the year focused on: Member Engagement and Steward Recruitment; PIPSC Visibility; and Education.

Membership Engagement remains a priority for the Branch. Our Christmas Social was a success again this year with approximately 75 members in attendance, many of whom were new to PIPSC.   This event provided the opportunity for PIPSC members to network with and form relationships with members across various departments. In addition, it was a great opportunity for members to meet and speak to the Branch Executive and Regional Director. Feedback on the event was very positive; we successfully recruited new stewards, and piqued the interest of members who reported they would definitely attend future events.  

Steward recruitment is a priority for the Branch. The Branch gained several new stewards this year. Our success with steward recruitment can be attributed to the efforts of our executive, who are also very active stewards in their workplaces as well as executive members of their respective sub groups. Let us keep the momentum of recruiting PIPSC activists moving forward.

Branch Activities

The Branch continues to promote PIPSC visibility within the community. Branch activities over the past year included:  

• Participated in the April 2018 “Day of Mourning Ceremony”. We will participate in this event again this year.
• Participated in the annual City of St. John’s and District Labour Council Family Fun Day on Monday, September 3^rd, 2018.
• Contributed $258.00, raised at the Christmas Social, to the Community Food Sharing Association.
• Joined the DLC’s Day of Mourning billboard campaign with the aim to bring recognition to the Day of Mourning event in the St. John’s area.
  
• Presented a PIPSC Science Fair award to a deserving participant/team at the Eastern Newfoundland Science and Technology Fair on April 12^th-13^th, 2019.

Upcoming Branch Activities:

• Day of Mourning Wreath laying Ceremony on April 28^th, 2019.
• Ronald McDonald House “Just Like Nan’s Baked Goods Program”, members will bake treats for families at RMH on April 28^th and May 12^th, 2019.
• St. John’s Branch Family Fun Day event is scheduled for June 15^th, 2019 at North Bank Lodge, Pippy Park. Invite is coming soon. Spread the word.
• St. John’s Pride Parade July 2019, the Branch will be inviting members to join the executive for this community event.
• Pensions Lunch and Learn April 16^th, 2019
• Reconciliation update April 16^th, 2019

Membership Concerns

Hot topics of concern to the Branch this year include Phoenix, Pensions, EWSP, Bargaining, and the upcoming Federal Election. Phoenix continues to take a toll on our members and there is no quick and easy solution in sight. In light of bargaining and the upcoming Federal Election, we encourage all members’ to join PIPSC Collective Bargaining Campaign, “Do Better”.  Take the pledge to stronger anti-harassment laws; better family leave; pay protections and increases that reflects the real cost of living; and a new reliable pay system.

In Solidarity,

Carolyn Hynes

Branch President, St. John’s