Atlantic Regional Executive Meeting Minutes - September 7, 2024

Atlantic Regional Executive Meeting Minutes - September 7, 2024

The Delta St. John’s, St. John’s, NL

 

CHAIRPERSON:
Manny Costain

 

EXECUTIVE:
Christine LeDrew, Secretary

Lori Rowe

Carolyn Hynes

Tony Chubbs

Tamara Critch

Mike Pauley

Kimberley Keats

Scott McConaghy – zoom

Paul Hubley

 

REGRETS:
Mark Bellefleur

 

1. Welcome and Directors’ Opening Remarks

Manny called the meeting to order at 9:06am. He welcomed everyone to the meeting in St. John’s and hoped everyone enjoyed their evening. Manny offered a land acknowledgement:

 

“We respectfully acknowledge the land on which we gather as the ancestral homelands of the Beothuk [bee-oth-uck], whose culture has been lost forever and can never be recovered. We also acknowledge the island of Ktaqmkuk [uk-dah-hum-gook] (Newfoundland) as the unceded, traditional territory of the Beothuk and the Mi'kmaq [meegmah]. And we acknowledge Labrador as the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Innu [in-new] of Nitassinan [ne-tass-eh-nen], the Inuit [in-new-eet] of Nunatsiavut [nu-nat-see-ah-vut], and the Inuit of NunatuKavut [nu-nah-tuhk-ah-vut]. We recognize all First Peoples who were here before us, those who live with us now, and the seven generations to come. As First Peoples have done since time immemorial, we strive to be responsible stewards of the land and to respect the cultures, ceremonies, and traditions of all who call it home. As we open our hearts and minds to the past, we commit ourselves to working in a spirit of truth and reconciliation to make a better future for all.”
 

Manny also provided the PIPSC Equity statement:
 

“Union solidarity is based on the principle that all union members are equal and deserve mutual respect. Any behaviour that creates conflict prevents us from working to strengthen our solidarity and the labour movement. As professional public servants and unionists, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic, or homophobic hurts and divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis or disability, age, class, religion, language and ethnic origin. Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue or humiliate. Harassment is not a joke. The uneasiness and resentment that harassment creates, are not feelings that help us grow in solidarity. Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different, rather than those elements that make us the same. They reduce our capacity to work together for and with our members for better contracts, safe working conditions, and justice in both the workplace and society. The Institute’s enduring values, our policies and practices reflect on our commitment to equality. This event is a harassment free zone to ensure that the dignity and equality of our members is respected.”

 

2. Ice Breaker

Lori proceeded with a light fun Ice Breaker.  Scott volunteered to do the Ice Breaker for the October meeting. It was suggested to keep it very light as we have the AGM resolutions to go over. 

 

3.   Agenda

Manny asked if anyone had any additions to the agenda. Tamara added under New Business – Creating our own google suite.

 

Motion # 1 Carolyn Hynes moved, and Mike Pauley seconded that the agenda be approved as amended.  CARRIED.

 

4. Approval of Regional Executive Minutes

The minutes of May 23^rd, 2024 and July 10^th Zoom call were reviewed. Manny asked if anyone had any comments or additions to the minutes. Christine updated the May 23 minutes per Mike Pauley’s email of corrections and distributed to the executive. Manny posted to the google drive. 

 

Motion # 2 Scott McConaghy moved; Lori Rowe seconded that the minutes be approved as amended.  CARRIED.

 

Manny asked if any comments or additions to the July 10^th zoom minutes. 

 

Motion # 3 Paul Hubley moved; Carolyn Hynes seconded that the minutes be approved as presented.  CARRIED.

 

5. Action Items Review

Manny reviewed the Action Items.

 

Action Items

Atlantic Regional Executive

The Rodd Charlottetown, Charlottetown, PEI

May 23, 2024

 

 

#1: Manny noted the next steward check in is scheduled for November 19th. Kim mentioned that she did not get the invite for the last check in. 
 

#5-6: Decided to strike these items from the list. 
 

#7: There are 2 boxes of items at Manny’s and very little left in the office if anything at all.  
 

#9: Has been completed for this year but needs to be done next year. 
 

#20: it hasn’t been posted to the quick links. 
 

#23: Manny noted there was a meeting this weekend in NB for training and it was sent to the Provincial Group presidents.  
 

#24: Carolyn noted the branch pay DLC fees for attending the events and this was approved at the board for labour day events. Paul noted that it should be in the reimbursement line in the financials. 
 

#28: Paul looked at the ledger for around the 6^th of June. There is no record of this. Paul will contact Donna to provide the contact for the individual for training school indigenous opening and provide the cheque. Paul had questions about the budgets, Manny offered to have a private zoom call with him to discuss further. There are several events we have separate budgets for; for example: ARC, Training School and steward council. Discussion occurred that Manny paid out of pocket for the honorarium for the ARC indigenous opener. Paul noted that the gift part in the policy is $XX. Carolyn mentioned about having a donation for each guest speaker at steward council. Christine stated to ensure we follow their traditions. Manny noted what he did at the ARC with the indigenous group and the tobacco gift. Kim noted to check to see if there is a customary amount. Lori suggested to find out what the AGM task force did with their indigenous speakers. This should come from the steward council budget not the Atlantic regional executive budget. 

 

Motion # 4 Carolyn Hynes moved; Lori Rowe seconded to provide honorarium to each guest speaker as an appropriate amount at the steward council.  CARRIED.

 

Motion # 5 Tony Chubbs moved; Carolyn Hynes seconded that the executive reimburse Manny $XX for honorarium for ARC Indigenous opener. CARRIED.

 

Action: Paul provide Manny with a cheque for ARC opener. 

 

6. Calendar of Events

Manny went over the calendar of events for 2024 and then 2025. It was noted there is an error on the location for extra steward training, should be Lord Beaverbrook but it was listed in the training committee minutes to be updated. It was mentioned that Steward Council with director’s dinner on Thursday. Manny mentioned the three outgoing executive members and the executive stated to invite them to the dinner as per past practice. A few executive members suggested Le Bistro By Liz. Lori volunteered to book the dinner reservation. 

 

Action: Manny to invite Gerald, Yvonne and Jennifer to directors dinner.

Action: Lori to make reservations at Bistro by Liz for 20 people. 

 

Manny noted that the meeting in November we will do a Christmas Dinner with the staff in the evening. He also noted that there is also a budget item for Christmas gifts for the staff. Lori mentioned that we should look at booking the Christmas supper soon as things will likely be booked. Lori will try to make reservations at Salt and Ash for November 29^th. 

 

Action: Lori to book location for Christmas Dinner. 

 

1. Review of Meeting Quotes Spreadsheet

The executive went over the spreadsheet with fulsome discussion. 
 

Aug 15-16, 2025 – Executive discussed the locations and Manny suggested looking at possibly moving it to Charlottetown. Executive selected Rodd Brundenell. 
 

Sept 18-20, 2025 – Executive selected Delta Saint John.
 

Oct 23-25, 2025 – Manny noted the quote of $XX a night is outside of the policy. Discussion occurred on what was said at the training committee meeting yesterday. The national AGM for 2025 is in early December. Kim stated that if we had members staying at different place that it would take away from the type of meeting. Further discussion occurred on the options. Option 1 is to have Donna ask if the Marriott can provide a better rate. Option 2 would be to obtain quotes to move steward council to a different date. Scott stated that we should focus on the bigger event and then work on the extra steward training around the date selected for steward council. 

 

Action: Donne to see if can obtain a better room rate for Marriott.
 

Action: Donna to obtain quotes for SC October 17-18, November 7-8, and November 14-15, 2025. 

 

Nov 21-22, 2025 – If date of steward council does not change executive selected Holman Grand. 
 

Dec 5, 2025 – Manny provided details on the various properties and the executive selected Westin. 
 

Jan 30, 2026 – Executive selected Westin. 
 

Feb 19-21, 2026 – BST - Executive selected Westin. 

 

Mar 27-28, 2026 – Discussion on the various locations. Executive selected Doubletree St. John’s. 
 

April 16-18, 2026 – A discussion on the cost consciousness of the training school location occurred. Manny suggested looking at moving it into Halifax/Dartmouth as this would save cost of rental cars, location space, etc. It was suggested to look at the Delta Dartmouth and Residence Inn/Courtyard. This in the training committee minutes. 
 

May 20-23, 2026 – A discussion on locations occurred and the executive agreed to look at moving away from the Lord Nelson. Manny also suggested the Delta Dartmouth. Tamara suggested we table the May and October selections to our October meeting to get an update from the Westin. 

 

Action: Donna to obtain quotes for ARC and SC for 2026 from Westin before executive decides. 

Action: Donna to ensure meeting location selection for May 20-23 and October 22-24, 2026 is on the October agenda. 

 

Motion # 6 Tony Chubbs moved; Christine LeDrew seconded to accepted the locations selected for 2025 and 2026 meetings and events. CARRIED.

 

7.  Regional Director’s Report

Manny advised that his Director’s Report is on the Google Drive for review but provided a brief verbal report. He noted that PIPSC has transitioned this week from LMB for simultaneous translation to AIT Net and they have also moved to Encore for the A/V solution. Carolyn noted that they used AIT Net at bargaining and it was amazing compared to LMB. Kim mentioned that at the National AGM last year the translation service was bad. PIPSC is looking at all the regional offices, for example Toronto rental space has been cut in half. Carolyn also mentioned that TEAM was told that each region has to cut their training budget by 3%. The executive has a discussion on BCD fees. Carolyn asked for clarification that there was separate fees for BCD and Concur. Manny stated yes there are two different fees and the understanding is that these fees are separate line items in the finances. It was also noted that when booking travel in Concur it is still BCD completing the actual booking. Kim noted that there is apparently a lot of unused travel credits that expire after a year but to use the credits you have to call BCD and tell them you want to use the credit as they do not do it automatically. Members are cancelling flights and assuming they get reimbursed not in travel credits. It was also noted that within PIPC you can transfer travel credits to other members. Kim suggested that finance should be getting a report of what travel credits are there. Tony also stated that if the credit is more than your rebooking flight you lose the difference. For example, $XX credit but the new flight is only $XX you lose the $XX. Paul noted that there should be a training session for the learning curve on a new travel system if one is implemented. Lori questioned why PIPSC doesn’t have a list somewhere of who has credits. 

 

Motion # 7 Manny Costain moved; Carolyn Hynes seconded that the Regional Director’s Report be approved as presented. CARRIED.

 

8. Training Committee Chairperson’s Report

Carolyn noted that her report is posted on the google drive. Carolyn welcomes the new members and thanked the previous members for their contributions. It was noted that all regions had to make space on the steward  council agenda for the National Steward Officer. Carolyn also stated that the charity for the raffle at Steward Council is Brunswick Street Mission and headphones has been purchased as the prize. Carolyn mentioned that a presentation on dues increase resolution was supposed to be at all steward councils but the training committee has agreed that resolutions are to have 3 minutes on the floor of the AGM and decided against the presentation at steward council. Carolyn provided an update on the Member Facilitator program with the names of who will be attending from the Atlantic. Tamara suggested that there should be a plan to replenish the list of member facilitators every so often to ensure when people leave there are replacements. It was noted that the Board of Directors originally wanted to do two courses a year with 20 people. Mike noted that Pete made a post on the Members for accountability facebook page about and it should have been a communication that was sent to all members. He also stated that facebook page Is not an official medium and something official should have been sent. Carolyn noted that the training committee discussed several things at our meeting yesterday. With the 20 stewards doing basic training this month there is currently still 47 in waiting and the list is growing. Our priority is to train stewards and the training committee is looking to make the November extra training a Basic Steward training if the hotel can accommodate and EROs are available. It was noted that stewards are being trained but seems EROs are still over worked. Kim stated that hopefully the steward framework will help eliminate the stewards that do not do any work. Mike noted that at the province they use to share the work out between the stewards and Scott pointed out that we have added 1100 members in the last year but the number of stewards has not really changed. Executive agreed that we need more stewards and more EROs. Paul asked about clarification of stewards deficiency and he doesn’t understand the context. Carolyn clarified that you may know a steward that does not help any member and continue to renew the stewardship and it keeps getting approved. Manny provided clarification on the steward renewal process that they all go to the president and if there are issues it goes to general counsel. Carolyn noted that the new Steward Framework will help this whole process. Scott mentioned he made a list of the stewards in the Fredericton branch that lists their group and department and offered to create a list for the region to help determine where we need to concentrate on recruiting stewards. 

 

Action: Scott to create regional steward list with details. 

 

Carolyn received information from Donna that the hotel for November training can accommodate an extra day and Cheryl does not think it will be a problem for ERO availability. If not the training will be the constituent body executive training. Discussion on the facilitators occurred. Christine noted that at least one facilitator should be someone that has taught the course before. Carolyn stated that the executive training could be added in conjunction with the training school. Training committee had discussed to change training school to Basic Steward and the Advance Grievances. The training committee discussed the courses for the advanced portion of the training school for RTO but it was noted that we cannot make a decision as we will have to wait for confirmation from Cheryl and Donna. Lori suggested that it would be good to have a class of Basic Steward with the advanced grievances courses to help new stewards network. Carolyn did note that a lot of very advanced stewards are requesting Duty to Accommodate and RTO training. 

 

Motion # 8 Carolyn Hynes moved; Lori Rowe seconded that the Training Committee Chairperson’s Report be approved as presented. CARRIED.

 

9. Financial Report

Paul provided an update on the Atlantic Regional executive’s income statement and cash flow. It is important to note that as of August 31 we have a healthy balance and all payables from last year are paid. Carolyn stated that we budgeted for a particular amount of allotment and what we actually received was less. Paul explained that the budget was made with estimate of 7000 members but the actual number was 6726. Carolyn also questioned about the RTO swag. 

 

Motion # 9 Paul Hubley moved; Lori Rowe seconded that the Financial Report be approved as presented. CARRIED.

 

10. Committees of the Board Reports

The regional executive reviewed the reports on the google drive. 

 

1. ITSP

Carolyn noted the new voting system seems very easy to use. Few executive members had stated they are not a fan of the navigar system.  

 

2. TEAM

The executive noted they are very impressed with the number of applications for the member facilitator training and TEAM has a staff resource. It was also noted that there is an ongoing issue of not being able to get the training actuals to help with completing the budgets going forward. Carolyn also provided a course list update. 

 

3. Finance

The executive noted a lot of acronyms on the committee report. Manny will talk to Cathy to not use acronyms. It was noted that the report is supposed to be your impression of the meeting and not a copy from the scribes minutes. Carolyn noted that one thing Cathy was asked previously was to have examples in the treasurers training as per the feedback members were giving. 

 

Action: Manny to talk to Cathy about use of acronyms in report. 

Action: Carolyn to follow up with Cathy on the examples in the treasurer training. 

 

4. PRQC

Kim noted that the bullet item about another concern is that stewards should have a place to meet with members in the office per the collective agreements. The employer is responsible for this, and it is not being met at all offices. This states in the clause the member is entitled to space to speak to their union representative. Paul asked for clarification of the item that no board member has the RTO portfolio now. Members of the committee stressed that the number 1 concern from members today is the unassigned, unprofessional arrangement at workplaces. Tamara noted that there are more questions about this report than answers. 

 

5. SAC

Christine noted that the attendees list is not consistent with location. 

 

6. HRDC

It was noted that the committee has already gone over their budget. It was noted in the Indigenous Caucus about a zoom session for Sunday and the notice only came out on Thursday. 

 

Motion # 10 Yvonne O’Keefe moved, and Lori Rowe seconded that the Committees of the Board reports be moved as presented.  CARRIED.

 

11. Steward Check-in and ARC Evaluations

 

1. May 2024

       July 2024

2. ARC – May 2024

Overall the ARC Evaluations were good minus the hotel, lack of translated documentation, and the elections scheming. 

 

12. Steward Council Agenda 

 

Carolyn noted that the steward council agenda has been finalized which Carolyn presented briefly during her report earlier. Carolyn noted at the meeting in October we will assign roles to everyone for tasks during the steward council. It was also noted that there would be no event on Saturday night. Kim asked if there was breakfast Saturday morning. Carolyn said no to breakfast and lunch on Friday. Tamara questioned why the location of the awards dinner is not listed on the agenda. Paul said he was looking at the steward council budget and the line item said band but the executive chose to go with a comedian. 

 

13. New Business

 

1. AYPC Update

Christine provided a verbal update that the committee had their stand alone meeting in Moncton and unfortunately at the last minute they had to pivot on what to do for the member event due to the rain. They moved to an indoor trampoline park and the members that showed up thoroughly enjoyed it. One member was in Moncton for two years and has never attended an event until now. AYPC had provided a reusable shopping bag with the logo and snacks. The committee has created a pamphlet to provide to members at events and will have a digital copy online. As per the email that was sent to the executive after the meeting, the committee would like to host some virtual information sessions for members, hold virtual meetings in between since meetings are so far apart. 

 

2. Selection of AYPC Members

Christine left the room for the selection of NL position as she was a candidate. Lori took minutes for this section. 

Executive members discussed the current members and then the NL candidates. 

 

Motion # 11 Scott McConaghy moved, and Carolyn Hynes seconded that Christine LeDrew be NL representative.  CARRIED.

 

Christine returned to the room. 

The executive discussed the candidates for NS. 

Motion # 12 Lori Rowe moved, and Paul Hubley seconded that Alexandra Payne be NS representative.  DEFEATED.

 

Motion # 13 Mike Pauley moved, and Carolyn Hynes seconded that the executive vote on NS representative.  CARRIED.

 

Executive voted: 3 for Alexandra and 5 for Erika. Erika is the NS representative. 

 

Motion # 14 Carolyn Hynes moved, and Tony Chubbs seconded that Brooke Casey be NB representative.   CARRIED.

 

Discussion occurred regarding the other applications and the lack of applications from PEI. 

 

Motion # 15 Lori Rowe moved, and Kim Keats seconded that to select another applicant to fill vacancy from PEI for a one-year term.  CARRIED.

 

Motion # 16 Carolyn Hynes moved, and Lori Rowe seconded that Alexandra Payne be the 1-year representative.   CARRIED.

 

Scott noted about potentially adding in the requirements to select different diversity groups. Christine stated that it is hard to select via those because of group involvement and the applications we receive. Paul mentioned that we should be ensuring the best people for the position not because of their group. 

 

c) PIPSC AGM Visibility Item 

Manny noted we need to be conscious on this item and we have 33 delegates. Mark stated in emails that he could get quotes as well. Lori suggested glasses cleaners and cloth. Kim said this is a good idea for one of the meeting gifts but we should have a wearable visibility item for the AGM. Kim suggested doing a t-shirt over a sweater. Carolyn said the long sleeve that we had for steward council was a cheap quality. Lori suggested a golf shirt. Carolyn mentioned the IT group has given some button up shirts that are really nice. Paul suggested chair covers which we currently have at the PIPSC office that Scott will bring to the AGM. 

 

Action: Donna to get the chair covers to Scott at steward council.

Action: Christine to obtain quotes on collared dress shirts from Fundy and Red planet.  

Action: Lori to send Christine a picture of the collared shirt from AFS. 

 

It was decided that the color will be selected depending on what colors are available on the shirt we select. Christine will obtain sizes from each delegate. Manny noted that we will be purchasing about 50-60. It was also noted that there is a budget line for observers but there is no cost as they are all just virtual. 

 

d) Decision Discussion – Carr vs BOD 

Mike requested this item to be added to the agenda. He asked if everyone read the decision about reinstating Jennifer Carr and a lot of members are disappointed with how this played out but it was clear from the judges ruling. Two members of the executive said they did. Mike distributed copies to the executive who wanted it. Mike noted that what bothered him the most was, after reading the decision, was item 71 when it was found that acting president contacted an emergency service to escort Jenn Carr off the PIPSC office premises. Mike continued by reading a few excerpts from the judges decision and says it does not seem if Jenn Carr was actually asked to leave the premises and under cross examination the acting president had to recant her court testimony that Jenn Carr locked herself in her office and refused to leave. It was a mistruth. Mike stated that he does not want to get into it so much but he wants to ensure that the regional executive reads the decision and that there were rules in place to deal with this and the judge even noted it. He also noted that elections are coming up and everyone has to decide what they want to do. Mike stated he is thoroughly disappointed with how the situation went down and cannot believe reading through the decision that it looks like the acting president was ill prepared by legal counsel and looked bad. 

Scott noted it was extremely disappointing to him on numerous aspects. The BOD thought they could do something and Jenn Carr would go quietly into the night. He stated that there is a policy to deal with this sort of thing and it was not followed. Scott said he is unsure who was in the meeting but does know that people in attendance were extremely knowledgeable of the by-laws and policies but wonders how they can come to that decision. Scott also noted there was a complete failure from the staff component on this as well. Scott questioned how did people know not to attend the meeting, did Jenn know she was not to be there? Manny noted that the meeting on April 10^th was an update on complaints and Manny deemed himself being in a conflict of interest and was not in attendance. 

Tamara noted that in the decision it did not say emergency services it stated calling the police and asked to ensure to use the proper terminology. Mike replied that the police are an emergency service. She also stated that this was done in the past but no one has provided any suggestions on how to fix it. Kim also noted that when Mike was talking about the information in the decision it was just a summary that all the documents are available as well and everyone has access to these documents too. Mike noted she was right that it was a summation and ruling based upon law and facts. 

Lori asked about an update on the complaints. Manny stated that one is complete, and the others should be nearing completion then the board will review what the next steps are. Mike stated that everyone is still asking about the Special General Meeting and if it is going to happen. Manny noted there has been no further information to provide at this time. Scott stated that this shakes you because how can you now trust the board of directors?

 

e) Return to Office Campaign

Manny noted that we have approximately $XX left as we purchased IWD pins. The shirts are approximately $XX each but we could order buttons and stickers. There are approximately 180 stewards registered for steward council. Kim questioned why we thought to use them for steward council because of have the mugs. Scott also noted that not all stewards or members want the remote works campaign shirts. Carolyn suggested to purchase them and have for stewards that want them as people that are affected by RTO would really want them. Tamara stated that because it mostly affects certain groups so it should be a group initiative as opposed to a regional one. Lori stated that buttons are awful and stickers are even worse. Paul asked if these items would be possible to get better together to pay for them. Christine noted that better together stated the regions had budget and would not cover the cost. Tony agreed that shirts are the best visibility item and if we cannot get enough to give everyone at steward council then we should drop it for that event. Carolyn asked if there is another avenue to get this as the groups weren’t given the extra money but the regions were and if subgroup/banches could order themselves. Mike stated there are certain pockets of people that want them and we should figure out how we can get them. Scott suggested we should order and then distribute them throughout the branch presidents. Manny stated to purchase 100 and have them shipped to Manny and he’ll bring them to executive meeting in October. Christine suggested sending a request to the branch presidents to see if they are interested in purchasing with the region and that could potentially lower the cost per item for us as well a this will give us more visibility in the region as well. 

 

Action: Manny to ask Branch presidents about RTO shirts.

Action: Manny to purchase 100 RTO shirts plus whatever the branch presidents want to order. 

 

f) Dues Increase Discussion

Manny noted from the August Board meeting there was a motion put forward to sponsor a dues increase of $XX a month starting January 1, 2025. There is supposed to be presentation at all steward councils but there has been no further information about it. Three steward councils are next week so we will see if they have it at them. There was a discussion yesterday at the training committee meeting that was regarding all other resolutions only get 3 minutes on the floor for information and therefore we would not have the presentation at our steward council. It was noted there is at least 4 resolutions on dues increase coming to the National AGM. The one that was approved at the ARC. Kim noted that she went to the advisory council meeting in May and there was a discussion about a dues increase resolution. She does not understand why there are multiple resolutions coming forward from four different groups instead of everyone getting together with one resolution. Manny noted the order of resolutions is Board of Directors, Advisory Council, Group/Region and then individual. Kim noted that Advisory Council stated they wanted presentations about why we need the dues increase as most people only see the money being spent. It is now September, and the AGM is in two months, the finance section was asked, and it is still being waited on. The director on the staff side and a director on the political side to give the presentations at steward councils. Scott mentioned that there was no success on the dues increase last year because there were no real details on the resolution. There needs to be a case made or it will never pass even though many delegates think we need one. Carolyn stated she will bring the topic forward for the group breakouts at Steward Council. 
 

Manny stated 52% of expenditures are on staff salaries and we currently are not adequately staffed right now such as translation and communications. It was also noted that EROs are over worked and their over time is liability. PIPSC runs the risk of loosing EROs. Manny provided some stats comparing increases since our last dues increase in 2017; For example, breakfast was $XX and now $XX, lunch was $XXand now $XX, Dinner was $XX and now $XX, the bulk of salary replacements have gone up significantly in the last few years, and the cost for hotels has risen drastically. Members fear of the dues increase is that it is a free for all and not go to the right areas that requires the funds. 
 

Mike stated that Manny made some very good points, and he had hit the nail on the head on why we need the dues increase. Paul questioned should we be having a position on an increase. It was noted that there was a $XX increase at our Regional Council that was approved. Manny suggested to have a write up sent to all members of the Atlantic Region. Tony noted that the comparisons are valid, and it would be nice to have a financial comparison. It was suggested to have this sent to the branch and sub-group presidents in the region. 

 

Action: Manny create a write up on the dues increase to be shared.

 

g) Google Suite Email Address

Tamara stated that she found out yesterday at the training committee that all of our documents are owned by the regional office, therefore we cannot modify, update, etc. to the agenda/minutes/etc. She noted that at the group executive they have full control of the google drive. She suggested we request a general delivery mailbox from PIPSC to create our own drive with full access. Conversation continued on the situation. 

 

Motion # 17 Carolyn Hynes moved, and Lori Rowe seconded that the executive have access to our current drives with full access to the documents. CARRIED.

 

Mike noted that all the executive does not need access but at least the director, training chair, secretary, and treasurer should have edit/creator access to the drive. Paul also noted that we all shouldn’t have access as well. Tamara agrees that some form of access should be granted while Scott stated it would be nice to be able to add documents. Manny suggested having edit access to the drive and each file can be locked down to ensure no incorrect edits are made. 

 

Action: Manny to contact Donna about granting the executive full access to the google drives. 

 

13. Round Table

Tony asked for an update on the Corner Brook branch, Christine provided an update that Pat held off over the summer as many members had holidays. Tamara thanked everyone for welcoming her to the executive. Paul said to let him know if there is anything he can do better. Scott noted it was good to join in. 

 

Motion # 18 Carolyn Hynes moved, and Tony Chubbs seconded that the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:42pm.