EXECUTIVE MEETING
MONTRÉAL CENTRE BRANCH
THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2018 REGIONAL OFFICE, 1000
SHERBROOKE STREET WEST
1)OPENING REMARKS
Patrick welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming.
Present: John Monti, Julia Laurent, Carole Pronovost (elected at the AGM), Luke McCrory, Patrick Sioui, Ronald Pétion
Absent : Marie-Lou Buteau, Sandra Robalo
Guest: Josée Hamel, Union Representative for the EAP Committee
2)READING AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Moved by: Patrick Sioui Seconded by: John Monti
It was decided that Other Business would remain open.
3)REVIEW OF CONFERENCE CALL - QUEBEC SUB-GROUP PRESIDENTS
Patrick Sioui summarized the main points of the conference call of the province’s presidents, which was chaired by Steve Parent, Regional Representative. The highlights are as follows: grievances denouncing the external AU-03 process, staffing changes (Patrick Gaudreault), success of Phoenix grievances, and discussion on the experience criterion for the position, which is arbitrary by definition and therefore the employer should never use it.
4)AGM 2018 DEBRIEFING
Discussion on the AGM. Members liked the venue. We had more than 65 participants. Marie-Hélène Tougas presented the recent case that was won, involving a member attending the AGM. We were told that this was an uncomfortable situation and we recommended that in future, at the very least, the member concerned be briefed beforehand.
5)REGIONAL PETITION TO SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE DELAYS IN PSLREB HEARINGS
The long delays for PSLREB hearings constitute a denial of justice and are contrary to the employer’s obligation to provide and maintain a healthy workplace. To speak out against this situation, it was proposed that we draft a petition, revised by Mr. Durso, to be presented to the Region. Patrick Sioui will ask Valérie Charrette, Manager of the PIPSC Regional Office, for statistics on the delays.
Motion: Prepare a petition denouncing the timelines for being heard by the PSLREB.
Moved by: Carole Pronovost
Seconded by: Patrick Sioui
Carried unanimously.
6)REPORT BY THE EAP REPRESENTATIVE (JOSÉE HAMEL)
i)Psychological harassment in the workplace: Zero tolerance
Josée Hamel summarized the EAP report. She informed us that a decision had been made to eliminate referral officers. She also announced her intention to step down from the EAP committee. We will therefore need to find a replacement. Two people were proposed: Chantal Faubert and France Boivin. Carole Pronovost offered to approach Chantal Faubert.
7)BILL C-65 (CAROLE PRONOVOST)
Carole Pronovost presented the proposed legislative changes. In summary, it is recognized that all forms of harassment constitute violence in the workplace and that violence complaints can be filed under the occupational health and safety regulations.
8)SUMMARY OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES SUCH AS L&L ON PHOENIX, SICK PLAN
Not addressed due to lack of time. Deferred to the next meeting.
9)FINANCIAL REPORTS, MONTRÉAL CENTRE BRANCH - JOHN MONTI
John Monti submitted his report (“E/Fs”) and commented on them. The Branch is in good financial health.
10)CSST REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT (LUKE MCCRORY)
Luke McCrory summarized the last meeting of the OHS Committee. The employer is asking for much greater involvement by the participants and Luke would like to step down. We discussed the renewal of this committee. Carole Pronovost presented some typical CSST and disability claims (internal document for the Executive).
11)EXPECTED SIGNING DATE OF COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT
The Treasury Board signed the tentative agreement on March 29, 2018. The union accepted the TB’s request to extend the time limit for retroactive pay from 90 days to 150 days.
12)OTHER BUSINESS:
Carole Pronovost reiterated that she would like to become a Steward. All members of the Executive support her in this endeavour.
13)ROUND TABLE
i)No other business discussed.
John moved that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Ronald.