EXECUTIVE MEETING – UTE LOCAL 20026
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2004
BARLEY MILL RESTAURANT 5:30pm
PRESENT
Joy Harrison Kevin Ahrendt Susan Yaciw Sarah Redd David Clarke
Derek Johannson Alex Cook BJ Sauer Corina Scherer Pamela Abbott
READING OF MINUTES-Sarah Redd: A motion was put forward to defer the reading of the September 2, 2004 mintues. Motion carried
OLD BUSINESS
Phone Lists– Susan Yaciw: Sarah has been asked to revise the phone lists for the Strike Phone Tree for Kelowna. This list is to include the names of the people who live in the Kelowna area that normally report to work in Penticton. These people will be added to the lists for Kelowna. It makes more sense to have people picket at the location closest to their residence. Sarah hopes to have the new phone lists completed ASAP.
NEW BUSINESS
September 8th Strike Action – Joy, Susan and Pamela: The information and instruction we get change from minute to minute and it has been difficult to communicate all the changes with everyone. As a result, there have been a lot of rumours being spread about potential activities etc. When discussing strike activities with members, it is important to let them know that they should be prepared to be out on strike at any time, and that in most cases they will be called the night before.
The buses that were hired to drive people from Penticton to Kelowna where the P.M. was staying did not show. The bus line "Country Coach Ways" decided that they did not want to drive "protestors" to Kelowna and as a result, cancelled their contract with us. The PSAC is looking at taking them to small claims court.
No scabs crossed the line in either location. There was an attempt by one employee to cross, but she was sent home by Management. The Kelowna Teamsters respected our line (Beer Truck Drivers), and the construction Truck Drivers working near the Grand respected our lines. We have been told that we have the support of the Teasmsters. Bruno St. Martin walked the picket lines with us on his breaks. There was great media attention, and overall the day was a success. Good job to everyone.
Next Day of Action – Pamela & Susan: We know that all of CRA across Canada will be on strike on Wednesday the 15th. We will let the exclusions across our lines, and the designates and PIPSC members will be allowed to cross with Management Escorts. Each group eill negotiate with management how many members we will let them escort across each time.
PSAC has authorized all of the locals to take other job action over and above what they have asked us to do. The only stipulation is that we contact the PSAC prior to the action to have it o.k.'d for the purpose of legality and Strike Pay. The group was asked if we wanted to do something more that week. There was discussion from the Executive on what kinds of action that we could take. It was concluded that the group wanted to see about both Penticton and Kelowna walking off the job at 11:00am on the 16th. Pamela said that she would talk to the PSAC and see if we can get the o.k. for the Strike Pay from Regina.
Information from Conference Calls – Susan Yaciw: On the 8th, people were leaving before they were supposed to. The current sign in sheets issued by the PSAC only have a sign in time and not a sign out time. Sarah has prepared new sheets that are identical to the PSAC sheets except there is a time in and a time out column. When a picketer reports for their shift, complete their name, address, telephone number and sign in time. When they are done their shift or want to leave, put their sign out time, and then have them sign their name. We hope that this will help keep track of those who leave early, and make sure people aren't receiving Strike Pay for incomplete shifts.
On the last conference call, everyone thought that it would be a good idea for the members to email Joanna Ralla. She is a member of the CRA bargaining team. She is a team leader in V&E in Vancouver. Everyone is to email her on the 16th asking her where their contract is and/or when the employer plans on coming back to the bargaining table.
The people who are scabbing across BC are having their pictures posted on the PSAC and local websites. This is something that we might want to consider doing. This is NOT illegal.
Some offices have been told by management that if there is a strike, the people working on the road would be left stranded and not paid for their way home. This has been clarified. If the strike is just for one day, the worker is to withdraw services and go back to their hotel room. If the strike is for more than one day, the employer will call the workers home, and the worker will not have to pay any out of pocket expenses for having to come home.
Strike Headquarters – Susan Yaciw: Kelowna has yet to set up a Strike Headquarters. The members of the Executive from Kelowna office will be meeting after the Executive Meeting tonight to discuss making such arrangements.
Misc Information – Susan yaciw: We now have two cell phones for the duration of the strike. These phones were paid for by the PSAC. Corina will have one for the Penticton site and Susan will have one for the Kelowna site. The phone numbers are as follows:
Corina: 250-488-0877
Susan: 250-718-9404
The Executive decided that during the strike, we would have as many meetings as required, however a date was not set for the next meeting.
Round Table: There being nothing to add, there was no round table.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm.