JULY 2014
DCL818 July Newsletter
Presidents Message
I would like to thank those members who
turned out for the General Meeting 24 Jun 14.
Though the turnout was smaller than we hoped
for the executive and membership were able to
make necessary changes to the by-laws which
can be found online at
http://kingstoncmre.wordpress.com as well as
other updated information concerning
bargaining and union activities. Please ensure
you visit our website on a regular basis to keep
informed. Your executive needs the continued
support of the membership to ensure our local
is moving in the right direction towards
ensuring our CA (collective agreement) is
followed and adhered to by all Detachment
Commanders and Senior Commissionaires at
your respective sites.
I personally call upon each and every member
within our bargaining unit to step up and take
an active role in negotiations. We need more
participation by all our members to ensure the
upcoming bargaining for your new CA is
successful in achieving our goals and
objectives.
We are three years into our mandate of
providing a platform aimed at the elimination
of favouritism, discrimination and harassment,
as well as ensuring a level playing field for job
posting, advancement, progression in pay and
respect of our peers and superiors. We need to
work together to ensure our new CA provides
fairness to all, equality in regards to hours of
operations while ensuring an equal division of
hours of work.
Take an active part in your union.
If you wish to become involved, talk
to the executive, take a course and
you will be paid for your time and
effort. We have need for more
stewards.
Call - Larry Speagle (Chief
Steward) if you’re interested in
becoming involved.
No one should be entitled to more or less
than their co-workers.
We continue to receive positive feedback
from our clients with respect to our
professional approach in how we handle
our day to day job requirements. Our
continued professionalism is what makes
our job not only important, but brings us
together as a team. Our task is to conduct
ourselves with pride in every aspect of
our daily operations.
JULY 2014
Negotiations of Our Collective Agreement
PSAC Negotiator
Mr. David Sauve our PSAC Negotiator has
informed us that the local’s bargaining team
has worked hard towards getting our local’s
proposal/package together for presentation
to the Employer.
The only thing workers have to bargain
with is their skill or their labor. Denied
the right to withhold it as a last resort,
they become powerless. The strike is
therefore not a breakdown of collective
bargaining, it is the indispensable
cornerstone of that process.
He has been in contact with the Employer
and they will be exchanging packages
shortly. Once both parties have exchanged
packages, they will set dates to begin
negotiations on our behalf. It is of the
upmost importance that we stand behind our
negotiating team throughout the
proceedings.
Our continued support will be required to
have the Employer take your demands
seriously.
Next Page
On the following page you
will find some information to
better enable you to
understand the negotiation
process.
Tactics means doing what you can
with what you have...tactics is the art
of how to take and how to give.
JULY 2014
THE BARGAINING PROCESS
What triggers bargaining?
When the existing collective agreement
is about to expire, the union (or
employer) will give notice to
bargain…the time frames for this
process are particular to each respective
labour jurisdiction.
When does it happen and why?
Once notice to bargain is given, based
on the applicable jurisdiction, the
parties have a set period of time during
which to commence negotiations.
How does the Union Prepare?
Prior to exchanging demands the union
will have conducted its internal
bargaining preparation processes which
include:
a. demands input from members
b. selecting bargaining committee and/or
negotiating team
representatives from the membership
c. prioritizing bargaining demands/issues
d. having the demands package ratified by
the membership (not always)
What are the main steps in
bargaining?
The union negotiating team meets
with employer’s bargaining team to
exchange demands
Negotiations are underway
The union negotiating team keeps
the membership appraised of the
progress of bargaining
Should an impasse occur, the chosen
path for resolution will be triggered;
a. a. A third-party (conciliator, conciliation
board, mediator) could be sought for
assistance in resolving the impasse.
b.
c. b. Depending on progress, a strike vote
could be sought by your union executive,
or
d. c. If negotiations fail, a strike (I.E. one
day rotating sites or a complete walkout
of the Bargaining unit) could be
conducted – note that any action to strike
must be approved by PSAC’s National
President
If negotiations are resolved and a tentative agreement is arrived at, it is
then put to the membership for a ratification vote.
NOTE: Your executive may at some point during negotiations (Member verification
of conducting an actual strike would be required before any action is taken)
approach the membership in regard to obtaining a mandate to take a strike vote. This
DOES NOT mean you are going on strike it becomes a tool in negotiations. It only
shows the Employer that your Executive has the backing of the membership if required
at a later date.
WITH SADNESS
Notice of passing: It is with a heavy heart that I inform you all of
Cmre Cpl Bill Mason’s passing Monday 14 July 14. Bill was a
valued member with 27 years serving with the Corp, and his last
8 years as a member in Fort Frontenac. He will be truly missed
by all who knew him.
I would like to take this moment to remind all Bargaining Unit members
the importance of filling out the FREE $5,000 PSAC life insurance
coverage from the PSAC Insurance Trust.
This is 100% no obligation insurance that will help assist your family in
case of accident or death.
Please contact your executive if you have not filled out the form and
applied for it. Its free and your union dues help pay for this.
Take advantage.
JULY 2014
QUESTION CORNER
A member of the bargaining unit questioned the policy on covering extra hours of work
when someone calls in sick or does not show up for work.
Article 28.03 states: Full time employees shall not be scheduled to work beyond their
normal schedule without their agreement.
SRC is required to provide emergency coverage through contact with both
Base spares and failing that Corp spares. If they cannot find anyone our
members are put in the position of remaining past our scheduled hours. Due
to our respect for our client we continue to strive to ensure the job is done. If
you are required to remain past your scheduled shift you are entitled to be
paid time and a half for the extra hours worked. We will continue to
provide superior service, but we will ensure our members are rightfully
compensated. Ensure your Site supervisor adjusts your time sheets
accordingly and if you were not paid contact a steward immediately.
SRC is required to provide emergency coverage through contact with both
Base spares and failing that Corp spares. If they cannot find anyone our
members are put in the position of remaining past our scheduled hours. Due
to our respect for our client we continue to strive to ensure the job is done. If
you are required to remain past your scheduled shift you are entitled to be
Kingston Blues Festival – 11am – 8 pm 21 – 24 Aug
paid time and a half for the extra hours worked. We will continue to
(Confederation Park across from City Hall)
provide superior service, but we will ensure our members are rightfully
compensated. Ensure your Site supervisor adjusts your time sheets
Labour Day - 1Sept - Place and Timing to be advised – Tent will be set up,
accordingly and if you were not paid contact a steward immediately.
come out and share a burger or hot dog with other PSAC members. Show
your support
Upcoming PSAC Events
Upcoming Courses
Political Action – Registration closes 5 Sep,
Course 20-21 Sep, Place to be determined
Talking Union Basics (TUB) – Registration closes 3 Oct,
Course 28-19 Oct, Kingston Area