National Executive Meeting - December 2007 - Annex 3

COMTRA COMMITTEE REPORT

The UNDE COMTRA Committee met on October 29, 2007 to discuss several items forwarded to their attention. The following represents the Committee’s discussions and recommendations to the UNDE National Executive.

UNDE Membership Survey. At the June 2007 NE meeting, the COMTRA Committee was tasked to develop a membership survey that would adress the membership’s lack of involvement and participation. COMTRA Chair stated that the survey was a compulation of three surveys that Sister Linda Graham used to cover all possible circumstances and perspective information. Following discussion and the committee’s review of the “draft” survey, it was decided that the recommended version of the survey would be shared with the UNDE NE in advance of the December 2007 meeting. On behalf of the Committee, the Chair thanked Sister Linda for her efforts in developing the survey.

Bourinot’s Rules of Order. Questions and a suggestion to purchase a copy of the Bourinot’s Rules of Order for each UNDE Local, to supplement the PSAC Rules of Order, were forwarded to the COMTRA Chair for the committee’s deliberation. Following discussion, the COMTRA Committee recommends that there is limited value in providing a copy of the subject reference to the Locals. The PSAC Rules of Order are sufficient to meet the needs of the members.

Presentations by Local Presidents. A submission was received that suggested that Local Presidents be afforded an opportunity to make a presentation on a subject of their choosing at the Local Presidents’ Conference. Although the proposal was not accepted in its entirety, the COMTRA Committee supports and recommends that UNDE should promote ways to encourage the Local Presidents to take a more active role in their conference.

UNDE Training Modules. Sister Debbie Graham reported that Module 3 – Dealing with the Media is nearing completion and that the module will be available prior to the UNDE NE December meeting for review. In addition, she reported that the policy in regards to disciplining strike breakers is complete and has been secretarily reviewed by the UNDE NE. Sister Debbie further reported that the PSAC Standing Discipline Committee has been mandated by the PSAC NBoD to review discipline processes covering all situations, ie strike breakers, essential services (designations), and other discipline, in an attempt to achieve consistency across the components. As a result of the PSAC review, Sister Debbie stated that there is no requirement for UNDE to develop its own disciplinary policy at this time. Sister Debbie reported that the modules proposed on the UNDE Harassment Policy and the Role of the Intervenor are in progress. On behalf of the COMTRA Committee, the Chair thanked Sister Debbie for her work in developing the training modules.

Women’s Conferences. COMTRA Chair advised that the National President had recently announced that the COMTRA Committee would be responsible for conferences and training in regards to women’s issues. Sister Debbie Graham stated that the budget line item for Women’s issues is set at $40,000. She also reminded the committee members that participation at the PSAC Regional Women’s Conferences requires subsidies, but that the PSAC National Women’s Conference is fully funded, and that in the past input on participation was sought from the Vice Presidents. Following discussion, the COMTRA Committee supports the Sisters’ participation at the various labour forums, ie PSAC Women’s Conferences, CLC Women’s forums, Federation of Labour Women’s forums. However, the COMTRA Committee believes that the responsibility for preparing the business case, recommending who attends, and submitting to the National President for approval should rest with the Vice Presidents of the Regions. Further, it is recommended that there is no requirement for a UNDE Women’s Conference at this time.

Presidents’ Conference Agenda. The agenda items submitted by the Local Presidents were shared with the COMTRA Committee members in advance of the October 29 meeting . Following discussion, it was decided that the COMTRA Committee members would take the lead to facilitate the conference. COMTRA Committee was able to develop an agenda that includes items that address the concerns of the majority of the members. Attached is the proposed conference agenda which the COMTRA Committee believes addresses the issues of the majority.

Submitted on behalf of the COMTRA Committee Members:

Sister Debbie Graham, VP NL/NB
Brother Phil Turcq, VP PQ
Brother Dan Verreault, VP PSP
Sister Mary Chamberain, EVP/COMTRA Chair
Sister Linda Graham