UNDE - 2008 Convention

GENERAL RESOLUTIONS

73) Local 605 – Resolution 7

WHEREAS there is much opposition to the Canadian military being in Afghanistan;

WHEREAS the role of the Canadian military in Afghanistan is multifaceted and that fact can be confusing and not fully understood by all Canadians;

WHEREAS some of the OFL’s unionized members hold jobs that are sustained by the requirements and workings of the Canadian military:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OFL provide written information to the membership that gives a complete explanation of the Canadian military’s role in Afghanistan;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the OFL provides information to the membership that clearly defines the difference between the role of a peacekeeper and a soldier in a war zone;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the OFL provides information to the membership on the impact to unionized jobs in the province if the Canadian military did not require their services.

74) Local 637 - Resolution 1

WHEREAS the UNDE promotes and participates in various houses of labour including but not limited to regional, provincial and national ones;

WHEREAS the UNDE has been obstructed from participating in the democratic process of rules of order in the past and there is potential of it happening again at above-mentioned events;

WHEREAS the UNDE loses the support of delegates at such events and is faced with the outright threat to our membership by other unions (houses of labour) that may result in the loss of jobs:

BE IT RESOLVED that UNDE locals in their respective regions vote to disaffiliate from those houses of labour that threaten the membership of the UNDE;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all locals in the respective regions will disaffiliate should there be a 2/3 majority vote to do so in the same respective area.

75) Local 605 – Resolution 6

WHEREAS UNDE Locals in the NCR and Ontario are currently affiliated with the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL);

WHEREAS at the November 2007 OFL Convention there were two resolutions put forward demanding Canada to remove their troops from Afghanistan that contained inaccuracies;

WHEREAS UNDE put forward an emergency resolution that the OFL educate their members on our role in Afghanistan, which did not get to the floor for debate;

WHEREAS when UNDE membership stood up at the CON microphones in order to defend our troops, the OFL chose for the first time during the convention to close debate and hold a vote, thus preventing most of our members’ voices from being heard;

WHEREAS the voting process that followed was confusing and left most, if not all, UNDE members questioning the appropriateness of what went on during the voting process;

WHEREAS UNDE as a group then proceeded to walk off the floor in protest:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE Local 70605 stand behind the troops and request UNDE/PSAC to cancel Local 70605’s affiliation/membership to the OFL;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT we ask UNDE to send a message to the OFL that we stand behind the troops and civilian members who bravely go forward and risk their lives in an attempt to bring freedom and democracy in the defence of human rights.

76) Local 608 – Resolution 8

WHEREAS members who are on leave from their substantive positions for a variety of reasons (maternity leave, parental leave, disability, education, etc.) are not paying dues and often get dropped from local membership roles before they return to work;

WHEREAS it is often difficult to relocate these members when they return to work:

BE IT RESOLVED that PSAC and its components develop a system whereby when a member is on extended leave without pay they remain on membership lists, flagged as on leave but due to return.

77) Local 607 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS the activist’s pension benefits are affected by having to take leave without pay for union activities during week days or during a member’s normal work shift;

WHEREAS taking leave without pay for union activities delays the member’s retirement date;

WHEREAS enforcing the members to take leave without pay for participating in union activities deters members from being active in the Union:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT leave without pay is not required for participating in union activities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT if the resolution is accepted by UNDE delegation to be forwarded to PSAC Convention 2009.

78) Local 608 - Resolution 5

WHEREAS members on LWOP, for unpaid union leave, experience times when they are out of pocket for significant amounts of money;

WHEREAS PSAC has been unable to date to negotiate an invoice system with the onus on the employer to bill the union or component directly for unpaid union leave, whether planned or not:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC develop a system in order to ensure that claims for LWOP are paid to members within 10 working days of receipt of said claim, this by the Fall 2008.

79) Local 905 – Resolution 3

WHEREAS currently there is a 13-week waiting period for Sun Life Disability:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE and PSAC negotiate to have the waiting period shortened to 10 weeks.

80) Local 905 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS currently members are required to use all of their sick leave prior to Sun Life Disability paying for long term sick leave:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE and PSAC negotiate that the members only be required to use sick leave for the waiting period and not deplete their sick leave.

81) Local 608 - Resolution 2

WHEREAS an overwhelming number of members have paid insurance premiums in excess of twenty years;

WHEREAS insurance premiums are structured to be in effect for a five year span to be increased when the member/spouse moves into the next age category;

WHEREAS the current arrangement discriminates against aging PSAC members and their spouses;

WHEREAS there is existence of very competitive rates with other insurance carriers:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC investigate the premiums being charged to our members, especially the ones who are fifty years and older;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the PSAC take whatever action necessary to ensure that members are reimbursed any monies overcharged if an investigation so shows.

82) Local 404 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS the population of the Department of National Defence is getting older;

WHEREAS the Department has recognized that we are headed towards an extreme staffing problem;

WHEREAS we have a lot of members who, for a multitude of reasons, have accumulated an immense amount of job experience and ability, but have not been able to complete a university degree;

WHEREAS other government departments have recognized and accepted the Public Service Commission University Equivalency Test which can be administered interdepartmentally under the direction of the Public Service Commission:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Union of National Defence Employees at all levels, through base LMRCs and joint consultation at the highest level, campaign for a departmental initiative that would
accept this equivalency test, including it as acceptable for staffing initiatives that are now only accepting proof of university accreditation and have this equivalency test administered locally to all UNDE members who should desire to take advantage of this opportunity.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be supported as a resolution for the upcoming Public Service Alliance of Canada convention in 2009.

83) Local 407 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS the population of the Department of National Defence is getting older;

WHEREAS the Department has recognized that we are headed towards an extreme staffing problem;

WHEREAS we have a lot of members who, for a multitude of reasons, have accumulated an immense amount of job experience and ability, but have not been able to complete a university degree;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be supported as a resolution for the upcoming Public Service Alliance of Canada convention in 2009.

84) Local 526 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS some of our members affected by the Term Employment Policy complain about the employer's lack of transparency regarding the use of sunset clauses and access to documentation regarding projects that have been put on hold by the employer;

WHEREAS several of our members have filed complaints and grievances about this issue;

WHEREAS this situation created a direct and very negative impact on work relations in general;

WHEREAS some employees awaiting their case to be heard before the Federal Court were nevertheless dismissed by the employer;

WHEREAS certain complainants suffered very serious personal injury (bankruptcy, loss of home, impact on the family, etc );

WHEREAS poor use of this Policy by the employer could also create another negative impact on work relations (reverse merit) among the employees;

WHEREAS the critiques create tension between the employees and their local and national representatives:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE asks PSAC to implement a supervision committee with a mandate to ensure the legitimacy of contract granted with the sunset clause and better support the local union officers and employees regarding needs for projects subject to sunset clauses and the interpretation of certain clauses in the Policy.

85) Local 607 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS individual members do not have a direct line of communication with compensation in order to address pay issues in a more timely manner and;

WHEREAS individual financial obligations are suffering:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE place a time limit on how long the compensation group has to resolve issues presented and an open door communication line be established.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT if the resolution is accepted by UNDE delegation that it be forwarded to PSAC Convention 2009.

86) Local 905 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS the changes to Veterans’ Act has basically allowed all releasing military members from Regular Force and Reserve Force to be placed on Priority Referral List;

WHEREAS they are then offered Public Service Employee positions without being qualified for the position;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT PSAC and UNDE immediately undertake discussions with NDHQ Civilian Human Resources and make arrangements that releasing military members ONLY be offered entry level positions;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT PSAC and UNDE initiate further discussions with NDHQ Civilian Human Resources to arrange that releasing military members be tested and are qualified for the positions they are being appointed to fill.

87) Local 705 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS the existing Treasury Board Classification Standards are continuing to ghettoize the UNDE membership;

WHEREAS other PSAC Components have been successful in establishing their own classification systems such as CRA;

WHEREAS as long as the classification system with Treasury Board is broken our members’ work descriptions will never be fairly evaluated against a fair criteria:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE formulate a resolution to the PSAC Convention to make fixing the present classification system a priority for the Bargaining Agent to implement;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT PSAC must also put a bargaining demand at each Treasury Board table to force the employer to address this system once and for all;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT PSAC also put wording together for a grievance campaign for all members against the unfair application of the classification system.

88) Local 526 – Resolution 3

WHEREAS several of our members complain of the disrespect of grievance deadlines set out in collective agreements;

WHEREAS several of our members complain of the disrespect of the deadline set out in the classification grievance procedure;

WHEREAS these long delays are often attributable to the unavailability of the employer's representatives;

WHEREAS this situation causes friction between our members and their local officers;

WHEREAS this situation sometimes causes some discomfort or unease between the local officers and our UNDE officers:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE and its local officers identify the actions to take with the employer to visibly improve compliance with the deadlines set out and negotiated between the parties.

89) Local 605 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS the Department of National Defence (DND) has a shortage of offices/workspaces;

WHEREAS many DND occupied buildings require renovation or replacement, thus creating a further shortage of offices/workspaces;

WHEREAS one option to address this shortage is the sharing of offices/workspaces sometimes referred to as “hot bunking”;

WHEREAS this will affect the quality of life and the health and safety of all employees:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE takes a stand against workspace sharing (“hot bunking”) and advise DND of its opposition as the health and safety of their members come first;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT UNDE reminds our employer of the union member’s right to refuse unsafe work;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT UNDE lobby PSAC to join in opposition to workspace sharing (“hot bunking”) as the health and safety of its membership comes first.

90) Local 605 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS the Department of National Defence (DND) has a shortage of office/workspace;

WHEREAS many DND occupied buildings require renovation or replacement thus creating further shortages of workspace;

WHEREAS one option to address this shortage is the sharing of workspaces sometimes referred to as “hot bunking”;

WHEREAS this will affect the quality of life and the health and safety of all employees:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT as the health and safety of our members comes first that UNDE demands DND create and implement a scent-free policy;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this scent-free policy comes with mandatory training for all employees both military and civilian;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT UNDE advise DND that the Human Rights Commission cannot force DND to implement a policy but are willing to hear any and all complaints on this matter.

91) Local 605 – Resolution 3

WHEREAS the health and safety of UNDE members is, or should be, one of our first concerns;

WHEREAS the employer is often taking actions that do not seem to show that the health and safety of its employees is their first concern:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE demand that the DND put the health and safety of “all” of its employees first;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT UNDE demand that DND take a more active role to ensure health and safety standards are enforced and supported by Occupational Health and Safety committees as required under Canada Labour Code, Part II;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT UNDE demand that DND provide the same standard of Health and Safety, including equipment, to all employees, in all locations, as per the Canadian Human Rights Act, Part 1, Section 5 B, which states that it is prohibitive to provide two different standards of service.

92) Local 608 - Resolution 4

WHEREAS the Return to Work program has been in effect for some time now in the department;

WHEREAS some managers still have very little or no knowledge of the program and therefore do not respect nor apply it;

WHEREAS some members are running into roadblocks in having their accommodations met even after a Health Canada Assessment determines they be returned to the workplace on an adopted work schedule;

WHEREAS some members are getting lost in the system because some managers are using absence due to illness to get rid of employees who are not their favorites;

WHEREAS some managers are not educating their staff about the program thereby making it difficult for the person requiring the accommodation when coworkers are resentful:

BE IT RESOVED THAT UNDE take a stronger stand with the department on Return to Work and Duty to Accommodate.

93) Local 605 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS DND as two different programs titled Return to Work (RTW) program, one for the military and one for the civilians, with two different standards of operation;

WHEREAS many managers are not aware of the civilian RTW program, thus causing our members to fall through the cracks:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE demands the DND civilian Return to Work (RTW) program be operational to a standard equal to the military program as per the Canadian Human Rights Act, Part 1, Section 5B which states it is prohibitive to provide two different standards of service;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT DND initiate better awareness and training by providing joint training that utilizes both Departmental and UNDE member instructors that is a mandatory course for all managers;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT DND initiate action to properly address the needs of the civilian employees, which the current Return to Work program had failed to address to date.

94) Local 654 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS the Canadian Federal Government’s current policies on bilingualism in the public service exclude a vast number of people from a progressive career in the public service;

WHEREAS these policies hinder the careers of a vast number of UNDE members;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE and PSAC lobby the Federal Government to provide adequate funding and resources for fair access to second official language training for all new and current members of the public service.

95) Local 404 – Resolution 7

WHEREAS the population of the Federal Public Service is aging;

WHEREAS a large number of members will be able to retire with full pensions within the next five to ten years;

WHEREAS civilian employees now cannot retire and return to work for longer than a six-month period without a claw-back of their pension;

WHEREAS the Treasury Board has begun to investigate the possibility of amending legislation to allow federal public service members to receive up to sixty percent of their pension and work at the same time without penalty;

WHEREAS this appeals to a great number of our membership:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Union of National Defence Employees begin a political action campaign to lobby for this legislation to be amended quickly;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT UNDE support this resolution and bring it forward to the upcoming PSAC convention in 2009.

96) Local 705 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS the GS Committee’s mandate is too narrow, only allowing the committee to focus on contracting out jobs;

WHEREAS there are significant issues within the GS group that need to be addressed—such as GS FOS and GS BUS are the lowest paid members within Treasury Board, and constantly under attack for contracting out;

WHEREAS the ability for the committee to expand their mandate will better serve the constituency they represent:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the GS Committee’s mandate be expanded to include all issues affecting the GS group from a national perspective.

97) Local 910 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS the General Services committee provides a valuable service to members of UNDE;

WHEREAS its mandate from the last convention has been met:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the mandate be expanded to include all aspects of General Service work.

98) Local 637 – Resolution 5

WHEREAS the UNDE promotes the use of in house employment and not contracting out of jobs; and

WHEREAS the UNDE has some members in locations where the employment has been affected by DCC;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the UNDE provide finances for the General Labour and Trades committee to set up a fight back campaign to limit the use of Defence Construction Canada (DCC) to construction and maintenance contract administration only; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this national General Labour and Trades committee has a mandate to, but not limited to, explore all options, and make recommendations to the PSAC National Steering Committee through their elected chairperson. These options may include but not be limited to: legal, political, a national grievance campaign, or any other options that may arise; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the committee be provided the same attention and funding as the Supply Chain Project.

99) Local 910 – Resolution 3

WHEREAS the General Labour and Trades committee provides a valuable service to members of UNDE;

WHEREAS their current mandate is limited to what they can do:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT their mandate be expanded to include all aspects of General Labour and Trades work.

100) Local 910 – Resolution 9

WHEREAS the use of Defence Construction Canada contractors in our workplaces is growing out of control;

WHEREAS the funding for DCC is from the operating and maintenance budgets management controls:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT a committee be formed to develop a strategy and a plan of action to combat this form of contracting out public service work;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this be communicated to the locals and strategies be developed within the locals to fight this contracting out.

101) Local 1007 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS in the past, through various campaigns and committees, UNDE has passionately and successfully fought the Department of Natonal Defence’s attempts in contracting out our members’ work;

WHEREAS PSAC has negotiated with Treasury Board for our members to be compensated and be provided with job security through the collective agreements;

WHEREAS the Department of National Defence has been able to undermine the hiring of civilians and their compensation as per the collective agreements with an irrational policy conveniently called Salary Wage Envelope (SWE):

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE National Executive form a committee with a mandate to have the Department of National Defence remove this artificial cap they have imposed at Base levels to allow local management to use their resources to hire and compensate civilians as the work is required and not be forced to contract out this work which our members should be doing.

102) Local 101 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS the supply chain project, is once again coming up into DND's focus and requires a strong aggressive campaign to meet this head on:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE stand up a committee and funds required to organize and prepare to combat this issue once again, and put it to rest once and for all.

103) Local 910 – Resolution 10

WHEREAS the classification of members’ positions is a management responsibility;

WHEREAS members’ pay is based on ancient classification standards:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE form a classification committee with representation from all groups who will work jointly to develop new benchmarks to be given to management for consideration;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT UNDE lobby management and the PSAC to work jointly on the development of new standards that are reflective of the work the members do, and if required, hire the same company that the PEs used to get their standards rewritten.

104)Local 1016 – Resolution 7

WHEREAS the wait time for obtaining classification grievance results almost always unreasonably exceeds the prescribed time limit;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE establish an additional position of union services officer with responsibility for classification grievances; this resolution includes the consequent budgetary expenses (in accordance with the UNDE employees collective agreement).

105) Local 583 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS the grievance-related duties and responsibilities of the UNDE Union Services Officers is constantly increasing:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the President of UNDE hire an additional USO for a more equitable distribution of the workload.

106) Local 682 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS the grievance-related duties and responsibilities of the UNDE Union Services Officers is constantly increasing:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the President of UNDE hire an additional USO for a more equitable distribution of the workload.

107)Local 683 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS the grievance-related duties and responsibilities of the UNDE Union Services Officers is constantly increasing;

BE IT RESOLVED that the President of UNDE hire an additional staff member for the UNDE National Office.

108) Local 680 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS the grievance-related duties and responsibilities of the UNDE Union Services Officers is constantly increasing;

BE IT RESOLVED that the President of UNDE hire an additional USO for a more equitable distribution of the workload.

109) Local 580 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS the grievance-related duties and responsibilities of the UNDE Union Services Officers is constantly increasing:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the President of UNDE hire an additional USO for a more equitable distribution of the workload.

110) Local 681 - Resolution 4

WHEREAS the grievance-related duties and responsibilities of the UNDE Union Services Officers is constantly increasing:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the President of UNDE hire an additional USO for a more equitable distribution of the workload.

111) Local 404 – Resolution 8

WHEREAS we have a turnover of shop stewards in our Union;

WHEREAS our Union Services Officers reside in Ottawa, and the people they serve (with the exception of the USO for the NCR) do not;

WHEREAS it would benefit the membership considerably if the Shop Stewards got to meet with the USO for their area to discuss issues and concerns face-to-face;

WHEREAS it would benefit the USOs to be able to explain to the Stewards their expectations in relation to paperwork and procedure:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT every year, for at least three days, the USOs visit their area of responsibility at the VP’s request and assist the locals to better represent their members;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this time be separate and apart from any other event such as Regional Conferences, as this takes time away from the locals to meet over pressing issues.

112) Local 406 - Resolution 4

WHEREAS we have a turnover of shop stewards in our Union;

WHEREAS our Union Services Officers reside in Ottawa, and the people they serve (with the exception of the USO for the NCR) do not;

WHEREAS it would benefit the membership considerably if the Shop Stewards got to meet with the USO for their area to discuss issues and concerns face-to-face;

WHEREAS it would benefit the USOs to be able to explain to the Stewards their expectations in relation to paperwork and procedure:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT every year, for at least three days, the USOs visit their area of responsibility at the VP’s request and assist the locals to better represent their members;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this time be separate and apart from any other event such as Regional Conferences, as this takes time away from the locals to meet over pressing issues.

113) Local 807 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS currently minutes are not taken at the UNDE triennial convention;

WHEREAS this makes it more difficult for members to know what happens at a convention and for the delegate to reference to make a report:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT minutes be taken at Convention and to start this practice immediately;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, in a timely manner, minutes be distributed to the Locals and also be posted on the UNDE website.

114) Local 580 – Resolution 7

WHEREAS the UNDE National Office is not currently involved in the Alliance’s Convention.

BE IT RESOLVED that the UNDE National Office be invited to attend the Alliance’s Convention.

115) Local 910 – Resolution 14

WHEREAS the 45th anniversary of the component will occur during the year of the next UNDE convention:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the convention in 2011 include celebration activities of the component’s anniversary, not to exceed the budgeted allocation.

116 Local 404 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS for the most part, the Union of National Defence Employees is a volunteer organization;

WHEREAS many of its members contribute an enormous amount of work in support of the membership;

WHEREAS apart from the certificate of completed training, this volunteer work, while it develops in its volunteers significant transferable skills, is not formally recognized;

WHEREAS there currently is no proof of utilization of these skills to benefit the membership:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT once a year, the National Executive request from the locals, a list of local members’ accomplishments, and also use the national expense claims record as a reference, and send out certificates of appreciation recognizing the contributions made by said volunteers for activities such as, but not limited to, instructing members by facilitating learning sessions, representing grievances and appeals, acting as strike/picket captains, serving on local union executives, committees such as convention committees or local LMRC/Health and Safety or Restructuring committees.

117) Local 407 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS for the most part, the Union of National Defence Employees is a volunteer organization;

WHEREAS many of its members contribute an enormous amount of work in support of the membership;

WHEREAS apart from the certificate of completed training, this volunteer work, while it develops in its volunteers significant transferable skills, is not formally recognized;

WHEREAS there currently is no proof of utilization of these skills to benefit the membership:

118) Local 404 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS we have an aging population of members in our union;

WHEREAS many of our members have supported the union faithfully throughout their careers as faithful executive officers, members on committees, or workplace advocates;

WHEREAS there currently is no formal method of thanking the hardworking men and women upon retirement from the Public Service:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the union work on developing an awards committee that would acknowledge and reward members via the presentation of a certificate for faithfully supporting the union and its members after certain, specific milestones of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years, and upon retirement have a presentation (at local meetings) of a certificate of thank you signed by the National Executive of the day, and a union pin, specially designed for such occasions.

119 Local 407 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS we have an aging population of members in our union;

WHEREAS many of our members have supported the union faithfully throughout their careers as faithful executive officers, members on committees, or workplace advocates;

WHEREAS there currently is no formal method of thanking the hardworking men and women upon retirement from the Public Service:

120) Local 608 - Resolution 7

WHEREAS women within our union have made longstanding and significant contributions to our union as an equity group;

WHEREAS our union currently does not have in place any means to recognize exceptional contribution by sisters within the union community:

BE IT RESOLVED that the PSAC nationally create an Annual Award of Recognition for a sister in each region in recognition of their contribution to the advancement and improvement of issues affecting women. The award would include a certificate and monetary award of not less than $200 per recipient.

121) Local 802 – Resolution 5

WHEREAS UNDE locals are comprised of members from across Canada;

WHEREAS these locals belong to specific regions led by a regional vice-president:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT each calendar year one local in good standing from each region be recognized as an outstanding local;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this local be selected by their regional vice-president;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this local be recognized on the UNDE website.

122) Local 807 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS currently there are no statistics on diversity collected at the UNDE Convention:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT statistics be collected to better aid groups to get more involved in union activities and education.

123) Local 608 - Resolution 13

WHEREAS the PSAC Equal Opportunities Committee (EOC) Equity representatives for racially visible members hold key positions committed to defending and promoting the interests of racially visible members of the PSAC;

WHEREAS their activities and accomplishments are of primary importance and interest for the Racially Visible Action Committees that are in place in every region of the country;

WHEREAS the PSAC EOC Equity Representatives for Racially Visible Members should report as well to a member of the Alliance Executive Committee for purposes of managing and coordinating racially visible issues:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC establish a position for a Racially Visible Vice President (RVVP) whose duties will cover the issues and affairs that affect all racially visible members in the PSAC, including programs and strategies that may be implemented as required to address the needs and requirements that the racially visible members have raised through their respective components, regional action committees, conferences and conventions;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Racially Visible Vice President (RVVP) position be a full time position and a full member of the Alliance Executive Committee.

124) Local 608 - Resolution 12

WHEREAS the PSAC promotes the mobilization and solidarity of its membership;

WHEREAS the PSAC does not have a Racially Visible Members network:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC establish and fund a national network of racially visible members;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the PSAC Equal Opportunities Committee’s (EOC) Racially Visible male and female representatives oversee the development of the network and provide a status report at the 2011 PSAC National Racially Visible Members Conference.

125) Local 608 - Resolution 10

WHEREAS experience of discrimination in the federal public service is most commonly perceived as based on sex, age, national or ethnic origin, or race;

WHEREAS 27% of human rights complaints are associated with racial discrimination (race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion) and 73% of complaints are employment related;

WHEREAS adequate representation and fair recruitment of visible minorities in the federal public service has been recognized as a pressing issue;

WHEREAS 70% of new entrants to the labour force are immigrants, 75% of whom are racialized:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC take a more pro-active leadership role in promoting the guarantee of 1-in-5 permanent employment hires for racially visible Canadians in all sectors and levels of federal public service, agencies and separate employers;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT PSAC actively collaborate with other federal and national unions in the effective development of tools, resources and actions aimed at promoting and guaranteeing employment equity for racially visible Canadians in all sectors and levels of federal public service, agencies and separate employers;

126) Local 608 – Resolution 9

WHEREAS racially visible persons continue to be under-represented in federal government departments and agencies;

WHEREAS by 2017, at least one in five Canadians will be a member of a racially visible group;

WHEREAS the changing face of Canada’s population affects the balance of workforce proportions availabilities:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC demand from Treasury Board that the federal government instruct the Privy Council Clerk that the Embracing Change benchmark initiative of 1 in 5 new hires from the Perinbam “Embracing Change Action Plan” initiative be exclusively for racially visible persons until the employment equity representation gap for equity group “Visible Minorities” is at its workforce availability representation in all federal departments and agencies;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the PSAC demand from Treasury Board (TB) that the benchmark targeted revitalization implementation starts during the fiscal year 2008/9 and continues for however long it takes to close the workplace visible minority representation gaps;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the PSAC, demand of the Canada Public Service Agency that departmental Deputy Heads in violation of their targeted Visible Minorities (VM) 1-in-5 annual benchmark hires be held accountable, with consequences, in addition to yearly withholding of bonus performance pay, each year they are in violation of achieving the VM hiring objective retroactive to fiscal year 2006/7;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the PSAC’s demand to Treasury Board also include a reminder that, as per the Employment Equity Act (EEA), Treasury Board as the employer representative, has long contravened the EEA.

127) Local 608 - Resolution 11

WHEREAS there is a lack of understanding on the part of employers, employees and unions of the issues facing members of traditionally disadvantaged human rights groups in the work place:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC work with its Components to encourage employers to develop action plans to assist members to be more aware and proactive on human rights issues.

128) Local 608 - Resolution 3

WHEREAS the current UNDE structure for EE/HR consists of one officer/region/separate employer and one national officer;

WHEREAS this structure does not include all EE members of UNDE, yet is expected to speak to their issues;

WHEREAS to some EE members, the current structure does not adequately address their concerns;

WHEREAS many other components hold EE/HR conferences as a mechanism to understand and address their needs:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE initiate an EE/HR conference for its members at least once every 3 years prior to and separately from the UNDE Triennial Convention;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this conference be a forum for the collective voices of the EE members to use as one of the mechanisms to get their issues to UNDE.

129) Local 608 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS UNDE held its first ever health and safety conference in 2007;

WHEREAS this was a great opportunity for health and safety activists to network and learn from their brothers and sisters in other regions/locals;

WHEREAS some of the issues UNDE members face are unique due to the military component in our locals:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the UNDE Health and Safety Conference become a regular line item in the budget;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the frequency be every two years with the next one scheduled for 2009 after the PSAC Triennial Convention;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this is a national conference and that delegates be equal in status including accommodation and expenses regardless that they may reside in the area where the conference is being held.

130) Local 637 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS the UNDE ensures that the health and safety of our membership is met through Department and Union policy, direction, procedures, guidelines and regulations; and

WHEREAS Health and Safety Conferences are important for the improvement to communications and the sharing of health and safety issues;

BE IT RESOLVED that the UNDE make provisions in their finances and bylaws to hold Health and Safety Conferences on an annual basis.

131) Local 102 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS the Union of National Defence Employees has a vital interest in protecting the health and safety of its members;

WHEREAS the advances and gains made in health and safety have come in large part, from grassroots workplace activism:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Union of National Defence Employees hold on an annual basis, a National Health and Safety Conference;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT one delegate per local be fully funded by UNDE to attend the conference.

132) Local 404 – Resolution 11

WHEREAS safety is an ongoing issue within the workplace both in general safety and environmental as well as ergonomics;

WHEREAS the UNDE National Safety Committee held a Safety Conference in Ottawa;

WHEREAS it was attended by the UNDE Labour Co-chair safety representatives;

WHEREAS it was a resounding success as noted by the delegates;

WHEREAS the benefits of a more involved and informed safety committee representatives, is to the individual Locals and membership:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the UNDE national sponsor and fully fund a yearly convention to be attended by the co-chairs of the Local or alternates.

133) Local 802 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS UNDE holds triennial conventions which conduct UNDE business and election of members to various positions;

WHEREAS UNDE members without education or experience in convention preparation are at a disadvantage;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE hold convention preparation courses in every convention year;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the convention preparation courses include resolution writing sessions.

134) Local 705 – Resolution 5

WHEREAS education is a cornerstone of the union;

WHEREAS convention delegates are the deciding body of this union;

WHEREAS a convention prep course helps all those attending convention to prepare themselves for convention;

WHEREAS PSAC offers the course but seems to cancel it on a regular basis and the membres do not get the benefit from the course:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE develop a convention prep course and add it to their existing modules;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT it is offered to the membership in every UNDE region in convention year and before UNDE convention.

135) Local 526 – Resolution 5

WHEREAS the recruitment of new active union members is difficult;

WHEREAS UNDE offers training for its active union members;

WHEREAS this training is often offered on weekends;

WHEREAS this affects participation in and availability for training;

WHEREAS work/family balance is a priority for UNDE and its members:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT PSAC union training is offered during business hours from Monday to Friday and is fully funded.

136) Local 526 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS our members complain about the current job classification system;

WHEREAS our members complain about the fact that there is little to no training on everything having to do with classifications in general;

WHEREAS this situation has a direct impact on our members' remuneration;

WHEREAS our members' knowledge about this aspect of the classification system is often limited;

WHEREAS the recourse mechanism regarding the employer's final decisions is limited;

WHEREAS this situation undermines work relations;

WHEREAS the critiques create tension between the employees and their local and national representatives:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE asks PSAC to implement, in conjunction with its elements, a mechanism of adequate training enabling our members to be better trained and informed about the classification system in general (preparation of job description, recourse and Labour Relations Act).

137) Local 705 – Resolution 6

WHEREAS education is a cornerstone of the union;

WHEREAS classification review is a great concern of our membership;

WHEREAS members are always asking questions about work descriptions;

WHEREAS a proper written work description usually helps members get classified at their proper level:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE develop a work description writing course and it be added to their existing modules;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT it is offered to the membership in every UNDE local.

138) Local 910 – Resolution 5

WHEREAS Bourinot’s Rules of Order are the basis of the PSAC Rules of Order;

WHEREAS new local executives may require training on how to conduct meetings;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE prepare a training module that deals with how to conduct meetings in accordance with the rules of order;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT UNDE provide each local with a copy of the rules of order.

139) Local 910 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS the diversity of the workforce is greater today and changes in the Veterans Act have allowed for deployment of injured workers into the workforce;

WHEREAS elected union officials are having to deal with a more diverse and complicated array of problems:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT a course be developed and provided to elected union officials on how to deal with personal information, and problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

140) Local 910 – Resolution 11

WHEREAS the Privacy Act is law in Canada;

WHEREAS most locals are not familiar with its requirements for the protection of private information:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE fund professional training and audits for each local to ensure compliance with the Act.

141) Local 605 – Resolution 5

WHEREAS delegates / participants attending conferences and training should be treated equally;

WHEREAS some Components provide accommodation and full expenses for all delegates / participants even for those residing in the same location as the event while some components, i.e. UNDE do not;

WHEREAS many team building and networking activities take place after the official hours of the conferences / training;

WHEREAS the participants at these events are from across the country and not the same geographic area;

WHEREAS these events are our only opportunity to share information, teambuild and network:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE provide full and equal funding for all delegates / participants attending all UNDE conferences / training.

142) Local 802 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS UNDE website is a good communication tool;

WHEREAS many members use this website to provide them with information;

WHEREAS this website is accessible from any computer connected to the internet;

WHEREAS all members could have access through their local libraries:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE modernize this website to make it more informative, appealing and user friendly.

143) Local 502 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS it is essential that union representatives be trained to ensure adequate representation of members;

WHEREAS it is important to take into account the training capacity and the work-family-union balance of each member:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT all UNDE training modules be available on our website as an alternative training method.

144) Local 502 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS a Local must submit a financial report (including audit) to its members in order to maintain transparency;

WHEREAS members are entitled to know how their dues are spent at the national level and that this may lead to inquiries;

WHEREAS members cannot express their opinions and/or ask questions regarding our union's finances (on a national level) to representatives in their local union or at the Convention because of a lack of access to information:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the budget passed at the Convention and subsequently, the financial statements, be easily accessible to members on our union's Website.

145) Local 637 – Resolution 6

WHEREAS the UNDE uses unionized travel services; and

WHEREAS the UNDE supports and promotes using unionized services and suppliers; and

WHEREAS the UNDE purchases promotional items;

BE IT RESOLVED that the UNDE Locals where possible only purchase Canadian made promotional items where they have been manufactured in a unionized establishment.

146) Local 910 – Resolution 15

WHEREAS UNDE promotional items of clothing include all types of apparel:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE look at obtaining sweatpants to go with the t-shirts and that “UNDE” be prominently displayed going down one side of the pant leg.

147) Local 101 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS all Ad Hoc Committees for the National Executive need to be accessible and connected in order to be available to the membership;

WHEREAS all Ad Hoc Committees for the National Executive as part of their duties, are required to travel to fulfill the duties of their positions:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE provide external (from the employer) internet access for members of Ad Hoc Committees for the National Executive and that internet connectivity while in travel status for union business be included.

148) Local 101 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS the National Office may cover the cost of fax services for small locals;

WHEREAS the union must have communication access external from DND (the employer);

WHEREAS the Component has purchased computers/laptops for all its locals;

WHEREAS the internet is the acceptable means of communication in today's technology age and allows people to stay connected even when on travel; and that fax services are obsolete:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE (the component) provide internet connectivity for its locals thereby allowing communications that is secure and separate from the employer's communication systems.

149) Local 637 – Resolution 3

WHEREAS the UNDE has a Privacy and Security Assessment Policy; and

WHEREAS Locals are required to secure confidential documents; and

WHEREAS locking filing cabinets are not considered adequate security for some of those documents.

BE IT RESOLVED that UNDE purchase suitable security grade (fireproof) cabinets for all Locals requesting secure lock-up facilities.

150) Local 910 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS there is a Privacy Act in Canada;

WHEREAS union locals deal with information that could be considered confidential under the Privacy Act:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE provide each local with enough storage space, in the form of filing cabinets, that are fireproof and lockable to store personal and confidential information.

151) Local 637 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS communication is the key to any successful union; and

WHEREAS improvement in communications can be gained through new technology, video phones; and

WHEREAS cost savings of long distance charges can be realized through use of videophones.

BE IT RESOLVED that the UNDE make provisions and pay for the purchase of video phone equipment for Locals that request it; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the purchases only be made through non-pyramid organizations.

152) Local 637 – Resolution 7

WHEREAS Pictures are worth a thousand words; and

WHEREAS it is a vital tool in producing images instantaneously on Health and Safety issues/infractions; and

WHEREAS it is an instrument and communications tool that can be utilized on the picket lines and/or UNDE functions;

BE IT RESOLVED that the UNDE make provisions and pay for the purchase of a digital camera for Locals that request it; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the UNDE investigate and consider making a one-time bulk purchase, as this may result in cost savings.

153) Local 910 – Resolution 12

WHEREAS locals were permitted to procure laptop computers that were funded by UNDE;

WHEREAS the life expectancy of laptop computers is three years;

WHEREAS communication with the locals and the membership is key to effective unionism:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE upgrade or replace all existing laptop computers;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT if locals choose not to have upgraded or replacement laptops, the UNDE provide each local president with a Blackberry (or equivalent);

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT locals be responsible for all costs associated with the Blackberry unless they have less than 50 members in the local.

154) Local 704 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS at the last convention, UNDE provided financial assistance to all Locals to purchase a computer system (as required);

WHEREAS electronic communication is the way of the future;

WHEREAS the union needs to ensure that the volunteers within the local have the necessary tools to perform their duties:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE purchase a scanner for each UNDE local (as required);

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the figure of $300 per local be used as a baseline for budgeting purposes.

155) Local 704 – Resolution 4

WHEREAS UNDE Locals are encouraged to establish offices at their location;

WHEREAS UNDE Locals have limited funds available to purchase furniture to set up Local offices;

WHEREAS meetings with members take place at the local offices and as such reflect on UNDE Locals and the Union as a whole:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE provide a line item in the budget for the purchase/replacement of furniture on a yearly basis;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the amount be set at a maximum of $1,000.00 per year, all expenditures for this line item to be pre-approved by National Office.

156) Local 704 – Resolution 10

WHEREAS at the last convention, UNDE provided financial assistance to all Locals to purchase a computer system (as required);

WHEREAS electronic communication has become integral to the function of the Union as a whole;

WHEREAS the union needs to ensure that the volunteers within the local have the necessary tools to perform their duties;

WHEREAS there can be significant cost associated with the upkeep/repair of computer systems and peripherals (i.e. printers, scanners, etc.):

BE IT RESOLVED THAT upon request, UNDE provide funds for the repair/replacement of computer systems and peripherals;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this funding be provided on a case by case basis when supported by a business case, including quotes/estimates provided by the Local.

157) Local 620 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS UNDE at the Halifax Triennial Convention adopted a resolution to purchase PCs for every local;

WHEREAS technology changes all the time;

WHEREAS no funds were secured to upkeep and/or upgrade and/or replace those PCs:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE provide every local with $300 a year cumulative to upkeep and/or upgrade and/or replace those PCs.

158) Local 800 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS UNDE holds triennial conventions to conduct the business of the convention and elect officers;

WHEREAS locals are encouraged to have observers attend conventions for the purposes relevant to the union’s growth, development and the increased involvement of their members;

WHEREAS smaller locals have limited funds due to the small number of members;

WHEREAS these smaller locals have fifty members or less:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE pay the costs for one observer to attend the triennial convention for all locals with fifty members or less.

159) Local 101 – Resolution 3

WHEREAS small locals with limited financial resources struggle to meet all its financial obligations. The fee of $200 per local for the UNDE Triennial Convention is an identified financial obligation:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE not levy the fee of $200 for the triennial convention.

160) Local 807 – Resolution 3

WHEREAS there are private sector, separate employer and Treasury Board locals with a membership of less than 50;

WHEREAS these locals have very little income:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT registration fees for Convention be waived for these locals.

161) Local 802 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS UNDE holds triennial conventions which conduct UNDE business and election of members to various positions;

WHEREAS delegates are required to pay a registration fee;

WHEREAS smaller locals with limited funds are at a disadvantage and may not attend the convention due to lack of funds:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT UNDE National waive the registration fee for all delegates who come from a local with less than 50 members.

162) Local 800 – Resolution 1

WHEREAS UNDE holds triennial conventions to conduct the business of the convention and elect officers;

WHEREAS delegates to the conventions are required to pay for registration fees;

WHEREAS smaller locals have limited funds due to the small number of members;

WHEREAS these smaller locals are less than fifty members strong:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the UNDE pay the registration fees for one delegate to attend the triennial convention for all locals with fifty members or less.

163) Local 608 - Resolution 6

WHEREAS retired members of our union retain a great deal of corporate knowledge that is highly beneficial to our union and its work;

WHEREAS components and direct charter locals can benefit greatly from continued association with retired members:

BE IT RESOLVED that components pay the first year membership dues for any member wishing to join ASPAR.

164) Local 580 – Resolution 2

WHEREAS the membership card is sent directly to PSAC: