NCR REGIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE - September 14, 2007

UNDE EVP attended the subject conference as an observer. There were 70 delegates, 13 of whom were UNDE Sisters, and one observer. Of the 14 resolutions submitted, six (6) were submitted by UNDE Local 608.

Address by Sister Robyn Benson, PSAC REVP Prairies & AEC Officer responsible for the National Women’s Program

Sister Robyn addressed the delegates on the PSAC priorities. Sister Robyn shared some statistics:

• 54% of the public service are wormen, yet women represent only 38% of the “bosses”
• 60% of the PSAC membership are women
• Women represent 28% of the seats in the House of Commons

Sister Robyn went on to speak about the challenges facing the Sisters in the Federal Public Service and the cuts that the Conservative Government has made to programs that contribute to the advancement of women’s equlity issues. She identified our affiliations to address a national childcare program, national pay equity legislation, and violence against women (other affiliations were identified in resolutions and discussions):

- National Association of Women & The Law

http://www.nawl.ca/

- Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada

http://www.childcareadvocacy.ca/

- Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement Of Women

http://www.criaw-icref.ca/

- Feminist Alliance for International Action

http://www.connexions.org/Groups/Subscribers/cxg16920.htm

- Disability Advocate Women’s Network (DAWN) (only located a link in Ontario)

http://www.independentliving.org/donet/225_dawn_ontario_disabled_womens_network_ontario.html

Sister Robyn encouraged the delegates to work with the the various organizations to achieve positive change.

Sister Robyn also stated that Component EOC representatives have been asked to provide information specific to their respective department’s employment equity initiatives and actions. Many delegates voiced frustration in not knowing who our EE members are and where they are located. It was suggested that PSAC add a self-identification section on the membership application card. It was also suggested that PSAC conduct their own survey.

Workshop on Rules of Order. In preparation for the afternoon’s debate on resolutions, delegates took part in a plenary workshop “Demystifying the Rules of Order”. It was an excellent refresher and very educational for the new delegates.

Address by the PSAC NEVP, Sister Patty Ducharme. Sister Patty addressed the delegates on the issues facing workers and the current challenges of the PSAC – the defeat of Bill C-257 Anti-Scab Legislation, the sell off of the government buildings, the privatization of public services and, the recent announcement about the privatization of federal laboratories. Sister Patty encouraged the delegates to lobby their respective members of parliament on the various issues.

Resolutions. Sisters Zelma Buckley and Gloria Kelly were members of the Resolutions Committee. The Sisters from the NCR are seeking support of their concurrence resolutions at the National Women’s Conference in November.

Resolution 1 – UNDE Local 608

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.

Concurrence Carried Unanimously

Resolution 2 – UNDE Local 608

BE IT RESOLVED that PSAC fully fund Federation of Labour conference organizers, facilitators and co-chairs when they are there representing the PSAC.

Concurrence Carried Unanimously

Resolution 3 – UNDE Local 608

BE IT RESOLVED that when a Component takes action against a member that includes suspension from office for a period of time that PSAC regionally and nationally recognize and honour that suspension from office.

Ruled out of order

Resolution 4 – UNDE Local 608

Resolution was divided:

BE IT RESOLVED that Components pay the first year membership dues for their members and (1st Be it resolved was ruled out of order)

BE IT RESOLVED that PSAC pay the first year membership dues for members of Directly Chartered Locals wishing to join APSAR. (2nd Be it resolved was defeated)

Resolution 5 – UNDE Local 608

BE IT RESOLVED that the PSAC nationally create an Annual Award of Recognition for a sister in each region in recognition of 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.

Concurrence Carried

Resolution 6 – UNDE Local 608

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

Concurrence Carried

Resolution 7

BE IT RESOLVED THAT PSAC lobby Federal and Provincial governments to support the Canadian Health Coalition Campaign to fully fund home support, community support, and in home community support programs for elder care.

Concurrence Carried

Resolution 8

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC put out an article to all members explaining their rights under the Privacy Act that is all encompassing and includes an explanation of a person’s rights under this act; and

Non-Concurrence Carried

BE IT RESOLVED THAT PSAC develop a training module on our members’ rights under the Privacy Act.

Concurrence Carried

Following the NCR Women’s Conference, it was identified that a similar resolution (General Resolution 80) had been passed in 2006 by the NBoD as remaining business from the PSAC Triennial Convention.

Resolution 9

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC establish a national network of Racially Visible members from coast to coast to coast;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the National Network of Racially Visible members be structured and funded in the same way as the NAIM.

Concurrence Carried

Resolution 10

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

Ruled out of order

Resolution 11A combined Resolutions 11 and 12

BE IT RESOLVED THAT PSAC establish a Policy in the Constitution to officially recognize the "Outstanding Leadership Award" for members of all Components whose actions have demonstrated leadership, pioneering spirit, social commitment and perseverance in Union activities;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT each Local presents to the PSAC Awards Committee a list of Members nominated for the award;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a Ceremony be organized by the PSAC to present the awards at Conferences, Component and/or PSAC Conventions.

Concurrence Carried

Resolutions 13 & 14

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the work of a volunteer Member in the PSAC should be formally acknowledged and rewarded because it requires significant personal and professional sacrifices;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC gives a "Volunteer Service Award" to its volunteer members for their work and sacrifices on behalf of their Local, Component and the PSAC for 10, 15 and 20 years of cumulative volunteer service - consecutive as well as non-consecutive service. Volunteer members shall be awarded:

• (10 years) A lapel pin;
• (15 years) And a certificate of recognition;
• (20 years) And a certificate of recognition, a piece of jewelry comparable to the Employer Recognition Award for services in the Public Service.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT PSAC should formally acknowledge and reward the Union work of Union leaders and volunteer Members and forms a Volunteer Recognition Committee to administer the "Volunteer Service Award";

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC collects $0.01 per member per month to establish the "Volunteer Service Award", which complements the Employer's long service award. This collection is in addition to existing dues levels.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC establish a Policy in the by-law to officially recognize the "Volunteer Service Award" to formally acknowledge and reward volunteer work for the Union.

Ruled out of order because the PSAC currently has various recognition awards.

Emergency Resolution 2 - Bouchard-Taylor Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the PSAC mount an education campaign about the right to accommodations as they relate to equity and access to equality.

IL EST RÉSOLU QUE l’AFPC monte une campagne de formation sur le sujet des accommodements et de leur lien avec l’équité et l’accès à l’égalité.

Concurrence Carried

Emergency Resolution 3 - Support for national women’s organizations

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC step up the campaign to support women’s equality by providing direction, adequate funding and resources for regional mobilization campaigns to lobby government and educate the public on the importance of providing sustainable funding to women’s organizations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the PSAC provide direct support to national women’s organizations at risk by way of direct funding and in-kind resources.

Concurrence Carried

In closing, this was my first attendance at a Women’s Conference. I found it to be very interactive and informative. Many thanks to the Sisters for their warm welcome and the opportunity to participate.

In solidarity,

Submitted electronically,

Mary Chamberlain
UNDE Executive Vice President