AV - President Ray Paquette’s Report to 2018 AGM

Outreach Program:

At the 2017 AGM, the AV Executive proposed a budget that would allow the executive once again to reach out to our members in their work areas and in their sub groups. We asked the delegates to approve a rather substantial amount of money for an outreach program which would include regional representative attending with the president and vice president where and when possible. It turned out Bargaining and sub groups became the main topics. We took that money and approved our visits to sub groups in the NCR, Montreal, Winnipeg, Toronto, Sudbury, St Johns, Moncton, Fredericton and Whitehorse and to speak with our members in several areas of the National Capital region. We approved monies for several of our sub groups to hold information sessions on various topics. I personally did over 45 such lunch and learn sessions in the NCR and across Canada. I was invited to attend the BC/Yukon steward’s council in Vancouver BC to speak on Bargaining and Mobilization with our stewards. Our outreach program is working and because of this we now have new Sub Groups in Fredericton New Brunswick and St. John’s Newfoundland, Moncton New Brunswick, Toronto Ontario. We are now planning for sub groups in other regions to ensure we meet the needs of all our members.

Leave for Victims of Domestic Violence:

The AV group brought the idea to PIPSC in 2014 and we are happy to report that an MOA was signed to negotiate provisions for the next collective agreement and we have begun negotiations with the employer.  I am a part of a great team of 10 members of PIPSC as we spend up to the next few months in bargaining sessions. The clauses negotiated will become part of Employee Wellness Support Program.  You can review the MOA in our collective agreement.

EWSP:

The Employee Wellness Support Program is now being negotiated by PIPSC and the employer.  I am representing the AV group as part of a team of representatives from various groups.  The EWSP will replace (if ratified) the current sick leave provisions we now have.  You can check the MOA in our collective agreement for details as to what we will be negotiating.

Where do we go from here?

PIPSC is still looking at more cost saving measure, therefore we to must look to change the way we do business with our membership.

We will continue to try and get some closure on the Phoenix problem.

We have be preparing since March 2018 for the next round of bargaining which will include selection of the new bargaining team and sending a survey to our members requesting suggestion for our proposal to Treasury Board.  We will need to be more involved with our members in communications.

The Bargaining team and the AV National Executive will continue to support our members wherever and whenever needed.

In Closing:

I would like to thank all of our AV Stewards for the great work they do on behalf of our members.

I would also like to thank PIPSC for awarding me the PIPSC Life Membership Award at this year’s AGM.  It is a great honour and I am humbled by the compliments I’ve received from PIPSC members. I would especially like to thank our AV National Executive for their great work and for their commitment to our members. 

Yours in Solidarity

Ray J. Paquette

AV Group National President