74th ORC - Toronto Centre Branch Activity Report
Number of Members: 596 Regular 28 Retired 2 Rands
Current Executive Members
KC Tiow Branch President
Stephen Trinh Branch Vice President
Rajan Tharmarajah Treasurer
Dave Darling Secretary
Julia Bullough Member at large
Dwayne Jhagru Member at large
Carmine Masciangelo Member at large
Arun Sharma Member at large
Ann Killorn Member at large
AGM
Previous AGM date: November 8, 2017
Next AGM date: November 2018
Executive Meetings
Last Meeting Date: March 1, 2018
Next Meeting Date: April 2018
Meetings (#) held since last Regional Council: 6
2017 Activities
GTA Service Modernization (GSM)
Our members were caught by surprise on June 28, 2017, on moving to other offices in the not too far future. Due to the uproar by members, senior management reversed their decision and decided to “consult” with the Union. Stephen Trinh spearheaded the Toronto Centre movement on the working group in September 2017. A GSM model was developed in December 2017. A local working group was created to discuss the implementation phase since January 2018. As the TCTSO has been sold, the TCTSO staff will have to move to a new building by 2021. So far we have not been told where the new location will be. Our staff are very anxious not knowing where they will have to move to. Stephen Trinh will be the lead on hardship cases with Toronto Centre members.
Strong rumors that the Yonge & St. Clair government building will be the new location. It will take about 1.5 hours to travel by TTC to this new location each day. Many of our members have young children attending daycares, elderly parents to care for, etc… in addition to their daily work. We will file hardship and accommodation grievances to fight for many of our affected members. This will take away their family work-life balance. For some members, they may have to quit their jobs due to long commutes and incur extra TTC expenses.
Staffing
Limited staffing after June 28, 2017 announcement of GSM (GTA Service Modernization). Most staffing that is permanent placement is on hold after management set up a working group with the Union.
Bargaining Update
Despite a favourable AFS vote on the ratification package on December 20, 2017, members expressed that 7.75% increase over 4 years is way below the cost of living. The increase in Toronto Centre is over 7%, especially with general cost of living increase in Toronto. We have yet to receive a definite date of payout from management.
EXPO
This is a regional external pool which means there is no formal recourse available. There were some agreements made by the Union and Management where the Union preferred internal candidates to be selected. External candidates are given a job offer almost immediately. We will continue to monitor and question the basis of selection which contravened the agreement, including Employment Equity (EE). The pool may expire in 2018 and we are working hard for an extension for people in the pool.
Sale of 1 Front Street Building
Since the news in early 2017 about selling the building, Toronto Centre members were stressed out as it will affect their family life, work-life balance and promotions. The sudden announcement of the move without consultation with the Union has caused an uproar. Most members travelling by GO train are concerned that they may incur additional costs and time when we move to another building.
Rands
There are only 2 Rands out of 600 members; however; we will endeavour to get 100% membership.
Mental Health
Mental Health Standards 2013 Voluntary – implement 6 of the 13 standards. The renovations of cubicle size to Workstation 2.0 is a concern and complaints of insufficient desks are increasing. Health complaints are becoming an issue in an aging workforce.
Resolutions to the Regional Council
None
Submitted by: KC Tiow
Branch President