Report of the Equal Opportunity Representative
National Board of Directors Meeting
April 2010
DACC Meeting
On October 26, 2009, the Disability and Accommodation Case Management Committee (DACC) met. Lynn Lamarche and Diane Kravitz from the Uniform Clothing Program attended to discuss the issues of the personal protective vests. Key points such as weight, precise and accurate measurements, along with the requirements for the ballistic material, were discussed. The complaints were mostly for vests in the larger size range, causing cup size exaggerations and accordingly, the overall fit would be off. There is also a legal requirement for the ballistic material. The Union had lobbied for a long time for the protective equipment, so we can’t say that it is unnecessary. What we can question is how CBSA chooses to treat accommodation requests. CBSA is aware of the problems and is treating each one on an individual basis.
Another issue raised at this meeting was duty to accommodate training for Managers. The JLP is developing a duty to accommodate module and Patti Bordeleau is supportive and is starting with the anti-harassment training. She is also looking for the duty to accommodate training agency wide. Micheline Leduc indicated that selection board members must take mandatory diversity training.
EOC Meeting
I attended this meeting December 1- 3. One of the topics of discussion was Trans Members. A Transsexual is someone who has changed or is in the process of changing their biological sex so that it conforms to their gender identity. Trans issues are very complex, and as a Union, we believe in everyone’s right to dignity on the job. We believe in everyone’s right to a safe and healthy workplace. That being said, the CLC has written a practical guide for Union Representatives called “Workers in Transition”. The website to find the document is www.canadianlabour.ca. I encourage all members to read this document. The last day of this meeting, a workshop was organized and delivered by Allison Pillon and Seema Lamba, PSAC Human Rights Officers. Sisters Francine Stuart, Danielle Dubuc and Laurel Randle also attended. The focus of this workshop was Employment Equity and the legislation supporting it. An overview of Employment Equity was presented. Included was the purpose of Employment Equity, what should be included in an Employment Equity plan, and tools and strategies for Employment Equity Activists. This was a very educational workshop.
3rd Party Review
As you are aware, the third party review has been conducted. As per NO Memo 36-2009 and NO Memo 39-2009, CIU has concerns in that the CBSA did not consult with the Union during the Internal Review. Sister Randle and I attended most of the Site visits. Interviews were conducted one on one with the third party reviewer, Mr. Richard Grounds. Any Member wishing time with Mr. Grounds was afforded the opportunity, and for those that were unable to be interviewed, Richard Grounds left an email and phone number to reach him. Richard Grounds draft report was completed January 31, 2010. PSAC legal was sent a copy to review and will provide representation on the third party reviewers draft report on March 12, 2010. The third party reviewer will present his final report March 30, 2010. Further updates will be presented at the NBOD Meeting.
Category lll Medical Assessments
CBSA sent out a communiqué on November 30, 2009, reporting their plans to implement these medical assessments. Very little consultation had taken place with CIU. Brother Jason and I sent out a NO Memo on December 10, 2009 (NO-38-2009), informing the Board of Directors that CIU is actively pursuing answers to the many questions received. A follow-up NO Memo was sent January 25, 2010 (NO-02-2010) answering some of the many questions, and also giving the Unions position. Any further developments will be communicated to the NBOD and membership when they become available.
National Union/Management Committee Meeting
The meeting was to take place on November 16/09, but was suddenly cancelled on the 13th with no notice as to why the cancellation. After numerous attempts to contact the co-chair, the only answer I have received from her Office is that this meeting will be rescheduled. On January 19, 2010, I received emails from both Sister Dubuc and Sister LeBrun stating that a consultant for CBSA was conducting interviews with Members for an Employment System review that CBSA had undertaken. Unfortunately, both sisters were unable to take part in the interview. Since then, CBSA is arranging for a meeting on March 8, 2010 to brief the Union. A time will then be set aside in the coming weeks for me to be interviewed. I will report further information at the NBOD Meeting.
2010 Pride Conference
(NO-37-2009)
The PSAC National pride Conference takes place March 26-28, 2010 at the Toronto Hilton. The theme for this conference is “Equality: are we there yet”. I am pleased to report that we have 11 CIU Delegates to this Conference. I will be attending this Conference, and look forward to meeting our CIU Brothers and Sisters.
I would like to close my report by thanking the National Executive, Laurel Randle for her sound advice and guidance, the support staff at CIU and the Members that came out to meet Laurel and me on the worksite tours.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Church
CIU Equal Opportunity Representative