Report of the CIU Standing Equal Opportunities Committee
National Board of Directors Meeting
September 2010

Johnstone Decision

The Committee discussed the CHRT decision on family status. Since the decision, the Committee is aware that a number of members have come forward seeking representation on working conditions relating to their accommodation requests. Members of the Committee have noticed a pulling back from management on their hard line stance of accommodating members. Each case is to be looked at on an individual basis.

Vests

There is still an issue of ill-fitting vests. Members who are seeking guidance should request an accommodation. There will be a requirement to provide the employer with medical information to assist in providing the accommodation. They should involve their local union reps and if there is a problem, then the Board should refer them to EO rep.


Human Rights

The Committee discussed the filing of a human rights complaint and the importance of the one -year deadline in filing the complaint. The number of complaints that CHRC is receiving against CBSA is also increasing. The purpose of the CHR Act is to ensure equality and freedom from discrimination. The ten prohibited grounds of discrimination are based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted. CBSA is falling short of protecting its members, and we as a Union need to be well educated to protect our members’ rights. The number of members seeking advice has increased dramatically in the last year. It should also be noted that the CHRC is now in the process of auditing CBSA. On October 14, the Chair of this Committee will take part in a one on one interview with the CHRC. Board members with examples of concerns they want brought forward, please contact the chair. A memo will be sent out to the Board after this interview.

Recommendation

That there be a half day of training on Duty to Accommodate scheduled during the April 2011 national Board of Directors Meeting.

Rationale

This is a growing area of concern, and Board Members will be better able to represent the members.

JLP

One of the best resources we have and should utilize is the JLP Program. JLP offers workshops dealing with respecting differences, anti-harassment and anti-discrimination. These workshops provide information to our members to deal with sensitive issues and to make us all aware of the need to respect one another. This Committee strongly encourages this Board to request these workshops in your region. Knowledge is a powerful tool.

Employment Equity Workforce Analysis

In July, CBSA came out with their Employment Equity Workforce Analysis. Needless to say, there are gaps for Women, Aboriginals and Members of Visible Minorities across all Regions of Canada. It goes without saying, that along with CBSA’s Strategic Review taking place, the gaps will only increase. The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights in June made recommendations to the Federal Government to achieve employment equity goals. Some of the initiatives recommended were to update employment equity policies and to develop staffing strategies that include plans to address gaps in employment equity representation. Any Board of Director, who would like a copy of the report, please let the Chair of the EO Committee know.

The Committee thanks Laurel Randle for her continuing support.

                                                                                                          
This report is respectfully submitted,

Karen Church
Chair