Minutes - Anti-Privatization Committee

Posted June 29, 2010 in Anti-Privatization Committee

HELD JUNE 28 & 29, 2010 AT SOLIDARITY PLACE, EDMONTON

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. with Karen Weiers in the Chair.

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Present:
Karen Weiers, Chair – Local 095 – Airdrie
Gail Iler – Local 006 – Calgary
Tim Jackson, Vice chair – Local 003 – Calgary
Julie Jacques – Local 047 – Spruce Grove
Marilyn Jones , Secretary – Local 041 – Medicine Hat
Bruce Macdonald – Local 046 – St. Albert

Staff Advisor:
Desiree Schell

Guests:
Guy Smith – President
Vanessa Bjerreskov – Staff
Bill Dechant – Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Leslie Davies – Staff
Tom Fuller – Staff

Absent: With regrets
Chris Christianson – Local 012 – Edmonton
Brian Cook – Local 012 – Coaldale
Nancy Rakowski – Local 054 – Edmonton
Bruce Macdonald – June 29th – Day two

STATEMENT OF EQUALITY – Acknowledged by Committee

ADOPTION OF AGENDA (1) MOTION: To adopt the Agenda. Properly moved and seconded. CARRIED

ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
(2) MOTION: To adopt the minutes of May 3 & 4th, 2010 Spelling errors were adjusted Properly moved and seconded. CARRIED

CORRESPONDENCE

Incoming:

1. Resignation of Darcy Dafoe, due to relocation. His work and commitment to this committee were greatly appreciated and he will be missed. We wish him the best of luck in his new in devours.
2. Appointment of new committee member, Gail Iler from Local 006 (Calgary). She had submitted her name to the President, and we are fortunate to have her as our new committee member.
3. List of Sub Committee members received from Locals 057, 002 & 048. This information is truly appreciated and we as a committee look forward to working with each new Sub Committee member.
4. Received a request from Local 118 to attend meeting. Members of the Standing Committee were able to comply. Report of meeting submitted under reports.
5. Notified via a letter that Alberta Health Services and Extendicare in Lethbridge are downsizing and relocating. This issue is addressed under local issues.
6. Agecare is contracting out – will address under local issues.
7. Correspondance received from a local 5 member, who reported that he is not a contact person for the anti-privatization sub-committee. Karen responded to the email explaining the communication system is still being set up and he as well as Sub Committee members will continue to receive emails until all Locals have identified a Chair of their committee. It was also mentioned that if he did want his name removed that it would be accommodated. No response to have name removed was received.
8. Local 095 sent in their anti-privatization sub-committee meeting minutes. They have been filed. Thank You to Local 095. A reminder will be sent in the next communication that all locals submit the minutes of their sub-committee meetings.

Outgoing:

1. Note sent to Executive Committee re: Communication
   1. This committee has agreed to inform and update the Executive Committee with a bullet form summary after each Standing Committee Meeting. The purpose of this is to increase awareness and responsibility and allow us to work together as issues arise.
2. Rally (Healthcare) update to Sub Committee Members – Karen sent email to all Sub Committee members regarding dates of rallies and requesting attendance if possible.
3. Note to chair of Local 043 – Karen had the opportunity to speak with Local 43 Chair was able to update her on the status of the funding on pamphlets. This Local has had their PERM completed for quite some time and was looking at what step they could commence next. It was suggested that Sub Committee initiate educating their members with respect to privatization and the outcomes and effects at a Local level. Karen had forwarded pamphlets and posters that had been initiated by another Local for reference.
4. Local 095 shared with the committee a copy of their completed PERM. It was suggested that this be shared as a guideline with all Sub-Committees. They had also provided a pamphlet that will be given to all members attending their annual BBQ’s regarding privatization as well as a contact poster if anyone hears threats of privatization.
5. Rally information regarding Nursing Homes in Red Deer update was sent to all Sub Committee members informing and asking them to attend if possible. This event was well attended. Desiree informed committee that there will be more events regarding this issue.
6. Request sent to Local 049 for email addresses for sub-committee members in which they did respond. A request was also made for Standing Committee to attend their next council meeting on Sept 20th, 2010. Committee members Bruce and Julie to attend.

REPORTS

1. PE
   1. The Provincial Executive acknowledged the Standing Anti-Privatization Committee for all the work they have achieved, thus far and for submitting reports on the PIA Conference they attended. Reminder that all conferences should be followed up with a summary report, to share with members.
   2. Course(s) on researching
      1. There was some talk about possibly having a research course available to members in the future. What to look for, a cheat sheet, accessible language, the steps to take – check list, teaching people how to research. After discussion with the President, we were informed that this is being looked at by the Parkland Institute and AUPE.
   3. Request for a meeting summary, in bullet form after each Committee meeting and this will be sent to all VP’s. It was discussed by committee and Marilyn will bullet form details of the meetings and send to AUPE Executive.
2. Local visits
   1. Local 118 were met by Julie and Karen, this local is a very diverse local. After discussing the importance of having Sub Committee, it was suggested that perhaps information could be gathered on a Chapter basis, then if intent on having a Sub Committee, that committee could compile all information gathered. Local did appear to be receptive to the idea of forming a Sub Committee.
   2. Local 052 were set to have a meeting, but it was cancelled. Tim and Karen are looking forward to attending the next date once it is announced.
3. Local Rallies
   1. Representatives of the Standing Committee attended the following information pickets; Westlock May 17th, Westview May 18th, Fort Saskatchewan May 18th , Wetaskiwin May 19th, Calgary’s Peter Lougheed May 20th , Red Deer Nursing Home June 8th and Red Deer Valley Park Manor on June 24th .

(3) MOTION: That the Anti-privatization committee purchase 12 pinnies for members of the committee with the anti-privatization logo on the back, on the front the AUPE logo and “the Anti-privatization Committee Supports this action”, the main color of the pinnies to be black. CARRIED

(4) MOTION: That the Anti-privatization committee purchase 1 copy of the book Written by John Loxley “Public Service Private Profits, the Political Economy of Public-Private Partnerships in Canada”. CARRIED
OLD BUSINESS

1. AUMA
   1. Marilyn is awaiting a response from AUMA contact.
   2. PE approved Associate Membership ($625) to AUMA and Marilyn will mention this to the contact in hopes to getting access to breakout sessions.
   3. Marilyn to update at next meeting.
2. Privatization Campaign
   1. Update – the ads began airing on Alberta TV stations and news websites on June 21, 2010. Public employees “protect, support and help ensure a quality of life” Keep your eyes open for these. They were put together very well. Committee was able to view by going on the AUPE website and clicking “AUPE’s You Tube Channel”.
3. Cost sharing motion to PE (Bill Dechant)
   1. At PE the motion regarding cost sharing (printed Material) was referred back to the Standing Anti-Privatization Committee. There was a lot of discussion about costs and why does it have to go through the anti-privatization committee, as we have no authority to approve or disapprove, also action has to be done in a timely manner.
   2. Upon discussion with Bill Dechant, the committee felt there are two separate issues in the previously presented motion, 1) print materials 2) mount some sort of action, against privatization. It was discussed that the issue of the Committee was to enable Locals to initiate education to their members that can be individualized at a shared cost. The Committee felt that mounting some sort of action – depending on the size of the action, would require the approval of the Executive. The Committee will continue to quest on the initial intent to ask for approval for cost sharing on printed material which would be consistent and equal for all Locals. (5) MOTION: To accept new Policy 5-39 Anti-Privatization Cost Sharing: When components desire to print material against privatization through headquarters. Headquarters will assist them on a 50/50 cost sharing basis. These undertakings must be approved by the Executive Committee. The Anti-Privatization Committee requests to be informed of all undertakings by components. CARRIED
4. Direct Impact
   1. It has come to the attention of the Committee Chair through the staff advisor that an email had been sent out to the Staff Advisors for urgent suggestions for the upcoming edition of Direct Impact. The email mentioned that Vice Presidents chairing committees, had been sent a notice some time back requesting story suggestions for the next edition of Direct Impact. As Karen is not a Vice President she was not notified of the request. Once notified, a submission was put in regarding the privatization aspect of the Public Image Campaign. The President was asked if Karen could be included on any such future emails regarding the same matter. Desiree was directed by the President to follow up with David Climenhaga. The Direct Impact will be mailed out shortly; currently in print.
5. Pamphlet Icon – Vanessa (Webmaster)
   1. The anti-privatization committee has become aware of some of the work locals have developed. It was discussed with Vanessa Bjerreskov (AUPE Webmaster) the committee would like to increase and utilize what already has been developed and extend templates that could be utilized by other Locals to build pamphlets and or postcards. Having an icon and a link was discussed for quicker access. Locals would not be able to change the pamphlets, but could view create and personalize. It is possible to make templates and they would be in pdf format. There would be fields that could be customizable and then a quantity could be ordered, but only if the fields were filled in and completed. A designated website address and permanent link, could also be added at the bottom on the web page. We were advised that it would be possible.
   2. Goal: Needs to be computer accessible (and easy) for all; to increase awareness and educate our members and the public.
   3. The president was asked about how to go about getting approval for the website. He’s agreed to talk to Vanessa and provide approval and direct her as David is currently away. The direction was instead of a template have specific questions that need to be answered and that way the locals are not writing the script rather just providing AUPE staff with the necessary content. Only after all the blanks were completed would it go to printing.
6. FOIP cheat sheet request
   1. A letter was sent to the president requesting that an educational cheat sheet be developed to help members understand the process, when requesting a FOIP issue. The president reported that a cheat sheet is being worked on and hopefully available for the seminar, in September.
   2. Tom Fuller spoke and provided the committee members with the following related to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy:
      1. How Do I Make a FOIP Request?
      2. FOIP – Request to Access Information
      3. FOIP – Request for Review
      4. An example letter re: Information request
      5. A User’s Guide to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
   3. Tom also showed us an example of a returned FOIP request.
7. Convention Table
   1. We are on the list for a table at Convention. The Exhibit room will be in Salon 4 on the Meeting Room Level at the Shaw Conference Centre.
      1. The room will be open for business anytime after 7:30 am on Oct 14th and will close each day at approximately 5:00 pm.
      2. There will be power outlets so will need to take power cords/bars.
      3. There is a fee for the internet @ $125.00 for the first day and $50.00 for each additional day.
      4. Marilyn will confirm details about the middle of September.
   2. Table Contents
      1. TV (showing new ads), Tool kits, Business Cards, Anti-privatization banner, Contractors lists, entry forms (to include contact information), postcards (all sectors). Liaisons list (poster board size), Why do you need an anti-privatization sub-committee, draw box, pamphlets, anything that’s been published from locals, i.e: local 001,095,054 (things that can be used as a training guide), blank contact sheets.
   3. Door Prize
      1. Ideas still on the floor, awaiting prices. Bill Dechant was asked how much is normally spent on such door prizes.
8. Local Joint Sub Committee Seminar
   1. Seminar tentative outline
      1. Seminar Registration
      2. Introduction – Karen Weiers
      3. Committee
      4. Goals
      5. Round table introductions regarding locals
      6. Speaker – Shannon Phillips
         1. What is Privatization?
         2. P3’s
         3. Early Warning Signs
      7. Speaker – Karen Weiers
         1. PERM
         2. Work Sheets to do
         3. Report back
      8. Speaker – Ricardo Acuna (tentative)
         1. Research – Stories
         2. What worked, what didn’t work
         3. FOIP
         4. Cheat Sheet
      9. Speaker – Desiree
         1. Mobilization Video
         2. Direct Action Scenario’s/activity
      10. Speaker – Julie Jacques
          1. Fan Out Lists
          2. Task Sheet
      11. Networking
      12. Q & A
      13. Closure
      14. President Guy Smith
      15. Encouragement
   2. Possibly to be held at the Fantasyland Hotel
   3. Registration on the 23rd the night before at the hotel
   4. Early registration 7-9 pm
   5. Organized breakfast from 7:00-8:30am
   6. Late registration 24th 8:00 – 8:30
   7. Program to begin at 8:30am
   8. July 15th to the end of Aug Leslie away
   9. Applications out by July 9, to the chairs by Aug 9 and to headquarters by Aug 23
   10. Door Prizes
       1. Committee member Tim to work on pricing or a donation of an ipad.
   11. Speaker Gifts
       1. Gift certificates/cards (Leslie–as it is easier for expenses)
   12. Meals/Coffee to be ordered by Staff Leslie
   13. Participant Tokens
       1. Registrants would receive seminar information in the AUPE Red bags with pens and lanyards included. Further discussion on tokens to be tabled until cost approval by Bill Dechant.
   14. Mail Out list
       1. Karen to forward the mailing list to Leslie (the Chairs of the locals and all sub-committee members)
   15. Anti-Privatization Program Booklet
       1. Revisions needs to be at the Mail Room September 8th
9. Pamphlets/Brochure
   1. Ideas for next education tool postcards per sector on one side bullets regarding privatization on the other side contractors. Staff member Desiree to develop.
   2. Toolkits to order 500 for convention and have for our meetings.
10. Facilitators Guide
    1. When Attending Local Meetings on Behalf of the Standing Anti-Privatization Committee.
    2. Prior to Meeting:
       1. Research the local.
       2. Find out what duties they perform.
       3. How many sit on their local?
       4. How active are they?
       5. Do they have a sub-committee up and running?
       6. Who is the chair?
       7. Obtain enough tool kits, brochures, the “mouse trap” handout and the PERM cheat sheet to hand out to all.
       8. Print out a local 095 PERM model (as it is a great resource) to show them how to begin theirs.
    3. Meeting:
       1. Introduce yourself(s) and hand out information.
       2. Discuss and review the reasons for having an Anti-privatization committee
       3. Discuss and review the duties of the Standing Committee
       4. Discuss and review the duties of the sub-committee
       5. Discuss and refer to the PERM cheat sheet (handout)
       6. Let them know it is available on the website
       7. Discuss liaison sheet and access to standing committee (in the Tool Kit)
       8. All standing committee members listed on brochure and on the website
       9. Talk about how we are working on having an icon on the website that locals can use to access templates of posters, post cards ect. They can use these for educating members and the public. Let them know that it may be a fill in the blanks (info) and the AUPE will do the write ups after all information fields filled in.
    4. Close:
       1. Ask if they have any concerns and discuss their issues and formulate plan as to how we can help each other.
       2. Be open to any questions they may have, ie: regarding contracting out, privatization, costs ect.
11. Local Issues
    1. Local 004 – St Albert Provincial Building and the Stony Plain building has been privatized (building maintenance). Committee member Brian was going to contact Local to find out what sort of action plan they have in place or is there something the Standing Committee can do to help. Brian was not able to attend this meeting for an update.
    2. Local 006 – FOIPA/KAP newsletter – Discussion held regarding FOIPA. Committee does not have the authority to initiate FOIPA requests. A FOIPA request must go through the President. He will then give direction to the staff. The Committee’s role would be to direct Locals. Gail provided the committee with a KAP (Kinship Adoption Program) newsletter which appears to be produced quarterly.
    3. Local 009 – Concern about the closing of 5 houses. Not really a privatization issue. No one (in Local) could find any policy regarding the “no admittance policy”. An email was received regarding the action being a past practice. It was requested that committee be informed as to where the residences that are being closed are being moved to or combined with. The staffs in these homes are being relocated to other homed. It could still be a privatization issue if we can somehow confirm that clients that would have normally come to these homes are being sent to privatized companies/residences.
    4. Local 038 – NAIT Still the issue of jobs being lost, not necessarily immediately but down the road. A fan out list or a PERM update would be very beneficial. Every program will be evaluated and reviewed for potential cuts. Members of this committee have verbalized support hoping that they take us up on the offer.
    5. Local 048 – AgeCare contracting out services in Valley View Medicine Hat and Columbia Assisted Living in Lethbridge. They are contracting out the services of the Head Cook, Cooks Dietary Aides, Head Housekeeper and Housekeepers. We need to find out what the members are willing to do. Meet with those members along with Glenn Scott and show our willingness to support the community, patients and workers. Not much input from Local 048 at this point. We can do some political action stuff. We need to address what the Local and community is willing to do. Committee member Marilyn will connect with members of Local 048 in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.
       1. An email was sent by VP Sandy Kyle regarding Extendicare/long term beds. In preparation for the fall opening of the new Extendicare Supportive Living facility in the south lethbridge, Extendicare’s north location is downsizing, reducing from 96 clients to 62 by Sept 01, 2010. Some question about reassessment of clients. After discussion between the staff advisor and the MSO involved this is not a privatization issue rather a moving of clients/downsizing issue.
    6. Local 054 – Nancy unable to attend meeting further discussion tabled at this time.
    7. Local 056 – Bruce reported that they had an awesome turnout to their rally. Great fan out work was done.
    8. Local 095 – Reviewed some of the work their local sub-committee has been doing; PERM, pamphlets and postcards. Their sub-committee meets every 6 weeks, generally. It was reported that the Local is very supportive of their sub-committee’s work.
    9. Healthcare GSS – article from BC “Home cooking making a comeback at local extended care facilities.” This article was sent out to PE members by PE member, lynne. It indicates how BC they was using the 21 day menu but found it to be costly and an enormous amount of food was wasted. It was stated at PE that this document was sent to various members of AHS including Dr. Duckett.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Upcoming Rallies
   1. Possible action upcoming in Red Deer no dates as yet.
2. Mobilization video (produced 2010)
   1. Committee members viewed video. The video was very informative and focused on four major ideas.
      1. Apathy – Look at the membership, on an emotional level, it can affect all of us. Encourage pro-activity vs. reactivity.
      2. Issues – The issues allow us to have a voice common across all sectors and all communities. The issue(s) become relevant to each member once we talk about them thereby increasing awareness.
      3. Mobilize – Once we have the issues/awareness we need to develop solution(s), whereby creating an infrastructure to increase strength and solidarity. Reaching out to members from understanding to doing something.
      4. Crisis – The goal is to acquire strength before there is a crisis.
   2. The video was produced specifically for the Health Care Sector Conference and will be modified to include all sectors of the union.
3. Privatization video – revisit/update – DVD “Keep It Public” We have received a number of comments which are suggesting that this video be updated. To be tabled for our next meeting.
4. Resolutions

2-1
WHEREAS privatization and contracting has occurred and continues to occur to all members of AUPE; and

WHEREAS it is the Anti-Privatization Standing Committee’s intent to educate and mobilize members.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that AUPE maintains statistics on the number of members and jobs lost to privatization.

2-2
WHEREAS AUPE has initiated a public relations campaign to inform the public about the importance of services provided by Provincial employees, and

WHEREAS public service jobs continue to be lost due to privatization of services; and

WHEREAS AUPE needs to continue to raise awareness to the social and economic effects of privatization.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that AUPE budget One (1) million dollars to continue the Public Awareness Campaign and the effects of privatization to Albertans.

The Committee will revisit these resolutions at the next meeting.

1. Letter (attached – revised) written to Chairs and All sub-committee members informing them about the upcoming seminar and the new sub-committee member and we also forwarded an article from the Vue Weekly newspaper dated April 29th – May 05, 2010 titled “Awakening the Labour Giant”, an article written by Ricardo Acuna.

MEETING DATE

The next Anti-Privatization Committee meeting will be held on July 26th & 27th 2010, commencing at 9:00 a.m. in the Banff Room, Solidarity Place Edmonton.

ADJOURNMENT

(6) MOTION: To adjourn. Properly moved and seconded. CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted
Chair, Karen Weiers
Distribution: Anti-Privatization Committee Provincial Executive