May-June 2010

As you can see from this newsletter, the last few weeks were packed with meetings, negotiations and union activities.

A collective agreement was ratified for Yukon government employees; Yukon College workers will vote on a tentative agreement on August 28; and Dawson City municipal workers have entered into negotiations with the town.

The agreement with the Yukon government took effect on May 17 (the date of ratification by the members). The government has advised us that retroactive payments from January 1 will appear on the last paycheque in June. We expect proofing of the printed agreement to be completed in August, and copies will then be distributed to all members employed by the Yukon government. It will also be posted on the union website.

For members who could not attend the ratification meetings, the full YTG ratification package is still posted online. It details the changes negotiated and the gains achieved.

Passages

We recently marked the passing of two YEU activists: Wendy Trapp and Lucy Jackson. We were pleased to have the opportunity to contibute to the new Reprise Scholarship in Wendy’s name, and to honour Lucy with the dedication of the Lucy Jackson Training Room here in the union hall.

Although each year inevitably brings some losses among our members, we also see the continued development of new activists. Amanda Brown, whose trip to Bolivia is presented in this newsletter is a case in point.

April 2010

Over the next two weeks YEU will complete the ratification process for the tentative agreement reached with the Yukon government. I’m optimistic that our members will vote for approval, and thereby establish a new collective agreement.

The vote on ratification completes a year-long process affecting YEU’s largest group of members. I am proud of the work our various teams put into this process, and I’m thankful for their commitment.

I believe that the tentative agreement represents another significant step in the advancement of our members’ agenda. It results in gains on a number of fronts achieved without concessions and establishes a reasonable wage package.

I urge all members employed by the Yukon government to come to a ratification meeting, learn the details of the agreement, and cast their vote on the package.

City of Whitehorse, Whitehorse Transit Workers collective bargaining

The bargaining process to create a new collective agreement for the City of Whitehorse and the City Transit Workers is now running its course. At this time, the Union has applied for conciliation, and a conciliator has been appointed. Meeting dates have yet to be determined.

In a separate issue, the Union has filed an unfair labour practices complaint with the Canadian Industrial Relations Board arising out of the bargaining process.

Yukon College negotiations

The Yukon College Bargaining Input Committee met on Saturday, April 24. They elected members of their Bargaining Team and reviewed member bargaining proposals.

The College’s Bargaining Team will meet with the employer in late May to begin negotiations.

Legislative Assembly CA

The negotiating team representing members employed by New Democratic Caucus Local Y027 have reached a memorandum of settlement. Congratulations to the bargaining team on the successful negotiations.

Day of Mourning

On April 28, Yukoners took time to remember workers killed and injured in the workplace. This year’s Day of Mourning commemoration was a chance to stand together as individuals and as a community and commit to making workplaces safer.

Sadly, this year’s commemoration was again framed in tragedy. Three workers were involved in an accident this month at the Yukon Zinc’s Wolverine Mine. One died. This was the second fatality at that particular workplace in six months.

The Yukon Workers’ Compensation, Health & Safety Board reports that Yukon workplaces are among the most dangerous in the country. The equivalent of our entire workforce has been injured on the job since the Day of Mourning Act was passed 16 years ago.

As we remember Yukoners who lost their lives or suffered injury at work, we must again commit to achieving better working conditions and improving training for all workers.

Amanda’s Bolivian adventure

In late March, YEU recommended that Amanda Brown, a youthful First Nations activist and member of Watson Lake Gateway Local Y029, be selected to take part in PSAC’s Social Justice trip to Bolivia.

Surprised and excited, Amanda accepted the offer, leading to a period of intense preparations, not the least of which was the acquisition of a passport during the time between the March 22 offer and the April 8 Vancouver departure date.

An article detailing Amanda’s experiences will be provided in next month’s newsletter. YEU thanks the staff of MLA Larry Bagnell for their efforts to help secure the passport for Amanda, so this wonderful opportunity could be realized.

January-February 2010

This month the prebargaining process relating to non-monetary issues began for members working for the Government of Yukon. The sides met on January 20 and 22.

Preparations for face-to-face bargaining have been underway since the spring of 2009. YEU’s Bargaining Input Committee met in September to finalize our position and elect members of the negotiating team.

The first round of negotiations at the main table are scheduled for February 24 and 25. At this time the union and the employer will exchange proposals. The second round is scheduled for March 29 to April 1, 2010.

Members can follow negotiation progress on the YEU website.

Rural medical service

Media attention has again focused on the government’s decisions relating to rural medical service. Craig Tuton, Chair of the Hospital Corporation, suggested that the annual operating budgets could be double the estimates in Watson Lake and triple in Dawson City. This is worrisome news for Yukon taxpayers.

On a more positive note, pension concerns of employees affected by the Watson Lake hospital transfer have been addressed.

A reciprocal agreement has been signed between the hospital corporation and superannuation, which allows the transfer of one pension plan to the other. This was one of the last outstanding issues related to employee protection after the move.

Teacher’s negotiations

I was sorry to see talks break down between the Yukon Teacher’s Association and the Yukon government employer. As a result, YTA has opted for adjudication to resolve the impasse.

Government misleading public about independent power production (IPP)

The Yukon government’s request for public input into the development of policies relating to independent power production falsely presents the idea that the development of IPP projects in the Yukon is a good idea, with widespread public support.

What is really needed is a clear process allowing for unbiased public consultation on the concept of independent power production itself.

The internet page where the government offers a downloadable copy of the discussion paper links to a section called Get the Facts on Independent Power Production. The first two statements contained in these “facts” are, in my view, misleading.

The government claims that IPP project development will not privatize Yukon public assets. But allowing IPP projects will, in fact, privatize energy production through the back
door. It begins the process of replacing public assets. The net result is the same.

The government then asserts that “there was widespread public support for independent power production during the 2008 public consultation on the Energy Strategy”. In fact, the government’s own summary of comments from that consultation makes no direct mention of IPP project development at all.

The history of IPP projects in other jurisdictions shows that these projects are often developed by large private power corporations. The result is the loss of public control over the utilities, a weakening of accountability, and long term instability of the service itself. The government’s previous consultation clearly showed that this is not what the public wants.

October-November 2009

by 1st Vice-President Loralee Kesler

While President Butterworth is in Montreal for the PSAC National Health & Safety Conference, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to reach out to our members.

YEU’s representatives and activists are in a particularly busy period due to a number of ongoing issues and various training opportunities.

Training initiatives and opportunities

Currently we have a group of members in Yellowknife for the Northern Women’s Conference. Another group will be leaving soon for Iqaluit to attend the Union Development Program (UDP). They will be there for a week. UDP is offered once every three years. The enrolment includes up to seven PSAC members from each territory. This year, six YEU members will attend: Steve Geick, Julie Docherty, Jack Bourassa, Wendy Dindia, David Rice and myself.

YEU members are encouraged to submit applications for CLC Winter School to be held early next year at Harrison Hot Springs in B.C. The deadline for application is December 2, so if you are interested, please be sure to submit an application. The forms are available from our office, or online at www.yeu.ca. Please keep in mind that you must submit both the application for Winter School and YEU’s own Education application form if you are seeking funding support for expenses and lost wages. I remind our members not to submit the online form at the Winter School website. Forms submitted from there are not eligible for funding support.

If you are not accepted to Winter School, the Yukon Federation of Labour will be offering some of the courses locally.

Watson Lake meetings

2nd Vice-President Steve Geick and I just returned from meetings into Watson Lake that saw the election of Gateway Local Y029’s first executive. We also had the chance to meet with hospital workers Local Y029 (see newsletter for details).

I was delighted to see the level of commitment displayed by our members in that community. Members of both locals commented that they
were pleased that YEU was there for them, and thanked us for the support our union provides.

Rural outreach

The success of our rural outreach program, which has led to the development of so many new locals, is a tribute to the dedication and commitment of President Butterworth. Laurie has fulfilled his promise to extend YEU’s reach well beyond Whitehorse. Our union is much stronger as a result of his efforts.

September 2009

It was with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of our dear friend Lucy Jackson.

Lucy has been a fixture at YEU events for many years, offering wise council and down-to-earth input into union matters. She is truly irreplaceable, and will be missed by all. YEU offers her family our deepest condolences.

Watson Lake meetings

On September 10-11, YEU 1st Vice-President Loralee Kesler and Union Advisor Kathy Hanifan travelled to Watson Lake for meetings with our Locals there.

Loralee and Kathy met first with the members of new Local Y029 – Watson Lake Municipal Workers for their start-up, discussing the services available to them, budget development and planning their first AGM. An interim executive was elected to carry on duties until that AGM.

The large size of the turnout is indicative of their commitment, and underlines the need for community representation. The response from the employer to various issues indicates that our work toward improving employment conditions  will not be without challenges.

A meeting was held the next day with members working at the Watson Lake Health Centre to address questions and ongoing concerns about the impending transfer to the Yukon Hospital Corporation.

Members continue to ask questions about the impact the transfer will have on their wages and positions. The members also sought and received assurances from the government about the security of their pensions and benefits.

We continue to monitor the situation to insure that the government does not renege on their commitments to our members.

Collective bargaining

We are preparing for Bargaining Input Committee meetings for our Locals representing Yukon government employees.

It is too early to have a clear sense of what to expect from the employer. Nonetheless, we remain optimistic that a smooth negotiation process can be achieved.

Yukon Energy Corporation

YEU continued its public informationcampaign with the distribution of brochures to every Yukon household.

We consider the government’s willingness to take part in backroom discussions about potential privatization of services and infrastructure to be a most disturbing trend.

Privatization threatens jobs and services under the guise of efficiency and cost savings.We will continue to take a stand in opposition to privatization in any form.

July 2009

Yukoner’s questions about whether or not the Yukon government will sell the Yukon Energy Corporation in whole or in part to ATCO of Calgary remain unanswered. As indicated in our cover story, YEU wrote to Premier Fentie on behalf of our members expressing profound dismay that discussions on this matter had even occurred – let alone in secrecy.

We doubt these ‘negotiations’ took into consideration the impact privatization would have on the employees of YEC, or on Yukoners in general.

So profound were the objections within the Yukon Energy Corporation itself, that our members employed there took the unprecedented step of publicly calling the government to task for this action. We applaud their courage for taking this stand.

The move cost YEC three board members, damaged morale, created a threat of escalating costs for Yukon consumers, and eroded trust at a critical time in YEC’s efforts to improve the Yukon’s electrical infrastructure.

Mr. Fentie’s disingenuous response leads to the inescapable conclusion that privatization is still very much on the Premier’s agenda. The Yukon Employees’ Union is circulating a petition calling for the Yukon’s elected representatives to take a stand protecting our infrastructure, and resist any attempt by the government to privatize, deregulate, or transfer management of YEC to a corporate entity.

Watson Lake Hospital

The Yukon government has reached an agreement with Yukon Hospital Corporation that will transfer ownership of the Watson Lake hospital to YHC effective in April next year.

We have been monitoring the situation since the idea was first publicly raised, and have been actively supporting our members in Watson Lake throughout the process.

We expressed our dismay at the government’s failure to consult with the professionals working at the Watson Lake Hospital, nor give appropriate consideration to their ideas and alternatives.

Our largest concern remains the job security of our members, maintaining their rights, and securing the continued protection afforded by their collective agreement.

While discussions continue, we remain skeptical about the government or the hospital corporation’s understanding of the complexities involved. Conflicts still exist between the three separate collective agreements, and the fact that the terms of employment currently in place at the two facilities are governed by different legislation.

YTG Collective Bargaining

Dates for the first meetings of the YTG Bargaining Input Committee have been set for September 23-25. To date about 40 members haveagreed to participate, but more are needed so ensure that every jobsite is represented. Bargaining is scheduled to commence in January.

May 2009

Fourteen YEU delegates and observers met in Vancouver last month to attend the 2009 PSAC National Convention. Our team maintained a high profile throughout the event, engaging in constructive dialogue and submitting a host of resolutions.

Each PSAC triennial convention presents an opportunity for your union representatives to raise issues of importance to northern members
at a national forum, while taking advantage of a valuable learning opportunity. My thanks to all for providing such a prominent and supportive voice to our members.

Local development

We continue to work on the development of new locals in communities throughout the Yukon. Several notable successes have recently been achieved.

Our new members at the Northern Safety Network successfully negotiated and signed their first collective agreement. We congratulate them on this significant milestone.

We will be meeting soon with our new members at Many Rivers Counselling and Support Services to set up their local. A meeting with the Watson Lake municipal workers is planned for a similar purpose.

We continue to encourage members in all communities to offer direct input into YEU’s operation and performance. The attendance of Executive representatives at the local AGMs over the past months provided us with an opportunity to see first hand how well our local structure is working.

The success we have observed at these meetings has encouraged us to continue the work of establishing more community locals. Direct input from the local level helps us keep in touch, and respond effectively to your needs.

Collective Bargaining

We are reaching out to many work locations for input in preparation for the upcoming bargaining process. Locals facing collective agreement negotiations include the Yukon Arts Centre, Nakwaye Ku Child Care Society, the Yukon government, the City of Whitehorse and Whitehorse Transit.

If you work in any of these locations, please submit your bargaining input forms. These are available from our office, or online on our website. I urge you to make a difference and be involved.

New member orientation

I continue to be directly involved with the orientation seminars that are being held at various work places. I have also been participating in the Your Union and You
orientation program delivered by our Education Committee to new Yukon government employees.

We are excited about this opportunity to inform new employees about our union and the benefits of membership. The feedback we have received has been extremely positive, and the employer has advised that members are now asking for more union information.

Remember, this is your union. We need your participation to remain a strong and effective voice.

March 2009

Watson Lake Hospital

The Yukon government is formalizing the Yukon Hospital Corporation’s (YHC) participation in the management of the Watson Lake Hospital. Initially, it will be under terms of a 13-month Management Agreement. The government took this action in spite of concerns expressed by our
members working at the Watson Lake facility.

Over the term of this management agreement, we will remain watchful due to the significant differences between the collective agreements governing YHC employees, and the superior agreement in place for our Watson Lake members working for the Yukon government.

PSAC Triennial Convention

YEU will send 10 delegates to the PSAC Triennial Convention taking place in late April. We have been reviewing the resolution package, and preparing for our pre-sentation of numerous resolutions on our members’ behalf.

Yukon government collective bargaining

As we begin another collective bargaining process for government workers, it is interesting to note that Premier Fentie has been boasting
about the large size of the Yukon budget surplus. We will be watching negotiations toward a new agreement for our sisters and brothers in the Yukon Teachers Association. Perhaps we can gain a sense about the tone our negotiating
team will face during our own talks, and if the surplus will be reflected in the employer’s position.

National Day of Mourning

On April 28, workers across Canada gather on the National Day of Mourning. Please join us during this year’s commemoration.

January 2009

I hope all our members and families had a peaceful and joyful Christmas, and welcome everyone to 2009. YEU’s new year opened on a very positive note with the certification of our newest Local, Many Rivers Counselling and Support Services. I’m very pleased to have these new members come aboard, and I look forward to a long and fruitful association.

The new year also brought some unwelcome news from the Yukon government employer. As a result, we begin 2009 with two initiatives intended to protect our member’s rights and maintain the current high level of service quality they provide to the community.

Watson Lake Hospital Transfer

I travelled to Watson Lake with 1st Vice President Kesler on January 19 and 20 to meet with staff at the Watson Lake Hospital. As described in our story earlier, representatives of the YHC and the Yukon government were in attendance to present their plans for the facility and staff. I’m pleased that our members finally had the opportunity to speak directly with the decision-makers. We will continue to monitor the situation.

On a disappointing note, the petition circulating Watson Lake had to be withdrawn due to the
actions of a few individuals. These people interfered with the community’s democratic rights by destroying signed copies of the petition because they themselves did not agree with its message. In an effort to reduce community tension, we will keep the remaining signed copies until such time as a decision is reached whether or not to pro-ceed again with its circulation.

Workers Advocate Office

I’m perplexed as to why, fifteen months after scrapping the idea of placing a new level of bureaucracy above the Workers’Advocate position, the Department of Justice would again begin recruitment. The independence of the office is essential to prevent political interference in their efforts to support workers. Further discussions with government representatives are taking place.

November-December 2008

If there was ever any doubt about our member’s
commitment to their union and its goals, events
at our triennial convention eliminated them all. To the convention delegates and guests, I offer my
congratulations for making the event such a success. Personally, I was honoured and humbled by my re-election as your President. I’m pleased and quite excited about the opportunity to continue the work we started three years ago.

As economic conditions worsen world-wide, we are seeing attempts by employers to clawback
hard won gains achieved by working people. Here in the Yukon, we soon embark on negotiations toward several new collective agreements. Never more than today we will need the vigilance and solidarity of our members.

New Exec, paid VP

I was particularly gratified to see that the delegates saw fit to unanimously approve a resolution to convert the vice-president’s role to a full-time paid position. This change brings YEU into line with other components within PSAC, and will ultimately benefit all members considerably.

I offer my congratulations to all newly elected Executive members. We held our first Executive meeting on November 13, when we set committee chairs and Local liaison assignments. The new Executive is profiled in the center section of this newsletter.

Union hall open house

Your renovated YEU Hall will open for occupancy the first week in December. I invite all members
to visit the hall for our Human Rights Open House on December 11, when we celebrate the gains
achieved world-wide in the fight for human rights.

Community visits

We look forward to again implementing visits to all communities where our members are employed, during which time we will seek their direct input. We also need to hear about local issues affecting the workplace, and obtain bargaining input for upcoming collective agreement negotiations.

Canada Post threatens to eliminate sick days

On November 17, YEU members joined our fellow PSAC member employed at the Whitehorse Postal Station on the picket line. We were there in support of this worker, and the 2000+ other PSAC members employed by Canada Post.

The postal corporation has resolved to cut current sick leave benefits from the new collective agreement. They intend to replace these pro-visions with disability benefits after three days of sickness. The net result is that employees would be required to take Leave-without-Pay for days when they are unable to work due to illness. If this precedent is set, it will threaten sick leave provisions across the country.

Community action

Raven Recycling is facing a financial crisis as a result of the economic turndown. I ask members
to help by donating recyclables to the non-profit organization over the next few months.

Angel’s House has now acquired a building. I urge Premier Fentie to step up and deliver the funding assistance the youth shelter so desperately needs.

October 2008

This week YEU holds its Triennial Convention at the Westmark Whitehorse. As most of our members know by now, I will be putting my name forward for re-election as YEU President. The last three years have been challenging, frustrating and rewarding in equal measures – but
throughout my tenure the interaction with you, our members and the deep personal bonds that
resulted, remain the high point. A look back through the term of this Executive offers a useful perspective from which to evaluate how far we've come.

Leadership Transition

This three-year term began with the leadership transition from Brother Dave Hobbis, the only
President our Union had ever known – to a new and inexperienced team. Fortunately, the dedication and commitment of our Executive members, the assistance offered by Dave, and the support provide by Union staff members
eased the burdens of transition.

Rural Outreach

One of my commitments to members at the last Triennial Convention was to initiate a rural
outreach program. The goal was to provide better access to the Union leaders for members working outside Whitehorse. During these community visits it became clear that many members also wanted a more direct voice in the affairs of their Union.

We responded to this need by encouraging and assisting in the creation of two additional Locals for Yukon Government employees – one in Daw-son City for the Klondike region, and another in Watson Lake. Discussions with other communities about forming Locals are continuing. We were also pleased to see workers at the Yukon Legislative Assembly (NDP Caucus) organize and achieve a collective agreement.

Our newest Local, comprised of Watson Lake municipal workers, is in the midst of forming
and working towards negotiation of their first Collective Agreement. All new and prospective Locals have or will have the opportunity to receive training programs held in their community

Collective Bargaining

In terms of our existing bargaining units, the new leadership was committed to maintaining hard-fought gains, while simultaneously introducing
the changes expected by our membership. I'm pleased that we were able to make good on
these commitments.

Five collective agreements were successfully negotiated and the groundwork has been laid for
negotiations toward a new agreement for our largest Local, the Government of Yukon.

Essential Services

The fundamental services required by our mem-bers were effectively delivered. In fact, we have seen enhanced delivery of representation and support services through the hiring of a third Union Advisor. This additional position improved response time and allowed for more proactive support for members, Shop Stewards and Locals, particularly in work units experiencing ongoing problems.

Training and Development

All new and prospective Locals have had the opportunity to receive training programs held in
their community. Members had access to a variety of educational opportunities through programs provided by YEU, PSAC and the Yukon Federation of Labour.

Monthly Shop Steward Round Tables (in person and by teleconference) allowed discussions about day-to-day issues faced byrepresentatives
in the workplace. Our three Union Advisors are
looking forward to opportunities for member training and increased Shop Steward Recruitment. Shop Stewards are the direct link to
members in the workplace.

Union-Management Relations

A major goal of this administration was to improve the relationship between our member's employers and their Union. We have worked to reduce confrontations and emphasized the benefits of cooperation. For example, presently we are meeting with Deputy Ministers from various government departments to ensure work place access for our representatives during Shop Stew-ard Recruitment initiatives.

Co-operative Programs

We continued our productive working relationship with the Yukon Workers' Compensation Health & Safety Board and the Yukon Human Rights Commission. As well, we worked with the Yukon Federation of Labour to ensure our members have access to the finest in training opportunities.

Union Hall Renovations

And, of course, we undertook the long-needed renovations of your union hall. We expect the work to be completed in November, and welcome all members to make use of the facility. I congratulate our outgoing Executive members for their hard work. Our strength is derived from our
solidarity. Our Union will only remain strong if our members make it so. I’m proud to have served with such a dedicated group of activists.

March-April 2008

Your Executive met in March for a retreat and planning session. This was the second time in our mandate that we gathered to review activities, identify unfinished business and develop an action plan for the remainder of the year. The upcoming Triennial Convention was foremost on our agenda.

I encourage all our members to participate in the convention process. YEU is your union, and the convention is the primary decision-making forum for the membership. You can take part by helping
select delegates or letting your name stand to become a delegate, and by helping develop resolutions for presentation to the convention.

Community Outreach

We are continuing our community outreach program in May with a return visit to Watson Lake, and trips to Mayo and Haines Junction.

I was joined in Watson Lake last month by Y010 President Del Young and YEU 2nd Vice-President Steve Geick. I’m returning to that community on May 1 to attend the founding General Meeting of what will become our newest Local. There will also be training sessions held on the two days following the meeting.

Vice-President Loralee Kesler will join me on May 5 at an information session in Mayo for all YEU members in that community. We will also be travelling to Haines Junction to explore the possibility for forming a Local in that region. A meeting with members there will take place on May 8, at 7:30 p.m.

Correctional Centre

Issues have again arisen between management and WCC Local Y016. I met with Deputy Minister of Justice Dennis Cooley to raise our concerns, and attended two all-member meetings with the Local. I’m optimistic that the recent management staffing change will help resolve many of the concerns at the facility.

WCC Local Y016 held its AGM this month, and elected a new team of Local representatives. My congratulations to new President Tracy Foss, VP Cory Birss, Sec-Treas. Michael Szakszon, and Bob Clark, who will serve as Chief Shop Steward.

Workers’ Compensation

I continue to participate on the YWCH&SB policy working group and the Workplace Harassment Prevention Office policy working group.

After many years, it appears that a new Workers’ Compensation Act might be passed by the legislature. We are currently working on related policies and have scheduled meetings from now until the fall to get this job done.

Union Hall Renovations

As our cover story shows, renovations on your Union Hall are finally under way. A Special Convention was required to approve changes to the budget and finalize the design. My thanks to convention delegates for coming together on such short notice.

This Special Convention underlines the importance of our upcoming Triennial Convention. Delegates serve throughout the three-year mandate of our Executive to make critical decisions relating to the operation of your Union.

Hospital Workers Local

Members of Local Y025 held their AGM this month. Congratulations to the new Executive.

New Executive Members

Welcome aboard Eric Petersen, Julie Docherty and Tom Renwick! I’m delighted to have the three of you join us on the YEU Executive. Your help and advice will be most welcome as we approach the upcoming Convention.

February 2008

Spring is usually a busy time at YEU, but this year more than most. Our Triennial Convention may be a brief 3 day event, but preparations are a long, demanding and time consuming process. We are now fully engaged in that process.

We are active on many other fronts as well. The PSAC North convention is being held this year in Yellowknife at the end of May. We’re pleased to have so many members attending that we could charter an aircraft to transport all 40 people.

We’re taking steps to improve services to our members by adding an additional Union Advisor, and have created a temporary position for a STEP student.

Our new toll free number improves access to assistance for rural members.

Road Trips

I travelled to Dawson City the week of March 10 for community meetings about TILMA, and to seek bargaining input from members of Klondike Local Y018. They will begin the process of collective bargaining shortly. I also met with political leaders and representatives of the First Nation.

I will travel to Watson Lake for a meeting with members on March 25. Y010 President Del Young and Second VP Steve Geick will join me to explain about the benefits of forming a regional Local.

Later this spring we will visit Haines Junction, where we will meet with Yukon government employees to explore the possibility of forming a local there.

Short Shifts at WCC

The Union is investigating concerns about staff shortages at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre. We have been told that management is operating shifts with an inadequate number of staff members as a cost saving measure. Shifts are also being run with an inappropriate gender balance, in violation of WCC policy. These deficiencies place our members in increased danger.

RYTS Slow to Respond

The Union met with management at Residential Youth Treatment Services recently. We have been disappointed with the department’s slow response to our request for completion of a risk-assessment on their service delivery. We want to know if the government intends to re-examine how they are dealing with youth-at-risk, and the impact on current procedures on our memberemployees. It’s time for the Department of Justice to stop delaying and take action to protect the health and safety of workers and residents in the Yukon’s youth treatment facilities.

Janurary 2008

My congratulations to our negotiating team representing workers at the Whitehorse General Hospital on the ratification of their new collective agreement.

Like all bargaining processes, this one involved both resolve and flexibility during what were ultimately very difficult discussions. Our team was able to bring our members a package which maintained the core provisions of the collective agreement – a document the employer was determined to gut. Details of the agreement are available in the ratification package on the YEU website. Thanks to our team members and negotiator Gaby Lèvesque for all their hard work and perseverance.

Health & Safety Leadership Committee

In July, 2007, the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health & Safety Board compelled the Yukon government to conduct an analysis of their occupational health and safety programming, and to identify the gaps. Following this survey, an action plan will be developed to meet or exceed industry standards. Interviews with a minimum of 10% of all Yukon government employees will be conducted across the territory. I encourage our members who are contacted to enthusiastically co-operate with this survey process.

Skills Canada

My congratulations to Skills Canada Yukon and Yukon College for reaching a memorandum of understanding. This collective commitment to work toward involving more young people in trades and technology is a significant step forward. My congratulations to all the participants who made this agreement possible.

www.rights-now.net

I was pleased to see that the cooperative effort between YEU and the Yukon Human Rights Commission led to the successful launch of the Rights-Now blog. YEU contributed $2000 toward development of this project, along with in-kind services to support its design and development. We believe it is absolutely essential to help educate Yukon young people about human rights in general, and how these right effect their daily lives. The blog provides a forum for information dissemination, and the opportunity to pose questions directly to the professionals at the Yukon Human Rights Commission.

November-December 2007

Best wishes to all during this festive season. May our members and families stay safe during the holidays and find happiness throughout the coming year.

YEU will soon embark on the third year of this Executive’s term. We expect 2008 to be eventful and challenging. We will continue our work to achieve new collective agreements, as we prepare for the upcoming Triennial Convention.

The last few weeks have been particularly busy. I will highlight a few matters we are addressing.

Confidentiality Breach

We were disappointed to witness a significant breach of confidentiality by the employer in relation to an incident at a YTG worksite. Management made repeated public references to disciplinary action against individual YEU members. Public statements about personnel matters are most inappropriate at any time. In this case, the matters are still before adjudication, and may not withstand that scrutiny. In response to our letter of complaint, Public Service Commissioner Pat Daws conceded that release of the information could have been avoided. Hopefully this acknowledgment of the mistake will be conveyed to management within the department to prevent similar inappropriate behaviour.

Rural Ambulance Service

We are investigating the hiring of ambulance attendants for Dawson City and Watson Lake. We understand that the government may have hired 4 people from outside the Yukon to fill these positions. No Yukon attendants were offered transfers, nor was any attempt made to determine if Yukon workers with equivalent training had an interest in these positions. At a public forum, Community Services DM Marc Tremblay advised that he will consider hiring and training 2 people from each community. He expressed his willingness to meet at any time to discuss this matter. Subsequently, we arranged to meet with him, but his office cancelled the meeting stating that he is "not required to meet" with YEU.

CA Negotiations

Congratulations to negotiators for Local Y024, who achieved a tentative collective agreement with the Yukon Energy Corporation.

Union negotiators for Local Y025 held their first sessions with the Yukon Hospital Corporation on November 5. It is clear that this process will be long and challenging. We are committed to protecting the hard-won rights enshrined in the current agreement, and to making additional advances.

YFL Convention

Congratulations also to the Yukon Federation of Labour for a well run convention, and to Alex Furlong on his re-election as President. Our excellent working relationship with YFL has strengthened labour’s position in the Yukon, and facilitated joint action on issues such as the fight to prevent participation in TILMA.

We were pleased to see the support for Whistle Blower Legislation, expressed through passage of a resolution urging the Yukon government to proceed with legislation in the spring 2008 session.

Safety Audit

The tender for delivery of the YTG safety audit has been released. Work is scheduled for January. We urge all our members to participate when the audit team visits your workplace.

Yukon Nominee Program

The Yukon government’s changes to the Yukon Nominee Program – intended to bring foreign workers to the territory to address a labour shortage – ignores the real issue. The problem is not a ‘labour shortage’, but a shortage of skilled, trained workers. The government is willing to bring unskilled workers to the Yukon, but not to help train workers already here. The only effective way to address this perceived labour crunch is through training, and improved wage-benefit packages.

Social assistance changes

We were pleased to see the government raise SA rates. We support moves to help people off assistance, but the increase is not nearly enough.

October 2007

The Yukon government is considering signing on to the Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA).

This trade pact amounts to little more than a corporate bill of rights– one that directly assaults on our right as a society to make decisions democratically on a local level.

YEU is supporting the efforts of the Yukon Federation of Labour to raise awareness about the meaning and impact of this agreement. I urge our members to take the time to become informed about TILMA, and join our fight to defend our democratic institutions.

Children’s Receiving Home

We continue to lobby the Yukon government to take action to resolve the situation faced by the children and the workers at the Children’s Receiving Home. Issues of workplace safety and the health of children in care deserve to be given the highest priority by government.

Health & Safety Leadership Committee

Our concerns about the Children’s Receiving Home aside, the work to ensure the health and safety of employees in Yukon government workplaces is advancing.

In September, the government formed a Health & Safety Leadership Committee (HSLC) to steer the corporate review of all health and safety programming within the government. The creation of this committee was in response to an order from the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board.

I represent YEU on this committee, which is also comprised of a representatives from the YWCH&SB and the Yukon government. A Request for Proposals on how to conduct and take action on the review has been developed. We expect vendor selection to be made in January.

Union Youth

On the weekend of October 21-22 I attended a pilot training program developed to advance youth leadership within the PSAC. The first day was devoted to helping young members gain an understanding about unions, worker rights and how they are protected. The second day addressed succession planning and mentoring. My thanks to all our youth members who attended.

August-September 2007

I was delighted to see that the negotiations toward a Collective Agreement at Yukon College were completed in such an efficient and timely way.

Due to the success of the pre-bargaining process, the monetary discussions and resolution of outstanding issues took only one and one-half days. Good will and commitment always succeed where animosity and confrontation fail.

Whitehorse Hospital

Local Y025 is preparing for negotiations toward a new Collective Agreement. The current  agreement expired on August 31. The many outstanding issues at the hospital remain unresolved. As were many Yukoners, I was surprised by the sudden resignation of CEO Michael Aeberhardt. Only two months ago, Mr. Tuton was offering unequivocal support for the embattled CEO.

Yukon Energy Corporation

The bargaining team for Local Y024 have met to review proposals from members. Negotiator Jim Brohman is now working on language for the proposal package.

Health & Safety

A recent order from the Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board required the  government to conduct an audit of all departmental health and safety programs. I will be representing YEU on the new Government Health and Safety Leadership Committee beginning this month.

Member Training

Few training opportunities offer better insight into the operation of your Union than the in-office training program (article on page 2). I encourage members to contact our office for more information.

July 2007

By the time we go to press, we will have held the first Joint Consultation with the government since signing the new Collective Agreement.

We will be seeking a status report on the policy intended to address violence in the workplace. It has been a year since the committee made recommendations to government, yet we have not seen results.

Children’s Receiving Home

Our concerns about the receiving home and the danger the structure presents have not been addressed. We are preparing for a joint  consultation meeting with Health & Social Services and the management team for  Residential Youth Treatment Services (RYTS).

Call Back Pay

It has come to our attention that there is confusion about the application of Article 18.01 of the YTG-PSAC Collective Agreement.

If an employee receives a call at home after regular working hours to provide information – then that employees is paid to the nearest 15 minutes for the time spent. However, if work is generated, then that employees is entitled to 4 hours pay at the straight time rate.

City of Whitehorse

We continue to work to resolve an issue with the City of Whitehorse about positions classified as “Permanent Relationship Employees”. Such a classification is not defined in the Collective agreement. We understand payment of certain entitlements has been withheld.

Union Advisors

I’m pleased to welcome back Kathy Hanifan from her year and a half secondment with the Yukon government. My sincere thanks to Mark Bowers and Craig Battaglia for their service during Kathy’s absence.

May 2007

Although a Collective Agreement has been ratified for workers employed by the Yukon government, other YEU locals continue to work through the negotiation process.

Whitehorse General Hospital workers have selected their bargaining team, and forwarded proposals to the employer.

Employees at Yukon College have embarked on a pre-bargaining process, and successfully  achieved agreement on several significant non-monetary issues.

The Yukon government Staff Relations Branch anticipates that employees will receive their 1.8% retroactive pay increase (from January 1) on their July 4 paycheque, in addition to the 1.2% increase effective June 1.

PSAC North

I was in Yellowknife for week beginning May 23,  to attend PSAC North meetings. Workshops addressed cross cultural awareness, activist recruitment and the PSAC North strategic plan.

New Locals

YEU is working with members employed by the Yukon government in Haines Junction and Watson Lake to explore the possibility of forming new locals. These discussions were initiated at our member’s request following the ratification meetings held in both communities.

Arrangements are being made to facilitate a trip to Watson Lake in mid-June or July.

Workplace bullying

The issue of bullying in the workplace continues to plague Yukon worksites. Our position is one of absolute non-tolerance for bullying or abusive behaviour in any form. I urge all our members to maintain a respectful workplace, to strive to eliminate bullying or verbal abuse, and to refuse to tolerate such behaviour in all circumstances.

April 2007

The ratification process for the tentative collective
agreement between the Yukon government and its workers is well under way. Ratification  packages have been prepared and teams will begin holding meetings on April 27.

I cannot overstate the importance of this process to our members. It is your chance to choose whether or not to approve the tentative deal, a deal that will govern union-management relations for the next three years. These meetings are also an opportunity for Union members, particularly in rural communities, to bring forward other issues of concern.

We have tried to structure the ratification meetings to ensure that all employees have an opportunity to attend and vote. Members can also get information and place their vote at the YEU office between 1-4 p.m. on April 27 and 30.

We had intended to mail packages to all members prior to the meetings, but delays resulting from printing and shipping made the mail-outs impractical in the time available. A copy of the ratification package will be posted on the YEU website on April 27 for those members who wish to preview the terms of the tentative deal in advance of the meetings.

Yukon College bargaining

Members of Yukon College Local Y011 have selected their bargaining team members. My congratulations to Helen Winton, Maureen Stephens, Doug Graham and Ranj Pillai on your selection to the committee. I look forward to working with you.

The Union and management have agreed to undertake a pre-bargaining process, hopefully sometime in May. We anticipate full collective bargaining to begin in late August or early September.

Day of Mourning

I look forward to seeing our members on April 28 at the annual Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job. We will meet in the foyer of the Yukon government administration building for the ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Beginning on April 20, commemorative pins will be on sale at local establishments to help raise money for the creation of a permanent workers’ memorial. I urge all members to offer a small donation to the cause.

March 2007

I am very pleased to report that we have succeeded in securing a tentative agreement with the Yukon government on a new Collective Agreement for our members.

I’m quite satisfied that the terms of the agreement are the best we could have achieved. We accomplished most of the goals we had defined at the outset, while granting minimal concesessions. Highlights of the agreement appear on page 2.

Detailed member packages will be distributed after community visits by our ratification team. Many thanks to all the members who helped us throughout the collective bargaining process.

More Collective Bargaining

The City of Whitehorse council signed our member’s new Collective Agreement (Y023) on Wednesday, March 28, at a ceremony at the city office. I’m pleased to see this agreement finally formalized.

Whitehorse General Hospital employees are seeking input from their members in preparation for their own contract negotiations. The workplace atmosphere at the hospital is not at all positive, due primarily to a confrontational attitude by the employer. I met recently with the hospital CEO and the Chair of the Board to discuss the pension plan and the recurring problems that are so negatively affecting members of Local Y025. It is my nature to be optimistic, but the adversarial approach favoured by the hospital management does not bode well for the upcoming negotiations.

Canada Winter Games

This month I was happy to join with so many other Yukoners working in support of the Whitehorse Canada Winter Games. The event was a great showcase for the Yukon and its people. It was gratifying to see so many of our member giving so generously of their time and energy in support of the community.

Day of Mourning

On April 28, we again commemorate workers who were killed or injured on the job during the Day of Mourning. The Yukon Employees’ Union, the Yukon Federation of Labour (YFL) and the Workers’ Compensation Board continue to work to raise awareness and offer solutions.

YFL has been offering weekly courses that debunk the myths around workers’ compensation, offer a history and current perspective, and provide useful tools to raise awareness among union members and the general public. I urge our members to take advantage of the opportunity to attend (ask your employer about leave options).

February 2007

Earlier this month I travelled to Ottawa to attend the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s National Board of Directors meeting. During my absence, YEU Executive member Sue Christianson served as Acting President. She also took the pportunity to review our education and training activities and work with our staff to improve these services. Thank you, Sue, for your efforts.

Vice President Loralee Kesler also filled in admirably for two weeks while I was out of the country. With so many issues and processes on the table, it’s difficult to be away from the office even for short periods. Fortunately, YEU’s ongoing educational activities and training programs have provided our Executive members with the knowledge and ability to step in during these periods.

New Membership Cards

PSAC will be issuing new membership cards to all its members in the coming weeks. The new cards feature a new look, and for the first time include bar code identification.

These codes will allow a much easier member-identification process, which will in term speed voting processes and entrance into member-only meetings. If any members have changed their address recently, this would be an ideal time to contact the YEU office to make certain your contact information is up-to-date.

As indicated in the story on page two, we are installing a new membership tracking system. We also need to have current member information when the system goes online in March.

Collective Bargaining

We are now well into collective bargaining with representatives of the Yukon government. Positions have been exchanged, and we will be reviewing the employer’s demands over the next few weeks in preparation for the four-day session beginning on March 26.

Collective agreements for two other YEU Locals expire this summer – Yukon College and the Whitehorse General Hospital.

The Yukon College agreement expires on June 30. College employees have begun the process by initiating a call for input from members. Preparatory meetings will begin in the next month or so. I’m hopeful that the process can smoothly run its course, and that a new agreement can be negotiated successfully.

The collective agreement for Whitehorse General Hospital employees expires on August 31. The call for input from this group of members will be handled by the PSAC regional office. Currently this Local is going through some trying times. Given the current environment, I anticipate intense negotiations. Two meetings with the hospital CEO and one meeting with the Chair of the Hospital Corporation’s Board of Directors have yet to address our member’s workplace concerns.

The Collective Agreement for employees of the City of Whitehorse has not yet received third reading from City Council. We anticipate approval shortly.

Human Resources Director Tony Lomas has accepted another position and will be leaving employment with the municipality. I wish Tony well in his new endeavour.

YEU Building Renovations

Work on renovations on your Union Hall should begin in the late spring. Hopefully our members will not be inconvenienced. The new layout will significantly improve the usefulness of the facility and benefit all members in terms of meeting space, training areas and accessibility.

UNW Lockout

I’m please that a successful resolution was achieved for 22 members of the Union of Northern Workers who had been locked out for 5 weeks. YEU provided a donation in support of their action.

These members, most of them Aboriginal, work at Nats’ejée K’eh, a drug and alcohol treatment centre in Hay River. They had not had a salary increase in four years.

December 2006

Laurie Butterworth, YEU President

Season’s greetings to all Yukon labour union members, and best wishes in the coming year.

As the new year approaches, I’m pleased to see so many YEU members take advantage of the available training opportunities. My congratulations to the 2007 Bursary Award recipients, and to the members who will be travelling to British Columbia in January and February to attend the Canadian Labour Congress Pacific Region Winter School.

Human Rights Day

This year’s Human Rights Day open house was a great success. We had a fine turnout from members, supporters and friends. My thanks to our YEU staff for all the work they put in to make the event a success, and a special thank you to Melissa Atkinson, Chair of the Yukon Human Rights Commission for her address.

YEU Executive

I am pleased to welcome Ron Davis on board as our new Youth Director. He brings many new ideas and a refreshing vitality to the executive.

YEU is currently accepting nominations for the position of Equal Opportunities Director. Mayo Rozon had to resign the position due to a heavy workload. I very much appreciate Mayo’s work, and his continuing commitment to the duties of Shop Steward and Y010 Director.

YTG Collective Bargaining

Collective Bargaining is set to begin early in the new year for our members employed by the Yukon government. Our bargaining committee is positive, well prepared, and looking forward to the beginning of the process.

Shop Steward Recruitment

A number of members have come forward  recently to learn about how to become a Shop Steward. But more are needed. In the new year we will be initiating a recruitment drive, updating
Shop Steward support manuals, and introducing new information materials.

In the next two months we will also be updating our office computer system by installing sophisticated new grievance tracking and membership management software. The new system should significantly improve our ability to meet our members evolving needs.

November 2006

Laurie Butterworth, YEU President

On Friday, December 8, YEU hosts its annual Human Rights Day open house. Each year we gather to acknowledge the gains achieved, and to rededicate ourselves to the work of advancing Human Rights.

I invite our members to drop by the YEU office between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. and join us for camaraderie, refreshments and live music. While our Human Rights open house is a yearly event, the work to advance the cause the cause of human rights is an ongoing process. Our event is one small reminder to our members about the importance of vigilance and continuing public education. Please drop by to meet other union members and staff, and join us in recognizing the importance of this work.

School dental therapy cuts

In August, YEU issued a press release outlining our concerns about the threat staff shortages pose to the Yukon Children’s Dental Program. I’m concerned that our members may not yet realize that program changes are in the cards. The Yukon government has been allowing the service to erode, to the point that only 3 of the eight full-time dental therapy positions are filled (down from 4 of 8 in August).

The source of the problem is a wage and benefit package that is substantially lower than that offered in other jurisdictions. An active  recruitment initiative supported by an appropriate wage package would save the program.

Permanent cuts will impose a severe burden on Yukon families, particularly those in rural communities without regular visits from a dentist. I urge our members to lobby their elected representatives before the cuts become permanent.

White Ribbon Day

On November 25 we observed White Ribbon Day in the Yukon. It started as a men’s movement in Canada in 1991 and has been officially adopted by the United Nations as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Yukon participation in White Ribbon Day was brought about by the vision and dedication of the late John Irvine. Brother Irvine’s effort and commitment was instrumental in bringing this cause to the attention of all Yukoners.

October 2006

Laurie Butterworth, YEU President

The preparatory work leading to negotiations with the Yukon government employer continues. Our negotiator, Gaby Lévesque, will arrive back in town on November 3.

On the 4th she will be providing training to our bargaining team and alternates, in preparation for the start of meetings with the government. On November 6-7, she will be joining me for meetings with the employer to review the Essential Services Agreement, which guides the identi fication of workers who may be designated as essential in the event of a labour disruption.

Health & Benefits

Diane Anderson, Chair of the Benefits Committee, has done a great deal of work preparing for meetings with the Yukon government. The plan is up for renewal in May, 2007.

We have compiled a package of medical/dental input from our members. Proposals will be based on this input. More details will be forthcoming on our website and in the next newsletter.

Whitehorse Correctional Centre

This month I met with Bob Riches, new Assistant Deputy Minister of Justice. Bob came to the Yukon from British Columbia, bringing experience both as a corrections officer and in management. He has union experience with BCGEU and has participated in collective bargaining.

The problems over hours-of-work and harassment issues at WCC were foremost on the agenda. I was pleased to hear Bob Riches put 12 hour shifts back on the table; that change in the employer’s position was welcome news.

We will be meeting again on November 3, along with WCC member-representatives. Hopefully at the conclusion of this meeting, we can place this issue behind us.

Klondike Local Y026

I was in Dawson City on October 12 for the first Annual General Meeting of the newest YEU local – Y026. I am pleased about the formation of this local, and especially gratified by the excellent turnout for the AGM. A full 10 member executive was established. I’m optimistic that the Klondike Local will be a great success, and thank all the members who worked hard to bring this about.

Labour Issues Campaign

My congratulations to the Yukon Federation of Labour for a well orchestrated Labour Issues Campaign. The federation’s extensive effort  helped bring the issues of importance to our members forward during the election campaign. My thanks as well to all the members who responded to our polling in the spring. These responses guided the development of the
campaign’s focus.

John Irving

Finally, I was sad to note the passing of John Irving. I deeply appreciated all the time he gave to us at both the local and component levels. John was a passionate advocate for social rights. His many contributions, such as his work to bring the White Ribbon Campaign to the Yukon, will not soon be forgotten.

September 2006

Laurie Butterworth, YEU President

Yukoners will soon go to the polls to elect a new government. There are many issues union members need to keep in mind when making their selection.

The Yukon Federation of Labour launched a  Labour Issues Campaign this month to draw attention to concerns of union members. These concerns were identified through a questionnaire, and through a focus group held to help refine each issue. The Yukon Employees’ Union fully supports YFL in this initiative.  This publication is supported by individual issues sheets covering Health care, child care, poverty,
privatization, job-site safety, political ethics and the need for a new correctional facility.

I urge all members to consider this information, and ask questions when candidates come calling. Individual issues sheets are available on both the YEU website at www.yeu.ca, and on the YFL site at www.yukonfed.com.

Collective Bargaining

The Bargaining Input Committee representing Yukon government employees met for three days earlier this month. Proposals were finalized and our bargaining package is in preparation. YEU members will be notified of the final package content after we have met with YTG. Updates will be posted regularly on the YEU website. Our negotiating team was also chosen at this meeting. I want to thank all 31 delegates who attended, as well as our negotiator, Gaby Lévesque, for all their hard work.

Our members employed by the City of  Whitehorse are currently at the negotiating table. Negotiator Jim Brohman will advise our members as soon as information can be posted.

Threats to Dental Program

YEU has been trying to get the government to hear our concerns about the shortages of dental therapists, and the threat these shortages pose to the dental health of our children. Once again, the government seems unwilling to listen to its own professionals in the field, or to take an important issue seriously.

July-August 2006

Laurie Butterworth, YEU President

These days it is fashionable for governments to proclaim their commitment to respect, flexibility and a willingness to accommodate when dealing with their employees.

Apparently management of the Whitehorse Correctional Centre didn’t get the memo. The Justice Department’s failure to listen to the legitimate concerns of its workforce has resulted in a drastic decline in staff morale at the facility. It has created an atmosphere of confrontation in a setting where anything short of full co-operation endangers the health and well-being of the workers and inmates alike.

Changes imposed by management now require our members to work shifts of seven days straight in an environment of intense stress and significant danger. All our attempts to negotiate a return to a more logical and reasonable work schedule have been met with hard-nosed inflexibility, disrespect and a persistent unwillingness to even consider accommodating the needs of the workers.

Reminder from OH&S

In addition to ongoing meetings with employer representatives at several YTG worksites, I have met with Occupational Health & Safety. OH&S expressed a desire to see that worksite tensions do not spill over into worker-to-worker confrontations brought on by frustration. I share this concern and encourage our members to keep in mind YEU’s commitment to maintaining a respectful, harassment-free workplace.

OH&S pointed out that it is not only desirable that all parties keep disputes from contributing to an unsafe workplace, it is the law. Section 18(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act addresses the issue of prohibited reprisals. And Section 35 prohibits the employer, trade union, or person acting on behalf of either from obstructing an OH&S officer from carrying out duties under the legislation. Let us ensure that we, as union members and employee advocates, carry out our duties in full legal compliance, regardless of the employer’s behaviour.

Bargaining input

Thank you to all those members employed by the Yukon government who put their names forward to sit as part of the Bargaining Committee. Representatives are still needed from some worksites. Remember that the time commitment for this important work is only three days, and participant’s wages will be fully paid.

The Bargaining Input Committee will be meeting September 12th to 14th. Collective bargaining with the Government of Yukon is tentatively scheduled to begin in November.

Faulty hospital survey

I was very disappointed to learn that WGH misrepresented the results of their employee satisfaction survey (see story on page 1). I am concerned that some of our members might feel intimidated by published survey results that erroneously show they were alone in their dissatisfaction.

Hospital still withholding air quality survey results

The hospital administration has still not released the results of their air quality survey. I requested this information at a June public meeting with the WGH trustees, and was told that the survey would be provided.

In July, trustee chair Marny Ryder reversed this decision and continues to withhold the document. WGH argues that the survey is being used as information in a WCB appeal, and therefore cannot be made public. This argument is simply a delaying tactic.

The compensation board confirmed that they do not have the desire, need, nor even the power to ask that the results be withheld. Our members wonder why the hospital administration is so reluctant to make this document public. If the air quality is fine, that’s good news; if there are problems that endanger employees and patients, our members and the general public have a right to know.

June 2006

The start of collective bargaining for the creation of a new YTG collective agreement is fast approaching. Nominations for the Bargaining Input Committee, which oversees proposal  compilation remains open until July 15.

I can’t overstate the importance of this process. Collective bargaining is the cornerstone of our union’s mandate. The agreement we achieve is the fundamental tool that protects our rights, ensures satisfactory compensation for our work, and provides a means through which violations to the agreed terms can be corrected.

All worksites need to be represented. I encourage all members to contact the YEU office to ask if your workplace has nominated a representative. If not, please consider taking part in this key process. The time commitment is minimal - about two days, and your wages will be fully compensated.

Hospital Board Meeting

On June 23, I attended a public meeting with the Yukon Hospital Board, and brought several issues of importance to Local Y025 members to the Board’s attention.

Our union has been unable to reconcile the Board’s public statements about employee job satisfaction with the reality demonstrated by the high number of outstanding grievances. In recognition of the financial constraints faced by the Board, I pointed out that significant savings could be achieved by finding co-operative solutions instead of referring grievances to the expensive arbitration process.

The Board appeared unaware that a hospital air quality survey had been completed, or that our requests for a copy had not been fulfilled. The Board committed to providing YEU with a copy.

Finally, the Board was advised of our member’s concern about staff shortages among Pharmacy Technicians, Lab Technologists and Medical Radiation Technologists.

Correctional Facility

Yet another meeting was held over the ongoing problems at WCC. The employer has committed to providing a response to our latest proposal on hours-of-work by the first week in July.

Joint Consultation

It was nice to have Megan Slobodin back leading the employer’s team at YTG Joint Consultation. I appreciate her openness and frank discussion of the issues.

May 2006

May has been a busy month for all of us at YEU. In mid-May, I joined other union representatives on the first of a series of community visits.

We sought input from members employed by the Government of Yukon for the upcoming collective bargaining sessions. YEU and PSAC staff also provided training sessions including Your Union and You, Grievance Handling and Local Officer Training.

As well, members working for YTG in Dawson met with us to discuss how to increase their voice within the component. As a result, I am pleased to report that a new Local will be formed in Dawson.

PSAC Convention

Earlier in the month, I joined eight other YEU delegates at the PSAC Annual Convention in Ottawa. The membership passed a small but necessary dues increase, approved 2 new positions for the North, and elected John Gordon to succeed retiring President Nycole Turmel.

Congratulations to Jean-François Des Lauriers, PSAC’s Regional Vice-President North. Jean-François carried out a spirited campaign for the office of president. We are grateful for his willingness to step forward.

Northern issues were front and centre during the convention. The prolonged strike by the Ekati miners employed by BHP Billiton in the Northwest Territories was a major topic of discussion. I’m happy to report that $61,000 was raised on the floor of the convention to assist the strikers. YEU donated $2,500 to this fund.

Day of Mourning

The memorial service for this year’s Day of Mourning on April 28 was well attended and widely covered in the media. The event drew public attention to the issue of workers killed and injured on the job, and the need for vigilance to prevent future loses. The poignancy of the ceremony, which included the reading of the names of Yukoners killed at work, was tragically underlined by news that another Yukon worker had lost his life that very afternoon.

The event included an unveiling of a mock-up of the proposed Workers Memorial. The temporary version of this gorgeous sculpture, rendered in actual size, will be on display at various venus during the fund-raising initiative which will lead to the creation and installation of the permanent memorial.

Collective Bargaining

YEU is now actively soliciting input for the  upcoming round of collective bargaining for members employed by the Yukon government. We urge all members to make their issues known as soon as possible. During the upcoming negotiations, PSAC will be represented by Gaby Lévesque. Gaby is an experienced and determined negotiator. We’re happy to have her on our side.

WCB volunteer coverage

YEU continues to encourage the Yukon government to extend WCB coverage to employee-volunteers during the Canada Winter Games. The proactive policy of the City of Whitehorse offers an excellent example of how to support the event and protect those stepping forward to help.

Community Representation Committee

A draft mandate has been developed which will lead to the creation of an active Community Representation Committee. This committee will provide a direct link to the Executive for members who reside and work outside Whitehorse. We are seeking representatives from each community to serve as contacts. The draft mandate is available on the YEU website.

April 2006

Laurie Butterworth, YEU President

In May, members of the YEU Executive and staff will travel to Dawson City for meetings with our members and local representatives. The Dawson trip is the first in a series of community visits  being delivered as part of our rural outreach
initiative. Our commitment to this effort was offered to the delegates at the last Triennial Convention.

We will hold meetings with our members to hear their concerns and receive guidance about our future direction. We will also present training programs designed to inform our members about their rights, and to recruit and train Shop Stewards.

Information about the locations and times of these meetings will be posted on union bulletin boards, advertised in this newsletter, and displayed on the YEU website at www.yeu.ca.

Convention 2006

This month I will be in Ottawa along with 8 other YEU delegates and three observers for the PSAC Convention. In addition to the election of a new PSAC executive, a number of issues of significance to our members are on the agenda.

Special Strike Fund Dues

One issue that is never simple to address nor easy for our members to accept is the current need for a small dues increase. Thoughtful consideration has been given to this action. It is essential for the protection of our members that the strike fund be rebuilt. The fund was depleted during recent job actions, and must be replenished to ensure our members are protected should further action be required in the future.

PSAC is also committed to increasing union education programs and to providing more direct regional support to our members and components. It is true that any dues increase,
however small, will be greeted with disfavour by some. However, I want to go on record supporting this action. I see the increase as an essential and indeed progressive step in PSAC’s development.

Nothing is more fundamental to organized labour philosophy than a union’s commitment to look after its members in times of strife. A replenished strike fund is a form of insurance which, unfortunately, will be needed in the future. In terms of education and regional services, PSAC members have long called for action. Funding must be secured to meet this need.

Minimum wage increase

The Yukon Employment Standards Board recently announced that they have increased the minimum hourly wage to $8.25. While any increase is welcome, the new rate falls short of the $10.00 per hour minimum we consider necessary. We encourage the board to again increase the minimum hourly wage at their fall review.

February 2006

Laurie Butterworth, YEU President

In mid- February I was in Ottawa for PSAC pre-convention committee meetings. YEU Vice-President Loralee Kesler and Director Brent Mekelburg also attended.

Sister Kesler participated in committee meetings related to general resolutions, while Brother Mekelburg was involved in constitutional committee work. My own work dealt with finance, budget and related monetary resolutions. These meetings are an essential part of the planning process for the 2006 PSAC Convention.

PSAC Convention 2006

The Yukon Employees’ Union will be sending 9 delegates and 3 observers to the PSAC Convention, which will be held in Ottawa from April 29 to May 5. This year marks the end of Nycole Turmel’s tenure as National President. Sister Turmel is retiring after a distinguished career. We certainly wish her well in her future endeavors.

Four candidates have come forward thus far to run for the position of National President. Notable among them is Jean-François Des Lauriers. Brother Des Lauriers is currently PSAC’s Northern Regional Executive Vice-President.

Joint Consultation

The next joint consultation meeting between the Yukon government and YEU is scheduled for March 14. As always, there are many issues on the table. YEU intends to make certain that the employer is aware of the names and locations of all our Shop Stewards. Our goal is to ensure that stewards are always involved in grievance procedure training, and are afforded every opportunity to represent our members in the workplace.

Several issues relating to community nursing that were initially brought forward to joint consultation have been moved into the arena of collective bargaining. These include pay, clothing allowances, staff shortages, and recruitment and retention allowances in Watson Lake. Health and Social Services issues relating to rural accommodation and work group equity have also been referred to collective bargaining.

In spite of the difficulties inherent in this process, YEU remains optimistic about achieving positive results. The opportunity for such progress will be significantly enhanced if the consultations are held monthly as previously agreed by both parties.

Whitehorse Correctional Centre

As outlined in our cover story, we are no closer to an acceptable resolution to the problems created by WCC management’s decision to abandon successful, long-established shift schedules. This issue is profoundly and negatively affecting Corrections Officer morale. In spite of our requests, management has refused to offer any reasonable rationale for the shift change beyond the simple fact that they have the power to impose it.

More disturbing are the public misrepresentations made by Sandy Bryce, Director of Community and Correctional Services. Ms. Bryce is quoted in the media as stating that “the government had offered the union several scheduling options”, and that “the union refused them”. In truth, the government offered only one shift choice. The Union rather than the employer came to the meetings prepared with several options, all of which were rejected.

Ironically, management defends their move to 8 hour shifts under a cloak of worker protection. In reality, they have replaced 12 hour schedules with 16 hour schedules, because staffing inadequacies now routinely require correctional officers to work double shifts. Bryce’s public statement about the need to “keep staff fresh and able to do their job with energy and health” is particularly misleading. We have seen no indication that the employer intends to resolve these staffing shortages. They propose to make only 3 of 18 auxiliary positions permanent. This ensures the ongoing dependence on auxiliary workers who lack both job security and benefits.

January 2006

Laurie Butterworth, YEU President

I’m pleased to report on a successful executive retreat held this January. The decision to involve staff and local presidents was a welcome innovation. Their fresh insight and alternate perspective was most helpful in preparing for the next year.

As outlined in the article on pages one and two, we worked to solidify the first year of an action plan that will implement the direction given by members and delegates at the triennial convention. Details will emerge in the coming months.

Whitehorse Correctional Centre

We have been working for over a year on an issue relating to hours of work for employees at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre. Inexplicably, management has chosen to abandon a well established shift schedule, and impose a regime that is opposed by the majority of WCC workers. Worse, they have taken action that contravenes the collective agreement.

The YEU Executive authorized Past President Hobbis to work with me on this issue. I’m pleased to have Brother Hobbis’ knowledge and experience available. The Executive has also directed that, until this matter is successfully resolved, YEU will completely withdraw from any further contract amendment discussions with the Public Service Commission.

Collective Bargaining

In 2006, several collective agreements between YEU locals and their employers will expire – agreements that protect workers at the Yukon government, the City of Whitehorse, the Yukon Arts Centre, and the Women’s Transition Home. Pre-bargaining work is now under way to solicit input from our members.

Community Outreach

At our last triennial convention, I left little doubt about my commitment to engage our members in the business and decisions of the union – in particular, those members working in rural communities, Toward that end, YEU has undertaken a major outreach initiative to be completed over the last two years. Step one involves planning a well-coordinated approach to the project including:
• contact identification
• local needs assessment
• solicitation of advance member input
• development of communication materials
• specific task assignments
• budget development, and
• preparation of measures-of-effectiveness.

The underlying goals of this initiative are to increase YEU visibility and presence, recruit more representatives (in co-operation with the Shop Steward Development Plan), enhance networking opportunities, provide training, undertake advocacy work and engage partnerships.

Federal Election

The decision of Canada’s electorate on January 23 leaves many challenges for the country’s unions. We will need to pay particular attention to how Prime Minister Harper begins to activate his agenda. Global issues of longstanding concern to organized labour in Canada will be front and centre.

Here in the Yukon, an already repressive and uncooperative Yukon party government may be emboldened by the federal results. We can reasonably anticipate a hard-line agenda at the bargaining table.

The territorial government employer has shown itself to be no friend of its own workforce. We should be prepared for a difficult fight to achieve our objectives.

YEU-PSC Relationship

A deterioration in the day-to-day relationship between YEU’s Executive and representatives of the Public Service Commission has been evident recently. This regressive state of affairs has been exacerbated by the disrespectful and uncooperative attitude of the Acting Director of Staff Relations. YEU has lodged a complaint with the Public Service Commissioner. I also raised the issue directly with Premier Fentie during my first meeting with the Yukon Party leader.

Hopefully a more enlightened and cooperative approach to unionemployer relations will result.