President's Report for August, 2010
August 24, 2010 at 11:46 PM
TO: All Central Council Delegates
RE: PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Greetings:
The following is my monthy report of the activities and issues facing the Local since our last Central Council meeting:
1. Positively Public Campaign
The Local is continuing with our advertising campaign to promote public services and highlight the work of our members. Currently, we have advertising on transit busses, in transit shelters and on billboards. In addition to an on-going radio ad on CJOB, the Local has partnered with CJOB to name the “Hardest Working Player of the Game” during their broadcast of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers home and away games.
Workplace meetings are ongoing and I urge all Local 500 unit executives to work through the Locals' office to arrange such meetings. Special thanks to the Water and Waste Unit for helping schedule enough meetings to cover all divisions. .
Remember to go to the Local’s website and sign-up to receive email alerts and stay informed about the latest news and updates about issues important to you.
2. Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC)
The Joint Union/City/Conservancy Management Committee finalized the Employee Transition Agreement (ETA) which outlines the conditions and terms of the transfer of employees of the Community Services Department to the Assiniboine Park Conservancy planned for October 1. A separate process for the transfer of staff and operations from the Parks and Open Space Division planned for January 1, 2012, will occur in 2011.
In late July, employees working at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory and Zoo were provided a letter of offer asking them to identify whether they wish to remain with the City or transfer to the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. The results of this process indicate that a majority of members have elected to transfer to the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
In the coming months, the Joint Union/City/Conservancy Management Committee will continue to meet to discuss the next steps in the process leading up to the October 1, 2010 transfer date. Staff meetings will also be scheduled during this time.
The Local will also be scheduling meetings with the membership to discuss upcoming contract negotiations with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy in the early fall.
3. Veolia in the Wastewater Pollution Control Centres
Veolia is still touring the Wastewater pollution control centres. As far as we know, the contract is not yet complete and has not been signed by either party. Without seeing the full text of the agreement, it is still unknown what the full implications of the contract will mean to the taxpayers of the City of Winnipeg.
The Local and CUPE National will continue to monitor this project to ensure that this vital service together with the public interest is protected.
4. Local 500 Submitted Brief to IFC
On July 28, the Local made its position clear to the Infrastructure Funding Council (IFC) by submitting a brief outlining our concerns and also our suggestions to fund infrastructure on a sustainable basis. All levels of government must recognize the need to fund municipal infrastructure on an ongoing, sustainable basis.
It is critical that our public assets and services continue to be publicly owned, operated and delivered on a not for profit basis. Municipalities need access to a more equitable sharing of tax revenues between different levels of governments. Investing in public services provides a bigger boost and creates more jobs than tax cuts and is central to long term economic growth.
5. Premiers’ Meeting in Winnipeg
Canada’s 13 Premiers met in Winnipeg on August 4 – 5 for the 2010 summer meeting of the Council of the Federation. CUPE’s National President, Paul Moist urged all of Canada’s Premiers to keep a focus on pension reform. Brother Paul stressed that we need buy in and a commitment from all the provinces to improve pensions for the millions of Canadians who are not saving enough for retirement.
A phased-in doubling of CPP is a modest increase that would provide secure coverage to all workers in all industries.
I also sent a copy of the Local’s brief that was sent to (IFC) urging Manitoba’s Premier, Greg Selinger to discuss two key points outlined in our document - “The Benefits of Public Infrastructure Spending” and “Public Revenue and Financing Options.”
6. Good of Our Union
Jack Rodie’s wife Betty passed away this month. Brother Jack is a founding father of both our Local and our Division. Jack remains our longest serving CUPE Manitoba President. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
The CUPE Local 500 Social and Sports Committee will be hosting a Bud, Spud and Steak fundraiser on September 11, from 6 – 9 pm at the Nor-Villa Hotel. All proceeds go to the Les Butterworth Scholarship Fund. For tickets and more information call the Local 500 office at 942-1001.
Conclusion:
Please share this current issues document with your co-workers.
In solidarity,
Mike Davidson
MD/ng
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