LEC Minutes Meeting April 4, 2013 CMG Boardroom
Approved by Vote: May 1st , 2013 as Amended.
Attendance: Tony Germin, Elaine Janes, Glen Guerin, Helen Bagshaw,
Claryse Boulineau, Riza Kaya, Vladimir Dimitricevic, Naomi Robinson, Rob Barlow, Alice Hopton, Mike Pattison (late)
Regrets: Jordanna Lake, Christina Sorensen
Commencement: Meeting commenced at 9.45 am
Adopt Agenda: moved Helen, seconded Rob – approved
Approval of Minutes: Feb. 27, 2013 meeting – as presented – moved Elaine
Seconded Helen
Secretary’s Report: absent no report
Treasurer: absent no report
President’s Update: Tony
Tony reported that at an LJC, CMG attempted to fight to retain the Colorist position and disagreed with management’s plan. Tony suggested repositioning the employee as a Broadcast technician in the newsroom where there is lots of work but management disagreed. The matter was now been referred to the National Committee but there were concerns raised by Tony and the employee about representation. Tony will attempt to meet with management to make a last ditch effort to resolve this.
Tony reported that the Toronto/York Labour Council is looking for representatives from CBC to join them to further CLC’s political action against federal and provincial proposals to bring in Right to Work Legislation. It was suggested that certain CMG members be approached about joining in this effort.
Tony also raised concerns over efforts at the federal level by some interest groups to compel CBC to divulge all salaries and reveal journalistic sources under Access to Information. CMG’s concern is over journalistic sources and the implications that may have for CBC journalists. CMG is considering organizing efforts to counter this move.
Tony is also looking into ongoing issues involving health concerns from members re: accommodation and working conditions in certain units, the issue of temp/contract employees who fear raising issues will result in reprisals.
He also reported that so far, there is no word yet on the impact on CBC’s overall reduction plan for years two and three.
From the CBC Branch, Tony reported that he is seeking information on the establishment of the CMG’s Bargaining Committee for upcoming contract talks. A meeting is to be held April 9th.
CBC Toronto is rolling out electronic scheduling in the coming month. Both paper and electronic schedules will be posted during transition. So far, Tony reports there are no problems but he will continue to monitor this.
CMG Karen Wirsig Presentation:
Karen provided an update on the upcoming country-wide mobilization effort – the overall theme is Meals and Breaks and encouraging employees to take their breaks. A mobilization day is planned for the beginning of May with information and handouts for employees. CMG National will cover releases for two members to aid and assist with the rollout in Toronto.
BREAK
Vice President’s Report
Elaine reported that the LJC has met a couple of times and has successfully placed a few of those employees who received notices before Christmas, including two broadcast technicians. The committee dealing with Temporary Employees held two meetings last month to discuss and settle part-time positions in the newsroom. Another meeting will be held April 24.
Elaine reports that efforts are continuing to try to resolve two other cases that have now reached the National level. She also said the LJC meeting needs to get going again to tackle arising issues. A proposed meeting date is set for later this month.
Elaine reported that she also helped out on the H & S committee – Mike thanked Elaine for filling in on that committee.
Directors’ Reports:
New Members:
Alice reported that a New Members lunch meeting with Jonathan Spence was held on April 3rd –12 people attended and there was good feedback. There were lots of questions. There is a concerted effort to target new members who are on contract.
On the National level Robert Ballantyne is planning a large “Media Mixer for New Members at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on Tuesday, April 9th – target for those who have been at CBC two years or less. Invitations have gone out.
Website Update:
Alice reported that a meeting was held with Robert, Helen and Sonia to examine the proposed new site. There was a discussion as to whether the site should be updated by LEC members or hire someone to do it on a monthly basis. Helen and Alice expressed an interest in doing it themselves and will assess this later in the year. It was agreed that information from LEC members that should go on the website will be sent to Alice and Helen and they will be the gatekeepers and post info to the web. Alice says plans are underway to publicize and launch the new website.
SRC – Radio Canada:
Claryse reported that with the retirement of Alain Dorion, Carl Swanston is now manager for both French and English technical matters. There are still some ongoing issues with the treatment of some employees and ongoing morale problems that she hopes to raise at an upcoming meeting with management on April 11th.
Lunch Break
Health and Safety:
Mike offered the name of a well-versed and experienced consultant who is willing to train committee members on H & S workplace issues. Mike is concerned that CBC’s training is not sufficient.
Mike reported that there is an ongoing problem with moths in the Broadcast Centre and that efforts by SNC-Lavelin have not solved the issue. There is friction over the whole issue. Several CMG members have expressed concern over this – Mike suggests the whole matter should be dealt with by the H & S committee.
On the National front, Glen reported that new ID badges are now in effect. He said employees are still behind in taking the on-line courses which are a requirement. Glen says he will bring up the matter to management that many area managers have not informed their employees that these are required courses and managers must provide employees with the time at work to complete them.
Glen reported that there are concerns about the ongoing renovations in TBC that are affecting employees. He will continue to monitor this.
Stewards’ Reports:
Naomi reported that she is advocating on behalf of contract employees who have been let go even though the work remains. There are concerns about employees being monitored re: sick leave.
Naomi will also respond to a memo from a new manager that suggests editors need to seek permission before going on scheduled meal breaks or breaks away from their work stations.
Helen is following up on workload issues with The Fifth Estate members and issues of Overtime. She expressed concern that there is still a culture of fear and intimidation being felt by some members.
Helen also expressed concern about little movement so far on PMSD.
Rob reported that there are still problems with inconsistent application of Special Leave policy. He reports some progress and assurances that managers will be trained on how to handle special leave. But he suggests that the use of forms may have to rise to the National level.
CMG President Report:
Carmel touched on the issue of the Private Members Bill re: CBC sources (see above note in Tony’s report) and highlighted a report on vulnerable workers and precarious work. She is also seeking ideas for CMG’s involvement in PRIDE events.
On the Nation al level, she said CMG is reviewing its plans for training courses and how to ensure more members from branches other than the CBC have adequate access to them. Lotteries are underway for the CAJ meeting and the Input conference in El Salvador.
The Presidents’ Council will meet in June. She urged members to consult the CMG website for updates on CMG activities including upcoming elections.
Mobilization and Education:
Maureen reported that, following on Karen’s plans for the National “Take Your Break” campaign, the LEC will hand out oranges to members on May 6 as a way of reminding them to “peel away” from their work stations. The committee also plans to continue with other events including information tables in late May and in the fall. Ron Ouellette will be asked for permission to set up tables.
LEC dates:
The following dates were agreed on for upcoming meetings:
May 1, June 7 (BBQ) Sept 6, Oct 7, Nov 4th and Dec. 5 (Christmas party)
New Business:
Request for Donation:
Helen brought forth a written request from CMG member Jill Dempsey asking the Toronto LEC for a donation to efforts to set up a school and radio station in Ghana. (See attached request) Helen proposed the following, seconded by Vlad:
That the CMG CBC Toronto LEC donate $500 to the “Going, Going Ghana” initiative by the Ryerson Radio and Television Arts program to support the development of a community radio station in the Volta region.
Passed with three abstentions.
PMSD:
Vlad raised concerns that with the June 30 deadline that some departments are already doing mid-term reviews while others have yet to initiate the process. There was also a discussion on concerns with folo up if there is disagreement on objectives, for example who covers off time for training initiatives/shadowing/mentoring.
MBS:
Workers in New Brunswick are in the 10th month of their strike. Mike moved, seconded by Elaine, that the LEC donate $1,000 to the MBS strike fund. Motion passed.
H & S Committee Selection
The Committee then moved in Camera to vote on applications for new members to the H & S Committee:
The following four people were elected to serve on the committee:
Glen Guerin, Helen (surname?) David Sealy Abby Swain,
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn – Elaine, Seconded by Helen. Meeting adjourned at 4.55 pm