LEC Toronto Meeting January 20, 2014-01-22 Broadcast Centre Conference Room Minutes: approved as amended Feb
10, 2014
In Attendance: Naomi Robinson, Anita Adams, Claryse Boulineau, Rob Barlow, Kam Rao, Kim
Taylor-Galloway, Colman Jones, Elaine Janes, Tamir Kojfman, Maureen Brosnahan
Regrets: Jordanna Lake, Riza Kaya
The meeting began at 9.50 am
1.Motion to adopt the agenda: Kam Rao, seconded by Kim Taylor Galloway. Carried.
2.Welcome and greetings from new President, Naomi Robinson
3.Round the table introductions
4.Oath of office sworn and signed by all newly and re-elected LEC members.
Glen Guerin joined the meeting at 10.15
5.Secretary’s update: provided by Naomi Robinson in Jordanna’s absence.
Meetings will be conducted according the Roberts rules of Order. Copies of Roberts
Rules are available to LEC members at the CMG office. Naomi also re-iterated the police of
release for LEC members for meetings and other LED/CMG events. It is necessary for all
members to alert Jordanna as soon as possible if they are unable to attend a meeting, so as
to avoid CMG incurring unnecessary costs to CMG and to provide sufficient notice to CBC
schedulers. LEC members will also keep track of their releases for other CMG events such as
mobilization, training etc.)
6. Adoption of minutes: The adoption of last month’s minutes is deferred until next month’s
meeting.
7. President’s report:
Naomi outlined that she is looking forward to the coming year and term and bringing forth new
initiatives in a spirit of cooperative decision-making. Her plan is to have a one-hour brainstorm
session at the February meeting and encourage others to bring their ideas to the table.
She outlined the following goals for the term:
a) Develop positive connections within CMG and among members
b) Develop better relations and communications between the local and national levels of
CMG
c) Develop better connections and communication between CMG and CBC management
d) Develop better connections with other groups within CBC such as the Staff
Association.
e) Develop better connections with CMG and other media unions
f) Develop a better email system and website to communicate with CMG members
g) Set up a CMG mail slot on the 4th floor, off the newsroom
h) Establish a separate room within the Bdcst Centre for CMG “stuff” as well as a place to
meet privately with CMG members.
i) Encourage cooperation and a “share the load” approach so work within the committee
is shared equally.
j) Determine a better way to track members issues and issues that are brought to LEC
members. Perhaps recruit additional stewards
k) Better relationship and communication with CMG staff reps
l) Create a sense of community within CBC Toronto by reaching out to younger members
and promote the benefits of the union to all CMG members
m) Come up with new swag and opportunities for branding
Naomi also advised that next month she has arranged for a photographer to attend to take
group and individual photos of LEC members to be used on the website and as part of their
email identity.
She also advised that the Toronto unit now includes the pocket bureaux in London, Kitchener-
Waterloo and Hamilton. Naomi will travel to the locations to meet with staff and develop
contacts.
She also reported that she is continuing to examine the issue of additional time off for the
LEC presidents in light of the heavy workload. The matter is now under consideration by a
subcommittee at the National level.
Christina Sorensen and Dan Oldfield each arrived at 10.50 am
8. CMG Staff overview:
Senior Staff rep Dan Oldfield presented an overview of the proposed collective agreement.
Information sessions for Toronto members will take place January 27 and the ratification vote
will be held between January 27 and January 31.
He also briefed the meeting on the HNIC arrangement with Rogers and the implications for
CBC and updated the LEC on discussions about the CBC Pension Plan and possible changes in
the future.
Lunch Break: 12.05
1 pm meeting resumes.
9. Treasurer’s report: Former treasurer Christina Sorensen presented an update as part of the
handover to newly-elected treasurer Anita Adams.
Christmas Party and CMG breakfast cost $10,378.44. This was less than last year as we cut
costs by ordering different food at the party and arranging to purchase our own food for the
breakfast rather than having it catered. CMG National office contributed $5,000 to cover off
some of the costs as the party included invites to members from other CMG branches.
She also reported that phone and internet charges have been consolidated.
Motion to change the signing authority to remove Tony Germin and Christina Sorensen.
Signing authority now rests with Anita Adams, Naomi Robinson, Jordanna Lake and Elaine
Janes. Moved by Maureen, seconded by Claryse. Carried.
The LEC thanks Christina for all her extra work as treasurer and for helping to coordinate the
Christmas Party.
10. Michael Pattison’s resignation:
Naomi explained that Michael Pattison had declined to accept his position as steward and
has resigned. Since the runner-up in the election has also declined to accept the position,
CMG rules call for a new election. Naomi will ask Helen Bagshaw, Kenny Delaney and Ralph
Legare, the previous election committee, to reconvene. The cost of a new online election is
estimated at $5,000. The committee will be asked to consider a paper vote instead. A call for
expressions of interest for the steward’s position will go out in February.
11. Vice President’s Report:
Elaine Janes reported that the ratification vote for the proposed Collective Agreement will
be held on Jan. 27 with sessions throughout the day. Members of the bargaining committee
will be present. Coleman Jones will look into recorded one of the sessions and have the audio
posted on the website.
Elaine also reported that the LJEC continues to meet and is dealing with six people who
continue to seek positions. There were originally 45 on the list.
The Temporary Employment Committee continues to meet every two months.
2 pm to 4.15 pm
Training session for new LEC members –conducted by Karen Wirsig and Bruce May
12. Committee Reports:
Mobilization: Maureen reported that the Christmas breakfast on the 4th floor was a great success
– drawing more than 200 people – and raised the profile of Local CMG. Recommendation that
the new committee consider holding a similar event to or three times during the year.
Health and Safety: The committee will meet this week. Glen deferred his report until the February
Meeting.
Communications: Coleman has set up new gmail accounts for all LEC members.
Due to the need to vacate the room at 4.30 the following agenda items were deferred until the
February meeting:
-Appointment of Director to Portfolios
-Chief Stewards’ reports
-SRC report
-New Business: Black History Month
Donation -$50- to Doctors without Borders.
-Selection of Meeting dates for LEC for 2014
Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Motion to adjourn: moved by Rob, seconded by Tamir.
Meeting adjourned at 4.40 pm