Minutes
Minutes – May 13, 2014
•  Posted on  September 12, 2014  

LEC MEETING
Location: CMG Boardroom
Present: Naomi Robinson, Glen Guerin, Riza Kaya, Claryse Boulineau, Anita Adams, Coleman Jones, Tamir Kojfman, Kam Rao, Tony Germin, Kim Taylor-Galway, Robert Barlow, Maureen Brosnahan, Elaine Janes
Regrets: Jordanna Lake
Minutes from April meeting
Motion to adopt – moved by Anita, seconded by Tamir; 2 abstentions
Chief Steward
Tony Germin was the successful candidate in the election and was sworn in as a Chief Steward
President’s Report – Naomi Robinson:
CBC cuts: The numbers are 200 people in Toronto (193 English; 7 French.) Of the 657 positions; 25 of the people had seniority dating back to 2000.
Thank you to everyone who came to April 30th support date. The seven members of the LJEC have already began their work to help those who received redundancy notices.
PMSD: Problems persist with some department not completing the process, even though it is required under the Collective Agreement. However it was agreed that PMSD concerns will be set aside for the moment as LJEC and support for affected members needs to be the priority now.
President’s right to vote and speak at meetings.
Maureen assumed the chair to allow Naomi to take part in the discussion.
Naomi reported that various CMG staff & long-time members advised that a president can vote and speak in cases where the group numbers “about a dozen” – (Robert’s Rules.) Traditionally the LEC President has refrained from voting unless there is a tie.
Motion: “That the Toronto LEC President have the right to fully participate in the debates and discussions of the LEC including making and voting on motions for the duration of the term of this LEC.”
Moved by Rob, seconded by Kim. Passed with one abstention.
Rally in Support of CBC: Naomi suggested that LEC Toronto organize a rally or protest in support of the CBC during the upcoming CMG Bi-ennial Convention. Details to be discussed later.

Glen Guerin joined the meeting at 10:08 am.
Naomi resumes the chair.
Treasurer’s Report: Anita Adams
Remittance to the LEC this year will be $79,360, paid in quarterly instalments.
The LEC began with a balance of $56,791 – roughly $25,000 still available.
Claryse left the meeting at 11 am.
New Members Committee: Kim Taylor-Galloway
No new business due to timing and cuts at this time. Kim is looking to October as possible first event.
Communications Committee: Colman Jones.
Busy month; CMG local at CBC in Toronto YouTube channel has been set up, CMG bulletin boards in the Toronto plant now have Identifying banners, and have been refreshed with various posters, cmgtoronto website updates, a “storify” page entitled “CBC cuts in 100 tweets” was set up at https://storify.com/Kam_Rao/impact-of-cbc-cuts-cbccuts, & Other social media posts about the cutbacks have been subsequently retweeted by LEC members.
Colman suggested posting more photos so members get to know who LEC and connect with them.
The interview with Linden MacIntyre on his decision to retire to make way for young talent proved very popular and was posted on Vimeo.
Human Rights and Equity: Kam Rao
Kam suggested tracking job reductions, and perhaps exit surveys that describe the kinds of people who are losing their positions due to cutbacks. She also suggested tracking the impact of job losses on workload and the impact on diversity
CMG Convention: She also advised there will be three distinct caucuses at the upcoming CMG convention: 1/ LGBT members 2/women 3/general human rights and equity
World Pride: Kam proposed CMG and LEC take an active part, perhaps a Button or Ribbon campaign promoting unions – such as the CMG – that protect workers by ensuring a safe workplace. She advised that CMG has parade permit and vehicle permit. The date is Sunday, June 29th and the theme is “Stronger Together.” She urged everyone to attend.
Care committee: Anita Adams
We are no longer sending flowers but cards, as a cost saving measure. The key is contact to ensure that we continue to offer emotional support to members.

Health and Safety Committee: Glen Guerin
Glen advised there have been reports of odours in the VTR library and the committee is investigating.
Ventilation in the second make-up and hairstyling in fourth floor continues to be an issue. The latest study reveals results above guideline/standards. A commercial purifier was brought in but it is noisy and ineffective. Proper ventilation is the long term solution.
Scheduling of committee meetings has been a problem and committee members aren’t being released properly.
Mobilization and Education: Maureen Brosnahan
Maureen suggests, given the positive feedback, Breakfast in the Newsroom be held more than one time (Christmas) a year as a way to connect with members who work overnight/early shifts.
If agreed, we will plan another Ice Cream day in mid-August to re-inforce the “Take Your Break” campaign. Details to follow.
Also, Maureen was in touch with Barbara Saxberg re: providing continuing education of LEC and Local Committee members.
Claryse rejoined the meeting at 1230.
LUNCH

1:30 MEETING RESUMES:
Elaine joined the meeting at 1.30
Vice President’s Report: Elaines Janes
On the Temps committee: Broadcast techs is a concern and remains on the committee’s radar. A review is also underway of workers on contract to ensure they are doing legal work – not the work of permanent staff.
Claryse and Anita rejoin the meeting at (1:45)
SRC UPDATE: Claryse Boulineau
Meetings continue with management concerning ongoing issues. Discussion on whether the SRC Joint Committee is a local Toronto or Regional committee.
STEWARDS’ REPORTs:
Discussion of the impact of the loss of HNIC.
MOTION: That the CMG request copies of any agreements CBC has with Rogers that affect CMG members in any way.
Moved by Maureen, seconded by Elaine.
Passed unanimously.
CAMPAIGN: WE ARE CBC:
Kam outlined the campaign is being spearheaded at the CMG National Level and involves people across the country. Aim is to track the timeline between now and next federal election. The message is that CBC needs long-term stable funding and to operate at arms’ length from government. Election candidates will be targeted urging them to commit – campaign may begin soon with the upcoming federal by-elections. Also an open letter from CMG to President Hubert Lacroix. Further information to follow.
Also solicit and post videos of community folks and leaders who support Public Broadcasting and the CBC.
The Rally during CMG will be a kick-off event and all are urged to promote it and attend.
Repopulating Committees:
Naomi reported that our LEC committees need repopulating. A request for volunteers to join our committees will be sent out to members after the convention. These include the Grievance, Health and Safety, Local Joint, Temp, PMSD and SRC joint committee. LEC members are encouraged to recruit and lobby members during the convention.
Business Cards:
Will be made for all LEC members who request them . Naomi to send email to all LEC members. Glen to arrange info on pricing and printing.
Annual BBQ
After a lengthy discussion as to whether to hold the summer BBQ or substitute a different event, a motion was main to maintain the summer BBQ, serving burgers, chips and pop. Moved by Elaine, seconded by Glen. Motion passed with two abstentions. BBQ will be held Thursday, June 26th.
Next meeting:
The next meeting of the LEC will be held Tuesday, June 17the at 5 pm – location TBA.
Adjourn:
Motion to adjourn – moved by Glen Guerin, seconded by Naomi Robinson – meeting adjourned.