RVP Carol Osborne and Local President Jason Zambo visited the Guelph Parole Office for Local 00056s annual visit/AGM. Members across the Western Ontario Local attended in a hybrid format on November 20, 2024.
The meeting was called to order and nominations were called for the election of officers. Jason Zambo was re-elected as Local President, Tony Lawrence was elected as Vice President and Sheryl Banks was re-elected as Secretary Treasurer. The oath of office was administered by RVP Osborne.
A special presentation was made for Sheryl Banks who has been an Executive Officer for over 20 years. She was provided with a Long-Term Service Award and pin and thanked for her service to the membership on behalf of the USJE/PSAC. President Zambo stated that he would not be able to continue in his role, without the support of Secretary-Treasurer Banks. RVP Osborne was honoured and proud to present the award to one of the longest standing representatives in the CSC Community (East).
RVP Osborne reported on her consultations with the recent change in CSC’s direction on Presence in the Workplace. Concerns were raised on how this would be implemented. RVP Osborne advised that from the Region she has been assured that there will be a flexible approach to the Return to Office (RTO) mandate, but that this will be discussed at the RLMC next week. She explained that while the WPs were specifically cited in the recent direction, that a nuanced approach with flexibility for all positions is requested by USJE. There were opportunities to work remotely prior to the pandemic and this should not change. Local President Zambo reiterated that his discussions with the DD has been the same, citing flexibility. Members were encouraged to go to the USJE website to send a letter to the Senior Managers and their Member of Parliament to express their concerns. RVP Osborne also reminded members to respect the hours of work as they stand within the Collective Agreement and to never work for free.
RVP Osborne encouraged members to visit the USJE website to complete the petition for USJE’s Presumptive Injury Campaign and Bill C-357. President Zambo and RVP Osborne explained that changes need to be made to the Government Employee Compensation Act (GECA) to ensure Workers Compensation coverage for our members who suffer operational stress injuries. Members were also encouraged to meet with their Member of Parliament to discuss the issue. RVP Osborne displayed the new Presumptive Injury pin created by the USJE National Health and Safety Committee. Members were directed to contact President Zambo to order pins from the USJE National Office.
President Zambo spoke about the next round of Bargaining and the demand that was submitted for Telework.RVP Osborne encouraged the Local Executive to apply to the PSAC Bargaining Conference as an Equity Member through the PSAC website.
Secretary-Treasurer Banks gave an update on the Locals finances. President Zambo moved a successful motion to increase the Local dues.
RVP Osborne was pleased with the level of engagement by the membership and wishes to thank all the members who took time from their busy schedule to attend.