Regional Vice-president Heather McKinnon’s schedule for the month of November was packed with a series of annual general meetings with locals in the Prairies region.
Early in the month, RVP McKinnon visited two locals in Winnipeg, PPSC/Justice Local 50131 and RCMP Local 50015. Following the Prairies Regional Conference held in Edmonton, RVP McKinnon headed to Saskatchewan to pay a visit to the Yorkton RCMP local 40114. All three occasions allowed McKinnon to discuss with members the presumptive injury campaign, the DSA report, the RCMP’s action plan, USJE’s strategic plan and priorities, and the actions underpinning those.
On November 9th, McKinnon met 12 members of Winnipeg RCMP Local 50015 along with PSAC REVP Marianne Hladun, and PSAC Regional Rep Tracy Thor. REVP Hladun provided an update on current bargaining and followed this with a discussion on strikes. Tracy Thor promoted an upcoming strike training session to the members who were quick to provide their contacts to register. Delegate and alternate/observer for USJE National Triennial Convention were elected, as well as delegate and alternate for the PSAC Prairie Region Convention. A Local President was elected (Jacqueline Mayo) and a new steward also came on board (Jason Wright). McKinnon had the chance to voice her disappointment with the bilateral meeting with the CHRO of the RCMP and the Senior Executive Committee with the RCMP’s upper management.
The following day, RVP McKinnon and Tracy Thor held a hybrid meeting at the PSAC Regional Office in Winnipeg that was attended by seven members in person and twelve members virtually.
Thor delivered a bargaining update and reiterated her invitation to upcoming strike training for members. Delegate and alternate/observer for USJE National Triennial Convention were elected, as well as delegate and alternate for the PSAC Prairie Region Convention. Kendra Cherrett was elected Local Vice-President. President Angie Sheard will be stepping away to accept a secondment – RVP McKinnon and all members wish to thank Angie for all her great union work!
On November 24th, McKinnon headed to Yorkton, Saskatchewan to meet with RCMP local 40114 where 28 members were in attendance. Delegate and alternate for USJE National Triennial Convention were elected, as well as delegate and alternate/observer for the PSAC Prairie Region Convention. Diane White (PSAC Regional Rep) delivered a bargaining update and a discussion regarding strikes. She also spoke about November 28th National Day of Action “Where’s Mona”, aimed at highlighting President of the Treasury Board Mona Fortier’s absence from the negotiation table.