We were unable to achieve some of the original proposals that our local put forward. To acknowledge the intent and importance of what we were trying to bargain, the Employer and CUPE 391 agreed to strike committees to deal with outstanding work issues. Some of these represent democracy in the workplace, others have a direct work co-relation. I am also listing the established committees as some such as Grievance and Long Term Disability (LTD), are very much in need of new members. Others, such as OH&S have terms of reference which require either new members or rotation of positions.

The Executive will be introducing the new committees at the General Meeting, 6.00 pm, Peter Kaye room, November 19, 2007. Some of these committees are standing, some will be continuing indefinitely and others have an expiry date. We need to have these committees up and running as soon as possible to make them effective. Please attend the General Meeting and learn about the work of each committee. Education on how to set up these committees and make them accountable will be offered.

New Committees as per Memorandum of Agreement 2007-2011

Joint Committee – Classification Appeal Process

The Employer and the Union agree to establish a Joint Committee consisting of not more than three (3) representatives from each party to discuss the current classification appeal process (internal appeal and Job Evaluation Appeal Committee Agreement). The Committee shall commence within one (1) month following a request from the Union. The Committee shall remain in place until 2008 March 31, but no later, by which time it shall report its findings and any recommendations to the respective principals. Where a recommendation is approved by the principals of both parties, such recommendation shall be implemented prior to the next round of collective bargaining.

Joint Committee - Classification Issues (Pay Equity to be discussed or Comparable Worth if you are unfamiliar with the term)

The Employer and the Union agree to establish a Joint Committee consisting of not more than three (3) representatives from each party to discuss classification issues. The primary purpose of the Committee shall be for each party to gain a better appreciation of the other party’s perspective on classification issues. The Committee shall meet periodically during 2007, 2008 and 2009 and shall cease to exist on 2009 December 31 unless both parties agree to extend it. The Committee shall automatically be removed from the Collective Agreement unless both parties specifically agree to renew it.

Joint Committee - Ergonomics

“The Employer and the Union agree to establish a Sub-Committee of the Health and Safety Committee which shall consist of not more than three (3) representatives from each party to discuss issues around ergonomics. The Committee shall commence within one (1) month following a request from the Union and shall meet from time to time at the call of either party.”

Joint Committee - Job Sharing

The Employer and the Union agree to establish a Joint Committee consisting of not more than three (3) representatives from each party to discuss amendments to the current Letter of Understanding on Job Sharing. The Committee shall commence within one (1) month following a request from the Union. The Committee shall remain in place until 2008 June 30, but no later, by which time it shall report its findings and any recommendations to the respective principals. Where a recommendation is approved by the principals of both parties, such recommendation shall be implemented prior to the next round of collective bargaining.

Joint Committee – Layoff and Recall

The Employer and the Union agree to establish a Joint Committee called the Layoff and Recall Committee, consisting of not more than three (3) representatives from each party to discuss the parties’ bargaining issues related to layoff and recall. The Committee shall commence within one (1) month following a request from either party. The Committee shall remain in place until 2008 June 30, but no later, by which time it shall report its findings and any recommendations to the respective principals. Where a recommendation is approved by the principals of both parties, such recommendation shall be implemented prior to the next round of collective bargaining.

Joint Committee - Technological Change

Effective the date of ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement, the Employer and the Union agree to delete Schedule “D” and amend Clause 7.1(3) to read as follows:

“Technological Change Committee

A Technological Change Committee shall be established consisting of three (3) representatives of the Employer and three (3) representatives of the Union. The Committee shall meet from time to time at the call of either party to discuss matters related to technological change.”

Joint Committe - WORK SCHEDULING – AUXILIARY AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES

A new Letter of Understanding entitled “Work Scheduling – Auxiliary And Part-Time Employees” will be incorporated into the Collective Agreement. This Letter of Understanding will read as follows:

“A Joint Committee will be established, consisting of not more than three (3) representatives from the Employer and the Union, to review and to discuss issues around access to and scheduling of part-time and auxiliary hours. The Committee shall commence its discussions within one (1) month following a request from the Union. The Committee shall remain in place until December 31, 2008, but no later, by which time it shall report its findings and any recommendations to their respective principals. Where a recommendation is approved by the principals of both parties, such recommendation shall be implemented no later than prior to the next round of collective bargaining.”

To be continued …

Come to the Peter Kaye Room at Central Branch on Monday, November 19 for our first general meeting after the strike. Doors open at 4:00 pm to begin the silent auction of paraphernalia remaining from the strike. The meeting begins at 6:00 pm. Agenda items include voting on constitutional changes drafted and circulated to members at the last AGM, the election of a new trustee, and a call for members for committees, including new committees formed as a result of bargaining. Hope to see you there!

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Hello Everyone,

For those who did not already pick up your final strike pay cheque at the distribution in the Peter Kay Room on Friday, November 02, 2007, they are now being held at our local office for pick-up.  The usual rules for strike pay pick-up still apply - you must pick-up your cheque in person and be prepared to show ID. There is someone in the office M-F this week (Nov 05-09) and Monday(Nov 12) next week from about 9-4ish each day.  It’s probably best to call ahead to be sure someone is in the office when you plan on arriving though.  If you can’t make it during these days call the office next week to see when Alex will be in.  Please keep in mind she is often in and out at meetings during the day.

As you may know special provisions were made during the strike to allow for members to make VESP withdrawals down to a balance of $100.00 instead of the usual $500.00, as well as allowing a second withdrawal for the year.  The cut-off date for these special withdrawals is November 15, 2007 and MUST be requested on the special withdrawal (2 page) forms that are still available through the CUPE391 or CUPE15 offices (same address).  For the special withdrawal to take place these completed forms also MUST arrive at the CUPE15 office BEFORE the November 15, 2007 cut-off date for batch transmission to the plan administrators.  You can send the forms to the CUPE391 office but be sure you allow enough time for the forms to get to our office.  Forms arriving late will not be considered for the special withdrawal provisions.

Steven (Secretary-Treasurer) for Alex

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“You guys are my heroes”, announced Anne Seidl as she walked onstage at Vancouver’s Rio Theatre. Cheers broke out from the members of CUPE Local 391, Vancouver Public Library workers. Anne, the writer/director librarian of “Hollywood Librarian” flew to Vancouver from Wisconsin, bringing messages of support from American library workers. “We have been watching your fight for pay equity. Your courage and creativity have captured the hearts of library workers everywhere. You would think that I wrote my movie with your struggle in mind. Your struggle has laid a framework for pay equity. Thank you so much.”

We thought we should be thanking her. Anne has given Vancouver Public Library Workers exclusive rights to show her film, “The Hollywood Librarian”. What a wonderful gesture of solidarity.

“The Hollywood Librarian” offers clips of librarians as they have been portrayed in the movies, bespectacled, glamorous, smart and funny; juxtaposed with the real-life librarians, who are the gatekeepers of knowledge in an increasingly digital and globalizing world. The Hollywood Librarian makes critical points about how censorship intrudes in our lives and how access for all remains a right we must all defend.

Filmmakers of our local, James Gemmill and David Philip, brought their hilarious, loving and politically astute (yet incorrect), celebrations of library workers to the big screen. Much interest is being shown to these writer/directors from the media and members of the public. See http://cupe391.ca/blog2/ to view these wonderful and visually articulate creations of our members.

Strike Cheque Pickup

The maximum amount available for this final cheque will be $350.  This amount would include $250 for the last week of picketing, for those eligible.  The extra $100 = $20 from CUPE BC + $80 from CUPE National.  This is the two days pay referred to in the Strike regulations of both organisations if you meet the picketing requirements.  Please pick up cheques:
* Date: November 2, 2007
* Time: 9.30 a.m. - 6.30 p.m
* Where: Peter Kaye, Central Branch

Lost and Found Items

All Lost and Found items will be presented in the Peter Kaye room on the strike pay pickup day, November 2nd.  Any items that are not claimed will be given to a charity.

Strike Equipment - Leftover from Branches

Please bring any tents, barbeques, etc. leftover from job action to the Peter Kaye Room Friday November 2nd.  We will organise its future.

in Solidarity

Alex

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