2006 Annual General Meeting

The 2006 Annual General Meeting is scheduled for October 4th, in the M-50 auditorium at 4:15 p.m.

This year the RCEA is celebrating its’ 40th anniversary as the official bargaining agent for the majority of NRC employees. Since the introduction of collective bargaining in the public service in 1966, the RCEA has gone through some very important changes. Our membership has increased to the point that we now represent more than half of all National Research Council employees. With the addition of new Institutes and Centres, we will continue to grow.

Certainly one of the major accomplishments of the past year is the recent Pay Equity settlement. After seven long years, we were very pleased to advise members that a settlement had been secured.  We know that many members, both past and present, had given up on ever seeing this day! Not only did we achieve a settlement, but we achieved a settlement that is not dependent on old group and level but rather treats all eligible employees the same. On top of that, the value of this settlement will likely exceed $10 million. This is one of several accomplishments of which the RCEA is very proud. We are also proud of our ongoing participation, with all other public service unions, in the legal challenge to the government’s raiding of the pension surplus account.  

Since I came into office, I have constantly looked for ways to improve the services and communication that we offer to the membership. To that end, I have brought a variety of technological changes to the RCEA office. More are needed.  As well, we will continue to make improvements to our website.  This “New Look” has allowed the RCEA to better distribute information to the members in an efficient and timely manner.

The bargaining process, as always, remains a slow and frustrating process. I share with all members the frustration of waiting for a new agreement to be negotiated. I can assure all members that we are doing everything in our power to move the process along. I would also remind all members that although it tends to take some time, our settlements have, at the very least, kept pace with the public service and in several cases, have exceeded the public service.

I continue to enjoy all visits to the Regional Institutes. These visits are always a great opportunity to communicate, listen and exchange ideas. It is always rewarding to hear the views and comments from the members. I had intended, during the past year, to visit all Ottawa Institutes and Centres.  Unfortunately, due to other demands, there was not enough time to fully accomplish this goal.

I hope that many of you will choose to attend the AGM this year. In an effort to encourage more of you to attend, the AGM will be held at 4:15 p.m. I invite you to attend this year’s meeting.  I hope to see you there in great numbers!

Serge Croteau
President