November 2006

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to all the members that attended this year’s AGM. This was the first year that all of the regional laboratory and institute representatives got together for a formal meeting. It was a great opportunity for the representatives from across Canada to exchange views and concerns. Prior to the AGM, representatives and Executive members attended a training session with the topic chosen by the institute representatives. The topic was the grievance process. Training was provided by Joan Van Den Bergh, RCEA negotiator, and was very well received by all. At the AGM, reports from the regional and local Institute representatives on the years’ activities was presented. The main issues this year were a presentation and discussion on a dues increase and a presentation and amendments to the Constitution and By-laws. There were excellent comments and many good suggestions were made. I would like to thank the participants for their comments.

The AGM approved the proposed dues and Constitutional and By-law changes. These were then sent to all members for their vote. Ballots were counted on November 9, 2006. There was a 55% response rate. All the changes were approved:  the Constitutional changes were approved by 98% of the voters, while the By-Laws were approved by 93%. 77% of those voting approved the $2.00/month dues increase. More information can be found on the RCEA website.

Many of you have expressed your frustration with the length of time it takes to begin and complete the bargaining process. It was mentioned in my last report that the RCEA would do everything in our power to move the process along. I have sent a letter to John Baird, President of Treasury Board, expressing our frustration with the delays in the mandate granting process. This was a follow-up to the conversation I had with him at the NJC seminar in September. I will keep you informed of any response to the letter.

The elections of Institute representatives has been completed. Four new Institute Representatives will start on January 1st 2007. Congratulations to all newly-appointed and re-elected Institutes Representatives.

In earlier messages, I mentioned the ongoing Pension Surplus court case. Hearings will begin in the New Year, with evidence being heard the weeks of February 26, March 5, March 19, March 26, April 2 and April 9, 2007. Arguments will take place during the weeks of April 30, May 7 and May 14. We will keep you updated on future development.

Serge Croteau
President