1. MOTION (Gore/Wood) That the agenda be approved as amended. CARRIED

2. MOTION (Corner/Thornton) That the minutes of January 27, 1999, be approved as amended. CARRIED

3. Urgent Business: None

4. Chair's Remarks and Correspondence

4.1 CUPE 4163's first collective agreement

CUPE 4163's first collective agreement has been settled by binding mediation. A letter will be sent to The Ring congratulating them on their settlement.

4.2 Joint UVic/PEA proposal to Senate. Deferred.

5. Reports

5.1 Staff Officer Report (Forde)

Forde has been working on the following:
Three reclassification requests;
A member whose part time position was increased to full time was offered a new part time position, but has now opted to be laid off.
Three vacant positions in Computing User Services are temporarily being filled by SIs, and Human Resources is considering reclassification for these employees. The consensus of the directors was that all three positions should be posted as PEA jobs, in accordance with the collective agreement.
A member in the Molecular Beam Lab is being laid off. Discussion arose about the duties of the position and how they would be filled if required in the future.
Forde is still waiting for legal advice on the issues of the right of employees to privacy regarding personal computer files. Corner mentioned that Donald Cameron, a lawyer and adjunct professor, will be teaching on "intellectual properties on the internet" at UVic.

5.2 Provincial PEA Executive (Gore)

Gore sought for suggestions on matters to include on the forthcoming meeting. It was suggested that he report on the Chapter's involvement in Teaching Celebration Day, February 12,1999. Darling will write to the Provincial Executive to express the Chapter's thanks for the appointment of UVic members to Provincial sub-committees and for the new logo design.

5.3 Appointments Committee (Kovach)

Twelve people volunteered for the February 15 focus group, which will consult with the Information Technology Planning Committee.
MOTION (Wood/Corner) That the following be recommended to serve as members of the Information Technology Planning Committee focus group: Don Jones, Brenda Gerth, Tom Gore, Tom McReynolds, Susan Fiddler, Carolyn Schneider. CARRIED
Further to this matter, Darling will write to the Vice-President Academic to draw attention to the oversight in the PEA not being included in the Information Technology Planning Committee.

5.4 Seminars Committee (Cooper Little)

The first in the financial planning series was held on February 9, 1999, with Peggy Waterton of Dollars and Sense Budget Planners. Other seminars planned to date include: February 17 - Tony Southwell February 25 - Robert Innes March 9 - Ken Bates The committee is also working with International Training for Communication to offer a series of seminars on public speaking. An information session on the Salary Deferral Plan is also being planned. It was agreed that the committee could also have a role in arranging information sessions on the new collective agreement.

5.5 Equity Working Group (Cooper Little)

A brainstorming session was held February 2, 1999, to discuss accommodation of faculty members with a disability. Particular issues involve requirements for a certain number of years in considering rank, tenure, and promotion. The group reviewed the current process and raised the need for a consistent, written policy. A question has been raised about possible representation of the Chapter on the Accommodation Committee. Cooper Little will seek more information and clarification of the committee's role, etc.

5.6 Harassment and Discrimination Working Group (Gore)

Four proposed changes to the policy were circulated to the Executive. Responses are requested by March 15.

6. Business Arising

6.1 Unfinished Business

6.1.1 Chapter Executive Retreat (Darling)

The one-day retreat has been confirmed for February 18, 1999 at Queenswood. Darling will confirm the agenda by e-mail.

6.1.2 Chapter Buttons (Gore)

Gore circulated proofs of the Chapter button design for comment. It was suggested that he show the design to the Provincial Executive at the next meeting and investigate possible interest by other chapters in ordering buttons. A small enamel pin version of the new PEA logo will be considered for Executive members and Local Representatives. Corner will obtain quotes and report back.

6.1.3 Recognition of Retiring PEA Members. Deferred to Executive Retreat

6.1.4 Joint PEA Local Rep / CUPE Shop Steward Meetings. Deferred to Executive Retreat

6.1.5 Presidential Search Committee. This item already concluded.

6.1.6 Proposal for Chapter Code of Ethics. Deferred to Executive Retreat

6.1.7 Organizing issues (info for Paul Reniers). Dealt with by e-mail consultation.

6.1.8 CUPE 4163 piggyback on PEA Long Term Disability (LTD) Plan (Thornton)

Copies of the response from Human Resources re concerns raised about the possibility of CUPE 4163 joining the Chapter LTD plan were distributed. Any such benefits would be a matter for negotiation by CUPE 4163. A new information package on benefits will soon be distributed to members and will be posted on the Chapter website. Members cannot combine extra-to-load earnings with regular salary for the purpose of pension contributions.

6.1.9 Board of Governors Election

Two Chapter members have been nominated, as well as one CUPE 951 member, for the non-faculty position on the Board of Governors. Discussion arose about ways to show support for both PEA members. It was suggested that an all-candidates meeting be held in conjunction with CUPE 951. Darling will contact Doug Sprenger to arrange.

6.1.10 Lock Out of Projectionists

The BC Federation of Labour has called a number of province wide rallies to build support and put pressure on the employers to resolve this dispute. A rally was held February 6, and a second rally will be on February 27 starting at 6:15 pm at Yates and Blanshard. Regular Tuesday night rallies are being held at 7 pm, with approximately 50 people attending in support of the pickets.

6.1.11 International Week, March 14-21. Deferred to Executive Retreat

6.2 Teaching Celebration Day, February 12

The Chapter poster, which will be used at Teaching Day, was displayed. The Executive commented favourably and thanked Gore for his design work. Corner reviewed the schedule for staffing the display on February 12. She will confirm the schedule by e-mail and post a notice on the A&AP listserv about the Chapter's involvement.

7. Other Business. None

8. MOTION (Cooper Little) That the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED
Meeting adjourned at 3:05 pm

Next meeting: Wednesday, February 24, 1999, Human & Social Development Building A250