Chapter Executive Meeting
Professional Employees Association
Minutes from May 27th, 1998 beginning at noon
in Clearihue C116

Present: Glen Darling (chair), Tom Gore, Rosalie Phillips, Maggie Cooper Little, Jane Kovach and Ian Thornton.
Regrets:  Dick Chappell, Elaine Doyle and Martin Milner.

1. MOVED (Gore/Kovach) approval of the agenda as amended. CARRIED

3.1 Salary Deferral Program (Darling)

The draft Salary Deferral Policy (previously distributed) was reviewed and discussed. Concerns were expressed with reference to 5.1(d) Salary Adjustments and 5.1(e) Be eligible to apply on [sic] vacancies at the University of Victoria ..Darling will write to Jennifer Margison to raise these issues and to seek clarification of 5.1(b) Holidays.

3.2 Performance Review (Phillips)

A draft of the Performance Appraisal Form and Draft #4 of manual were distributed. Phillips reviewed these and answered questions and described the proposed performance review process. The term "manager" was queried. She will recommend to the Performance Review Committee that this be changed to "supervisor" in line with the language of the collective agreement. Phillips asked directors to forward further comments to her by e-mail before June 2.

4. Chair's Remarks: tabled to next meeting

5.1 Seminars Committee (Cooper Little)

The committee met on May 27 and reviewed plans for the seminar series on financial planning. The first session on June 2, 12:00 - 1:30 pm, will feature Peggy Waterton of Dollars and Sense with a presentation on budget planning. The video, "The Wealthy Barber" will be shown on June 9. Two guest speakers have been confirmed for the third week. Phillips will circulate a notice to local reps and on the listserv to advertise the sessions. Information will also be posted on the Chapter website.

5.2 Executive Retreat (Darling)

A report on the May 25, 1998, Executive Retreat was distributed to directors. Drafts of a report to the Provincial Executive and an article to be submitted to "The Professional" will be circulated to directors for comment.

5.3 Provincial Executive (Phillips)

Phillips reported on the Provincial Executive meeting:

provincial membership - UVic Chapter has increased, while some chapters have decreased;
charitable donation request referred to Charitable Donations Committee; Policy Review committee will review language on charitable donations;
report of the Election Review Committee was accepted; proposed constitutional amendments will be distributed to members;
Nominating Committee struck;
Bargaining reports;
Chapter reports - Phillips thanked the Executive for funding for the UVic Chapter Executive Retreat.

5.4 Bargaining Committee (report submitted by Ann Nightingale)

On April 16th, both sides exchanged contract proposals. The first task was to group the items as issues. Instead of discussing the proposals article by article, we are taking them as groups: Recognition and Decision-Making Job Security, Professional Development, Work Scheduling, Salary Adjustments, Administration, and Cost Items.

To date, we have covered most of the proposals under Recognition and Decision-Making. We believe we have improved many of the existing articles with regard to staff involvement in University governance and PEA activities, clarified the contract language in several articles, and ensured that we are informed by the University regarding issues which will affect our members. We have moved into the Job Security category recently, which I know is of great interest to our members in these times of budget cutbacks.

The tone at the bargaining table is positive and your bargaining committee is pleased with the pace of the negotiations to date. I will be sending updates throughout the process, and reports will also appear in The Professional.

Bargaining Committee members are: Glen Darling, Ian Thornton, Jane Kovach, Grant Rogers, Berenice Wood, Elaine Doyle, and Ann Nightingale. Your support is greatly appreciated as we work with the University to improve our collective agreement.

5.5 Local Representatives Committee (Phillips)

There has been some turnover in local reps recently. Updated information will be provided to Gore for inclusion on our web page as it is available. Some local reps seem unable to make it to LR meetings. The executive was consulted on what action might be appropriate and it was decided to set up a formal system of alternates. LR training is scheduled for Friday, May 29th in Vancouver. Rosalie Phillips, Ralph Scheurle and Glen Darling are signed up to attend. It is hoped that training will be available in Victoria in the not-too-distant future for those LRs that have not yet attended this valuable training.

5.6 Benefits Committee (Thornton)

Lois Jones, Human Resources, has been asked to gather information regarding increased premium costs to our members for increased coverage for birth control pills, vision and hearing aids. When she gets this information she will make it available to both parties at the Bargaining Table.

5.7 Appointments Committee (Kovach)

Discussion re soliciting members for the Provincial PEA Nominations Committee and seeking nominations for the executive election.

6.1 Computing and System Services (CASS) Review (Gore)

To date, the invitation to chapter members to comment on the CASS Review has resulted in one response. Darling will write a letter to Dr. Rowlatt to thank the University for releasing the report.

7.1 Provincial PEA 1999 AGM

MOVED (Phillips/Gore) that the Provincial Executive of the PEA be invited to hold the 1999 Annual General Meeting at UVic. CARRIED
Room space will be provided at no cost to the Provincial Executive. A tour of UVic and dinner with our chapter executive will be arranged.

7.2 PEA BBQ (Chappell)

Chappell provided information on a possible event at the Faculty Club, and this was discussed. He will research other locations, including Cadboro Commons and the Halpern Centre.

7.3 United Way Campaign (Gore)

Gore reported on a recent meeting involving representatives from the CUPE locals on campus. It has been suggested that the Chapter organize fundraising events for the United Way campaign. After discussion, it was decided that a notice be sent to members on the listserv inviting them to participate, on an individual basis, in this campaign. Gore will report back after the next meeting of this committee.

the next meeting will be held on June 10th, 1998 in Cl. C116