STARTING IN A GOOD WAY
The Quw’utsun Tzinquaw Dance Group from Cowichan Valley opened the convention with their beautiful traditional songs and dancing. The strength of the Tzinquaw people reverberated through the room and convention attendees were honoured to be witness to their amazing culture.
PROCEDURAL MOTIONS PASS
Delegates then ratified the convention committees, adopted the agenda, approved national council members as automatic delegates to the PSAC National Convention, and passed other procedural motions.
PRESIDENT AND NVP REPORTS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY
During the morning session, the reports of National President Shimen Fayad and National Vice President Benoit Thibault were passed unanimously by convention delegates. Both spoke to the challenges of the last three years, including the ever-frustrating Phoenix pay system disaster, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent Treasury Board strike where members from coast to coast to coast walked the line for eight days. Despite these challenges, President Fayad and NVP Thibault expressed their pride for the work members were able to accomplish over the last three years, and the positive outlook UHEW has for greater member engagement in the months and years to come.
GUEST SPEAKERS BRING STRENGTH AND SOLIDARITY
Delegates also heard from guest speaker PSAC National President Chris Aylward. President Aylward recounted the success of the TB and CRA recent strikes, noting that a “new generation of PSAC activists was born on those picket lines” who are engaged and willing join the fight to put workers before profits.
BC Federation of Labour President Sussane Skidmore also brought greetings to delegates, expressing her appreciation for PSAC strike efforts that helped pave the way for the “Hot Labour Summer” we’re currently in: workers are done paying for inflation through higher prices and are standing up for what we deserve.
2024-2026 BUDGET PASSES
The Finance Committee addressed delegates, speaking to their priority resolutions. The Committee’s first priority resolution was the proposed budget for 2024-2026, which was adopted by delegates.
UHEW STRIKE FUND SPECIAL LEVY ADOPTED
The second resolution debated was on a UHEW Strike Fund Special Levy of $5 per member per month until the UHEW Strike Fund is replenished to $2.5M. The Committee asserted that the Special Levy would avoid a long-term dues increase and allow UHEW investment revenue to continue to be directed to our operating costs. This short-term approach will also satisfy the By-Law requirement to maintain a strike fund to support our members when needed. This resolution was also carried.
UHEW STRIKE FUND INCREASED FROM $2.5M TO $4.5M
The third priority heard on the floor was the resolution to increase the UHEW Strike Fund from $2.5M to $4.5M. Delegates spoke of the need for members to have the confidence and financial support necessary to show their unity and strength on the picket lines from coast to coast to coast. With the possibility of a federal election in the near future and the potential threat of a Conservative government, UHEW members need to take steps now to support our sisters, brothers and friends should another strike take place in the coming years. This resolution was also adopted by convention delegates.
HELPING OUR COMMUNITIES
The day ended with the host committee making their first daily 50/50 draw. The draw winner took home over $200 and the other half is being donated to the Kermode Friendship Society in Terrace, BC who provide programming and services to Indigenous community members in Terrace, BC.
