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4. TEAM Office End of Year Review

TEAM MEMO
To:        TEAM-IFPTE Local 161 Members
From:    Bob Linsdell, Executive Director
Date:     December 22, 2010
Re:        TEAM Office End of Year Review

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As 2010 draws to a close I’d like to again thank the many volunteers who have helped us throughout the year, counting ballots, stuffing envelopes, distributing coffee coupons and helping out as needed, and to share with you some of the news and achievements of the office during this busy and eventful year.

The Office

With the hiring of our Administrative Assistant, Serina Pottinger, in September, the office now has a full complement of staff.  Serina brings a diverse range of skills to the office.  In addition to owning and operating her own business, she has a wealth of administrative and computer skills and has pursued training and development in issues of social justice.

Serina is a welcome and valuable addition to the office.

Negotiations

Bargaining with the Company is always challenging, but bargaining on the heels of a recession is very difficult.  You know before you start that there will be concessions on the table.  The company wanted our PLDs but your overwhelming support enabled us to hold on to them.  On a related note, IBEW and CEP are currently at the table, and both have tabled items of interest to TEAM.  IBEW’s list of proposals and the company’s proposals, including the elimination of IBEW’s PLDs, can be read here.

Click here to read our revised Collective Agreement; printed copies will be available and distributed early in the New Year.

Pension Lawsuit

The pension lawsuit appeal was heard December 13^th – 15^th, 2010.  We can expect to have a wait of three to twelve months for a decision to be rendered.  In the meantime, a Pension Award Implementation Committee has been established by the union and retiree representative, and discussions are taking place.  More details will be published in my Pension Rep report early in the New Year.

Workplace Issues

As reported at our membership General Meetings in November, we are hearing from more members about their workplace issues, and also from members seeking advice on rewriting job descriptions and applying on postings.  We attribute this increase, at least in part, to the pay freeze, increasing workload, and a greater awareness of employee rights under the Collective Agreement.

Bursary Awards

Congratulations to the following Bursary Award recipients:

Student	TEAM Member
Brian Stern	Don Stern
Arista Ryback	Kelly Ryback
Tera Edkins	Loreen Edkins
Crystal Gair	Darlene Buan
Scott Pokorny	Roland Pokorny
Chantal Zdan	Ed Buell

                  

        

   

     

      

 

Look out for more information on available bursaries and the 2010 recipients in the next edition of TEAM Times.

New Constitution and Bylaws

In March the membership voted by an 82% majority to adopt the amended Constitution and Bylaws.

New and Noteworthy

• Board Meeting minutes and committee reports are now available here (click to view).
   
• Throughout the year TEAM has been building its relationships with the other unions at MTS Allstream, including CAW Local 2000 in Toronto and USW in Montreal.  In November TEAM hosted an all union meeting to discuss labour relations issues affecting all employees, areas of common concern and the potential impact of changes to proposed foreign ownership caps (see TEAM Times, page 11). TEAM has prepared a brief overview of the proposed changes and a précis of the position taken by MTS, other telcos, unions and interested parties.  Email the office if you would like a copy.

• In November 2009 TEAM members participated in a confidential survey sponsored by the Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL).  The survey on psychological harassment and bullying at work was used to quantify the problem and lobby the Manitoba government for changes in legislation.  We are pleased to report that effective October 15^th, 2010, Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Regulations were amended to expand the term “harassment” to include psychological harassment, such as bullying, intimidation and humiliation.  The new requirements take effect February 1, 2011.
  
  We are hopeful that the growing recognition of this issue in Provincial legislation will put pressure on the Government of Canada to make similar changes to the health and safety regulations for those of us covered under federal jurisdiction.

• In the first quarter of 2011 we will begin meeting with new members, as per Article 1.02 of the revised Collective Agreement, to introduce ourselves and explain the full range of services and support provided by TEAM.

Holiday Coverage

Please note that the office will be closed between December 24^th and January 4^th, 2011.  For immediate assistance please contact:

Misty Hughes-Newman	941-5338
Qwin De Brant	958-1299
Ed Maxwell	729-4700
Roland Pokorny	958-2759

     

                      

                                 

 

Otherwise, please call 984-9470 and leave a message. This number will be checked frequently.

The TEAM office staff wish you and your family the best of the Season and a Happy New Year.

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TEAM-IFPTE Local 161
Tel (204) 984-9470 or 1-877-984-9470
Fax: (204) 231-2809
[email protected]
www.teamunion.mb.ca