Re: A little Christmas Cheer to Youngstown Members

Thank you very much Penny and Darrol for visiting our members in Youngstown.

Dave

A little Christmas Cheer to Youngstown Members

Yes a little bit of Cheer for a very trying time. 
Last week, Members at Youngstown home were given notice of the closure of this facility for some time in the Spring of 2011.  There are 25 plus members of Local 009 will be without employment, not to mention other AUPE Locals affected.  We were greeted quite warmly (as usual) from members working this day and were able to talk frankly about the this life changing event.  Most of the members knew this was inevitable that this work site would close.  They just thought it wouldn't happen, as its is a very viable home for individuals that reside there and huge employment for a small community.  We had made plans for our annual Christmas visit to Youngstown before we (Michener Services general members) was advised of the closure, so we were also sharing the shock of this immanent news.
The unknown - of the process, of seeking other employment opportunities and possibly having to  move to another town/city has been extremely stressful for these members.  I can't imagine having to make those choices. 
In all we did have a positive visit and were amazed at the members hopeful and persevering attitude!  And they were grateful for our visit and promotional items.
The members wanted to wish everyone a Happy Christmas Season and Best in the New Year!, which I am passing on.
And All the best to everyone in Youngstown and their families!
From Local 009
ps
Our last picture we have posted was our realization that this was probably our last trip to Youngstown, and again, gave us a reality check that we are are not invincible to employers erosion and reduction of services, hence our drive to educate and inform our Members and the Public of the critical need for what we do and that Albertans with disabilities still need places to live.
Food for thought...Who is next!
Sis Bates and Bro Mason

Christmas Goodies and Promotional Items for YOU!

Greetings All!
As you can see we have started some giving from your Council and Chapter, these Elves will be delivering promotional items (totes)/calendars, goodies and baskets, supporting your Christmas meals and other events.  We have taken the time to connect with Local 009 Members from Youngstown, Calgary (area), Red Deer (area), Edmonton (area).  So if you happen to see these Elves please say Hi and don't be afraid to ask them questions!
In Solidarity
Sis Bates
Local 009 Chair

Town Hall Meeting in Red Deer

Local 009 Vice Chair and GSBC member Tammy Zimmerman, at Red Deer Town Hall meeting

Hi Folks:
Even though it was quite cold tonight we had a great turnout for this very informative and necessary event.  Yes it is bargaining time again and our Bargaining team is working hard in our best interest.  I encourage all to attend Town Hall meetings in your area's and contact the bargaining Team if you have questions, all their information is on the AUPE web site. 
Please, they/we are asking for your support with upcoming negotiations IE communication networking, possible information pickets and generally letting the employer know that 0% is disrespectful and unacceptable! The membership had made it clear that we want change and are willing to wait. 
Thanks again for all the continuous support! 
Please keep watching for updates and for events we need your support!
In Solidarity
Penny Bates
Local 009 Chair

Save Our Seniors Rally in Red Deer

Greeting Everyone!

What a beautiful day for a Rally!
Yes were in front of the 5010 building (In Red Deer), with a great turnout!
Thank you to all Local 009 members that attended and also to all of
the other Locals as well,
I see Solidarity at work!
Please continue to support the cause of keeping Valley Park Manor open
and as well, keeping a watchful eye on all of the Seniors homes within
Alberta!  We have to always be diligent when it comes to the
GOA/Alberta Health Services and any other Employer which seems to
forget that we are people not product!
For now
In Solidarity
Sis Bates

Rally in Red Deer

Fwd: more photos

photos of rally

UPDATE post Convention and important upcoming DATES

Hello Everyone:
Well another convention completed and this year we had it at the Shaw conference center.  I must say it sure was nice to have more room, and what a view over the River Valley.
So now the work starts again, as you may have been reading we are at a stand still with bargaining and both parties are taking the month of November to refocus.  With this time off we are having some Town Hall meetings so that the public and members can be informed of what is going on and to maybe spark the GOA to start bargaining and realize we are worth it!
We have posted the dates on this blog site, and are really need your support in attending these meeting.  Also there is a rally on Nov 3rd at 3:30 outside the 5010 building in Red Deer, we have a short window of opportunity to save Valley Park Manor to secure the desperately needed long-term care spaces! Again Please if you can, come and join us!

Our next council meeting is in Calgary Nov 25/26 at the Calgary office, please join us! 
We are hoping as well you can attend your work Christmas events, Local 009 supports these events with monies for meals ect... plus a small promotional item is handed out with annual calendars as well.  Please take the time to thank those hard working council members and work site contacts that will be organizing and passing out these items.  They do much of this on their own time, and I know I really appreciate their hard work!
For now I will leave you with these important dates which have been posted just before this blog or as well check on aupe.org site.  Hope to see you at one of these meeting!
Sis Bates
Local 009 Chair

Town Hall Meeting Dates

 
***North of Edmonton***
 
November 15th - Slave Lake @ 11 am - 2 pm  Elks Hall     400 6 Ave NE
 
November 15th - High Prairie @ 7 pm - 10 pm   High Prairie Provincial Bldg
 
November 16th - Peace River @ 7 pm - 10 pm   Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre @ downstairs ballroom
 
November 17th - Grande Prairie @ 7 pm - 10 pm   Holiday Inn Suites @ Salon A
 
November 18th - Whitecourt @ 11 am - 2 pm  Forest Interpretive Centre  3002  33 Street
 
***South of Calgary***
 
November 16th - Blairemore @ noon   TBA
 
November 16th - Lethbridge @ 7 pm - 10 pm  Ramada Hotel & Suites
 
November 17th - Brooks @ 12 noon - 1 pm  Brooks Provincial Bldg  Suite 100, 600 Cassils Road East
 
November 17th - Medicine Hat @ 7 pm - 10 pm  Medicine Hat Exhibition @ Grandstand Banquet Room  2055  21Ave.
 
November 18th - Drumheller @ 1130 am - 130 pm  Drumheller Civic Centre  224 Centre Street
 
November 24th - Red Deer @ 7 pm - 10 pm  Red Deer Lodge
 
November 25th - Calgary @ 7 pm - 10 pm  Deerfoot Inn & Casino @ Sundance Room B & C  1000, 11500 35 St. SE
 
December 1st - Edmonton @ 7 pm - 10 pm  Deltal South Hotel & Suites @ Empire Royal Room
 

Convention 2010

No movement reported in 13 days of negotiations with provincial government

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees General Service Bargaining Committee has now spent 13 days of bargaining without seeing meaningful compromise or movement by the Government of Alberta.

The employer has not changed its initial position calling for no pay increases and a freeze on incremental increases through the life of a three-year agreement. The employer also refuses to consider changes to non-monetary portions of the agreement that would help bring it into accord with other similar collective agreements.

As a consequence, the GSBC will schedule town hall meetings in November with AUPE members employed directly by the government to discuss the next moves in this round of bargaining.

The meetings will take place in Lethbridge, Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton and Grande Prairie on dates and at locations that will be announced as soon as possible. AUPE members should keep their eye on the union’s website — aupe.org — for updates on these important events.

The typical timeframe for resolving a master agreement with the provincial government on behalf of AUPE’s approximately 22,000 direct government employees has historically been 20 to 25 bargaining days. That the union and the government’s bargaining representatives have now had 13 days of face-to-face negotiations without significant movement is strong evidence of the employer’s unwillingness to treat its employees with respect or accept new ideas in the collective agreement that could resolve this impasse.

For example, beyond AUPE’s call for a pay increase of 4 per cent in the first year and 5 per cent in the second year of a two-year agreement, the union has also introduced proposals to address the heavy workloads being experienced by union members. The employer indicates, however, that there will be no significant growth in staffing levels in the Alberta public service.

The employer has made it clear they have no intention of addressing workload issues now or in the foreseeable future and that in their view the public service hiring freeze must continue.

Government negotiators are taking this position despite acknowledgment from the provincial cabinet that government employees are overworked. In a CBC Radio story broadcast Oct. 4, AUPE President Guy Smith stated that “going around the province and talking to staff, the one issue that’s common to all of them is the lack of staffing out there on the front lines.” Treasury Board President Lloyd Snelgrove responded by saying, “I agree with them on that point. I hear that too.”

However, as of now all the employer has been prepared to do is review AUPE’s proposals and ask for clarification on some items.

The situation in bargaining is otherwise unchanged from the circumstances described to direct government employees in its Bargaining Updates on Oct. 1 and Sept. 24.

It remains the view of the GSBC and the leadership of AUPE that the position taken by the employer is not acceptable and that the government must consider real economic conditions in Alberta when negotiating salary levels with its employees, and that it must also consider agreements in other jurisdictions and with other Alberta employers on the form the agreement will ultimately take.

A Message to AUPE General Service members directly employed by the Alberta Government

During three additional days of bargaining this week, negotiators for the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees and the Government of Alberta exchanged additional information on their proposals in hopes of fostering a better understanding of their respective positions.

In addition, the parties have scheduled additional bargaining days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 6-8.

Bargaining between AUPE and the employer for a new collective agreement got off to a difficult start after the parties exchanged proposals on Sept. 13, with the employer taking an opening position of no pay increases and a freeze on incremental increases through the life of a three-year agreement.

In addition, the Government of Alberta refused to consider changes to contract language that AUPE believes are required to bring the agreement into the 21st Century.

After two days of bargaining on Sept. 21 and 22, the employer’s position was sharply at variance with AUPE’s, with the union calling for pay increases of 4 per cent in the first year of a two-year agreement, and 5 per cent in the second.

The union argues such pay increases are entirely justified by current economic conditions in Alberta, where the average provincial weekly wage is currently rising at a rate of about 3.5 per cent.

AUPE is also seeking a significant number of important changes to contract language affecting such areas as seniority, job classifications, pensions, layoff and recall provisions, health benefits, pay structure, promotions and transfers.

The General Service Bargaining Committee (GSBC), which represents the approximately 22,000 Albertans who are directly employed by the Alberta Government.

The previous three-year agreement expired on Aug. 31, but will continue to be in effect until a new agreement is reached.

Members of the GSBC will be working closely with the local negotiating teams representing direct government employees to ensure that members are involved and are kept up to date on developments.

A Message to AUPE General Service members directly employed by the Alberta Government

During three additional days of bargaining this week, negotiators for the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees and the Government of Alberta exchanged additional information on their proposals in hopes of fostering a better understanding of their respective positions.

In addition, the parties have scheduled additional bargaining days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 6-8.

Bargaining between AUPE and the employer for a new collective agreement got off to a difficult start after the parties exchanged proposals on Sept. 13, with the employer taking an opening position of no pay increases and a freeze on incremental increases through the life of a three-year agreement.

In addition, the Government of Alberta refused to consider changes to contract language that AUPE believes are required to bring the agreement into the 21st Century.

After two days of bargaining on Sept. 21 and 22, the employer’s position was sharply at variance with AUPE’s, with the union calling for pay increases of 4 per cent in the first year of a two-year agreement, and 5 per cent in the second.

The union argues such pay increases are entirely justified by current economic conditions in Alberta, where the average provincial weekly wage is currently rising at a rate of about 3.5 per cent.

AUPE is also seeking a significant number of important changes to contract language affecting such areas as seniority, job classifications, pensions, layoff and recall provisions, health benefits, pay structure, promotions and transfers.

The General Service Bargaining Committee (GSBC), which represents the approximately 22,000 Albertans who are directly employed by the Alberta Government.

The previous three-year agreement expired on Aug. 31, but will continue to be in effect until a new agreement is reached.

Members of the GSBC will be working closely with the local negotiating teams representing direct government employees to ensure that members are involved and are kept up to date on developments.

RED DEER ADVOCATE: AUPE, CUPE vie to represent Extendicare staff in first contract

Two competing unions are wooing new staff at Extendicare’s Michener Hill Village seniors complex in Red Deer.
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees and the Canadian Union of Public Employees are approaching about 200 workers this week in an attempt to gain their support.
So far, the AUPE appears to be making gains because it represented many of the employees in their previous positions at Red Deer Nursing Home and Valley Park Manor.
AUPE president Guy Smith said on Tuesday that the union has enough support at the new Extendicare seniors complex to approach the Alberta Labour Relations Board. “We have the requisite number of signatures,” said Smith, who isn’t sure how long the board will take before making a decision on ordering a membership vote.
But the Canadian Union of Public Employees is also making a membership pitch — which led to a heated exchange at a meeting earlier this week. Workers discovered that CUPE, which represents staff at seven other Extendicare facilities, already has an understanding with the employer to come up with a collective agreement at the Red Deer facility.
CUPE national representative Bruce McLeod said the employer is used to working with CUPE and approached the union.
He maintained this kind of understanding is allowed under the provincial labour code. McLeod added it’s too soon to decide which union will gain the majority of support among employees. “We’ll be having a lot of conversations over the next couple of days.”
While Smith questioned the validity of any union understanding that’s worked out with the employer instead of workers, McLeod suggested no union should automatically have the right of “successorship.”
“This is a brand-new employer at a brand-new facility.”
There are 230 employees at Michener Hill Village, but some of them are registered nurses. Only about 200 are eligible to decide between the two unions.
Despite protests about the pending closure of Red Deer Nursing Home and Valley Park Manor, the government still intends to begin moving senior residents on Sept. 1 into the new continuing care centre.

lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com

Labour School

Hi Folks
Just a reminder that Labour school is Feb 27-March 3 this year in
Kananaskis and all applications have to be me by Oct 15th,
thanks a bunch
sis bates

Big Rally at city hall in Red Deer Aug 10th 4pm

Hi Folks
Just got off the phone with Trevor Zimmerman who is one of the folks
organizing another Rally in Red Deer, in regards to the seniors and
services.  This Rally is scheduled for Aug 10th at 4pm at City Hall.
There will be speakers including the Mayor Mr. Flewelling, and of
course this is just across from Mary Anne Jablonski's office.  So he
is looking of course for participants and also to give him an idea of
how many as they will be having pizza again.
So please all let me or Darrol know if you can make it.  He also said
he may have more details as well on running a bus to get folks there
as well.  I will get more soon and send it out.
PLEASE spread the work to other friends and family they may want to
show their support
Thanks
sis Bates
I suggest if you are out of town and want to attend please enquire
with Trevor Z. on what transportation might be available.

AUPE kicks off Save Our Seniors’ Homes campaign with rally at Red Deer Nursing Home

RED DEER – Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is launching the campaign to “Save Our Seniors’ Homes” today with a lunch hour rally at the Red Deer Nursing Home, beginning at 11:30 a.m. and ending at 12:30 p.m.

Alberta Health Services has threatened to shut down the Red Deer Nursing Home this fall along with the Valley Park Manor long-term care centre. Together, the facilities provide Central Alberta with 216 long-term care beds.

“By helping Albertans speak up we’ve encouraged Alberta Health Services to correct bad decisions before, and we hope to do it again in the case of these long-term care facilities,” said AUPE President Guy Smith.

AUPE has launched a new website, www.saveourseniorshomes.com, which provides a downloadable petition form, a link to an online tool that helps people send their MLA a letter about the issue, and a connection to the campaign’s Facebook tool.

The union has also planned an advertising campaign in print and radio to support the online efforts and public events on the issue.

“It’s plain for anyone with an elderly relative to see that we don’t have enough long-term care beds –Premier Stelmach himself has said as much. That’s why we need to put a stop to this,” said Smith.

“Our senior citizens are our greatest generation. They shouldn’t be told to take a number when they have a medical need for long-term care. It makes one question Alberta Health Services’ commitment to public health care,” said Smith.

30

For more information:

Guy Smith, President, AUPE – 780-930-3301 or 780-265-2294 (cellular phone)
David Climenhaga, Director of Communications, AUPE – 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (cellular phone)

Photo: AUPE Vice President Jason Heistad poses with Judy Leblanc Chapter Chair of Local 044/002 at a meeting last week on the closing of Valley Park Manor and Red Deer Nursing Home.

Government Services Bargaining Committee serves notice to bargain

EDMONTON – The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees General Services Bargaining Committee sent the Government of Alberta notice to commence bargaining on May 27, setting in motion a new round of negotiations with the employer.

At a June 2 meeting of the GSBC at union headquarters in Edmonton, the committee said that the first set of bargaining dates for face-to-face negotiations with the employer would likely be scheduled for some time in September.

"Everyone on the committee is looking forward to working over the summer to finalize our bargaining position for the fall. Although some key issues such as workload and overtime are obvious, we still have plenty of work to do," said Staff Negotiator Jim Petrie.

The committee also decided to extend the availability of the bargaining survey in order to ensure that all members have the opportunity to contribute their views.

"We have had a good response to the survey so far, and are assessing the survey responses as we receive them," said Petrie.

"We're extending the survey because we don't want to shut the door on any member that wants to participate in the bargaining process but hasn't had time to complete the survey or wasn't aware of the survey," he explained.

The committee reminds members that the current collective agreement will remain in force for all Government employees during the bargaining period, and urges any who hasn't completed the bargaining survey to go to www.aupe.org and do so.

For more information:

Jim Petrie, Staff Negotiator – j.petrie@aupe.org, 780-930-3335

GSBC members:

Guy Smith, Chair
Fay Rever, Local 001
Jim Dick, Local 002 
Cec Cardinal, Local 003 
Dan Niven, Local 004
Mike Dempsey, Local 005 
Maureen Braun, Local 006
Jan Grant, Local 009
Margaret Minnife Cloutier, Local 010
Terrie Wispinski, Local 012