YEU Newsletter September 2023

Yukon Employees’ Union NEWS September 2023

Much of Canada has been blanketed in smoke for the 2023 fire season, with almost 5600 wildfires to date this year. As I write this , Yellowknife is under evacuation order along with many more NWT communities. Yukon fires continue to burn even as Mayo and Old Crow residents return home, still under alert. Kelowna is under evacuation alert, and across this country fires rage, threatening lives and livelihoods.

Since the start of this summer, the hottest ever recorded on our planet, countless Canadians have been forced to flee their homes, towns, and regions, not knowing what will be left when they return. After the near total destruc-tion of Lytton in 2021 and the historic city of Lahaina on Maui in Hawaii, images of fire ravaged home towns are seared into our hearts; we all feel the urgency and fear.

Being prepared in case of emergency can provide valu-able peace of mind but nothing can truly prepare you for the moment you must lock the door behind you and flee. For those without a vehicle, relying on emergency evacu-ation flights and transportation can add extra layers of anxiety. For everyone affected, there is uncertainty and fear.

Yukon Employees’ Union has watched events in our own territory and to our neighbours in the Northwest Territories with concern, looking for the best way to assist. As always, we look to the helper organizations and have cho-sen to lend our financial support to those working at ground level to help our displaced neighbours in these critical moments.

Close to home, Yukon Employees’ Union will make a $20,000 contribution to the Whitehorse Food Bank to help ensure shelves are filled. The Food Bank has been a constant support to locals and to evacuees throughout our own Yukon fires. They have also stepped up to ensure our NWT neighbours can access food when they arrive here.

As well, Yukon Employees’ Union will donate $50,000 to the NWT Emergency Response Fund coordinated by the United Way in the NWT. Donations will be matched by the GNWT, doubling the impact.The United Way is trusted and deeply involved in helping with evacuation efforts, and supporting displaced climate refugees.

We urge you to take care of yourselves and plan for your family’s safety. We also encourage you to have conversations in your workplace and with your employer around how an evacuation might impact your work and your pay.

Will you lose income if an evacuation order is issued? How will financial uncertainty complicate things if you have to evacuate suddenly?

YEU worked with employers this summer to ensure that workers forced to leave their communities would not face financial hardship. Sadly we imagine this conversation will take place more frequently as our climate continues to warm.

The impacts of climate change are profoundly real, and are impacting our lives right now across the north. Planning for future disasters is imperative. Please stay safe, and continue to take care of one another.

We are always stronger together.

YEU Triennial Convention

Info for Delegates

If you haven't already secured the necessary time off work to attend Convention, please submit your leave request as soon as possible for October 27-29. If your leave is denied, please contact YEU immediately

If you are no longer able to attend the Convention as a delegate, please inform your Local President and YEU before September 15 so an alternate delegate may take your place.

Please complete the YEU Wages Claim Form and upload your approved leave form, along with your latest time sheet or pay advice. Doing so will ensure your pay remains uninterrupted during your leave. The deadline for submitting leave forms is October 1. Your Collective Agreement (CA) includes provisions for unpaid union leave for convention attendance; please review the relevant article in your CA.

Community Delegates: Please do not book your own flights or hotels. This will be coordinated by YEU staff.

IMPORTANT: Interested delegates are asked to please contact YEU President Steve Geick to volunteer to sit on either the Finance or Resolution Committee.

New Baby? CONGRATULATIONS!

But don’t forget...

If you are taking an extended leave (maternity, parental, education or deferred leave), your union membership may lapse. If you wish to maintain your union membership while you're off work, please complete the Membership in Good Standing Request at https://psacunion.ca/migs or scan the qr code.

NEWS

It’s just about time for me to hang up my hat and ride off into the sunset. For the last 14 years, I have had the honor and privilege to serve as the President of this organization. I want to thank every one of you that has had the patience to endure the many ups and downs of Yukon Employees’ Union. There have been great successes, some important wins, and a few extremely challenging moments.

As some of you will know, I have announced that I will not be re-offering for the position of President of Yukon Employees Union to pursue retirement. I can hear a few people proclaiming, “Thank God”! As an activist in this union for 25 years, there are days when I would say the same thing. I think the quote below sums up what has kept me moving forward over the years.

“At last, the answer why. The lesson that had been so hard to find, so difficult to learn, came quick and clear and simple. The reason for problems is to overcome them. Why, that’s the very nature of man, I thought, to press past limits, to prove his freedom. It isn’t the challenge that faces us that determines who we are and what we are becoming, but the way we meet the challenge, whether we toss a match at the wreck or work our way through it, step by step, to freedom.”

Richard Bach

I’ve used both the match-toss and the step-by-step approach and sometimes I’ve made difficult decisions that have not pleased everyone.

The organization has gone through enormous change and adversity in the last 25 years, both internally and externally. Through it all, our direction comes from you, the members, the executive, and staff deliver that product. It’s you the members who own the YEU building, you who drive bargaining, you the members who select the leadership… it is YOUR UNION! That said, if you don’t participate, it can feel like you don’t have a say. If you want to feel like your voice matters, you need to get involved with your local. Attend a meeting of the component Executive, join a committee, or just come out and participate as a volunteer in one of the many community events we host. You might not only enjoy it – you might find it habit forming.

I will miss the Yukon. I’ll miss the people, the stunning beauty of the land, perhaps even an employer or two.

Most importantly, I’ll miss the relationships I’ve built with members and volunteers and I’ll miss being part of an organization so deeply rooted in helping build and support workers.

Through the dedication of countless volunteer activists and our amazing staff, we continue to strengthen the union conceived and built from scratch by workers in 1965. The continued growth of this union is what I am most proud of when I look back on my time in office.

At our Triennial Convention October 27-29, members like you will elect new leadership. I look forward to seeing the changes coming for Yukon Employees’ Union as a new Executive makes its mark, initiating a renewed mandate from the membership. I plan to work in the office until November 10th and then I’m off and away.

Until I leave, trust me - nothing has changed. My door is truly always open. Please stop by for a coffee, to reminisce, or to give me hell; it’s all welcome!

I saw this quote on a building in Guatemala City and it has stuck with me.

De vez en cuando camino hacia atrás las palabras es mi forma de recordar si solo caminara de frente solo podría decirte lo que es olvidar.

Once in a while I walk backwards; it's my way of remembering. if I only walked forward, I could only tell you what it's like to forget.”

Thank you for a truly unforgettable 14 years.

In solidarity, Steve

Geick, President Yukon Employees’ Union

Recently, YEU submitted an Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (ATIPP) request and were advised the resulting document count was in the range of 600 pages. Surprisingly, the documents received numbered only 16 pages, with the balance redacted by the Public Service Commission.

Upon close review of the documents, an email thread originating at the highest levels of the PSC grabbed my attention.

The email instructs staff of the Respectful Workplace Office and the Public Service Commission PSC to destroy records related to an (ATIPP) request.

YEU”. Of note, YEU and YG were in contract negotiations at the time of the January 11 Executive meeting.

The Commission also suggested one-on-one meetings to focus on ‘listening to find out what can be done to improve the relationship’. From where we stand, they still don’t seem to be listening.

A contentious bargaining issue was the employer’s misuse of the Respectful Workplace Office. Through the bargaining process, we achieved a compromise for the future of the RWO and how it fits into the grievance process. The new, member-led process forms part of the new Collective Agreement and is contractually binding.

Setting aside the fact that we received only 16 pages of over 600 documents identified by the ATIPP office as relevant to our request, the redacted portions still provide a damning piece of communication that breaks our trust.

This direction from the Public Service Commissioner to staff of the PSC and the RWO is in direct conflict with the Yukon ATIPP Act and is in violation of the newly ratified YEU/YG Collective Agreement.

The Act references the concealment or disposal of records here:

PART 7 Section 122

(6) A person commits an offense if the person alters, falsifies, conceals or disposes of information or a record, or directs another person to do so, with the intent

(a) to hinder, or impede the exercise of, the right of access to information under this Act or;

(b) to obstruct the provision of an accurate and complete response to an access request.

The longstanding practice of appointing Public Service Commissioners through a tripartite committee including the Unions was abandoned in recent years. Unsurprisingly, we have observed a steady decline in the quality of interactions between the union and the PSC as the frequently-replaced Commissioners have cycled through a revolving door.

The observation that our relationship with the PSC is on the rocks is not just our opinion. Included in a response to a recent ATIPP request was a statement from the January 11, 2022 meeting of the Executive Management Committee for PSC: “Unions – discussion took place on how to reset challenging and antagonistic relationships with both YTA (now the Yukon Association of Education Professionals) and

There is no provision under the old or new RWO process to destroy records related to an investigation. The email notes ‘personnel assessments’ which are defined in the ATIPP Act. The Act does not define the ability of YG to destroy records related to a personnel assessment to avoid disclosure.

Shredding documents and colluding to withhold relevant information is unseemly and an offense under the Access to Information and Privacy Act. Yukon Employees’ Union would like those responsible to be held accountable for those offenses. Without accountability there can be no confidence.

This issue is now under investigation by the Privacy Commissioner.

“The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act was proclaimed into force on July 1, 1996.

The purposes of the ATIPP Act are to make public bodies more accountable to the public and to protect personal privacy. The Act does this by giving the public a right of access to records, subject only to limited and specific exceptions; giving individuals a right of access to, and a right to request correction of, their own personal information; and preventing the unauthorized collection, use of disclosure of personal information by public bodies.

Independent reviews of decisions made by public bodies under the ATIPP Act are conducted by the Information and Privacy Commissioner.”

In solidarity, Justin Lemphers, Vice President Yukon Employees’ Union

“PSCer request that the records you provided if either the personnel assessment or related to the personnel assessment are shredded/removed.”

Yukon Government Workers New Contract FAQs

Thanks to the extraordinary determination of Yukon Government workers, what could have been the first full-scale YG strike in memory was averted. The record-setting participation at contract ratification meetings across the territory showed the commitment and engagement of the membership.

Now that there’s a new contract, we know there are questions. Below are a few of our most frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t answered here, please send it to us at yeu.ca/contact.

When will the pay raises mentioned in the new collective agreement be implemented?

The pay raises mentioned in the new collective agreement will be implemented by the Yukon Government (YG), starting from the upcoming payday on July 12, 2023. Retroactive wage payments will be made from October 4, 2023, ensuring compensation for the period covered by the new agreement. For more details, please refer to the ratification document shared by email and media release linked below.

Who is eligible to receive retro pay?

YEU members who worked for Government of Yukon and/or received pay between January 1, 2022 and June 6, 2023 are eligible for retro pay. Eligibility for retro pay is covered under Article 58 of the collective agreement.

Retroactivity applies to employees who have retired, been laid off, or passed away while in service.

YEU members are eligible to receive the full retroactivity of any increases in wages, salaries, or other perquisites. Employees who voluntarily quit their positions are advised to contact the YG Pay and Benefits department.

If you have any disputes regarding retro pay, please contact YEU at contact@yeu.ca or call (867) 6672331.

When will the contract be updated on the website? How do I get a hard copy?

Once the contract has been signed by all parties, both the union and the employer’s legal teams review to ensure the language reflects the intent agreed to at the bargaining table. Once it’s been signed off by legal, the contract document is created, edited for accuracy, and sent to be printed.This can take several months, and a digital file is usually available before hard copies are printed.

Watch your email inbox and your Local webpage for the digital copy. If you’d like a hard copy, you can request one from your supervisor or HR office. The employer prints the contracts and is responsible for their distribution to members.

Please ensure you are subscribed for emailed updates using your personal email address. Scan the QR code below or visit www.yeu.ca/subscribe

Queer Yukon Society (YEU/PSAC Local Y019) has just concluded the successful and BUSY Yukon Pride 2023, two weeks jam-packed with events. YEU was proud to sponsor the Pancake Picnic.

From the Local: Yukon Pride 2023 is over, and we want to say one thing... THANK YOU!

Thank you to Yukon Employees’ Union for making this all possible and reminding us there are safe, supportive places for our community year-round. With your support for this year’s Pancake Picnic, we were able to create an inclusive and welcoming space for over 300 people and our amazing volunteers served over 400 pancakes throughout the afternoon. We can't wait to do it all again next year!

Many thanks to the hard-working, outgoing YEU Executive!

There is no way to measure the collective contribution of the activists in this photo but you can be absolutely certain our union would be a lesser organization without their efforts. They have shepherded this organization through a tumultuous term, navigating a pandemic and maintaining their commitment to union values despite differing opinions and points of view.

Our thanks to Derek Yap, Lisa Vollans-Leduc, Justin Lemphers, Julie Abel, Tony Thomas, Sherry Masters and Steve Geick. Thanks also to Acting Executive Director Patty Ducharme who brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to YEU as we head into our Triennial Convention. These are the people who walk the walk, who work every day to make your working life better. In solidarity, in gratitude, we present the outgoing YEU Component Executive.

PSAC offers some of the best union education courses in the Canadian labour movement using a popular education approach. The courses invite members to share their knowledge, reflect on new learning, take action and change their world for the better. Participants analyze ideas, discuss new information, solve problems and practice new skills.

PSAC’s Online Education Program offers union training at your own pace and time. These introductory courses provide a solid overview of a range of topics. Explore the union’s basic roles and responsibilities including the services it provides all members.

Topics Available Online:

Convention Preparation (YEU Triennial Convention Delegates take note)

Grievances: An Overview

Understanding your Collective Agreement

Precarious Work - a Union Issue Strike Preparation for PSAC Members

Create an online account to access these and more training opportunities.

www.psacunion.ca/education

Local Y017 Human Services Branch President’s Message

As we reach the end of summer, I’d like to update Local Y017 members on the work I’ve been doing and our plans moving into the fall. By the end of August all Union billboards in workplaces should have the latest Yukon Training Calendars and the Local Y017 Executive Board Meeting schedule. Members are invited to attend these meetings in-person or virtually. My plan is to visit all the Local Y017 workplaces in communities in September.

Our Local presently has three vacant Executive positions: 2nd Vice President, and two Director seats. If you have ever wondered about being on the Executive, please attend an Executive Board Meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 18:15 where we can answer question about the roles and process. (Meeting observers do not have voting rights.)

Local Y017 Executive has created a committee of three Executive Board Members to amend Local Y017 Bylaws for the Local Y017 President’s position. The amendment outlines the expectations of the President’s position when working full-time for members. Once these are completed and passed by the Local Executive, Local Y017 will schedule a Special General Meeting for members to vote on the amended Local Y017 Bylaws.

As most members are aware, the Public Service Commission said the Local President may no longer visit workplaces on a regular basis other than to update the Union Boards, with a maximum time frame of fifteen minutes per visit. If a member has concerns they wish to meet and discuss, the best option is to email darcy.kasper@yeu.ca or phone (867) 335-8744 and I can arrange to visit the workplace.

REMINDER: Bargaining Input begins in March 2024 for our next round of Contract Bargaining. It is not to early to start thinking of items you would like to bring forward for the next Bargaining Conference. Local Y017 will be setting several dates in early 2024 for members to be assisted in completing Bargaining Input forms.

I hope Labour Day 2023 gives you cause to celebrate. I’ll be volunteering at the YEU’s Labour Day BBQ and I hope to see you there.

In Solidarity, Darcy Kasper, President YEU/PSAC Local Y017

YEU Component Leadership

PSAC FREE $10,000 Insurance

As an important member benefit, the Public Service Alliance of Canada will provide you with $10,000 of life insurance plus $10,000 of accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance absolutely free through the PSAC FREE $10,000 program.

This offer is available only to members in good standing of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. All you have to do is confirm your membership in PSAC by completing the PSAC FREE $10,000 member information card. There are no medical exams and no obligation or commitments of any other kind required.

Remember, this insurance coverage is provided free of charge, however, this free coverage is NOT provided automatically. Our insurers require that the PSAC FREE $10,000 member information card be completed in full and signed by you before coverage takes effect. So, contact YEU to request a form, complete the PSAC FREE $10,000 member information card and return it to:

PSAC FREE $10,000

c/o Coughlin & Associates Ltd. Box 3518, Station C Ottawa, ON K1Y 4G1

Confirmation of your free coverage will be sent to you within four to six weeks of your reply. Coverage ceases at the earlier of your termination of PSAC membership, your retirement or age 80.

Email contact@yeu.ca for forms

YEU STAFF CONTACTS

Jon Deline, Shop Steward Advisor; jdeline@yeu.ca

Patty Ducharme, Executive Director; executivedirector@yeu.ca

Roseanne Elias, Intake Advisor/Membership Services; relias@yeu.ca

Adam Fraser, Labour Relations Advisor; afraser@yeu.ca

Beckie Huston, Labour Relations Advisor; bhuston@yeu.ca

Leslie James, Labour Relations Advisor; ljames@yeu.ca

Doris Michael, Communications Officer; dmichael@yeu.ca

Tammy Olsen, Financial Officer; tolsen@yeu.ca

Lynne Pajot, Education Officer; lpajot@yeu.ca

Christina Motruk, Labour Relations Advisor; cmotruk@yeu.ca

Delanie Payne, Membership Services Officer; dpayne@yeu.ca

Haley Philipsen, Executive Assistant; hphilipsen@yeu.ca

Keith Smyth, Senior Labour Relations Advisor; ksmyth@yeu.ca

Deborah Turner-Davis, Director of Communications; dturner-davis@yeu.ca

Richard Wagner, Labour Relations Advisor; rwagner@yeu.ca

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Steve Geick, President

Tony Thomas, Vice President, Communities

Justin Lemphers, Vice President