Job Action Committee Meeting
August 23, 2007
Present: Peter, Janis, Nita,
Gemma,
Daily Mail Runs
Runners will distribute file
folders to all locations. Each folder will contain all necessary forms for the
site (sign-in sheets, advance sign-up sheets, expense vouchers, petitions,
etc.).
Runners will also have two
folders with them to pick up items from each site that need to go to Strike
Headquarters and the Union Office.
Items to send to Strike
Headquarters are:
Runners will also distribute
blog updates, press releases, media items etc. so
that all are kept informed
Runners on foot (running or
walking) and on bikes will also be sent out to distribute items as needed, on
the fly, in addition to the daily runners (Bob and others) in cars
[At this point Bob left the
meeting to provide runner services!]
Branch Logistics
General discussion about how
handoffs of binders, signs, cell phones, etc. is going
at each site
MPL: pickets have been
reduced to Monday and Tuesday, 9am-1pm but there has been some interest
expressed at the site to expand pickets to other days and/or times. Anne and Nen will discuss and coordinate
JFS: some problems handing
over the phone for the afternoon shift but generally all is going well
BRI: handovers are going
well. There is an overnight lockup at the site which helps
KIT: needs more
coordination. Peter to follow-up at the site today
KER: picket captains doing
fine and have lots of help. Flying pickets were sent out from KER to DUN, WPG,
and MAR. Picket captains heard that there was a very good response at WPG and
not as much at DUN. May need to visit DUN more. Had
not heard back re. MAR
CEN: after mid-afternoon
numbers drop off steadily and especially few after 5pm. Frequently 10 or less
people for evening shifts so visibility and security is a concern. Suggest that
we ask everyone to do one evening shift per week in the evening at CEN just as
we ask everyone to do a branch one time per week. This request can be added to
the blog and picket captains can spread the word
A reminder that many of our
members have had to get second jobs and we need to remain as flexible as
possible
A suggestion was made to
have some sort of enticement (food, event, guest speakers, etc.) at evening
shifts
Construction will be
expanding on
Suggestion made that
picketers at CEN walk around the building and walk the
There was some discussion
around behaviour on the picket lines. Some members
have complained to picket captains that some individuals are just playing
games, sleeping, not being visible, etc. General discussion ensued about this
issue and what to do about it:
Encourage people to do a
balance of activities and remember to spread good morale amongst all
A gentle reminder about
varying activities on the line will be added to the blog
Daily study sessions at CEN
continue at 9:00am, 1:00pm, and 4:00pm
Taking off our picket signs
and handing out information sheets in the public, at stores, parks, etc. is
also encouraged
The van has been parked on
the CEN plaza. It was moved off
BBQs
A large grill was rented
last week and it cost $200
There was lots of good food
and fun
Buying BBQs will be cheaper
so they will be purchased today
A BBQ will take place again
this Friday and CEN and every Friday at CEN until we are back to work
Next week there will also be
a BBQ at KER on Wednesday from 12:00pm-2:00pm
Promote this to others and
consider it as a destination for the bike pickets
Chris will go to COSTCO to
purchase the food and a BBQ will be delivered
CUPE 15 have been hosting
BBQs at JFS every Wednesday from 12:00pm-2:00pm and CUPE 391 members contribute
food which can be expensed
A BBQ would not be feasible
at MPL since picketing takes place on the sidewalk but other food can be
purchased for a picnic. Anne will coordinate
KITS has space and people so
one could be organized there eventually as well
Suggestions
Many suggestions have been
coming in and there are many overlaps
The Job Action Update today
will be a summary of the suggestions submitted to date and information about
what is being done in response to the suggestions
Safety on the Picket Lines
Use your de-escalation
skills
Always picket with a buddy
Have crew talks at the
locations
We will try to organize a travelling guest speaker who has been on strike before to
make suggestions and provide tips
Advocacy
Reminder to send the link to
the CUPE 391 web site to at least five friends so that we get the word out
about our issues
A link will be coming to
sign up for a CUPE 391 email account
Peter away
Peter will be away for one
week
Randy, D’Arcy, and Alexis
will be filling in
Other items
There is an opportunity to
get buttons made. Gordon has information about a contact
Coffee can be purchased at
the branches as needed to boost morale and expensed to the union
Benefits summary:
CUPE 391 will not leave
anyone behind
CUPE 391 is billed by VPL
for benefits and CUPE National pays
Regardless of picket time by
our members, at this time all who are on benefits are having their benefits
paid
Members who picket 20 hrs
per week are having their benefits paid
Members who are on vacation
that was scheduled before the strike and therefore cannot picket will have
their benefits paid
Members who choose not to
picket for 20 hrs a week and who do not have extenuating circumstances (note
circumstance on weekly job action record) are currently having their benefits
covered. At the end of the strike, these members will be sent a letter stating
that their benefits were paid on their behalf and requesting a refund payment
from them for the cost of those benefits. If there are concerns about a
member’s ability to pay the bill, CUPE 391 will work through that situation
with them
It was great to have the
Bargaining Committee at a recent study session.
Having them come out to
study sessions, meetings, picket sites as much as
possible would be appreciated
Picket captain buttons are
needed at the registration desk at CEN
Flying pickets are also
wonderful
“Grandeur on
“Honk for Support” signs
work very well
The Coalition Building
Committee is putting together a simple handout on pay equity which will be
available for distribution soon
Meeting adjourned at 11:10am