Local Voice, July 2012

Local Voice
Volume 7 | Issue #3 Summer 2012

Quarterly publication for members of the Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union, Local 378
Strength | Advocacy | outreach | Interconnection
ALSO INSIDE
Los Mineros in Mexico BC Hydro Rates Multicultural History Pension Benefits in B.C. Energy Regulators
CoNTENTS
In This Issue
3 4 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE by David Black PRESIDENTS MESSAGE TRANSlATIoNS 2012 PRE-CoNvENTIoN CAll MEET THE NEXT GENERATIoN oF UNIoN REPS loS MINERoS PRESIDENTS WoRD BC HyDRo RATES A TICkING TIME BoMB STAFF PRoFIlE: lINDA AllAN ICBC PRoPoSAlS ARE PENNIES PER PolICy ENBRIDGE PIPElINE: FEW BENEFITS AND MUCH RISk by Rob Fleming BIll C-377: AN ATTACk oN lABoUR by Kennedy Stewart BIll CHUS MISSIoN: RECoNCIlING oUR HISToRy by Randy Cheung PolITICAl ACTIoN REPoRT CAPIlANo UNIvERSITy NEW PENSIoN BENEFITS STANDARDS ACT FoR B.C. BARGAINING UNIT BRIEFS WoRlD FoRUM oF ENERGy REGUlAToRS UNIoN REP ASSIGNMENTS oRGANIzED lAUGHTER
6
Pre-Convention Call
15
8
The Courage and Dignity of miners
16
17 18 19 20 22 23 24
22
World Forum of energy Regulators
Presidents opening Message

The Canadian office and Professional Employees Union, local 378, is affiliated with the Canadian office and Professional Employees Union, the British Columbia Federation of labour, the Canadian labour Congress and IndustriAll. Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 378, Executive Board Members: President: David Black Secretary-Treasurer: lori Mayhew vice Presidents: Jeff Gillies (ICBC), Gwenne Farrell (Utilities), Heather lee (Combined Units) Accenture Business Services Executive Board Members: Melanie Greenlaw, Rob larson BC Hydro Executive Board Members: Calvin Jonas, Sharon Thomas ICBC Executive Board Members: yasmin Carroll, karin Cirez, Mike Ferguson, Joyce Galuska, Trevor Hansen Utilities Executive Board Member (Fortis, Terasen): Tim Bouzovetsky Combined Units Executive Board Members: Colleen Finn, laurie kirk, keith Parkinson, Stephen von Sychowski, Tim Weigelt COPE 378 Communications & Campaigns: Communications Director: Sage Aaron Communications Representative: Jarrah Hodge COPE 378 Senior Union Representatives: Brad Bastien, Jaime zygmunt COPE 378 Union Representatives: Jackie Brown, Carrol Edwards, vic Foth, Jack Gerow, Barry Hodson, kerrie Irving, Barbara Junker, Pat Junnila, Sarah Melsness, Glen MacInnes, Bonnie Merriman, Brian Nelson, kevin Payne, kelly Quinn, karen Rockwell, kevin Smyth COPE 378 Administrative & Office Staff: Joanne Banfield, karen Caston, Elaine Chilman, lise Cluff, Adele Earwaker, yudon Garie, valerie leBlanc, Shelley lockhart, Carol Mcluskie, karen McRae, Amandeep Sandhu, kim Smith COPE 378 Financial Staff: linda Allan, Sandi Malhame, Donna Morris, Barbara liang COPE 378 Financial Controller: Wendy Ham, CGA BC Utilities Commission Liaison and Legal Director: Jim Quail Occupational Health & Safety & WCB Appeals: Steve Milne Organizing: Dave McPherson (Senior Union Rep), Georgi Bates Job Evaluation: Teresa Davie LTD Trust Administrator: Jim Moynham
CoPE 378 local voice is the official quarterly magazine published for the members of the Canadian office and Professional Employees Union, local 378. ISBN 1918-9753 CoPE local 378 voice letters to the editor are welcome but may be edited for brevity and clarity. Please contact CoPE local 378 for permission to reprint articles, graphics, or photographs. Address all correspondence to: CoPE 378 Communications 2nd Floor, 4595 Canada Way Burnaby, BC v5G 1J9 Phone: 604-299-0378 Toll Free: 1-800-664-6838 Fax: 604-299-8211 visit CoPE 378s website at www.cope378.ca or contact us via email at editor@cope378.ca Editor: Sage Aaron
ur work at the COPE 378 is finely balanced between the day-to-day operations of the union, public advocacy for our members, and participation in and contribution to the larger union movement. The events of the last few months and the summer ahead will be no exception. This year COPE 378 will be holding our triennial convention following our Executive Board elections. On page 6 of the Local Voice you will find our pre-convention call for resolutions and preliminary information about the process of convention. These conventions present our members with an opportunity to give the union their input and make change, as well as renewing our processes and goals. Im looking forward to a busy and well-attended 2012 convention. More than just the gears that propel our union, COPE378s union representatives pour their hearts into the advocacy they provide to our members. Part of what makes them effective is their extensive training and experience. In an effort to cultivate this talent from among our members COPE 378 began a pilot union representative training program in June to educate and prepare our members for possible future staffing needs. Learn about the program on page 7. The pace of justice is not often swift. We experience this in the daily operations of the union most notably in arbitrations and Labour Board hearings which can seem interminable. But sometimes incremental steps lead to big victories. I hope this will be the case for Napoleon Gomez Urrutia, leader of Mexicos Los Mineros union. Thanks to recent legal victories, Gomez is close to being able to go home after six years of exile in Canada. I was fortunate enough to attend their May convention in Mexico City where Gomez was re-elected in absentia. We are featuring a story about the convention and the challenges facing Mexican miners on page 8 and 9. Our summer Issue also carries our annual Financial Report. Im pleased to say that after last years worrisome fiscal outlook the unions finances have stabilized in large part thanks to the changes we made to the Defence Fund. Theres more inside this issue of Local Voice our response to the BC Utilities Commission rate hearing cancellations, an in-depth look at the workings of a Labour-Management Committee, and a profile of community activist Bill Chu. I invite you to read on.
David Black President, COPE 378
USW 2009
COPE 378 Local Voice volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012 | 3
Translations of the Presidents Message
volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012
COPE 378 Local Voice
CoPE 378 CoNvENTIoN
2012 Pre-Convention Call
The Convention Dates for 2012: November 15 to 17
very three years COPE 378 holds a three-day convention to determine policy and political direction, consider changes to the unions constitution, and elect our Vice-Presidents. Our constitution defines convention as the supreme decision-making body of the union. The 2012 convention will be held in Vancouver from November 15 to 17. In August all members will receive notice of convention along with a form that can be used to express interest in being a delegate to convention. The rules for delegate entitlements are laid out in the constitution, which is available on the COPE 378 website. Your Executive Councillors will assist in conducting local delegate elections. Even if youre a new member you can put your name forward to serve as a delegate. Convention is a great opportunity to learn more about your union and have a say in how it runs. Members interested in running for Executive Board will have until mid-September to submit a nomination form. The President, Secretary-Treasurer, and other board members are elected via one-member-onevote and all members will get the chance to vote for these positions via mail in advance of convention. VicePresidents will be elected from these board members at Convention by delegates. Members can also submit policy resolutions to convention, even if not planning to attend as a delegate.
Heres how it works: 1. Identify the issue or policy you are focusing on. 2. Determine the action you would like the union to take. This can be as simple as endorsing a policy or can involve the union taking action such as forming a committee, holding an event, or adopting a major policy change. 3. Draft a succinct resolution that briefly gives background on the issue and clearly defines the action you would like COPE 378 to take. 4. Define the action/policy at the end of the resolution in one or two sentences. 5. All resolutions must be sent to the Executive Board, c/o Karen Caston, Assistant to the President at kcaston@cope378.ca. Make sure you clearly note your name and workplace on the resolution. All resolutions must be received by August 17, 2012. If there are any issues with any resolutions you submit, someone from the union office will contact you. We need your voice so COPE 378 can continue to grow as a strong, representative organization.
ExpENSE pOLIcy REmINDER
Last December your Executive Council passed a resolution placing a time limit on the period COPE 378 staff and members have to file for reimbursement of union-related expenses. The revised policy states that claims should be submitted within 30 days of the day the expenses were incurred. If claims are not submitted within 120 days of being incurred, they will not be paid. Please be mindful of timelines and ensure you submit expense claims with documentation and on time, using the Standard Expense Claim which can be downloaded from the COPE 378 website under the About tab, then go to the General Membership Forms tab. This assists our financial staff in their bookkeeping and the union in its financial planning.
| volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012 COPE 378 Local Voice
Training the Next Generation of Advocates
UNIoN EDUCATIoN
The COPE 378 leadership recognised there was a need for a formal process to take stewards and activists to the next step to train the next generation of COPE 378 union representatives. David Black
he path to becoming a union representative isnt clearly laid out like the paths to many other careers. Children dont talk about working for a union the same way they dream about one day becoming doctors, teachers or police, and its an option not often found on high school aptitude tests. Most reps find their way into the union office from the membership through their activism. Many of the foundational skills needed by a union rep are what COPE378 teaches their stewards: how to listen, how to be analytical and fair, and how to effectively advocate for union members. The COPE 378 leadership recognised there was a need for a formal process to take stewards and activists to the next step to train the next generation of COPE378 union representatives and to ensure the union has a pool of ready and capable talent to draw from. As an answer, COPE 378 launched a pilot educational program in late spring of 2012 and the trainees will have graduated by the time this Local Voice hits doorsteps. The union asked for applicants from among its job stewards and Executive Councilors. The criteria for selection demanded a minimum of Job Stewards Level 1 and 2 training as well as strong office skills and a demonstrated understanding of the labour movements goals and values. The education committee was very pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic response from the job stewards and Councillors. Twenty-three people applied in total from a wide range of COPE 378s bargaining units. Of that group six were selected for the short list which was winnowed down, with great difficulty, to three applicants - Stephen Von Sychowski from Coast Mountain Bus Company, Trevor Hansen from ICBC and Ingrid Ericson from the BC Federation of Labour. A fourth trainee position was set aside in a parallel process from the car rental bargaining units. Cathy Hirani was selected for that spot. The car rental units have
an education fund in their collective agreements which was earmarked for this program. Its very interesting, said Ingrid Ericson. Im job shadowing now and every day I deal with something different. Im learning a lot. Trevor Hansen agreed. Its also good experience for us to work outside of the bargaining units we came from. Some issues are more common in some worksites than others. Cathy Hirani, who is only working with the car rental units, saw the advantage in working with a familiar group. I know most people on both the member and employer sides. So we can start from a point of trust, she said. The rep training is giving me the extra juice I need to take things further and solve more problems. By the end of the program the trainee reps will be able to take grievances up to the arbitration level. They will have had spent much time using the unions database UnionWare, COPE 378 internal procedures, the Quick Law and Canada Law libraries, as well as Lancaster House, a labour law reference and teaching service. At the end of the program the trainees will be given feedback through an evaluation and exit interview. The education committee will also incorporate suggestions into future programs. Im grateful for the opportunity, said Stephen Von Sychowski. Even if we dont become full-time reps, we broaden the unions skills base and well be even more effective in our worksites. Its a great program and I hope it continues.
Im job shadowing now and every day I deal with something different. Im learning a lot. Ingrid Ericson
loS MINERoS
The Courage and Dignity of Miners
Opening Ceremonies
The bus carrying guests from several different countries was greeted by a phalanx of chanting Mexican miners when it pulled up to the Los Mineros headquarters. Fists in the air and smiles on their faces, the approximately 1,000 delegates to the 37th National Los Mineros Convention raised their voices in unison for a loud and impressive display of union pride and solidarity. The 300,000-member union, also known as El Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores Mineros y Metalrgicos de Mxico (SNTMM), had ample reason to celebrate. After several years of persecution and slander, the union had won a succession of legal victories culminating in a Supreme Court ruling stating the Ministry of Labour could not declare Napoleon Gomez Urrutia ineligible to assume the unions leadership as Secretary General. This legal recognition (toma de nota) of Gomez elected position had been long fought for since charges were brought against the union leader in 2006. Del Norte, a Sur (From North to South Del Este a Oeste From East to West Ganaremos esta lucha We will win this fight Cueste lo que cueste Cost what it may) The saga begins with the 2006 explosion at the Pasta de Conchos mine in the state of Coahuila. The mine was and is owned still by the well-connected mining giant, Grupo Mexico. The union had warned that safety standards were plummeting. After the explosion, which killed 65 miners, Gomez publicly decried the tragedy as industrial homicide. Shortly thereafter the federal government accused Gomez of misappropriating the unions funds and he was forced to take refuge in Canada to avoid jail. Since then, Los Mineros have been carefully untangling the net woven around Gomez which prevents him from returning home. The unions legal team has successfully challenged the charges against him in five appellate courts and have proven that all of the unions funds remain with the union. Despite only recently winning legal recognition Gomez has been re-elected by
his union throughout his exile. These struggles have elevated Gomez from a capable, compassionate leader to a symbol for his union and others of the persecution faced by those who advocate for worker and human rights against an aggressively right wing government. La gente se pregunta (People ask themselves Y esos quines son? Who are those guys? Son los Mineros They are Los Mineros Estn con Napoleon They are with Napoleon) Gomez is not able to safely travel home yet. An arrest warrant remains outstanding. But the members gathered for the convention on May 4 clearly felt their final victory would soon be within reach. The almost operatic injustice of Los Mineros struggle has attracted support from across the world. International guests at the convention included trade union leaders from the United States, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Brazil, France, Argentina, Norway and Canada. COPE 378 was represented by President David Black, past President Andy Ross and Communications Director Sage Aaron. Also in attendance, defying the stereotype of a militant, uncompromising union, were representatives from several companies that have collective agreements with Los Mineros. Los Mineros boast of a success rate unknown to many of Mexicos so-called protection unions. In 2011 they claimed average wage increases for their members of 14 per cent. Despite his exile, Gomez retains oversight of contract negotiations from Burnaby, B.C. When Gomez face flickered onto the screens hung in the union hall to address the delegates via internet link, the only thing that broke the loud and joyous chanting from the delegates was when a twelve-piece mariachi band was ushered in to serenade their Secretary General with songs from his homeland. Obviously deeply moved Gomez thanked the delegates and all the guests for their support. During his address Gomez returned again and again to remark on the stoicism, dignity and honour he sees in the unions members, and on which he draws as inspiration.
Es un honor, estar con Napoleon! Es un honor, estar con Napoleon!

Its an honour to stand with Napoleon! Its an honour to stand with Napoleon!
loS MINERoS
Napoleon no se vende Napoleon no se va porque tiene Mineros Con much dignidad
(Napoleon wont sell out Napoleon wont go away Because he has great respect for Los Mineros)
The Music Fades and the Work Continues

The landowners and workers at La Platosa have filed a complaint against Excellon under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines for multinational companies. The complaint is co-signed by the Canadian Labour Congress, United Steelworkers, MiningWatch Canada, Los Mineros and the Project for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for Mexico. This is the second complaint filed. The first was to the Canadian Extractive Corporate Social Responsibility Counsellor in 2011. That complaint exposed the deep flaws in that model of accountability: the Counsellor made two trips to Durango to assess the complaint and talk to ExcellonExcellon simply pulled out of the process. The landowners and workers are hopeful the OECD complaint will be processed in Canada, where they believe they will have a better chance of success. Elected at the convention for a seventh time, Gomez remains, for now, in British Columbia. Due to a Mexican warrant he was unable to travel to the founding congress of the global union federation IndustriALL, to which COPE 378 is also affiliated.
COPE 378 and Los Mineros are both affiliated to IndustriALL, a global union federation dedicated to challenging multinational companies and negotiating with them on a global level.
The speakers at the convention opening ranged the globe from Ken Neumann, the Canadian National Director for the United Steelworkers to Geneva-based Kemal zkan, from the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers Unions. Each and every one tied their mission to that of Los Mineros. They recognized that unions face the same globalized employers, and saw that to raise the standard of living for one group benefits the whole. If a government makes is illegal to stand up for human rights, I am guilty of this crime, declared zkan to roars of appreciation from the delegates. Mineros unidos (Mineros united Jams sern vencidos Will never be defeated)
Excellons Protection
The following day the international guests met with a worker from the La Platosa mine in Durango. The mine is owned by a Canadian company, Excellon. Speaking slowly for the benefit of the translator, the man described the working conditions they face. After descending into the mines with tunnels most dont trust to be safe, they choke on diesel fumes trapped in the tunnels due to lack of ventilation. Many of the workers at the mine are also local landowners who say they are stuck in exploitative leases with Excellon. We want to work, he said. We dont want the mine to go away. We need to work. After a co-worker was killed in the mine by a rock fall, a group of Excellon workers approached Los Mineros to fight for safe and fairly compensated work. To their shock, they found they were already members of a union, one of Mexicos notorious company or protection unions. Ben Davis, the United Steelworkers Director of International Affairs, was facilitating the session and explained this was common. Workers often arent given collective agreements or what documents they do get lack wage scales. The workers dont know who their union representatives are or how to contact them. The Ministry of Labour is starting to upload agreements but only at the federal level and the website is difficult to search. Asking the Labour Board for a copy of a collective agreement carries its own riskthe Board will let companies know about the request and the worker can be fired. Los Mineros and Mexicos other democratic, independent unions stand in stark contrast to the shadowy protection unions.
Napoleons absence was felt at the IndustriALL founding congress but I was very glad to see the Los Mineros delegates, said COPE 378 President David Black. Global solidarity is part of how we will get him home.
PRESIDENTS WoRD
No Summer Slow-Down for CoPE 378

By PRESIDENT DAvID BlACk
he rhythm of work generally takes on a slower cadence during the summer for many of our employers. Quite a few of our members go on vacation with their families. For COPE 378, this summer is shaping up to be one of the busiest on record. The preparations for the COPE 378s 2012 convention are already well underway. The convention will be held from November 15 to 17. At the convention delegates will debate resolutions advanced by individual members and committees, and they will also elect three Vice Presidents from the Executive Board. The ExecuIncluded in tive Board will be elected by mail-in ballot one month this issue of before our convention, along with the President and Local Voice Secretary-Treasurer. is the 2011 As per the COPE 378 Constitution, Convention is Financial the supreme authority of the Union, subject to the provisions of this Constitution. Its an extraordinary opporReport tunity to engage with other union members in the inner workings of our union. I encourage everyone who is able to participate. In addition to preparing for the 2012 convention, the union office is busy managing and co-ordinating 01 1 2201 1 job action at our largest bargaining unit, ICBC. This rt past spring has been a veritable rollercoaster with ial epo ccialRReport inann nnual F a AAnnual Fin ICBC before we had even finished our strike vote .c a P E 37 8 8 .c a 37 (which concluded with a strong 87 per cent strike www O w w w .C.C O P E mandate) the Corporation had applied for essential service status. We are currently taking job action under an interim, without prejudice, order imposed by the Labour Board, and will continue to argue against the essential services application throughout the summer. As the Local Voice is going to press, we have begun a ban on overtime, part of the targeted and strategic action we will be taking to pressure ICBC back to the table. The provincial government is happy taking dividends unchecked from both ICBC and BC Hydro. At BC Hydro this practice ignores the debt hidden in
Local 378 Union, loyees Local 378 nal Emp Union, loyees & Professio nal Emp n Office Canadia & Professio n Office Canadia
a PE 37 8.c a ww w. COCO PE 37 8.c ww w.
the deferral accounts. In a move that stunned most observers the provincial government imposed Hydro rates well below what the BC Utilities Commission was considering, thereby guaranteeing a future government will inherit a mountainous rate increaseor risk BC Hydros financial stability. We may not know when the final bill will be due, but we do know that Hydro ratepayers will eventually have to pay it, and the longer its delayed, the more its going to cost. Throughout the summer COPE 378 will be reinvigorating our analysis of energy issues and visioning a way forward out of the quagmire in which BC Hydro has been placed by the BC Liberal government. Also this summer we will be working with the larger labour movement to track and push back on Bill C-377. While C-377 may seem at first glance innocuous, in reality it greatly and unnecessarily increases the burden of reporting on trade unions far in excess of what federal regulations demand of other organizations. Moreover, C-377 ignores the fact that unions must make available audited financial statements to all of their members (ours are included in this issue of the Local Voice) and file these statements with the federal and provincial Labour Boards. If passed, the added costs of this bill will have to be passed on to COPE members. And the day-to-day business of the union never ends. Each day we support our Executive Councillors and job stewards to be the advocates you need in the workplace, and work with our union reps to police your collective agreements to ensure your rights are protected. Our bargaining committees are hard at work with proposals to strengthen and improve your agreements. Our organizers are reaching out to workers who dont enjoy the protection of a union to invite them to join COPE 378. Its fine by me if our employers slow down this summer. We will keep working hard, training, researching, preparing and organizing to win.
Its [Convention 2012] an extraordinary opportunity to engage with other union members in the inner workings of our union.
David Black
10
Hydro Rates Now a Ticking Time Bomb, Set to Go off After Election
By GWENNE FARREll, vICE PRESIDENT
BC HyDRo
... Placing a cap on Hydro rates at 17% over the next three years and, in effect, cancelling the BCUC rate hearings...
espite the BC Liberal governments history of mismanaging BC Hydro, there are things even the most cynical among us never thought they would do. Taking BC Hydros rate increase out of the oversight of the independent BC Utilities Commission was one of those things. Sure, theyd exempted other big policies and infrastructure projects, including IPPs and the billion-dollar Smart Meter Initiative, but theyd drawn criticism for these moves and Hydro rates are firmly within the BCUCs jurisdiction. But early in June thats exactly what the government did by placing a cap on Hydro rates at 17 per cent over the next three years and, in effect, cancelling the BCUC rate hearings. The BCUC had already approved an interim rate higher than what the government was comfortable with. Premier Christy Clark and Energy Minister Rich Coleman were likely terrified the BCUC would put forward a substantially larger increase to pay down BCHydros ballooning deferral accounts and the legacy of self-sufficiency purchases of expensive private power from IPPs. There was no way to view the rate cap except as a cynical attempt to obscure a decade of BCLiberal mismanagement of our public utility. Though Christy Clark tried to characterize the move as part of her families first agenda, it was criticized by media and policy experts from all sides. The punditry viewed it the move as what it clearly waspolitical manipulation of what is supposed to be an independent process and an arms length regulatory body. COPE 378 joined energy experts like Marvin Shaffer and John Calvert in pointing out that this will mean rates will only increase even more down the roadnot coincidentallyafter the next provincial election. The government cannot reverse the costs and losses it has already imposed on BC Hydro. Rate freezes only mask, they do not undo what has been done, Shaffer told the Vancouver Sun. John Calvert and Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives economist Marc Lee drew attention to the governments burgeoning energy commitments to large industry, noting that by capping rate increases, Once the 2013 election is over, whoever forms B.C.s new government will inherit an enormous problem.
The government cannot reverse the costs and losses it has already imposed on BC Hydro. Rate freezes only mask, they do not undo what has been done, Marvin Shaffer in the Vancouver Sun
The people of B.C. still deserve to know what conclusions the BCUC was going to draw from its hearings and their analysis of Hydros financial evidence. Those of us working on these issues at COPE 378 believe the BCUC was going to come out and tell the public that the costs of government policies could no longer be hidden or delayed. If this was not the case, the government would have had no motivation to step in. What we were prevented from learning was the full picture of our public utilitys finances and the extent to which the government has endangered what was once one of the most efficient, well-run, and profitable public utilities on the continent. What we did learn is not to underestimate the lengths to which this government will go to cover up the consequences of their policies.
11
STAFF PRoFIlE
linda Allan
Linda first joined the unions staff in 1976 Now retired after nearly 30 years of service to COPE 378
Linda Allan
here are few members, and fewer staff, who have been with COPE 378 as long as Linda Allan. A COPE 378 member herself once, Linda began as an administrative staffer in BC Hydros electrical department in 1974 before joining the unions staff in 1976. This summer, Linda retired after nearly 30 years of service to COPE 378 (not counting a six year absence she spent raising her children). During her time with the union the admin staff moved from using one single Quantel networked computer to the current fully modern office set-up. She has driven from her home in Tsawwassen to work at three different office locations over the years the first on Kingsway in Vancouver across from the ICBC claims office, the second on Imperial Street in Burnaby and the third and current location across from BCIT on Canada Way and she worked under six different local presidents. When Linda started as one of only two admin staff, the Office and Technical Employees Union, local 378 (as the union was then known) had only about 5,000 members. Over the years Linda moved from the administrative department, where she helped the union representatives manage the paperwork associated with their jobs and generally kept the office functioning, over to the finance department. Her attention to detail has served her well in her role as Payroll Clerk for the union staff Linda processed all the purchase orders and invoices approved for payment by the union, all the expense claims submitted by members, plus a variety of other related financial duties. She was Columbia Hydro Con-
30 YeARS
structors contact for dispatching members to work on dam sites and administered their hour banks for their health, benefits and pension plans. But its not just her duties and physical surroundings that have changed since she first started with COPE 378. Linda watched as the union asserted its independence from the International in 2004 to become a fully autonomous Canadian union. Shes seen the staff expand from just a handful of employees to over 40 full time staff. The membership has changed tooits grown and diversified as COPE 378 has organized to extend its protection to new worksites, and when it merged with sister local COPE 15. When asked to reflect on what else has changed over her time with the union, Linda offered some interesting insights. The culture of the union has changed too, she noted. Were more political, more activist. You can see that reflected in the committees. We have strong, vital and busy committees like the Youth Action Committee and the Multicultural Committee. She laughed when asked what had changed the least, and replied, Were still challenging the employers to bargain fairly and honestly, and to treat their employees with respect. Some of the meat and potatoes of this work never changes. Linda is joining her husband in retirement and together they plan on doing many of the things many couples do with their well-earned time after work: perfecting their swings at the local golf course and traveling abroad. A horse fanatic, Linda is also looking forward picking up her equestrian hobby. But most importantly she is eager to spend more time with her grandchildren in Kelowna. The staff and elected officers at COPE 378 wish Linda well in her retirement and thank her for her long and dedicated years of service.
12
Despite Proposals Costing Pennies Per Policy, ICBC Resorts to Essential Services Application
By JEFF GIllIES, vICE PRESIDENT
ICBC
The ICBC bargaining committee (left to right): Trevor Hansen, Karin Cirez, Jaime Zygmunt and Jeff Gillies Not pictured: Yasmin Carroll and Mike Ferguson
hroughout our attempts to bargain with ICBC over the past year, weve said were only asking for a fair and reasonable deal for our workers. Our wages have been frozen and are slipping in relation to cost of living and we deserve better job security as ICBC moves forward with the Transformation Program.
ICBC is raking in profits and everyone (auto body shops, lawyers, business partners and the government) is seeing the benefits; everyone except the drivers and workers who have helped make ICBC so profitable. Instead of working with us in good faith to resolve key issues, ICBC delayed as long as possible. When confronted with our strong vote for job action they tried to claim our workers are an essential service, which under legislation means that our striking would result in immediate and serious danger to the health, safety or welfare of the residents of BritishColumbia. It was a surprisingly unreasonable response to what wed been asking for. We took a step back and did some extra research to make sure we were crystal clear on what our bargaining proposals would mean for ICBC. Far from being an unmanageable burden on the Corporation, we found even more evidence to support the reasonableness of our proposals. Our research took a more in-depth look at the value of the services ICBC is providing to the government for free, including licensing, registration and fine collection. This will likely be expanded further as the government asks our workers to issue Care Cards and collect fines for TransLink. However, despite our workers being asked to provide more services, we are still facing a potential reduction of a few hundred positions as a result of the Transformation Program. We found ICBCs updated forecasts seem to include no significant savings as a result of the programs implementation, despite the fact the program is projected to cost $190 million by 2014.
Some key facts from our research:

Each year, ICBC offers more than $50 million dollars worth of driving licensing services to the Government of British Columbia for free. By 2014 this number is expected to grow to $60 million dollars. If you count administration fees, vehicle licensing and administration and fine collection, this number is more than $110 million per year, and expected to grow. Drivers and workers dont need to fight over the crumbs. ICBC could reduce each Optional insurance policy by $35 without threatening the Corporations financial well-being, and still agree to COPE378s bargaining proposals. ICBC expects to give the Government of British Columbia between $100 and $180 million dollars each of the next three years, simply because it has the extra money. COPE 378s bargaining proposals would only reduce each free dollar that ICBC provides to the provincial government general coffers each year by 16-27 cents. Were not asking for the moon. We want ICBC to continue to be strong, sustainable, and public. But the evidence backs us up: ICBCs profits need to and can easily be distributed more equitably so drivers and workers get to share in the corporations success.
$50
million
$60
million
$ $
2012 2014
ICBC offers driving licensing services to the Government of British Columbia every year for free
13
PRovINCIAl PolITICS
Enbridge Pipeline: Few Benefits and Much Risk

By RoB FlEMING, MlA, vICToRIA SWAN lAkE oFFICIAl oPPoSITIoN ENvIRoNMENT CRITIC
I
525,000
BARRELS OF OIL
between Edmonton and Kitimat per day
225
OIL TANKERS
to the north coast per year to transport oil to foreign destinations
NEW DEMoCRATS HAvE SIX kEy CoNCERNS WITH THE PRoJECT
nternational trade and responsible resource extraction are essential to our economy. They create goodpaying jobs and vital communities. Across British Columbia, there are a number of examples of sound, community-endorsed projects, like the natural gas pipeline in the north,for which New Democrats have voiced their support. But this is not the case with Enbridges controversial Northern Gateway Pipeline (NGP) project. The NGP proposal, which is currently under review by the National Energy Board, will carry 525,000 barrels of oil and 193,000 barrels of liquid condensate daily between Edmonton and Kitimat, and will bring approximately 225 oil tankers to the north coast every year to transport the oil to foreign destinations. The NGP has the potential for significant and longterm negative impacts on British Columbias economy, environment, and social and cultural fabric. Under the Enbridge proposal, British Columbia would assume almost all the projects risk, yet would see only a fraction of the benefits. Despite these significant impacts, the Liberal government remains silent on the proposal. In contrast, the BC New Democrat Official Opposition caucus has formally registered its opposition to Enbridges Northern Gateway Project with the National Energy Boards Joint Review Panel. New Democrat leader Adrian Dix sent a clear message that such a highrisk, low-return approach simply isnt in B.C.s interests. There is a growing chorus of those opposed to Enbridges plans. Businesses in the regions affected, from tourism to hunting and fishing outfits to small local shops, are against it. The Union of B.C. Municipalities resoundingly passed a motion opposing the project. And my caucus colleagues Skeena MLA Robin Austin, Sti-
kine MLA Doug Donaldson and North Coast MLA Gary Coons, are also participating in the Joint Review Panels process, representing communities like Terrace, Prince Rupert and Smithers, which are among those who have the most to lose in a catastrophic spill. While this project is in Northern B.C., it affects us all. As the Official Opposition, we take our responsibility to represent and protect the interests of British Columbia seriously. We have listened to the concerns and diverse perspectives of constituents throughout the province and we have met with stakeholders and experts about the Enbridge pipeline. We feel strongly that the environmental, economic, and social risks associated with the project simply outweigh the benefits. We encourage the BC Liberal government to finally tell the people of B.C. where they stand on this issue which will determine what kind of world we leave to our children and our grandchildren.
Rob Fleming, MLA, Victoria-Swan Lake
1. The NGP provides few long-term, sustainable economic benefits for B.C.; 2. Canadian consumers will see increased Canadian oil prices; 3. B.C.s coastline will be at serious risk of devastating environmental and economic damage from oil spills; 4. The pipeline will traverse highly valued areas of B.C., putting valuable environments and species, such as salmon, at risk; 5. Many First Nations communities whose culture, way of life and livelihoods depend on clean water and a living environment would be most severely affected by an oil spill and have opposed the NGP; 6. Greenhouse gas emissions generated by NGP-related oil sands development will contribute to the costs of climate change.
14 | volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012 COPE 378 Local Voice
Bill C-377: An Attack on labour

By kENNEDy STEWART, MEMBER oF PARlIAMENT FoR BURNABy-DoUGlAS, oFFICIAl oPPoSITIoN CRITIC FoR SCIENCE & TECHNoloGy
FEDERAl PolITICS
C-377 promotes a dangerous and unprecedented move to advance the governments agenda ... by tipping the scales overwhelmingly in favour of employers. Kennedy Stewart
ll Canadians, whether or not they belong to a labour union, should be aware of Bill C-377 - An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act (Requirements for Labour Organizations). This private members bill was brought to the House of Commons by Conservative BC MP Russ Hiebert last December. It is currently before the Standing Committee on Finance. As this short commentary explains, this bill is not about accountability and transparency, but rather a direct Conservative attack on the Canadian labour movement. At its core, Bill C-377 requires trade unions to publicly disclose their financial activity. If passed, this new law will force labour unions to disclose all financial transactions to the federal government everything from office supply purchases to salaries greatly increasing the burden of reporting for union leaders and staff. In addition to creating piles of extra paperwork for union staff, opponents say the bill would violate the privacy rights of the many individuals and companies that do business with labour organizations. In our view, these new measures are entirely unnecessary. In Canadas trade union movement, financial statements are audited, and reported to elected boards of directors, to all union locals and to delegates, at convention [COPE 378s audited statements are also included in this issue of the Local Voice - Ed.]. Annual audited statements are filed with both provincial and federal labour boards. The Canada Labour Code requires financial statements be available to members. Where those statements are not routinely provided to all members, individual union members can request them from their locals, and directly from labour boards. Clearly the process is already open, fair, democratic and accountable. C-377 promotes a dangerous and unprecedented move to advance the governments agenda of undermining the balance of labour relations in Canada by tipping the scales overwhelmingly in favour of employers. This is agenda is similar to that forwarded by the Bush Republicans in the United States. According to Newt Gingrich, one of the leading members of the ideological right in the United States, these types of measures weaken our opponents and encourage our allies.
However, even the Republicans did not go nearly as far as Harper intends with C-377. For instance, the US laws only cover national unions and national union associations. C-377 will cover every single union organization in Canada - even some of the union trusts set up around health and safety and the environment. It covers every level of union organization, including COPE 378. C-377 fails to recognize trade unions are already profoundly democratic and accountable institutions. The leadership is elected by the membership, and serves at the pleasure of those members. The relationship between a unions leadership and its members is one of transparency and accountability. A union is accountable to its members, just as comparable not-forprofitand tax-exemptentities, like think tanks, professional associations and trade boards, are accountable to their members. With this legislation, the government is once again breaching the bounds of fundamental fairness by demanding that trade unions release their financial information to the public. Importantly, it is only trade unions that will be required to do so. Entities like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Law Society, and the Fraser Institute all of whom enjoy the same kind of taxexempt status, will not be required to. The NDP will fight against Bill C-377 in Parliament and we urge you to do the same. Please contact us or your unions leadership to see how you can help.
Kennedy Stewart, Member of Parliament for Burnaby-Douglas
15
MUlTICUlTURAl CoMMITTEE
Bill Chus Mission: Reconciling our History

By RANDy CHEUNG, MUlTICUlTURAl CoMMITTEE Co-CHAIR
Bill Chu drumming at the Downtown East Side Womens Memorial March
CHINESE & FIRST NATIoNS

... putting together the missing history in our multicultural Canadian history
ill Chu is probably one of the most tireless volunteers out there working to facilitate the research, publication, and teaching of the pages of missing history about various minority communities. He diligently works to help gain reconciliation for minority communities which have historically experienced discrimination. As Chair of the non-profit group Canadians for Reconciliation he has worked to raise awareness of the important contributions early Chinese-Canadians and Aboriginal people made to the province we live in today. Chinese-Canadians grew food and built roads for miners and explorers during the Cariboo gold rush in the 1850s. They worked in canneries, coal mines on the coast, and of course were instrumental in building the Canadian Pacific Railway, during which they were paid less and given more dangerous jobs than white labourers. As soon as the railway was completed, the federal government instituted harsh anti-Chinese immigration policies including a head tax for new immigrants. First Nations people worked in many of the same industries as Chinese immigrants, and around the same time also experienced government policies aimed at assimilation, such as banning the potlatch and removing children to residential schools where they were not allowed to speak their own languages or observe First Nations customs. Chu is committed to working with all groups: all levels of government, multicultural and First Nations organizations, community groups and unions. Its a process of reconciliation, he says, and I hope we can invite the unions to participate. In the past, B.C. unions were complicit in discrimination against Chinese labourers in B.C. Unions, having formed an Asiatic Exclusion League - whose stated purpose was to keep Oriental immigrants out of British Columbia - were a driving force behind the 1907 Anti-Chinese riots in Vancouver. Rioters marched to Chinatown, attacking local residents and smashing storefront windows. Its a difficult but necessary part of our history to face up to, said COPE 378 David Black. Most unions now recognize that we need to fight racism, include all members,
and work with any marginalized workers to improve their rights. Its part of the principle that what we wish for ourselves, we desire for all. But theres still work to do and part of that is being accountable for our history. Two representatives from COPE 378s Multicultural Committee will be joining Chu on a two-day bus tour of Chinese and Aboriginal historical sites in the Fraser Canyon later this year. The participants will also raise donations for on-reserve food banks and meet with First Nations leadership. Another way of getting the message out our diverse history is to improve the school curriculum here in B.C. In April, Canadians for Reconciliation saw the BC School Trustees Association pass a resolution they were promoting: whereby the BCSTA requests the Ministry of Education to review and incorporate the history of Indigenous People and British Columbians of Chinese descent into the learning objectives of B.C. school curriculum. This includes their contributions and recognizes the adverse effects of B.C.s policies on their communities. Were not trying to change history, but say that this piece of history happened on Canadian soil and it matters to all of us, said Chu. Until the provincial government makes changes, though, awareness has to come one person at a time. Chu often donates time to speak to high school students on these issues. Chu states, We have to honour the people that came before us and try to enlighten the bigger public by letting that history be known so we dont make the same mistakes again.
Were not trying to change history, but say that this piece of history happened on Canadian soil and it matters to all of us. Bill Chu
16
Thomas Mulcair Faces Budget Bill

By JEFF GIllIES, vICE PRESIDENT
PolITICAl ACTIoN REPoRT
his spring the federal NDP elected a new Leader, Thomas Mulcair. President David Black and I attended the NDP convention in Toronto in March. After a nail biting run-off, Mulcair beat Brian Topp on the fourth ballot, with Mulcair claiming just over 57 per cent of the votes cast. Overall, it was an excellent convention. There were some problems with the electronic voting that made for a long day, but despite the marathon session, the convention floor rallied passionately around Mulcair when the results were announced. Mulcair was only on the job for a few of days when Harpers Conservatives tabled Bill C-38, the federal budget bill. Theres really nothing but bad news for workers in this budget. Bill C-38 announced an increase to the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) from 65 to 67, to be phased in between 2023 and 2029. This means anyone born after 1962 will have to wait until 67 to get any OAS benefits.
The Conservatives argue that the increased cost of the OAS and GIS program with an aging population is too large. The facts show otherwise. The program costs as a share of Gross Domestic Product are forecast to increase from 2.36 per cent in 2011, to a modest peak of 3.14 per cent in 2030, after which the costs will fall. Many experts have noted that there is no real affordability issue, and the increase in the retirement age seems mainly intended to force lower income workers to stay in the workforce longer. The Conservatives argue that OAS and GIS are unaffordable if we keep the age at 65; however, they continue to provide tax breaks to corporations (that are not investing in the Canadian economy and are, in fact, sitting on almost $500 billion of surplus cash). This year alone corporate tax cuts will cost Canadians $13 billion in lost revenue. When the Conservatives took office, the corporate tax rate was at 21 per cent. Its now dropped to 15 per cent. Even if it were still 21 per cent, Canada would still have the lowest corporate tax rate among the group of G7 countries. The Conservatives assertion that GIS and OAS payment at age 65 is unaffordable is ridiculous. It is affordable and it would be easily affordableif we were taxing corporations properly. Equally disconcerting in this budget were the very deep job cuts to the federal public sector. Over 19,000 federal government employees will lose their jobs as a direct result of the budget cuts. Another 30,000 private sector and not-for-profit jobs supported by government purchases of goods and services will be stamped out. In short, we will have fewer jobs, many will need to work longer to be able to retire, corporations still fail to pay their fair share and we will receive diminished services from government. However, there is hope. A number of polls fielded since Thomas Mulcair became leader of the NDP have put the Official Opposition ahead of the Conservatives in public support. As of press time for the Local Voice the NDP have 36 per cent support four points above the Conservatives. As far as leaders are concerned, Thomas Mulcair is Canadians top choice, with 41 per cent support. Obviously, its a long way until the next federal election in 2015 but the Political Action Committee will be working to convince our members that a vote for the NDP is a vote for a party that supports working families.
In short, we will have fewer jobs, many will need to work longer to be able to retire, corporations still fail to pay their fair share and we will receive diminished services from government. Jeff Gillies
17
CoMBINED UNITS
Capilano University: Anatomy of a labour Management Committee

By HEATHER lEE, vICE PRESIDENT
The Capilano University Joint Standing Committee stands out as a model we strive to replicate at all our worksites.
Heather Lee
ike many workplaces, Capilano University has a Labour-Management committee that meets regularly to dialogue about workplace issues important to the union, the employer or both parties. When Labour-Management committees work well they can anticipate and prevent problems within workplaces. The union and employer representatives bring up areas of concern and, in an ideal scenario, work collaboratively towards solutions that fit the needs of both sides as best as possible. Different worksites have different names for their Labour-Management committees but their purpose remains the same. At Capilano University the committee is called the Joint Standing Committee. For several years now the Capilano University Joint Standing Committee has functioned as a near ideal model. The committee is attended by a union representative and the three Executive Councillors at Capilano for the union. Those positions are currently held by Sarah Melsness from COPE 378, Brenda Meyers from the Marketing Department, Brenda Rovener from Finance and Clay Little, Capilanos First Nations liaison. The vice president of Human Resources and two HR managers traditionally attend on behalf of the employer. The Capilano committee has made efforts to be truly proactive and work beyond the scope of traditional Labour Relations mandates. One example stands out: following the Virginia Tech massacre in the States in 2007, where a student opened fire on cam-
pus, killing 32 people and wounding 17 more, school safety under catastrophic and extreme circumstances rocketed to the top of the agenda. Capilano at that time had little in the way of a plan or systems that would deal with a similar situation, or some other untold emergency other than a fire or earthquake. The university held fire drills annually and had trained fire wardens from both the union and management side, but had nothing that would enable quick communication and implementation of a crisis plan. In this period of heightened awareness the union and Human Resources sat down as the Joint Standing Committee and asked, How can wetogetherkeep everyone on this campus healthy and safe? The committee examined a variety of solutions including hot phones for each room, TV screens in high traffic areas, auto-dial phone messages to all phones, increased emergency signage throughout the campus and more frequent contact with North Vancouver RCMP. As a group they researched what other post-secondary institutions were doing in the wake of the shootings. The committee also manages practical matters relating to the collective agreement. In one instance the language in an article of the collective agreement left the meaning open to interpretation. The members of the Join Standing Committee discussed the article and the intent, then together agreed on a single interpretation that the union and management both use. The committee makeup has changed with a turnover in staff on both the union and management side. COPE 378 remains committed to the healthy, collaborative model that we have helped build over the years. Its the unions hope this committee will keep providing the same level of support and service to our members at Capilano University. It stands out as a model we strive to replicate at all our worksites.
18
New Pension Benefits Standards Act for B.C.

By loRI MAyHEW, SECRETARy-TREASURER
PENSIoNS
Lori Mayhew
n May 31, 2012, Royal Assent was given to Bill38. This stroke of a pen ushered in a new Pension Benefits Standards Act (PBSA). This new Act replaces legislation that was first introduced in 1991, and updates many aspects of pension legislation. The original PBSA was based on a dichotomy of defined benefit plans versus defined contribution pension plans. (In a defined benefit plan, you receive an income based on a formula which generally factors in your years of service and salary earned. With a defined contribution plan, the money paid out is based on investments with the money paid in.) The new PBSA brings in several new models and clarifies some aspects of the old PBSA. However, to repurpose an old saying, the proof will be in the regulations that are yet to be promulgated. The new act now recognizes four basic plan types: single employer plans, multi-employer plans (both those that are collectively bargained and those that are not), jointly sponsored plans, and negotiated cost plans.
As well, it introduces a new type of plan that is a hybrid between defined benefit and defined contribution plans, called a target benefit plan. Negotiated cost plans were allowed in the previous Act, but the definition was a bit loose. The new Act tightens up the definition and adds new language that allows it to be either a single employer plan or a collectively bargained multi-employer plan. One of the bigger changes allows for jointly sponsored plans in the new Act. While they have existed for a number of years, they are now codified in legislation. However, there are some troubling aspects to this part of the Act. Jointly sponsored plans are now able to cut accrued benefits without the consent of the Superin-
tendent of pensions. Also, employers are not liable for solvency deficiency if a plan is terminated and not fully funded, greatly lessening their obligation to their employees. Nor does the new Act spell out the criteria such a plan must meet to be considered a jointly sponsored plan or outline the process to become a jointly sponsored plan. These criteria will be found in the regulations that are still yet to come. Perhaps the most intriguing change is the addition of a target benefit plan. These plans have aspects of both a defined benefit and defined contribution plan, usually with the benefit looking like a defined benefit plan but with employer liabilities along the lines of a defined contribution plan. This type of plan design may reverse the trend of converting plans from defined benefit to defined contribution. If so, then this would be the most important feature of the new PBSA.
If you have any questions about your pension and how it could be affected by the new legislation and regulations, please contact your job steward, or the union office at 604-299-0378 or 1-800-665-6838.
One of the bigger changes allows for jointly sponsored plans...
19
BARGAINING UNIT BRIEFS
BARGAINING UNIT BRIEFS: SUMMER 2012 EDITIoN

By CARol MClUSkIE & kIM SMITH
AvIS
The collective agreement for the members at this unit will expire May 31, 2012. The bargaining committee is developing proposals. The parties have scheduled June 25, 26 and 27 to begin bargaining. The unions bargaining committee consists of Union Representative Glen MacInnes.
CoRAl CABS
The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2011. Notice to commence bargaining has been sent to the employer. The bargaining survey has been sent for the members input. The unions bargaining committee consists of Ernie Baliss and Union Representative Dave Park.
BCAA ERS
The bargaining committee continues to meet with the employer, most recently on May 28. Progress is being made on the important issues identified by the members at this unit. The union has also reached agreement with the employer on a number of these and other issues such as improvements to financial aid for training courses. The unions bargaining committee consists of Justyna Edwards, Garry Payne and Union Representative Pat Junnila.
CoAST MoUNTAIN BUS Co
The collective agreement for the COPE 378 members at Coast Mountain Bus Co. expired on March 31, 2011. There have tentatively scheduled dates for July 9-12, 2012 to begin bargaining. The unions bargaining committee consists of Doug Fergus, Ray Manning, Stephen Von Sychowski, Ron Williams and Union Representative Kevin Payne.
BCAA SC
CUPE loCAl 454
Bargaining is ongoing. Progress has been made on a number of issues identified by the members. The unions bargaining committee consists of Paul Bachin, Penny Crassweller, Maureen Skibo and Union Representative Pat Junnila.
The union is currently in the process of finishing the draft collective agreement with the employer. The unions bargaining committee consists of Kathleen Ladislaus and Union Representative Barbara Junker.
BC FEDERATIoN oF lABoUR
CUPEBC AND loCAlS
The collective agreement for this unit expired on April 30, 2012. The parties have met twice for bargaining and are working through the proposals. The unions bargaining committee consists of Susan Orr, Ingrid Ericson and Union Representative Kevin Smyth.
A ratification vote was counted on March 23, 2012. The members voted in favour if the agreement. The union is waiting for employer to finish reviewing the draft collective agreement. The unions bargaining committee consists of Nadine Ford, Lori Watt and Union Representative Barbara Junker.
BCGEU
The collective agreement expired on March 31, 2012. Notice to commence bargaining has been sent to the employer. A membership meeting has been held to elect the bargaining committee and bargaining surveys will be sent out on the May 14 for members input. The bargaining surveys are due back on the June 4. The unions bargaining committee consists of Sherry Baker, Karon Hardy, alternate Lorrie Burnell and Union Representative Bonnie Merriman.
DA ToWNlEy & ASSoCIATES
The collective agreement for this unit expired on December 31, 2010. The parties are seeking new dates to resume bargaining. The unions bargaining committee consists of Colleen Finn, Lina Johal and Union Representative Glen MacInnes.
FoRTISBC
BC HyDRo
More info at cope378.ca
The collective agreement for BC Hydro expired on March 31, 2012. The parties met on May 24, at which time the employer did not provide detailed proposals. The union temporarily suspended bargaining until the employer comes to the table with detailed proposals. The unions bargaining committee consists of Bojan Bucic, Andrea Foster, Calvin Jonas, Rysa Kronebusch, Sharon Thomas, COPE 378 Vice President Gwenne Farrell and Senior Union Representative Brad Bastien.
The membership voted to reject the June 11 Memorandum of Understating. The bargaining committee has surveyed the membership as to why the MOA was rejected and confirming those results in member meetings. The bargaining committee has booked dates with the employer in July and August to return to the table. The unions bargaining committee consists of Kari Campbell, Richard Gaylard, Kate Koczor, Rick Meakes and Union Representative Kevin Smyth.
FoRTIS ENERGy INC.
BEACH PlACE vENTURES (BlACkToP TAXI)
The collective agreement expired June 30, 2011. Notice to commence bargaining has been sent to the employer and your bargaining committee will be reviewing the members surveys and preparing the unions proposals for a new collective agreement. A membership meeting will follow and then a meeting with management to arrange bargaining dates. The unions bargaining committee consists of Sean Behjatnejad and Union Representative Dave Park.
The membership voted to reject the short term extension of the collective agreement. The bargaining committee and the employer could not come to terms. The bargaining committee gave the employer a list of dates to meet and exchange proposals in July, August and September and is awaiting reply. The unions bargaining committee consists of Tim Bouzovetsky, Darlene Freeman, Norm Stickelmann and Union Representative Kevin Smyth.
HASTINGS ENTERTAINMENT INC.
BERlITz
The collective agreement expired on June 30, 2011. Bargaining proposals have been finalized. The committee hopes to exchange proposals in early spring. Bargaining dates have been requested by the union. The unions bargaining committee consists of Jennifer Williams, Collin Patterson and Union Representative Sarah Melsness.
The collective agreement expires on July 31, 2012. As of press time for Local Voice a bargaining committee has not yet been struck. The spokesperson for bargaining is Union Representative Karen Rockwell.
GREyHoUND
BoNNyS TAXI
The collective agreement expired on June 30, 2011. Notice to commence bargaining has been sent to the employer. The bargaining committee has been preparing the unions proposals for a new collective agreement. This will follow with a membership meeting and then a meeting with management to arrange bargaining dates. The unions bargaining committee consists of Cyndi Nilssen-Frigstad and Union Representative Dave Park.
The members ratified a two year agreement on June 7, 2012. The agreement made the following wage gains: January 1, 2011 2 per cent, January 1, 2012 2 per cent, January 1, 2013 2.5 per cent. The unions bargaining consists of Norquita Warren and Union Representative Kevin Payne.
ICBC
BURvIC HolDINGS
The ballots for the ratification vote on the proposed terms of settlement by employees at Burvic Holdings Ltd. were verified, opened and counted on Monday, June 4, 2012. The majority of members voted to accept the proposed terms of settlement. The bargaining committee consists of Union Representative Barry Hodson.
The collective agreement expired on June 30, 2010. On April 24 members at ICBC voted 87 per cent in favour of a strike. ICBC applied to the Labour Board to have certain members declared an essential service. The parties continue to meet both at the Labour Board on the essential service application and at the table in an attempt to continue bargaining.However,after two years of an expired collective agreement ICBC has said they do not have a monetary mandate and the bargaining process is stalled.The union has proceeded to the Labour Boardon this matter. The unions bargaining committee consists of Yasmin Carroll, Karin Cirez, Mike Ferguson, Joyce Galuska, COPE Vice President Jeff Gillies, Trevor Hansen, and Senior Union Representative Jaime Zygmunt.
CAPIlANo UNIvERSITy
Bargaining is still on hold pending the outcome of other public sector bargaining. The unions bargaining committee consists of Brenda Rovner, Brenda Myers, Clay Little and Union Representative Sarah Melsness.
kEkINoW NATIvE HoUSING SoCIETy
The collective agreement expired on March 31, 2010. A membership meeting was held February 29 to discuss bargaining and related issues. The unions bargaining committee consists of Terry Frank and Union Representative Jackie Brown.
20
BARGAINING UNIT BRIEFS

koNICA MINolTA TEAMSTERS 31, 213 AND 213 MEMBERS BENEFIT PlAN (SEPARATE AGREEMENTS)
The collective agreement expired on March 31, 2012. The employer has retained a Labour Relations Specialist who will act as chief spokesperson at the upcoming collective bargaining. The employer has hinted at efficiencies they wish to gain through the bargaining process. A membership meeting will be held in early June to discuss bargaining and related issues. The unions bargaining committee consists of Dal Dosanjh and Union Representative Jackie Brown.
All three collective agreements expired on March 31, 2011. The parties are seeking dates to commence bargaining. The bargaining committees for all three units consist of Union Representative Glen MacInnes.
THUNDERBIRD WINTER SPoRTS
kRUGER PRoDUCTS
The collective agreements expired on May 31, 2012, however the employer is in the process of downsizing one-third of the entire workforce, including one-third of the COPE 378 staff. All layoffs will take effect on August 31, 2012. The CEP Local (mill employees) will be delaying bargaining until later in the fall when all of the changes have been completed. In discussion with COPE 378 job stewards it was determined that we too will delay bargaining until the end of the year or possibly into the first quarter of 2013. The unions bargaining committee consists of Union Representative Karen Rockwell.
Bargaining proposals are being finalized with the intent to table them with the employer in the near future. The bargaining committee consists of Union Representative Sarah Melsness.
TRANSIT PolICE
A survey was sent and two focus groups have been held. The bargaining committee will meet to go over proposals and draft proposals. The unions bargaining committee consists of Renata Clements, Dan Dickhout, Rob Gladwin, Ian Whittington and Union Representative Kevin Payne.
TRANSlINk
lUMA NATIvE HoUSING SoCIETy
The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2011.The job stewards and Union Representative met May 14, 2012 to continue preparation for bargaining. The unions bargaining committee consists of Doreen Mayer, Lorrie Sandell and Union Representative Jackie Brown.
A bargaining survey was sent to the members at Translink. The bargaining committee will meet to review the survey results and draft proposals. The unions bargaining committee consists of Pat Keeping, Safar Alikhani and Union Representative Kevin Payne.
TElECoMMUNICATIoN WoRkERS PENSIoN PlAN
oPEN SolUTIoNS
The collective agreement expired on February 29, 2012.Notice to commence bargaining has been served. No bargaining dates are being scheduled as the business is shutting down. No bargaining unit employees are working at this time. The unions bargaining committee consists of Union Representative Jack Gerow.
The members at this unit were on strike for a total of 9 weeks, which started on February 14, 2012. The parties reached an agreement in mediation on April 10, 2012 and a ratification vote was held on April 11. The members voted in favour of ratifying and returned to work on April 16. The unions bargaining committee consists Mabo Mui, Beverly Victor, alternate Richard Vorstenborch and Union Representative Barry Hodson.
TElECoMMUNICATIoN WoRkERS UNIoN
SEASPAN MARINE CoRPoRATIoN
The collective agreement expired on February 28, 2011.Bargaining commenced in early February 2012.Forty-seven of fifty non-monetary proposals have either been agreed to or withdrawn. All monetary proposals have now been thoroughly discussed. The employer continues to pursue its concessionary bargaining proposals regarding hours of work, earned days off, statutory holidays, overtime rates and on-call compensation. In addition, the monetary proposal for general increases is substantially less than agreed to with the trades unions. Further meetings have been scheduled in June, and the bargaining committee is hopeful an agreement can be reached without the assistance of a third party. The unions bargaining committee consists of Dale Gibson and Union Representative Jackie Brown.
The collective agreement for the members at this unit expired on July 31, 2011. The bargaining committee met and finalized proposals. Dates have yet to be scheduled to meet with the employer. The unions bargaining committee consists of Linda Lund, Bill Nielsen and Union Representative Glen MacInnes.
vANCoUvER TAXI (ADBA CENTRAl TAXI DISPATCH)
The collective agreement expired on June 30, 2011. The bargaining committee met to review the members surveys and is preparing the unions proposals for a new collective agreement. On March 14 the bargaining committee will meet with the new manager, John Palis, for introduction purposes and to determine timelines for meeting at the bargaining table. The unions bargaining committee consists of Bernie Stroh and Union Representative Dave Park.
SEIU
vICToRIA TRADE UNIoN
The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2010. The proposals were signed and returned by the employer. The ratification vote failed. Correspondence has been sent to the employer with a request to return to the bargaining table. The unions bargaining committee consists of Cathy Conley and Union Representative Bonnie Merriman.
TElETHEATRE BC
The collective agreement expired on January 15, 2012. The union is in the process of selecting a bargaining committee and notice to bargain will be served shortly. The bargaining committee consists of Union Representative Karen Rockwell.
The collective agreement expired on July 31, 2011. The bargaining committee reached a tentative agreement and it has been ratified by the membership. Some of the settlement highlights include a three year agreement, general wage increases over the life of the collective agreement of January 1, 2012 3 per cent, August 1, 2012 3 per cent, August 1, 2013 3 per cent, improvements to the benefit package, improvements to the bereavement language and improvements to the health and safety language. The final draft has been forwarded to the employer group for proofing. The unions bargaining committee consists of Haylee Dhillon and Union Representative Bonnie Merriman.
yElloW PAGES
The collective agreement expires on June 30, 2012. The union has served notice to commence collective bargaining. Dates for collective bargaining are being arranged for June. The unions bargaining committee consists of Union Representative Jack Gerow.
IS PUBlISHED By
Canadian office and Professional Employees Union, local 378, 2nd Floor, 4595 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. v5G 1J9 PoSTAl AGREEMENT #41267023
Phone: 604-299-0378 Fax: 604-299-8211 E-mail: editor@cope378.ca ISSN 1918-9753 CoPE local 378 voice CoPE 378: President David Black Secretary-Treasurer lori Mayhew
loCAl voICE Editor: Sage Aaron USW 2009 DESIGNED By: Dansk Design Group danskdesigngroup.com PRINTED AT: Mitchell Press, Burnaby, B.C.
21
WoRlD FoRUM
World Forum of Energy Regulators

By GWENNE FARREll, vICE PRESIDENT
T
DELEgAtES
representing
800 75
cOuNtRIES
Gwenne Farrell
he fifth World Forum of Energy Regulators was held on May 14 through 16th in Quebec City. The forum is held every three years and brings together regulators from across the world. As COPE 378 is actively involved in the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) proceedings, the Executive Board decided to send me and our BCUC Liaison and Legal Director, Jim Quail. Jim and I made a concerted effort to attend different sessions in order to efficiently get as much information as possible from the forum. Despite attending different sessions and workshops, we both came to the conclusion most of the panels suffered from groupthinkthe regulators and lobbyists were too much in agreement and lacked opposing or simply different points of view. However, we received a great deal of information regarding issues within the energy industry, for both electricity and gas sectors. Many of the attendees and panelists were certain the honeymoon with renewable energy is now over. There was significant consensus among the attendees that renewables will not solve the worlds energy problems, especially where firm, dependable energy is required. In the United States the majority of energy generation is fueled by coal, nuclear, and natural gas (worryingly, 104 U.S. nuclear reactors were built before 1974). However, the forum panelists noted that currently there are issues in the natural gas industry (also impacting the industry in Canada) regarding the decreasing cost of shale gas as fracking becomes more efficient and less expensive. This could lead to a switch to shale gas from natural gas for energy generation.
At separate points in the forum, Jim and I both had interesting conversations with other attendees about smart meters. Jim spoke with a delegate who works for a smart meter supplier. The delegate advised Jim that this whole concept of using the smart grid and smart meters to more efficiently deal with outages is really misdirection. Sensors could easily be attached to standard meters instead, at about one-tenth the cost of purchasing smart meters. I had a conversation with a regulator from Belgium where their utilities commission had completed a costbenefit analysis on smart meters that showed the devices actually provided a negative net benefit in terms of costs and would not result in the energy conservation as promoted. The Belgian regulator and I also discussed our shared concerns about regulators succumbing to lobbying efforts from industry and from the public opinion (which, at times, is influenced by sophisticated industry marketing efforts). What should be understood is exactly who participated in this forum. There were approximately 800 delegates representing 75 countries. Of the delegates, Jim and I were the only labour representatives. More than half the delegates were representatives from industry and various governments. Both industry and government reps made it clear they were there to lobby regulators. It is extremely important to recognize the impact industry is having on an international level in influencing the decisions of utility commissions across the globe. I hope COPE 378 continues our involvement in these types of forums to ensure we are well educated in the work being done by government and industry to impact energy policy. With forewarning we can prepare ourselves for changes which might impact our members.
It is extremely important to recognize the impact industry is having on an international level in influencing the decisions of utility commissions across the globe.
22
CoPE 378 members work at the following properties

Accenture Business Services Union Reps: Barry Hodson, Pat Junnila, Sarah Melsness, Karen Rockwell Alma Mater Society Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Avis Car Union Rep: Glen MacInnes BCAA SC & ERS Union Rep: Pat Junnila BC Computerized Dispatch (yellow Cab) Union Rep: Barry Hodson BC Federation of labour Union Rep: Kevin Smyth BC Ferry & Marine Workers Union Union Rep: Kevin Smyth BCGEU Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman BC Hydro (including Powertech Construction Services) Union Reps: Barry Hodson, Pat Junnila, Barbara Junker, Glen MacInnes, Karen Rockwell BC Nurses Union Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman BC Transit Union Rep: Kevin Payne Beach Place ventures Union Rep: Jackie Brown Berlitz Canada Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Bonnys Taxi Union Rep: Jackie Brown Burvic Holdings Union Rep: Barry Hodson Canadian Freightways ltd. Union Rep: Kevin Payne Canadian Northern Shield/RSA Union Rep: Jackie Brown Capilano University Union Rep: Sarah Melsness Carpenters local 1928 Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Catalyst Paper Union Rep: Barry Hodson CIATU Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Coastal Community Credit Union: Union Rep: Jack Gerow Coastal Community Insurance Union Rep: Jack Gerow Coast Mountain Bus Union Rep: Kevin Payne College of Pharmacists of BC Union Rep: Barry Hodson College of Registered Nurses Union Rep: Glen MacInnes Columbia Hydro Union Rep: Brad Bastien Coral Cabs (Richmond Taxi) Union Rep: Jackie Brown CUPE 3338 Union Rep: Barbara Junker CUPE 454 Union Rep: Barbara Junker CUPE 374 Union Rep: Barbara Junker CUPE 1978 Union Rep: Barbara Junker CUPE BC & locals Union Rep: Barbara Junker DA Townley & Associates Union Rep: Glen MacInnes Dollar Thrifty Union Rep: Glen MacInnes Ecojustice Union Rep: Carrol Edwards/Kerrie Irving Electrical Industry Training Institute Union Rep: Brian Nelson Enterprise Rent-A-Car Union Rep: Glen MacInnes FortisBC Inc. Union Rep: Kevin Smyth Greyhound Union Rep: Kevin Payne Gulf & Fraser Fishermens Credit Union Union Rep: Jack Gerow Handy Pack Union Rep: Kevin Smyth Hastings Entertainment Inc. Union Rep: Karen Rockwell Hertz Union Rep: Glen MacInnes ICBC Union Reps: Carrol Edwards, Vic Foth, Kerrie Irving, Brian Nelson, Kelly Quinn Island Savings Credit Union and Insurance Union Rep: Jack Gerow zylem (formerly ITT Flygt) Union Rep: Barry Hodson IWA Forest Industry PP Union Rep: Barry Hodson kekinow Native Housing Society Union Rep: Jackie Brown kelowna Cabs ltd. Union Rep: Jackie Brown konica Minolta Union Rep: Jackie Brown kruger Products (Scott Paper) Union Rep: Karen Rockwell ladysmith & District CU Union Rep: Jack Gerow lake City Casinos Union Rep: Karen Rockwell luMa Native Housing Society Union Rep: Jackie Brown Maclures Cabs ltd. Union Rep: Jackie Brown Marine Workers & Boilermakers Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Master Trade office Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman New Democratic Party Union Rep: Brad Bastien open Solutions Union Rep: Jack Gerow Pacific vehicle Testing Union Rep: Kevin Payne Schneider Union Rep: Glen MacInnes Seaspan International ltd. Union Rep: Jackie Brown SEIU 244 Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Southern Railway Union Rep: Jackie Brown Teamsters local 31 Union Rep: Glen MacInnes Teamsters local 155 Union Rep: Glen MacInnes Teamsters local 213 & 213 Member Benefit Plan Union Rep: Glen MacInnes Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) Union Rep: Glen MacInnes Telecommunications Workers Union Pension Plan Union Rep: Barry Hodson Teletheatre BC Union Rep: Karen Rockwell Trade Union Research Bureau Union Rep: Barry Hodson Translink Union Rep: Kevin Payne Tree Island Union Rep: Kevin Smyth United Fishermen & Allied Worker Union Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman vancouver Shipyards ltd. Union Rep: Jackie Brown vancouver Taxi ltd. (Central Taxi Dispatch) Union Rep: Jackie Brown vantageone Credit Union Union Rep: Jack Gerow victoria Shipyards ltd. Union Rep: Jackie Brown victoria Trade Union Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman Westminster Savings Credit Union Union Rep: Jack Gerow Working Enterprises Union Rep: Jackie Brown yellow Pages Union Rep: Jack Gerow
23
CUSTOM CARTOONS FOR COPE378 MEMBERS
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: #200 - 4595 CANADA WAY, BURNABY, B.C. V5G 1J9
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41267023
Annual Financial Report

www.COPE378.ca
2011
www.COPE378.ca
Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union, Local 378
Message from your Secretary-Treasurer
Lori Mayhew
ublishing our annual financial report is an important part of ensuring our finances are open and transparent to our members. Our annual audit is undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers and overseen by our Audit Committee, combining the oversight of your elected committee with the experience and impartiality of professional auditors. Thanks to the changes to our financial structure passed at the Special Extraordinary Convention last year, I am pleased to report that despite economic challenges we are in a more stable position than at this time last summer. The changes allow COPE 378 to pay arbitration costs out of our Defence Fund. All arbitration requests still go through the same procedures for approval and your Arbitration Review Committee ensures cases are carefully examined and accepted based on their merit. In the interest of greater transparency and accountability, President Black has directed that the Arbitration Review Committee will be reporting to both the Executive Council and Executive Board on the decisions it makes and the outcomes of those cases approved to proceed to arbitration. Last years changes to our financial structure were a pro-active measure to increase our ability to meet and respond to urgent situations while still prudently managing members dues. Our unions Defence Fund is still very healthy, coming in at the end of 2011 at approximately $18 million.
Of course, we still face challenges. While the worst of the global economic crisis is behind us, our investments could still be affected by Europes financial woes. Further, we are continuing to see changes in our membership, due to reduced numbers of members at many of our employers, including BC Hydro, Accenture, Canadian Northern Shield, and ICBC. Bill C-377, under consideration by Members of Parliament in Ottawa, could also have a deleterious effect on our unions finances. On the positive side, the union has stepped up its efforts to bring in new members and has several promising organizing drives underway to complement our recent successes in bringing in new members and bargaining units. Your union is committed to ensuring accountability, transparency and careful stewardship of your dues. In addition to this annual Financial Report, the Executive Council is presented with monthly spending and income reports. I encourage you to contact your Executive Councillor if you would like further information about the unions finances.
Lori Mayhew
Secretary-Treasurer COPE 378
Annual Financial Report 2011
COPE 378
COPE 378 Defence Fund
Defence Fund 2001-2011

Defense Fund 2001 - 2011
20,000,000
18,000,000
16,000,000
Balance in Fund
Balance in fund
14,000,000
12,000,000
10,000,000
8,000,000
6,000,000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006 Year
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Year
he Defence Fund is always of sharp interest to our members. It is, as suggested by its name, used to defend our members employment and the quality of their working lives by paying out strike pay during job actions, lockouts and pickets, as well as arbitrations and Labour Board hearings. The Defence Fund has been performing very well over the last few years. Last year the Executive Council voted to expand the mandate of the Defence Fund to cover arbitrations. This spending is reported at every meeting of the Executive Council. Council also voted to slow contributions when the Defence Fund is over $15 million to allow the most efficient use our members dues.
COPE 378
COPE 378 General Fund
General Fund 2000-2011

General Fund
$7,000,000 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $-
he General Fund pays for most of the day-today operations of the union. Within the General Fund are several restricted reserves which can only be used for specific purposes, such as the Member Protection reserve or the Political Action reserve. This years trend line is a welcome change from last year, when the unions finances suffered from the reverberations of the 2008 global financial crisis and the necessity of dealing with extremely litigious employers. As we stated at the time, COPE 378 cannot and will not back down when our members workplace rights are being threatened. In response to the new normal of higher legal bills we reordered the unions finances so that arbitrations and associated legal costs now come out of the Defence Fund as described in the previous page of this report. This change and the new Defence Fund contribution formula reversed the downward trend of the General Fund.
We are pleased to have regained financial stability after the challenges we faced last year. It wasnt easy. The changes we made would not have been possible if we adhered to a more rigidand some might say anachronisticunderstanding of how a union should function and serve its members. Recognizing that the defence of our members takes place more often in legal settings we made two policy changes to the COPE 378 Constitution: The costs of arbitrations undertaken on behalf of our members now come from the Defence Fund, not from the General Fund.
When the Defence Fund is over $15 million dollars, the contributions to the Defence Fund are reduced from onetenth of all dues collected to one-twentieth of dues. The recent history of our union and others clearly illustrates that strategic job action is far more likely than full scale walk outs. A robust Defence Fund is important but must be balanced with the needs of our members who may not ever take or be allowed to take job action. We believe we have struck the right balance in order for your union to work for you most eciently and to the fullest of our capacity.
COPE 378
COPE 378 Financial Statements

COPE 378
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 2011
The next pages include financial statements for: Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 2011 Defence Fund Statement of Financial Position 2011 General Fund Statement of Financial Position 2011 Office Employees Building Ltd. Statement of Financial Position 2011
ASSETS
Current Assets Cash & short term deposits Temporary Investments Accounts Receivable Prepaid Expenses Current portion of interfund balances $ Property & Equipment Interfund Balances TOTAL ASSETS $ $
2011
583,635 $ 19,221,618 618,274 121,958 2,514,909 23,060,394 $ 1,821,484 944,036 25,825,914
2010
216,885 19,578,660 870,374 122,150 2,504,826 23,292,895 1,953,039 944,036 26,189,970
COPE 378
Defence Fund Statement of Financial Position 2011
ASSETS
Current Assets Cash & short term deposits Temporary Investments Accounts Receivable Current portion of interfund balances $
2011
38,000 $ 18,281,180 192 29,747 $ 18,349,119 $
2010
38,304 19,199,030 192 159,445 19,396,971
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities Accounts Payable & accrued liabilities Current portion of Interfund Balances $ Deferred Lease Benefit Interfund Balances TOTAL LIABILITIES $ $ 1,792,650 $ 2,514,909 4,307,559 $ 78,870 944,036 5,330,465 $ 2,121,339 2,504,826 4,626,165 105,160 944,036 5,675,361
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities Accounts Payable & accrued liabilities Current portion of Interfund Balances TOTAL LIABILITIES $ $ 18,677 $ 18,677 $ 21,790 187,218 209,008
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted Internally restricted reserves Restricted for the Defence Fund Investment in Property & Equipment Restricted for the Education & Training Fund $ TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $ $ (408,822) $ 687,580 18,330,442 1,821,483 64,766 20,495,449 $ 25,825,914 $ (1,414,940) 731,635 19,187,963 1,953,039 56,912 20,514,609 26,189,970
NET ASSETS
Restricted for the Defence Fund TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $ 18,330,442 19,187,963
18,349,119 $
19,396,971
COPE 378
COPE 378 Financial Statements

COPE 378
General Fund Statement of Financial Position 2011
COPE 378
Office Employees Building Ltd. Statement of Financial Position 2011
ASSETS
Current Assets Cash & short term deposits Temporary Investments Accounts Receivable Prepaid Expenses Current portion of interfund balances $ Interfund Balances TOTAL ASSETS $ $
2011
255,629 919,972 600,966 77,639 2,485,162 4,339,368 944,036 5,283,404 $ $ $
2010 ASSETS
77,222 379,630 849,900 79,256 2,345,381 3,731,389 944,036 4,675,425 Property & Equipment TOTAL ASSETS $ Current Assets Cash & short term deposits Accounts Receivable Prepaid Expenses $ $ 258,706 4,116 44,319 307,141 1,821,484 2,128,625 $ $ $ 54,448 10,283 42,895 107,626 1,953,039 2,060,665
2011
2010
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities Accounts Payable & accrued liabilities $ 64,327 2,435,635 $ Deferred Lease Benefit Interfund Balances TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 2,499,962 78,870 944,036 3,522,868 $ $ $ 214,305 2,158,167 2,372,472 105,160 944,036 3,421,668
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities Accounts Payable & accrued liabilities Current portion of Interfund Balances TOTAL LIABILITIES $ $ 1,709,644 79,274 1,788,918 $ $ 1,885,243 159,445 2,044,688
Current portion of Interfund Balances
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted Internally restricted reserves $ TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $ $ 2,806,906 687,580 3,494,486 5,283,404 $ $ $ 1,899,102 731,635 2,630,737 4,675,425
NET ASSETS
Capital Stock Deficit $ TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $ $ 5 (1,394,248) (1,394,243) 2,128,625 $ $ $ 5 (1,361,008) (1,361,003) 2,060,665
According to the COPE 378 Constitution, the COPE 378 Executive Board shall be responsible for appointing an Independent Auditor to review the unions books and accounts. The Executive Board is also responsible for publishing and generally distributing to the Executive Council and membership an overview of the Auditors reports. These statements are contained in this report.
COPE 378
COPE 378 Operating Expenses

COPE 378
Union Government Administration
General Fund Operating Expenses 2011
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Collective Agreeement Management Arbitration and grievances Bargaining and Strike Member education Member maintenance $
2011
1,842,757 285,003 490,267 364,288 223,853 3,206,168 173,682 126,221
16% 42% 2% 2%
Organizing Membership Services Communications
COMMUNICATIONS
$ $
38%
ORGANIZING ADMINISTRATION Staff holidays and leaves Office administration support Services and Supplies Staff benefits Office furniture and equipment leases Office rent and occupancy costs Finance department salaries Bad debt expense Audit fees Staff education
829,771 585,160 335,104 747,095 282,563 423,973 270,934 0 39,690 14,956 $ 3,529,247
UNION GOVERNMENT Disbursements from reserves Executive Council Conventions Executive Board Member meetings Committees Honoraria Donations Elections $ TOTAL
COPE 378
331,553 325,863 137,631 281,239 62,197 125,485 38,505 22,085 53,521 1,378,078 8,413,397
COPE 378 Financial Team

Secretary-Treasurer:
Lori Mayhew
The Secretary-Treasurer is the Chief Financial Officer for the union. This position was made full-time in 2008.
Lori Mayhew
Controller:
Secretary-Treasurer
Wendy Ham
The Controller position was created in 2005 and is held by a Certified General Accountant to act in a professional capacity as the Director of Finance for the union.
Financial Staff:
Linda Allan, Donna Morris, Sandi Malhame, Barbara Liang

Wendy Ham, CGA
Controller
COPE 378 staff assist the Secretary-Treasurer and Controller in the day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable and receivable and data management.
Auditors:
PricewaterhouseCoopers
The independent auditors conduct an annual audit of the accounts of the union and prepare a report for the Executive Board. The Board in turn shares the findings with the Executive Council and membership. Linda Allan
Accounts Payable
Donna Morris
Accounts Receivable
Sandi Malhame
Accounts Receivable
Barbara Liang
Accounting Analyst
In memory of Bee Prentice: mother, sister, colleague and friend.

July 13, 1947 August 16, 2011.
www.COPE378.ca
Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union, Local 378

2nd Floor, 4595 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 1J9 Phone: 604-299-0378 Toll Free: 1-800-665-6838 Fax: 604-299-8211 editor@cope378.ca

Local Voice, July 2012

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Local Voice, July 2012

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Local Voice

Volume 7 | Issue #3 Summer 2012

Strength | Advocacy | outreach | Interconnection

Presidents opening Message

David Black President, COPE 378

Translations of the Presidents Message

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

COPE 378 Local Voice

COPE 378 Local Voice

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

CoPE 378 CoNvENTIoN

2012 Pre-Convention Call

The Convention Dates for 2012: November 15 to 17

ExpENSE pOLIcy REmINDER

Training the Next Generation of Advocates

COPE 378 Local Voice

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

The Courage and Dignity of Miners

Es un honor, estar con Napoleon! Es un honor, estar con Napoleon!

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

COPE 378 Local Voice

Napoleon no se vende Napoleon no se va porque tiene Mineros Con much dignidad

The Music Fades and the Work Continues

COPE 378 Local Voice

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

No Summer Slow-Down for CoPE 378

a PE 37 8.c a ww w. COCO PE 37 8.c ww w.

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

COPE 378 Local Voice

COPE 378 Local Voice

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

COPE 378 Local Voice

Some key facts from our research:

COPE 378 Local Voice

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

Enbridge Pipeline: Few Benefits and Much Risk

NEW DEMoCRATS HAvE SIX kEy CoNCERNS WITH THE PRoJECT

Rob Fleming, MLA, Victoria-Swan Lake

Bill C-377: An Attack on labour

Kennedy Stewart, Member of Parliament for Burnaby-Douglas

COPE 378 Local Voice

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

Bill Chus Mission: Reconciling our History

CHINESE & FIRST NATIoNS

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

COPE 378 Local Voice

Thomas Mulcair Faces Budget Bill

PolITICAl ACTIoN REPoRT

COPE 378 Local Voice

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

Capilano University: Anatomy of a labour Management Committee

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

COPE 378 Local Voice

New Pension Benefits Standards Act for B.C.

One of the bigger changes allows for jointly sponsored plans...

COPE 378 Local Voice

volUME 7 Issue #3 Summer 2012

BARGAINING UNIT BRIEFS

BARGAINING UNIT BRIEFS: SUMMER 2012 EDITIoN

CoAST MoUNTAIN BUS Co

CUPE loCAl 454

CUPEBC AND loCAlS

DA ToWNlEy & ASSoCIATES