Spring 2019 Ontario Region Newsletter

Director’s Report INSIDE THIS ISSUE

RCMP
Approximately 1,400 civilian members of the RCMP Director’s Report 1-2
joined PIPSC in 2018. They were previously non- Young Professionals 3
unionized and most of them will be joining the CS
Training Committee 4-5
Group. In terms of unorganized government workers,
this was a large group and perhaps the last out there Thanks to Dean Corda 5
of this size. There are 45 RCMP members in the On- Gerry Hunder Cup 6
tario Region. The two main sites are Newmarket and London. I am happy to say
that 3 of the new members have signed up to be stewards. One of them wrote to Upcoming Events 6
me about the recent Steward Training. “I have heard nothing but good things Executive Members 7
about the training session & the experience as a whole. I'm glad to hear PIPSC is
Next Issue 7
going above and beyond expectations for its members.” (Editor/Training Direc-
tor’s Note: Thanks Peter and thanks to the member – we had one RCMP member
in the last training and he brought his friend to the Networking event and we had
a great discussion and he’s since signed himself and another member up as Stew-
ards!!)

Phoenix - the latest

Phoenix, which is Peoplesoft 9.1 software, is going to be replaced. It would appear
that it was not up to the job. Tenders have gone out for a replacement and the
list is now down to 3 vendors.
One of the vendors on the list, is SAP. SAP currently does the payroll for the Cana-
da Revenue Agency – CRA and the Canada Border Services Agency – CBSA. Re-
cently, the government announced that they will entertain more than one ven-
dor, which is a change. For a relatively small amount, $1 million, a module could
be purchased to allow the SAP system to “go the last mile” and pay the CRA and
CBSA employees. My guess is that if SAP is not chosen as the overall solution, it
will be chosen for the CRA and CBSA employees. This would mean that the CRA
and CBSA could unhook relatively quickly from Phoenix. For everyone else, there
will be a system conversion. My sense is that this will take several years until end
state is achieved.

Phoenix—some facts
Had the Phoenix pay system worked, spending by the branch responsible for pay
and pension administration would have been $80 million per year. Because of the
Phoenix issues, the pay & pension branch budget was increased to $135.4 million
in fiscal 2017, nearly $200 million in fiscal 2018 and the estimate for fiscal 2019 is
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$300 million. This is $400 million above budget and it doesn’t include the costs for a replacement pay system.
When the system was launched three years ago, 550 pay administrators were on staff. During the first two
years of the rollout, 900 workers were added, some of who staffed up new satellite offices in Gatineau, Mon-
treal, Winnipeg.
There were funds in the 2018 budget, to hire another 200 pay experts, bringing the total to 1,650.

Professionals Canada
The 2018 PIPSC AGM sent the resolution to create Professionals Canada back the Board and the Advisory
Council for further consultation. A joint meeting of the Board and the Advisory Council was held in February.
A Steering Committee with 9 members and a Task Force with 12 members have been established. A report
on the results of the consultation will be delivered to the Board and the Advisory Council in time for the 2019
AGM.

Inaugural Symposium of Federal Black Employees

The inaugural symposium of Federal Black Employees was held on February 20 in Ottawa. The theme of the
Symposium was – Connect – Empower – Progress. PIPSC Vice President Norma Domey, was a speaker at the

Director’s Report cont’d

event.

Loans to PIPSC members due to Phoenix issues

To date, 58 members have applied to the Institute for loans due to Phoenix pay issues
- 25 members were granted loans
- 33 members were declined or withdrew their application
Requests for assistance have decreased significantly over time.

CLC Triannual Convention

The CLC triannual Convention will be held in Vancouver in May 2020. PIPSC will be sending a delegation.

Unifor and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)

I reported to you last year that Unifor left the CLC in January 2018. The stated reason was a disagreement
over “raiding” of other unions. Unifor wanted to take over (raid) the Canadian union members of Interna-
tional unions which they felt were poorly served. The CLC has a policy against the “raiding” of other unions
within the CLC. Unifor has 310,000 members and the CLC has around 3,300,000 members. Unifor was one of
the largest unions within the CLC and its leaving will have an impact on the organization. My sense at the
time was that this might be a short term situation, but given that it has been over a year, it would appear
that it will be a long term situation. It is unfortunate. It is never a good thing when the house of labour is di-
vided.

Better Together,

Peter Gilkinson,
Ontario Region Director

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Young Professional’s Report - Submitted by Meghan Urwin
On February 15 and 16, at Lac Leamy in Gatineau Quebec, PIPSC hosted the second Young Workers Forum to connect
young members across Canada. The forum was engaging, full of energy, and filled with bright-eyed, bushy-tailed Mem-
bers.
There were a variety of motivating speakers ("engagers");
David Coletto, the CEO of Abacus Data, was very informative
and showcased statistical analysis of generational differ-

Young Professionals Committee

ences. Abacus Data provides facts to companies on how to
“understand” Millennials – with the punch line of, “good
decisions require good data” – a maxim that resonates with
PIPSC scientists. His company has collected information that
proves that the next generation is no longer inspired by the
trivial, motivational carrot of, “if you are a good worker, I'll
reward you with more work”. Millennials are different than
the baby boomers, so companies and unions not only need
to embrace but also adapt to the new ideals and viewpoints
that the next generation has to offer. The reason why David
Coletto was so encapsulating is that he is getting out the
message: that the true Millennial narrative is that we are the
most diverse, tolerant, connected, educated, and idealistic generation ever.
David brought a heightened energy which was a great segue into Toronto's own, Karen Bardales, and her workshop to
lead us in a “Do Better” mobilization exercise. She demonstrated the importance of getting out and talking to members,
as well as, getting them involved in small ways, such as simple acts like supporting the “Do Better” campaign sign-up.

Did you know our tables had pipe cleaners, pencil crayons and Zen colouring sheets? Why would they do this? – Be-
cause we’re multi-taskers! To concentrate it’s good to fidget with something. Snicker all you want, but I am sure you
have noticed a perpetual doodler in a meeting; or how about a pen cap chewer? The next generation is always doing a
few things at once, like studying with headphones and loud music. I was intrigued with the creations people made with
the pipe cleaners. One person would start and then another. By the end of the meetings, the creations were merged to
form an integrated design or a combined flower montage.
Ontario sent 10 young professionals to the young workers forum: four from the Ontario Young professionals Committee
and six members from a variety of PIPSC Ontario branches. For some, this was their first union anything event. They
weren’t sure of what they signed up for, but they came to find out. One of the team building exercises was called peo-
ple Bingo. Instead of waiting to hear “B12”, you had to get up out of your seat and talk to members. “Is your birthday
day in August?”, “Or do you have a tattoo?”, “Are you left handed?” These were just some of the simple questions that
got you talking and learning about each other. The lefties had quite the following!
As great as all the speakers and workshops were, the part that I’ll remember most was what Laurie Antonin from the
Canadian Labour Council achieved. She asked us to draw pictures of three people from the office or your place of work.
People with personalities we typically see. Three personas: the grouchy persona – “You unions don’t do anything for us.
It’s a waste of time”, the oblivious persona – “Unions keep lazy People. When are we getting our retro?”, and the happy
persona – “You need any help with the lunch and learn? Sure, I'll bring
in a case of water!” Everyone has these people in your work place.
Take a minute and picture them in your mind. What do they look like?
Could you describe their physical features? Okay, now think of a few
things: What is their heritage? What is their gender? Are they tall or
short? We are bombarded with images and social standards. We all
have biases. It’s important when we think of people, that we include
diversity. I really appreciated this exercise; it made me aware that I
need to be more aware.
The PIPSC Young Workers Form was a fantastic event. We laughed, we
played rock, paper, scissors, and we were inspired. More importantly,
we left with hope and as leaders of tomorrow, through collaboration
and engagement. What Sabrina Labbe from Barrie said, summed it up
best, “It pumps up one’s soul”.
The Ontario Young Professionals Committee is working on some great
things. We are just getting warmed up! Oypc-cjpo@pipsc.ca

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 PIPSC FOR DUMMIES part 5 - Rands and the Rand Formula
Personal Note: For the longest time, I wasn’t sure what my topic would be for this version of
‘PIPSC for Dummies’. Frustration and inspiration hit at the same time as I was busy preparing
my Branch Report for ORC. I had a glance at my member breakdown on my Branch Report,
then my list of delegates, then back at my members list and thought there was a discrepancy
and my Branch was getting one delegate less than we were entitled to. Even though we had
close to 160 members (including retired members) we also had close to a dozen Rands who
don’t count in the formula (nor do we get funding for them). I knew it was too late to do any-
thing about it for this year’s ORC, since the snapshot was taken as of Dec 31st 2018, but we set
out to make sure that we were back to zero Rands and got that extra delegate for next year’s
ORC! More importantly, I had my topic! I’m going to share what we did to ensure we don’t
run into this same situation, and how we aim to keep it from happening again, as well as pro-
vide a quick primer on just what a Rand is. Many of you may be familiar with this topic – re-
member this is ‘PIPSC For Dummies’. Links are provided after the article, if you wish to do a
deeper dive into the subject.

Pete Jozsa, Chair, - Ontario Region Training Committee and Steward Council
Where does the term Rand come from?
The term ‘Rand’ gets its name from arbitrator Ivan Rand, whose 1946 decision established the way Unions
in Canada collect their dues. The PIPSC website offers the following summary of its rationale and intent:
“All those who benefit from the collective agreement should pay union dues. The employer is obligated to
deduct dues from all employees’ paycheques and forward funds to the union. Otherwise, union officials
would have to go from member to member each month for dues, subjecting unnecessary hardship and finan-
cial instability on the union….” In essence, it’s a formula that focuses on equity, and ensures that everyone
Training Committee Column

pays their equal share since they are all deriving benefits – while also removing an undue and unnecessary
hardship from the Unions.
What exactly is a Rand?
The PIPSC website offers the following definition of a RAND: “Rand members are those members who have
chosen not to sign a union membership card, but who still pay union dues and are thus entitled to basic un-
ion representation and protection.” This might not be entirely accurate. The problem that I recently ran
into was that most of the new hires on our base were not informed and were isolated enough from other
active PIPSC members so as not to have known they could even sign up. It wasn’t that they ‘had chosen not
to sign a union membership card’, rather, they just hadn’t been informed. Once we identified them, we
made contact and rectified the problem. NB: I’ve since made a point of putting orientation and informing
new employees of Union benefits as a standing item on all of our local Labour Management Consultation
Committees (LMCCs).
How do we remove/reduce Rands?
As mentioned above – if you find your Branch has a high number of RANDS it is good to find out why. In
most cases it is unlikely that they are conscientiously objecting to being part of a union. You will usually find
that they were ill informed as to the benefits or as in my case, that it was even an option to sign up. Once
you’ve identified who they are, you may want to reach out to them. I usually send out a short email (ask me
for a copy if you want), though it may not be an option for you to email them, you may have to call or send
a letter or visit them in person – bring a visibility item while you are there. As mentioned above if you have
a systemic issue, you will want to use consultations to make sure that you don’t run into the same problem
that I ran into. In our case it was great to see all the new hires, but it was a disappointment to find out that
management no longer mentioned us in their new employee orientation – again – something we quickly
rectified.

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Rands cont’d PIPSC FOR DUMMIES part 5 - Rands and the Rand Formula cont’d
Final Word…

As usual, and in fitting with the column, I’ve oversimplified. In reality, you will find reasons as varied as hu-
man nature itself as to why people are Rands. Some you may be able to turn around, others will be un-
moved. My hope here is that we all at least make an effort to investigate and improve, that’s really all we
can ask of ourselves. As always—I’m looking for ideas for articles for the Newsletter or you can write your
own. Contact me at petej@pipsc.ca or talk to me in person. — Pete Jozsa.

Fond Farewell and Heartfelt Thanks To Dean Corda

On behalf of the Ontario Regional Exec-
utive (ORE) and Ontario Region as a
whole, we would like to express our
heartfelt gratitude to Dean Corda who
recently tendered his resignation to the
executive. It was accepted knowing that
the group would experience a great loss
Special Thanks to Dean Corda

with his departure. In his many years

serving the members of Ontario Region,
Dean showed himself as a passionate
and engaged member and steward for
our region. Dean has been a very active
member of the ORE and his accomplish-
ments are numerous as they are varied.
Dean:
• Was the newsletter editor and publisher

• Facilitated and provided training at the Branch Presidents meeting

• Advocated on behalf of all members of Ontario region
• Was the Ontario representative on the PIPSC ITSP Committee of the Board, #proudlyCS!
• Provided IT support during ORE meetings
• Participated in the Ontario Training Committees submission to renew PIPSC training

Dean is the strong and silent type who has a strong presence and knows how to rock a hat and a megawatt
smile! Join us in wishing him much success with his continued capacity with other PIPSC endeavours!

Judy Chow, on behalf of all of the Ontario Region Exec

(Training Committee Chair Note: Dean will be sorely missed on my Regional Training Team. He was a voice
of reason and contemplation, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to help us continue to improve, and he was a
great friend to have on the team…I know I will see him from time to time at other Union Events, but I will
really miss seeing him at Ontario Region Events. BC Region is really, very lucky to have Dean join their
ranks!)

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 Remembering the Legacy of Gerry Hunder with the ‘Hunder Cup’
What is the Hunder Cup and who is the Man behind the Name?
What is the Hunder Cup and how does an Ontario Branch win this
prestigious recognition?
This past year, the Ontario Executive discussed ideas/options on how
to recognize a Branch of the Year. Several discussions ensued and
eventually criteria were set on how to identify the winner. The crite-
ria that was used to select the Branch of the year includes: Innova-

The Gerry Hunder Cup

tion, Outreach, Rand Recruitment, Community Involvement and So-
cial events for the Members. A call for submissions was issued by
the Branch Liaison Officers, with a deadline of March 11. Who will
win Branch of the Year and take home the 2018/2019 Hunder Cup?
The Hunder Cup will continue to serve as a token to annually recog-
nize the Branch of the Year. The Hunder Cup has been named after
our long-time member Gerry Hunder, who lost his battle to cancer in
2015. Gerry became a member of the Institute in 1990. He joined
the AV Group Executive in 2002 and held several positions while on
the Executive. From 2002 to 2008 Gerry served as the AV Repre-
sentative from Industry Canada. He was National President of the AV
Group from 2009 to 2011. He then served as AV Representative of
the Ontario Region from 2012 to June 2015. Gerry also participated
as a member of two bargaining teams between 2008 and 2013.
Gerry was a true advocate for his Union and believed in having the
best working conditions for all PIPSC Members and we are proud
that his impact and legacy will be memorialized in our region with

the Hunder Cup! - Linda Joly

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!

2019 Ontario Region Branch Executive Training
May 3 9:00am - May 4 5:00pm Ontario Region Events
2019 Ontario Region Labour School
May 22 01:00pm – May 25 12:00 pm The Grand Hotel, Toronto

2019 Ontario Steward Council

Sep 20 01:00 – Sep 21 5:00 pm The Hyatt Regency, Toronto

2019 Ontario Basic Steward Training

Oct 17 01:00 pm – Oct 19 12:00pm The Grand Hotel, Toronto

2020 Basic Steward Training

Feb 06 01:00 – Feb 08 5:00 pm The Grand Hotel, Toronto

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 ONTARIO REGION EXECUTIVE
Peter Gilkinson - Chair & Director - Ontario Region Executive & Labour Day Parade Planner

Din Kamaldin - Vice-Chair - Ontario Region Executive & Labour Day Parade Planner

John G. Purdie - Chair - Ontario Regional Council, Branch Liaison Officer

Linda Joly - Branch Liaison & Event Coordinator

Tom Yantsis - Treasurer
Tim Azab - Vice Chair Ontario Regional Council, Labour Day Coordinator and Legacy Foundation Champion
Christopher L’Estrange - Secretary, Training Committee & Event Coordinator
Judy Chow - Training Committee Member, Social Media Manager
Pete Jozsa - Chair - Training Committee, Chair-Steward Council, Newsletter Editor, Social Media Manager
Yvonne Snaddon - Training Committee, Branch and Young Professional Liaison Officer & Newsletter Editor

Regional Executive

Your Ontario Regional Executive hard at work. Clockwise from Top: John, Dean, Yvonne and
Linda. Heather, Judy and Debi. Pete, Chris, Peter, Din, Tim and Tom - photos by Judy and Nusin. Next Issue: Fall 2019