CEIU WOMAN’S COMMITTEE BC/YT CONFERENCE
JULY 15, 16 , 17, 2005
Chairperson: Jennifer Leenhouts
The theme
of our conference was :
TAKING CHARGE OF OUR
FUTURE
HARASSMENT
WORKSHOP
We started
the conference with a 3 hours workshop on Harassment. Our Human Rights Race
Relations NVP, Susan Finn facilitated the workshop. She spoke about the
different types of harassment: physical, visual, verbal,
intellectual, victimization, sexual and emotional. We went through
case examples of harassment giving us tools to help in determining
harassment and what does and does not constitutes harassment.
The case examples were very good and help to clarify
harassment situations.
Susan gave
us the roles and responsibilities of the employer, members and the union. We
went through the harassment complaint process with the PSAC Policy, starting
with the what happens prior to the employer
conducting an investigation and continuing through the Treasury Board
process. We also covered other options available such as grievances and
Human Rights Commission. We had an open discussion on the prevention of
harassment in the workplace and how the local officers and Woman’s Committee
rep’s should be versed on how to help other
members through a harassment situation. Susan ended the session with a very
intriguing video called “Courage to Stand” This video dealt with the hate
and intolerance to individuals of different races.
LAW OF ATTRACTION
We brought
in a guest speaker Michael Losier who is the author of the “Law of
Attraction”. Michael presents the ideas of this book in a very interesting
and unique way. The premise of the presentation was talking about the
science of attracting more of what you want and less of what you
don’t. This is done
through two types of vibrations – positive and negative. The law of
Attraction will give more of what you are vibrating. He spoke about giving
energy and attention to what you don’t want by using the words “don’t
, not and no”.
Law of
Attraction does not respond to the words and thought we think, it responds
to how you FEEL about what you think and say. Finally
Michael spoke about the power of allowing, meaning having a strong desire
with no doubt means your desire will be realized. He told us to remember
that we get what we vibrate. He also used a comparison example showing that
on a scale of 100 if you are having a great day(vibrating) and you speak to
someone who’s level may be 30 that you need to watch to see if you lower
your level to theirs or find a way to maintain you own high level of
positive feelings. Each of us received a book and have
it available for anyone to borrow.
In the
afternoon we looked at applying this idea of Law
of Attraction to our work and our union situations in a contrast versus
clarity exercise. The 2 groups listed the positive
likes(clarity) and negative dislikes(contrast) aspects of each.
Some
examples from the union group:
Contrast
Clarity
-negative
attitude
-opportunities
-not
on the same page -funding
for woman’s committee’s
-politics
-positive attitude of woman’s committees
-lack
of info/info after deadline -selfless with time and
energy
-leadership
-take on bigger issues
-funding
access/inclusion
-mentorship/support
-harassment/
power
-friendships/comfort level
-lack
of recognition
-laughter/tolerance
Some
examples from the Work group:
-lack of
communication -some good manager truly
leaders
-constant
change -co workers
dedication to Canadian public
-changes
coming into effect before thought out -trained before the job (insurance
not emp.)
-no
discussion with the people who actually
-wrong
people in management positions
-manager
versus good leaders
-lack of
training for team leaders
-generic
team leader
-perceived
favouritism
BOUNTIFUL
I updated
the Woman’s Committee on what is currently happening with the cult out in
Bountiful. I showed the most recent news video done by CBC called
“ Above the Law”. (I have this for loan
out)Currently there has been an investigative team set up to do an in depth
investigation into allegations of abuse, sexual
exploitation and trafficking of young girls between Bountiful and
fundamentalist Mormon communities in United States. Warren Jeffs, the
president and self proclaimed prophet is now in
hiding as he has been indicted on sexual conduct charges.
One area of
major concern is the schooling the children of this cult of receiving. I had
recently attained two cassette tapes of Warren Jeff and his views about
polygamy and racist retoric. These apparently are played
on a regular basis to the children. Of course, this form of brainwashing
is not played when the schools are inspected. It
is also a concern to discover that the lead individual of the independent
schools inspections team has very close ties to his church, which has some
very radical views. This inspection team should not have anyone on it that
has a major interest in their own independent school.
Our new
provincial attorney General Walley Opal is suppose to meet with the
solicitor General John Les and the woman advocate groups for Bountiful have
asked that this be a number one topic.
REGULATION #7
This
regulation deals with child and dependant care costs for union activities.
The Regional Executive Council had done some work on the bylaws and referred
this regulation to the Woman’s Committee for their input. Our group made
some working suggestions and wished to have a maximum included to meet the
perdiem amount per participant. Suggestions were brought
back to the Regional Executive Council.
AREA PLANNING
Each
district reported out problems and good things that are happening in their
districts. It was recognized that there were some
issues in certain areas. The Metro area needs to have their group
of woman’s reps’ visited or brought together.
Immigration and CBSA are running into problems trying to communicate with
all their areas and the cross over between HRSDC. We also determined that we
should have a basic outline of the responsibilities for the woman’s reps.
This will help them when they are trying to
decide to get involved.
OTHER
Noreen
Klassen from Saskatchewan was in attendance as
the alternate to the Woman’s NVP West and Janet Letwinka, our NEVP and they
updated us on convention plans. Janet updated us on the regional office
construction and re-opening. She also advised that National has finished
developing a training package called “Bullying in the Workplace” which will
be available shortly. I will be sent a copy of
the package to review and we asked about our regional rep’s delivering this
training. Janet also updated us on the ongoing battle of trying to get a
“Scent Free” workplace. Currently Treasury Board will not look at
negotiating this with the union because they feel that it will be difficult
to enforce. Janet and Pat Wakefield both indicated
that at this time we need to look at this as a
Duty to Accommodate instead of a health and safety issue.
Christine
Walker, Noreen and myself met as the NVP West and
alternates and spoke about some planning for the next three years. Christine
has promised to do an agenda review with us prior to attending different
functions. She also is going to pass along a written report on the content
of the functions she attends. This will help all of see what is happening
in other areas and to determine the benefits of
attending. As well, Christine has committed to share a portion of her
budget to have Noreen service Saskatchewan and Manitoba on a more regular
basis. She also would have one of us attend a
conference in her place during this period. A very
productive meeting.
This was an
excellent conference and as always helps to have our NVP’s and NEVP in
attendance, as their input is usually invaluable. We also had some observers
attend and I feel that all aspects of the conference
were well received. As always their were a lot of
laughs along with the hard work.
If you have
any questions on any of the topics please do not hesitate to
contact your District Woman’s Coordinators or
myself.
Thanks
Jennifer
Leenhouts
Chairperson
Woman’s Committee BC/YT
