Thunder Bay Office
Servicing: Aroland, Attawapiskat, Bearskin Lake, Big Island/Big Grassy, Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree, Chapleau Ojibwe, Cochrane, Constance Lake, Couchiching, Curve Lake, Cat Lake, Christian Island, Deer Lake, Dokis, Eabametoong, Eagle Lake, Emo, Fort Frances, Fort Albany, Fort Severn, Fort William, Garden River, Geraldton, Ginoogaming, Grassy Narrows, Heron Bay, Iskatweizaagegan #39, Kasabonika, Kashechewan, Keewaywin, Kenora, Kettle Point, Kingfisher Lake, Lac LaCroix, Lansdowne House, Longlac, Magnetawan, Marathon, Marten Falls, Matachewan, Mattagami, Mishkeegogamang, Mobert, Moose Factory, Muskrat Dam, Naotkamegwaning, New Post, Nibinamik, Nipissing, North Spirit Lake, Northwest Angle #33, Northwest Angle #37, Ochiichagwe'Babigo'Ining, Onigaming, Poplar Hill, Pukasaw National Park, Rainy River, Rocky Bay, Sachigo Lake, Sagamok, Sandy Lake, Shawanaga, Shoal Lake #40, Slate Falls, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, Wabaseemoong, Wabigoon Lake, Wabauskang, Wahgoshig, Wahnapitae, Wapekeka, Wasauksing, Washagamis Bay, Wauzhushk Onigum, Webequie, Weenusk (formerly Peawanuck), White River, Wunnumin Lake.
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March 9 , 2012
Agriculture Local 30 – Getting the word out about cuts to the Canadian Grain Commission
The new executive of Agriculture Local 30 has had to hit the ground running after their elections this January. The Harper Conservatives had the Canadian Grain Commission in their sites even during their minority rule. Previous attacks on the CGC have been defeated in Parliament by local NDP MPs Bruce Hyer and John Rafferty but with a majority government, Harper is moving forward to decimate the regulatory body that protects Canadian farmers and consumers.
This new executive is up to the challenge though and they recently sent out letters to newspapers and stakeholders in the CGC. They are trying to educate Canadians about what the cuts to the CGC will mean to the value of Canadian grain and to Canadian consumers of grain products.
Local President Jennifer Kovacs is featured in March 9, 2012 Chronicle Journal in a letter to the editor on the issue:
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/editorial/letters/2012-03-09/grain-changes-harmful
Jenn Kovacs, President – AGR Local 30 at the National Day of Action, March 1, 2012
AGR Local Executive members (l. to r.) Jennifer Guerreri - Secretary, Aaron Swedlyk – First Vice President, Teresa Hardick – Director, Silvio Larizza – Director attend training and develop strategic plans for Fightback in Thunder Bay
Dec. 7, 2011
First Nations Police Sector Conference Held
Thunder Bay - December 3 – 4
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Back l to r: Carrie Restoule (APS Local 00425), Judith Monteith-Farrell (PSAC), Chris Worley (APS Local 00426), Toni-Lynn Stejskal (NAPS Local 00400), Kerry Zimmerman (NAPS Local 00400), Sharon DeSousa (REVP, Ontario), Charles Laronde (APS Local 00426), Jason Storkson (NAPS Local 00401), Vicki Pine (DCL Rep, Ontario). Front l to r: Christopher Wilson (PSAC), Dianna Wheatley (APS Local 00425), Mike Bennett (Treaty Three Police Local 00410), missing – Steve Sherlock (NAPS Local 00401) and Carl Bryant (Treaty Three Police Local 00410) |
Delegates from the five First Nations Police Sector locals met in Thunder Bay on December 3 – 4, 2011 at the 1st Annual PSAC First Nations Police Sector Conference. The Conference grew out of an idea put forward at the DCL Steward School in July 2011 and couldn’t have come at a better time for these activists, as they face new coordinated attacks from their employers.
The agenda for the weekend was full and included reviews of Service Agreements, building the capacity of the locals and goal-setting and strategic planning on joint issues. The highlight of the weekend was the formation of the PSAC First Nations Police Sector Assembly, which all five locals signed on to support.
The Presidents of the five First Nations Police Sector locals are joined by REVP Sharon DeSousa in signing the Memorandum of Understanding committing them to participating in the PSAC First Nations Police Sector Assembly. |
Toni-Lynn Stejskal (NAPS Local 00400) and Dianna Wheatley (APS Local 00425) |
Sept. 23, 2011
Supporting Our Striking Neighbours
Members of CEP Local 240-1, staff at the Northern Lights Credit Union on Amber Drive in Thunder Bay, have been on strike for three weeks over issues of pay and benefits. Their Employer has refused to even come to the table. While we’ve become used to employers who refuse to treat workers with respect, the insult added to injury in this case is that many board members of the Northern Lights Credit Union are union members themselves.
The credit union is located next door to the PSAC Thunder Bay Regional Office and the OPSEU Thunder Bay office. We’ve stopped to chat and offer solidarity through out the strike. On Friday September 16, 2011, we took advantage of a warm, sunny day to share a barbeque lunch with our sisters on the line. We were joined by OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU staff and CEP staff member, Rene Lindquist.
Smokey Thomas met with the branch manager of the credit union to inform him that OPSEU would suspend negotiations to move its banking business to Ontario credit unions until the dispute was settled. The announcement cheered the striking members. We encourage all PSAC locals that bank at credit unions to let Northern Lights Credit Union CEO Doug Robinson know about your displeasure at the way he is treating our sisters in CEP Local 240-1. He can be reached at dougr@nlcu.on.ca
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 Jennifer Kovacs (PSAC Administrative Assistant) sets the table. |
Sept. 7, 2011
Labour Day Picnic a Success
The Thunder Bay District Labour Council hosted a successful and well attended Labour Day Picnic in Thunder Bay. The PSAC Area Council hosted its own booth, providing ice cream and fresh fruit for all the attendees.
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Jenn Kovacs (PSAC), Kathy Pham (Area Council Chair, AGR Local 30) and Toni Stejskal (Area Council Treasurer, NAPS Local 00400) prepare ice cream. |
The day was marked with musical entertainment from local musician, Rodney Brown and speeches from a number of local labour activists. The main focus of the speeches was the upcoming Ontario election, with speakers urging those at the picnic to be mindful of issues facing the labour movement as they go to the polls.
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Area 1 Rep to Ontario Council, Ryan Bystrom talks over Stephen Harper’s cancellation of the Page Program with Thunder Bay – Superior North MP, Bruce Hyer (NDP) |
June 28, 2011
National Component Composite Local 00296 – Local Officers Training
The newly elected officers of National Component Composite Local 00296, representing workers at Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, FedNor, Passport and Weights and Measures, had a two-day local officers training session the Thunder Bay Regional Office on June 23 – 24, 2011
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The new executive discussed job descriptions, structure, communication methods, consultation with management and did some important work on mapping their local and forming a strategic plan for their 2-yr term. |
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Also, the executive of Local 00296 took the first steps towards the creation of an Aboriginal Circle in Thunder Bay. First VP Linda Britt has volunteered to take the lead on this exciting new initiative. |
Sioux Lookout Steward’s Network
The Sioux Lookout Steward’s Network, spearheaded by Kevin Lundstrom (NHU 00023) met at the Legion in Sioux Lookout on Monday June 20, 2011. The discussion turned to the possibility of forming an Area Council in Sioux Lookout. With three components represented at the meeting already and two more DCL locals in Sioux Lookout (Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service Civilians and Officers) there is a real possibility and excitement about increasing the political voice of the north in the PSAC Ontario Region.
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June Trout – CEIU Local 539 and BettyLee Lawrence – NAT Local 293
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Bob Rose and Kevin Lundstrom – NHU Local 00023 |
June 14, 2011
First Annual Thunder Pride Week – Thunder Bay Ontario
The Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario Area Council is proud to join with NAPS Local 00401 and the Regional Women’s Committee in supporting the very first Pride Week in Thunder Bay (June 5 – 12, 2011).
The kick-off for the week was held on May 31 at Thunder Bay City Hall, with an official flag-raising. PSAC was represented at the event by Ryan Bystrom – Area 1 Representative, Judith Monteith-Farrell – Regional Representative, Sandra Goodick – Administrative Assistant and Troy Sousa – Member of NAPS Local 00401 and a Pride Week Organizing Committee member.
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City Councilor Paul Pugh and Organizing Committee Co-Chairs Ellen Chambers and Rachel Mishene raise the Thunder Pride and Pride flags in front of Thunder Bay City Hall. |
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Ryan Bystrom – Area 1 Representative, Judith Monteith-Farrell – Regional Representative and Troy Sousa – Member NAPS Local 00401 and Pride Organizing Committee Member stand before Thunder Bay City Hall with it’s newly raised Pride flags |
Links to coverage in the local press:
http://www.tbnewswatch.com/entertainment/Default.aspx?cid=148166
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/content/news/local/2011/06/01/big-step-forward
June 14, 2011
Pride in the Park
The Thunder Bay Area Council and Regional Women’s Committee joined together to support Thunder Bay’s First Annual Pride Week with a table at the Pride in the Park event on Saturday June 11, 2011.
The PSAC table featured Frisbees, posters, literature and rainbow cupcakes, all free to attendees. Other unions supporting the week’s activities included CAW, OPSEU and CUPE.
Attendees included MPs Bruce Hyer (NDP – Thunder Bay – Superior North) and John Rafferty (NDP – Thunder Bay – Rainy River).
April 11, 2011
Thunder Bay Area Council Plans Health and Safety Forum for the Fall
The Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario Area Council met on Tuesday April 5 in the Regional Office with Kevin Lundstrom and Debbie Willett (Area Council Rep – Ontario Council) attending by conference call. In the course of the meeting, the Area Council elected a new Vice President. The new Area Council Executive are:
Kathy Pham (AGR 00030) – President
Kevin Lundstrom (NHU 00023) – Vice President
Toni Stejskal (DCL 00400) – Treasurer
Cathy Harasym (CEIU 00623) – Secretary
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| l-r: Cathy Harasym – CEIU 00623, Sara Williamson – retired CEIU, Judith Monteith-Farrell – Regional Representative, PSAC, Kathy Pham – AGR 00030, Toni-Lynn Stejskal – DCL 00400, Debbie Linkletter – retired NHU, Ian Edwards – UTE 00020, Pat Lloyd – NAT 00296 | The Area Council committed to planning a Health & Safety Forum in September 2011 to highlight the resources available to Health & Safety activists in Northwestern Ontario. A planning meeting for the Organizing Committee was set for Wednesday April 20, 2011 at 5:15PM. All interested activists and members are encouraged to attend. |
April 11, 2011
Worker’s Health and Safety Centre - Basic Certification – Level 1 (Federal)
The Thunder Bay Regional Office held a 4-day (30-hr) Basic Certification course in Thunder Bay on March 24 – 24, 2011. Sixteen members and two staff members received their certification.
The newly certified members have since created a Health and Safety Network for Northwestern Ontario which includes an email tree and a Facebook page. Other H&S activists in NW Ontario are encouraged to join by contacting the Regional Office.
The new H&S Network sends out many thanks to Angela Fairweather and Todd Woytiuk, who travelled from Toronto and London respectively to facilitate the course.
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| Ryn Bystrom- NAT 00296, Diane Bjorn – NAT 00296, Peter Cloidt – UTE 00020, Yvonne Banning – DCL 00002, Olive Schori – DCL 00002 | Kristy Otiquam, Richelle Gingras and Florinda Christianson all from NAT 00391 |
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| Susan Anderson, Paul Primeau and Wand Mattinas from DCL 00002, Kristy Otiquam, Richelle Gingras and Florinda Christianson from NAT 00391 and Bob Baxter from DCL 00401 | Mike Bennett – DCL 00410 and Jamie Allard UCTE 50505 |
March 16 , 2011
Thunder Bay RWC Discusses Child Care, Pay Equity and Pension Reform at the Thunder Bay Women’s Expo
Members of the Thunder Bay RWC womanned a booth at the 2011 Women’s Expo in Thunder Bay.
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Our booth is set up and ready at 9:00 a.m. |
The booth gave us the opportunity to discuss issues around child care, pay equity and pension reform with close to 1000 attendees as well as networking with other Expo participants. The focus of the day was having attendees sign postcards addressed to their respective MPs and/or Dalton McGuinty supporting the right of women to pay equity and of children to safe, accessible and affordable day care. Information on the CLC pension reform campaign was also made available.
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Judith Monteith-Farrell and Sara Williamson |
There was a great deal of interest in the information provided and even more support for the campaigns. The interest was so overwhelming that we ran out of post cards andhad to run back to the Thunder Bay Regional Office to photocopy more. Many thanks to the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care for sending us information sheets and postcards for Ontario.
We’re looking forward to taking part in next year’s Women’s Expo.
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Sarahlin Malo (Nat. 000296), Jean Kerber (UTE 00020), Sandra Goodick (PSAC Staff) and Judith Monteith-Farrell (PSAC Staff), missing from photos is member volunteer Kathy Pham (AGR 00030).
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March 11 , 2011
International Women’s Film Night -
Thunder Bay Regional Women’s Committee
To celebrate International Women’s Day, the PSAC Thunder Bay Regional Women’s Committee joined with their sisters from OPSEU Region 7 Women to present three short films highlighting the struggle, strength and resilience of women workers in Pakistan, Turkey and China. Sisters from CAW’s Women’s Committee also attended.
Retired PSAC sister Sara Williamson and OPSEU Region 7 Women’s Chair Mary Cory introduce the films
The films depicted the experiences of home-industry workers in Pakistan, free-trade zone factory workers in Turkey and followed the struggles of workers demanding compensation for cadmium poisoning in China.
The films were followed by an open discussion about the similarities and differences between the experiences of women in other countries and Canada. Refreshments served during the film included a selection of cakes from Pakistan, Turkish Delight and shrimp crackers from China. Both unions provided a number of items for an attendance raffle.
All three films were provided free of charge by the Canadian Labour International Film Festival (CLIFF).
January 26, 2011
Local MPs Meet With Public Service Alliance of Canada Members
MPs John Rafferty (Thunder Bay-Rainy River) and Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay-Superior North) met with PSAC members at the Thunder Bay Regional Office to discuss issues facing members in the Federal Public Service.
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Judith Monteith-Farrell (Regional Rep, PSAC), Cathy Harasym (Area 1 delegate, Ontario Regional Council), Bruce Hyer (MP – Thunder Bay Superior North) and Pat Lloyd (President, National Component Local 00296) |
Judith Monteith-Farrell started the discussion by thanking John and Bruce for their party’s refusal to support the Public Service Equitable Compensation Act, which limited the human rights of women in the Federal Public Service in relation to pay equity.
Pat Lloyd discussed the delay of pension benefits for retiring members of the Federal Public Service; in some cases, members are waiting up to 9 months to receive their first benefit cheque. Pat believes that these delays are a result of the consolidation of pension administration in a central location and a reduction or duties in the region, a process which can only result in job loss in the regions. Cathy Harasym tied this practice in with the consolidation of EI processing, which is causing delays in the the awarding of EI benefits.
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Ron David and Glen Rolinson of UCTE Local 50505, John Rafferty (MP – Thunder Bay-Rainy River), Mary Kozorys (Rafferty staff) and Dave Harrell of UTE Local 00020 |
A large delegation of Civilian Aviation employees, discussed recent problems with a reclassification of jobs in their workplace. This extremely flawed process has concluded with supervisors being paid significantly less than inspectors working under them. UCTE has filed a group grievance on the issue and is pursuing the matter both politically also. John and Bruce were happy to be brought up to speed on the issue and pledged their support in the House, if it was required in the future.
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Ron David, Dan Maunula and Glen Rolinson of UCTE Local 50505 speak with Bruce Hyer (MP – Thunder Bay Superior North). |
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Dave Harrell (UTE Local 20), Ron David (UCTE Local 50505) and John Rafferty (MP – Thunder Bay-Rainy River) |
John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer stayed to discuss a number of issues with the members, including John’s private member bill, C-501 which seeks to protect workers’ pensions in companies going through receivership. The bill changes the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act in order to prioritize members’s pensions and unpaid wages (including severances) over secured debts.
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