In 2016, turn CAPE into an organization that reflects what you want!
With 2015 firmly behind us, we can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that CAPE has weathered a tumultuous year. CAPE has been going the extra mile ever since the budget insidiously changed the collective bargaining process when the Harper government gave itself the power to unilaterally impose its will. Lucky for us, the October election ushered in a new government that isn’t hell-bent on battling the labour movement at every turn.
Since it’s unlikely that 2016 will we us fending off government attacks on a daily basis, we can now concentrate on bringing the current rounds of collective bargaining for the EC and TR groups to a satisfactory conclusion and focus our attention on various projects aimed at renewing and revitalizing our organization – according to the strategic objectives, as defined by the National Executive Committee in the spring of 2015.
- CAPE and Treasury Board have agreed to resume negotiations at EC table from March 7 to 9, and at the TR table from March 15 to 17, 2016.
The Education Committee will launch a series of discussions called the Reignite Learning Series. It aims to equip CAPE members with the knowledge they need to defend their collective rights, strengthen the federal public sector labour movement, and support social justice issues in Canada. This series of evening learning sessions will be held monthly on key themes related to labour issues. Sessions will typically include a short presentation by a guest speaker – or by a panel – and a discussion facilitated by an Education Committee member. While most events will take place at the CAPE national office, these sessions could also provide support to local events.
For the first half of 2016, the calendar below presents a number of milestones on the road to organizational renewal. As members, local leaders or national leaders, you’ll be asked to play an important role in these activities. Remember: we’re counting on you!
Survey of EC* and TR members concerning the bargaining mandate
- In order to properly prepare the bargaining teams, we will ask members what issues we should continue to prioritize and what issues we should add to the mandate. At the EC table, we would like to discuss the possibility of protecting the analytical and scientific integrity of our members’ work. Would you be in favour of this proposal?
*The EC survey may be sent later than January.
Reignite Learning Series: Aboriginal justice in the National Capital Region.
Special General Meeting - February 25, at the Ottawa Mariott Hotel
Registration at 5 p.m.; meeting starts at 5:30 p.m.
New progressive dues structure
- The resolution put forward by CAPE’s Young Members Advisory Committee to study the introduction of a progressive dues structure was approved by 59% of voters. We must now propose a model, for our members to vote on. A special general meeting will be the ideal forum to consider various dues structures. By the end of June, members can expect to vote on the proposed model.
Defence / Strike Fund
- Last June, during the vote on the CAPE budget, members approved the NEC proposal to create a Defence/Strike Fund; an initial amount of $1 million was dedicated to this purpose. To ensure that this fund is used for its intended purposes, we need to establish a specific mandate and parameters to govern how expenditures are authorized under the fund. In addition to possible strike action, we propose that the fund be used to pay for legal actions such as the constitutional challenge to Bill C-59 filed in June 2015. The National Executive Council will set the parameters; you will be able to share your thoughts during the special meeting and during the following months.
Canadian Labour Congress
- For the first time, we will discuss whether or not to join the CLC. See April and May (below) for details on the steps leading up to the consultation period that will follow the meeting and precede a vote by the entire membership.
Reignite Learning Series: Unions and anti-austerity movement in Quebec
Review of CAPE’s Constitution and Bylaws
- This may not be the “sexiest” subject in the life of a union, but the matter must be addressed in order to ensure that our governing documents remain consistent with our evolution. This applies to both our constitution and bylaws. In particular, the NEC intends to give our Locals more autonomy and rethink the governing structures of the organisation to allow for more participation. Our constitution and bylaws will therefore have to be amended accordingly. Although the consultation formula remains to be decided, you will be asked to point us in the right direction. Ultimately, our choices will be put to a vote in about 18 months and members will be the ones who decide.
Reignite Learning Series: The next discussions will tackle some of the following subjects: Trade union basics and how to become a social union; An alternative budget; Pension reform and the public sector; Why we should join the broader labour movement? and; The case for a guaranteed minimum income and fighting poverty. Stay tuned for more details.
Establish closer ties with the Canadian labour movement by joining the Canadian Labour Congress
- Another important plank in the new executive’s platform is the desire to join the approximately 3.3 union members affiliated to the CLC. Those who attended the last annual general meeting heard Canadian Union of Postal Workers President Mike Palecek pledge to support CAPE in defending our sick leave benefits (Mike’s presentation is still available online). This is the kind of solidarity between union members, in both the public and private sectors, that our affiliation to the CLC affiliation would allow us to cultivate. Once again, you will be asked to participate in our discussions on this issue and to cast your vote on a concrete proposal before the end of 2016.
Membership Budget Meeting
- Another lively point in CAPE’s activities: the membership budget meeting makes it possible to determine whether the priorities identified by the National Executive Committee are shared by CAPE members. The meeting presents CAPE’s budgetary stance, explains how your dues are spent and provides answers to members’ questions concerning budget issues. This is followed by a full membership vote, a concrete expression of democracy within a member-led union.
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As you can see, the next six months of the coming year will be very busy. Your support in our efforts to revitalize our union will be invaluable. If you are already looking to play a greater role in CAPE, our various committees are always looking for new members. To find out how you can participate, visit the committees’ page on our website. Please note that we want to create new committees over the next few months, in particular an Environmental Committee* and a Health and Wellness Committee* (which would include mental health). If you are interested, let us know!
*These committees are no longer active.
