Winnipeg and Area Human Rights Committee
Oct 3, 2019 Meeting
Attendees:
• Megan (UNDE)
• Nathalie (Co-Chair and minute taker) (UNE)
• Michelle (Treasurer) (AGR)
• Indriayani (UTE)
• Jackie UNE)
• Jennifer (Chair) (UNE)
Start Time:
• 17:59
Chair acknowledged Treaty 1 Territory.
Round table introductions
Agenda Read:
• Jennifer asked if anyone wanted to add, no one did.
• moved by Nathalie, seconded by Michelle
Approval of May 22 minutes
• Moved agreed upon edits by Michelle,seconded by Indriayani
Treasurers Report
• Michelle was elected on May 7, 2019
• All committee members are on bank account as of June 26, 2019.
• Request of funds was $4750. Approved amount was $900.
• Cheque for funds not received as of Sept 30, 2019
• Balance on meeting date of $27.70
• Online banking is available.
• Moved by Nathalie, seconded by Indriyani
• Resolution passed unanimously.
Old Business
• first event organized by the committee
Winnipeg HRC Open House and marking of the 2019 National Indegenous Day on June 20 was a success. Guests included Chairs from all other PSAC Prairies HRC, UNE National Aboriginal Peoples Representative from BC, Prairies Regional Council (PRC)member - Womens Representative. Regrets from other PRC Equity Representatives.
o Action Plan for a date to do decided upon Bear Clan Patrol
o Action Item to check in for dates with Bear Clan Patrol in the Spring of 2020, and to ask REVP Marianne when she would be available to join.
• Terms of Reference for the HRC to be brought forward for the next meeting. Currently, there is the PSAC human rights handbook as a guideline and reference.
Resolution Discussion
• Passing resolutions from the Prairie Women’s Conference to bring to both the Racially Visible Conference (deadline of Oct 15) and the National Women’s Conference (deadline of Nov 1)
Discussion to bring to each members locals to mobilize bringing these resolutions forward.
o Diversity Membership Resolution
▪ Moved by Jackie, seconded by Megan
▪ Passed Unanimously
o Detox/Retox Resolution
▪ Moved by Nathalie, seconded by Megan
▪ Passed Unanimously
o Increased EI Benefit and Parental Leave Resolution
▪ Moved by Michelle, seconded by Jackie
▪ Passed unanimously.
▪ Jackie noted how thankful she is for this particular resolution.
- Racialized Program and Policy Review
- Moved by Nathalie, seconded by Indriyani
- Passed unanimously
Political Action
• Federal Election
o PSAC asked for volunteers to call in to vote (Oct 7+8) From 17:00 to 21:00
o Encouraging members to vote for a worker Friendly party
http://psacunion.ca/psac-votes-2019o Door to Door member knocking as well
• Lobbying
The committee is interested in looking into the following and will seek guidance from the REVP office and Winnipeg Regional Office:
o Local Lobbying (MP, MLA, City Council) for Mental Health Detox/Retox
o ReachIng out to mental health crises centres.
o Talked about committee lobbying in these capacities and will consult PSAC REVP and Regional offices for resources and speaking notes
Committee might look into requesting for political action or lobbying workshop or training
• Delegate Seat to represent the Winnipeg and Area HRC to Winnipeg Area Council discussion
Jennifer attended their last meeting held on Sept 16 as volunteer delegate from the HRC. She shared information that the HRC will be hosting a CLIFF evening as well as the 2019 Season’s Gathering on Dec 11.
On behalf of the HRC, three resolutions were brought forward to the Area Council for submission to the Racially Visible Conference.
o Discussed who would represent HR committee on Area Council. Decision was Jennifer as 1st person, Michelle as 1st alternate and Nat as 2nd alternate.
o Discussed going as your local representative. Ideally. It would be nice to have a representative from each local to attend the area council
Jennifer reminded everyone to apply for the PSAC National Womens Conference (April 2020) deadline for registration is nov 1
http://psacunion.ca/2020-psac-national-womens-conference
• Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW)
o Michelle discussed the speaker she found from ADAM named Les Gillas.
The committee looks forward to the 2nd event organized by the committee on Oct 9 to mark October 6 - 12 Mental Illness Week. There are 17 RSVPs Including committee executive and staff representative.
Jennifer (chair) thanked Michelle making connection with the guest speaker and looks forward to the confirmation of another speaker being arranged by Nathalie.
• Discussed planned Dec 11 Seasonal Gathering
o Make it a Canadian Labour International Film Festival (CLIFF) screening http://labourfilms.ca/
• Committee discussed availability of the position of Secretary;
o election for a secretary will be on the agenda for next meeting
Next HR meeting date
• Nov 7, 2019 at 5:15 pm
Round Table
Meeting adjourned:
• 19:35
RESOLUTION #1
DIVERSITY MENTORSHIP
Originator: Winnipeg and Area Human Rights Committee
WHEREAS the PSAC is actively working to increase Diversity and Women’s participation, activism and leadership in the union and;
WHEREAS members in leadership positions teach and lead by example and;
WHEREAS the PSAC needs to plan for the future and pursue succession planning that includes Women and Diversity;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC Prairie Region through the PRC Standing Education Committee develop a mentorship program that matches members who identify as Indigenous, Racially Visible, LGBTQ2+, Persons with a Disability or Women who are currently in leadership roles with members who are active and interested in learning and pursuing leadership roles in the union and;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this mentorship program be voluntary with clear benchmarks and guidelines to assist mentors and mentees to pursue their place in union leadership and;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this mentorship program be implemented in the next three-year cycle.
RESOLUTION #2
SUPPORT FOR INTOX, DETOX, REHABILITATION AND SUPERVISED CONSUMPTION SERVICES IN CANADA
Originator: Winnipeg and Area Human Rights Committee
WHEREAS there is a real, ongoing, urgent opioid crisis in Canada.
WHEREAS people seeking supervised consumption, intox, detox and rehabilitation services can experience an increased risk, including sexual assault and physical abuse when accessing those services.
WHEREAS there is a threat to the funding of existing and new services provided in Canada by right-wing movements, despite recommendations for increasing these services by agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC lobby all levels of government for increased funding and support for intox, detox, rehabilitation and supervised consumption services.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the PSAC lobby all levels of government for intox, detox, rehabilitation and supervised consumption services that take the special needs of all vulnerable clients into consideration.
RESOLUTION #3
INCREASE EI PROVISIONS FOR PARENTAL LEAVE
Originator: Winnipeg and Area Human Rights Committee
WHEREAS parents can choose to receive EI benefits over the current 35 weeks at the existing 55% of their insurable earnings or; parents can opt to receive EI benefits over a 61 weeks period at 33% of their insurable earnings.
WHEREAS many parents cannot afford to live off only 33% of their income.
WHEREAS this 18 month leave at 33% of income for parents is also not a substitute for a high quality, universally accessible child care system.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT PSAC lobby the federal government to increase EI benefits from 55% to 75% for parents who choose to receive benefits over 35 weeks; and from 33% to 55% for parents who choose to receive benefits over 61 weeks.
RESOLUTION #4
RACIALIZED PROGRAM AND POLICY REVIEW
Originator : Winnipeg and Area Human Rights Committee
WHEREAS Racially Visible members are proud and work to prove their worth.
WHEREAS Racially Visible members face underlying different job standards and ratings.
WHEREAS Racially Visible members face unfair scrutiny and bias.
WHEREAS Racially Visible members are unfairly subjected to losses, extra duties, discrimination and harassment.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC develop anti-racism programs and create education programs for all members on acialized issues.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the PSAC review its policies and practices and update to promote racial equity and inclusion and create an Active Reporting tool to report incidents (which can in future be used for tracking and resolutions).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the PSAC collect race based data to promote equity, equality and diversity.