Dufferin-Peel Catholic Chapter

40 Matheson Blvd. West

Mississauga, ON L5R 1C5

June, 2007

Chief Negotiator Report Tim Jenkins

I have just completed the second year of my 2-year term as Dufferin-Peel Chief Negotiator. Provincial responsibilities commenced in October with participation in an educational weekend in Niagara Falls. I had the opportunity to hear the keynote speaker from the Pay Equity Commission as well as participate in a workshop on this topic. Weekend Chief Negotiator meetings were held in February and April with presentations on the ‘Obligation to Accommodate People with Disabilities’ and ‘Monitoring Partnership Agreements’. These meetings also provide us with an opportunity to be kept informed of provincial bargaining trends, legislation and strategies that impact on local negotiations. As a Dufferin-Peel member of the Provincial Governing Council I attended the October, January and April meetings. Governing Council is the executive body that runs our Provincial Association. I also served on the Provincial Constitution Committee that made recommendations that were recently adopted at our Provincial AGM.

In Dufferin-Peel APSSP has taken an active role in advocating for our members and the vulnerable students whom we serve. Along with Dan Milne and other Chapter members I have attended numerous Board and Administrative and Finance Meetings on behalf of our membership.

Our Chapter President and myself had an opportunity to meet with Norbert Hartman, the Ministry appointed Supervisor. We were able to describe the impact service cuts have on at-risk students as well as emphasize that fair and equitable funding for Dufferin-Peel should be a priority rather than searching for service cuts to students and staff.

As Chief Negotiator, I am a member of our Joint Consultation Committee where we have had the opportunity to have a dialogue with the Board on various issues including partnerships, performance appraisals and mileage increases. In May, I attended the first meeting of a joint Board-Employee Benefit Review Committee. Representatives from each employee group met to discuss issues that may be of mutual concern. In addition, I attended monthly Executive Meetings and regularly have contact with our Provincial Chief Negotiator, Joe O’Connor, as well as our Labor Consultant, Larry Robbins.

In many ways the work leading to the next collective agreement has already begun. The important contribution that we make in the workplace demonstrates the need to maintain and enhance the services of APSSP members. The positive relationship that we have maintained with Senior Administration and Trustees is a tribute to many. The previous Chief Negotiators (Rick Townshend, Kathi Page, Pat Mason) with whom I have had the privilege of working with have laid a positive framework for future negotiations. Our current President, Dan Milne, in being our public voice with the Board and media has been an articulate, passionate spokesperson for us all.

The next round of negotiations may present some unique challenges. We will be facing changes in Senior Administration including a new Director and a Ministry appointed Supervisor controlling Board finances. Our collective agreement will expire August 31, 2008. Preparations for the next round of negotiations will be begin early in the fall.

The first step will be to form a bargaining team. We will be represented by 6 members: the President, Chief Negotiator and 1 representative from each of the 4 disciplines. If you have an interest in being a discipline representative please give it serious consideration. You can contact myself or a member of your APPSP Executive if you would like further information or to submit your name. The goal is to have our Negotiating Team in place by the end of September.