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2001 AUPE CONVENTION REPORT
Doug Gamble, Wanda Nadasede-Hogg, Wayne Bowles, Gerry Matthews, Rick Bambrick, Rick Stewart, Quenton Spila, Kim Bradford, Dave Lind, Craig Hariott, and Ken Podulsky.
OBSERVERS: Doug Nichol, Mike Dempsey, and Ian Tarr.
FACILITIES/ACCOMODATION
The location of the hotel is not that convenient, especially to those delegates that rode the busses. There are very few amenities within walking distance of the hotel and services in the hotel are generally quite expensive. Delegates are looking for banking facilities and restaurants.
It was generally felt that the sleeping rooms were satisfactory with some concern about the availability of hot water in the morning. Opinion of the hospitality room was generally not good with comments of the rooms having no fridge or balcony. A suggestion was made that a small vacuum be obtained (from hotel or brought) for those small spills. A concerted effort should have been made to adjust the location of the hospitality rooms to avoid or reduce the inconvenience to other guests, which resulted in visits from security to put a lid on it. The elevators were slow and there was no stair access to the lobby area, which prevented those on the lower floors from walking up.
The convention hall itself was again over crowded and the temperature fluctuated wildly adding to the discomfort of the delegates. Water for the tables was also at a premium.
LOCAL 005 PARTICIPATION
Local 005 participation got an early start this year with a rousing rendition of Solidarity Forever performed by Mike Dempsey with accompaniment from members of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. It was on of the best ever. Well done Mike.
The Local 005 Delegates were satisfied with the performance of the other Local 005 Delegates. We did not have a lot to say, but when they did get up to the mike to speak they handled themselves professionally. A delegate rose to speak against a resolution calling for member support of demonstrations at the planned G8 Conference to be held in Kananaskis Country. He explained that the resolution would effectively place the members in conflict with the Local 005 member who would be tasked with preserving the peace at the conference. The resolution was defeated. A first time delegate rose to speak to a resolution establishing a "Helping Hands" program where money is allocated to pay time off for people taking time off work to help out at a helping agency. She stated that the idea was good, but could go further to cover instance like the September 11 tragedy in the US were a 2 to 3 week commitment was required. She did very well and will be a welcome voice for Local 005 in the future. The "helping Hands" resolution was passed. The sister later rose to the mike and challenged the senior members of the locals to begin mentoring, as there seems to be little movement to get the younger members active. Local 005 executive later accepted the challenge.
There were 11 delegates and 3 observers representing Local 005. Delegate attendance at both on the convention floor and the caucus sessions was good. One delegate missed the Saturday session due to another commitment
While all members made some contribution toward a successful convention, special mention goes to Wanda and Doug for their comments on the resolution to support the demonstrators at the G 8 Conference.
CAUCUS
The caucus sessions were beneficial to all the delegates. They allowed for questions and a free exchange of viewpoints on various issues. A delegate suggested a more in-depth caucus session on the first afternoon to review the resolutions and issues to prepare delegates. Again this year it was stressed that the local does not block vote. Each delegate was to vote according to the wished of the chapter they represented.
ELECTIONS
Dan Maclennan was acclaimed President, and Ed Mardell was acclaimed Executive Secretary Treasurer. There were six candidates running for the four Vice-President positions. Incumbents Peggy Hoffman and Lynne Gingras were re-elected. Two former Vice-Presidents Guy Smith and Earl Thompson were elected.
RESOLUTIONS
This was a relatively light year for resolutions with the majority of them being dealt with. There were several resolutions referred back to as there seemed to be some confusion as to which committee should be bringing the resolution forward. The proper committee dealt with the majority of these. The resolutions were generally well debated with few going direct to vote once they were put forward.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It was generally felt that a different venue for the convention would be in order. A facility with more local amenities and reasonable rates for meals etc. A suggestion was made to improve on the hospitality room by having theme nights, joining up with another small local to defray the costs. Local 003 is known for its popcorn, Local 001 for the shooter bar, we need something to become famous for. It was suggested that Local 005 develop a button made from thing slices of wood or some other such item that could be handed out from the hospitality room. It would have been nice to have pins to barter with the other locals. A donated item could also be auctioned or raffled off to generate money, possibly to be given to a charity. A recommendation was made to establish a committee to look after the hospitality room, as one person always seem to do the lions share of the work. The local Chair should also advise the chapters that it is imperative to elect a number of alternates to convention, and to insure the minutes are sent to Edmonton and the Local Secretary.
SUMMARY
Micheal Phair, newly elected councillor for the City of Edmonton welcomed the delegates with a fine speech in which he tied together an underpaid, under respected civil service to the lack of safety felt by the public.
This was a good convention with quite a bit of Union business being done, inspite of the fact that it was an election year. The membership seems to be happy with the way things are going. The only exception would be the fact that we have split with the house of labour. The entertainment was excellent this year with a excellent band, a rouse rendition of Solidarity for Ever, the school choir, and lets not forget the KING with his birthday wishes. A very good convention over all.
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