President's Report from the 4/5/2022 General Membership Meeting

Good Evening,

I want to touch base with regard to several issues tonight. As we have moved into April and spring, many of the health restrictions resulting from the many Covid variants are being lifted. CSU 52 members are being directed to return to inoffice work. While your Union continues to advocate for members for permanent and hybrid work-from-home arrangements, we must recognize that at this time the Employer has the sole right to determine work locations. When returning to your office, and generally as society begins to return to a more “normal” type of life, please continue to be careful when out in public. The virus continues to circulate so we must continue to be vigilant in protecting our health and that of others in our communities.

This year will be a very busy and probably difficult one, as we bargain in four of our five bargaining units and deal with fallout of the provincial government’s imposition of Bill 32. CSU 52 has reviewed the legislation and the accompanying regulations around Bill 32, and with legal opinions in hand, we feel we are well suited to be in compliance with the legislation. CSU 52 will, in short order, post information for the membership detailing how we are meeting the legislative requirements. Unfortunately, it appears that charities that are most in need will suffer the most from Bill 32, as it will be difficult to portray charitable donations as “core service”. Therefore, after the August 1, 2022 enacted date, all straight charitable donations from CSU 52 will be forced to discontinue and CSU 52 will concentrate any spending on representation and direct member support.

Over the next week or so, CSU 52 will provide updates to each bargaining unit regarding the state of negotiations in each of those units.

In our City of Edmonton unit, there are significant discussions and negotiations in process. The jurisdictional review project will begin to move forward as it is now being monitored closely by the Alberta Labour Relations Board. Labour Board hearings will also resume shortly regarding the Union application at Fort Edmonton Park and we will finally be briefed on the City’s soon to be implemented new classification system. As you may be aware, CSU 52 has also recently filed an unfair labour practice against the City in regard to STD/ WCB payment issues. Conversations are currently in process to determine whether we can resolve the issue without a Board hearing. We will update our membership as new information becomes available.

I also need to inform members who may not be aware, Anna Vesala has recently resigned her position as Second VicePresident/Secretary of the Board on the CSU 52 Board of Directors. Due to the timing of the notice and the heavy agenda, we have not scheduled a vote for the position at this meeting but will proceed with a Special Meeting for April 20, 2022 to fill the position. My hope is that this will give members enough time to consider if they would like to stand for the position to prepare a short presentation as to why they are the best candidate for the position. Please consider standing for the position.

Thank you and stay safe,
Lanny Chudyk