Union News - September 2017
Hello. This first message in our newsletter as National President of the Union of Taxation Employees (UTE) is a perfect opportunity for me to tell you how proud I am to be part of this great union that is the UTE. I firmly believe that our Component was and still is the best of all the Components that make up the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
And why can I say that? Quite simply on the basis of our past achievements. Together, our members and union representatives have waged many battles over the years along with their PSAC colleagues. It hasn’t always been easy, but we have made great strides in acquiring and keeping a multitude of benefits. Just think of the maternity and parental leaves, family leave, bereavement leave or pre-retirement leave, flexible work schedules, health care plans including dental care, the protection clauses pertaining to discrimination and harassment, the addition of the Workforce Adjustment Appendix into our collective agreement, etc., not to mention our historical triumph in terms of pay equity. On each occasion, the UTE and its members played an important role and exhibited courage and leadership. The UTE has also managed to adapt to change. As such, since the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) was established in 1999, the UTE has, among other things, adjusted its bargaining strategies and the demand-gathering process. We also negotiated with the CRA to obtain a separate new classification standard for all our members (SP and MG). However, what truly sets the UTE apart from the other unions is its constant commitment to making sure that its members and union representatives are fully informed and educated. The two (2) Presidents’ Conferences held every year, during which the members discuss major issues and attend training workshops, is a prime example.
Having been elected UTE National President at our last triennial convention is truly an honour for me. I am enthusiastic about the idea of working closely with the Executive Council officers and with our locals to keep passionately defending the interests of all our members and ensuring that the employer feels that we are a force to be reckoned with. I am committed to serving you to the best of my knowledge, to sparing no effort and to listening and exhibiting leadership. I am also committed to providing my support and assistance to all our union representatives, both local and regional, for helping them carry out their duties.
I am taking this opportunity to thank the delegates who attended the July Convention for their incredible support and for their vote of confidence.
The Union of Taxation Employees is an excellent union with a great tradition, however I believe that there is always room for improvement. Therefore, I am committed to doing everything to improve our communication within the UTE and with our members. Likewise, I intend to boost our political lobbying and our media presence when it proves necessary. I am also committed to working closely with the PSAC leaders, the other PSAC Components and the PIPSC-AFS group.
I would also like to point out that I intend to work hard to improve our relationship with the employer and do so at all levels.
Since being elected, one of my first major decisions was to appoint my executive assistant. The person holding that position plays a major role and is nothing less than my right arm. A person whom I can trust completely and who will be able to assist and advise me. A person who will be able to tell me “the realities” openly and directly, and not just what I want to hear. I am pleased to inform you that I have appointed Brother Daniel Camara to this key position. I am certain that he will be a great asset for our national office, our members and our organization as a whole. Welcome Daniel!
The last few years have been very tough with the budget cuts and the last round of bargaining, but we have shown that, when we stand together, we can accomplish a great deal and achieve our objectives. I am aware that a great many challenges are before us. There are, of course, all the impacts from the Service Renewal Initiative undertaken by the CRA last fall and the outcomes of which we don’t yet know at this time. Rest assured that we will keep representing you and defending your interests in this matter, as we have done in many other instances.
Thank you for your support, and I encourage you to keep supporting your union representatives who are there for you, the members. I look forward to serving you for the next three years.
Yours in solidarity,
Marc Brière
National President