Committees

Email:

tfeu-ec@bctf.ca, or direct email of delegate currently holding this seat.

What is the time commitment? 

EC Meetings: 2-4 hours per month. 

HR Liaison Meetings: 2-4 hours per month.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

This is a rather busy role that requires advocacy and communication with the membership on a regular basis, along with meeting often with the Employer.

Please note – the President receives one paid release day per week to attend to union work.

Describe the role and its work:

The President is the presiding officer of the Union, and also a member of all committees and task forces, except the Nominating Committee and the Auditing Committee.

The President is responsible for attending liaison meetings with HR and the BCTF, and for bringing Union issues to the attention of management.

Why is this role important?

The President has general supervision of all matters and affairs of the union, so this is an essential role for operations.

Email:

tfeu-ec@bctf.ca, or direct email of delegate currently holding this seat.

What is the time commitment? 

EC Meetings: 2-4 hours per month. 

HR Liaison Meetings: 2-4 hours per month.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

This is a rather busy role that requires advocacy and communication with the membership on a regular basis, along with meeting often with the Employer.

Please note – the Vice-President receives one paid release day per week to attend to union work.

Describe the role and its work:

In the absence of the President, the Vice-President performs the President’s duties. The Vice-President accompanies the President to meetings with HR and management.

Why is this role important?

Along with the President, the Vice-President is the primary representative of the union, so this is an essential role for operations.

Email:

tfeu-ec@bctf.ca, or direct email of delegate currently holding this seat.

What is the time commitment? 

EC Meetings: 2-4 hours per month. 

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal – usually confined to attendance at EC meetings.

Describe the role and its work:

The Past President operates much like the Members-at-Large and is a voting member of the Executive Committee (EC).

Why is this role important?

The Past President role is valuable, in it provides previous experience, guidance, and understanding of all union matters.

Please note – if there is no Past President, then the EC requires 5 MALs on the committee.

Email:

tfeu-ec@bctf.ca, or direct email of delegate currently holding this seat.

What is the time commitment? 

2-4 hours per month. 

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

1-2 hours per month outside of EC meetings.

Describe the role and its work:

The Treasurer has signing authority in all union financial transactions, along with one of either the President or the Vice-President. The Treasurer is an automatic member of the Finance Committee.

At each general meeting the Treasurer submits a report of the accounts, the financial condition of the Union, and all monies received by them.

Why is this role important?

The Treasurer is responsible for the Union’s money and financial records.

Email:

tfeu-ec@bctf.ca, or direct email of delegate currently holding this seat.

What is the time commitment? 

2-4 hours per month. 

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Moderate – dependent on the frequency of EC meetings.

Organizing membership meetings will require additional time; however, there is a detailed to-do list and other members of the EC are available to assist.

Describe the role and its work:

The Secretary keeps and transcribes the minutes of all Union Executive Committee (EC) meetings, and drafts and distributes notices and agendas. 

This role is also responsible for keeping, transcribing and distributing to the membership the minutes of all general and special meetings of the Union, as well as for drafting and distributing notices and agendas of Union meetings.

The Secretary also organizes and arranges general membership meetings.

Why is this role important?

The Secretary is responsible for keeping the EC organized, so this is an essential role for operations.

Email:

tfeu-ec@bctf.ca, or direct email of delegate currently holding this seat.

What is the time commitment? 

2-4 hours per month. 

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal – usually confined to attendance at EC meetings; however, can be moderate if working on a project or grievance.

Describe the role and its work:

Members-at-Large (MAL) are voting members of the Executive Committee (EC) and, like all members of the EC, can act as stewards in the grievance process. MALs discuss current issues that are raised at monthly EC meetings, as their input is required to act on concerns relating to the membership.

Why is this role important?

The Members-at-Large assist with making crucial decisions in all union matters, so this is an essential role for operations.

Please note – if there is no Past President on the EC, then there are 5 MALs on the committee.

Email: 

tfeu-ac@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

2

Is this a joint committee? 

Not Joint – TFEU only

What is the time commitment?

1-3 hours per year

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

Once per year

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal

Describe the committee and its work:

The Treasurer oversees all monies of the Union; therefore, they are responsible for submitting a report of our accounts and financial condition(s) and all monies received to the Auditing Committee for review.

Why is this committee important?

The Audit report must be provided to the membership at the TFEU AGM, and confirms our accounts are accurate. The audit provides assurance of the quality of the financial statements and ensures that procedures and controls within TFEU are adequate. The audit identifies areas for improvement.

Email: 

tfeu-bargcom@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

4

Is this a joint committee? 

Not Joint – TFEU only

What is the time commitment?

During Bargaining: High – 7-8 hours a day, perhaps more (on Employer time).

Outside of Bargaining: Minimal – some pre-bargaining prep; reviewing/re-writing articles.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

Minimal – except within the year leading-up to bargaining (ending of Collective Agreement contract).

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

During Bargaining – This is rather busy committee; expect an hour per-person for notes and formatting.

Outside of Bargaining – This committee does not meet in non-bargaining years. When meetings occur it’s for pre-preparation for bargaining and actual table bargaining.

Describe the committee and its work:

The Bargaining committee reviews and discusses our Collective Agreement, and presents requests/amendments to the Employer at the bargaining table.

Why is this committee important?

This committee defends our rights within in our Collective Agreement/Language, and advocates for changes that benefit individuals and the entire membership.

Email: 

tfeu-efap@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

2

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with TSU and Employer

What is the time commitment?

Minimal time commitment and work; unless a member reaches out for assistance or feedback.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

Meeting is dependent on an initiated request by a member.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal.

Describe the committee and its work:

The EFAP provides access to short-term (2-3 sessions) counselling. It provides confidential and professional consultation for members and their families on personal problems around mental health, relationships, health, career, and legal and financial matters.

Why is this committee important?

This committee is a resource role to provide information for members who need assistance regarding this program.

Email: 

tfeu-fc@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

3 (including Treasurer)

Is this a joint committee? 

Not Joint – TFEU only

What is the time commitment?

2-3 hours per year.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

1-2 times.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal.

Describe the committee and its work:

The committee oversees all financial structures within TFEU by-laws.

Why is this committee important?

This committee confirms our accounts are being managed appropriately.

Email: 

tfeu-stewards@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

3 (but happy to have more)

Is this a joint committee? 

Not Joint – TFEU only

What is the time commitment?

2-4 hours per month to attend EC meetings. 

Otherwise, minimal – work is dependent on an initiated request by a member.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

Stewards attend Executive Committee (EC) meetings at their own convenience; not a requirement, but beneficial for staying up-to-date on current union affairs.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal – work is dependent on an initiated request by a member.

Describe the committee and its work:

The role of those on this committee is to act as representatives for TFEU members in the grievance process.

Why is this committee important?

Stewards are sources of information and counsel for TFEU members, or, as a conduit for information from TFEU members to the Executive Committee.

Email: 

tfeu-jec@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

5

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with Employer

What is the time commitment?

1 hour per week; however, if there is no business, there is no meeting.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

Varies – dependent on how many job descriptions are under review.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal – some email communication.

Moderate – if there is an appeals process; however, those are not common.

Describe the committee and its work:

This committee reviews and revises TFEU job descriptions when a request is initiated by either the union (submitting a Form 2 on-behalf of members) or the Employer (Form 1).

The review process requires comparing and ranking the newly amended job description against the standing job description and an agreed upon benchmark position.

Why is this committee important?

This committee advocates to ensure the pay grade designation of TFEU positions are fair.

Please note: the employer and TFEU are currently working on creating a new joint job evaluation process, so the current system has been ‘paused,’ but once established, members will be able to submit Form 2s again.

Email: 

tfeu-jac@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

2, with an Alternate

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with Employer

What is the time commitment?

2-3 hours per month – though it can vary depending on case-volume.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

Meeting is dependent on an initiated request by a member.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Moderate – each representative has different members they work with on the accommodation / return to work process.

The committee doesn’t have regular meetings; however, will meet collectively as a committee when needed.

Describe the committee and its work:

This committee acts as the Union-representative in meetings with the Employer.
When a member is off work with a medical condition, or at work and struggling, this committee can work with said-member’s medical team to create a return-to-work plan, and / or implement any accommodations needed for the member’s work-area.

Why is this committee important?

This committee advocates for our members to ensure they are supported regarding return-to-work plans and accommodations to their worksite.

Email: 

tfeu-jcsd@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

3

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with Employer

What is the time commitment?

2-4 hours per month.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

12 times (monthly).

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

This is a new project, so it is yet to be determined – likely 1-3 hours per month.

Describe the committee and its work:

This committee with be working with an external company, Eckler, to review, compare, and develop a new operating system that provides a more accurate pay grade designation for TFEU staff.

Why is this committee important?

This committee will help to provide a more equitable pay to the membership, by using Eckler’s outside market data as a comparable to select pay grades/annual salaries.

Email: 

tfeu-jppt@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

3

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with Employer

What is the time commitment?

1 hour per month – sometimes less if no meeting required in the month.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

12 times (monthly); 1-2 hours per meeting.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

1–2 hours every 2–3 months – this is to discuss things in-committee (without ER reps there) and would be dependent on if there’s any action-items for TFEU reps stemming from meetings.

Describe the committee and its work:

This was a new committee agreed to during the last round of bargaining. The goal of the committee is to explore, clarify, and better define the process for job postings, promotions, and transfers (per Article 15 of the Collective Agreement).

In addition to Article 15, the committee agreed that we will also review the wording of job postings and Article 61. APPENDIX E—LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING—“LESS THAN MINIMUM” POSTING PROCESS (note in the expired Collective Agreement that Appendix E used to be Article 59).

Why is this committee important?

This committee provides representation for the TFEU membership in-regards to a fair review of Employer’s job postings, promotions, and transfers.

Email: 

tfeu-sep@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

3

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with Employer

What is the time commitment?

1 hour per month.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

The expense policy has been completed and is pending approval. Going forward, the plan is to review it annually to ensure it is still relevant and fair.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Most of the work is done outside of the meetings and then we schedule a meeting with the Employer to review the work.

Describe the committee and its work:

This committee was created to develop a policy, that encompasses:

• Providing the parameters of a TFEU members policy separate from the Members Guide.
• Allow staff to claim reasonable expenses incurred while conducting BCTF work.
• Raise awareness of allowable expenses and the taxability of claimed expenses.

Why is this committee important?

This committee advocates for the TFEU membership for a fair policy and disbursement of funding for staff expenses (while incurred conducting BCTF work).

Email: 

johsc@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

4

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with TSU and Employer

What is the time commitment?

1-2 hours per month; perhaps a few hours more if there’s a project.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

12-times (monthly); 1-2 hours per meeting.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

1-3 projects per year, plus Inspections.

There’s also a requirement of 8 hours of training per year (all of which is paid for by the Employer) conducted by BC Fed Health and Safety.

Please note – New-starts must have 16 hours of training (this includes the above 8 hrs); one class (Introductory/Fundamentals) will be held on-line (or at BC Fed offices), and one will be in-house training for multiple members of staff, not just the JOHS committee.

Describe the committee and its work:

JOHSC is a joint committee made-up of representatives from both unions (TSU, TFEU) and the Employer, and are responsible for overall health and safety protocol within the BCTF building.

Responsibilities of JOHSC:

• To respond to Employee concerns re health and safety.
• Identifying any workplace hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Conducting regular building/department inspections.
• Participate in accident/incident investigations
• Implement/Uphold various BCTF Policies and Procedures

Why is this committee important?

This is an advisory committee that helps in creating and maintaining a safe workplace, and makes recommendations and policies to prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses.

Email: 

tfeu-lcd@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

1, with an alternate

Is this a joint committee? 

Not Joint – TFEU only

What is the time commitment?

Once per month – attends Vancouver District Labour Council meetings, located at the Maritime Labour Center, as a TFEU delegate.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

12-times (monthly); 1-2 hours per meeting.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

None.

Describe the committee and its work:

Delegate would attend meetings and report back on anything relevant to the TFEU membership – this might include sharing information about events or education opportunities. You are not required to speak at the meetings if you don’t want to – though if TFEU ever found itself in a labour dispute, it might be helpful to look to the VDLC for solidarity.

Why is this committee important?

Helpful in that it connects TFEU to the wider labour movement and keeps us informed of what is going on in other unions.

Email: 

tfeu-ltmqc@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

3

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with Employer.

What is the time commitment?

Minimal – only needed when requested by the Employer.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

Minimal – only needed when requested by the Employer.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal – only needed when requested by the Employer.

Describe the committee and its work:

As all positions in the BCTF offices have a job description that outlines requirements of the role, this committee meets (along with the Director and Supervisor of the Department with vacant position) to discuss a posted vacancy (terms or continuing) to determine what the less-than-minimum requirements will be.

The committee work for TFEU ends once the new less-than-minimum job description is posted.

The Less Than Minimum posting process is outlined in Appendix E of our Collective Agreement.

Why is this committee important?

This committee helps to decide the reduced job requirements for a posting, which in-turn aids with in-house retention and promotions.

Email: 

tfeu-webrequests@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

2

Is this a joint committee? 

Not Joint – TFEU only.

What is the time commitment?

Minimal – only when requested to change/upload information to the TFEU site.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

Minimal – only when requested to change/upload information to the TFEU site.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal.

Describe the committee and its work:

This committee is responsible for maintaining the TFEU website.

The TFEU Newsletter hasn’t been in regular publication for a long time.

Why is this committee important?

This committee oversees the TFEU website (tfeu.ca), which provides our membership with current information regarding our union.

Email: 

tfeu-rwc@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

4

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with TSU & Employer.

What is the time commitment?

Minimal.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

Minimal.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal – the committee would gather to review the current Respectful Workplace Policy and Procedures manual where necessary.

Describe the committee and its work:

This committee oversees the Respectful Workplace Policy and Procedures manual.

The manual encompasses:

• Creating a workplace that honours respect, dignity, fairness, and co-operation.
• All individuals within the workplace are to be treated with respect and to treat others with respect.
• Recognize that when a conflict occurs, these issues will be resolved in a healthy and productive manner.

Why is this committee important?

This committee is a resource role to provide information on our respectful workplace policy.

Email: 

tfeu-sppac@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

1, with an Alternate

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with Employer.

What is the time commitment?

Minimal time commitment and work; unless a member reaches out for assistance or feedback.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

Meetings are sporadic – at most, 2 per year.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal.

Describe the committee and its work:

All TFEU members are on the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP) – except those who retired before a certain date, and some members on long term disability. Those members are on the old Staff Pension Plan (SPP).

The SPP gets smaller every year, so the goal of the committee is to look after it until it has reached a level of solvency that will allow us to buy annuities for its members and close this service.

Why is this committee important?

This committee helps with oversight of Staff Pension Plan.

Email: 

tfeu-stc@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

5

Is this a joint committee? 

Not Joint – TFEU only.

What is the time commitment?

3-4 hours per month.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

This is a fairly busy committee and requires weekly approvals of members’ submissions.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

This committee does not meet regularly; however, communicates often via email. The main reason to hold a meeting would be if there were a discussion surrounding eligibility of activities submitted by members.

An annual meeting is held to discuss the next year’s eligibility criteria and amount of funds available. There is also a detailed report of expenditures submitted to the Employer prior to year end.

Describe the committee and its work:

This committee oversees and distributes the staff training funds (funds provided by the Employer; Article 51) that are allotted each year (July 1 – June 30). 

The funds are used-for:

• Further education
• Training
• Development of Employees through conferences/seminars/workshop attendance, team building exercises, and group training.
• Activities related to wellness and professional growth.

Why is this committee important?

This committee helps to fairly distribute the funding provided by the Employer, so each individual in our membership can access services that aid in the above-mentioned areas.

Email: 

tfeu-tr@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

2

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with Employer.

What is the time commitment?

Minimal – only needed when requested by the Union or Employer.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

Minimal – only needed when requested by the Union or Employer.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal – only needed when requested by the Union or Employer.

Describe the committee and its work:

This committee is required (Article 19.10) to be a representative of the Union on matters coming out of issues, disputes, and grievances arising from introduction of technological change.

Why is this committee important?

This committee provides representation for the TFEU membership in-regards to new implementation of technology.

Email: 

tfeu-trac@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

3

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with TSU and Employer.

What is the time commitment?

Minimal – would hold a meeting if there were a discussion surrounding eligibility submitted by members.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

1 hour, once per year (or as needed).

Please note – there is discussion regarding program changes; therefore, may meet a few more times per year in the near future.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

Minimal.

Describe the committee and its work:

This committee is responsible for receiving and distributing reimbursement funding (50% of transit cost) to staff who travel to and from the BCTF building via public transportation.

The committee ensures the transit subsidy is relevant to members’ use of alternative transportation modes, notably as new modes emerge, but also taking into-account the potentially shifting geographical spread of members.

It receives feedback from members regarding their use of alternative transportation and how the subsidy could be improved.

Why is this committee important?

This committee allows for the TFEU membership to receive funding for transit in a timely manner.

Email: 

tfeu-wc@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

3

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with TSU and Employer.

What is the time commitment?

1-3 hours per event.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

3-5 times per year.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

This is dependent on the type of event.

Describe the committee and its work:

The Wellness Committee is a joint committee that plans seasonal wellness activities for BCTF staff.

Previous events have included: hiking the Grouse Grind; lunch-time potlucks; dessert day; dragon boating; yoga and fitness at lunch; Christmas crafts; walking groups; Go by Bike Week; Salsa lessons; and more.

Why is this committee important?

This committee helps develop community for the staff through creating fun activities.

Email: 

tfeu-wfh@bctf.ca

Number of TFEU members:

2

Is this a joint committee? 

Joint Committee – with Employer.

What is the time commitment?

1-3 hours per semester.

How many times per year do you meet, and for how long?

2 times per year.

How much work is done outside of committee meetings?

None.

Describe the committee and its work:

The Work from Home Committee is a joint committee that aims to review the Support Staff Remote Work Pilot Project with the Employer. It gathers feedback from members and debriefs with Employer.

Why is this committee important?

To address questions and concerns as the project progresses with all stakeholders involved in the conversation. This committee provides member feedback to the employer on the Support Staff Remote Work Pilot Project.