annual Reports - 2009/2010 Report

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

 

It seems somewhat odd to be writing my Annual Report and it is not yet the end of April, but timelines and publishing dates win out over the time of year. The job of WTA President is always interesting and this year even more so.

Before I get into the substance of my report, I want to remind everyone who we are. The WTA is the largest teacher local in the Province of Manitoba. We serve just over three thousand members including: teachers, administrators, support teachers, clinicians, consultants, Adult EAL teachers, substitutes and lab assistants. Our organization provides its own extended health plan (for active and retired members), dental plan and counseling services. The Association is also responsible for negotiating the terms and conditions of our collective agreement with The Winnipeg School Division.

 

WSD Pandemic Planning and H1N1:

My year began with a detailed review of the WSD’s Pandemic Plan and lengthy discussion with the Division and Executive regarding a host of issues related to the plan. Ultimately the WSD accepted suggestions from the Association for changes, and a final Plan document was prepared and can be seen on the WSD’s website. The H1N1 issue caused the Division to take extensive action across the system regarding cleanliness and hygiene. Thanks to a lot of hard work by all employee groups, and some luck, the H1N1 issue never materialized to the extent that was anticipated.

 

WTA and the Media:

Since the winter break in December, the WTA has been in the news on a regular basis. The results of contract negotiations and ratification, the snow day concern and a high school issue have played prominently over the last four months. When talking to the media it has always been my goal to provide accurate information in a manner that depicts the membership and the WTA in a positive professional light. This year has seen a significant increase in media inquiries over the previous year.

 

Contract Negotiations/Ratification:

The WTA and WSD successfully completed a round of contract talks which put in place a collective agreement that will expire at the end of June 1010. Prior to the ratification vote, Joan and I responded to inquiries over the phone and also met with a number of staffs to discuss the settlement. In the end the Agreement-in-Committee was ratified by a large majority of the membership. Since the ratification has occurred a new package has been prepared and talks will begin for the coming school year. I would like to thank Joan Fransen, Vice-President/Chair of Negotiations and her committee for the work they have done this year on behalf of the membership.

 

January 25th, 2010 Snow Day:

This issue generated the largest number of contacts over the shortest period of time that I have ever seen in the WTA office. Once the 204 WTA members received their letter requesting a doctor’s note or short leave, the WTA and WSD were in regular discussion regarding the issue. The Association expressed concerns over the lateness of the request for a note, the wording of the letter sent, media comments by trustees, to name just a few. It is our understanding that no member was docked pay for the day. The issue of inclement weather and being present at work will be discussed further with the WSD in the coming year.

 

High School Issue:

I will begin this discussion by saying the members directly involved in the issue received on-going support and representation throughout the process. Beyond that, it is important to note that the WTA and the WSD will be discussing a number of issues that have arisen as a result of this incident. The Association has asked the Division to provide information regarding how members will be protected from unauthorized recording of their images or voice and the posting of this material on the Internet.

The events of the last few months have made it clear that the use of cell phones in schools and the posting of information on the Internet can have a significant impact. As the employer, the WSD has an obligation to ensure that everyone in the school environment is protected from these types of unauthorized actions. The Division needs to make clear what their policies have (develop new policies, if required) and ensure staff, students and parents understand what consequences are in place for the violation of these policies.

 

The Manitoba Teachers’ Society:

In the spring of this year, the WTA Executive recreated an Ad Hoc Committee – Secession from The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. The Committee has met twice to discuss the issue, write a report and make recommendations for the coming year. Without going into great detail, a number of concerns have been raised regarding MTS staffing, the Society’s advocacy for Provincial Bargaining; and, the value members receive for the over $2 million paid in fees each year. The WTA is the second group reviewing the issue of secession. The Louis Riel Teachers’ Association just received a report at their Annual General Meeting in April that looked at the feasibility of leaving MTS.

 

WTA Executive and Council:

The WTA is an organization in transition. If you look at the Executive and Council there are fewer of us “old grizzled veterans” coming to meetings. The face of the organization is becoming much younger and this will continue in the years to come. To all of those who have let their name stand for an elected position on the Executive or who have volunteered to serve on Council or a committee, I would like to say thank-you. It is through your commitment and efforts that the WTA continues to operate in the manner it does and provide the high level of service we do.

 

In Closing:

In preparing to write this report, I reviewed what was said about the WTA “office team” last year to try and find new words to express my thanks for their support and guidance. The WTA office team consists of the Administrative Assistant, Glenda Shepherd, the Vice-President, Joan Fransen, and the WTA’s Business Agent, Henry Shyka. Much of the good work completed by our organization would not take place without their continued efforts and input. On a personal note, each has provided wise counsel over this past year and for that I am very appreciative.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Dave Najduch, President

 

AD HOC COMMITTEE - SECESSION

 

Recommendations:

  1. That the Ad Hoc Committee – Secession be reconstituted for the 2010/2011 school year.
  2. That the Ad Hoc Committee consists of no more than eight (8) members. The Committee should consist of members of the Executive and general membership.
  3. That the Ad Hoc Committee allow for guests to be present at the request of the Committee.
  4. That the Committee will look at affiliation with The Manitoba Teachers’ Society; and, the option of secession from The Manitoba Teachers’ Society.
  5. That the Committee investigates the following issues, but not limited to: service delivery (Business Agent), cost of a bundled disability/dental/health plan, TRAF, legal services and negotiations.
  6. That the timeframe of the Committee would result in three reports to Council: November, February and a written report in May 2011.

I would like to thank the Committee for their hard work this year. The discussions were great and very thought-provoking.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Tracy Stutzke, Chair

 

Other members:

Dave Najduch, Chris Pammenter, Nathan Martindale, Pat Lewicki, Steve Patrick

 

AGM AND RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

 

This was a very successful year for the AGM Committee. We brought to the Provincial AGM three resolutions. This was done after much debate, many drafts and great discussion. It was a real pleasure to watch the committee grow in numbers this year and see a variety of our membership taking an interest in the issue at AGM.

 

The committee met a total of eight times throughout the year, including the delegates’ night and our wind-up. Many thanks to Chris and Brenda for offering to be our gracious welcoming hosts again this year.

 

Our Hospitality theme this year is the Winnipeg Temperance Association Speakeasy. An immense thank you to not only our committee members, but to Terry Willerton and our extra-special guest Bob Morgan, who have put so much creativity and energy into making our room successful again. We are very appreciative.

 

Recommendations:

  1. Bring forward strong resolutions, even few in number.
  2. Use the creativity and energy of the committee members to put on an entertaining and relaxing Hospitality room.

Thank you to everyone for a great year, and best of luck in 2011.

 

Other members:

Jennie Matteis, Chris Pammenter, Iyvan Michalchyshyn, Karl Rohne, Gregg Walker, Colin Montgomery, Stephanie Krawchuk, Melissa Halparin, Terry Willerton, Paul Shiaro, Lauren Stearns, Michelle Bradley Hakimelahi, J.P. Grosemans, Judy Davis, Lesley Wallis, Bob Morgan

 

CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

 

(No report submitted to date)

 

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD COMMITTEE

 

Number of meetings:  1

 

The DSA nomination form appeared in the WTA newsletter and could be found on the web page throughout the fall and early winter of this school year. The Committee reviewed two completed nomination forms. As a result of the nomination process, the committee unanimously recommended to the Executive that Richelle Desrosiers and Bob Morgan be the recipients of The Winnipeg Teachers’ Association Distinguished Service Award for 2010. The recommendation was approved by both the Executive and Council of the Association.

 

The committee briefly reviewed the selection criteria and timelines for the nomination process.

 

I would like to thank the committee members for their thoughts and input.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Dave Najduch, Chair

 

Other members:

Brenda Craig, Dayna Graham, Nathan Martindale, Winston Blakey

 

EXECUTIVE NOMINATING AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

 

(No report submitted to date)

 

FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

Number of meetings:  4

 

The committee completed the following tasks this year:

  1. Presented updated financial statements to Executive/Council.
  2. Presented the audited financial statement to Executive/Council.
  3. Prepared and presented the Draft WTA Budget for the 2010/2011 year to Executive/Council.
  4. Reviewed and approved a request for an over-expenditure of the WTA Group Benefits Committee.

The WTA is in a healthy financial situation. By policy, the Reserve funds of the Association are required to be placed in conservative investments. This means that the funds have performed well over the last year even with the downturn in the financial markets.

 

I would like to thank my committee for their time and hard work this year. I would also like to thank Dave Najduch for his support. To Glenda Shepherd, thank you for your continued help and support.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Jennie Matteis, Treasurer/Chair of Finance Committee

 

Other members:

Jeannette Neil, Gregg Walker, Christine Lachance, Richelle Desrosiers

 

GROUP BENEFITS COMMITTEE

 

Number of meetings = 7

 

Pre-Retirement Seminars = 2

 

Maternity/Adoptive/Parental Leave Seminar = 2

 

Year’s Achievements

  1. Committee was successful in implementing differential rates for WTA active members and retirees. The active members did not see a rate change. The rates for active members remained at $49.73/single and $103.79/family. The retirees saw a change of 12% at $55.70/single and $116.24/family.
  2. Committee adopted the 2010 Dental Fee Guide and maintained a deductible holiday.
  3. Committee this year helped fund WSD’s Pre-retirement Seminars.
  4. Committee increased the number of its Maternity/Adoptive/Parental Leave Seminars. It ran two successful seminars this year.
  5. Committee ran two successful WTA Pre-retirement Seminars.
  6. Committee was able to successfully accommodate all individuals who wished to attend the Pre-retirement Seminars as well as the Maternity/Adoptive/Parental Leave Seminars.

Recommendations:

  1. Depending on the composition of the Committee, a half-day training workshop for new Committee members will be held towards the end of September, if needed.
  2. Monitoring of service delivery and usage for both the Extended Health Benefits Plan and the Dental Plan will continue in relation to active members and retired members (EHB) to ensure that all plans continue to be self-sustaining.
  3. WTA will continue to offer at least two Pre-retirement Seminars in 2010/2011 and will make every effort to ensure those wishing to participate can do so.
  4. WTA will continue to offer at least two Maternity/Adoptive/Parental Leave Seminars in 2010/2011.
  5. That the WTA Group Benefits Committee will continue to inform members of benefits information via articles in the newsletter and through announcements at Council meetings.

The Group Benefits Committee is grateful to Glenda Shepherd, WTA Administrative Assistant for her endless support and sharing of her expertise in all aspects of the Committee’s operations. Last, but not least, the Committee wishes to thank Henry Shyka for sharing his vast knowledge in this area and his many insightful contributions.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Shahram Hakimelahi, Chair

 

Other members:

Liz Kozoriz, Ana Dias, Paulette Krovats, Kyle Leblanc, Bheesham Dabie, Henry Shyka, Lori Mark, Glenda Shepherd

 

MONITORING COMMITTEE

 

One of the roles of the WTA Secretary is to chair the Monitoring Committee. The Monitoring Committee is present at every open WSD school board regular meeting and special board meetings. There are usually two regular meetings and can be up to two special board meetings per month. The purpose is to have a presence at all meetings and report back to the WTA anything that happens that may affect teachers.

 

I would like to thank my Committee for their commitment and dedication to attending these meetings.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Tracy Stutzke, Secretary/Chair of Monitoring

 

Other member:

Fraser Oakes, Sylvia Martin, Michelle Bradley-Hakimelahi

 

NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE

 

Number of meetings:  5

 

This year the negotiations committees have covered the gamut of the negotiation process. The first committee’s tasks were extended from last year. When the school year began in September, the table team—a sub-committee of our negotiations committee—met with representatives of the school division to negotiate a new collective agreement for the 2009-2010 year. Highlights of the settlement included a salary settlement (3% + up to $732), clarification of maternity leave/adoptive leave/parental leave clause, compensatory time for Resource Teachers, and movement to twice-monthly pay period (which will be implemented in September, 2010).

 

No sooner had our settlement occurred and the second committee was putting the finishing touches on a package for negotiating the 2010-2011 collective agreement.

 

January 5, 2010: 2009-2010 Collective Agreement ratified by membership

January 6, 2010: 2010-2011 Package approved by Committee

February 10, 2010: 2010-2011 Package approved by Executive

February 17, 2010: 2010-2011 Package presented to members at a Special Meeting

March 16, 2010: 2010-2011 Package approved by Council

April 14, 2010: Table Team membership approved by Executive

April 30, 2010: Letter sent to Chair of WSD Board of Trustees requesting to open negotiations

 

As local bargainers we are able to tailor our clauses to address the concerns of our members. The WTA holds the bargaining certificate of its members. This means that we negotiate with our employer directly rather than through a provincial bargaining process—variations of which are employed in other provinces. When we have local issues, we have the ability to address them in a timely manner.

 

This year, committee members have been involved in collective bargaining seminars promoted by The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. The Summer Bargaining School is a three day training session which gives committee members the opportunity to participate in a simulated round of negotiations including package preparation (writing clauses) and negotiating at the table. The Fall and Spring Seminars give members the opportunity to hear economic updates, discuss common concerns, and gather information for local use.

 

Special mention and thanks to the Negotiations Committee members for their efforts and expertise. This committee will remain in place until a settlement is reached.

 

*Melinda Guenther-Balodis, Lord Selkirk
*Shahram Hakimelahi, Montrose/Wolseley
Kristin Insull, Kelvin
Pat Lewicki, Shaughnessy Park
Cam Menzie, Wolseley
*Dave Najduch, WTA
*Chris Pammenter, WAEC
Kevin Zuk, Elmwood
*Henry Shyka, WTA Business Agent
Nathan Martindale, Shaughnessy Park (Guest)

 

Respectfully submitted,
*Joan Fransen, WTA

*denotes Table Team (2010-2011)

 

PARKING FACILITIES COMMITTEE

 

(No report submitted to date)

 

PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE

 

Number of meetings = 10

 

The President's Committee provides an excellent opportunity to meet and discuss issues of concern to both the WTA and the WSD.

 

Some of the other topics discussed this year included:

  • Use of employee number for on-line access
  • Lockdown procedures and informing other schools
  • Use of Code 99 and payment of salaries
  • Report Cards and new WSD policy
  • WSD agreement with YMWCA regarding suspended students
  • January 25, 2010 snow day issue
  • WSD 2010/2011 Budget
  • Assessment for Learning
  • WSD Staffing
  • Community School Investigators (CSI) Program
  • Teachers and lockdown duty
  • Wind-chill factors
  • Employee Connect
  • Elementary Leadership Days
  • WSD Mentorship Program
  • H1N1 and WSD Pandemic Plan
  • School Fundraising
  • WSD Leadership Development

 

The WTA also met with senior Superintendents and HR to discuss the staffing process the Division will be using in May and June of this year.

 

I would like to thank the Chief Superintendent for the opportunity to meet on a regular basis and for the open and direct conversations that took place during these meetings.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Dave Najduch, President

 

WTA members:

Dave Najduch, Joan Fransen, Henry Shyka

 

WSD members:

Pauline Clarke, Eugene Gerbasi

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

 

Number of meetings:  9

 

The duties of the PR Committee were assumed by the Table Officers once again this year and became part of the Table Officers’ Agenda.

 

The major items discussed regarding PR included:

 

  1. The reduction to six newsletters sent to each electoral unit monthly. The provision of a one-page coversheet to every member indicating what was in the monthly newsletter. The Committee also asked the WTA VP to send out electronic reminders to members indicating the newsletter was available online each month.
  2. The development of a new format for the online version of the newsletter took place. The work in this area was completed with our service provider. The new format should be ready for the first newsletter in the fall of 2010.
  3. A new search engine was developed and included on the WTA website to help members locate information. I would like to thank Joan Fransen for her work on the issue.
  4. The WTA provided each new member who attended the WSD New Employee Workshop in the fall with a WTA bag, pen, pencil, stainless steel coffee cup and lanyard. The items seemed well received by the members and are visible across the division as we conduct school visits.
  5. Last year the committee anticipated the purchase of a large number of new member items through its budget allocation for this year, but the requirement for these items was dramatically reduced as a result of the WSD not hiring nearly as many new members in the 2009/2010 school year. This year we have purchased additional stainless steel coffee mugs and tote bags to be handed out in the fall of 2010. All items include the WTA’s logo.

I would like to thank the Table Officers for their efforts in the area of public relations this year. A number of new and interesting initiatives have been undertaken thanks to their efforts.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Dave Najduch, Chair

 

Other members:

Carol Boyko (Newsletter Editor), Jennie Matteis, Joan Fransen, Tracy Stutzke, Henry Shyka, Glenda Shepherd

 

RECEPTION COMMITTEE

 

WTA Social Event:

We can have fun on a school night! Many members came out to share some appetizers and laughs at Rumors’ Comedy Club on Tuesday, February 19th, 2010. Comedian, Jay Malone left a couple of members with rosy cheeks and brought many others to tears of laughter. It was a very enjoyable evening to connect with colleagues outside of the workplace.

 

Appreciation Dinner for Council Representatives and Committee Members:

Back by popular demand, the Appreciation Dinner will be held at Celebrations Dinner Theatre on Thursday, April 29th, 2010. Prepare to be “Greased.”

 

Distinguished Service Aware Reception:

The Reception Committee looks forward to hosting the Distinguished Service Aware Reception to honour Richelle Desrosiers and Bob Morgan. Richelle and Bob will be among friends, family, colleagues and past recipients when they are presented with their award on Monday, June 7th, 2010.

 

Retirement Reception:

The Retirement Reception will once again be held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Wednesday, June 9th, 2010. Although we are unaware of the number of members retiring, we are eager to present the retirees with their gift which has a new look this year. Invitations to the event will be sent to members in late April/early May, once they have declared their intention to retire. This occasion offers an opportunity to mingle with colleagues while we celebrate the life work of our members. More information will follow in the weeks to come.

 

Recommendation:

  1. That the budget for the Appreciation Dinner be decreased and the Social Event budget be increased.

I would like to thank the Committee for their hard work in ensuring every event is a success. I am delight to work with such a fun and interesting group of people.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Tina Garton, Chair

 

Other members:

Tracy Stutzke, Sylvia Martin, Terry Willerton, Tony Iannone, Kyle Leblanc, Fernando Batista, Caroline Cantafio, Anne Longe

 

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

 

The Committee met five times this year. The meetings happened from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM prior to regular Council meetings. The first meeting had 44 members present and a smaller group was chosen to represent the larger group for the balance of the year. An e-mail list was created and distributed to all assembled. Two members were selected to be Substitute Teacher Council Representatives to attend all regular WTA Council meetings.

 

At the balance of the other meetings 10-15 major concerns were discussed. Some of these topics included:

  1. Positions and employment
  2. Retired teachers
  3. Safety
  4. Computer Access
  5. Pre-hires

At the January 21st, 2010 meeting the President, Dave Najduch met with the group and a thorough review was done with all the concerns raised by the group. That meeting and discussion was to form the basis for an article to be published in the newsletter.

Respectfully submitted by,
Iyvan Michalchyshyn, Chair

 

TABLE OFFICERS

 

Number of meetings = 9

 

The Table Officers consist of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Table Officer group can also include the WTA Administrative Assistant and the WTA Business Agent. Beyond the nine meetings this year, the newly elected 2010/2011 Table Officer group will meet in May 2010 to plan for the 2010/2011 school year.

 

In most cases, the Table Officers review issues and in many cases make recommendations to the WTA Executive for action in a particular area. The Executive may approve the action or may refer it to the WTA Council for debate and final approval.

 

Some of the items discussed by the Table Officers this year included:

  • New Executive Planning Discussions
  • Sick notes and the January 25, 2010 snow day
  • WSD Cell phone/recording device policy
  • Ad Hoc Committee – Secession from MTS
  • MTS AGM Motions – delegates and alternates – staffing issues – Life and Honourary Nomination
  • PR Topics – refer to the PR report found in this document
  • WTA Scholarship – funding request
  • WTA Contract Ratification
  • WSD/WTA Joint Committee topics
  • Office Computers
  • Executive Members’ Resignation
  • WTA Constitutional Amendment/Council Representation
  • WTA Council Policy Change/Meeting Start Time
  • WTA Council Quorum
  • WSD and the Pandemic Plan
  • EAL Member Issues
  • WTA and MTS Provincial Bargaining Position
  • Respect in the Workplace

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Dave Najduch, Chair

 

Other members:

Joan Fransen, Jennie Matteis, Tracy Stutzke, Henry Shyka, Glenda Shepherd

 

TEACHER WELFARE COMMITTEE

 

Number of meetings (as of April 22): 5

 

The Teacher Welfare Committee had a sole mandate of focusing on teacher wellness issues.

 

Achievements:

  1. Fully approved funds for 15 locations on a wide variety of Wellness Initiatives.
  2. Partially approved funds for two locations based on partial Wellness Initiatives.
  3. Approved fund for two WTA member teams to participate in the MTS Curling Bonspiel.
  4. Monitored the extent of usage of the WTA Counselling services for members.
  5. Continued to develop and modify the existing Teacher Welfare Application form, in order to facilitate and reflect the values of ongoing Teacher Wellness and Welfare.

Recommendations:

  1. Continue to adapt and change the application form to reflect ongoing Teacher Welfare and Wellness.
  2. Change the feedback form, to provide more information available to other locations when planning a Wellness Initiative.
  3. Continue to be diligent and promote ongoing Teacher Welfare/Wellness when review future applications.

Respectfully submitted by,
David Harack, Chair

 

Other members:

Christine Lachance, Jeff Lomas, Michelle Bradley Hakimelahi

 

WTA/WINNIPEG PRINCIPALS' & VICE-PRINCIPALS' ASSOCIATION LIAISON COMMITTEE

 

Number of meetings = 3

 

The Committee consists of WTA Executive representation and members appointed by the Winnipeg Principals'/Vice-Principals' Association. The purpose of meetings is to exchange information and discuss issues as they arise.

 

The Committee addressed the following this past year:

  • Contract Negotiations
  • Administrative Salaries
  • WSD Leadership Model
  • MTS Code of Practice
  • Complaints Process
  • Administrators as an Agent of the Employer
  • Retired Members as Acting Administrators
  • WTA Teacher Wellness Grants
  • Vice-Principalships
  • WTA Executive Elections
  • Report Cards/Reporting Process

 

A special thanks to the WP/VPA for the invitations provided to Joan and me to attend their annual conference held in Gimli. These sessions have always provided quality PD and the chance to meet and talk with administrators in an informal setting.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Dave Najduch, President

 

Other WTA members:

Joan Fransen, Henry Shyka

 

Other WP/VPA members:

Maxine Bell, Lisa Calvez, Chantelle Deslauriers-Gray, Giselle Mospanchuk

 

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE

 

As of April 12, 2010, the Workplace Safety & Health Committee has met three times.

 

The committee members have also attended four WSD Central Committee meetings and will attend one more in May.

 

The chair has attended four divisional co-chair meetings and will attend one more in May. The chair and one committee member attended an MTS sponsored regional WSH meeting. The chair and one committee member attended a Manitoba Teachers’ Society Workplace Safety and Health seminar and regional Committee meeting on a Saturday in February. The chair has written three Workplace Safety & Health newsletter articles, in October, November and April.

 

The Workplace Safety and Health Committee compiled and distributed information from a fall survey, given to WTA Council Representatives. The survey responses were shared with members in the November WTA WSH newsletter article.

 

Through association, regional and divisional meetings, the WTA WSH Committee strives to:

  • Keep WTA members aware of their WSH rights and responsibilities.
  • Ensure WSH concerns are addressed effectively and in a timely fashion.
  • Act in a proactive fashion by bringing forward potential WSH concerns.
  • Inform WTA members regarding WSH.
  • Monitor and implement WSH policies, legislation and regulations.

Recommendations for next year:

  1. Review of WSH incident reporting to WTA and incident review for members.
  2. WTA Vice-President chair the WTA WSH Committee.
  3. Newsletter article(s) regarding process and forms for WSH concerns.
  4. Meeting(s) with lab assistants regarding their WSH concerns.
  5. Presentation to Council on WSH by: MFL Occupational Health Centre, WSD WSH officer(s) and MTS WSH Provincial Executive Chair.

Respectfully submitted by,
Melinda Guenther-Balodis, Chair

 

Other members:

Chris Pammenter, Gary Comack, Patrice Lyng, Jean-Pierre Grosemans

 

WSD/WTA JOINT COMMITTEE

 

Number of meetings = 4

 

The Committee was established through the Collective Agreement in order to provide a direct link between the Association and the Board of Trustees. The purpose of the Committee is to discuss issues and concerns which are of mutual interest.

 

The items discussed this year included:

  • The WSD accessing the Tax Incentive Grant (TIG) from the Province to fund ongoing educational programming in the division.
  • Provincial Bargaining – this conversation occurred as a response to a request from trustees for a WTA position on the issue.
  • Media comments made by WSD Trustees related to the January 25th, 2010 snow day issue.
  • Contract ratification.
  • Adult EAL – teacher issues.
  • WSD 2010/2011 Budget Discussions.

A number of the topics were discussed at more than one meeting.

 

I would like to thank the trustees for the frank and open discussions which took place during these meetings. An additional thanks needs to be given to Joan, Jennie and Tracy for their participation on the Committee and their feedback throughout the year.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Dave Najduch, President

 

WTA members:

Dave Najduch, Joan Fransen, Tracy Stutzke, Jennie Matteis

 

Trustee members:

Joyce Bateman, Mike Babinsky, Anthony Ramos

 

 

   
   
   
services
documentation
collective agreement
forms
substitute teachers