Past Conventions

2009 Convention in Review

Debates, resolutions, elections, and a micro-brewery tour were all on the agenda for the 8th Biennial PEA Convention in early May.

Delegates to the Association’s Biennial Convention elected a new slate of Table Officers, confirming Mike Jobke, RPF, as President. Mike was first elected President by the Association Executive in February, following the resignation of long-time President Kathy Danchuk.

Also elected were Frank Kohlberger, RPF, as First Vice-President, Kathleen Kendall as Second Vice-President and UVic’s John Foxgord was re-elected as Secretary-Treasurer. All officers are elected for two-year terms.

The Association marked its 35th anniversary this year and Convention delegates were the first to view the video 35 Years of Professionals Making A Difference. The video walks viewers through the PEA’s history as a labour organization, with insights from key players of the Association’s past and present. The video is one in a series of highly acclaimed viral videos. They can all be viewed on our online office (pea.org).

Collective bargaining was also a major theme of Convention reports and the subject of an educational workshop incorporating small group “mock” bargaining sessions and a panel discussion.

In the President’s report to Convention, Mike Jobke noted the many challenges faced by members in recent years, including protracted negotiations to achieve collective agreements with St. Margaret’s School and the Law Society of BC and the elimination of half of the lawyer positions at the Legal Services Society. He also reported on strategies to increase membership participation and engagement, including the 2008 Education Conference, renewed strategic planning, communications initiatives, and expanded opportunities for learning about the workings of the union and the unique challenges and interests of individual chapters. Mike called on all facets of the Association to work together as a team to achieve collective agreements for members in all chapters in the coming months. He concluded by acknowledging the efforts of staff and volunteers, and thanking Kathy Danchuk and Jim Russell for their tireless work and achievements as longtime President and First Vice-President.

Executive Director Jodi Jensen opened her report by acknowledging the vision and leadership that gave birth to the PEA and ensured its continued success, manifested through professionalism, expert membership service, respect for independent thinking, and prudent financial management. She reported on the results of a recent membership survey confirming members’ continued high satisfaction with the PEA, its communication with members, and the collective agreements it negotiates.

Jodi acknowledged that the economic downturn, provincial budget deficits and rising unemployment in B.C. posed challenges for bargaining committees in negotiating satisfactory collective agreement settlements, and asked members to engage in teamwork and conversations in support of those committees. She closed her remarks by thanking volunteers and staff whose contributions ensure the PEA remains an effective union for professionals.

In his report to delegates, Secretary-Treasurer John Foxgord reviewed the 2007 and 2008 audited financial statements, highlighting the increases in dues revenue, the surplus of operating expenditures, and the gains and losses in investment assets during those two fiscal years. He noted the new Convention/Conferences expense category introduced to eliminate large, alternating fluctuations in the Executive and Constitution and Membership Services and Administration categories.

John reported that the beleaguered investment environment in 2008 generated the first ever end of year loss for the investment portfolio, of $476,042, following on the heels of a gain of $776,989 in 2007, including an extraordinary one-time gain of $354,544 resulting from a change in accounting policy to carry investments at fair market value. He concluded his report by thanking the PEA’s staff, investment advisor and auditor, and PEA members serving on the Finance & Investment and Ways & Means Committees.

Seventy-four delegates attended the Convention held in Victoria on May 1 and 2.

What were the issues?

Legal aid

Delegates approved two resolutions concerning legal aid in B.C. The first urges the Attorney General to restore legal aid funding to the levels in place prior to the 2002 cuts. The second resolution mandates the PEA to call on the provincial government to hold public hearings within the next year with the purpose of renewing the commitment to legal aid in all areas of law that affect an individual’s ability to provide the necessities of life to themselves or to their family; and to work with other organizations to lobby the government to launch hearings and to make representations to those hearings.

Poverty reduction

Delegates adopted a resolution mandating that the PEA lobby the BC government to adopt specific targets aimed at reducing poverty, eliminating child poverty and eradicating homelessness.

Collective agreement changes

Delegates directed the PEA to develop a policy which integrates Chapter Executives into the decision making process for any contemplated changes to a collective agreement during the life of the agreement.

Dependent care

Delegates approved a resolution requiring the PEA to investigate providing expanded dependent care options, including on-site childcare, to enable members to attend PEA-sponsored events such as Conventions, Education Conferences and training sessions.

Observers

Delegates approved a resolution granting Association Executive Observers voice but not vote at the Biennial Convention.

Resolutions

Delegates adopted a resolution to increase membership education about the purpose and impact of Convention resolutions and to improve communication on resolution deadlines and guidelines. Delegates also adopted a resolution arising from the floor of Convention mandating the Association Executive to review the Resolutions Committee process to provide consultation with members submitting resolutions.

Other Business

Convention approved the 2007 and 2008 audited financial statements and re-appointed Cowland Paterson & Co. as the Association’s auditors for the 2009 and 2010 fiscal years. The 2008 audited financial statements have been distributed to members with this issue of The Professional.