Additional day added for PSAC BC Reginal Convention: Thursday, May 6, 2021
To: Delegates and Observers to the Postponed PSAC B.C. Regional Convention
PSAC NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS DECISION TO ADOPT A FOUR-DAY FORMAT FOR THE VIRTUAL 2021 PSAC REGIONAL CONVENTIONS – ADDITIONAL DAY ADDED FOR PSAC B.C. REGIONAL CONVENTION: Thursday, May 6, 2021
In recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 the PSAC National Board of Directors (NBoD) endorsed the recommendation that the postponed 2020 PSAC Regional Conventions be held as virtual conventions in 2021. Since that time, Regions have been working to shift the traditional format of our Regional Conventions to a virtual platform. This shift required us to shorten the hours of plenary session to a maximum of 4.5 hours per day accommodate members in different time zones and the inherent strain of all-day virtual meetings.
However, in making this adjustment it was soon realized that some Regions were not able to fit their required convention business within an abbreviated three-day virtual format. A request was made by AEC Officers to extend the regional conventions from the standard three days to a four-day format for the 2021 Regional Conventions. That request was taken to the February meeting of the NBoD for approval. On February 18, the NBoD decided that to assist with delegate accessibility and participation at their virtual Regional Convention, the 2021 Regional Conventions would be extended from three days to four days, beginning on a Thursday and concluding on a Sunday. The motion approved by the NBoD read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the PSAC National Board of Directors suspend Section 16, Sub-Section (5) of the PSAC Constitution until July 1, 2021. Should this suspension require an extension, such extension shall be by motion of the National Board of Directors.
Consequently, the PSAC B.C. Regional Convention will now begin on Thursday, May 6 and conclude on Sunday, May 9, 2021. With this change, delegates and observers registered to attend will be expected to attend all four (4) days of session. The PSAC will provide loss of salary reimbursement or union authorized LWP for delegates to allow for their attendance for all four days as outlined in the Convention Call.
We appreciate that this scheduling change may be a challenge for some members, but it’s hoped that the additional day of convention time will serve the members of the B.C. Region well, ensuring that all required convention business can be conducted this May. Should a Local/Branch, DCL, Regional Committee or Area Council need to make adjustments to their confirmed delegate(s) names in light of this scheduling change, please contact the REVP Office (SchnidK@psac-afpc.com) so adjustments can be made as necessary.
While the adjustments we’ve made to the Regional Conventions for 2021 may have the effect of deviating from the look and feel of the conventions of prior years, the PSAC has taken these steps to ensure the health and safety of members, staff and our communities during these challenging times.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the REVP Office by phone (604-430-0191) or email (revp-bc@psac-afpc.com)
In solidarity,
Jamey Mills
Regional Executive Vice-President, B.C. Region