Since the AGM there hasn’t been much to report on with regards to the going on’s in the union office. We are in the process of seeking out information as to the best course of action to replace one of the older computers as it has nearly reached the end of its useful life. We hope to have something that will work with networking so that both the Office Manager (Adele) and myself can access our Unions files from the office as well as off site.

The launch of our new website has been delayed due to a lack of knowledge by yours truly. Learning how to update pages properly as well as add members to the site are just a couple of hurdles that need to be overcome in the near future. Aubrey Grace will be giving the executive a bit of a demonstration and training session during the November executive meeting that should improve our knowledge of operating the website.

The bargaining survey is now closed and we are in the process of tabulating the results. It was the first online survey that we have done and I learned a few things along the way. I thank all of our members who took the time to complete the survey as this is another way for the bargaining committee to learn what is important to our members.

Our November executive meeting was moved to an alternate hotel this year as our usual hotel has yet to settle their contract with their employees. They have been working without a contract now for about 16months. As per a suggestion at the floor of the AGM this past year we have decided not to have meetings there until a contract is signed as a way of showing support for the workers. They appreciate our support while the managers understand our position. I have however signed off one of the contracts with the Sheraton. Due to the size of the room block and all of the intricacies of the AGM I have confirmed our attendance at the Sheraton for the 2014 AGM and education day. I would hope that they will have a contract by then!

As this is the first budget update of our cycle there is little to report.