BC FORUM Members in Action!

Report from Lynda Zorn,
BC FORUM North Okanagan Labour Council delegate
to North Okanagan Labour Council Meeting, Dec. 9, 2009

As BC FORUM’s North Okanagan delegate, I just attended a conference in Vancouver December 7 and 8.

David Rice, CLC, was the guest speaker Dec. 7, talking about the CLC’s 3 point plan regarding pension reform and encouraging local labour councils to meet with their MPs to lobby for its adoption. I was happy to report that NOLC had already planned on doing so. He also revealed the plan to amalgamate NOLC and SOBLC.

The next day it was David Porteous, outlining the WE group of services. You will find pamphlets and other information on the back table. Along with BCFL, WE has been very supportive of BC FORUM in terms of money, staff and office space, as well as helping fund the conference.

During some lively discussions, I was surprised by the expertise and wealth of experience fellow delegates brought to the table.

The CLC has recommended labour councils change their bylaws to accommodate regional delegates with a voice but no vote or office, and I appreciate NOLC doing just that. Most delegates were happy with those limitations, but a couple reported their labour councils were too small for them to function without delegates holding office, and one said his had gone even further by passing a resolution removing all restrictions.

Since one of the main aims of BC FORUM is to ensure the continuing liaison of retirees and the labour movement, stressing the allowable age of 50 for membership to employees still in the labour force would foster that objective.

We were also reminded that some unions will pay first year BC FORUM membership and some delegates felt we should offer it carte blanche to everyone.

In response to Sister Cheryl Stone’s question of a receipt acknowledging paid membership, I suggested BC FORUM could furnish delegates with cards that would allow them to fill in the applicant’s name and the date upon receiving the $15 fee, then forward the funds and info to BC FORUM office in timely batches, hopefully saving the latter some time. The suggestion seemed to solicit a favourable response from delegates because of its immediacy.

Existing members have different due dates for membership renewal because of the free $2500 group accident insurance coverage. If you are unsure of yours, I have the list to consult.

There are information pamplets, with application forms, on the back table. You can also apply on line, and view the current edition of the Advocate, press releases etc.