The Union of Health and Environment
Workers, a science-based Component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, has approximately 10, 000 members spread
out across Canada; in the north, in the south and from the east coast to the west coast.
The National Council, responsible for the affairs of the Component,
is comprised of the National President, National Vice-President, who are both in the UHEW’s Headquarters in the National
Capital Region, and 15 Regional Vice-Presidents, representing their Locals within their region.
UHEW represents PSAC members in the following Departments and Agencies:
Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Natural Resources Canada - Canadian Forest Service Sector,
Health Canada, Indigenous Services Canada – First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Canadian Environmental Assessment
Agency and Public Health Agency of Canada. The Component also represents members with separate employers (other than Treasury
Board) such as the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (Winnipeg).
The Component provides service to its Locals in the form of advice and representation related to
grievances at the National Level. UHEW is also involved in all matters related to departmental policies and problems
related to the members it represents. Representation on behalf of the membership is also provided at various union-management
consultation meetings with the departments, held regularly, in order to discuss work place issues and provide recommendations
to resolve them where possible.
Isolation,
shift work, laws and regulations’ enforcement, field and sea duty are some of the extraordinary conditions of employment
experienced by UHEW’s members. Many work in laboratories with dangerous and poisonous chemicals, or other potentially
harmful materials or substances. Others are constantly exposed to dangerous and confrontational situations when enforcing
regulations. Because of these working conditions, occupational health and safety is a constant concern to the Component.
UHEW’s goal is to work in partnership and collaboration
with all departments and agencies to improve the quality of life for our members and all employees.
UHEW also strongly promotes a respectful workplace from Ocean to Ocean
to Ocean free of harassment, violence and discrimination with the elimination of any "fear of reprisal".
The UEW National Executive is elected at the UEW
Triennial convention. Elected in August 2017: