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Webinar: Your Health and Safety Rights at Work* Update: If you missed the
webinar of April 1st. Watch it here. View the PowerPoint presentation that was used during the webinar. View it here. ___ Information on how to protect yourself while
at work.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 1st at 7 pm Atlantic time (in English) Wednesday,
April 8th at 7 pm Atlantic time (in French)
HOW: You can participate by using your computer, phone,
tablet or mobile device.
COVID-19
We are greatly
saddened by the impacts of the COVID-19 virus here and around the world. Our thoughts are with you all and we hope you
and your families remain well and safe during this difficult time. We've added the following links to help you learn
more:
Updates:
COVID-19 PSAC Strike Votes and Other Union Events Suspended Strike Votes: As
the number of reported cases of the coronavirus rise in Canada, it is important that PSAC take precautions and act
proactively to safeguard the health and safety of our members, as well as the Canadian public. In keeping with recommendations
from both local and national health authorities, the union has made the difficult decision to suspend activities
that would require a large gathering of members. Other events being postponed: The PSAC National Women's
Conference scheduled April 3 to 5 will be postponed. To
ensure the safety of our members, we also ask that smaller gatherings like local meetings, committee meetings, and regional
activities be conducted remotely via teleconference or video conference wherever possible, or postponed.
Lunch & Learn -
Bargaining Update - Thursday, March 12
The Lunch and Learn will
be this Thursday, March 12
starting at noon, 9th floor space of Queen Square.
We will have Brandon Thorne here, he
is a member of
the PA Group bargaining team. He will be able to provide an update and
answer your questions so we’re hoping you can come.
We plan to order pizza so please confirm with me
your
attendance so we can ensure there is enough for everyone.
Thank you.
Rhonda
President, Local 80820
Telephone Town Hall to discuss Treasury Board Bargaining*Note: In case you missed the call, recording is here: Listen to the English Telephone
Town Hall HERE. Liste to the French Telephone Town Hall HERE.
*****
In order to ensure that everyone is kept up to date
about bargaining with Treasury Board, we are organizing telephone town halls for PSAC members part of the EB, TC, PA and SV
groups on the following dates and times:
Monday, March 9 at 7 pm Atlantic time (ENGLISH) Tuesday, March 10 at 8 pm Atlantic time (FRENCH) You will be receiving a robocall
reminding you about the telephone town halls. If for some reason you don’t receive the call, please feel free to join
by using the following coordinates: English call
Call in number - 877-229-8493 ; PIN to join the call - 112560 French call
Call in number - 877-255-5810; PIN to join the call – 118363
Strike
Votes National
President Chris Aylward has authorized strike votes for members of the PA, SV, TC and EB bargaining units following the release
of the Public Interest Commission (PIC) report last week. More
than 90,000 members of the four bargaining units will have an opportunity to vote at strike meetings to be held from March
16 to May 7, 2020. Strike votes for the 27,000 members of the Canada Revenue Agency bargaining unit are already underway. “PSAC bargaining teams need a strong strike mandate from members to force Treasury Board to come back to the
bargaining table with a new mandate so that we can get a fair settlement quickly,” said Aylward. Aylward noted that the Public Interest
Commission (PIC) report on common issues made it clear that to reach a deal the government will need to offer PSAC members
more Phoenix compensation and a wage increase in line with the cost of living. The report also highlighted the need to address compensation
gaps and recruitment/retention challenges for those groups that are underpaid relative to comparable groups inside or outside
the federal public sector. The government’s current offer falls short on all fronts. They have yet to table wage increases that would
ensure rises in the cost of living are met, and their Phoenix compensation proposal remains meagre and unequal across the
public service. “The
threat of a strike will give the employer the nudge it needs to avoid more disruption during their minority government,”
said Aylward. “That’s why we urge all PSAC members to vote yes.” In the coming weeks members will receive notices of strike vote meetings via email and
through your locals and regional offices. The information will also be posted on the front page of the national website, as
well on PSAC regional websites. Please check out the following link if you would like more information on strike votes and strike action. We’ll be adding more information in the days ahead to answer a wide range of questions so make sure
to check back.
NS - Halifax Young Workers' Committee AGMAgenda - Approve 2020 Budget
- Executive
Elections
- Round Table
- Sending a delegate to convention
Contact Luc Richard to RSVP for food and to advise of any special
requirements (Please indicate in your email message if you have any food allergies or intolerances). Please call 902-443-3541 or e-mail richarl@psac-afpc.com if you have any questions. Please see attached poster for details! Click here
2020 PSAC-Atlantic Racially Visible Members ConferenceThe
PSAC 2020 Atlantic Regional Racially Visible Members Conference will be held March 13 - 15, 2020 from 9:00 A.M.
to March 15, 2020 at 12:00 PM at the Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites in Halifax, NS. The theme for the conference is “Building Our Power for Change: Equity for All”. The objectives of the PSAC Atlantic Regional Conference for Racially Visible Members are: • To develop strategies to work across locals, regions and components
to build coalitions and networks for advocacy • To broaden the base of activists by
recruiting, training and mobilizing new and less engaged racialized members, such as young workers and those from equity seeking
groups, in political action campaigning • To empower and inspire Racially Visible Members
to become active in their union, community and workplaces.
PSAC members in good standing
and who self-identify as Racially Visible may apply to be a delegate to this Conference. Racially Visible is defined as one
of the following groups: Black; African-Canadian; Person of African-Descent, Caribbean, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean,
South-Asian/East Indian (including Indian from India; Bangladeshi; Pakistani; East Indian from Guyana, Trinidad, East Africa;
etc.), Southeast Asian (including Burmese; Cambodian; Laotian, Thai; Vietnamese; etc.), Non-White West Asian, North African
or Arab (including Egyptian; Libyan; Lebanese; Iranian; etc.), Non-White Latin American (including indigenous persons from
Central and South America, etc.). Priority will be given to members who are active champions
of Racialized Workers' Rights in their union, workplace or community. The selection of delegates will take into account representation
such as Geography, Component, DCL, Young Workers, Gender and other Equity Groups.
Rally in Support of Bryony House The
workers at Bryony House (PSAC-DCL Local 80022) have
been serving HRM since 1978 and providing support to women and their children escaping intimate partner violence. Bryony House
is the HRM’s only shelter specializing in this
critical, lifesaving work and provided 24 beds to those seeking refuge. The aging shelter has a long history of issues and
the board and management have secured $5.2 million in federal and provincial money to build a new shelter. The project has
been delayed for years. Despite the knowledge of these issues, when Hurricane Dorian hit, workers had to evacuate the shelter
at the peak of the storm. When it was determined that the shelter was uninhabitable, workers were informed there was no plan
in place for an immediate temporary shelter for women and their children. Management has offered women and their children
a couple of nights in alternate accommodations or to send them to shelters in other parts of the province. There is no plan
to reopen the shelter and make beds available to women who have no other place to go.
November 15, 2019 Time: 11:45 AM-1:00
PM Location: Victoria Park, Halifax (Corner of Spring Garden and South Park
St.)
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Report
At the National Human Rights Meeting, they shared the results of the final report of the inquiry into the Missing
and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. There were 231 "calls for justice". Please see the details here:
Bargaining Update for PA Group
Please see the attached notes. These were shared with participants at the October NS Area Council Meeting.
click here to download file
The
2020 PSAC National Women’s Conference, which will be held April 3 to
5, 2020 at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario under the theme “Women
have power: Let’s Use It!”
The
deadline for applications is November 1, 2019.
LINK: https://psacunion.ca/2020-womens-registration
NS Area Council Briefing Note from Terry:
Attached is briefing
note I prepared from last night’s meeting. There is an important call for
volunteers for phone banking that needs to go out and I think we should
discuss. The other important item of note is getting our contact list updated
with personal e-mail addresses, I need your input and help on this one. This is
a requirement for the distribution of information if strike action takes place.
click here to download file
HALIFAX HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 2019
5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
PSAC Regional Office, Cal Best Boardroom Park West Centre, Suite 301
287 Lacewood Drive Halifax, N.S.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!
Please join us and meet with members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.
Refreshments will be served.
Celebrate
Labour Day on September 2, 2019!
On Monday, September 2, the Halifax-Dartmouth & District Labour Council (HDDLC) invites you to attend their
Labour Day March, Rally, Free BBQ Picnic & Community Concert
in Halifax.
11:00 am: rally at Victoria Park, march to arrive at Halifax
Commons for noon
12:00 pm: BBQ and entertainment at Halifax Commons,
corner of Trollope and Bell Road. NOTE: this is a slightly different location than previous years, it is by the football field directly across the street
from
Citadel High.
PLEASE POST YOUR "I SUPPORT MY BARGAINING SIGN" AT
YOUR CUBICLE
Please note the training coming up in August and September. In order to receive reimbursement
from your local, you will need to obtain approval to attend:
PSAC STRIKE COURSE
Where: PSAC Boardroom, Regional
Office Located at 287 Lacewood Dr. Suite 301, Halifax, NS, B3M 3Y7
When: Saturday,
August 17th, 2019
Time: 8:30am
- 4:30pm
Course Objectives:
At the end of the course participants will have:
• The knowledge and the skills to perform their role during a strike; • Have
the skills and confidence necessary to picket effectively; • Understand the personal
problems that striking workers may face. • Have a trade union
attitude towards strikes and know how to conduct an effective strike at the local level; • Have the skills and techniques to motivate picketers, etc.
Registrations:
If you are interested to attend this course, please contact the PSAC regional office before
Monday Aug 12 2019, by
phone at 902-443-3541 or by e-mail at HFX_admin@psac-afpc.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Federal Elections Training
DATE: September 7th, 2019 TIME: 8:30AM to 4:30PM
LOCATION: PSAC Office - Cal Best Boardroom 287 Lacewood Drive, Suite 301, Halifax, Nova Scotia
This one-day course will explore
how politics affects our daily lives, and equip members to engage in the political process in their region, and build the
type of society we want leading up to the federal election
►Mileage is paid at PSAC rates for travel over 40 kms one way. Participants are entitled
to a $50.00 per diem upon completion
of the course.
►Loss of salary (where applicable) will be reimbursed. Members who work weekends or evenings must provide a shift
schedule.
►Family care will be reimbursed as per the PSAC policy on family care. For
more information on the training schedule. Please go to our Education Page https://jubenilee.tripod.com/local80820/id4.html
Atlantic Regional Women's Conference - October 4 to 6, 2019 at the Canadian Forces Base, Gagetown,
New Brunswick
Please find attached additional information about the
conference and the application. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 6, 2019 and it will need to be signed by
the Local President, Rhonda Doyle LeBlanc.
Call Out Letter
Women's Conference Application
Please find attached a summary of our PSAC Lunch and Learn that was held on July 18.
Please feel free to contact any member of your executive if you have questions.
Click here to view the Lunch & Learn Summary
Hi everyone. The PRIDE parade is fast approaching and we are looking for members
to participate. Please show up at the Valour Way Rainbow Gate, DND Dockyard Base, Halifax on July 20. The parade
starts at 1 pm but if you could arrive by Noon, it would be much appreciated.
An email went out from Barbie about the PSAC Lunch and Learn here at Queen Square. We with have
Rose Smith Gimblett, Regional Representative of the Halifax PSAC, come out to speak to members about contracts and bargaining.
She will be answer any questions that you may have. If you plan to attend, please let Barbie know as food needs to be arranged,
etc.
Date:
Thursday, July 18th
Time:
12noon to 130pm
Place:
9th Floor, Queen Square
The Public Service Alliance of Canada welcomes and is encouraged by the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The long-awaited federal
law on accessibility for people with disabilities, the Accessible Canada Act (Bill C-81), has finally passed in the
legislature and will soon be made law. The tentative collective
agreement settlements reached by the federal Treasury Board with some federal unions this week will not stand in the way of
proper compensation for PSAC members who work for the federal government and its agencies, said PSAC National President Chris
Aylward. “Negotiations with Treasury Board for our PA, EB, TC and SV bargaining units are still at impasse, as
are our negotiations with the Canada Revenue Agency,” Aylward explained. “We have just had confirmation that the
Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board is establishing Public Interest Commissions in each case to review
the positions of the parties and make recommendations clearing the way for strike votes.” “We are prepared
to go back to the bargaining table at any time, but Treasury Board must show it is prepared to address the important concerns
of our members including fair compensation for the Phoenix-related pay problems we have endured for almost four years now,”
said Aylward. The government’s last proposal to increase wages by only 1.5% each year over four years
represents a pay cut in real terms. Further, the government’s negotiators continue to pursue contract concessions including
the removal of the previously negotiated agreement on mental health. “PSAC members have given our union bargaining
teams a clear mandate to negotiate collective agreement improvements not rollbacks,” said Aylward. “Our
members want the federal government to live up to its promise to treat public service employees and the PSAC, the largest
federal union, with respect and address long-standing problems including pay inequities, issues related to work-life balance,
and the rise of precarious employment which is putting at risk reliable service to the public,” Aylward said.
Halifax,
NS – Collective bargaining has broken down between Commissionaires Nova Scotia and the Public Service Alliance of Canada
(PSAC) Local 80375 the union representing over 80 Commissionaires at Halifax Harbour Bridges and Halifax Regional Police Headquarters.
Time is running out as these workers approach their May 31 legal Strike/Lockout deadline, and they are taking their demands
for a fair contract to the streets.
As
your Director for LGBTQ2+(Pride) members on the PSAC Atlantic Council, I will soon be joining many PSAC members within the
Atlantic Provinces and across Canada, and people around the world in recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia,
Biphobia and Transphobia. I would like to invite you to join me on this day in celebrating our diversity and bringing attention
to the fact that LGBTQ2+ rights are human rights.
PSAC National President Chris Aylward and Vice-President Magali Picard
are bringing their cross-country Leadership Tour to the Atlantic. From June 2 -14, 2019, they will be making stops in
18 communities to visit workplaces, attend meetings, speak at events and to talk to members one-on-one. Our four regional
offices are busily working with members throughout the Atlantic to create opportunities for our national leaders to connect
with as many members as possible. The following events are open to all PSAC members.
May
is Asian Heritage month, a month when we celebrate the contributions workers from East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia and
Southeast Asia have made to our communities and to our union. This month we also reflect on the sacrifices generations
of Asians Canadians have made in this country and the adversity they have overcome. Celebrations will take place during
the month of May, as will discussion and debate around finding collective solutions to end systemic racism. April 28 is the National Day
of Mourning when we remember those who have lost their lives or suffered injury and illness because of their work. Every day
there are opportunities to prevent workplace injury and death, but we can’t do it without the data we need to drive
our decision-making. In Canada, we collect statistics on many things including the weather, but we fail to accurately record
the number of individuals who have died as a result of their work. Because of this, we do not learn the lessons that would
allow us to prevent future tragedies. The National Day of Mourning is Sunday, April 28, 2019. Please
see the official listing of ceremonies in the Atlantic Region:https://canadianlabour.ca/events/day-of-mourning-ceremonies-2019/
Area Councils have been asked to arrange for a member to lay a wreath on behalf of the Public Service Alliance of Canada
-Atlantic Region.
The
Public Service Alliance of Canada Atlantic Health, Safety and Environment Conference is scheduled to be held on June 7 –
9, 2019 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour, Moncton, NB. This conference is open to PSAC Health & Safety Local
Committee members and/or Health & Safety Workplace Representatives. Only those persons will be accepted as delegates.
NSFL
Bursary Applications
Attached,
from the NSFL are bursary applications for children of active union members, or
union members themselves whose local is affiliated with the federation and in
good standing.
Applications
and/or any questions concerning the applications or process should be directed
to:
Nova Scotia Federation
of
Labour, 3700 Kempt Rd., Suite 225, Halifax, N.S., B3K 4X8
Phone: (902) 454-6735 Fax:
(902) 454-7671 Website: nslabour.ca
Applications must be
received by the Federation office by Friday, July 12, 2019.
Applications for our local scholarship is July 31, 2019. For
additional information, please visit: https://jubenilee.tripod.com/local80820/scholarship.html
Bursary Application
Duckworth Bursary
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Treasury Board bargaining to resume – PSAC demands
new
mandate from Trudeau
The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and
Employment Board (FPSLREB) refused to establish a Public Interest
Commission, which could have brought PSAC and the government closer to
reaching an agreement on behalf of 90,000 workers covered by Treasury
Board bargaining.
In response, PSAC will be ramping up pressure on
Treasury Board so that it returns to the bargaining table with a proper
and full response to the members’ bargaining proposals.
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PSAC honours Black History Month
Black History Month is a time where we can reflect,
honour and celebrate the many contributions made by Black Canadians and
all people of Caribbean and African heritage in the progress and
development of Canada, as well as their impact on its history and our
labour movement.
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Missed the chance to get your PSAC calendar?
We’ve made the calendars available online for anyone who
couldn’t make it out their regional meetings.
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Education Program - NS Region - January to May 2019Course | Date
and Location | Description | Information and
Registration | Talking
Union Basics | January 19-20, 2019 PSAC Cal Best Boardroom
287 Lacewood
Drive, Suite 301, Halifax | This
course is the first introduction to the PSAC for most members and continues to be the foundation for more advanced union education. | See poster attached for more information
and details on how to register | Talking Union Basics | February 23-24, 2019 PSAC
Cal Best Boardroom
287 Lacewood Drive, Suite 301, Halifax | This
course is the first introduction to the PSAC for most members and continues to be the foundation for more advanced union education. | See poster attached for more information
and details on how to register | Violence Prevention in the Workplace | February 23-24,
2019 Holiday Inn 300 Esplanade, Sydney | This
course will highlight the legal requirements on violence prevention with Part II of the Canada Labour Code and assist participants
knowing the existing recourses available to prevent and deal with violent occurrences in the workplace. This course is open
to Health and Safety Committee members, Local Executive members and Local Stewards who have knowledge and experience with
Health and Safety Legislation. | See poster attached for more information
and details on how to register | Understanding and Strengthening our Collective Agreements | March
2-3, 2019 PSAC Cal Best Boardroom
287 Lacewood Drive, Suite 301, Halifax | This
training will equip participants with basic skills to interpret their collective agreement and to apply it to their day-to
day experience at work. It will then explore two major dynamics that influence the outcomes of the collective bargaining process.
Participants will take a critical look at how politics and economics impact their lives and the terms and conditions of their
work. They will then discuss strategies for strengthening their agreements through member mobilization & collective action. | See poster attached for more information
and details on how to register | | Grievance Handling | March 9-10, 2019 PSAC Cal
Best Boardroom
287 Lacewood Drive, Suite 301, Halifax | This course provides new PSAC Shop Stewards with essential
basics for grievance handling and effective stewarding. | See poster attached for more information
and details on how to register | Grievance Handling | April 27-28, 2019 Holiday
Inn, 300 Esplanade, Sydney | This course provides new PSAC Shop Stewards with essential basics for grievance
handling and effective stewarding. | See poster attached for more information
and details on how to register | Introduction to Canada Labour Code Part II | April 27-28, 2019 PSAC
Cal Best Boardroom
287 Lacewood Drive, Suite 301, Halifax | This course is an introduction
to the Canada Labour Code, Part II. It will cover the internal responsibilities system, as well as the employer and employee
responsibilities of this legislation. The course is for Health and Safety Committee members and members who are interested
in knowing more about Health and Safety in federally regulated workplaces | See poster attached for more information
and details on how to register | | Shop Steward Training | May 25-26, 2019 PSAC Cal Best
Boardroom
287 Lacewood Drive, Suite 301, Halifax | This two-day course is for both new and
experienced Stewards wishing to build on their representation and advocacy skills. The course will explore the concept of
Duty of Fair Representation and the responsibilities a Steward has when working with and representing members. The course
will also help Stewards gain the confidence they need to deal with a wide range of workplace issues such as human rights and
mental health. | See poster attached for more information
and details on how to register | | Advanced Program | | Unions Work for Women | May
3-5, 2019 PSAC Cal Best Boardroom
287 Lacewood Drive, Suite 301, Halifax | The
goal of the course is to build a better union, better workplaces and a better society by encouraging and supporting active
PSAC women in their struggle for fairness, equality and social justice. | For more information and registration details
please click this link. | | Our Communities, Our Union, Our Rights: an introduction to the PSAC for Indigenous Members | TBD | The
Atlantic Region of the Public Service Alliance of Canada is pleased to provide an opportunity for Indigenous members to learn
how they can navigate the structures of the PSAC. This course has been designed for members who have had little or no
previous involvement with their union and is a great first step to understanding how unions work for working people. This
two-day training will provide members with a way of empowering themselves to effect change in their workplaces, communities
and union. | Details on how to apply will be forthcoming. | Online
learning | Our online program offers union training at your own pace and time. These introductory
courses provide a solid overview on a range of topics. Explore the union’s basic roles and responsibilities including
the services it provides all members. Visit PSAC's online learning centre. If you are a union steward and want to increase your knowledge and hone your skills, our on-line stewards modules will help. Start
your learning here: http://psacunion.ca/stewards-series-training |
Next Area Council Meeting:
Monday, January 28, 2019
Cal Best Boardroom, 287 Lacewood Dr, Suite 301
5:15 pm
Please RSVP citing any food related issues.
We Stand With Postal Workers
It is the season for solidarity!
After being at the bargaining
table for over a year, the Liberal government forced back-to-work legislation putting an end to the rotating strikes by the
Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW-STTP). They did this instead of ensuring Canada Post bargains in good faith with the
union.
PSAC members know the right to free and fair collective bargaining is a worker’s right! Please join
us and Santa for the solidarity rally.
This will be a family friendly event. Please dress with the weather in mind, bring your friends, family,
kids, and holiday spirit!
DATE: Wednesday, December
19, 2018
TIME: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM *if you are concerned about missing time from work,
let Rhonda know and we'll ensure you get reimbursed for any leave you need to take.
WHERE: Office of MP Andy Fillmore, 1888 Brunswick St, Halifax
PSAC
declares bargaining impasse as Liberals table 2-year wage freeze
“It’s outrageous that the Trudeau government won’t even
come to the table with a serious offer after our members have been
waiting three years to get paid correctly under Phoenix,” said Chris
Aylward, PSAC National President. “We’ve tried to get this government to
bargain in a fair and respectful manner – it's clear we’ve reached
impasse.”
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PSAC
hosts its first National Young Workers' Forum
“When I look around this room, I don’t see tomorrow’s
leaders, I see the leaders of today,” said PSAC National President, Chris
Aylward. “Young workers are not just the future. They are the now.”
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Human Rights
Day: Defending our gains and highlighting trans inclusion
Although trans and non-binary people have recently won
protections in the law, many continue to face harassment and
discrimination. In order to combat transphobic human rights violations PSAC launched our campaign to build trans-inclusive
workplaces.
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Article: PSAC launches Phoenix ad campaign amid worry over raised expectations
PSAC Halifax Holiday Social
We are pleased to announce the PSAC Halifax Young
Workers Committee and the Nova Scotia Area Council1 are hosting a Holiday
Social for PSAC Members in the Halifax area and beyond. If you happen to
be in town, please stop by!
This is an opportunity for PSAC members to come
together and enjoy some light snacks, refreshments, and network with other
members to celebrate our accomplishments and hard work throughout 2018.
This event is family friendly; children are most welcome as we will have
gingerbread cookies to decorate as well as some holiday coloring activities.
Special Guests will be : Chris Aylward, National
President PSAC & Colleen Coffey, Atlantic Regional Executive Vice President
When: Thursday, December 13, 2018,
5:00pm to 8:00pm
**You can drop into this event anytime
from
5pm to 8pm**
Where: PSAC Halifax Office, Suite 301 -
287 Lacewood Drive Halifax, NS
Please Note: For food ordering purposes an RSVP is required by December 10, 2018.
Please RSVP to Mark Rogers @ Rogersm@psac-afpc.com
Also please indicate on the RSVP if you will be
bringing any children with you.
Sept 26th
is an Atlantic Day of Action to bring Phoenix and bargaining under one
campaign, “Here for Canada”.
We will have coffee
and cookies with Chris Aylward, PSAC National President, Colleen Coffey,
Regional Vice President Atlantic and Karla Levangie-Connor, RVP UHEW at Queen
Square, Dartmouth between 7:30 and 9:00 am.
We will then have
pizza and desert with Chris Aylward, June Winger, UNDE National President and
Colleen Coffey at the DND Dockyard Rainbow gate from 12:00 – 1:00 pm.
Hoping to see many,
many of you there!
MORE DETAILS HERE
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!!
From Africville
to Alton Gas: A Pop-Up Book Launch for
There's
Something in the Water: Environmental Racism in Indigenous & Black
Communities
Wednesday, October 3
6 pm -9 pm
Paul O’Regan Hall
Halifax Central Library
Cost: Free
Please join me for my Halifax book launch From
Africville to Alton Gas: A Pop-Up Book Launch for There's
Something in the Water: Environmental Racism in Indigenous and Black
Communities.
I will be joined by friends and colleagues who
will
read passages from the book and
contribute their own experiences and
perspectives on the issues and stories documented in the book.
The event will be hosted by Fazeela Jiwa.
The following speakers will be joining me to
deliver talks:
Geri Musqua-LeBlanc, Dalhousie University
Elders in Residence Program
Lenore Zann, Nova Scotia NDP
Ellen Sweeney, Atlantic PATH
Mikiko Terashima, School of Planning,
Dalhousie University
Irvine Carvery, Africville Genealogy
Society
Michelle Paul, Land Defender
Louise Delisle, South End Environmental
Injustice Society
Dorene Bernard, Grassroots Grandmothers
Circle
Free refreshments
I will be signing copies of my book, which will be
available for purchase.
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2305040553062745/
Announcing the winner of UHEW Local 80820 Scholarship
This year's recipient of a $500 local scholarship is Laura Couturier.
She is the daughter of member Jean-Marc Couturier. She is attending the School of Social Services.
Celebrate Labour Day
| September 3, 2018 
Dear members – Monday September 3rd is Labour day as
we gather to celebrate our accomplishments as unionized workers.
Please join us in Halifax, Bridgewater, Yarmouth and Kentville
with other PSAC members and labour activists to mark this day and show the
media and government that we are serious about collective bargaining,
addressing Phoenix issues etc.
Please visit the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour website at
nslabour.ca for details or see below.
Hope to see many of you out on September 3rd.
On Monday, September 3, the Halifax-Dartmouth
& District
Labour Council (HDDLC) invites you to attend their Labour Day March,
Rally, Free BBQ Picnic & Community Concert in Halifax. Gather at
10:30am (Victoria Park on Spring Garden) and join the march at 11:00 am from
Victoria Park to the South Commons. Rally, free BBQ & music concert to
follow from 12:00 noon onwards at the South Commons Triangle.
The Annapolis Valley Labour Council Labour
Day Picnic is being held from 11:30 am – 2 pm at Kentville
Memorial Park on Park St. in
Kentville. They will
have live music, bounce kingdom, face-painting, and a
BBQ. If you are in the Valley be sure to join them for their celebration! Free
for everyone!
The South Shore Labour Council Labour
Day
event will be held in
Bridgewater from 11:30 am to 2 pm at Shipyards Landing, 210
King
St. Free BBQ, children’s activities and music by Sound Choice.
The Yarmouth Labour Day event is organized
by
the South West LabourGroup,
and will be held on September 3 at Frost Park,
Main St. Yarmouth, directly across from the Rodd Grand Hotel from 11 am – 2 pm.
There will be a BBQ, speakers, and children’s entertainment.
Members for the ECCC Regional Respect Committee and Dartmouth OHSC:
If interested in being on either of these two committees as an employee (union)
representative, please let me know.
Also, if you have
any questions about these committees or anything union related, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thanks. Rhonda
Halifax Pride Parade!
This Saturday, July 21st, 2018 wear
your brightest
colors and join other PSAC members and PSAC REVP Colleen Coffey to march in the
largest pride parade in Atlantic Canada.
We will be meeting at 12:00 noon (parade begins at 1:00) at the
DND Rainbow gate parking lot at the corner of Lower Water and Cornwallis
streets.
Meet us at the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour entry at the
CUPE NS van and make PSAC proud.
Hoping to have the largest PSAC contingent ever.
If you have any questions, please contact Mary MacNeil at (902-443-3541) or MacNeiM@psac-afpc.com.
https://www.halifaxpride.com/map
Young Workers Committee:
The next Young Workers Committee meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2018
NB paid leave for individuals subject to domestic, intimate partner or sexual violence
Today in
NB the government announced new proposed regulations under the Employment
Standards Act. Up to 10 days of paid leave for intimate partner violence and 5
of those days will be paid day.
They will
provide leave of up to 10 days that could be used intermittently or
continuously and up to 16 weeks that could be used in one continuous period, of
which the first five days would be paid.
Congratulations
to all who made this happen, labours voice was strong and clear through the NB
Federation of Labour and the unions in NB.
You
can take action and send a letter to the Nova Scotia
Minister and Premier here, doing so will help us get this in Nova
Scotia Click Here to
take action.
National
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is June 21.
The Halifax Human Rights
Committee recognizes that many of our members would like to commemorate that
day by participating in events organized in the community. Therefore, we
will hold a meeting on Monday, June 18, 2018 at the PSAC Regional Office
commencing at 5:30 p.m. The Committee is pleased to have as our Guest
Speaker, Geri Musqua – Leblanc who will speak on the topic:
Reconciliation – Where are we at!. Please join us!!
For additional information, please contact Rhonda
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PSAC exchanges bargaining proposals with Treasury Board
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Collective bargaining has officially begun for 90,000 PSAC
members.
This week, PSAC bargaining teams met with Treasury Board
officials. Both the union and the employer exchanged their bargaining
proposals and clarified initial questions.
Federal public service workers in the Program and
Administrative Services (PA), Technical Services (TC), Education and Library
Science (EB) and Operational Services (SV) bargaining units are seeking new
collective agreements in this round of bargaining.
Their current contracts will expire within
the next four months.
This is the first of three negotiation meetings scheduled
throughout the summer to discuss group-specific proposals and common issues
affecting all employees.
Read more
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Halifax Young Workers cttee meeting - Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Please spread the word and encourage all young workers (35 years
of age and under) to come out to this important meeting. There will be an
update on the PSAC Triennial Convention, as well as a draw for
door prizes for anyone who brings a new Young Worker to the meeting.
Hope to see you in the PSAC Cal Best Boardroom,
287 Lacewood Drive.
Day of Mourning Activities for April 28:
Halifax
Saturday, April 28th
11 a.m.
Nova Scotia Legislature (Province House) outside grounds Wreath laying invited.
For information:
Joan Wark
NS Federation of Labour
902.454.6735
joan@nslabour.ca
Sydney
Saturday, April 28th
11 am – 1:00 pm
Royal Canadian Legion Branch
128
850 Victoria Road, Whitney Pier
Wreath laying invited
Co-sponsored by NSGEU and
CUPE Local 5050
Kentville
Saturday, April 28th
3 p.m.
Monument in Memorial Park on Park St. (Main Street)
Host: Annapolis Valley Labour Council
Wreath laying invited
Reception to follow at the Labour Council Office at 362 Main Street
PSAC National Convention Updates:
We want to ensure that you are kept informed of what will be
happening during PSAC’s 18th National Triennial Convention taking
place in Toronto from April 29 to May 4. That being said, we will be
updating our regional website on a daily basis to share the main highlights.
Please visit this specific webpage from Aril 29 to May
4 to
read daily updates: http://psacatlantic.ca/updates/psac-national-convention-updates
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Scholarships Available to Members and their Children:
2018 PSAC scholarship program
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The application process for the 2018 PSAC
Scholarship Program is now open.
The program consists of 14 scholarships for dependent children
of PSAC members and three scholarships for PSAC members who will be
attending university, college or a recognized institute of higher
learning on a full-time basis during the 2018-2019 academic year.
As well, there are two scholarships to be awarded for PSAC
members who will be studying on a part-time basis during the 2018-2019
academic year.
Applications are
due June 29, 2018 and scholarships will be granted in the fall.
Union of Health & Environment Worker (UHEW) Scholarships:The Union of Health and Environment Workers (UHEW) believes that everyone
has the right to achieve his/her goals through education and hard work. In a world where technology and society
are changing at a rapid pace, education is critical to remaining on top of issues and building a better future. With
this in mind, UHEW is pleased to offer five scholarships:
1. Two scholarships are awarded on scholastic
achievement for $3,000 each and named the Tony Tilley Scholastic Award and the Mary Stewart Scholastic Award;
2. One
scholarship in the amount of $3,000 for a candidate entering into an apprenticeship program;
3. One scholarship in
the amount of $3,000 is awarded to a member returning to school on a full-time basis to further his or her education; and
4.
One Human Rights scholarship in the amount of $3,000 for a
candidate struggling with a disability while striving for a higher education.
You
will note that the 2017 Essay Topic for all scholarships is “What benefits do you see workers have when holding
jobs in unionized organizations as opposed to non-unionized jobs? Please explain in your answer the benefits to workers not
only in their workplace but in their home life and in their community.”
UHEW Local 80820 Scholarship
Deadline to apply is June 30.
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Pharmacare
Town Hall Forum in Halifax on Tuesday March 27th!
Event
Information & FREE Registration: http://www.APlanForEveryone.ca/halifax
Halifax
- A Plan for Everyone Town Hall
When:
6:30
p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Tuesday March 27, 2018
Where:
Delta Halifax, 1990
Barrington St., Halifax, NS
Who:
•Marie
Clarke Walker, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian
Labour Congress
(CLC);
• Dr. Daniel Boudreau,
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Dalhousie University;
• James Hutt,
interim National Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Canadian
Health Coalition;
• Chris Parsons,
Coordinator, Nova
Scotia Health Coalition.
Info: http://www.APlanForEveryone.ca/halifax
The Canadian
Labour Congress is hosting a series of town hall meetings on pharmacare in more
than 25 communities across the country. Featuring Canada's foremost pharmacare
experts and advocates, these important discussions will address why we need a
universal prescription drug plan that covers all Canadians, regardless of their
age, income, or where they work or live.
IN
HALIFAX:
The “A Plan For Everyone” Town Hall
Forum on Pharmacare will be held on:
Tuesday March 27th from
6:30pm to 8:30pm
at the Delta Halifax
Hotel
(1990
Barrington Street in Halifax — attached to Scotia Square Mall)
CONFIRM
YOUR SEAT
by registering online (for FREE) at:
http://www.APlanForEveryone.ca/halifax
Also
see the Facebook event page at: https://www.Facebook.com/events/395027367614109/
The
Canadian Labour Congress’ (CLC) national town hall tour on pharmacare arrives
in Halifax on Tuesday March 27th, giving the public an opportunity to hear from
some of Canada’s leading health care experts about the importance of universal
prescription drug coverage.
“Nobody should have to choose between paying for groceries and paying for the
medication they need. Today, 3.5 million Canadians can’t afford their
prescriptions. That’s why Canada’s unions, Canadian Doctors for Medicare, the
Canadian Health Coalition and other allies are touring the country, advocating
for a pharmacare plan that covers everyone, no matter their age, income or
where they live or work,” said Canadian Labour Congress President
Hassan Yussuff.
Canada
is the only developed country in the world with a universal health care program
that doesn’t include a universal prescription drug plan. Coverage in Canada
vastly differs depending on where you live. A recent survey by Angus Reid found
that Atlantic Canada and British Columbia fare the worst in the country:
• 26
percent of Atlantic Canadians don’t take their medications as prescribed
because they can’t afford to.
• The overall share of drug costs covered by provincial plans
in the Atlantic is lower than the national average of 42 percent: New Brunswick
(32 percent), Nova Scotia (37 percent), and Newfoundland and Labrador (37
percent).
• 95 percent of Atlantic Canadians agree it’s “simply not
right” that so many struggle to pay for the medication they need.
• 87 percent of Atlantic Canadians support the creation of a
universal pharmacare plan for Canada.
The
government committed to a pathway to establishing universal pharmacare in its
federal budget earlier this month, by creating an Advisory Council on the Implementation
of National Pharmacare.
The CLC launched its campaign for pharmacare – online at aplanforeveryone.ca –
on Labour Day last year. Since then, the CLC’s pharmacare tour has visited
several communities in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and
Ontario.
Join us next Tuesday March 27th at the Delta Halifax Hotel (attached to Scotia
Square) in downtown Halifax for this important town hall public forum.
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Phoenix and Taxes: Now that tax filing season is in full swing, PSAC wants to
remind its members in the federal public service about some important
information regarding Phoenix-related tax implications.
Read more
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Wednesday, February 28. As per below, the Phoenix Event is happening today. We have been provided
with taxi chits to go to Halifax. I plan on leaving at 11:45 am. Please let me know asap if you will be attending.
Thanks. Rhonda
BURNT BY
PHOENIX - NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION
Location: Corner Of Upper Water St. and Valour Way (Outside of the Rainbow Gate) HMCS Dockyard, Halifax
Date and time: February 28th, 2018 11:00 ‐ 1:00 FOR
TWO YEARS, WE’VE BEEN BURNT BY PHOENIX
LET’S KEEP PUSHING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT FOR PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED
African Heritage Month Event
Monday, February 26, 2018
5:30 p.m.
J. Calbert (Cal) Best Memorial Board
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Suite 301, 287 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS
Please confirm attendance
by emailing Nancy MacLean at maclean@psac.com or Janice Grant at grantj@psac.com. Attendees may also telephone the PSAC Regional
Office at 443-3541. Attendance confirmation is required for catering purposes.
Co-hosted by: PSAC Halifax Human Rights Committee, PSAC Halifax Regional Women’s
Committee and PSAC Halifax Area Council
Guest Speaker: Lana MacLean, Human Rights and Community Women’s Advocate, Proud member of NSGEU
The evening will also feature entertainment and a special presentation.
Traditional African Nova Scotia food will be featured!!
PSAC
Human Rights Committee Meeting
Monday, February 12, 2018
5:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
PSAC
Regional Office
Cal Best Boardroom
Park
West Centre, Suite 301
287
Lacewood Drive
Halifax,
N.S.
Please
come out to meet with members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada Human
Rights Committee
NEW
MEMBERS WELCOME!
Thanks to everyone who came out to our AGM. Your local executive is as follows:
President: Rhonda
Doyle LeBlanc Vice President: Barbie Henneberry Secretary: Caroline Smith Treasurer:Leanne Arsenault
Shop
Stewards (not already listed above): Veronica Sherwood and Kim MacVicar
If you have any issues or
questions at any time, please do not hesitate to contact one of us.
Hello everyone.
Our next Local
80820
Annual General Meeting is scheduled for next Thursday, January 25 to be held in Boardroom 1524 at noon.
This meeting will include a visit
from the Union of Health & Environment Workers (UHEW) National President,
Todd Panas, and the Regional Vice-President (RVP), Marc Blanchard, as well as
an update from your President, Treasurer report and the election of local officers.
Agenda and other details will be sent out before the
meeting.
Good
morning, this will be going out broadly through email/social media/mail, but
could you also circulate? Also, if you have a nomination, please send in. The
criteria and guidelines that we put together last year are below.
This
is the
22nd year that the NSFL Women’s Committee will be giving out
the Sister
of the Year award.
We
are
seeking nominations from you, so please circulate this widely. Your nominee
should be a committed trade unionist who is an activist and/or a leader in her
community, and maybe beyond, who is dedicated to equity and labour activism.
We will accept nominations until end of day,
Friday, February 9th, 2018. Please include a profile of your
candidate to relate how her contribution to the labour movement has made a
difference. Please email/mail them to Joan Wark at info below.
The
presentation will be made Wednesday, March 8, 2017at the 3rd Annual
NSFL International Women’s Day Breakfast being held at NSGEU.
HALIFAX
ACTION TO FIGHT FOR $15 & FAIRNESS
AND
TO SUPPORT WORKERS AT TIM HORTONS & OTHER LOW-WAGE EMPLOYERS
Friday
January 19th — 12:00pm NOON
Halifax
Central Public Library — Spring Garden Road
As per the enclosed email from Halifax-Dartmouth
& District Labour Council President Suzanne MacNeil, there
will be a RALLY and
ACTION this coming
Friday January 19th beginning at 12:00pm Noon
outside the Halifax
Central Public Library on Spring Garden Road (at corner of
Queen Street & Spring Garden) in downtown Halifax.
There
is a FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE at https://www.facebook.com/events/141544506641205/
ALSO:
"Like" and "Follow" the Facebook page for the Fight for $15 &
Fairness
Campaign in Halifax by going to: https://www.facebook.com/nsfairwage/ and
the Halifax-Dartmouth
& District Labour Council's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HalifaxLabour/ for
more details, information and more about this Friday's action as well as other
upcoming events related to the Fight for $15 & Fairness in Nova Scotia.
Bring flags and union
banners to Friday's rally, as well as home-made personal signs
in support of the rights of Tim Horton's workers and all low-waged workers to a
full $15 an hour minimum wage, as well as full workplace justice and fairness:
paid breaks, sick leave, vastly improved provincial employment standards
legislation/regulations and more.
NOTE: We
are not calling for a boycott of
Tim Hortons. Rather, we hope to pressure RBI Inc.
- the
parent company of Tim Hortons (along with other low-wage employers in Ontario
who have attacked workers in recent days/weeks after the implementation of
a $14/hour minimum wage in Ontario) to do the right thing, and reverse the
decision to punish their workers for getting a mandated raise in pay. We need
to work IN SOLIDARITY
with workers at Tim Hortons and all other low-wage employers.
Please
– if you
are available on January 9 and want to request an invitation OR to stand outside
with us and hold Fix Phoenix signs please let me know ASAP.
When:
Tuesday Jan 9th
Time :
5:30 – 7
pm
Where:
Sackville High school, 1 Kingfisher drive, Sackville, NS
Darrell Samson
Member of Parliament
. Député
Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook
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INVITES
YOU TO . VOUS INVITE À
Town
Hall with Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau
Assemblée publique avec le Premier ministre
Justin Trudeau
In
2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hosted town halls from coast to coast
to coast hearing directly from Canadians on how we create well-paying
jobs, strengthen the middle class, grow the economy, and ensure more
opportunities for everyone.
This
year, the Prime Minister will continue connecting and engaging with
Canadians in their communities at public town halls across the country,
discussing how we create growth that works for everyone, prepare for
the jobs of the future, and build a stronger more resilient middle
class.
On Tuesday,
January 9th 2018 at 7:00pm, you are invited to attend a
public town hall with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Prime Minister
wants to hear from you about issues that matter as we begin the New
Year.
Doors
will open at 5:30pm
Items
to note:
- RSVPs do not guarantee
access to the event. Admission to the event will be on a first
come, first served basis.
- Large bags and
coats/jackets will not be permitted inside the venue. There will
be a MANDATORY coat check on site
- Consider car pooling or
public transit as parking is limited
---------------------------------------------------------
En 2017, le premier ministre Justin Trudeau a tenu
des assemblées publiques d'un océan à l'autre afin d'être à l'écoute
des Canadiens de façon directe sur les moyens de créer des emplois bien
rémunérés, de renforcer la classe moyenne, de faire croître l'économie
et d'assurer plus de possibilités à tous.
Cette
année, le premier ministre poursuivra ce dialogue avec les Canadiens
dans leurs communautés dans le cadre d'assemblées publiques qui se
tiendront partout au pays, pour discuter de façons qui permettront de
créer une croissance économique qui profite à tous, de se préparer pour
les emplois de l'avenir et de bâtir une classe moyenne plus forte et
résiliente.
Le
mardi 9 janvier 2018 à 19h00 , vous êtes
invité à participer à une assemblée publique avec le premier ministre
Justin Trudeau. Le premier ministre veut connaître votre point de vue
sur des enjeux importants alors quenous entamons la nouvelle année.
Les portes
s'ouvriront à 17h30.
Points
à signaler :
- La confirmation de
votre présence ne garantit pas l'accès à cette activité. Les
admissions seront faites
selon le principe du premier arrivé, premier servi.
- Les sacs et les
manteaux de grande taille seront interdits sur les lieux de
l'activité. Une fouille OBLIGATOIRE des manteaux sera faite sur
les lieux.
- Puisque les espaces de
stationnement seront limités, nous vous encourageons à faire du
covoiturage ou à utiliser le transport en commun.
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January 9, 2018 . 9 janvier 2018
7:00 PM
19h:00 PM
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Sackville High School
1 Kingfisher
Way, Lower Sackville, NS
École
secondaire de Sackville
1, Kingfisher Way, Lower Sackville (N.-É.)
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Important
information about emergency pay
Since many managers take time
off during the
holiday season, PSAC is encouraging its members to speak with their section 34
manager to ensure they have someone to contact if they are underpaid on the December
27 pay day and require an Emergency Salary Advance or a Priority Pay.
PSAC has contacted the employer
to ensure there
will be access to emergency pay over the holidays. We have been told that a
plan is in place, and that both the pay centre and call centre will be in full
operation.
As always, federal public
service workers
should closely examine their pay stubs and report any problems. The
instructions for reporting incorrect pay can be found here.
Soul's Harbour Rescue Mission - December 17
Hi. I’m just letting you know that the Soul’s
Harbour
Rescue Mission spaghetti dinner is taking place this Sunday, December 17.
If interested in volunteering, please let me know what hours you can be
available.
The event from start to finish usually runs from 9 am
to 4
pm with folks arriving in the early morning setting up and preparing food,
folks arriving between 11 to 2 serving food and clean up and 2 to 4 clean
up. Along those lines. If interesting in participating, please let
me know and I will add your name to the list.
PSAC Human Rights Committee Meeting
Monday, December, 2017
5:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
PSAC Regional Office Cal Best Boardroom
Park West Centre, Suite 301
287 Lacewood Drive
Halifax, N.S.
Please come out to meet with members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada Human Rights Committee.
During the meeting we will be assembling the hats and mittens that will be donated to Metro Turning Point and Souls Harbour
Rescue Mission.
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!
Refreshments will be served.
Please contact
Nancy MacLean to R.S.V.P. and to advise of any special needs requirements as to be able to participate. Please call 443-3541
HRM local officers – Please give widest
distribution. Help us make the HRM Young Workers Committee the best in
the country !!
Hello all –
This is a reminder of the meeting this Wednesday, Nov 29th at
5:15 pm.
Please indicate your attendance citing any food related issues you may
have. A partial agenda is attached for your review / comment / additions.
Don’t forget – every current delegate that
brings a new member to the committee will have their name entered once per new
attendee for a $25 gift card and the new attendee will have their name entered
for a gift card as well.
PROPOSED AGENDA
1.Review of October 11 Minutes
2. Review / Approval of Halifax Young Workers Committee By Laws
3. Triva Contest Discussion - At last meeting we asked attendees to think
of questions we could ask on our survey in the new year. We would like for the
launch of the Trivia Contest to go live in the new year. Decide on questions we
will ask & determine prize structure.
4. Discussion on events the Committee would like to do for 2018
5. Facebook / Twitter Acct - Volunteer for Communications Officer? So we
can get our Social Media accts active
6. Roundtable
7. Set date for next meeting - Middle February 2018?
8. Adjourn
Please
consider attending the upcoming Solidarity Halifax
conference (“Organizing for the Long Haul”) which is taking place this
coming weekend (Friday November 3rd to Sunday November 5th).
There
are a number of panels and workshops which would be of
interest to trade union members, leaders and activists as well as others in the
broader social justice movement.
For
example, as part of the “Organizing for the Long Haul”
conference, Pam Frache from the Fight For $15 and Fairness campaign
in Ontario will be speaking about how their vibrant and energetic campaign has
successfully won a forthcoming significant increase in minimum wage, which is
being phased in to $15/hour in Ontario over the next couple of years.
Registration
is “pay what you can” for the full weekend (suggested
fee of $5 to $25, which includes lunch and snacks).
See more on the conference
at https://SolidarityHalifax.ca/event/organizing-for-the-long-haul-a-solidarity-halifax-conference/.
Sisters in Spirit Vigils taking place in Nova Scotia - October 4:
Nova Scotia
Antigonish, NS – The Paqtnkek First Nation will be hosting a
walk, potluck and candlelight vigil on October 4th, 2017 at 3PM- 7PM.
Halifax, NS – The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre will be
hosting a vigil on October 4th, 2017 at 5 PM. The vigil will include a sacred
fire, prayer, moment of silence and feast to honour MMIWG. Participants are
invited to wear red.
Halifax, NS – The Student Union of NSCAD University will be
hosting a gathering with refreshments on October 4th, 2017 at noon at the NSCAD
University.
Whycocomagh, NS – The Mi’kmaw Family Healing Centre in
Whycocomagh, NS will be hosting a march, vigil and moment of silence on October
10th 2017. The vigil will begin at 10am and take place at Theresa Cremo Health
Centre in We’koqma’q First Nation.
Wolfville, NS – The Acadia University will be hosting a moment
of silence, sharing stories with guests such as Elders, Rebecca Thomas
and participate in an Honour Walk to the Sacred Fire to acknowledge and
remember murdered and missing Indigenous women, men and children; on October
4th, 2017 from 6PM to 8PM at the KC Irving Environmental Science Centre Garden
Room.
September Update from RVP - Marc Blanchard (Marc was elected as the Regional Vice-President
at the UHEW Convention in August. He has lots of great information to share so please watch for his updates):
Hi Everyone,
Busy first month.
Regionally, I’ve
had two RUMCC/ROHSC meetings
that I travelled to Halifax for. Phoenix
continues to be a topic at both ECCC and DFO meetings. From the ECCC side they discussed the
increased workload on admin staff as a result of new systems being
implemented. They also mentioned
that
ECCC has hired 3 Pay Advisors for the Department. This will add to the Pay Liason Team that is
already in place. The Pay Advisors
however should be able to start handling some of the pay transactions instead
of just giving advice, similar to what DFO is doing (DFO has a pay group of
around 10 Compensation Advisors). On the DFO side, planning has started for the
Regional LR Symposium in June 2018. We
have two members that have volunteered to help on the planning committee.
We also had a presentation on EAP usage in
the region. The numbers of people
who
use the program have dropped consistently over the last number of years.
With all the new hires it might be a good
idea to send out reminders to all about the availability of EAP services to
Employees and their families.
I also attended my last two
LUMCC meetings as I
have now stepped down as the Local President of 60067.
I’ve managed to
have meetings with the
Presidents of each Local in our region.
Just trying to get a sense of your structure (who your key people are)
and also what your issues are.
We have one pending
Harrassment Complaint in
the region that a group of us have been working to resolve. In
addition to that we have an on going
Departmental Security Investigation that has required my attention.
The Transfer at Sea
Allowance under Appendix K
is now being claimed by our Fishery Officer Brothers and Sisters. We are still waiting for Treasury Board to
give their interpretation of the allowance.
If you have FO who have not claimed this please bring it to their
attention. If they have claimed
it but
not received it in a reasonable amount of time (perhaps 45 days) then they
should file a grievance.
Submissions for Bargaining
Conference delegates
have gone in and we will find out shortly who will be attending on behalf of
UHEW. A reminder that the deadline for
bargaining demands is approaching as well.
I will send out a reminder as the deadline gets closer.
I continue to plan an
Environmental Roundtable
for Oct 17th. I’ve been working on this a while, both PSAC and UHEW have been
supporting me on this. Working in
conjunction with the Green Economy Network we are trying to bring together
Labour, Environmental groups, community groups, Students and First Nations to
discuss local issues and the transition to a green economy. What that would
look like in NB and how we get there.
Also in October I have
a NB Federation of
Labour OSH and Environment Committee meeting to set out our goals for the next
two years. In addition to that I will be
travelling to Ottawa from the 24th-27th for DFO National Labour Relations
Symposium.
That’s my update
for the month. I plan on continuing to provide you
with
updates each month to let you know what I’m up to and what is happening both
regionally and Nationally. I’m
hoping at
the same time you will take the opportunity to let me know if there is
something going in your Local and if possible share it with the rest of the
Locals in our region. I don’t
want
people to feel as though they are working on their own trying to solve
issues. I really would like us to
be
able to work more effectively together to solve our problems.
Marc
Invitation
to participate in the Education In Action project in Guatemala in 2018
SJF
Sponsorship program: For Young Workers (18 – 35 years).
In
addition to the subsidies provided
to four young workers, the project is open to all PSAC members,
who are able to cover their own expenses (see application for details).
PSAC
Social Justice Fund invites your members to participate in the next “Education
In Action” project in Guatemala for 2 weeks in spring 2018.
Education
In Action is supported by the PSAC Social Justice Fund to engage members and
other Canadians to deepen their understanding of Guatemala and to build
solidarity with Mayan communities in Guatemala.
The
PSAC Social Justice Fund is offering a sponsorship to four (4) Young Workers
for the 2018 delegation. If you know of a
young member who would benefit from this opportunity, please forward the
attached application to them. More information is provided about the
project in the attached invitation.
SJF
will subsidize up to $2,500
for travel, food and accommodation. The subsidy does not cover loss
of salary.
Space
is limited therefore applications must be received by October
31, 2017.
In Solidarity.
The
PSAC has issued an input call for bargaining demands for the upcoming round of
negotiations.
Please
note UHEW imposed deadlines as it relates to the PSAC National Bargaining
Conference and input call.
- Locals must
submit the names of those members wising to attend the PSAC National
Bargaining Conference as a delegate to their RVP by end of business day September 22,
2017.
-
- Locals must
submit their bargaining demands electronically in Microsoft Word by
November 1st, 2017.
We do apologize for the
tight timelines; however, every effort must be made to adhere to the deadlines
imposed by the PSAC.
If interested in attending or submitting bargaining
demands, please contact your local executive for further details.
Introduction to Being a Union Steward
Saturday, September 16, 2017 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Where:Cal Best Boardroom, PSAC Office, 287 Lacewood Dr., Halifax This one-day course will introduce participants to the basic concepts and practices of stewarding.
The training is part of PSAC’s new series of short courses dedicated to supporting union stewards. New stewards will
benefit from taking this course prior to taking the Grievance Handling course.
What is covered: ► Mileage is paid at PSAC rates for travel over 40 kms one way. Participants are entitled to a $50.00
per diem upon completion of the course.
If interested, please contact
Rhonda
Halifax Labour Day March and Picnic
Dear
presidents, activists and friends - Monday September 4th is Labour Day. While
many brothers and sisters may be heading out of town for the last long weekend
of summer we encourage as many as possible to join in a family friendly
celebration of what it means to be unionized.
The
Halifax
Dartmouth District Labour Council will be once again organizing the largest
Labour Day event in the province.
Here
is how
you can get involved :
- Arrive at the South Commons between
8:30-9 to help set up tents, tables,
etc and then go to Victoria Park for the 10:30 event start.
- Arrive South Commons 11-11:30 to
help start with the BBQing.
- Arrive Victoria Park 10:30, join
the march then help serve the
food/relieve workers.
- Stay at South Commons until
3:00 and help clean up.
Please,
if you know of any members who can help volunteer to make this event a
success (it requires a serious amount of work and organizing) ask them to
contact PSAC liaison Drake Clarke at cdrakec@hotmail.com
or Mark Rogers at Rogersm@psac-afpc.com.
Also
make
sure you drop by the PSAC tent to sign a letter supporting First Nations water
rights.
~~
The Halifax Dartmouth and District
Labour Council invites unionized and
non-unionized workers, families and friends to the 2017 Labour Day March and
Picnic. Speeches start at Victoria Park (across from the Public Gardens)
at 10:30am followed by a march lead by the AFM Dixie Dawgs to the
Halifax South Commons Triangle. Please join us for this free,
kid-friendly event with music, bouncy castles, face painting, a barbeque and
more!!
UHEW 2017 Convention - New National Council Elections for the National Council were held on August 24, 2017. We
are pleased to advise you that the following delegates attending the UHEW Inaugural Convention were elected to the National
Council, i.e.:
National President - Todd Panas National Vice-President - Shimen Fayad
Regional Vice-Presidents: Newfoundland/Labrador - Robert Chafe (alternate, Jennifer Higdon) Scotia-Fundy - Marc Blanchard (alternate, Scott Mossman) NB/PEI - Steve Maund (alternate, Todd Davies) Atlantic - Karla Levangie-Connor (alternate, Brandon Thorne) Quebec - Maryse Veilleux Quebec - Benoît Thibault (alternate, Sylvie A Denis) NCR - Michel Lépine (alternate, Diane Girouard) NCR - Jayne Powers (alternate, Rubin Kooner) Ontario - Kevin Lundstrom (alternate, Rita Lemick) Ontario - Cheryl Sullivan (alternate, Jacqueline Gabon) Prairie and Northern - Mark Gilchrist (alternate, Elizabeth Lewis) Manitoba - Faye Kingyens (alternate, Sheilagh Hanson) Saskatchewan - Larry Schlosser (alternate, Lisa LaRocque) Alberta/BC/Yukon - Darlene Lewis (alternate, Jasmine MacIver) BC/Yukon - Richard May (alternate, Linda Moen)
The delegates
also elected a National Human Rights Representative - Marie-Josée Boudreau.
Message from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour - August, 2017:
Sisters and Brothers,
Yesterday as you know by now the Liberals proclaimed Bill 148 on 75,000 public
sector workers.
We have met with the union leaders affected by the bill and are working
together on some interventions. We will be doing a follow up meeting next
week. Ray is looking at the legal aspects and at the fact the that the courts
will be asked to look at the constitutionality of the bill.
Yesterday we released on our web site a public statement
and
I hope you will:
1. Read our statement
2. Share it through social media
It can be shared on twitter and Facebook directly from
our
web site and if you could also take a second to go to our NSFL Facebook page
and like it there. This is important so we can bump up our outreach
Below is the link.
http://nslabour.ca/2017/08/mcneil-liberals-continue-make-one-bad-choice-another-imposing-bill-148-just-another-example/
The NS Area Council 1 has
booked the Community Booth at the Dartmouth Farmers Market (Alderney Landing)
for this Saturday August 5 to raise
awareness in the community regarding the PSAC Thirsty for Justice
Campaign. We will be handing out water bottles and asking passersby to
sign a letter to MP Carolyn Bennett.
We will meet between 7 am and 8 am as the Market opens
at 8 and runs until 1 pm. We urgently need people to staff the booth during
this time. We do not expect people to be there for the whole day. Any
amount of time would be appreciated. If interested, please let Rhonda know.
Halifax Pride Parade update to PSAC members:
Pride
Parade will be Saturday, July 22.
For
those wishing to participate in the parade with other
PSAC members we encourage you to consider the following two options:
Option
1: Feel like decorating our fire truck float and
marching the route? Meet us at our designated float spot (#72), you’ll need to
enter DND dockyards from Barrington Street directly below the MacDonald bridge
at 11 am (parade starts at 1 pm);
Option
2: Feel like gathering together and observing at one
centralized location? Join Sister Colleen Coffey, PSAC Atlantic REVP, in
front of the Delta Halifax (Scotia Square, 1990 Barrington Street) at 12:30 pm.
As many of you may know, the Prime Minister of Canada will be participating in
this parade as well. In response to this timely news, we will have “Fix Phoenix
Pay Systems” placards available for all members to display. Join our REVP in
both celebrating at the Pride parade and to remind the leader of our nation
that this Phoenix debacle has not been forgotten and still needs to be
corrected!
Please
find
in attachment a brochure about the Atlantic Canada Health Care Coalition
Society (ACHCCS). We are proud to be part of the ACHCCS and I encourage
our members to take advantage of the benefits offered by this
organization. More information in attachment and on their website.
The Canadian Labour Congress, Atlantic Region, is pleased to offer its first Women’s Leadership Summit: "Sisters Rising Together" being
held September 29 to October 1, 2017.
Registration: $225 (incudes hot breakfasts, lunches and breaks).
This first-ever Atlantic-wide Canadian Labour Congress Women’s Leadership Summit: "Sisters Rising Together" will
be an important event that should not be missed by women leaders and activists in the labour movement! This conference promises
to be an exciting time and we look forward to seeing you in Halifax! Space is limited, so register early!
Deadline: September 8, 2017
For more information and to register, please contact your local executive.
Join the Nova
Scotia Federation of Labour Executive for a SOLIDARITY RALLY & BBQ on June 16th at 11:45 am
to show your support for striking workers at the
Chronicle Herald!
Journalists,
photographers and editors represented by the Halifax Typographical Union have
been on strike for some 17 months now.
The Herald's
newsroom workers are facing a concerted union-busting attempt by the
Chronicle Herald management. The employer has demanded extreme wage and benefit
rollbacks, the erosion of pay equity language in the Collective Agreement,
which has for many years ensured gender-based wage parity, and has announced
their intent to do severe cutbacks in the newsroom. Further, the employer is
attempting to weaken the jurisdiction of the union by attempting to remove a
number of positions from the bargaining union or eliminate those positions and
replace them with freelancers who are working on piecework contracts with no
benefits or seniority.
Bring
flags and banners!
Circulate
widely to all union members, allies and supporters!
Notice of Inaugural
Meeting
PSAC
HRM Young Workers Committee
It’s
official! PSAC Atlantic Region is pleased to announce the formation of a PSAC
Young Workers Committee for the Halifax area! PSAC Atlantic is inviting PSAC
members 35 years of age and under within the HRM to attend this meeting.
The Inaugural Meeting
will be an opportunity for Young Workers to interact and network with each other, learn more about the Young Workers Committee,
and discuss the committees plans & goals for the year. The Committee will also hold elections for the positions of Chair,
Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Communications Officer.
Please contact
Mark Rogers, PSAC Regional Representative to RSVP and to advise of any special
requirements / dietary needs. Please
call 902-443-3541 or e-mail rogersm@psac-afpc.com
if you have any questions.
Government delaying signing of new collective agreements PSAC has been pushing the government
to sign four collective agreements by the end of May, but the employer is insisting they won’t be ready until mid-June
at the earliest. These agreements, covering over 100,000 workers, were ratified by the membership in votes that concluded in April. PSAC still waiting for drafts of agreementsAt
this time, the final drafts of the agreement for the Program and Administrative Services (PA) Group and the agreement for
the Education and Library Science (EB) Group are just about finalized. PSAC has yet to receive the draft agreements
covering the Technical Services (TC) and Operational Services (SV) Groups, even though the employer has had months to get
the drafts ready. We are committed to reviewing the draft agreements and replying to the employer in less than three
days. Members have waited long enoughThese agreements, which took over two and a half years
to negotiate, do not go into effect until they are signed. PSAC believes our members, who have also spent the last year dealing
with the Phoenix pay system debacle, have waited long enough. We are continuing to pressure the employer to make this
a priority and sign these agreements as soon as possible.
| Please join us at the NS Women Vote Rally |
|
PHOENIX: Reimbursement of tax services costs
After pressure from PSAC, the government agreed to compensate federal
public service employees, with tax problems caused by the Phoenix pay system, for up to $200 per year of tax advisory services. The
claim and release form is strictly restricted to tax advisory services for the tax years 2016 and 2017. Where an employee has tax filing expenses
related to Phoenix which have a total cost equal to, or less than, $200 per year, this claim process is the best way to claim
these expenses. There need be no concern about signing the release. Where an employee has tax filing expenses related
to Phoenix which have a total cost greater than $200 in either tax year, signing the release will prevent them from seeking
further reimbursement for those tax advisory services through any other means. This includes a grievance or the Phoenix general
claims process. PSAC is advising its Members with tax filing expenses related to Phoenix having a total cost greater
than $200 in either tax year that they may wish to use the general claims process instead, in order to demonstrate that those
expenses were justified and necessary because of Phoenix.
May 8, 2017 Sisters
and Brothers, National Public Service Week (NPSW) will be held June 11-17, 2017. The event marks the importance
of federal public service employees and to recognizes their service to Canadians. Because the employer cannot pay its
employees on time and accurately, we are asking our members to boycott NPSW. PSAC members proudly serve Canadians on
a daily basis. Our members deserve more than a piece of cake - if the employer wants to show their recognition for our
members' valuable work; they should do that by paying them in full and on time.
Ratified Treasury Board agreements: What happens now? Following
the recent ratification of new agreements by the PA, SV, TC and EB Treasury Board groups, the following steps will be taken: - Signing
of new collective agreements
- Retro pay and implementation of wage and special monetary increases
- Implementation
of collective agreement provisions
Signing of new collective agreementsIn the coming
weeks, PSAC will meet with the employer to sign the new collective agreements. With the exception of wages, which are retroactive,
the new negotiated provisions come into effect on date of signing, unless otherwise specified. When will back
pay (retroactive pay) be paid out to employees?The employer has 150 days from the date of signing to adjust
rates of pay and issue retroactive pay. Who will get back pay for the negotiated economic increases?PA:
The new collective agreement is retroactive to June 21, 2014, expiring June 20, 2018. This means that you are entitled to
back pay for the period of time you were employed and a PA member from June 21, 2014. EB: The new collective agreement
is retroactive to July 1st, 2014, expiring June 30, 2018. This means that you are entitled to back pay for the period of time
you were employed and a EB member from July 1st, 2014. TC: The new collective agreement is retroactive to June 22, 2014,
expiring June 21, 2018. This means that you are entitled to back pay for the period of time you were employed and a TC member
from June 22, 2014. SV: The new collective agreement is retroactive to August 5, 2014, expiring August 4, 2018. This
means that you are entitled to back pay for the period of time you were employed and an SV member from August 5, 2014. Are
increases to allowances retroactive?Increases to allowances are not retroactive. The employer has 150 days
after the date of signing to implement the changes and issue payment of the allowances. When will the other provisions
come into effect?The employer has 150 days from the date of signing to implement the provisions of the new collective
agreement. Will the Phoenix pay system cause delays and problems with retro pay and wage adjustments?Public
Services and Procurement Canada has said they are prepared to implement retro pay and wage adjustments. Since the employer
has 150 days from signing to pay out the retro, there should be time to address other Phoenix problems so that compensation
staff can be freed up for this work. PSAC will also be working closely with government officials to help solve any problems
that arise. We will keep you updated on any developments related to Phoenix and the implementation of wage increases.
Emergency pay available to employees on maternity, parental or disability leave and experiencing
Phoenix pay problems Following the court action taken by PSAC, along with 12 other unions, the court obliged the government to provide better access to help for Phoenix affected employees on disability, maternity, and parental leave. As
a result, federal public service workers who are transitioning to maternity, parental or disability leave, and are not receiving
benefit payments due to Phoenix, are entitled to a priority payment if normal wait times for processing these payments have
been exceeded. These workers are entitled to 66% of the total income they would otherwise receive, not only the top
up portion. If you are in this situation, send the following letter with the appropriate information included in an email to your manager and copy us at info@psacunion.ca.
PSAC is now accepting
applications for its 2017 scholarship program. Deadline to apply is June 23, 2017. Apply now.
PSAC members ratify new agreements with Treasury Board Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada working for Treasury Board have accepted new collective agreements
that contain no concessions for four bargaining units representing more than 100,000 workers. The majority of members
in the Program and Administrative (PA), Technical Services (TC), Operational Services (SV), and Education and Library Science (EB) bargaining units voted in favour of the new agreements. “I am proud of our negotiating teams for standing
strong during these two long, difficult years at the table,” said Robyn Benson, PSAC National President. “It is
through the hard work and commitment of the members of our bargaining teams, along with the support and solidarity from the
bargaining unit members, that we were able to reach these agreements.” Significant breakthroughsWith
these agreements, PSAC achieved some significant breakthroughs: - Sick leave: The sick leave articles of our collective
agreements will remain unchanged. The parties have negotiated a Memorandum of Agreement to establish a Task Force to develop
recommendations on measures to improve employee wellness.
- Workforce adjustment: the most significant improvements
to the Workforce Adjustment agreement since it was first signed as an appendix into PSAC collective agreements in 1998.
- Helping
workers meet family demands: It has been agreed that a committee will be established to look at childcare needs. Better family
leave, including provisions for extended family, have also been negotiated.
- Mental health task force: the memorandum
that established the task force is also contained in this agreement. The MOU was agreed to earlier in the bargaining process,
in 2015, and the task force has already been hard at work ever since
Monetary gainsThe
four-year collective agreements, which expire in 2018, provide for across-the-board annual wage increases of 1.25 per cent
for each year, plus other wage adjustments made for specific bargaining units and classifications. More informationFor
more information on the agreements: For more information about what’s next:
Annual General Meeting:
Our next annual general
meeting is scheduled to take place in boardroom 1524 on Friday, December 2 at noon. Agenda and minutes to follow.
Also, we are voting on the motion to merge the Union of Environment Workers with the National Health Union.
The national President, Todd Panas and Regional Vice-President, Bob Ellis, where be there to answer questions, etc. Thank you.
Please see the Highlights page to see pictures from our October 31 Day of Action activity.
|
Haunted by Phoenix, PSAC members demand respect
| | |
PSAC members took to the streets all over Canada
yesterday, demonstrating that they are haunted by the Phoenix pay system
failure and in need of a fair collective agreement with the federal
government.
Speaking at a rally in front of Prime Minister Trudeau’s office on Wellington
Street in Ottawa, PSAC National President Robyn Benson accused the Prime
Minister of “dressing up as Stephen Harper for Halloween.”
Read more
| |
Fiscal update opens the door to more privatization
| | |
On November 1st, Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau
released the federal government's Economic and Fiscal Update. PSAC is
concerned that the government is promoting the privatization of public
services.
The plan opens the door to major new projects being financed and operated by
the private sector and the privatization of existing federal public
infrastructure.
Read More
| |
PSAC intensifies ad campaign asking Trudeau to make good on
his word
| | |
As PSAC members head back to the bargaining table with the
federal government, the union is expanding its ad campaign calling on Prime
Minister Justin Trudeau to make good on his word.
“In the last election, Canadians rejected the Harper Conservative agenda of
cuts to public services,” said Robyn Benson, National President of PSAC. “But
our members, and all Canadians, have not seen the change promised by the
Liberals.”
Read More
| |
Government deadline to fix Phoenix passes with no plan in
place
| | |
“The lack of information is frustrating. It is frustrating
for those not getting paid correctly or on time, and it is concerning for
those workers who haven’t had any pay issues but fear that it may still
happen to them,” said Chris Aylward, PSAC National Executive Vice President.
“There is no confidence in the pay system and the lack of a clear plan is
only making it worse.”
Read more
| |
PSAC supports the National Students Day of Action
| | |
This Wednesday Nov. 2 is the National Students Day of
Action led by the Canadian Federation of Students and sponsored by PSAC and
other labour organizations.
PSAC firmly stands in solidarity with students in the call for universal
education, education justice and public education for the public good.
Read more
|
MERGER ANNOUNCEMENT 
October 31 Day of Action – Enough is Enough // Local 80820 Pizza Party
We are excited to invite you to our
first ever Local 80820 Halloween pizza party!
Details as follows:
Date:
Monday,
October 31 at Noon
Place:
Queen Square
Building,
10th Floor
Other:
You’re welcome
to dress
up for Halloween; we will have a costume
contest and
will be giving out prizes to the 1st and 2nd place
winners!
Happily hosted by your local executive;
Kim MacVicar, Veronica Sherwood, Barbie Henneberry and Rhonda Doyle LeBlanc. We
hope to see you there!
|
October 31st: PSAC members to send Liberal government a
message
| | |
On October 31, PSAC members across the country will be
reminding Prime Minister Trudeau to make good on his word to respect public
services and the people who provide them.
"Last year, Mr. Trudeau wrote to all public service workers promising to
treat them with respect and restore the cuts made by Stephen Harper,” said
Robyn Benson, PSAC National President. “It has been a year since the
election. The tone has changed, but it’s now time for action."
Read more
| |
Important information about the Phoenix compensation claims
process
| | |
We are advising members not to sign any departmental release form
if they are unsatisfied with the result of the Phoenix claims process, as
this may affect their right to grieve.
Any member who has concerns or questions about a departmental release form
should contact their union representative immediately.
Read more
|
Trans-Pacific Partnership
Halifax Town Hall Forum — Thursday November 10th at 7pm
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) threatens tens-of-thousands of
Canadian jobs, will lead to higher prescription drug costs, and threatens our
health care system.
Join Canadian Labour
Congress President Hassan Yussuff and Maude Barlow,
Chairperson of The
Council of Canadians, for a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Town Hall
Forum in Halifax on Thursday November 10th to learn what the TPP will mean
for Canada, for Halifax, and how to stop it.
When: Thursday,
November
10, 2016 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Holiday Inn Harbourview, Lake City Ballroom, 101 Wyse Road,
Dartmouth, NS
Speakers:
HASSAN YUSSUFF —
President, Canadian Labour Congress
MAUDE BARLOW — National Chairperson, Council of Canadians
Admission is free but
space
is limited. Reserve your tickets: https://www.EventBrite.ca/e/trans-pacific-partnership-halifax-town-hall-tickets-28687979519.
For more information, visit http://StopTPP.ca
National Day
of
Action – October 31
UPDATE!
Our five bargaining teams will be back at the table with Treasury Board between
November 1 and November 7 to resume negotiations for new collective agreements making
this even more important to mobilize on the National Day of Action on October
31st! (See: http://psacunion.ca/treasury-board-bargaining-resumes-november-1)
Sisters and Brothers,
Thank you for the support
you have demonstrated to the PSAC members who work at the Pay centres and thank
you for having voiced your concerns about Phoenix. You sent letters to
your local MPs, commented on social media and participated in various union
events. We all know the problem is with the pay system itself and not the
workers.
On October 31st,
we are organizing a National Day of Action to remind the government on their
promise that the remaining cases of the Phoenix pay system would be
resolved. You are strongly encouraged to organize a workplace action such
as a plantgate, group photo, etc.
PSAC Statement
for
Women’s History Month:
http://psacunion.ca/womens-history-month-0
Talking
Union
Basics (TUB)
Saturday & Sunday,
October 1-2, 2016 - 8:30
am to 4:30 pm @ Cal Best Boardroom, PSAC office, 287 Lacewood Dr., Halifax
This course is the first introduction
to the PSAC for most members
and continues to be the foundation for more advanced union education. Topics
covered in this course include:
The Relevance of the Union
Today
Our Rights
Protecting Our Rights:
Workplace Problem-Solving
The Public Service Alliance
of Canada
Please let Rhonda know if you wish to register for this
course.
Bargaining Updates – September 19. 2016
ALL TEAM: psacunion.ca/psac-returns-bargaining-table-time-see-if-liberals
SV: psacunion.ca/sv-bargaining-no-movement-treasury-board
PA: psacunion.ca/pa-bargaining-update-no-movement-employer
EB: psacunion.ca/eb-bargaining-employer-refuses-engage
TC: psacunion.ca/tc-bargaining-update-still-no-agreement-wages-and
FB: psacunion.ca/fb-bargaining-update-wages-and-hours-work-dominate
Apply now for the PSAC
Young Workers Retreat
PSAC invites young workers from the four Atlantic
Provinces to apply to attend a Young Workers Retreat at the Terra Nova
Hospitality Home and Cottages in Port Blandford, Newfoundland and Labrador,
from 6pm, Friday, November 4 to 1pm, Sunday, November 6, 2016 Port Blandford,
Newfoundland and Labrador
This event will bring together PSAC members 35 years of age
and younger
to discuss critical issues facing young workers in their union, in their
workplaces and in society. We’ll also talk about how our union works and the
rights we have won as union members.
The retreat will be an excellent opportunity for young
PSAC members to network with each other and work together towards creating
Young Worker Committees throughout the region. Apply now!
Please submit your application by Wednesday, October 5, 2016
to Jacqueline Robichaud (robichj@psac-afpc.com). A poster and application form is attached.
The 2017 PSAC NATIONAL EQUITY CONFERENCES will
be held March 24 to 28, 2017 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
in Toronto, under the theme "EQUALITY AT WORK.”
We encourage
you to inform PSAC members to ensure they are made aware of these conferences.
Please find attached the call-out in both
French and English as well as the link to complete the registration form
on-line on our website.
The deadline for applications is September 9, 2016.
The deadline for resolutions is September 30, 2016.
LINK: https://psacunion.ca/2017-national-equity-conferences-equality-work
Labour Day
This
Labour Day, let’s celebrate.
Let’s
celebrate our strengths. Let’s celebrate our history. Let’s celebrate our past
gains. Let’s celebrate our pride and diversity. Let’s celebrate our democracy,
but most of all, let’s celebrate our solidarity and our ability to mobilize and
make a difference.
Every
day, many workers go to work expecting less and less from their employers.
Every day, many workers go to work in a dead-end job. A job with low wages and
no benefits. Unions must take a stand and change that thinking, because its not
acceptable in 2016. Unions must come together and challenge this. Unions must
organize more workplaces so workers have job security, so workers receive
benefits, so workers gain some control over their working conditions, so
workers have full time hours. Not watch their employers demand more flexibility
to create more casual, part-time and term positions.
It was
union members that pushed and pushed for improved public pensions. That’s why
our premiers finally agreed that it was time to expand the Canada Pension Plan.
Our collective membership achieved those gains to the CPP, and we must renew
our resolve to continue to fight for better pensions, including greater changes
to the CPP.
Unions
must stand up for better working conditions and for fairness for future
generations of workers. We must renew our longstanding commitment to fight for
good jobs, to fight for strong employment standards, and to fight for fair
labour laws. To fight back on precarious work. Too many workers are now stuck
in precarious jobs that offer low wages, unpredictable hours, no pension, no
benefits, and no union. It’s 2016, and that’s not acceptable.
We know
as trade unionists, that it was union members that played a leading role in
closing the income gap between society’s richest and poorest. It is
unions that fought against workplace discrimination and pay inequity. We know
that good union jobs continue to be the backbone of our middle class. That
union jobs create and build strong families and vibrant communities.
Our
unions working together must stand to ensure more and more young workers get
good full time jobs. That young workers do not find themselves in short-term, contract
jobs. This precarious work often means jobs without fair wages and benefits,
and workplaces without proper health and safety protections. This is not the
future we want for the next generation of workers. The labour movement is
fighting back against precarious employment and pushing the federal and
provincial governments to create the conditions that create good jobs.
That’s
why unions are working to raise the minimum wage to a living wage. It’s also
time to restore and protect sick days for all workers, so nobody has to choose
between losing their job and their health. We are working at achieving a $15
minimum wage, fighting the privatization of our public services, and empowering
young workers. That’s the kind of good work unions do. That’s all part of
labour’s efforts to ensure fairness for the future for all workers.
That’s
why unions are calling on the federal government to ban asbestos. From
construction materials to brake pads, asbestos-laden materials are still in
daily use. Imports of asbestos into Canada are also on the rise. Buildings,
hospitals, warehouses, rinks, community centres contaminated with asbestos
remain unregistered. That means that those who use those facilities and work in
them are at risk. That’s not acceptable in 2016. Today, more than 2,000
Canadians die every year from asbestos-related disease. It is the leading cause
of workplace-related death and it costs our health care system $1.7 billion a
year.
I wish
you all a great labour day and the federation with our executive team is
working hard on many issues important to all workers to improve working
conditions, ensure safe workplaces, to create more full time jobs, build a
strong economy with our fight for $15 and standing up to protect services that
are important to us all in our communities.
Click the button below to
see NS events.
Check out Labour Day events
Dear HRM & Nova Scotia PSAC members -
On this, the first day of what the employer has deemed Public Service week we encourage you to be
proud of the work you do on behalf of Canadians despite any messages you may get from the employer.
Please however give utmost consideration to boycotting employer PS Week activities as per the National
president, Robyn Benson's email. Tell the employer that we are in bargaining, they cannot violate your Charter rights
and then attempt to appease you with a piece of cake.
We encourage all members to BOYCOTT PS week activities sponsored by the employer but participate in any
Union Solidarity week activities that you can access.
Of particular note is the BBQ and RESPECT cake at the Compass Rose, Alderney Landing this Friday, June
19th sponsored by the NS Area Council1, UEW Local 80820 and UVAE Local 80019 as well as the BBQ in Sydney this Friday.
But locals are organizing events across the province and indeed the country to take back Public Service
week.
In solidarity - hope to see you this Friday!
***
Re: National Public Service Week
Brothers and
Sisters,
I want to personally
thank you for the important public services you deliver to Canadians on a daily basis.
I know it’s not easy to work for the Government of Canada, but rest assured that your Union knows and values
your commitment and dedication.
Let us not forget
that National Public Service Week (NPSW) was created “to recognize the value
of the services rendered by federal public service employees, [and to] acknowledge
the contribution of federal public service employees to the federal administration.” With that being said, we believe that our current government does not give
that recognition to its employees. In fact, you will recall that two years ago
on NPSW, they announced their new Directive on Performance Management and last year, on that same week, they announced that
they were planning to take away our sick leave.
I ask
you to boycott National Public Service Week. We will not exchange our sick leave
for a piece of cake. I invite you to take part in a Union activity being organized
by your co-workers in your workplace or community. Visit our website (psacatlantic.ca) for a complete listing of event details.
We will also
be running radio ads from June 15 – 19 in every province of the Atlantic Region to remind the public of the important
contribution made by PSAC members. Be proud of the quality public service you
deliver – proud to be a Union member.
In solidarity,
Jeannie Baldwin
Regional Executive
Vice-President, PSAC Atlantic
***
Federal Election Campaigner training is being offered this weekend at
the Halifax RO. There are quite a few seats still available.
Cal Best Boardroom, PSAC Regional office, 287 Lacewood
Dr, Halifax
June 20 – 21st, 2015 (8:30 am – 4:00 pm)
This two-day, skills-based course will prepare PSAC members in and around targeted ridings to play a hands-on
role in the upcoming federal election. Participants will explore the impact of Conservative Government policies and actions,
and learn how to have political conversations on the door-step and over the phone. Participants will also have the opportunity
to put the skills they learn into practice.
What is covered?
► Members residing
within a 40 km radius of course location will receive a $50 per diem per day.
► Loss of salary:
For members who are scheduled to work, salary will be reimbursed provided a shift schedule & pay stub is provided.
► Family care
will be reimbursed as per the PSAC policy on family care.
► Expenses for
members residing more than 40 kms from course location will be considered; however, pre-approval is required.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, June 17, 2015 (4:30 pm)
All PSAC members in HRM & surrounding area may apply. Preference will be given to members residing in
the Dartmouth-Cole Harbour riding. ***
Nothing Fair or Reasonable About Conservative’s Actions On Sick Leave
OTTAWA – Rodger Cuzner, Liberal Labour critic, criticized the Treasury Board
Minister, Tony Clement, in the House of Commons today over the government’s unfair and unreasonable actions concerning
Public Service sick leave.
“Is it fair and reasonable to trample on collective bargaining rights
in order to claim a bogus $900 million in savings and to fake a balanced budget? Is it fair and reasonable to steal back from
workers a benefit that was negotiated at the bargaining table?” Cuzner asked Clement today in Question Period.
The Liberal Party is against imposing changes to sick-leave provisions through
legislation outside the collective bargaining process, especially when there has been no evidence that the new regime will
be “fair and reasonable” to either employees or taxpayers.
The only thing that is certain about the government’s plan is their bogus
claim that eliminating the Sick Leave Bank will result in a $900 million cash savings. Sick leave does not cost the government
anything in the vast majority of cases. However, the government still records the Sick Leave Bank as a non-cash liability
and therefore can show a non-cash savings by eliminating it.
“The Conservatives are obviously using legal accounting fiction about
sick leave to claim a phony balanced budget for their political gain instead of fairness to public servants and the taxpayer,”
Mr. Cuzner said.
The Liberal Party believes a government and public-sector unions should always
be looking for ways to improve the sick leave and disability plan for their mutual benefit.
“If the parties to a public-sector collective agreement want to change
benefits or other provisions, it should be done through consultation and negotiation at the bargaining table. This is the
only way to ensure that a resulting sick leave system is fair to both employees and to taxpayers,” said Cuzner.
View video of the today’s questions here. (http://bit.ly/1FWIDEZ)
***
PA Bargaining team engages in strategic discussions and participate in political action to demonstrate our opposition
to Bill C-59
Our PA Bargaining Team met in Ottawa on May 11, 2015 with our other Treasury Board bargaining teams, as well as PSAC negotiating
teams from the Canada Revenue Agency, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Parks Canada, to debate the impact of the Harper
government’s omnibus Budget Implement Act, Bill C-59. Division 20 of the omnibus bill creates legislation that gives
the government the right to remove sick leave provisions from our Collective Agreements and force upon us a Short-Term Disability
Plan which would reside outside of the agreements.
This upsetting news is an attack on our Charter rights and on free collective bargaining. It was decided to postpone last week’s planned session so that the Union could take the time to assess the situation and plan next steps from both the legal and the collective
bargaining perspectives.
On Wednesday, May 13, the teams put up an energetic picket line outside the new Manotick, ON office of MP Pierre Poilievre,
the Minister responsible for Employment and Skills Development Canada, and the last remaining member of Cabinet in the National
Capital Region. We then went to Question Period on Parliament Hill to hear both opposition parties question the government
on the proposed legislation.
After Question Period, our PA team met with Liberal MP Geoff Regan (Halifax West) and Roger Cuzner, Liberal Labour Critic
(Cape Breton-Canso). In that meeting, we received assurances that the Liberal Party, if elected, would “absolutely not”
touch our sick leave.
The PA Team spent May 14 preparing for the next session of bargaining in June. Please stay tuned for further developments.
***
Harper is coming to Truro—join the "Welcoming Party’’
WHEN: Thursday, May 14 at 6
p.m. (Bus leaving the Halifax PSAC Office, 287 Lacewood Drive at 4:30 p.m. sharp — bag lunches will be provided)
WHERE: Cobequid Educational Center,
34 Lorne Street, Truro
HOW: Tell us you will be attending:
rogersm@psac.com 902.476.4449
Let’s tell him to play by the rules and bargain in good faith! Respect the law — bargain
in good faith! Listen to the Supreme Court of Canada — bargain in good faith!
***
Child Care
Today, the PSAC is launching a new video
on the importance of universal, affordable child care. http://psacunion.ca/vote-child-care-2015
Let’s make our vision for child care
a reality: let’s vote Child for Care in 2015!
***
Budget bill violates collective bargaining rights, legislates sick leave
The government tabled its Budget Implement Act (Bill C-59) today that attacks the collective bargaining rights of federal
public service workers.
The Bill authorizes Treasury Board to modify collective agreements to remove sick leave and impose a short and long term
disability plan outside of collective agreements. The Bill will circumvent the Public Service Labour Relations Act as well
as ongoing negotiations.
“The government has decided to completely throw out any pretence that they intend to respect the collective bargaining
rights of its workers,” said Robyn Benson, PSAC National President. “This attack on our members’ rights
will seriously harm public services by forcing people to go to work sick, and cause irreparable damage to labour relations.
We will take every available action in our power to challenge the legislation.”
The Supreme Court established the right to collective bargaining as a Charter right – and we will defend that right
using all means at our disposal.
The government has never made the case for why eliminating the existing sick leave regime will make the public service
a healthier place to work. The current proposal would force workers to choose between getting paid and going to work sick,
which is unacceptable.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer and Statistics Canada have refuted all claims by this government that sick leave is abused
or too costly. On the contrary – it is essential to maintain a healthy workplace and quality public services.
This would impact all members whose employer is Treasury Board, including members that fall under the PA, FB, TC, SV and
EB groups.
PSAC bargaining teams are meeting on Monday to determine our union’s course of action. Our focus is always to strengthen
public services and ensure a healthy workplace.
***
National Public Service
Week (NPSW) will be held June 14 to 20, 2015. Once again we are boycotting
any participation. We are asking that you do not take any role in the employer’s
organizing committees as the employer may be approaching you shortly. We encourage
you to take part in an activity being organized by PSAC or your local.
“In the current climate of distrust, considering the ongoing assaults coming from the government
of Canada and upcoming contract negotiations for thousands of our members, the relevance of such activities is non-existent.”
-Robyn Benson, National President, PSAC
We want the employer to demonstrate
its commitment to quality public services and the people who deliver them.
We want the employer to share
real and credible facts about sick leave and provide a healthy workplace.
We want the employer to bargain
in good faith at the bargaining table!
On National Public Service
Week, join your fellow Union brothers and sisters at a Union event near you. We
will send you details of the Union events when they become available.
Be proud of the quality public service you deliver - proud to be a Union member.
In solidarity,
Jeannie Baldwin
Regional Executive Vice-President,
PSAC Atlantic
***
Spring into Action for Child Care!
***
Souls' Harbour Rescue Mission - Looking
for Volunteers!
Next Tuesday, May 19, the PSAC Human Rights
Committee along with the PSAC Regional Women’s Committee have signed up to serve a meal to the folks that utilise the
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. They are looking for volunteers from 11:30 to 4 pm. I am planning to assist from
noon until 1 pm and am wondering if any of you would like to join me. Of course, you are welcome to stay longer if you
are able.
***
If you plan to attend, please let me know by
end of day tomorrow as well as your t-shirt size and I’ll pass along the information.
Looking for Young Worker Representative from our Local - Let me know if you are interested!
At the PSAC convention last week the age for
young workers was raised from 30 to 35 years of age and the coordinator for the Maritimes region Stephanie Jones is looking
for a young worker representative from each local. Please let me know if you would be interested in being part of the young
worker committee. More information to follow, but for now, please let me know if you are interested.
Rhonda
***
Robyn Benson Re-elected as PSAC National President
Robyn Benson was re-elected as the National President on April 30 at the PSAC 17th National Triennial Convention. This
will be her second 3-year term in office.
***
UEW
Mary Stewart Scholarship
The members
of the Union of Environment Workers (UEW) believe that everyone has
the right
to achieve his/her goals through education and hard work. In a world where technology and society are changing at a rapid pace, education is critical to remaining on top
of issues and building a better future.
UEW is
pleased to offer and award a single $1000.00 scholarship annually for dependent children and/or grandchildren of UEW members in good standing and for retired or deceased members who have children and/or grandchildren leaving high school
and entering their first year of post-secondary
school on a full-time basis in a university, college or institute of higher learning. (Policy Paper
30 refers).
The 2015
UEW Mary Stewart Scholarship Program Application Form is attached. You will note that the 2015 Essay Topic is Creating
a respectful workplace, by eliminating bullying, harassment and intimidation - Describe a solution on how to create a respectful
workplace.
Please note
the three requirements noted on the Application Form; i.e., Application Form, Proof of application to a post-secondary institution,
and an 800-word essay on the selected topic. The deadline for receipt of applications is June 30, 2015.
For more information visit www.uew-ste.com.
***
WE WILL PROTECT OUR SICK LEAVE! Please share the attached statement from National
President, Robyn Benson, with all of your members. It concerns statements made in the Government's 2015 budget:
click here to download file
***
MAY DAY - May 1
Friday, May 1 at 5:30 pm. Go to the Halifax Grand Parade. Drop by the PSAC flag and register your name for
a chance to win a $100 prize
***
National Day of Mourning
On April 28, we gather with fellow workers, friends and family members to remember our brothers and
sisters killed or injured on the job, and to re-commit to making our workplaces safer for everyone. In 2014, 19 workers lost
their lives. Ceremonies will be held to commemorate the Day of Mourning on April 28 around Nova Scotia:
Halifax
- The NS Federation of Labour will host a ceremony at 11 am at Province House in Halifax on the grounds by the plaque that
was erected in 2002 beside the maple tree, also planted in 2002. If the weather is bad, the ceremony will be held inside.
After the speakers, you are invited to lay a wreath on behalf of your organization, family member or friend. For more information,
contact Joan Wark at the Federation office at 454.6735 or email nsfl@ns.aliantzinc.ca
***
Bargaining Mental Health Flyer
Please see the attached flyer. In order to save sick leave, get a tentative agreement and build support
for your pensions we need to communicate to every single member. I do not believe we can win any other way.
Also remember the TB townhall meetings with negotiator Gail Lem in NS for April 13 - 15th.
click here to download file
***
Annual General Meeting - Thursday, March 26
Thank you for everyone who was able to come out to the meeting. After the business matters of the local were shared
with those present, Todd Panas, the National President of Union of Environment Workers and Robert Ellis, Regional Vice-President,
were on hand to share updates with those present with regards to the proposed Respectful Workplace Committee, the current
happenings of the negotiations and moving forward. Members were encouraged to do everything that they can to get involved
and to keep our sick leave. One suggestion was to call or write to your members of parliament so that they can say that their
members will be affected by the proposed changes.
Afterwards, elections took place and your new local executive is as follows:
President - Rhonda Doyle LeBlanc
Vice-President - Kim McVicar
Secretary - Veronica Sherwood
Treasurer - Barbie Henneberry
If you have any concerns or questions, etc. please do not hesitate to contact one of us.
Thanks.
Rhonda
| Local Executive |
|
| Kim, Bob Ellis - RVP, Rhonda and Veronica. Barbie missing from photo |
Annual General Meeting:
Our next annual general
meeting is scheduled to take place at the Celtic Corner on Thursday, March 26 at 11:45. Details to be confirmed. If you
haven't already confirmed that you will be attending, please let me know for planning purposes.
Thank you.
***
***
Please give this widest possible circulation and help organize an event to help make this March 19th a truly National Union Day of Protest.
By now you have heard that we are marking the 19th of each month to remind members of the third of
the 3 PSAC National Priorities.
The 3 Priorities are :
1) Defend Collective Agreements - say no to contract concessions and win decent working conditions for
members.
2) Defend Public Services
3) Build opposition to the Conservative government and work towards it's defeat in the next federal election.
Harper must call an election by October 19, 2015 in order to follow his own fixed election date law (on
Oct 19th to actually follow his law) and it is important that PSAC members, their families, and the recipients
of public services be aware of the very real harm Conservative ideologies have done to EI benefits and workers,
to Veterans Affairs services and Veterans, to Health & Safety laws, to Search & Rescue, to food safety ....
Please join with the following National Joint Council Unions who are all signatories to the Solidarity
Pact to protect sick leave to build opposition to Conservative cuts.
Association of Justice Counsel, Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), Canadian Federal
Pilots Association,
Canadian Merchant Service Guild, Canadian Military Colleges Faculty Association, Federal Government
Dockyard Trades and
Labour Council (East), Federal Government Dockyard Trades and Labour Council (West), Federal Government
Dockyard
Chargehands Association, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 2228, The Professional Association
of
Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO), Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), Public Service Alliance
of
Canada (PSAC), Research Council Employees Association (RCEA), Union of Canadian Correctional Officers - CSN, Unifor
For up to date information on what is happening in your area, visit: http://psacatlantic.ca/updates/day-action-19th-every-month-0
***
PSAC Statement for International Women's Day
International Women's Day Activity
Thursday, March 5
Holiday Inn Harbourview
9:00 am to 3 pm
National Day of Action - March 19, 2015
ON MARCH 19, 2015, JOIN WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES ON THE NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION TO SUPPORT OUR COMMON CAMPAIGN
FOR HEALTHY WORKPLACES.
Nova Scotia
MARCH 18 - Halifax: Members of UTE 80003 will be organizing a rally at noon on March 18 (UTE only) at the Ralston building
and wearing their Union t-shirts. (Come join the band!)
MARCH 19 - Dartmouth: Members of UVAE 80041 will be donning Togas and celebrating ''The Ides of March''. In addition to
cups of grape juice from wine decanters they will be passing out easter eggs as they do a walkabout during the morning at
40 Aldnerney Drive.
MARCH 19 - Dartmouth: Members of CEIU 80227 will be walking around the block at lunchtime at 48 Mellor Ave.
MARCH 19 - Halifax: Members of UNDE 80406, UNDE 80409, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the
Federal Government Dockyard Trades and Labour Council and PIPSC will be holding a 19 minutes demo at lunch time in the parking
besides the parking spaces they now pay for.
***
Together, members of all federal public service unions will show that we want healthier workplaces and better public service
for all Canadians.
Together, we’ll send a clear message to the employer and to all Canadians that we support efforts to negotiate collective
agreements that will take on toxic workplaces and not implement a “go to work sick” policy.
Because healthy workplaces are more productive workplaces and as federal public service employees we want to provide quality
public services to all Canadians.
Call for Applications - 2015 Atlantic School
On behalf of the Education Committee of the Atlantic Regional Council and the Regional Executive Office, I am pleased to
invite PSAC Atlantic members to submit their applications to attend the 2015 Atlantic School. The Atlantic School offers advanced,
in-residence training to PSAC members from throughout the region. The School will take place May 27-31, 2015, at St. Francis
Xavier University in Antigonish, NS.
Currently, our Union is engaged in what stands to be the most difficult round of collective bargaining we have seen for
some time. We are also approaching a federal election that will have sweeping implications for our members, our families and
the communities where we live. The 2015 school seeks to address this difficult juncture and to prepare participants to face
it head on. Conceived around the theme Building our Union. Building our Power. this year’s school is about increasing
our capacity to organize and educate members, with a view of building our union’s power as a whole in the Atlantic.
Please visit the following link for more detailed information about the school and an application form. http://psacatlantic.ca/updates/call-applications-2015-atlantic-school The deadline to apply is March 31, 2015.
***
February is Black History Month
Union leader recognized as part of Black History Month: The North American Black Historical Museum teamed with the Workers History Museum to present a showing of a film about Cal
Best as part of Black History Month.
***
AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH EVENT
Theme: The Walk that Changed
History
Guest Speaker: Mary Boyd
Mary walked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
We invite you to come and walk with her as she relives this journey. Tuesday, February 24, PSAC Regional Office; 5:00 to 6:45 pm
Please RSVP by Wednesday, February 18th to the Halifax PSAC Regional
Office (902) 443-3541 or 1-800-839-6661
***
PSAC Online Learning
Fighting for Our Lives - Bill C4 and Health & Safety is one of the courses being offered until May
4, 2015.
This Saturday, January 31, will mark 1 year since the government closed the Veterans Affairs
Canada offices in 9 communities including Corner Brook, Charlottetown and Sydney.
There is an event being organized by local citizens and the Royal Canadian Legion in Sydney, NS. We
ask that you come out in support of our veterans.
WHEN: Saturday, January 31st at 10 a.m. (indoor rally at 10 a.m. and then the supporters are invited to
drive to the site of the former VAC office on George street for an outside gathering with veterans.)
WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion, 35 State Street, Sydney, NS
WHY: They fought for us, not it's our time to fight for them and ask the new Veterans Affairs Minister
to re-open the offices immediately.
Facebook event: www.facebook.com/events/757041467698396/
***
PSAC calls on the government to take action on mental health and child care during negotiations
***
BARGAINING
***
On December 10th we reflect on human rights in Canada and around the world. Please
read and share PSAC's statement: http://psacatlantic.ca/human-rights/human-rights-day
***
12 Days of Christmas
http://psacatlantic.ca/new-brunswick/12-days-of-christmas-my-union-gave-me
***
December 6 -National
Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women
http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/1256056-vigils-in-halifax-canada-mark-25th-anniversary-of-montreal-massacre
In Canada, December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.
This day is dedicated to the memory of the 14 women killed by a gunman on December 6, 1989 at the École Polytechnique in Montreal.
Tomorrow is December 6 which marks 25
years since the Montreal massacre. If you are able to, please come out to the activity planned for tomorrow evening
in Halifax as follows:
The “Not
So Silent” Vigil will start at 5:30 pm in front of the Halifax North Memorial Library, 2285 Gottingen Street,
for the Candlelight Vigil. We will then walk and stop at various locations on the way to the Company House, 2202
Gottingen Street, where we will warm up and enjoy food, spoken word, music, action, sharing and inspiration. The MC of the
event will be Rebecca Rose and also in attendance will be Megan Leslie, El Jones, and lots more. Everything should be finished
up by 8 to 8:30 pm.
In addition,
I have purple ribbons for the Purple Ribbon Campaign. The ribbons are to be worn to remember all of the women who have
died due to violence or continue to live with abuse and to raise awareness of the effects of violence against women.
If you are able, I encourage you to come to my desk to get a purple ribbon and leave a donation which will go to transition
houses in Nova Scotia.
***
December 3 - International Day for Persons With Disabilities
http://psacunion.ca/international-day-persons-disabilities
***
Domestic Violence at Work:
Please see the link for survey results: http://www.canadianlabour.ca/issues/domestic-violence-work
PSAC pushes for transparency and healthy workplaces in negotiations with Treasury Board
Open Letter from UEW's National Human Rights Representative
click here to download file
***
Article on New Sick Leave Proposal (November 20):
Visit the link below for the media’s perspective
on the latest offer from Treasury Board regarding sick leave: http://ottawacitizen.com/news/politics/public-servants-get-new-offer-for-sick-leave-reform
***
Union Local Gathering
for Day of Action - Noon on Wednesday, November 17
Please join your union executive this Wednesday
at lunch at the Joe Howe Park on Queen Street (located between Queen Square building and Celtic Corner). This will be
a day of action on the 19th for 19 minutes. Pizza and beverages will be provided, information will be shared
and we will stand together in support of our bargaining team and in support of keeping our sick leave. FYI. PIPSC members
have also been invited to join us.
***
MHCSI Preferred
Supplementary Pharmacy Benefits Program
As a member of PSAC Atlantic Region, we are eligible for the supplementary benefits plan and discount plan at Lawtons.
Please read the attached for additional information and let me know if you have any questions.
click here to download file
***
UEW Respect in the Workplace Campaign
At the fall UEW National Executive meetings in Ottawa on October 18 - 20, 2014 the National
Executive fully endorsed the launch of the “RESPECT” in the Workplace Campaign.
UEW has established Joint Respectful Labour Management Committees with both DFO and DOE
and UEW’s National President sits on both these Committees. RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE is also a standing item on all National
UMCC’s as well as, many Branch and Sector UMCC’s.
Paternalism/Bullying is linked to many issues outlined in the Public Service Employees’
Survey; e.g., harassment, discrimination, sick leave, disability – both short and long term – stress, respectful
workplace, abuses of authority, mental health and poor morale.
Although the Employer has responded with various policies and education to address harassment,
discrimination, and bullying within the workplace (e.g., Harassment Policy, Duty to Accommodate and Violence in the Workplace),
it needs to do much more to educate & promote a respectful workplace. The Bargaining Agents want to play a partnership
role to raise the bar and create respectful workplaces.
Let’s all work together to create a respectful workplace for all! To endorse this program,
our local was provided with Respect wrist bands; if you haven't already received one, please let me know and I'll ensure you
get one.
***
Sick Leave Pledge
Pledge
your support for Sick Leave & please circulate to your members.
http://psacunion.ca/support-healthy-workplaces
***
Protect
your Sick Leave Rally - October 30
Please join me today at lunch
to attend a rally in support of keeping our sick leave. We need to come together to fight for this very important issue.
A taxi will be provided to drive us there and pick us up and lunch will be provided by the Dawgfather (serving up regular
and veggie dogs). If you can make it, please let me know and I’ll arrange the transportation.
***
Calling all PSAC members to A Halloween Rally to Protect
our Sick Leave
WHEN: 12:00pm – 12:30pmThursday, October 30, 2014
WHERE: Maritime Building1505 Barrington Street, Halifax
Lunch will be provided by the DAWG FATHER. Come dressed up if you can! We will also provide
props onsite. For more info or to arrange a taxi for your local, contact Mark Rogers: rogersm@psac.com / 902-476-4449
***
Please see the attached article on sick leave that
was presented at the PSAC negotiations.
click here to download file
***
Unveiling of the Dream Catcher Project
The unveiling of the Dream Catcher to honour the present missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada
will take place on October 3rd, 2014.
At present there are 1186 missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada. We have endeavored to never
let their memories or dreams fade.
Please join us for the unveiling ceremony for the dream catcher that represents and honors the spirit and dreams of
ALL missing and murdered Aboriginal Women in Canada.
Friday, October 3, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre; Joan Glode Gathering Space
(Light Lunch will be served)
For more information please contact: johndenise_1974@outlook.com or 902-420-1576 Ext 243
***
Labour Day Event
Monday September 1st, 2014
The Halifax Labour Day March, Rally, Community BBQ and Music Concert is gathering at 10:00am at Victoria
Park (corner of Spring Garden Road & South Park Streets) with a march to the South Commons Triangle beginning at 11:30am.
Bring union flags and banners for the march! Featured Speakers for Halifax Labour Day 2014 will include Canadian Labour Congress
Executive Vice-President Marie Clarke Walker, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke, and Halifax-Dartmouth
& District Labour Council President Kyle Buott. The Labour Day Rally, Free Community BBQ and Free Outdoor Music Concert
(featuring Joe Murphy & the Water Street Blues Band) take place from 12:00Noon until 2:30pm following the march from Victoria
Park. For details, see the Labour Council's Facebook page at http://Facebook.com/HalifaxLabour or phone Kyle Buott @ 902.453-2074 (o) or email
president@halifaxlabour.ca
***
Standing together for bargaining, standing together for public services
Check out the new video, Standing together for bargaining, standing together for public services featuring negotiating team members talking about the importance of membership engagement in the bargaining process.
***
PRIDE PARADE
Please join the PSAC float
at this year's pride parade on July 27th
Information: http://halifaxpride.com/event/pride2014/
***
Local 80820 Important Updates and Deadlines
Conventions:
The PSAC
Atlantic Convention is taking place June 20-22 in Saint John, NB. We are in the process of selecting a delegate to attend
to represent our local.
The UEW
National Convention is taking place August 26-28 here in Halifax. We hope to send up to three observers, if you are
interested in attending and learning about how decisions are made and how our union/component functions and you haven’t
already indicated that you are interested, please let me know.
Convention
Resolutions
Resolutions
for consideration at the UEW National Convention need to be submitted through myself to the resolutions committee by Monday,
April 14. As a general guide, convention resolutions concern the following subjects: e.g., PSAC Constitution; Union
of Environment Workers’ By-Laws, Policies and Regulations; Collective Bargaining Policy and Procedure; Membership Services;
and National Joint Council. A resolution can also deal with unemployment, equal opportunity, economics, social or political
matters. Bargaining demands will not be considered at this convention. If you have anything that you would like to bring
forward, this is your opportunity.
Atlantic
Voice Awards
This award is presented to members who have provided exemplary service or have been role models and mentors for
our members. The successful nominees will be presented with their awards at The 6th Triennial PSAC Atlantic Regional Convention.
If you would like to nominate someone, please visit the following link for additional information: http://psacatlantic.ca/updates/atlantic-voice-award The deadline to apply for the Atlantic Voice
Award is Tuesday, April 15th.
Education
If you are 30 or under, I encourage
you to apply for the Young Workers Symposium. The deadline to apply is this Friday, April 11th: http://psacatlantic.ca/education-program/events/young-workers-symposium
Collective
Bargaining Meetings
Members are invited to attend a membership meeting which will provide an update on the strategy for the next round
of bargaining with Treasury Board. In our area, the meeting will be held April 28 at the Dartmouth Holiday Inn beginning at
7 pm. Refreshments will be provided. Another meeting will be held April 30 but the location has not been determined.
Union
Scholarships
PSAC Scholarship
Program: http://psacatlantic.ca/updates/psac-scholarship-program-now-accepting-applications The deadline to apply is June 27, 2014.
UEW Mary
Stewart Scholarship: http://www.uew-ste.com/uew-news/2014-uew-mary-stewart-scholarship. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2014.
Sick Leave
Telephone Town Hall
Unfortunately,
some of us were not included on the most recent PSAC Atlantic Town Hall on the subject of Sick Leave. The good news
is that the session was recorded, please visit the following link to listen to the recording: http://psacatlantic.ca/updates/recording-of-telephone-town-hall-about-sick-leave
Personal
Emails and Pledge Card:
We are being
encouraged not to use the employer’s network for sending union email updates. Please, if you do not want to miss
out on future mailings, provide me with your personal email address. I also have union pledge cards available that you
can use to update your mailing address and email to ensure that you do not miss out on important information. If you
haven’t already completed one, let me know and I’ll send you one to complete.
Please feel
free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Thanks.
Rhonda
~~~~~~
Community gathering to honor missing and murdered aboriginal women - Wednesday,
April 16, 4:30 to 7:00 pm
Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre with support from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) are hosting
a community gathering to honor MISSING AND MURDERED ABORIGINAL WOMEN.
At present, there are 824 missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada. To some, this number does not appear to be many,
however, we are endeavoring to make this number a visual reality. Help up to construct a 10' Dream Catcher, on which 824,
smaller dream catchers will be hung, representing each and every one of our missing and murdered aboriginal sisters.
Community members are invited to join us and help weave a dream catcher to represent a MISSING AND MURDERED ABORIGINAL
WOMEN.
Mi'kmaw Native
Friendship Centre
2158 Gottingen
Street
Joan Glode Gathering
Space
Wednesday, April
16, 2014
4:30 - 7:00
p.m.
(A light supper
will be provided)
----------------------------------------------------------------
NS Treasury Board Town Hall Meeting - April 30 at the Westin Hotel in Halifax
The Public Service Alliance is committed to ongoing communication with our members about the Collective
Bargaining process and the Union's position on the key issues related to negotiations with Treasury Board.
We want to provide you with an opportunity to hear directly from your Union on these matters.
Please see the attached poster regarding the dates and times
these meetings will be held in your area.
click here to download file
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Day of Mourning
April 28 is a Day of Mourning for thousands of Canadian workers killed or injured on the job each year, or who
died from work-related diseases. On this day, we mourn, but it is also a time to insist that all levels of government
do more to enforce existing health and safety laws and vigorously prosecute violations when a worker is killed or seriously
injured. In 2013, 34 Nova Scotians lost their lives.
The labour movement worked for years to get changes to the Criminal Code so that corporations who kill
are held criminally liable. This amended law, often called the "Westray Law," holds employers accountable if they fair to
take steps to protect the lives of their employees. Unfortunately, that law is largely being ignored by governments.
There have been only a handful of prosecutions for criminal negligence and only one conviction. While we have made some
progress protecting workers' health and safety, we have to keep fighting for safer workplaces for everyone.
Please find attached the listing of ceremonies scheduled in Nova Scotia communities. On April 28,
lets gather to remember our brothers and sisters killed or injured on the job, and to re-commit to making our workplaces safer
for everyone.
_________________________________
PSAC Telephone Town Hall on Sick Leave
C4 Budget Act - Putting Workers Safety at Risk
The latest budget implementation act (Bill C-4) put forward by the Harper Conservatives, will
dramatically change health and safety laws for workers under federal jurisdiction.
Please take a few minutes to get familiar with this Bill and take the time to participate
in the on-line campaign launched by the Canadian Labour Congress.
http://psacunion.ca/budget-act-putting-workers-safety-risk
___________________________
The government is proposing changes to the definition of danger in the right to refuse dangerous work.
The Canadian Labour Congress summarizes the changes as follows:
The government wants to water down the right to refuse dangerous work, end the role of federal Health and Safety Officers
in the investigation process and give employers the power to discipline workers when they invoke the right to refuse dangerous
work. All together, these changes would make the Canada Labour Code provisions on the right to refuse dangerous work the weakest
in the country, and put workers’ lives at risk.
click here to download file
Stéphane Grenier to speak at the Atlantic Regional Health & Safety Conference
We are very pleased to have special guest speaker Stéphane Grenier who is a former member of the Canadian Military. Having
served over 29 years, he faced his own undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) upon his return from Rwanda. He will
account his personal journey to recovery and how he dealt with mental health issues.
Mr. Grenier will be speaking during the Atlantic Health and Safety Conference on Sunday, November 3rd, 2013, at the Holiday
Inn Harbourview, 101 Wyse Road, Dartmouth, NS, at 10:15 a.m. This portion of the conference will be open to all PSAC members
who are interested in attending and not just the conference attendees. Attendance will be at your own expense. Seating is
limited so please call to register for the Sunday morning session at (902) 443-3541.
________________________________________________________________
Help our veterans keep the one-on-one services they deserve
You can help veterans stop the closure of the Veterans Affairs offices in their communities. In the lead-up to Remembrance
Day and beyond, PSAC members will be working with veterans to organize awareness-raising events in their communities and to
urge Members of Parliament to speak out against the decision to close these offices. Find out how you can help.
_________________________
Unions Work for Women: A New Course for PSAC Women
The goal of the course is to build a better union, better work places and a better society by encouraging and supporting
active PSAC women in their struggle for fairness, equality and social justice.
By the end of the course participants will:
Know about the herstory and current work of the labour and social justice movements; Know about the fragility of the movements’
gains, especially in the current economic and political context; Feel part of a movement for change, for equality and for
social justice; Feel increased confidence in their skills and knowledge; Be able to work strategically with other activists;
Be able to take on a leadership role in the PSAC, in their work places andin their communities. The deadline to apply is November
8.
Please see the attachment for additional details and to register.
click here to download file
___________________________________
Sisters in Spirit - October 4th Vigils
Each year on October 4th communities across Canada come together to honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal
women and girls. As we do so, we remember the lives of sisters, daughters, mothers and grandmothers tragically taken from
us.
PSAC sisters have
been supporting these events. This year, there are 210 October 4th SIS Vigils, and counting…Please invite your friends
and sisters to join one of them. For a list of these vigils, please go to the Native Women’s Association website: http://www.nwac.ca/2013-vigil-locations
_______________________________
Atlantic TC Ratification and Strike Vote Schedule
After more than two years of protracted and often difficult
negotiations, the TC Bargaining Team has reached a tentative agreement
with Treasury Board. Find your ratification kit and much more
information here. Find a ratification and strike vote meeting in your area below Nova Scotia Halifax,
NS,
September 5, 2013, 5:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m., H & R Military Family
Resource Centre – Windsor Park, 6393 Homefire Crescent, Building 106,
Piers Blvd. (Details) Greenwood, NS, September 4, 2013, 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m., 14 Wing Greenwood - Birch Hall Centre (Details) Kentville, NS, September 4, 2013, 12:00 p.m. - 1 p.m., Annapolis Valley Labour Council office, 362
Main Street (Details) NS Conference Call, September 5, 2013, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Details) Dartmouth, NS, September 10, 2013, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Holiday Inn Harbourview – Hawthorne
and Sullivan Rooms, 101 Wyse Road (Details) --------------
On September 2, the Halifax Dartmouth & District Labour Council (HDDLC) invites you to attend their Labour Day March, Rally, Free BBQ Picnic & Community Concert.
Gather
at 10:30am (Victoria Park on Spring Garden) and join the march at 11:00am from Victoria Park to the South Commons. Rally, free BBQ & music concert
to follow from 12:00 noon onwards at the South
Commons Triangle (for more information, see http://HalifaxLabour.ca) ----------------
PSAC
Nova Scotia Fall Education Schedule
You are encouraged to participate in PSAC training. To register or if you have any questions, please contact
Rhonda.
http://psacatlantic.ca/sites/psacatlantic.com/files/2013_fall_schedule_psac_education_program.pdf
--------------------
Petition: The Right to Choose: As you are aware, the
legislation governing PSAC-Treasury Board bargaining (i.e., Public Service
Labour Relations Act) provides for a choice of dispute resolution.
Bargaining agents must notify the PSLRB of the process they have chosen -
either arbitration or conciliation - prior to the beginning of
negotiations if there is a desire to change the dispute settlement route.
Currently, all TB bargaining units remain on the conciliation with the right to
strike route as outlined in Regulation 15A, paragraph 3.11. The petition relating to the right
to vote for the dispute settlement route for the Technical Services Bargaining
Unit members is attached. It is
important to note that this petition will not result in a change in the dispute
settlement route from conciliation with the right to strike to arbitration but
if 10% of the TC membership population sign the petition, in accordance with
Regulation 15A, the PSAC will be required to hold a vote of the affected
membership to determine the dispute settlement route for the next round of
collective bargaining. Please note: Members must not use the Employer’s e-mail system
to circulate either this communiqué or the attached petition. The
deadline to receive petitions in the national office is September 16,
2013. Should you have any questions or
concerns, please do not hesitate to communicate with the national office. ---------------
August 2, 2013
TC Bargaining Team Reaches Tentative Agreement
After more than two years of protracted and often difficult
negotiations, the TC Bargaining Team has reached a tentative agreement
with Treasury Board.
The Memorandum of Settlement was signed at 4:20 AM on August 1st, after a marathon 18-hour bargaining session.
If ratified by the membership, the new Collective Agreement will be
retroactive to June 22, 2011, and will expire on June 21, 2014.
The tentative agreement contains the so-called “pattern settlement”
first signed by the PA, SV and EB bargaining units in September, 2010,
but with many other improvements to operational issues and some
breakthrough language.
The “pattern settlement” includes retroactive wage adjustments of
1.75 per cent, 1.5 per cent and 2 per cent as well as improvements to
bereavement leave and family-related leave, and restoration of sick
leave credits to term employees who have been rehired with a break in
service of less than one year. Service of term employees will also be
cumulative for the purpose of increments on the wage grid.
The pattern also includes the elimination of severance pay for
retirement and resignation. There are no other concessions in the
tentative agreement.
Other economic improvements include:
- An annual allowance of 1.5 per cent for employees in all EG classification levels
- A roll-in to base salary of all terminable allowances currently
paid to TI employees in the marine, aviation and rail safety modes
- New terminable allowances under Appendix P
- New terminable allowances for EG-6 and EG-7 and GT-6 trough GT-8
employees working in shore-based positions at the Canadian Coast
Guard
- The removal of the 8-hour cap on call back and an annual
allowance of $5,000 for EG employees working as Laboratory and X-Ray
Technologists at the Norway House and Percy E. Moore federal hospitals
in Manitoba
Among other improvements:
- For the first time in a federal public service Collective
Agreement, transgendered employees are explicitly protected from
discrimination and harassment
- The cap on Travel Status Leave is increased to 45 hours of time
off, up from 37.5 hours, in recognition of more than 100 nights away
from an employee’s home, up from 80 nights
- Employees in the Sea Lamprey Control Unit are no longer excluded from the provisions of the Travel Status Leave article
- A new article reimbursing employees for licensing and certifications required for an employee’s job
- Appendix R has been expanded to include maintenance crew on National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft
The TC Bargaining Team is extremely disappointed that Treasury Board
has refused to recognize retention and recruitment issues for
Technical Inspectors at Measurement Canada and in the Labour Program at
HRSDC.
The Team is equally disappointed that increases in pay and
allowances for Technical Inspectors at Transport Canada still do not
bring these employees to wage parity with their comparators.
PSAC will continue to work towards the goal of equal pay for work of equal value for employees of the federal government.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT:
Wage Increases and other economic improvements:
PSAC has achieved the following salary increases for the TC bargaining unit:
- 1.75% retroactive to June 22, 2011
- 1.50% retroactive to June 22, 2012
- 2.00% retroactive to June 22, 2013
EG Rates of Pay
- Annual allowance of the value of 1.5% of base pay to all EG
classifications effective June 22, 2013, after the economic
increase is applied
Marine, Aviation and Rail Safety – Technical Inspectors
- Roll-in of 100% of the respective terminable allowances into
wage rates effective June 22, 2013, prior to the economic
increase (except TI-6 Marine – 75% roll-in)
- New terminable allowances under Appendix P, effective June 22, 2013 for all three modes
EG members working as Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists at Norway House and Percy E. Moore Hospitals
- Annual allowance of $5,000
- Removal of 8-hour cap on call-back
Canadian Coast Guard Shore-based EG-6, EG-7 and GT-6 though GT-8 positions
- Recruitment and retention allowance effective June 22, 2013
Changes to severance on retirement and resignation
Severance entitlements for retirement and resignation will cease to
accumulate starting on the date of signing of the collective agreement.
TC indeterminate employees will have three options to cash-out of
accumulated voluntary severance calculated at the rate of one week of
pay for each year of continuous employment up to a maximum of 30 years
of continuous employment, with the cash out for partial years of service
prorated.
This voluntary severance cash-out extends to term employees who
would not normally receive severance at the end of their terms. Under
this agreement, term employees with at least one year of employment
will receive a one-time cash out of one week for each year of
continuous employment.
Currently, there is no voluntary severance for employees who resign
before 10 years of continuous employment and only ½ week pay for each
year of service for those who have more than 10 years of service. Under
this agreement, the voluntary severance cash-out is at one week of pay
per year of continuous employment for all employees in the TC
bargaining unit.
Members have three options to cash out:
- Immediately cash out their severance at their substantive position rate of pay.
- Retain the accumulated weeks of severance with a payout on termination or retirement at their exit rate of pay.
- Cash out some of their severance (a “round” number of weeks) at
their substantive position rate of pay, with the remainder to be paid
upon termination or retirement at their exit rate of pay.
Protection of Severance for Involuntary Departure
The accumulation of severance entitlements will continue for cases
of lay-off, death, termination on probation, and termination for
reasons of incapacity or incompetence.
Enhanced severance pay in situations of lay off
PSAC has achieved an amendment to the collective agreement that
enhances the severance pay entitlement in situations of lay-off that
improves with seniority.
-
Employees with less than 10 years of continuous employment will
still get 2 weeks of severance pay for the first year of continuous
employment plus one week for each year of service thereafter.
-
Employees with more than 10 years of continuous employment will
get 3 weeks of severance pay for the first year of continuous
employment instead of the current 2 weeks plus one week for each year
of continuous employment thereafter.
-
Employees with more than 20 years of continuous employment will
get 4 weeks of severance pay for the first year of continuous
employment instead of the current 2 weeks plus one week for each year
of continuous employment thereafter.
Better protections for term employees
-
PSAC has achieved increments based on cumulative service for term employees.
-
Term employees will now have their unused sick leave credits
reinstated if they are rehired within one year of a specified year of
employment.
-
Term employees with at least one year of service will also benefit from the severance payout described above.
Bereavement leave
Bereavement leave entitlement is improved to period of 7 consecutive calendar days instead of 5 calendar days.
Family-related Responsibility Leave
More flexibility for leave with pay for family related
responsibilities to allow 7.5 hours for situations such as attending
school functions and appointments with financial or legal
representatives.
No Discrimination
The parties have agreed that gender identity and expression will be
prohibited grounds of discrimination. This is breakthrough language:
if ratified, the TC collective agreement will be the first in the
federal public service to explicitly protect transgendered employees
from discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
Travel Status Leave
Another breakthrough: The cap on Travel Status Leave is increased
to a maximum of 45 hours in a fiscal year, up from 37.5 hours.
Employees are currently credited with 7.5 hours off with pay for the
first 20 nights away from their permanent residence to a maximum of 80
nights. That maximum has been increased to 100 nights.
In addition, employees in the Sea Lamprey Control Group are no
longer excluded from the provisions of Article 34 when they are working
under Appendix I.
Sea Lamprey Control Unit – Appendix I
There is a new definition of when the Appendix applies to employees
in the Sea Lamprey Control Unit – “during the defined field season,
except when their work day begins and ends within the headquarters
area.”
In addition, compensatory leave taken in lieu of overtime is no
longer restricted to the end of the defined field season, but at times
convenient to both the employee and the Employer.
Seasonal employees also have the option of remaining on strength
until they have exhausted such compensatory leave, or they may carry
over such leave in accordance with Article 28.02 (d).
Canadian Forces Service Recognition for Vacation Credits
Effective April 1, 2012, members with prior service in the Canadian
Forces have that
service recognized for the purpose of calculation of vacation
credits. Since PSAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding last year,
this provision is already in effect. ---------------------
This Saturday, July 17th 2013, marks Halifax's Pride parade, arguably one
of the largest celebrations of the accomplishments of the GLBT community
this side of Montreal.
The parade this year starts at 1:30 pm so please attempt to be onsite by
12:30 to ensure you a spot on the Federation of Labour float or to help
decorate our entry.
We are meeting at the CFB Halifax parking lot on Valour Way (where Upper
Water street meets Cornwallis and ask the registration booth or any of
the parade marshalls for the PSAC or Nova Scotia Federation of Labour
entry and walk with us in the parade.
Plan on wearing Pride colors or PSAC attire.
This is a great time, appreciated by thousands of parade goers and
participants so come out and show that the membership of the PSAC
appreciates and supports the GLBT community.
---------------
The Essential Services Agreement (ESA) for the TC Bargaining Unit is finally completed
After many years and a very lengthy and complex consultation process,
the PSAC and Treasury Board signed off on an agreement at the end of
June. Essential services are the services, facilities, or activities
that the Government of Canada would continue to provide in the event of a
strike. These essential services are those deemed necessary for safety
or security of the public.
While the Employer determines the level of service that will be
provided, the Union negotiates with the Employer on the types of
positions, specific positions, and the number of positions required for
providing the services.
Since the new labour relations legislation, the Public Service Labour
Relations Act, came into force, the Union has had to negotiate new
essential services agreements with the Employer for all of our
bargaining units in the federal government and its separate agencies).
ESAs must be reached before a bargaining unit can strike.
Once finalized, ESAs are binding through successive rounds of
collective bargaining unless the Union or the Employer seeks an
amendment.
The PSAC has signed individual Memoranda of Understanding with each
government department employing TC members, and a copy of that
information has been shared with the respective Components. Members are
encouraged to contact their locals if they have any specific questions
regarding their own workplace. --------------------
This
message is being distributed on behalf of the Aboriginal Employee
Network (AEN) and the Regional Diversity Advisory Committee (RDAC) / Ce message est distribué
du le Réseau des employés autochtones (REA) et le Conseil consultatif régional de la diversité (CCRD) To
celebrate National Aboriginal Day, the DFO Maritimes Region Aboriginal
Employee Network (AEN) and Regional Diversity Advisory Council (RDAC)
are pleased to offer a unique cross-cultural learning opportunity by
sponsoring a visit to the Glooscap Heritage Centre in Truro, Nova Scotia
during their National Aboriginal Day festivities. Participants will be picked up at BIO in
front of the main entrance on Friday (June 21) and bussed to the Glooscap Heritage Centre to participate. Pick-up
time will be 10:30 a.m. and drop-off time at 4:00 p.m. Highlights of day will include: v Opening Ceremonies v
Glooscap Heritage Museum will be open to the public v
Aboriginal Dancers & Drummers v Aboriginal Craft and Food Vendors Transportation to the Heritage Centre will be
provided, however it is up to participants to provide their own lunch (you may bring your own however there will be food
vendors on site).
While all regional employees are welcome to attend, employees must
receive permission from their supervisor prior to registering for this
event. There are limited seats available so please
register as soon as possible by emailing Ashley Julian at Ashley.Julian@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Seats will be assigned on a first come first serve basis. Please
indicate if you require a drive from Marine House to BIO and we will try
to arrange for some carpooling.
For your information,
the following letter to the editor was submitted by Robyn to the Globe
and Mail in response to their editorial. Re.
“Banking unused sick days is a nonsensical benefit that has to go,” (June 11, 2013). The
government would rather talk about federal government sick leave than
the scandal in the Senate. So instead of kicking off Public Service Week
by recognizing the important work that federal government employees do
for Canadians, the government accused them of milking the system. Let’s
get the facts straight. Federal government workers can’t cash out their
sick leave or use it to retire early. In fact, workers must leave any
unused sick leave behind when they retire. So is Minister Clement
calculating unused sick leave as an asset that offsets what he claims is
a $5.2 billion liability? The
government’s numbers on absenteeism are misleading too. When he says
that on average federal government workers take 18 sick days a year,
he’s lumping in the majority, who likely take between 0 and 8 days, with
those who are seriously ill and on long term disability. Our long term
disability insurance providers say that about 8,000 of those aren’t even
government employees. You just can’t get an accurate picture by
averaging apples and oranges. If
the government wants to talk about improving sick leave, they can
propose that when we get to the bargaining table next year. In the
meantime, let’s get back to the issue of who’s really milking the
system, and get some accountability. Robyn Benson, National President Public
Service Alliance of Canada
Pay in arrears: they finally come clean
In the summer of 2012, our members started hearing rumours that
Treasury Board was planning to start paying employees “pay in arrears”.
This means that instead of being paid in real time, you would be paid
for the two preceding weeks. Eventually, when you leave your
employment, you will be paid the final two weeks owing to you. No
matter how you look at it, this would create a hardship for our members
because in order to implement the new system, the employer is going to
have to hold back two weeks of pay.
Treasury Board letter: no plans for pay in arrears
We advised Treasury Board that we had serious concerns, and asked for consultation on this issue.
In November, 2012, we were told informally that there were no plans in
the works to move employees to “pay in arrears”. We asked for
confirmation in writing. On November 29, 2012 we received the letter
reprinted below. On December 12, 2012, we posted on our website that
the Review of pay in arrears is dead on arrival.
On May 27, 2013, the PSAC attended a meeting on pay policy changes.
We were given a document prepared by PWGSC outlining how the Government
plans to move to a “pay in arrears” system starting in January, 2014.
What can we tell you – we were misled.
We are continuing to investigate this “policy change”, which is being
made without consultation and in violation of our collective
agreements. We will do everything in our power to ensure that our
members are protected from any and all financial hardship.
Stay tuned, we’re just getting started. ---------------------------
Locals are requesting information
with respect to the membership status of members who might be on short-term
disability, long-term disability, maternity leave and leave without pay.
The following e-mail was forwarded on January 26, 2009 and is being resent for
your information and the information of your membership concerning the subject
matter.
The general principle is that members on leave
from the Federal Government with no salary attached to that leave remain
members in good standing without being required to submit dues as required by
the PSAC Constitution. A member on leave without pay who wishes to
continue to be recognized as a full member of the PSAC is required to
communicate his/her wish to the National President of the PSAC with a copy to
UEW.
With the approval of the PSAC National
President, the member will then be identified as a member in good standing for
the period of time so indicated for up to 30 months.
Should the member’s needs change during the course of time, it is imperative
that he/she advise the PSAC and Component accordingly. The
ramifications of not requesting to remain a member in good standing affects
membership benefits (e.g., life group insurance, group insurance, etc.) as well
as the ability to participate in union functions; e.g., ratification vote with
respect to a tentative agreement.
Members who are on leave without pay and who
are receiving a salary from other employment and wish to remain as members in
good standing would also need to indicate their intention; however, they would
be required to submit their dues in order to remain as members in good standing.
It is important to advise any members who may
be in a situation such as that noted above of what is required and to ensure
that their intentions are provided to our office as soon as possible.
Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact
the national office.
2013 PSAC National Equity Conferences
“Equity groups are all affected”
Registration deadline -
(for both delegates and observers):
- Friday, June 7, 2013,
4:00 p.m. EST
Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
- Resolutions submission deadline:
- June 17, 2013,
4:00 p.m. EST
- Deadline for nominations
- October 18, 2013
- Conference Dates:
- November 18 to 22, 2013
- Conference Location:
- Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
123 Queen Street West Toronto, Ontario
- For further information or assistance:
-
- Call 613-560-5457. Leave a message and someone will get back to you within 24 working hours.
- You may also contact Michelle Rossignol, Administrative Assistant by email at conferences@psac-afpc.com
- The fax number is 613-236-9402
- Interpretation services offered:
- English, French and Inuktitut
Call for resolutions
Preparations for the 2013 PSAC National Equity Conferences, to be
held in Toronto from November 18 to 22, 2013, are well underway.
Conference objectives:
National Conference for Racially Visible Members
- Unite all equity groups to work together.
- Provide and enhance tools for mobilization and taking action together.
- Strengthen our knowledge of our rights: labour and human rights in our union and workplaces.
National Conference for Members With Disabilities
- To ensure the workplace is 100% accessible and to promote and
communicate 100% accessibility and inclusivity in all spheres of
society.
- To empower MWD by providing education on employment issues for MWD and how federal cuts directly affect MWD.
- To provide resources and tools for members in areas of mental health, bullying and harassment.
National Pride Conference
- Gather, learn, educate and articulate the historical struggles of the GLBT communities.
- Raise awareness and mobilize on Trans Rights.
- Provide tools to lobby, organize and mobilize on GLBT rights in
the union and communities, and against the conservative backlash.
National Women's Conference
- Empower our members for action.
- Foster networking and follow-up after the Conference.
- Provide space for talking, exchanging, sharing stories and having fun.
- Increase awareness of PSAC's Women's Committees.
- Engage members in regional and national activities.
- Learn how to work with our allies (other equity groups).
National Aboriginal Peoples Conference
- Empower delegates to take action in developing indigenous sustainability in their respective regions.
- Change public discourse on indigenous sustainability through education.
- Reconciliation and Reparation.
- Renewal of Respect.
The Resolutions should be aimed at strengthening and improving the Union's work and at advancing PSAC objectives.
Resolutions will be discussed, debated and voted on at the
Resolutions Sessions for each equity group and subsequently submitted to
the appropriate bodies including the next PSAC National Triennial
Convention in 2015.
- The traditional resolutions process will be utilized for the 2013
PSAC National Equity conferences (i.e. resolutions committee, debate
at the conferences).
- All PSAC constitutionally recognized bodies will be entitled to
forward resolutions to the 2013 PSAC National Equity conferences.
- A maximum of five (5) resolutions per body and per regional womens conference (for the National Women's Conference)
will be accepted..
- Please limit your resolution to a maximum of 150 words.
- Submitted resolutions are to be formatted in 14 point Arial font.
- Resolutions can be submitted in either the traditional or clear
language format (please see the following examples of the two formats).
- Submitted resolutions should not include any special formatting such as boxes or drawings.
- Only resolutions aimed at strengthening and improving the Union's work on
the respective equity issues will be accepted.
Should you have any questions regarding the resolutions process,
please contact the Programs Section at 613-560-5457 or by email at conferences@psac-afpc.com.
In Solidarity,
Jeannie Baldwin
AEC Officer responsible for the 2013 PSAC National Equity Conferences ------------------------
The Tenth PSAC Triennial Atlantic Regional Women’s Conference
May 24, 2013 - May 26, 2013
6:00 pm - 12:00 pm
St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS
(Map)
The tenth PSAC Triennial Atlantic Regional Women's Conference will be held at the campus of St. Francis
Xavier University in Antigonish Nova Scotia May 24-26, 2013. I encourage members from local 80820 who are involved in women's
issues to apply. Deadline to apply is April 12, 2013
(See attached posters for call out letter, application, accommodation, agenda, etc)
Our next AGM will take place Thursday, March 29, 2013 during the lunch break.
Our National President, Todd Panas, will be there and lunch will be provided. We will vote
on the new local by-laws, have elections and lots of imformation will be shared. Please plan to attend!
2013 PSAC National Health and Safety Conference
“Mental Health at Work – We Are All Affected”
I am pleased to be sending you this Registration package for the 2013 PSAC National Health and Safety Conference,
which will be held April 12 to 14, 2013 at the Sheraton Hotel in Montréal, Québec under the theme “Mental
Health at Work – We Are All Affected.”
I encourage you to personally inform the members of both Policy Health and Safety Committees and/or Workplace Health and
Safety Committees, Health and Safety Representatives, and/or Health and Safety activists in your Local to ensure they are
made aware of this conference. Bulletin boards may not always be accessible and additional outreach is very important.
- Registration deadline
(for both delegates and observers):
- Thursday, January 31, 2013 4:00 p.m. EST
Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
- Resolutions submission deadline:
- Thursday, January 31, 2013 4:00 p.m. EST
- Conference Dates:
- April 12 to 14, 2013
- Conference Location:
- Sheraton Hotel
1201 René-Levesque Blvd. Ouest
Montréal, Québec
Please join
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Senior Research Fellow Scott Sinclair for a briefing on the new CCPA report
Globalization,Trade Treaties and the Future of the Atlantic Canadian Fisheries Friday, January 11, 2013.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Union of Environment Workers are proud to have provided support that helped
make this report a reality.
Sinclair
will present CCPA’s research on the broad scope of new trade and investment treaties, such as the Canada- EU Comprehensive
Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), and their threat to fisheries regulation. At stake is the ability of Canadians
to pursue public policies that curb domination of the fisheries by large corporations and help spread benefits more widely
among independent fishers and coastal communities.
What: A briefing by Scott Sinclair, Senior Research Fellow, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives on
the new report Globalization,Trade Treaties and the Future of the Atlantic Fisheries
When: 9am-10am,
Friday, January 11, 2013
Where:
Public Service Alliance of Canada Boardroom
Park West Offices,
287 Lacewood Drive, Suite 301
Halifax, NS
For info
contact Lesley Thompson, 902-471-6201, thompsonl@psac.com
PSAC monitoring pay accounts transfer for problems
Public Works and Government Services Canada has so far transferred 7,200 pay accounts from a number of departments to the
public service pay centre in Miramichi, New Brunswick.
Another 3,200 accounts are due to be transferred in March 2013 with a further 9,600 accounts scheduled for transfer in
September 2013, for a total of 20,000 accounts. The next wave of transfers will start in September 2013, and will involve the transfer of another 40,000 accounts in 2013-2014.
Tell your union and your department if you experience payroll problems
The union continues to monitor any payroll problems being experienced by members whose accounts have been transferred.
Anyone who has had delays or errors in processing, or had difficulty getting a response from the pay centre should contact
their Component office and notify their department.
The union needs to know about any problems that result from moving pay services from individual departments to a single
centre. PSAC can then address these issues with Treasury Board through union management consultation. The compensation advisors are PSAC members too and the union wants to ensure that the transition works to everyone's benefit.
Union and community rally to keep Highlands Links Public
INGONISH, NS – Union leaders and a local Member of Parliament will join members of the Public Service Alliance of
Canada (PSAC) and the community of Ingonish on Saturday at an event aimed at stopping the privatization of Highlands Links.
Parks Canada recently issued an RFP that seeks to put the management of Highlands Links, a world-famous golf course, into
private hands. Currently, Highlands Links is a public resource that employs 22-full time workers, as well as a number
of term and student workers. The facility provides millions of dollars worth of economic benefits to the surrounding
community.
Community members, golf course workers and the unions that represent them are fighting to keep
Highlands Links public. Saturday’s event will officially kick off this campaign. However, work has already begun
in the community. Lawn signs have gone up. Flyers and a petition are circulating. And an online action is active at www.ItsOurGame.ca.
Workers at Highlands Links are members of the Union of National Employees (UNE), a component of the Public Service Alliance
of Canada, a national union with over 180,000 members.
WHAT: Community gathering to keep Highlands Links publicWHEN: 12:45pm, Saturday, October 6, 2012
WHERE: Ingonish Fire Hall, Ingonish
WHO: Eddie Kennedy, National Vice-President, UNE
Mark Eyking, Liberal Member
of Parliament
Jeannie Baldwin, Regional Executive Vice-President, PSAC
Contact:
Lesley Thompson, Communications Officer, PSAC, 902 471 6201
Food Safety First
Yesterday I testified before a Senate
Committee concerning the new food safety bill the Harper government introduced in June.
|
Amendment to Bill
S-11
"Five years after the coming into force of this
section, and every five years after that, the Minister must undertake a review of the provisions and operation of this Act,
including an assessment of the resources allocated to its administration and enforcement" |
We have been working hard to improve
the Bill which is called S-11.
And I am pleased to tell
you that we have persuaded the government to make a change that will ensure a regular audit is done to determine if the CFIA
has enough inspection resources.
This is a significant victory, but
the amendment needs to go further.
As drafted, the first resources
audit would not occur until five years after S-11 is passed by Parliament into law. Also we need to make sure that the audit results are made public.
Right now, the amendment does not require this.
These improvements are especially important
now that it has become obvious that self-policing of safety in the food industry is making people sick.
The latest example - XL Foods - is a story of self-policing gone
wrong and a regulator with one hand tied behind its back because of budget cuts.
XL is one of Canada's biggest meat
processors. Their plant in Brooks, Alberta occupies tens of thousands of square feet over two city blocks. They have the capacity
to process up to 5000 cattle per day.
This is a huge operation - just like
Maple Leaf Foods - that should have known better. But they didn't and the CFIA did not have the systems and resources in place
to verify before it was too late.
Meanwhile, the government continues
to hand-off more responsibility to industry to self-police while cutting the budget of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
which is losing 308 inspectors and support staff as a result of downsizing.
Please send a message to the Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, who is in charge of S-11, urging that he
improve Bill S-11.
By working together, we can make these
improvements a reality.
Regards and thanks!
Bob Kingston
FoodSafetyFirst.ca
P.S. Please use our online action centre to send your message right away. It's simple, fast and easy to use! P.P.S. You can read a copy of the presentation I will
make to the Senate Committee here.
Work
Force Adjustment and its Impact on Worker's Health
As you know, our members are
being affected by the current Work Force Adjustment (WFA) exercise. This exercise is stressful and can even lead to psychological
distress.
The
following PSAC link includes background information which can be used to discuss the Survivor Syndrome and how it can be dealt
with: http://www.psac-afpc.com/issues/campaigns/mentalhealth-survivor-syndrome-e.shtml?l=1
The PSAC invites all members to attend the Sisters in Spirt vigils that will be held across the country
on October 4th. These vigils are meant to honour the more than 600 Aboriginal women that have been murdered
or gone missing.
The Department
of Environment has provided a copy of its Leadership Development Framework, Proposed 2012-13 Implementation Plan,
which outlines the Goals and Highlights of the Approved Leadership Development Framework.
The attached
is provided for your information and the information of your membership.
Leadership Development Deck
Jeannie Baldwin - the REVP for the Public Service Alliance of Canada, invites you, your friends and family
members to attend a community Gathering in Ingonish, NS on Saturday, October 6th where union leaders and local
politicians will take a stand with the community at an event aimed to stop the privatization of Highland Links.
WHAT: Community Gathering to keep Highlands Links public
WHEN:
12:45pm - Saturday, October 6th
WHERE:
Ingonish Fire Hall, Ingonish NS
WHY: Parks Canada recently issued an RFP that seeks to put the management of Highlands Links,
a world-famous golf course, into private hands. Currently, Highlands Links is a public resource that employs 22-full
time workers, as well as a number of term and student workers. The facility provides millions of dollars worth of economic
benefits to the surrounding community - LETS KEEP IT PUBLIC!!!
Saturday’s event will officially kick off this campaign. Work has
already begun in the community: Lawn signs have gone up, flyers and a petition are circulating and an online action is active
at www.ItsOurGame.ca. which we encourage you to sign!
Please come take a stand with the community and bring your family, co-workers
and friends.
FYI; Please see message below from UEW National Office:
The Union of Environment Workers met with
Gordon Owen, Chief Enforcement Officer, DOE Enforcement Branch, on September 14, 2012 to discuss the implementation
of the Wildlife Officers’ Shift Scheduling. Brother Todd Panas, National President, and Sister Manon
Desormeaux, Service Officer, attended. Below is a summary of the discussions that took place.
UEW raised multiple concerns on behalf of the Officers.
The Branch agreed that there were lessons to be learned and also recognized there were issues that still needed to be addressed,
i.e.;
- Lack of clarity
on the scope of consultation as well as the subject of consultation;
- Lack of training/preparation
with respect to consultation and the collective agreement for the managers;
- Poor explanation/understanding
of different options;
- Reluctance of
employees to support options that they do not understand;
- Employees who
participated in drafting the schedules do not want to be construed as accepting the project;
- Employees do not
feel that they have been consulted or listened to;
- Morale is low;
- Understanding of “National Consistency”.
As a result of the discussions,
the parties recognized that there was more work to be done. As such, the Wildlife Enforcement Directorate (WED) agreed to
take a step back and put the implementation of the shift schedule into abeyance until March 31, 2013 in order to have more
consultation in the workplace.
UEW is including for your information a copy of the communication sent
to all WED employees which is copied in the e-mail body.
______
In my message dated September 13, 2012, I confirmed my intent to meet with the union President
and Chief Enforcement Officer to discuss work schedules. As agreed, that meeting took place last Friday.
At the meeting both parties noted that, for various reasons, the meetings held over the summer between
managers and employees regarding the various work schedule models were not sufficient.
Recognizing these problems,
and based on a suggestion from the union, WED management is agreeing to take a step back and put work schedules in “abeyance”
(delaying implementation). This is to give additional time for officer preparation, communication and consultation at
all levels. The objective is to achieve full implementation as soon as possible and no later than March 31, 2013.
Although not everyone agrees on the issue of schedules, the WED continues
to face major challenges regarding differences in time and resource management from one region to another. This problem is
aggravated in the current financial context. In my opinion, it is important that we – employees, managers and the union
– work together to find solutions.
For this reason, we will be conducting a review, correcting any problems,
and re-launching the consultation period later this fall. This time we will emphasize communication, the consultation process,
and the terms of the collective agreement in order to identify local solutions, while considering the suggestions and comments
submitted this summer.
To improve the consultation process, your managers will advise you of the next steps over the
coming weeks. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact your manager.
I am confident that this
action plan will allow us to identify solutions that take regional needs and practices into consideration
Sheldon Jordan
Directeur général | Director General
Direction de l'application de la loi sur la faune | Wildlife Enforcement Directorate
Environnement Canada | Environment Canada
200, boulevard Sacré-Coeur | 200 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard
Gatineau (Québec) K1A 0H3
Tél. 819 956-1969
Web: www.ec.gc.ca
Gouvernement
du Canada | Government of Canada
Take Action Against Nova Scotia Power
Profiteers!
Community and labour organizations across
Nova Scotia are calling for actions against Nova Scotia Power’s proposed 6% rate increases and for democratic, public
ownership of the electrical utility.
Actions are planned for both Halifax and Sydney on June 7th.
Thursday, June 7th at 2:00 pm - Near the Halifax ferry terminal
Last year, Emera CEO Chris Huskilson made
$2.99 million. Not counting benefits and stock options. This year, he wants
to raise your power rates by 6%!
Prepare for pushback! Stand up to Nova Scotia Power on June 7th.
Emera will be holding its Annual General Meeting
on Thursday, June 7th at 2:00 pm at the Marriott Hotel on Lower Water St.
Emera is the company that owns Nova Scotia Power.
Join the Power to the People! Campaign to take action
against the rate hikes and for democratic, public ownership of Nova Scotia Power.
We will be holding a mass sing-a-long of Emera’s
Profiteers at events in Halifax (on a Halifax
pier). (Check out the music video and lyrics here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r0O02LEifE)
Oh, and there will be pirates too. In fact, you should dress up like a pirate, a corporate pirate, because there will be prizes for best costume.
J
For
more information please contact:
Kyle Buott, Halifax-Dartmouth & District Labour Council –
(902) 478-0239
Brian Crouse, Solidarity Halifax – (902) 222-1564
Email: power@solidarityhalifax.ca.
Website: http://solidarityhalifax.ca/power/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Power-to-the-People/374461375935030
To learn more about Emera/NS Power and the campaign for democratic, public ownership check out www.solidarityhalifax.ca/power.
Standing Together for Our Public Services
In a letter dated May 24, 2012 (attached, see below) our National President,
Robyn Benson is advising that we will be boycotting the government's activities for Public Service Week.
The
message we want to send to the employer is that there is no celebration without the services and the people who provide them.
Here are suggestions for some union activities that members can take part in instead of employer activities:
- Union solidarity gatherings, meetings,
barbecues etc. at lunch in the workplace;
- "Standing Together" photo opportunities,
similar to our March 1st event;
- Op-ed or letter writing campaigns
to local media on the impact of the cuts;
- MP lobbying, email, or letter
writing campaigns;
- Dress in black or wear black squares
during the week.
In the last two months, thousands of people
and services have been affected by the misguided austerity agenda of this government.
It’s up to us to remind Canadians what public services are all about.As our
friends and families across Canada face these cuts in their workplaces and communities, let’s send the government
a message. Instead of participating in employer events during public service week, the PSAC will be organizing our own events.
If you have any suggestions for an event, please let me know!
Without us, there is no public
service week. Without us, there are no public services.
Rhonda
Public Service Week President's Letter
Standing Together Cards
Take Action! Send Stephen Harper
his Affected Letter
Thousands of hard working public servants
are being told they may lose their job. Services Canadians rely on will suffer as a result.
Stephen Harper is demonstrating clearly that his so-called jobs and prosperity budget
is really about cutting federal jobs and eliminating public services – this will hurt the economy.
The reason
Harper waited until he had a majority to gut the public service is because he knew he wouldn't win his majority. He knows
Canadians oppose this.
As PSAC members across Canada receive “affected” letters, it’s time to send
Stephen Harper and Conservative MPs a message.
Please take a minute to Send Stephen Harper his “affected” letter and put him on notice for his reckless cuts to public services.
Please
see the note below about the scholarship opportunity for your children or grandchildren leaving high school and entering post-secondary
education. The deadline to apply is June 30 and the application form is located at the following link: http://www.uew-ste.com/env/envform.htm.
As
a result of a decision taken at the May 2012 meeting of the National Executive, the 2nd paragraph of Policy Paper
31 was amended as follows; i.e.,
UEW
is pleased to offer and award a single $1000.00 scholarship annually for dependent children and/or grandchildren of
UEW members in good standing and for retired or deceased members who have children and/or grandchildren leaving high
school and entering their first year of post-secondary school on a full-time basis in a university, college or institute of
higher learning.
Further to our e-mail of March 6, 2012, we will take this opportunity to remind Locals that the deadline
for receipt of applications and 800-word essay is June 30, 2012.
WFA Lunch & Learn
I have arranged a WFA session that will be
put on by the PSAC regional representative responsible for members at our local. This will take place on Wednesday, June 6th at noon in boardroom 1524.
I know a lot of you have questions that you are still
waiting to be answered and I believe this session will offer it to you as well as a different perspective. Also, please
note that you do not need to be affected by WFA or Surplus to attend this session as we are all affected by the cuts and the
impacts on our co-workers. See below for more details on session:
Your Rights in the Face of Budget Cuts
A
45 minute info session to find out about the Work Force Adjustment Appendix and resources which can help you.
Objectives:
- Increase knowledge about the protections
afforded through the WFAA
- Link members with other unions resources
which can be of assistance
- Build awareness and support for PSAC actions
to fight cuts to services and jobs
If
you are planning to attend, please confirm your attendance with me and remember we are all affected!
In
solidarity,
Rhonda
President,
Local 80820
Adopt
A Park for the May Holiday Weekend
We are asking
our members to show solidarity for our Parks Canada employees and commit to a park or historic site this May holiday
weekend and hand out the flyer attached. Please contact Janice
Grant at grantj@psac.com or (902) 443-3541 to request flyers by Thursday, May 17th.
For members
in the HRM the Blues Nose Marathon will be taking place this weekend, May 18 - 20, this event is centrally located
next to Citadel Hill and would be an excellent opportunity to share this information with the public. If you are attending
the Marathon or plan on being down town this weekend we strongly encourage you to request some flyers to hand out. Thank
you.
Union and community members gather in Halifax for Federal Budget Watch
Spokespersons available for comments to media
WHAT: FEDERAL BUDGET WATCH - Trade Unionists & Community
Members Gather To Watch, Comment on Budget
WHEN:
Thursday March 29th from 4:30pm to 8:00pm
WHERE:
ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE CLUBROOM - 2629 Agricola Street, Halifax
Trade unionists, members of local community organizations
and others will be holding a “Federal Budget Watch” on Thursday March 29th - beginning
at 4:30 pm at the Italian Cultural Centre (Clubroom -
Downstairs) at 2629 Agricola Street in Halifax.
Organizational representatives will be onhand to respond to the
federal budget, and spokespersons from the labour movement and community groups will be available at the Budget Watch for
comment to the media.
Refreshments provided
For further information contact:
Public Service Alliance
of Canada (PSAC) Office at 902-443-3540
or
Tony Tracy, Canadian Labour Congress Regional Representative at 902-223-9489
/ email: ttracy@clc-ctc.ca
Standing together for our public
services National Day of Action
March 1, 2012 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm All
across Canada!
On
March 1st, please join me and stand outside our office to demonstrate your support to all Canadians who depend on public services
The federal government is promising to make
reckless cuts to public services Canadians rely on. The Conservative austerity plan will have a devastating impact on families and communities across Canada. These cuts will hurt, not help, our economy.
They could lead to the loss of up to 100,000 public and private sector jobs. It’s absurd to force us to choose between a strong economy and strong public services. Canadians need both! That’s why thousands of workers across the country
will be standing together to demand better.
Atlantic
School
Members are encouraged to apply to attend training at the Atlantic School. Deadline for applying is March 9th. Please visit the
link to find the Application Form, Applicant Information document, and Scent Free Policy for the 2012 Atlantic School.
Atlantic School Info and Applications
International
Women's Day Event - March 6, 2012
All members are encouraged to attend the event taking place next Tuesday,
March 6 at the Westin, Nova Scotian hotel in Halifax. There are lots of great workshops to choose from. Registration is taking
place now.
International Women's Day
Another Success Story - First Aid Allowance Update (February 28, 2012) In
2011, Sister Manon Desormeaux, Service Officer, UEW, provided representation on behalf of members who submitted a grievance
concerning the eligibility for the first aid allowance. On June 13, 2011 , Environment Canada advised its Enforcement Branch employees that on May 26, 2011, the National Joint Council concluded that the grievors had not
been treated within the intent of the Directive on First Aid to the General Public.. The Department of Environment, Enforcement Branch, issued a circular to its employees onFebruary 24, 2012 concerning the implementation of the National Joint
Council decision on first aid allowances for Officers. You
will note that new GT work descriptions in effect since 2011 “indicate providing first aid to the public”.
The February 24th, 2012 communiqué also notes - the
effective date from which the allowance will be paid;
- the
need to hold valid first aid certificates to receive the allowance; and
- the need for officers to work at least 10 km from a medical facility.
Another success story and one that will benefit all those members as noted in
the communiqués issued by the Department. ********************************************
The Public Service Alliance of Canada News Releases: Please
note that the PSAC News Releases can be sent out to members automatically through e-mail. Members wishing to receive PSAC
News Releases may do so by subscribing to the "PSAC News Releases" list.
To subscribe visit: www.psac.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2012
Government
austerity threatens environment and the economy - New PSAC video highlights harm to Canada’s fisheries
WHITEHORSE – Recent cuts to federal environmental monitoring programs will have a long term
negative impact on Canada’s environmental sustainability and its economic prosperity, said the Public Service Alliance
of Canada. The Conservative austerity budget in March will only exacerbate the problem and make it difficult for the
Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Environment Canada to fulfill their mandates.
Twenty years after
the collapse of the cod fishery off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, the industry still hasn’t recovered and
there is now serious concern the sockeye salmon fishery in the Fraser River in British Columbia will go the way of the cod.
“In the face of disappearing fish stocks that are so important to our ecosystem and national economy, the Conservative
government has decided to gut public services that monitor, manage and protect our fisheries and the environment,” said
John Gordon, National President of PSAC.
In August 2011, Environment Canada cut 700 jobs in an effort to balance
its budget. Earlier that summer, 50 contract scientists were cut, many of whom worked on climate change research.
In addition, over 400 jobs at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans were affected in December 2011. This will have
a direct impact on monitoring fish stocks and managing fish habitat.
DFO workers also
process licensing requests for commercial fishermen, sports fishermen and other Canadians who depend on our fisheries for
their livelihoods and recreation, key economic drivers in many parts of the country. The cuts will result in significant
delays that will further harm our economy. Government statistics peg the gross value of fisheries output at almost $7 billion
in 2006.
“Those who work at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Environment
Canada and other departments play a critical role in managing the sustainability of our fisheries,” said Gordon. “The
Conservative austerity agenda is weakening the capacity of these departments to fulfill their mandates as stewards of our
fish habitats.”
PSAC launched another video today as part of its Third Choice campaign
to highlight the absurdity of forcing Canadians to choose between strong public services and a strong economy. By weakening
the capacity of the federal government to act as stewards of our fish stocks, the Harper cuts harm both.
Watch the video on YouTube or at:
www.thirdchoice.ca
For more information:
Nicholas
Galletti, PSAC Communications (in Whitehorse), 613-314-9836 (mobile) Ariel Troster, PSAC Communications (in Ottawa), 613-292-8363 (mobile)
Latest TC bargaining news can be obtained from following link:
http://www.psac-afpc.org/bargaining/units/treasury_board/tc-e.shtml?l=1
Next bargaining dates are March 6-8, 2012. We will have STICKERS made
up which read, "We value our severance" . These can be used for our next upcoming Mobilization Activity scheduled for March
6, 2012 (Tuesday). These stickers can be stuck on anything going to the Employer; i.e. Internal Envelopes, boxes, orders etc. Do
you have suggestions or ideas you may have to improve our communications (getting our message out to our members) or how we
can visibly organize our members/worksites for upcoming mobilizations? Send them my way or to your bargaining team! We value
your input!!!
TO / AUX: Local Executives / Exécutifs des sections locales National Executive / Exécutif national National and Regional EO Representatives / Représentant/es
nationale et régional/es de la PÉ
As a result of a decision taken by the National
Executive during its meetings in December 2011, the Union of Environment Workers donated $500.00 to the “Friends of
the Canadian Museum for Human Rights” (www.friendsofcmhr.com) to help build the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
The Union of Environment Workers fully supports this initiative and was pleased to have an
opportunity to express this support through a donation to the cause. The building is being built in Winnipeg and it
is expected to open in 2013 and attract 250,000 visitors annually.
The following
is an excerpt from the Publication Spotlight, January 2012; i.e.,
This issue shines a spotlight
on some of the many Labour groups committed to telling Canada’s human rights story through the Museum. Backed by the
approval of their members, they have given their time and resources to this project, and their unwavering commitment is deeply
appreciated. Stuart Murray, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights said, “Labour has been an important
contributor in the development of Canada’s first national Museum to be located outside of the National Capital Region
– from early and continued support in fundraising efforts, to participation in our national public engagement efforts,
to the many dedicated men and women working on our construction site and within our Museum every day.”
The Union of Environment Workers has been noted as a contributor in the publication noted
above along with 30 other labour organizations including the PSAC, Prairie Region, and UCTE, and to date, $1,378.558 has been
raised.
PSAC Education Schedule Updated Please
have a look and sign up for one of the courses being offered. For more information, see Rhonda Doyle LeBlanc.
Nova Scotia Education Schedule
A National Day of Action has been scheduled for March 1, 2012 at 12:00 noon. UEW encourages all
members able to do so to participate in this National Day of Action. Stand outside your building to demonstrate your
support to all Canadians who depend on public services.
UEW also encourages members to
take pictures of their experience and send them to the national office. UEW will post as many pictures as possible to
show all members across Canada what took place in their Region/City.
DOE
Policy Grievance - Compensation of Employees Working Variable Shift Schedules (January 11, 2012) The Public
Service Labour Relations Board has released a decision in both official languages with respect to a DOE Policy Grievance concerning a change with respect to the compensation
of employees working variable shift schedules who are required to work on a designated paid holiday. On June 26, 2007, the Public Service Alliance of Canada filed a policy grievance
pursuant to Section 220 of the Public Service Labour Relations Act alleging that the Treasury Board had, by way of a memo,
changed the compensation of employees working variable shift schedules who are required to work on a designated paid holiday.;
i.e., the time value of a designated paid holiday when an employee on a variable-hour work schedule is called upon to work
on that day. We are very pleased to advise you that
the grievance was allowed with the following declarations; i.e., - Memorandum of June 1, 2007 issued by DOE to its Compensation Advisors sets out
an improper interpretation and application of the collective agreement
- The employer’s interpretation violates Article 25.13 (e)(ii) of the Technical Services collective
agreement
- The employer is to interpret, apply and
administer the Technical Services collective agreement in conformity with the reasons set out in the decision.
It has been over four years since the grievance was filed and the ruling
handed down. It is unfortunate that those affected had to wait that period of time but they can now take some comfort
that their grievance had merit and was recognized as such.
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