October 2013
PSAC VICTORY: MEMBERS PROTECTED DURING PAY IN ARREARS CHANGES
Back in June, I wrote to you about the government’s plans to move public servants to a“pay in arrears” model, which would involve clawing back 4% of your salary throughout 2014. I also said then that PSAC would work hard to ensure its members would not suffer financially as a result of this plan. I am happy to now report that, following intense pressuring by PSAC and other public sector unions over the last few months, Treasury Board president Tony Clement has backtracked and provided confirmation to us that our members will not experience the proposed clawbacks.
BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION ACT UNDERMINES RIGHTS OF FEDERAL WORKERS
This week, the Conservative government suddenly levelled another attack on the rights of federal public sector workers. The Budget Implementation Act, Bill C-4, proposes drastic changes to collective bargaining rights, health and safety and human rights protections that will irreparably damage the relationship between the government and its employees. We'll have more analysis later, but for now you can also listen to Tony Clement defending the new law on CBC Radio.
FB (BORDER SERVICES) BARGAINING: TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REACHED
Earlier this month, I joined members at a rally in front of CBSA offices where we delivered our message to the government loud and clear: we want a fair contract now! You can check out the video here. We returned to the bargaining table on October 21 and I am happy to report that our bargaining team has reached a tentative agreement!
SICK LEAVE: GAP BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS INSIGNIFICANT
I’m sure you’ve heard right-wing media commentators harp about how public service workers abuse sick leave, and you’ve probably also heard that Treasury Board president Tony Clement wants to overhaul the sick leave system, echoing the claim that public servants take too many sick days compared to the private sector. As PSAC has always said, such claims are false, and now Statistics Canada confirms our position. Researchers there recently compared absenteeism in the private and public sectors and found that when adjusted for age, gender and unionization, the gap in public versus private sector absenteeism is virtually eliminated. Indeed, as I often say, public service sick leave is managed sick leave.
NEW VIDEO: HELP VETERANS FIGHT THE CLOSURE OF SUPPORT OFFICES
The federal government is closing nine Veterans Affairs offices across the country even though these offices provide critical social services. In the words of veteran Terry Collins: “I am a young veteran living with PTSD. Veterans are not dying out – there are hundreds more just like me who are struggling with our day to day lives. We need accessible face-to-face services from Veterans Affairs to do that.” Please help pressure the government to stop the closures by sharing PSAC’s new video with friends and family, and ask Conservative Members of Parliament: “Where is the support for our troops?”
CANADIAN LABOUR CONGRESS TELEVISION AD: WATCH AND SHARE!
The Canadian Labour Congress recently launched its new Fairness Works television ad, which highlights the positive role of the labour movement in society. If you haven’t seen the ad on TV yet, check it out here and share widely!
THE NEW UNION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: APPLY BY NOVEMBER 5
We are now recruiting for the new and improved Union Development Program (UDP). The six-step UDP has been one of the most comprehensive union leadership training programs in Canada for more than 35 years. Building on PSAC’s rich history, the New UDP will provide an advanced learning opportunity for emerging leaders to develop the necessary analysis and skills to identify and support union priorities, and to expand our pool of skilled activists who can inspire others. Learn more about the programme and apply by November 5.
PSAC LAUNCHES NEW NATIONAL WEBSITE
We are now recruiting for the new and improved Union Development Program (UDP). The six-step UDP has been one of the most comprehensive union leadership training programs in Canada for more than 35 years. Building on PSAC’s rich history, the New UDP will provide an advanced learning opportunity for emerging leaders to develop the necessary analysis and skills to identify and support union priorities, and to expand our pool of skilled activists who can inspire others. Learn more about the programme and apply by November 5.
PSAC LAUNCHES NEW NATIONAL WEBSITE
Following over a year of consultations and development, PSAC launched a new national website in late September with a new address, PSACunion.ca. The site includes many new features, including a mobile-friendly design, improved search functionality, and a portal where you can login and update your personal information.
Larry Rousseau
Regional Executive Vice President
National Capital Region
Public Service Alliance of Canada
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