PSAC NCR NEWSLETTER FROM THE REGIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

September 2013

PSAC WINS; FEDERAL COURT CANCELS GOVERNMENT’S FORCED VOTE

As you know, earlier this summer the government tried to force the PSAC’s Border Services (FB) members to vote on a so-called ‘final offer’ in a crude attempt to bypass the elected bargaining team and the broader collective bargaining process. Right from the start, the PSAC maintained that this was illegal—that the government had to bargain in good faith and follow the collective bargaining process prescribed by law—and in July, after continued intransigence from Treasury Board, we announced that we would take the government to court over the matter.

I am now happy and proud to report that in late August, the Federal Court issued its decision and sided with PSAC, forcing the government to cancel the vote—a resounding victory for the PSAC and collective bargaining. The PSAC continues its call for the government to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith so that an agreement can be reached quickly. To this end, please join the FB rally on October 10.

HELP SPREAD THE YOUNG WORKERS COMMITTEE’S NEW VIDEO

On September 13-14, the Young Workers Committee held its regional conference and used it as an opportunity to launch its new, punchy video, which outlines the historical gains made by the PSAC and the importance of continued member engagement in the fight against the Conservative agenda. Please watch the video and help our young workers spread their message by sharing the video on your Facebook page and via Twitter.

OCTOBER 1: FREE TICKETS FOR MAUDE BARLOW’S BOOK LAUNCH

PSAC-NCR is sponsoring the launch of Council of Canadians president Maude Barlow’s new book, Blue Future: Protecting Water and People Forever, on October 1st at the Centretown United Church. We have a number of free tickets (worth $10 at the door) to give away so if you would like to attend, please reply to this message and let us know!

OCTOBER 5: REGIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

The next regional council meeting will be held on October 5 at the Hilton Lac Leamy. If you’re a delegate from your local or committee and haven’t registered yet, please do so as soon as possible using our online form. If you wish to attend as an observer, you’re welcome to join, but please register online as well. Hope to see you there!

ADS IN METRO OTTAWA NEWSPAPER

Many members have said that the PSAC should have more prominent advertising in local newspapers so this fall, the PSAC is running front page banner ads on the Metro Ottawa daily commuter paper. We’ll be running ads until November, so be please help spread the word if you see one: take a pic and share it on Facebook and Twitter!

$12,000 DONATION TO GÎTE-AMI SHELTER

On September 4, I joined National President Robyn Benson to present a $12,000 donation from the PSAC to the Gîte-Ami shelter in Gatineau to support the contribution it makes to the community. The donation comes from the generous contributions of sponsors and participants at PSAC's Annual Charity Golf Tournament held in June.

TC VOTE RESULTS

Tallies of the Technical Services (TC) vote were announced on September 19 and I am pleased to report that the contract was ratified by a majority of members. The TC bargaining process was a long one, with many unnecessary delays by Treasury Board, but with your support and pressure, we forced the government back to the negotiating table in July, and succeeded in reaching a tentative agreement soon thereafter. While the new contract does not address all of our concerns, it does take us in the right direction on a number of issues.

YMCA-YWCA MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS

I am excited to announce that PSAC has renewed its agreement with the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region to provide PSAC members with discounted membership pricing at the Y. Just show your PSAC membership card to save $140 off the annual ‘inclusive’ adult membership price and $245 off the annual ‘inclusive’ couples and family membership prices. Check out the details on our website. Moreover, we have several free one week trial passes for the Y, which includes access to Plus facilities at the Taggart Family Y. If you would like to claim a pass, please visit one of our two regional offices.

Larry Rousseau
Regional Executive Vice President
National Capital Region
Public Service Alliance of Canada