January 13, 2023

The federal government’s move to file a bad faith bargaining complaintagainst PSAC is just another stalling tactic to deny workers a fair contract.  

More than 165,000 federal public service workers have been in ongoing negotiations with the government for more than 18 months and we’ve seen the government isn’t prepared to step up for our members when they need it most.  

Throughout bargaining, the conciliation process and Public Interest Commission hearings, the government has made their position clear. They expect workers to take a real pay cut by accepting a wage offer far below inflation. They refuse to negotiate remote work and better work-life balance at the table. They have also rejected our calls for mandatory anti-oppression training for all workers and managers.  

Rather than filing frivolous complaints to delay the process, the government should focus on coming back to the table with a reasonable mandate to reach an agreement.  More delays to the bargaining process means members will continue to fall further behind. All workers are asking for is fair wages in the face of soaring inflation and better working conditions.  

There’s no doubt the best way to reach a fair contract is at the negotiating table – but it’s becoming clearer every day: the way to reach an agreement with this government that supports workers is a strong strike mandate from our members.  

That’s why we’ve already announced strike votes for our 35,000 Canada Revenue Agency workers, and why we’re moving towards potential job action for federal public service workers at Treasury Board, who make up another 120,000 of our members.  

Our members deliver the critical services Canadians rely on. While the government stalls on making things right, we all pay the price. Our bills can’t wait. Inclusive workplaces can’t wait. Good, secure jobs can’t wait. Workers can’t wait.

PSAC files Labour Board complaint over flawed hybrid work plan

The federal government’s blanket hybrid work plan tramples on workers’ collective bargaining rights and forces a flawed one-size-fits-all approach on a diverse and evolving public service.  

PSAC has filing a statutory freeze complaint against Treasury Board and agencies for unilaterally imposing changes to our members’ working conditions while we’re in negotiations for 165,000 federal public service workers. Making changes to working conditions while those very same issues are at the bargaining table is against the law. 

In the coming weeks, we’ll also provide guidelines to support members and PSAC components in filing grievances against the government once the policy comes into effect January 16. 

You can take action today by sending a clear message to decision-makers that we won’t settle for anything less than a contract that enshrines a fair process for remote work in our collective agreement and provides wages that keep up with the cost of living. 

Add your name today

https://psacunion.ca/psac-files-labour-board-complaint-over-flawed?_ga=2.94968479.2079674026.1673469950-2082655919.1663076780#newmode-embed-2924-54341

More than 80% of PSAC members surveyed oppose the government’s hybrid work plan and are prepared to take action – including taking strike action – to fight for better work-life balance, fair wages, protections against harassment and discrimination in the workplace and other top bargaining priorities.

Strike votes next step for a fair contract 

We’ve seen nothing but disrespect from this government at the bargaining table, and Treasury Board’s senseless hybrid work policy adds insult to injury. It’s becoming clear holding strike votes to secure a strike mandate from PSAC members is the only way we’ll make real gains at the bargaining table. PSAC will be in touch with members in the new year to communicate next steps as we continue to escalate our pressure on the government. 

Take a few minutes to fill out our short survey to show your support for ramping up our mobilization activities across the country and, update your contact information to make sure you’re getting all the latest bargaining updates in your inbox or via text message.  

Greetings,

The PSAC Ontario 9^th Triennial Convention will be held in person from June 9 to 11, 2023 at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa (https://ontario.psac.com/psac-ontario-9th-triennial-convention/).  The theme for the Convention is: “Unite, Rebuild and Empower”. 

Important Dates:

• Deadline for Delegate Names:                            January 20, 2023
• Delegate Registration Deadline:                         February 24^th, 2023
• Resolutions Deadline:                                         February 24^th, 2023                   
• Observer and Guests Hotel Booking Deadline:   April 28^th, 2023

Nominations:

Nominations for the positions on the PSAC Ontario Regional Council will be accepted virtually using the online form from January 16, 2023 to April 7, 2023. The forms will go live as of January 16, 2023 at 9 AM using the links below:

• Nominations Form 

• Seconder Form

• Nominee Form

The timing of receiving a candidate’s nomination will be as of the time all the forms have been received (that of the candidate, nominator and seconder). 

Any questions regarding nominations should be directed to the Ontario Regional Coordinator, Jawara Gairey (gaireyj@psac-afpc.com).

Any PSAC member in good standing may be nominated for a position, subject to any qualifying requirements in the Regional By-Laws (including geographic, equity) regarding each position. Nominators and seconders must also be members in good standing and must be a delegate to the Ontario Regional Convention. 

More information on the nomination process and further details can be found in the Convention call-out letter online here: https://ontario.psac.com/psac-ontario-9th-triennial-convention/

In Solidarity,

Jawara Gairey,

Ontario Regional Coordinator

2023 CEIU Convention coming in September 2023 – Time to act now!

The 2023 CEIU Convention will be held in Gatineau, Quebec from September 7^th to 11^th, 2023.

Read the Convention Call and the attachments, which is being sent out to all members in good standing, by clicking on the respective link below: 

• Convention Call

• List of Electoral Districts

• Self-id form

• Nomination Form – National Vice-President positions

• Nomination Form – National President, National Executive Vice-President (NEVP) and Alternate NEVP positions

• Nominations for delegates and alternates to the 2023 CEIU National Convention

• Nominations for CEIU delegates to the 2024 PSAC National Convention

• Resolution instructions and template

You can remember all of the important dates, which is on the last page of the Convention Call or simply by clicking on the link below:

• Your Guide to Convention deadlines

Time to act now! Do not wait until the last minute and take the chance of missing important deadlines.

September 2023 will be here before we know it!

For any questions, contact the CEIU National Office.

There’s about 20 copies left next to the photocopier on the 1st floor. If more is needed, please reach out to: localceiu581@gmail.com.

Virtual Strike Information Training Session

January 12, 2023 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Zoom Meeting

Open to Treasury Board employees

Register Here for Virtual Session

**The London Regional Office will be running online and in-person information and training sessions on strikes and mobilization efforts for Treasury Board. The virtual session will run on January 12, 2023 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

In-Person Strike Information Training Session

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

401-244 Pall Mall Street, London, ON

Open to Treasury Board employees

Register Here for In-Person Session

Virtual London Area Council annual general meeting

Thursday, February 2, 2023   5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Zoom Meeting

Open to all SW Ontario Member

Register here for LAC Meeting

Talking Union Basics – In-Person

Sunday, February 5 – Monday, February 6, 2023

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM  

401-244 Pall Mall Street, London ON

Open to all SW Ontario Members

*Introduces members to the PSAC and prepares them for more advanced union education. It provides an historical and structural overview of the union, introduces participants to the collective agreement and gives them a chance for hands-on practice in problem-solving. 

Register Here by January 25

February 5, 2023 – February 6, 2023

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

401-244 Pall Mall Street, London ON

Facilitator: Morgan Oddie

February 5 & 6 9am to 4pm

In-Person: London Regional Office 401-244 Pall Mall Street

Approved participants are entitled to loss of salary and travel expenses as per applicable policies. Registration deadline:
January 25, Registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/KjxRvGaWKP

The Canada Employment and Immigration Union invites you to its town hall meeting. Updates on collective bargaining and the fight back on the return to office mandate will be the focus of the meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard.

You can register now by clicking on the link. Only registered participants will have access to the Zoom meeting.

Date: January 12, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Location: Zoom

Dear PSAC Southwestern Ontario Members, 

The London Regional Office will be running online and in-person information and training sessions on strikes and mobilization efforts for Treasury Board. The virtual session will run on January 12, 2023 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. The in-person session will run on January 24, 2023 from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm in the London R.O located at 401-244 Pall Mall Street, London ON.

Please ensure that you are a member in good standing and that your contact information is updated prior to registration. To sign a union card to update your standing and information please go to:

psacunion.ca/rand

To register for either session, follow the QR codes on the attached poster, or click on the following links for the registration forms. 

Virtual (zoom) January 12, evening: 

https://psac-afpc.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5wsdOqtqDosH9b3oL3E7hi33HoeAa8HxBZp

In-Person (401-244 Pall Mall) January 24, afternoon: 

It is a Facebook invite but you don’t need to have Facebook to join the event. The link should redirect you to the Zoom link around the time of the meeting. It is recommended that you download Zoom ahead of time.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/5081569498557723/permalink/5679280522119948/