Your Chief Steward’s Report for the Southwest Conference:
Hello members! I recently attended the Southwest conference for the CEIU November 25 to 27, 2022. It was three days of non-stop learning. On the Friday, the PSAC regional representative, Morgan Oddie, gave some excellent information about a potential strike. One of the key points was members who have to strike would have their net pay covered by the PSAC ($75) and the CEIU ($50) and possibly – the local union. This is great news for anyone who might have to be on the picket line. The Union is looking out for us!
In terms of who would have to be on the picket line, it seems that 75% of workers would be labeled essential and have to attend the workplace (in person or virtually). 25% of workers would be on the picket lines. Members will receive a letter with their designation. Obviously, a lot more information will be communicated if we get to this point. It would likely be early Spring 2023 if a strike occurs.
Charito Humphries was there by Zoom to give an update about the bargaining team. It’s no secret that the employer is not willing to provide fair wage increases that keep pace with inflation and the cost of living. We all feel the pinch, at the grocery store (lettuce, anyone?!?), the gas pumps and in paying for housing. We worked hard during the pandemic years to look after Canadians, we continue to serve the Canadian public, and the employer needs to recognise it and compensate us fairly for the work we do.
I learned some great information about the duty to accommodate from Leslie McGee, a National Union Representative. The teaching and discussion is so helpful for your union executive as we represent our members. The more we learn, the better we can advocate for you.
One of the great things about a conference like this is the opportunity to meet some of our union leaders and other executive members. They have so much experience and knowledge to share. Various leaders such as our national vice-president for Ontario, Phil Matheson, and the National President, Eddy Bourque spoke and gave updates about union activities in the region and across Canada.
There was a lot of discussion about involving members in union activities and making sure members know what is happening with bargaining. The workplace has changed dramatically and so we are not able to meet people in the lunchroom or by the Keurig machine to have those chats. The local union is working to provide a safe, fair, and just workplace for everyone. We want you to know we are learning how to represent members and their concerns better every time we attend a conference like this.
As we face a potential strike, it is important for all of us as members to understand the issues and if it comes to a vote, to send a strong message to the employer that we are united in our desire for fair treatment! We are part of a strong, active union working for the Treasury Board and when we are united, we can change things for the better.
If going back to the office is not for you, then take action. United is the only way we can make this happen!!! Solidarity!!!
Remote work must be negotiated at the bargaining table
Statement from Chris Aylward, PSAC national president:
Speculation about an imminent announcement that would mandate all federal public service workers to return to workplaces a minimum of 2-3 days per week are deeply concerning and have serious implications for more than 165,000 PSAC members.
But let me be clear – any plans to unilaterally change the terms and conditions of our members’ employment and impose a mandatory return to offices would be an egregious violation of workers’ collective bargaining rights.
Remote work is a critical issue at the bargaining table this round not only for PSAC, but for hundreds of thousands of workers from all federal bargaining agencies.
On December 8, Policy Options reported Treasury Board is expected to introduce a new order outlining how many days workers would be expected to come into the office, but that the announcement has been delayed.
This news came as a shock to me and our union. PSAC immediately confirmed with Treasury Board that no blanket mandate around return to offices for federal public service workers is scheduled.
Treasury Board President Mona Fortier has committed to bargain in good faith with Canada’s unions. Imposing mandatory and arbitrary remote work for all federal workers would fly in the face of that commitment.
The uncertainty about remote and hybrid work and how it’s being unevenly applied across the federal public service is a major source of anxiety and frustration for workers.
That’s why PSAC is negotiating to enshrine remote work in our contracts; so that we can set rules around how these decisions are made, so that workers have a say in their working conditions, and have an avenue to advocate for themselves if they feel the policy is being applied to them unfairly.
There’s no doubt hybrid work is the way of the future for many public service workers, but the only place to make these decisions is at the bargaining table.
To the tens of thousands of workers who’ve continued to show up at their workplace day in and day out when times were tough to deliver essential services to Canadians:
Your efforts have kept Canada above water during the pandemic, and we continue to negotiate better working conditions for all workers – whether you work remotely or at your workplace full time – that will provide fair wages in the face of rising costs, safer, more inclusive workplaces and more job security.
It’s time for the government to deliver the respect you deserve, and to recognize remote work as a critical issue by bargaining in good faith. Complete the survey in the link below:
FINAL: 2023 PSAC Ontario Racially Visible Members Conference – open to all identifying members
FINAL Notice
2023 PSAC Ontario Racially Visible Members Conference
DATE: Friday, February 3-5, 2023
LOCATION: Marriott Toronto Centre, 1 Blue jays way, Toronto
Delegates:
PSAC Ontario Region members in good standing and who self-identify as Racially Visible may apply to be a delegate to this Conference. 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 and equity.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS: December 12, 2022
For Registration or more information, please follow the links provided:
Registration Deadline: December 12, 2022
Call Out Letter
Application Form
Resolution Submission Deadline: December 28, 2022
Resolution Submission Form
Resolution Call Out Letter
For more information, please contact: Marion Kirin at kirinm@psac-afpc.com
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
December 6th is The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It’s been over 30 years since 14 women were murdered at a university in Montreal, simply for being Women. Unfortunately, Gender Based Violence is still an issue that is escalating.
We encourage everyone to learn more and take action.
The Signal for Help is a simple one-handed signal someone can use to silently show they need help and want someone to check in with them in a safe way.
Our committee is committed to working on getting this information shared and the poster into public spaces as a community project.
Learn more here:
Some other helpful links:
In Solidarity,
PSAC London Regional Women’s Committee
Collective Bargaining mugs!! For your teams calls and more — open to all members!!!
Greetings,
For your attention and distribution to your local members please & thank you (our system is down at this time)
The CEIU Ontario Collective Bargaining Standing Committee is excited to launch our first mobilization drive.
To demonstrate solidarity with our bargaining team, we are providing a Collective Bargaining Mug to members, and we would appreciate a commitment from each of you to raise your mug in support of collective bargaining while on a virtual call with our employer. The CEIU Ontario Region is covering the cost of the mug and shipping. In addition, mugs are in limited supply.
Please share this link containing the mug order form and survey with your members.
We appreciate your hard work and dedication to our component and union during this trying and stressful time. We are calling on every one of you to support us as we endeavor to improve the lives of all members in the workplace.
In Solidarity,
Your CEIU Ontario Collective Bargaining Standing Committee
PSAC’s National Day of Action on November 28th
Greetings,
PSAC is holding a National Day of Action on November 28, 2022, to demand a fair contract for over 165,000 of our members working for Treasury Board and Agencies.
Many of our core bargaining demands are being ignored, including a cost of living increase that reflects the high level of inflation we are currently facing.
We need to ramp up the pressure on this government and particularly on Mona Fortier, President of Treasury Board. Mona seems to be hiding from us and we are asking members to help us find her, in a “Where’s Mona” Day of Action.
Please contact your closest PSAC Regional Office to participate in a local action near you.
Also, join us in our national online bargaining update and action over Zoom with our PSAC National President, Chris Aylward on November 28th at 7 PM. Register Here.
We need to show this government that we will take action for fair wages, better work-life balance and equity.
Together we can win a fair contract!
In Solidarity,
Craig Reynolds,
PSAC Ontario Regional Executive Vice-President
Transgender Day of Remembrance a reminder that we can all be better allies
November 20 is a day to honour and memorialize transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-trans violence, and an opportunity to raise awareness around the issues trans and gender non-conforming people continue to face.
The day was started by trans advocate and activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor Rita Hester, a Black trans woman who was murdered in Boston in 1998. Rita’s murder is still unsolved, and too many transgender victims of violence continue to suffer the same fate.
Results of a national survey on harassment and violence in Canadian workplaces by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) revealed that trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse workers are experiencing higher rates of harassment and violence. For example, 73 per cent of gender-diverse respondents experienced sexual harassment and violence, compared to 46 per cent of women and 38 per cent of men.
We can all be better allies to our trans colleagues and friends by helping to build safer, more inclusive workplaces and communities. Because trans people deserve to be treated with respect and care — as human beings, like everyone else.
Learn more and take action
Using inclusive language is one of the ways we can honour Two-Spirt, trans and non-binary people. That’s why PSAC developed a Gender Inclusive Language Toolkit this year to help members, elected leaders and staff interact in a way that respects and celebrates our unique and diverse gender identities.
To ensure trans workers have the support they need in our workplaces, unions and communities, the CLC has also developed the Workers in Transition Guide, which union leaders and members can use to help better protect the rights of trans members.
We encourage you to attend a virtual vigil or find an event happening in your community to recognize the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Mobilization activity – November 28 Rally [Windsor]
Hi Everyone,
Thank you to everyone who made the all-locals meeting such a success! Out of Monday’s meeting, we planned an action for the November 28 PSAC Day of Action! (https://psacunion.ca/register-now-national-day-action-november-28)
Rally for Fair Contracts (PSAC National Day of Action)
Date : Monday, November 28
Time : 1-3pm
Location : MP Irek Kusmierczyk (Liberal) Office, 9733 Tecumseh Rd E Unit #2, Windsor, ON, N8R 1A5
We have a budget for travel expenses for those who would like to attend and can action leave letters and paid leave for time spent at the rally. All members are encouraged to attend. Please reach out to us if you plan to attend and/or if we can be of any assistance. Don’t hesitate if you have any questions.
In Solidarity,
Morgan Oddie, MIR, PhD
Regional Representative
PSAC London Regional Office
P: (613)532-2423
Pronouns: they/them
ceiu581.com 