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What's New
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PSAC members who are in the SV, PA and EB bargaining units:
IT'S TIME TO VOTE
PSAC has reached tentative agreements with Treasury Board covering three bargaining units: SV, PA and EB.
These agreements will only take effect if they are ratified. Every PSAC member covered by these agreements has a right to cast a vote in the ratification process.
Ratification meetings (including information sessions) will take place across the country from October 20th to November 30th. The PSAC’s internal rules state that members must make an informed choice, which means participating in an information session prior to the vote.
Below is a list of the ratification meetings scheduled to date. Please check this list frequently as new meeting dates, times and places will be added.
*View schedule for your area*
Calgary |
Updated Oct. 28/10 | ||
Edmonton |
Updated Oct. 20/10 | ||
Saskatoon |
Updated Nov. 2 /10 | ||
Regina |
Updated Oct. 26/10 | ||
Winnipeg |
Updated Nov. 2 /10 |
Still not sure where or when to vote?
If you are not sure of where to vote, please contact your local union representative. Or, if you cannot reach a local union representative, contact the PSAC regional office closest to you.
If you work more than 60 kilometers from the closest ratification meeting location, you are entitled to a mail ballot. Contact the PSAC regional office closest to you for more information.
If you live and work overseas outside of Canada, contact your local for information on how to vote. If you do not know which local you belong to, contact your PSAC Regional Office.
You must be a PSAC member in good standing
Remember you must be a PSAC member to vote. Membership applications are available from your local and will also be available at the ratification meetings.
How do I know if I am covered by the SV, PA or EB agreements?
You are covered by the SV, PA or EB agreement, if you are employed by the federal government’s Treasury Board and you pay union dues to the PSAC, and your job falls in one of the following categories:
PA Group (Program and Administration Services, formerly known as Table 1)
301 Administrative Services AS
305 Information Services IS
308 Programme Administration PM
310 Welfare Programmes WP
501 Communications CM
502 Data Processing DA
503 Clerical and Regulatory CR
504 Office Equipment OE
505 Secretarial, Stenographic and Typing ST
SV Group (Operational Services, formerly known as Table 2)
602 & 652 Firefighters (S & NS) FR
603 & 653 General Labour & Trades (S & NS) GLT
604 & 654 General Services (S & NS) GS
605 & 655 Heating, Power & Stationary (S & NS) HP
606 & 656 Hospital Services (S & NS) HS
607 & 657 Lightkeepers (S & NS) LI
612 & 662 Ships’ Crews (S & NS) SC
659 Printing Operations (S) PR
EB Group (Education and Library Science, formerly known as Table 5)
209 Education ED
215 Library Science LS
414 Educational Support EU
How can I find out what was negotiated?
If you attend a ratification meeting, you will receive a ratification kit with all the proposed changes to the collective agreements. The ratification kits are also posted on the PSAC National website.
What can I expect if I attend a ratification meeting?
You will be asked to identify yourself when you arrive at the meeting. Only PSAC members are allowed to participate in ratification vote meetings. The changes to the collective agreement will be explained and you will hear from a bargaining team member and/or elected union officer. You will have an opportunity to get your questions answered. You will then be asked to cast your ballot.
Who will know how I voted?
The vote is by secret ballot. The ballots cast at each meeting are counted by the PSAC Regional Office. The results from each region are compiled by the PSAC National Office. The results of the vote for each of the three bargaining units will be completed and announced on December 1, 2010.
Can I ask someone else to cast my vote for me?
There is no proxy voting and only members in good standing can vote. (PSAC Constitution, Section 4, Subsection 2 will provide you the various definitions regarding member in good standing.
What personal documentation should I bring to the ratification vote meeting?
No documentation is required; however, if you have a PSAC ID, bring it along to speed up the registration process.
What are the minimum votes needed to have the tentative agreements ratified?
For an agreement to be ratified, 50 per cent plus 1 of bargaining unit members who vote must vote in favour.
What happens if a tentative agreement is rejected?
If a tentative agreement is not ratified, the regular bargaining process for that group will resume. This means that bargaining conferences will be held, a bargaining team will be elected, and negotiations will start again from the beginning at some point after the PSAC gives notice to bargain, prior to the expiry of the current collective agreement.
For more detailed information on the regular bargaining process, and also on the ratification process, consult Regulation 15 of the PSAC Constitution and Regulations.
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2011 PRAIRIE REGION CONVENTION
Call-Out
The 5th Triennial Convention of the PSAC Prairie Region will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Fairmont Winnipeg Hotel beginning Friday, June 10, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. and concluding Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 12:30 p.m.
Each delegate, alternate, observer and guest must complete the credential forms below. All completed credential forms for delegates and alternates must be signed by the President or another officer of the Local/Branch; Area Council; the Chair or Secretary of the Equity/Human Rights Committee; the Chair or Secretary of the Regional Women’s Committee.
The credentials must be received in the Regional Executive Vice-President’s office no later than January 26th, 2011.
Convention Call:
Registration/Credential Form:
Assistance Request Form:
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National Conference for
Racially Visible Members
The 2011 PSAC National Conference for Racially Visible Members will be held April 1- 3, 2011 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver, BC under the theme “United, Empowered, Fearless: Ready for Action!”.
We encourage you to personally inform PSAC racially visible members to ensure they are made aware of this conference. Bulletin boards may not always be accessible and additional outreach is very important.
Registration Package:
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****TREASURY BOARD NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE****
TENTATIVE AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN REACHED FOR THE FOLLOWING UNITS:
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PROGRAM AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - PA
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OPERATIONAL SERVICES - SV
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EDUCATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES - EB
TB NEWS RELEASE / TB BULLETIN-PA / TB BULLETIN-SV / TB BULLETIN-EB
FOR THESE 2 GROUPS PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED INFORMATION BULLETINS FROM YOUR BARGAINING TEAMS BELOW:
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BORDER SERVICES (FB)
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TECHNICAL SERVICES (TC)
TB BULLETIN-FB / TB BULLETIN-TC
Keep checking the national PSAC website for the latest information!
POSTED OCTOBER 4, 2010
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Supporting a Stronger Community
PSAC members share an important vision with the United Way. Together, we work toward building a stronger, healthier community with a wide range of accessible, universal and high-quality social services accessible to all citizens.
Please see below for a letter from Sister Robyn Benson, REVP for the Prairie Region, encouraging all members to donate to the United Way, an important organization which works to enrich the lives of people in our communities.
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Young Workers in Action Course
(Nov. 12-15, 2010 - Edmonton, AB)
This course is for PSAC Youth Members (30 years or younger)
Have completed the TUB (Talking Union Basics course) or have gained equivalent experience through union activism in the PSAC;
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Would like to take a more active role in their union;
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Would like to work with other union activists to build a stronger union.
Registration Deadline is Friday, October 1, 2010 at 4:00pm. Course Application Information & Form: PDF or RTF
Submit Applications to: Judy Shannon, PSAC Regional Education Officer,
c/o PSAC Edmonton Regional Office, fax: (780) 429-2278 email: shannoj@psac.com
POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
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BARGAINING UPDATES
Treasury Board and PSAC have agreed to engage in exploratory discussions with the objective of reaching early collective agreements. The bargaining teams from the last round are being reconvened to start talks on September 21st or 22nd.
Our negotiating team has been getting fully prepared for the first bargaining session with the Canada Revenue Agency.
POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
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Treasury Board Bargaining Units
Call out to PSAC equity activists (Aboriginal, Racialized Worker, Member with disability, GLBT), Regional Women's Committee member, and Youth activists (30 or younger) to participate in Treasury Board Bargaining Conferences.
These Treasury Board Bargaining Conferences bring together hundreds of members to discuss and prioritize issues for bargaining with your Employer.
The Equity/RWC/Youth online form is up and running. The date for members to submit their applications is September 17th.
POSTED SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
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Convention Host Committee Call-Out
We are looking for individuals who would be willing to be part of the Host Committee.
If you are interested in being part of the committee please respond to Sister Tracy Thor
at thort@psac.com by September 10, 2010.
Please see the call-out letter below from Sister Robyn Benson, REVP for the Prairies:
POSTED AUGUST 26, 2010
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Celebrate Our Labour!
(September 6, 2010)
Monday, September 6 is a day to celebrate the power of our collective labour and solidarity.
Labour Day has its origins in the labour union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest. Click here to read more on the history of Labour Day in Canada.
Please see the letter below from Sister Robyn Benson, REVP for the Prairies, honouring Labour Day and its importance:
Labour Day events are taking place across the region and we encourage everyone to participate:
Alberta
Calgary & District Labour Council 2010 Labour Day BBQ
Mon. Sept. 6, 2010, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Calgary Olympic Plaza (228 - 8 Ave SE Calgary)
For more information visit the Calgary & District Labour Council website.
Edmonton & District Labour Council Annual Labour Day BBQ
Mon. Sept. 6, 2010, 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Giovanni Caboto Park/Boys and Girls Club (95 St. and 109 Ave.)
For more information contact: (780) 474-4747 or visit the Edmonton & District Labour Council website.
Medicine Hat Annual Labour Day BBQ
Mon. Sept. 6, 2010, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Riverside Veteran's Memorial Park
Sponsored by the affiliates of the MHDLC. All are welcome.
Lethbridge & District Area Council presents GWG Piece by Piece:
A musical, historical, multi-media labour presentation about the history of the Great Western Garment Company.
Mon. Sept. 6, 2010, 7:00 p.m. (doors are 6:30 p.m.)
Galt Museum (west end of 5 Ave. S, off Scenic Dr)
For more information contact: info@galtmuseum.com or visit the Galt Museum website.
Free admission to all, thanks to the generous support of 10 unions.
Saskatchewan
Regina Labour Day Family Picnic
Mon. Sept. 6, 2010, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Legislative Building (west of the flower gardens in front of the Legislature)
Presented by Sask Building Trades and the Regina & District Labour Council
Manitoba
Winnipeg Labour Council's Mayworks Picnic 2010
Sat. Sept. 11, 2010, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Freight House Park (Isabel and Ross)
Free hot dogs, orange drink, inflatable play station, face paint, clown and bicycle draw.
Check back for more event listings
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Changes to Convention
It is now less than a year until the 2011 Prairie Region Convention and plans are well under way. Recently, however, we ran into several challenging obstacles that have forced us to make substantial changes to our original plans.
Please see the letter below from Sister Robyn Benson for more information on the recent changes:
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So Long, Strike!
Let the games begin, again. After more than seven weeks on the picket line, members of PSAC and management at Casino Regina have struck a deal that will see Casino workers, including table dealers, cashiers, security and others, return to their jobs July 27.
Over the past 52 days, hundreds of people showed their support for the striking workers by walking the line in solidarity, sending letters and cards and donating food and money. Fellow unions, members of the public and Casino patrons all rallied in support. But no one fought harder for a fair and equitable collective agreement than the Casino workers themselves.
“I am in awe with the commitment and camaraderie of these members,” says Robyn Benson, Regional Executive Vice-President for the Prairie Region. “”The majority of these members have never dealt with a strike before, yet the solidarity, dedication and determination on the line was unparalleled.”
Together we stand
As is always the case, these PSAC members at Casino Regina have encountered increasing financial hardship during their seven week strike. Now, more than ever, our Brothers and Sisters need your support and solidarity.
With September fast approaching many of these members have children returning to school and they will require school supplies. W e are asking all Locals in the Prairie Region to consider making a financial donation, or a donation of school supplies, to help relieve some of the stress these members are encountering.
Please contact your Regional Office to find out how you can help.
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Sisters in Spirit
We have been in contact with the Native Womens Association of Canada (NWAC) and the New Democratic Party Aboriginal Affairs Critic Jean Crowder. There is some new concern that the Conservative government will not fulfill their promise to fund the Sisters in Spirit project.
(See the Native Women's Association of Canada website for more information on the Sisters in Spirit project)
Below you will find the petition to the House of Commons calling on Parliament to ensure NWAC-AFAC receives sufficient funding to continue on its work of protecting Aboriginal women. The petition is accompanied by a letter from NWAC outlining the important "Sisters in Spirit" campaign, which fights for justice for missing and murdered women across Canada.
Please circulate to your contacts and return as many signed petitions to your PSAC RegionalOffice by Wednesday, September 8, 2010. The petitions will be forwarded to PSAC HQ, who will be gathering the petitions from across the country. (Note: The House of Commons resumes September 20, 2010)
Sisters in Spirit Petition (PDF) Sisters in Spirit Petition (RTF)
NWAC Letter (PDF) NWAC Letter (RTF)
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Two Spirit Gathering
The gathering will take place on September 3-6, 2010 at the Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre, Beausejour, Manitoba, Canada (64 kilometers or 40 miles) northeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Aboriginal / Native American gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender people, their partners, friends & families are invited to gather in the land of the Cree, Dene, Dakota, Inuit, Metis, Ojibway-Cree and Ojibway.
For information about registration, accommodation and travel, contact :
Albert McLeod at 204-783-6424
Email: twospiritedmanitoba@hotmail.com
Website: http://intltwospiritgathering.org
ALCOHOL & DRUG-FREE EVENT
Registration Fee: $100.00 CDN
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Pension Campaign Gag Order goes to Arbitration
PSAC will go to arbitration over a Treasury Board directive to managers aimed at silencing the union's pension campaign.
Did your employer take down PSAC petitions or otherwise interfere in the pension campaign? If so, let us know by filling out this Pension Petition Gag Order .
Please visit the PSAC National webpage to read an update from Brother John Gordon, PSAC National President.
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National Aboriginal Day
(June 21, 2010)
On June 21, from coast to coast, Canada will celebrate National Aboriginal Day -- a day recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. It’s a time for us all to reflect on the struggle to improve social, economic and political conditions that Aboriginal peoples face, but also a chance for us to re-affirm our Union’s commitment to solidarity and support for our Aboriginal Brothers and Sisters.
Please see the letter below from Sister Robyn Benson regarding National Aboriginal Day:
National Aboriginal Day Events
For more information, visit the Indian and Northern Affairs Website
Manitoba:
Title of Event: National Aboriginal Day
Day/Time of Event: Mon. June 21, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Locations/Venues of Event: Robinson Street, Indian & Métis Friendship Centre
City and Province of Event: Winnipeg, MB
Spokesperson: Clayton Sandy
Contact: 204-945-8319
Web page: The Indian and Metis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg
Saskatchewan:
Title of Event: National Aboriginal Days
Day/Time of Event: June 18, 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
June 19, 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
June 20, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Locations/Venues of Event: Melfort Exhibition Grounds
City and Province of Event: Melfort, SK
Spokesperson: Debbie Edin/Joanne Yakowec
Contact: 306-752-4950 or nad2010@sasktel.net
Web page: Canadian Metis Heritage Corp. Marguerite Riel Centre
Title of Event: National Aboriginal Day
Day/Time of Event: June 21
Locations/Venues of Event: 21 Bradbrooke Drive
City and Province of Event: Yorkton, SK
Spokesperson: Terri-Anne Lepowick
Contact: 306-782-3644 (ext. 265)
Title of Event: Family and Community Wellness
Day/Time of Event: June 21
Locations/Venues of Event: Cree Nations Treatment Haven
City and Province of Event: Ahtahkakoop First Nations, SK
Spokesperson: Freda Ahenakew
Contact: 306-468-2072
Web page: Cree Nations Treatment Haven
Alberta:
Title of Event: NAD Official Commemoration
Day/Time of Event: June 21, 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. (main stage: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Locations/Venues of Event: Canada Place, Main Atrium
City and Province of Event: Edmonton, Alberta
Spokesperson: Heather Poitras
Contact: 780-495-6728 or Heather.Poitras@inac.gc.ca
Title of Event: Sharing our Stories
Day/Time of Event: June 27
Locations/Venues of Event: Lion's Park (Sir Winston Churchill Avenue & Tache Street)
City and Province of Event: St Albert, Alberta
Spokesperson: Gwen Crouse
Contact: 780-717-6783 or gwencrouse@hotmail.com
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Walkers for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
(June 16 - 19, 2010)
The commission has undertaken to organize seven National Events across Canada. The first will be held in Winnipeg on June 16-19, 2010. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is gathering information on the history of the residential schools, the impacts they have had on communities, and statement gathering. All of the information will be put a Residential School Survivor Resource centre. The commission is also tasked with involving the general public and educating them on the issue of residential schools.
A group of walkers left Cochrane, Ontario on May 9, 2010, and are scheduled to arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba for June 15, 2010. If you have a relative who has passed on, you offer a ribbon to the Walkers, which they will carry with them during their walk. The ribbon should be about a metre long.
You can also walk with them for a day or two. Let’s all remember our experiences in the residential schools, and let us honour those who went before us, and those who cannot be there.
Support our Walkers, Thank you
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Casino Regina is on Strike
June 5, 2010 - PSAC members on the picket line in front of Casino Regina
Follow the strike with daily updates, photos and more
on our Strike blog and show your support by joining
our Facebook page.
JUNE 9, 2010 - UPDATE:
While employees of Casino Regina continue to walk the picket line, representatives
from both the Union and the Employer met today for an informal check-in. The purpose
of the meeting was to review and clarify the costing of each party’s proposal. Currently there
are no dates scheduled to return to the bargaining table.
“It’s standard procedure to touch base every once in awhile,” explains Robyn
Benson, Regional Executive Vice-President for PSAC Prairie Region. “We’re
happyto oblige, but we’re hoping the employer will invite us back to the table to
discuss an agreement that is fair and competitive.”
PSAC members have been on strike since June 3 at 6:00 p.m. The Union has been in
negotiations with the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation (SGC) since September of 2009
and its members have been without a contract since May 31, 2009.
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International Day Against Homophobia
(May 17, 2010)
The PSAC has a history of fighting discrimination to ensure that members of the LGBT communities are treated with dignity, justice and respect. This fight is often led by the LGBT activists who struggle courageously through their unions and community groups to raise awareness and fight for justice for LGBT issues everywhere.
Please see the letter below from Sister Robyn Benson regarding the International Day Against Homophobia:
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National Day of Mourning
(April 28, 2010)
Each year hundreds of workers are killed and thousands more are permanently disabled or die from work related diseases and accidents. Their loss is felt every day at work by co-workers, at home by loved ones and within our community by neighbors and friends. April 28th is recognized in Canada as a National Day of Mourning for our Sisters and Brothers who have lost their lives on the job.
Please see the letter below from Sister Robyn Benson regarding the National Day of Mourning:
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Job cuts at Canada Post
The Public Service Alliance of Canada will be taking swift action to prevent Canada Post from privatizing an important part of its operations. The crown corporation announced that it would outsource its contact centres and the National Philatelic Centre, resulting in the elimination of more than 300 jobs across the country. Affected locations include:
- Edmonton
- Ottawa
- Winnipeg
- Antigonish
- Fredericton
“This obsession with privatization will badly damage the quality of the Canadian postal service as well as the communities it serves,” said Robyn Benson, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for the Prairies. “Many regions in the country will lose local contact with Canada Post as well as jobs that are important for the local economy,” she added.
For Benson, the privatization of Canada Post’s answering services also raises the question of protection of confidential information provided by Canadians.
“I’m not sure that Canadians are ready to see their postal service become an information collection agency for the American government,’ Benson said. “If an American company answers calls for Canada Post, then the U.S. Patriot Act gives the government access to all information the company collects. Is that what Canadians want?”
Richard Deslauriers, the National President of PSAC component, the Union of Postal and Communications Employees (UPCE) said this type of economic reasoning will bring Canada Post closer to a complete privatization.
“The privatization of Canada Post has always been an objective of the current management and the conservative federal government,” Deslauriers said. “The slippery slope of partial privatization of services will end up with Canada Post in the hands of private companies and Canadians will be deprived of a service they have relied on for decades”.
The PSAC represents more than 172,000 members across the country including 2,000 at Canada Post.
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International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
(March 21, 2010)
March 21st marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and I believe this is an important opportunity for PSAC members to celebrate our diversity and strengthen our commitment to eliminate racism and intolerance in our communities.
Please see the letter below from Sister Robyn Benson regarding the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
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Federal Budget targets public service
The March 4 federal budget freezes federal departmental spending. The government
announced they want to balance the budget on the backs of public service workers – a
direct threat to our jobs and the services we deliver.
Our federal employers have a legal responsibility to bargain in good faith, and our union
is already preparing for the next round of bargaining. We can expect employers to
come to the table looking for concessions, and we must prepare to fight back.
Please see the bulletin from PSAC regarding the latest attack on public service:
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Requests for Advances
Over the years it has become very apparent that many of our members have experienced frustration with their expense claims. It is not the intention of the PSAC for any member to experience hardship after taking a course or attending a conference/convention.
Please see the letter below from Sister Robyn Benson regarding the process to take when requesting an advance to avoid complications:
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Hands off! our pensions
Speculation about what will be in the March 4 federal budget is rampant in the media. Some reports would lead us to believe that the Harper Conservatives will leave the federal pension plans alone.
So far, nothing PSAC has heard from Treasury Board President Stockwell Day would lead us to believe that we won’t have to continue to fight to protect the pension benefits our members in the federal public sector pay for.
For background information and to sign the online petition, visit the PSAC National website.
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Retirement Security for Everyone!
Please join and circulate the new "Retirement Security for Everyone!" Facebook page to your contacts. This page contains information on upcoming forums, videos, directs fans to send a message to their MP, and has a downloadable leave behind booklet.
This is a huge component to our outreach in trying to get our members to send letters to their MP's on this important issue!
For more information on the Canadian Labour Congress pension campaign, visit the CLC website.
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posted on November 26th, 2009
HEALTH & SAFETY CONFERENCE - NOVEMBER 2009 MONTREAL, QUEBEC
The wonderful Prairie Region members!
posted on November 26th, 2009
Keep the Gun Registry: Disarm Domestic Violence
A gun in the home increases the risk of harm
for women and children.
The law is working:
Gun-related spousal homicides are down 50%.
Keep the gun registry.
http://www.canadianlabour.ca/action-center/keep-our-communities-safe
posted November 17th, 2009
Retirement Security - Canadian Labour Congress
Send a Message to your Member of Parliament! Canada is at a crossroads, just like it was forty years ago when it was time to do something about our health care system. Today, we need to do something about retirement income, and we need to do it soon. All that's needed is some leadership from the federal government. Which is why we need you to tell your Member of Parliament that you support the Canadian Labour Congress' campaign for "Retirement Security for everyone!" Send this message to your MP today. |
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posted on Sept 9, 2009
PSAC Prairie Regional
Health & Safety Conference
Attached is the
FINAL HEALTH & SAFETY
CONFERENCE REPORT
in both PDF and RTF
June 3, 2009
Save our Farms
The ‘Save Our Farms’ campaign was launched by the men and women who oversee, instruct and work with inmates in federal prison farm programs, the Union of Solicitor General Employees (USGE-PSAC). We welcome the support of national, regional and local organizations that have an interest in a safe, secure and sustainable food supply.
Please visit the website below to show your support and learn more about the campaign:
May 20, 2009
Bill to make Employment Insurance Fair for Mothers
Sisters and brothers,
Last week, the New Democrat’s Labour Critic, Chris Charlton, introduced legislation to make the Employment Insurance system fair for new mothers. And she called on the Harper Government to fix the EI inequities before Mother’s Day. Please help us build momentum and support for this important change to the EI Act and bring fairness to working families.
Attached to this message is a copy of the bill, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) one-pager and the press release we sent out last week. I have also included a petition in both French and English - please feel free to circulate to your contacts. You can mail them to Chris, postage free, for introduction in the House of Commons.
Download the EI BILL: *.PDF & EI PETITION: *.PDF
We have also set up a rapidly growing facebook group that calls on the Harper Government to act now and make EI fair for new moms and others on special benefits. Please join the group and send it to your friends!
Hard working moms deserve more than flowers and chocolates this Mother's Day. They deserve fairness when it comes to EI.
In Solidarity,
Sam Dinicol
Legislative and Communications Assistant to Chris Charlton, MP Hamilton Mountain
For more information on the bill and the issue, please visit the following links:
Chris Charlton’s website
CBC Nation’s report on EI and Maternity Leave
Hamilton Spectator’s coverage of the Bill
Edmonton Sun’s opinion piece on EI loophole
Read Good Jobs Coalition's media release: 'EI maternity leave discrimination must stop'
May 20, 2009
Food Safety First Campaign
When 22 people were killed by tainted Maple Leaf cold cuts last summer, Canadians were shocked and demanded to know how this could happen. Its a sad fact that the food industry in Canada has taken an ever larger role in self-policing its own food safety practices. Instead of directly supervising food safety at companies like Maple Leaf Foods, government inspectors now mostly verify that safety regulations and sanitation practices are being done properly by reviewing reports supplied by the company.
There simply are not enough meat inspectors to properly verify industry compliance with the safety rules. Meanwhile, Maple Leafs Foods President Michael McCain is calling for more industry self-policing, if you can believe that! Right now, a special parliamentary committee is investigating last summers food poisoning outbreak. Government MPs have adopted delaying tactics to frustrate the work the committee. And the minister responsible, Gerry Ritz, is serving up a version of the state of food safety in Canada that bears little resembles to the truth.
What YOU can do:
The food industry in Canada is huge and incredibly well-connected to Ottawa decision-makers. Our only counter to this huge lobby is the power of you and thousands of other concerned Canadian voters.
I am asking you to join the FoodSafetyFirst.ca campaign. You will receive opportunities to take action at key moments when your intervention will make a critical difference. With your help, we will shine a light on the truth and, get to the bottom of what happened last summer and make meaningful change to ensure the food we eat is safe.
February 10
Cash Compensation Available for Settlement of a Federal Pay Equity/ Human Rights Complaint
Attention former federal government workers who were transferred to provincial governments in 1992, 1997 and 1998 under the terms of an employee transfer agreement.
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Click here to watch the PSAC Prairie Region YouTube channel, with videos from various events and campaigns. |
Click here to view the PSAC Prairie Region photo stream on Flickr, with photos from various events across the region. |
Click here to follow the PSAC Prairie Region Twitter feed, with updates, news articles and more. |
