The nature of work is changing, the need for unions is growing.
Read the following to find out more...
Work isn't what it used to be.
Unions contribute to Canadian Society.
Work isn't what it used to be.
Over the last two decades work has shifted from largely industrial, resource and manufacturing based to service sector jobs.
Advances in technology continue. Many jobs are now part of the "knowledge based" economy. While this sounds impressive, many of these jobs are anything but.
And, we’re working harder . . .
Free trade deals and globalization of trade have had very negative effects on workers. Free trade means global competition and downward pressure on wages and working conditions.
Over the last 15 years here’s what’s happened at work…
- a culture of working unpaid overtime has developed
- permanent jobs continue to be contracted out
- term employment is epidemic
- new jobs tend to be lowered paid and in the service sector
- a rise in part time and precarious employment
- public services continue to be privatized
- burnout and cynicism amongst workers was increased
- a decline in our real wages and standard of living
- people are working longer and harder to keep afloat
- a growing gap between the workers and the rich
and the list goes on…
Employers have told workers:
"Adapt!" "Be flexible!" "Be thankful you have a job!" "Be a team player!"
Sadly, many workers have bought into this rhetoric and are putting up with more and more bad treatment in the workplace.
What can be done?
We can balance the power!
We can have a stronger voice in our workplaces!
We can exercise our right to unionize and speak with one voice!
We can negotiate our terms and conditions of work in a collective agreement!
What’s covered in a collective agreement?
- rates of pay - salary, increments, overtime, shift differentials, recall, etc.
- leave provisions - vacation, sick leave, family related, spousal union, bereavement, enhanced maternity, education, union business, etc.
- complaint and grievance procedures which can be referred to third party arbitration
- anti-harassment procedures
- seniority provisions
- technology change protection
- lay-off and recall
- joint union / management committees
- health and safety procedures
- and increasingly unions are negotiating work and family balance issues into collective agreements
Union, now more than ever…
Have unions outlived their usefulness?
NO!!!
The current reality for most non-unionized workers demonstrates this clearly.
The belief that individuals can do better for themselves is the myth, not the reality.
There is strength in numbers. Why do you think employers fight so hard to be "union-free"!
Unions do make a difference...
Recent public opinion polls* tell us that Canadian workers appreciate and want unions.
They believe that:
- unions are worthwhile (2/3 of respondents)
- unions make better jobs
- unions presence in their communities is important
marginalized groups - women, racially visible, those with disabilities, young workers have benefited most
*
We know that unionized workers do better in economic terms:
Full-time average hourly wage:
unionized $21.01
non-unionized $17.71
difference $ 3.30Part-time average hourly wage:
unionized $17.74
non-unionized $10.71
difference $7.03
Unions contribute to Canadian society...
Canadians have proven time and again that they value social and economic fairness.
Canadians are on a different path than our neighbours to the south.
Unions have played an undeniable role historically in establishing public schools and public health care, in speaking up for the vulnerable, in demanding fairness and equity for all Canadians - regardless of sex, ethnicity, race, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.
Workers continue to join unions to achieve fairness at work. As a result, all Canadians benefit from the advancements made - higher wages mean more economic activity in our communities, a more productive society and a more satisfied workforce.
We welcome your inquiries about joining PSAC. We can be reached at:
- email us at org-synd@psac-afpc.com
- call us at 1-877-449-8990 (national toll free number)
- fax us at 613-563-34
Telephone:613-560-4219
email: pichea@psac.com
Loren Crawford, Organizing Program Officer
Telephone:613-560-4274
email: crawfol@psac.com
Administrative Assistant
Organizing / Syndicalisation
Telephone: (613) 560-4278
email: SabourL@psac-afpc.com
or call one of our Regional Organizers:
Jim Brohman, Whitehorse
Telephone: 867-667-8887
Fax: 867-633-5347
email: brohmaj@psac.com
Organizer, Yellowknife
Telephone: 867-873-5670
Fax: 867-873-4295
http://psacnorth.com
Dave Thompson, B.C.
Telephone: 604-430-5631
Fax: 604-430-0451
email: Thompsd@PSAC.com
Don Dudar, Prairies
Telephone: 204-947-1601
Fax: 204-943-0652
email: dudard@psac.com
Christopher Wilson, Ontario
Telephone:416-485-3558
Fax: 416-485-8607
email: wilsonc@psac.com
Mathieu Dumont, Québec
Telephone: 514-875-7100
Fax: 514-875-8399
email: dumontm@psac.com
Dave Shaw, Atlantic
Telephone: 902-443-3541
Fax: 902-539-5929
email: shawd@psac.com
Home Site Map Contact Us Bargaining Search Join Our Union Français
Date Modified : 2008/05/09
Public Service Alliance of Canada | 233, Gilmour Street, Ottawa, ONTARIO CANADA, K2P 0P1, Tel.: 1 888 604-7722 (PSAC)