PSAC IN THE NEWS
Ottawa Citizen: Aylward: It’s time to properly search all former residential school sites for graves
NNSL Media: Labour Views: The role of unions in reconciliation
CBC: Many public servants still waiting on Canada Life to process claims
Ottawa Citizen: Anand lays out priorities as Treasury head; Spending cuts, union ties and red tape among issues president is focusing on
FAQ: PUBLIC SERVICE HEALTH CARE PLAN & CANADA LIFE
The transition to Canada Life insurance for federal public service workers continues to cause frustrating challenges for plan members and their dependents. To assist members in navigating this employer-initiated transition, the PSAC has prepared some FAQs that provide latest info regarding the transition and what PSAC is doing to help plan members.
NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION: UNCOVERING THE TRUTH OF LE ESTCWICWÉY̓
September 30 marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to remember missing Indigenous children and survivors across Canada who were taken from their families and forced to attend residential schools.
On that date, we were also reminded that there is still much work to be done on reconciliation. Together, we must uncover the truth of Le Estcwicwéy̓ (The Missing), honour their memory, and take concrete steps towards reconciliation.
On September 28 PSAC National President Chris Aylward penned an open letter to the Minister responsible for Crown-Indigenous Relations on behalf of PSAC members, urging the federal government to intensify its efforts to search all former residential school sites and surrounding areas using ground penetrating radar to find unmarked graves and to implement Calls to Action 71-76 found in the TRC Final Report.
On the same date, the PSAC launched an online petition where you can add your voice to the call for the federal government to accelerate their efforts to search all former residential school sites and take real action toward true reconciliation.
COMBATTING ANTI-2SLGBTQIA+ HATE
Last month, far-right, conservative and anti-2SLGBTQIA+ groups organized protests across the country against SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity)-inclusive education in Canadian classrooms. In response, PSAC members and staff joined counter protest efforts from coast to coast to coast to condemn the targeting of tansgender and gender diverse youth as well as the efforts by anti-2SLGBTQIA+ groups to spread fear, disinformation and hate.
PSAC BC Regional Council members took to the Legislature lawn in Victoria on September 20 to show their support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, REVP Jamey Mills and PSAC BC Pride Coordinator Damir Moric issued a joint statement in response to the anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate actions.
Sadly, this fight is far from over. We can see this in the unabashed efforts of right-wing politicians who continue to attack vulnerable kids under the guise of 'parental rights' and 'judicial overreach'. 2SLGBTQIA+ rights are workers' rights. Unions cannot forget that an injury to one is an injury to all.
PSAC BC INDIGENOUS PEOPLES SUMMIT
It's not too late to apply for the PSAC BC Indigenous Peoples Summit! The application deadline has been extended until Friday, October 13 at 5 PM PT. The Summit, which takes place November 24-26, 2023 at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown in Burnaby, will be held under the theme "Building Our Community as Indigenous Members Throughout BC". PSAC BC Indigenous members will gather to learn, share and discuss Indigenous issues in the community and within the Union. Additional details can be found on the PSAC BC website. Don't miss out on your chance to attend.
EAST FRASER VALLEY AREA COUNCIL HYGIENE BAG CAMPAIGN
The East Fraser Valley Area Council needs your help! As part of the Area Council’s efforts to support and engage the communities in which they work and live, the East Fraser Valley Area Council is asking Locals/Branches for donations of new items to make hygiene bags for community members in need. Visit the PSAC BC website to see a list of items need and to find out how to contribute.
DRAW FOR MEMBERS - BC LIONS TICKETS
We're down to the final regular season CFL games of 2023! PSAC BC, along with the BC Federation of Labour and many of its affiliates, helped sponsor the BC Lions Be More Than A Bystander campaign this season for the eighth year in a row. As part of our sponsorship package, we have a few remaining tickets to various games this fall which we are giving away to members in a random draw. More info and enter the draw here. Go Lions!
BARGAINING UPDATES
Parks Canada: PSAC and the Parks Canada signed the new collective agreement eight weeks after it was ratified by members. However, the employer has backtracked on discussions to ensure that members in precarious positions—including firefighters—receive the one-time pensionable lump sum. PSAC has set up an online action where you can tell the Minister Guibeault and TB President Anand to make it right and honour a collective agreement negotiated in good faith!
CBSA: The FB Bargaining Team declared impasse at the bargaining table during the September 26 and 27 after CBSA refused to budge on our key issues and continued to insist on concessions. For more details and to find out what happens next visit the PSAC website.
Purolator: The Bargaining team met with the employer July 17 and 18 and dealt with proposals on language changes. Monetary items will be dealt with at future bargaining dates, which are set for mid-October and early December.
First Nations Health Authority: A tentative agreement was reached with the employer in September. Highlights of the tentative deal can be found here. Ratification vote meetings are scheduled to take place October 6 and 10.
IMP Comox: Unfortunately, the employer cancelled another set of bargaining dates, originally scheduled for September. The PSAC is now pursuing a request for conciliation assistance.
North Peace Airport: The bargaining team was supposed to meet with the employer in August, but those dates were postponed. Watch for an update soon.
Kamloops Airport: The team served noticed to bargaining on September 28. Watch for a further update soon.
UNION EDUCATION
PSAC BC's fall course schedule has been posted! Sign up for one of our fall course offerings:
Grievance Handling | Vancouver | October 12-13
Grievance Handling | Abbotsford | October 14-15
Talking Union Basics | Kamloops | October 28-29
Talking Union Basics | Victoria | November 4-5
Grievance Handling | Kelowna | November 18-19
Local Officers Seminar | Vancouver | November 18
Steward Series |Vancouver| November 18
Intro to Duty to Accommodate | Vancouver | November 19
Grievance Handling | Victoria | December 2-3
Virtual Talking Union Basics | Virtual | December 5-7
More information and registration forms available at the website.
You can also check out PSAC's online education program - a series of self-paced courses available 24/7.
UPCOMING EVENTS & REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Here are our upcoming regularly scheduled meetings, more information at the calendar.
Vancouver Regional Women's Committee | October 11
BRUSH Committee | October 12
Okanagan Area Council | October 15
West Fraser Valley Area Council | October 16
Northwest Area Council | October 18
BCFED Young Workers Movie Night | October 27
Vancouver Area Council | November 1
East Fraser Valley Area Council | November 2
CIRCLE (Human Rights) Committee | November 8
Mainland Human Rights Committee | November 9
Advocacy and Representation Townhall | November 20
Mainland Haida Gwaii Young Workers Committee | November 23
PSAC BC Indigenous Peoples Summit | November 24-26