PSAC Area Councils are made up of members from different Locals and Components, grouped within regional areas.
At their core, Area Councils are the forum for all PSAC Locals in a community to share information and learn from each other’s experiences. PSAC is a very diverse union, with many different employers in many different sectors. Sharing best practices and ideas helps members and locals become better at effective workplace advocacy.
Oftentimes a problem that one workplace is experiencing has also been experienced - and solved - in other PSAC worksites.
The COVID -19 pandemic is one recent example. Members across the entire PSAC in each Council area were able to share best practices, strategies, and solutions with each other.
Together we are stronger and speak with a louder voice when talking to our employers.
Area Councils are also the political arm of our Union – they provide a venue for members to engage with and mobilize around various PSAC campaigns, political action, broader union or social justice issues, and lobby government on behalf of our union. They also provide input on and work on PSAC’s municipal, provincial and federal election campaigns and talk to members and the public about the importance of voting for candidates that support working people.
The Area Council membership decides by consensus what issues are important to PSAC members in their area, and what issues need to be brought forward or worked on. And they also organize events, some where members come together to network, and some designed to be a visible union presence at community events, which helps raise awareness of our union. These events are a great way meet fellow union and community members and are often times a lot of fun.
Area Councils also work with organizations in the larger community and other labour groups, like other local unions and the Canadian Labour Congress’ District Labour Council.
PSAC members support other union's campaigns and their picket lines, and they support ours, because at the end of the day, together we are stronger.
Last but not least, Area Councils send delegates and resolutions to the PSAC Regional and National Conventions. This is an excellent way of bringing important local or community issues forward to the larger body.
To do all this work, Area Councils need to have at least four meetings a year where members attend from various Locals and have member participation throughout the year – as much or as little as members are able to commit. Every bit helps.
There are currently 8 Area Councils in BC. They are located in Vancouver, Surrey/Delta/Langley (West Fraser Valley AC), the Fraser Valley, the Okanagan, North Vancouver Island, Victoria, Northwest BC (Prince Rupert / Terrace), and Northeast BC (Prince George and area). To get involved with an Area Council, check the calendar on the main page for upcoming meetings, contact the Chairpersons/Presidents at the link below, or call your Regional Office.
PSAC BC Area Council contact information, bylaws, and minutes. December 2020
