Over three hundred members helped kick off PSAC President Chris Aylward and Vice-President Magali Picard's cross-country mobilization tour at a rally in Victoria on March 22. They expressed their support or our bargaining teams and sent a clear message to the government: with federal elections coming this Fall, Justin Trudeau can still keep his commitment to public servants and the essential services they provide to the public, but time is running out.
- Lots more photos at Facebook!
Since bargaining began nine months ago, PSAC’s bargaining teams have presented proposals to improve work-life balance, reduce precarious contract work, close wage gaps with the private sector, and ensure fair economic increases. Yet, for most of that time, the government has repeatedly delayed progress, and in late November made an insulting offer that would freeze wages for two years.
Very little progress has been made and the window for Trudeau to deliver on his commitment to respect public service workers is quickly closing.
Speaking at the rally, Chris noted that over the last four years, the Prime Minister has said all the right things about the public service. "But," he said, "actions speak louder than words, and PSAC members are still waiting for him to deliver on his commitment to them. They’re still waiting to get paid properly under Phoenix and they’re still waiting to be compensated for all the hardships they’ve endured because of these countless pay problems. They shouldn’t also have to wait for the fair working conditions they deserve."
Over the coming months, Chris and Magali will be visiting every region in the PSAC - sign up for email alerts at your PSAC regional website to make sure you know when they'll be in your region.
Last but by no means least, many thanks to Laird Cronk, President of the BC Federation of Labour, Randall Garrison MP for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, and the many other union members who joined us. Solidarity!