PSAC BC Regional Newsletter for April 2017
Jump to: News and Political Action | Education | Meetings and Events
News and Political Action
PSAC in the news
- PSAC president 'appalled' by bonuses for PS execs involved with Phoenix. Robyn Benson spoke to the editorial board of the Ottawa Citizen last week.
- Robyn Benson on 1310 News Radio on Phoenix - skip to 9 minutes into the hour.
- Budget's silence on Phoenix shows public servants 'are not important' - federal budget reaction from Robyn in the Ottawa Citizen.
- “I really think that (the federal government is) going to have a problem attracting talented individuals to come and work for them when they can’t pay them and they can’t offer them anything other than precarious work.” Robyn on why the public service can't attract young people, also in the Citizen.
Phoenix
- An update on Phoenix, including our statement on managerial bonuses, progress to date, and links to help and information for members whose tax situation has been affected is available at the national website.
- No pay, no NPSW. At a time when PSAC members are stressed and struggling with financial uncertainty, due to the inadequacies of the Phoenix pay system and its unsuccessful implementation, it is difficult to justify employer-sponsored activities. If the employer wants to show their recognition for our members' valuable work; they should do that by paying members in full and on time. As such, PSAC will continue to boycott NPSW and its events.
Provincial Election Telephone Town Hall
- Bob Jackson, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President, will be joined by Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour, and Bowinn Ma, a PSAC member who is running to be the MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale, to discuss the provincial election issues that matter to PSAC members and to all British Columbians. If you miss our call on April 20th, there are details on how to connect here.
Take Action!
Tools for Locals and Activists
- Just over 25 years ago, the Supreme Court confirmed that federal public service workers have a constitutional right to engage in political activity. Before that, the Public Service Employment Act did not allow these workers to take part in any political activities except casting their vote. During BC's provincial election, PSAC members are encouraged to take an active role in exercising their democratic political rights - read more at the regional website.
Bargaining Updates
- PA, TC, SV and EB: The ratification vote ballots are being counted this week and we will announce the results on April 13.
- FB (CBSA): As part of our ongoing campaign for respect for the border services group, PSAC filed for a Public Interest Commission (PIC) for the Border Services group on February 8, 2017. The group’s critical public safety duties deserve the same recognition given to other law enforcement officers. We'll keep you up to date as the process unfolds.
- CFIA: The team met with the employer in early March and tabled wage and job security proposals. A full update here.
- Parks: The bargaining team met with the Agency on March 28, 29 and 30 and made some progress.
- Canada Post: Negotiations resume April 11 to 12, we'll keep you up to date.
- SSO: Our bargaining teams met with SSO March 17 to open this round of bargaining and exchange our initial proposals - more at the national website.
- CMHC Granville Island: Face to face bargaining begins soon, contact your Local Executive for more information.
Union Education
Metro Vancouver
- Grievance Handling, Vancouver, May 6 & 7
Vancouver Island
- Talking Union Basics, Victoria, Apr 22 & 23
- Grievance Handling, Nanaimo, May 27 & 28
Southern Interior
- Grievance Handling, Penticton, Apr 22 & 23
Fraser Valley
- Convention Procedures, Abbotsford, Apr 22 & 23
- Talking Union Basics, Abbotsford, May 6 & 7
Visit the regional website for more information and to apply online.
Meetings and Events
The provincial election is May 9. Pledge to vote for a new government that will provide supports for families, strengthen public services, and create good paying jobs. Take the pledge at togetherforbc.ca today.
National Day of Mourning, April 28 in communities around the province. Every year workers, families, employers, and communities come together at ceremonies held around the province to remember those who have lost their lives to work-related incidents or occupational disease, and re–new our commitment to creating healthy and safe workplaces. The BC Federation of Labour is organizing a memorial procession and ceremony at the BC Legislature and here is a list of events across the province.
March for Jobs, Justice and the Climate, April 29 in Vancouver. More info here. On April 29th, Canadians are marching in solidarity with the march in Washington, DC, to show the world and our leaders that we will resist fossil fuel projects and policies that attack our people, our communities and our planet. PSAC BC and the Vancouver Area Council encourage all members to attend. RSVP to Todd Smith and we'll make sure we bring enough PSAC flags!
Regularly Scheduled Meetings
Okananan Area Council & Regional Women's Committee meeting - April 22
Vancouver Area Council meeting - April 25
Victoria Area Council meeting - May 9
Victoria Regional Women's Committee meeting - May 11
Vancouver Regional Women's Committee meeting - May 17
What are all these meetings? Here's more information about our Area Councils and Women's, Young Workers, and Human Rights Committees. Get involved in your union!
Thanks for reading, <<First Name>>! It looks like spring is finally here!
Patrick Bragg
PSAC Vancouver Regional Office
604 430 5631 | 1 800 663 1655
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