News and Political Action

• The country’s largest public service union wants the federal government to compensate its members for the pain and suffering inflicted by the Phoenix pay fiasco. Read more at the Ottawa Citizen.
   
• Members in the National Capitol Region rallied in support of their bargaining teams, Nov 27. Report and video from CTV News.
   
• The federal government has paid out $11.3 million in overtime over the past three years to public servants tasked with taming the monster that is the Phoenix pay system, according to a new document tabled in the House of Commons. More at the National Post.

PSAC Calendars

• It's that time of year again! The 2019 PSAC calendars have arrived in the Regional Offices - contact your Local Executive or your PSAC Regional Office if you would like some for your worksite.

• Following a long campaign by PSAC, Bill C-62—An Act to amend the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act and other Acts—received Royal Assent on November 26, 2018.
   
• The new law reverses several Harper-era changes to federal collective bargaining legislation, which limited the right of public service workers to strike and gave the government the right to unilaterally remove or change sick leave provisions negotiated into collective agreements at any time. Read more at psacunion.ca.

• On December 6, PSAC commemorates women who have lost their lives to abuse and re-commits to ending all forms of gender-based violence. Read more at the national website.
   
• PSAC members, in partnership with community groups, have organized National Day of Remembrance and Action events in Holland Point Park, Victoria and Holland Park, Surrey. 

• PSAC BC has partnered with Baka Communications to provide a limited time special offer for PSAC members on talk, text and data plans from Bell. More information in the poster here or at baka.ca. Help us let members know: print a copy of the poster for your workplace bulletin board!

• On November 29 PSAC members joined with hundreds of other union members at a rally in support of CUPW in Vancouver. PSAC stands in solidarity with postal workers and condemns the federal government’s use of back-to-work legislation.
   
• An enthusiastic group of PSAC young workers from BC gathered in Vancouver last month to learn more about our union, hear from other young workers in leadership positions, and to develop their skills and empower themselves to make positive change in the union and in our communities.

• If you're on Facebook, here's a profile photo frame you can use to show your support for our bargaining teams!

• Statistical Survey Operations: We are headed for arbitration and will keep you up to date as the process moves forward.
   
• Canada Revenue Agency: The bargaining team is at the table with CRA this week. Watch for an update.
   
• Treasury Board (PA, TC, SV & EB): The common issues bargaining team is at the table this week. The PA, TC, SV, and EB teams were at the table last week and were outraged to see that Treasury Board is proposing a 2-year wage freeze for federal workers. Watch for an update and contact your Regional Office, Local Executive, or Mobilization Coordinator to find out how you can take action to show the employer you want a fair contract with real improvements to wages and working conditions.
   
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency: The bargaining team is preparing the package of demands and getting ready to meet with CFIA. Watch for updates.
   
• Parks Canada: PSAC is taking action in response to Parks Canada Agency's failure to meet the implementation deadline for the latest collective agreement. Watch for bargaining updates in the new year.
   
• CBSA (FB): The first meeting with the employer is scheduled for the week of January 7, 2019. We'll keep you up to date as the process moves forward.
   
• North Peace Airport: Members working at YXJ have a new collective agreement.
   
• Kamloops Airport: The next round of bargaining is scheduled for February 2019. Contact your Local Executive for an update.
   
• Purolator: The employer failed to follow through on their commitment to file for conciliation, so the bargaining team has taken that into their own hands. To find out how you can help support the team during a tough round of negotiations, contact a member of your Local Executive or Vic Johal in the PSAC Vancouver Office.
   
• Swissport (YVR):  The bargaining team is scheduled to meet with the employer on January 8 and 9. We'll keep you up to date as bargaining unfolds.
   
• NAV CANADA: A tentative agreement was reached with the assistance of a mediator and the ratification process is underway.

Union Education

Knowledge is power - take a course today!

• 'Tis the season! All PSAC members, friends, and family are invited to a Festive Meet & Greet in the Victoria Office, Thursday December 13. Join us for snacks, networking, and good times: details and RSVP here.
   
• In Vancouver, we're doing things a little differently this year - after the busy holiday season, Thursday January 10 2019: details and RSVP here. Hope to see you then!

Have a most excellent December! See you in 2019.

Patrick Bragg
PSAC Vancouver Regional Office
604 430 5631 | 1 800 663 1655