PSAC BC Regional Newsletter for February 2014

News and Political Action

• Veterans from across the country travelled to Ottawa this week to make one last call on the government to stop the closure of Veterans Affairs offices in their communities. Things did not go well for the Conservatives. Here's the news conference that sparked what became a huge media story - video at CBC.ca
• After months of lobbying MPs and reaching out to the public, workers at Veterans Affairs joined forces with veterans to commemorate the closure of the offices last Friday. Media reports from Kelowna and Prince George.
• A new report to be tabled in Ottawa Thursday will show public servants take comparable amount of sick days to private workers. Robyn Benson is quoted in the Toronto Star. Sister Benson is calling on Tony Clement to stop misleading Canadians about sick leave in the public sector

• Irreplaceable scientific data is disappearing due to the recent consolidation and closure of many federal science libraries. Seven libraries run by Fisheries and Oceans Canada have been closed along with libraries run by Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada and Health Canada. Email your MP - tell them to stop the closures!

• What you need to know about alternation in the federal public service. Were you affected by the government’s latest round of public sector job cuts? PSAC has been working hard to ensure that our members have access to a fair and transparent process for finding other work in the core public service.
• Grievance Flowcharts. The timelines for filing and responding to grievances are important elements when it comes to workplace problem solving. Download some helpful flowcharts at the regional website.

• CFIA -  We are back at the table. More info and issue sheets at the national website.
• Canada Post - After PSAC filed an unfair labour practice, the employer has asked for a conciliator. We are looking forward to going back to the table. Full updates at the national website.
• Canada Revenue Agency - While key issues remain unresolved, talks have proved constructive and workplace actions by UTE members are having an effect – the parties agreed to reconvene in Ottawa next month to continue mediation. More at the national website.
• Treasury Board - The bargaining cycle is underway. The PA, SV, TC, EB and FB National Bargaining Conferences which will elect a team and set priorities take place this month. Watch for updates.
   

Union Education

Meetings and Events

To celebrate Black History Month, PSAC BC is proud to present a free screening of the short documentary Cal Best: Simply the Best, February 12 in Vancouver. Cal was one of the co-founders of PSAC, and a tireless activist for human rights and workers issues. Join us at this free event in Vancouver, February 12th! Details and more information here.

Regularly Scheduled Meetings

Okanagan Regional Womens Committee/Area Council, Kelowna, Feb 8
East Fraser Valley Area Council, Abbotsford, Feb 19
Mainland Young Worker Committee AGM, Vancouver, Feb 19

More information on all of these at the events calendar.

Thanks for reading, <<First Name>> and stay warm out there! It's freezing!

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

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