News and Political Action

• Unions respond to Phoenix pay system. A frank look at Phoenix, Chris Alyward, PSAC National Executive VP, and Vanessa Miller, NVP for CEIU BC, are quoted in this rabble.ca article.
   
• Workers burnt by Phoenix. A look back at 18 months of the Phoenix debacle, by Crystal Warner, CEIU National Executive Vice-President (and former BC Regional Council member) at rankandfile.ca.
   
• Members in Kelowna took to the streets at a rally calling on the government to do more to fix Phoenix in Kelowna. A report with video from castanet.net and "Fed Workers Fed Up" another report from the Kelowna Capital News.
   
• The massive 1,700-page IBM Phoenix contract obtained by CBC News provides new insight into the federal pay system failures, with dozens of amendments to the deal and costs that jump by tens of millions of dollars at a time. Reaction from Chris Alyward at cbc.ca.
   
• Chris was also interviewed by CTV in mid-September to talk about the latest on Phoenix. Here's the clip.

• In many ways unions, PSAC included, and the United Way share similar visions: we improve lives, build stronger communities, create positive social change, and speak out for those who at times find it difficult to speak for themselves. Our partnership is based on shared values. Read Jamey Mills' message at the regional website.

• The 18th National Triennial Convention of the Public Service Alliance of Canada will be held in Toronto April 29, 2018. Convention Call letter and more information at the national website.

• PSAC members who live in the City of Vancouver are reminded that a by-election is coming up soon! As in past, the Vancouver & District Labour Council, who represent workers from over 100 affiliated unions in the city – including PSAC – is making an endorsement in the election. Read more at the regional website.

• PSAC will soon begin the process to negotiate improvements to the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP).  As we prepare for these negotiations, we want to hear from you to better understand what changes you’d like to see.  Please fill out this survey to tell us what’s most important to you.

• It's not too late to enter our draw for BC Lions tickets! More info and the entry form.
   

• Something to share with your co-workers and new members! This animated video highlights just some of the victories that the Public Service Alliance of Canada has won for its members, and ultimately, for everyone. From maternity leave, rights for same-sex couples to pay equity issues, the PSAC works tirelessly to keep workers healthy and happy in their job and defend equal rights and public services for all - here's a link to the video at YouTube.

• Canada Border Services Agency (FB): After speaking to one of his constituents who is a member of the FB group, Wayne Stetski, MP for Kootenay-Columbia, made a strong statement in Parliament in support of Border Service Officers. The PIC process is ongoing, we'll keep you up to date.
   
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Our bargaining team met with the employer in September and made progress. The next bargaining session is scheduled for the week of October 16.
   
• Parks Canada: The team met with the employer the week of September 18 and also made some progress. We are back at the table this month. Contact your Local Executive or Regional Office to find out how to get involved in mobilization activities!
   
• Canada Post: Your bargaining team met with the employer September 27-29 - here's the update. Townhall meetings with members are being planned & scheduled - we'll let you know once dates and times have been set.
   
• Statistical Survey Operations: The SSO bargaining team met with the employer in early September and were pleased that the employer's bargaining team acknowledged workers at SSO as 'public servants', however the employer is still proposing concessions. Full update at the national website.
   
• Canada Revenue Agency: The arbitration process is ongoing: we'll keep you up to date.
   
• Granville Island: We have achieved a tentative agreement and a ratification vote has been scheduled for October 19. Contact your Local Executive for more information.
   
• IMP Group, Comox: The employer finally agreed to arbitration dates in February. Contact your Local Executive for more information and to find out how you can support your bargaining team.
   
• First Nations Health Authority - Your bargaining team is meeting with the employer this week, watch for an update.
   
• Commissionaires -  The team is meeting with the employer October 23 & 24 - keep an eye on the Commissionaires website for updates.
   
• ARINC - We have applied for conciliation and expect to be meeting soon. Contact your Local Executive for updates.
   
• North Peace Airport - We have served the employer with notice to bargain, but do not have dates yet.
   
• Purolator - A bargaining conference is scheduled for October 21 & 22 and face to face meetings with the employer will be scheduled after that, we’ll keep you updated.
   
• Prince Rupert Airport - The input call for bargaining demands has gone out. Contact your Local Executive for more information.
   
• Swissport Supervisors & Admin (YVR) - The input call for bargaining demands has gone out. Contact your Local Executive for more information.

Union Education

The PSAC is proud to offer its members a union education program that ranks among the best and most comprehensive within the Canadian labour movement. Here are our upcoming weekend courses for 2017.

Metro Vancouver

The PSAC Okanagan Area Council, Women's and Human Rights Committees presents Migrant Dreams - an exclusive screening with the Director. The event includes the film screening, guest speaker Min Sook Lee, and lunch. October 21, 10AM - 2PM in Kelowna. More details here.


 

Federal public service workers are proudly committed to providing the services Canadians depend on. Yet thousands are still having financial troubles because they are not being paid correctly or on time. October 18th is a federal government pay day and marks two years since the Liberal government was elected. PSAC members are holding rallies that day in locations around the province, calling on the government to fix the Phoenix pay system for good.

• Vancouver - 401 Burrard Street, 12:15-12:45 - details and RSVP at Facebook
   
• Victoria - 1230 Government Street, 12:15-12:45 - details and RSVP at Facebook
   
• Prince Rupert - 818 3rd Avenue West, 12:00-1:00 - details and RSVP at Facebook
   
• Nanaimo - 60 Front Street, 12:00-1:00 - details and RSVP at Facebook
   
• Chilliwack - 12:15-12:45 - details and RSVP at Facebook

Attention PSAC Young Workers! The PSAC BC Mainland & Haida Gwaii Young Workers Committee will be hosting a pizza, movie, and social evening at the PSAC Vancouver Regional Office on November 8th. More details & RSVP.

Regularly Scheduled Meetings

West Fraser Valley Area Council special general meeting - October 5
BRUSH (Health & Safety) Committee meeting - October 11
Mainland Human Rights Committee meeting - October 11
East Fraser Valley Area Council meeting - October 12
Victoria Area Council AGM - October 17
North East Area Council special general meeting - October 25
Victoria Regional Women's Committee AGM - November 1
North East Regional Women's Committee AGM - November 6
Young Workers Social - pizza & a movie - November 8
Vancouver Regional Women's Committee meeting - November 15

More information about these meetings at the calendar.

Thanks for reading, <<First Name>>! Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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