News and Political Action

• Chris Aylward, president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, says public servants are fed up with the Phoenix pay crisis and want to be paid accurately, and on time, every payday. But he’s concerned that Treasury Board President Scott Brison’s prediction  that public servants could be testing multiple prototypes for a new pay system before the end of the year is raising hopes that a new system is on the way. Read the story at ipolitics.ca.
   
• Chris was also on CTV Ottawa, discussing the launch of PSAC's national TV ad campaign highlighting the dedication of federal public service workers in the face of the Phoenix pay system disaster. Despite missed paycheques, fending off debt collectors, and managing endless uncertainty, PSAC members have continued to be Here for Canada. Here's the video.
   
• The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board has upheld (for the second time) the clause in federal government collective agreements that says the employer may grant leave with pay when circumstances not directly attributable to the employee prevent his or her reporting for duty. Reaction from Magali Picard, PSAC National Executive VP, in the Ottawa Citizen.

2018 General Local Elections - October 20

• On October 20th, vote for candidates that share a progressive and sustainable vision for the future of our communities. Read the message from REVP Jamey Mills and download a list of labour-endorsed candidates for your community.

PSAC wins major improvements to Public Service Dental Plan

• After lengthy negotiations and an arbitration process, PSAC has won a major victory for the Public Service Dental Care Plan, which will result in substantial improvements for members who work in the federal government.
   

September in photos

• PSAC/UTE members let their co-workers know how they can help the CRA bargaining team get a fair contract.
   
• Magali Picard, PSAC National Executive VP, was in Vancouver to participate in the signing ceremony to renew the collective agreement for members working at the First Nations Health Authority in BC.
   
• The regional Treasury Board mobilization committee gathered in Vancouver to talk about how members in BC can work together to support our bargaining teams in their efforts to secure a fair agreement that recognizes the value of our work.
   
• PSAC members brought solidarity to striking BCGEU members at the Playtime Casino in Kelowna. We support their fight for living wages, better working conditions, and respect on the job!
   
• Members celebrated Labour Day in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, and other communities around the province.
   
• Is your worksite or Local doing something you'd like other members to know about? Email me a photo or two and a brief description.
   

Phoenix: Halloween Contest

• Halloween is coming. October 31 will mark the second anniversary of members engaging in large scale actions and mobilization around the Phoenix pay system. In the spirit of the season, we want to hear from members in BC.
   
• Send us a photo or video of your Halloween costume or decorations, workplace actions, carved pumpkins, banners, signs or anything else that lets the government know you are tired of not getting paid properly. We've got prizes for the best submissions and everyone who participates will be entered into a random draw as well. More info here.

“Are you Safe or Just Lucky?” 2018 PSAC B.C. Health and Safety Conference

• Note the application deadline is October 5! The 2018 BC Regional Health and Safety Conference will take place December 15-16 at the Radisson Hotel in Richmond. The objective of the conference is to create a forum for health and safety activists to reflect, discuss and take action on health and safety issues so we can improve the health of our members by raising awareness and preventing injuries and occupational diseases. Visit the regional website for more information and the online application.
   

• Extended until October 31: 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!
   

• 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 met with CRA September 11-13. Here's an update.
   
• Treasury Board (PA, TC, SV & EB): The TB bargaining teams, representing nearly 100,000 members in the PA, TC, SV and EB groups will be at the negotiating table next week. Here are the highlights from the major demands put forward at the common issues bargaining table.
   
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency: The CFIA National Bargaining Conference takes place this week. Watch for updates.
   
• Parks Canada: The Parks National Bargaining Conference was held last week in Ottawa. The team has been elected and the package of demands is being worked on. We'll keep you up to date as things move forward.
   
• CBSA (FB): The Border Services National Bargaining Conference takes place next week in Ottawa. Watch for more information to come.
   
• First Nations Health Authority: The new Collective Agreement was signed on September 24.
   
• North Peace Airport: The team is back at the table October 16. Contact your Local Executive for an update.
   
• Kamloops Airport: The team has been elected and anticipate the first meeting with the employer will take place October 22. Contact your Local Executive for an update.
   
• Purolator: The bargaining team will be back at the table with the employer October 19-21. 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 has been elected and a caucus meeting is scheduled for mid-October. We'll keep you up to date as bargaining unfolds.
   
• NAV CANADA: Mediation with NAV CANADA continues. Watch for updates.

Union Education

Here's the fall weekend course schedule.

Vancouver

• Grievance Handling | Vancouver | Oct 13, 14

Vancouver Island

• Talking Union Basics | Victoria | Oct 13, 14
• Grievance Handling | Victoria | Nov 24, 25

Fraser Valley

• Talking Union Basics | Abbotsford | Dec 1, 2

North BC

• Duty To Accommodate | Prince George | Oct 13
• Representing Members With Mental Health Issues | Prince George | Oct 14

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

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