Pensions

Unfortunately, for too many Canadians, retirement isn't easy. Pensions need to be made better not worse, to ensure a post-work life with dignity and health care security.Reportedly, the federal government wants to make changes to the Public Service Health Care Plan. This plan was part of a negotiated agreement; federal employees made concessions in exchange for what was promised. Now the government wants to go back on their promise, doubling health insurance costs and reducing seniors' finances.

We are disappointed with the Supreme Court of Canada's judgment today.  The Supreme Court recognized that public service plan members made a significant contribution – 42.2 per cent or almost $12 billion – in paying down the national debt for all Canadians when the government appropriated the pension plan surplus.

The B.C. Council of Seniors today welcomed Premier Christy Clark’s promise to improve services for seniors, but cautioned that actions speak louder than words.“For the last decade, this government has implemented a ‘seniors’ agenda’ that has created misery for thousands of elderly citizens in our province,” said Art Kube, President of the 80,000 member Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of B.C. (COSCO).“As a senior minister and deputy to Gordon Campbell, Premier Clark had a direct role in undermining the services that helped seniors to live with dignity and independence in their own homes. The harmful effects of ten years of mean-spirited actions can’t be undone with warm and fuzzy platitudes.”

Our Strength: Mobilizing and Fighting BackWhat is the Union School? Union Education at its best! Union School is open to all members - it provides you with a unique opportunity to gain more specialized knowledge and skills while networking with other members from across the BC Region so that you can return to your workplaces and locals energized and ready to empower other members!How to apply

Once again, it's time to fight for our pension plan.As recently reported in the media, Prime Minister Harper, Finance Minister Flaherty and other Ministers are openly talking about the Public Service Superannuation Plan, and leaving the door open to changes in the upcoming federal budget. Those changes could include reducing benefits, changing the plan for new and younger employees and/or increasing contribution rates even more.

Once again we need to tell Finance Minister Flaherty – hands off our pensions!Both he and the Prime Minister are openly talking about federal public service pensions, leaving the door open to changes in the next federal budget.Those changes could include reducing benefits, changing the plan for new and younger employees and/or increasing contribution rates even more.The government should strengthen retirement security for all rather than weaken the pensions of hard working public service workers.

Every three years, the PSAC holds its Triennial National Convention, where delegates from across the union come together, debate issues and set direction for the Union for the next three years.We will be doing something new at the PSAC 2012 Convention: for the first time, delegates will have the opportunity to debate and adopt a “Members’ Plan”.The plan is designed to set the direction for the Union for the next three years.