Political Action

The first ever PSAC BC Regional Conference for Racially Visible Members was held May 13 through 15 under the theme “Race Forward: Our Union, Our Community, Our Future!”. Thirty-five PSAC members gathered in Vancouver over the weekend to discuss, strategize and mobilize on issues impacting racially visible members in BC, share experiences and network, and empower and inspire themselves and others to become active in our union, our community, and our workplaces.

It's time to raise the minimum wage! PSAC members joined with hundreds of people in Vancouver on the Canadian National Day of Action for a $15 Minimum Wage. British Columbia has the lowest minimum wage in Canada and this leaves full-time workers living thousands of dollars below the poverty line. We believe that work should lift you out of poverty, not keep you in it. It's time for the BC government to make a real increase the minimum wage so that nobody is left behind.

The federal budget included a positive statement about bargaining: “The government is committed to negotiating in good faith to reach agreements that are fair for public service employees and Canadians.” The Liberals re-stated that they have introduced legislation to repeal the Conservative law that gave the government the power to make unilateral changes to sick leave. The budget also reiterated their decision not to book savings from the elimination of sick leave in advance of negotiations.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada welcomes the new government’s move away from austerity and its commitment to invest to improve the lives of Canadians, at least in the immediate future. “Federal public service workers want to deliver on commitments made in the federal budget. That requires departments having the resources they need to serve Canadians,” said Robyn Benson, PSAC National President.

VANCOUVER, March 21, 2016 /CNW/ - The Public Service Alliance of Canada BC Region is calling on Finance Minister Bill Morneau to create real change by reinvesting in the federal public service for the immediate benefit of British Columbians. "We urgently need to see a new approach from this government. The Liberal election platform promised to improve the quality of public services, including reducing wait times and increasing access to in-person services. We will hold them to that," said Bob Jackson, PSAC Regional Executive Vice President for BC.