Political Action

Earlier this week, Bob Jackson, PSAC Regional Executive VP for BC, was joined by our National President Robyn Benson and Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour, on a telephone town hall with PSAC members in BC to discuss the federal election. We have summarized some of the questions from PSAC members and the answers from Bob, Robyn, and Irene for members that may have been unable to take part.

This morning, Pierre Poilièvre and other Conservative candidates in Ottawa made an announcement directed towards federal public service workers. The press conference, along with an open letter from Stephen Harper to the public service, followed campaign announcements regarding the federal public service by the NDP and Liberals earlier this week.

A new Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives study entitled Waiting to Happen: Why we need major changes to the health and safety regime in federally regulated workplaces was released today. The study reveals that the health and safety of over a million workers in the federal government and other federally-regulated workplaces is at risk. 

To: PSAC Racially Visible members in BC   As you may be aware the BC Federation of Labour Union Renewal Conference is taking place this November 16-18 with the Human Rights Diversity Forum taking place on Sunday, November 15. The Human Rights Diversity Forum is a free event; however, pre-registration is required. The Forum and Conference are being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver. For more details on the Conference and the Forum, please visit the BC Fed website.

To: PSAC Young Workers in BC Sent on behalf of Vanessa Miller, B.C. Regional Council Young Worker Coordinator  

A message from Bob Jackson Sisters and Brothers, This October, we have an opportunity to make Canada a better place. We can elect a government that respects our collective agreements and our right to a healthy and safe workplace. We can elect a government that will bargain in good faith. One that respects the collective bargaining process, and respects public services and the workers that deliver them.

Labour Day is a time to reflect on everything workers and unions have gained in the past and to recommit to fighting for a better future. The labour movement has always sought to improve the living standards of all workers, not just those fortunate enough to belong to unions.

I’ve just read to the end of National Post View: The unions’ blame-Harper strategy hoping desperately that the editorialist would give me a way out of our current conundrum. I left the page disappointed and confused. Because frankly I’m not sure what the National Post wants us to do.