Apply Today for the Atlantic Regional Seminar

Your UNE regions invite you to participate in the Atlantic which will take place at the Delta Beausejour, 750 Main Street Moncton, NB.

Click here to register online.

As a UNE member, your participation is fully funded and there is zero cost to you.

Regional Seminars are packed with presentations, workshops and training that will give you the knowledge and tools to help you and your members. They are also a wonderful place to meet other activists and forge long-lasting friendships. 

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UNE will fund two (2) participants and an additional (1) youth participant per Local. Preference will be given to:

  • The Local President or designate
  • A member who has not previously attended a seminar should be given priority
  • A youth member (age 35 or younger as of December 31, 2026).

Locals should also encourage the participation of equity members and may send additional members at the Local’s expense.

Youth Delegates to Convention

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At each seminar, regions will elect two (2) Youth Delegates and alternates to the 2026 Convention. To be eligible, Youth members must be 35 or under in the year of the Triennial Convention (2026, in Montreal, QC). UNE encourages your participation, so you don’t miss out on these delegate seats at the Triennial.

Travel, Accommodations and Meals paid by UNE

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Participants will be expected to arrive for on-site registration at 6:00 p.m. Friday evening, May 2nd. Accommodations will be arranged for delegates to spend two nights at the hotel for the Friday, and Saturday as activities are scheduled to take place into the evenings. The Seminar ends on Sunday, May 4th at 12:00p.m. 

Your travel to and from the Seminar is paid for by UNE. If you are driving, track your kilometres and provide a google map of your trip. Your stay at the hotel is also paid by UNE, with no upfront cost to you. You will also receive a per diem covering meals that are not provided. 

Union Leave and Leave Letters

UNE will reimburse your loss of salary while you are attending the Seminar. Some employers (Treasury Board, Parks Canada) require you to submit a Union Leave Letter. UNE encourages you to advise your employer of your intent to participate upon receiving this communication.  Once the final selection has been made,  UNE will issue the leave letters.  Your pay will not be interrupted. (For example, if you are scheduled to work on the Friday, you submit a Leave Request and provide your supervisor with the UNE-issued Leave Letter).

Other employers will request you to take leave without pay. In this case, you will be reimbursed your loss of salary directly by UNE. Either way, we want to be sure you don’t miss a beat and that your salary and expenses for attending the event are taken care of.

Apply today!

You must apply by Tuesday, April 15th, 2005. Applications are then sent to the regional team for final selection. Unfortunately, we will not consider late applications. 

Click here to register online.

Should you have any questions about the Seminar please contact events@une-sen.org.

In solidarity, 

Your UNE Atlantic Regional Team

Largest federal public service union files sweeping human rights complaint over anti-Black racism in Canada’s public service

PSAC has filed a sweeping human rights complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission on behalf of all Black PSAC members employed in the federal public service. The complaint challenges decades of systemic discrimination, racist comments, microaggressions, and policies and practices that have unjustly blocked Black workers from career advancement. 

“For decades, Black federal public service workers have endured racism at work, been shut out of job opportunities, and denied the safe workplace they deserve,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “Instead of fixing the problem, the government fought Black workers in court hoping it would all just go away. We won’t back down until the government is held accountable and our members get the justice they deserve.” 

The complaint details the federal government’s longstanding failure to address anti-Black racism in its workplaces, including: 

  • Racist comments, microaggressions and discriminatory behaviour; 
  • Heightened scrutiny and disproportionate discipline; 
  • Dismissal or downplaying of discrimination and harassment complaints; 
  • Barriers to hiring and promotion; 
  • Unequal access to training, mentorship, and career development; 
  • A failure to address anti-Black racism and bias in staffing processes. 

This filing follows the recent dismissal of the Black Class Action lawsuit, which the federal government fought vehemently against to deny its certification despite its own admission that systemic anti-Black racism exists in its workplace and across Canada. PSAC backed the legal action by providing financial and legal support and publicly advocating for the government to settle the case. 

The federal government has spent more than $10 million in legal costs to prevent the certification of the Black Class Action lawsuit. 

Through PSAC’s litigation, the union will seek systemic remedies to eliminate anti-Black racism in federal workplaces as well as damages to make members whole for the harm they have experienced. PSAC is calling for meaningful changes to hiring and promotion policies and practices, stronger accountability measures, and an end to the discriminatory practices that have harmed generations of Black federal public service workers and their families. 

“Black workers have suffered economic and psychological harm for decades — and they deserve real, lasting change,” added DeSousa. “It’s time for the government to own up to their mistakes and fix what’s clearly broken.” 

As Canada’s largest federal public service union and the bargaining agent for over 245,000 workers across the country, including 185,000 federal public service workers, PSAC is uniquely positioned to identify and challenge discriminatory practices affecting Black federal workers. This complaint is a critical step in the fight for justice and part of the union’s broader commitment to confronting anti-Black racism in and out of the workplace. 

National Executive Meeting March 24-27, 2025

The National Executive is meeting this week in Quebec City, QC from March 24-27. Monday was a packed day of training on Local AGM’s, Rules of Order, Week of action against racism and for equal opportunities, and a visit with our members at National Battlefield Commission organized by Local 10209’s Charles-Olivier Jean. Thanks so much to our guides, Louis-Joseph and James!

Playing Louis-Joseph De Montcalm: Katia Thibault-Rochefort, Local 10206 human rights and health & safety representative. Playing James Wolfe: Amélie Geoffroy

Work continued Tuesday with the presentation of reports and healthy discussions about member onboarding and local finances. In the afternoon, the group was updated on details surrounding UNE’s packed year of conferences and regional seminars where ideas on training and workshops were front and centre. Finally, a discussion on collective bargaining was capped off with the good news that members at Best Theratronics, who had been on strike since May 2024 finally reached an agreement with their employer.

International Francophonie Day

On the 20th of March 2025, for International Francophonie Day, the UNE’s Francophone Committee invites UNE members to take a few moments to acknowledge their affiliation to the francophone community. The Committee wishes to remind you that French is a tool for inclusion, exchange and union cooperation. Working in French is a right, and it is a working condition.

Protecting French in the workplace stems from members who are well versed on their right to work in their language of choice and from a collective awareness of the benefits of communicating in French, especially as it pertains to access to rights and health & safety issues.

Francophonie Day is also a time to celebrate the solidarity that brings together French-speaking workers.

 During this period of collective agreement bargaining, it is important that respect for both official languages be at the heart of negotiations to maintain our right to work in French.

The UNE’s Francophone Committee would therefore like to wish you a good Francophonie Day.

Workers at Best Theratronics reach a tentative agreement

After more than 300 days, the PSAC-UNE members at Best Theratronics have finally reached a tentative agreement with their employer.

These courageous workers have been on strike since May 2024 and have refused to back down in the face of an employer who has been consistently disrespectful during the bargaining process.

This tentative agreement includes an 11.458% wage increase over the life of the 4-year agreement.  Other highlights include changes to the vacation leave process, flexible start and finish times for hours of work, and a trial introduction of compressed shifts. The contract also does not include any of the concessions sought by the employer.

These members have been steadfast in the face of an employer who engaged in disrespectful behaviours throughout the entirety of the bargaining process. PSAC filed numerous Unfair Labour Practice (ULP) complaints with the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). The CIRB found that Best Theratronics failed to bargain in good faith with our members. Krishnan Suthanthiran, the owner of the company, did not give representatives authority to bargain on his behalf and released misleading communications to influence the bargaining process.

Even after the tentative agreement was reached, PSAC had to file another ULP complaint against Best Theratronics relating to continued efforts for misinformation relating to the bargaining process.

The members at Best Theratronics have displayed powerful solidarity and a commitment to fighting for a contract they deserve through a challenging job action. PSAC NCR and the Union of National Employees are happy that these members have been able to achieve a satisfactory tentative agreement and will be able to return to work in the coming weeks.

They are coming home…

By Mireille Jaillet

Rebecca Contois. Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe.  Marcedes Myran.  Morgan Beatrice Harris.

Taking a moment to reflect.  Taking a long moment of silence for these women.  One by one, found among garbage. Discarded by a coward.  A weak man who thought that they were easy prey, and he wasn’t entirely wrong.  He, however, underestimated the determination of their families whose resilience was built into their very DNA.

On International Women’s Day, I received the news that on February 26th, 2025, the remains of both Morgan Harris and Mercedes Myran (the last two victims of the 2022 Winnipeg serial killer) had been located after months of searching and years of battles with local and federal authorities to initiate the search. 

The moment my eyes read the article posted on the Manitoba news site, Prairie Green Landfill Search Bulletin #4 confirming the discovery of remains identified as Morgan Harris and Mercedes Myran, they burned with tears and my chest grew tight.  Not because I knew the women in question but because I knew of the void that had been left behind when she was lost and of the grieving families and communities that were deeply impacted.  There was an ache in my heart when remembering how hard these families fought, how they refused to give up, knowing deep in their bones that they could and would find her if only given the chance and they were met with obstacles, disbelief and condescension.

Their resilience remained and it paid off.  A tragic victory.  

The mission, initiated by the Manitoba government at the request of the families of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, was operated in conjunction with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and with support from the Federal Government.

“They” said it couldn’t be done.  “They” said it wasn’t worth the risk.   “They” were wrong.

These lost women coming home will bring healing to countless many.  Not only the family members who felt that loss like a festering wound but for those who were never able to get such closure.  And for women who fear a same fate.  It is a step forward in valuing human beings over capitalism.  One step closer to honouring life instead of money and bureaucracy.  If any lesson is learned from this.  It should be that finding these remains is enough justification for a continued search of the landfills.  Resources must be provided to support these searches so that the process becomes easier, less cumbersome and with more skilled efforts.

As for our society, I hope this removes barriers in similar searches around the country.  MMIW must be recognized and valued.  All those missing and murdered should be recognized and valued, searched for and hopefully found. 

To the families who fought hard to get not only justice for Morgan and Marcedes but also peace:  we are so very proud of you, and we are inspired by you.  May you find comfort and healing.

To Marcedes and Morgan, welcome home.

📢 Join Us for a Virtual Townhall

🗓 Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 – 8:00p.m. EST
💻 Hosted by: Alisha Kang, National President, Union of National Employees, PSAC

Topic: Mid-Mandate Update

Join UNE National President, Alisha Kang and National Executive Vice-President, Hayley Millington next Wednesday. It’s been almost eighteen months since Convention and this will be an opportunity for members to hear from the elected leadership on the progress made at UNE.

Your voice matters—this townhall is your chance to engage with leadership, gain insights, and ask questions that matter to you.

How to Participate:


✔️ RSVP HERE! or submit your questions in advance to Bernadeth Betchi, Coordinator, President’s Office.

✔️ Tune in to the live discussion to hear answers to your most pressing concerns and be part of the conversation!

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/66004140119?pwd=IQTKMikk4oAjkTTI1C4aU5MbKUQcFK.1

Meeting ID: 660 0414 0119

Passcode: 803683

 ——-

International Women’s Day

By Mireille Jaillet

We dream of a world where differences are valued and celebrated
Not because of gender, or race, or class, or challenges
But for our uniqueness, integrity, and qualities contributed
Where people can thrive and meet their full potentials.

On March 8th,  International Women’s Day is over a century old.
Still too many things we can’t do, stigmas weighing us down
A mountain of barriers, challenges and stories to be told.
And as the fight continues, one by one we become unbound.

We see freedoms taken away in the world’s most “democratic” countries.
Women slain, and children orphaned because of outdated beliefs and values.
Or forced on their knees pleading:  Remember Please!
That this day is not only for us but for all those who celebrate women and their virtues. 

We are speaking of our mothers, sisters, aunts and daughters
Our aunts, teachers, friends and mentors,
We speak of all those women who truly matters.
Together we can tear the barriers down, and finally enjoy this word’s splendours.

Mireille Jaillet is the UNE’s National Equity Representative for Women

PSAC files policy grievance to halt layoffs at IRCC

PSAC has filed a policy grievance against Treasury Board over Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) failure to follow the Workforce Adjustment Appendix when implementing its Voluntary Departure Program. 

PSAC and component unions representing workers at IRCC — the Canada Employment and Immigration Union and Union of National Employees — have serious concerns about the department’s mishandling of workforce reductions as the department pushes ahead with its plan to cut 3,300 jobs

Some affected employees were misled to believe a Voluntary Departure Program was in place, yet IRCC failed to properly establish it through the required consultation process. The department also refused to provide staff reduction targets before launching the program, as required under the collective agreement, preventing the union from ensuring it is applied fairly and preventing our members from having access to information that may inform their decision about whether to participate in the program. 

Making matters worse, IRCC is limiting eligibility to the program to workers impacted by workforce adjustment in the first year and excluding those slated for layoffs in years two and three of the plan. This directly violates the Workforce Adjustment Appendix, which requires all affected employees in units of five or more at the same group and level to be given the option to participate. 

PSAC calls for IRCC to temporarily suspend workforce adjustment  

In response, PSAC has filed a grievance demanding that workforce adjustment be suspended until IRCC provides the required reduction targets. The union is also calling for the Voluntary Departure Program to be made available to all affected employees, not just those facing immediate cuts. 

IRCC workers are essential to the processing of Canada’s immigration and citizenship programs, including permanent and temporary residency applications, issuing passports, and ensuring Canada can attract the talent needed to strengthen our economy.  

Our union will continue to fight back against these reckless job cuts and hold the employer accountable for its failure to respect our members’ collective agreement rights. 

Join the UNE Family – Where Dedicated Service and Passion Converge

Step into a role where every effort counts, and every contribution is celebrated. At the Union of National Employees (UNE), our diverse community is powered by committed and dedicated employees who provide exceptional service to our 27,000 members across 73 dynamic workplaces. Together, we champion workers’ rights, human rights, and social justice with unwavering passion.
Since 1967, UNE has stood as a beacon for empowering voices and embracing unique perspectives across public, private, and non-profit sectors. We believe that our strength lies in our diversity, and we foster an inclusive environment where every idea is valued and every individual can thrive.

By joining our team, you’ll enjoy:

  • Generous Time Off: Kickstart your journey with three weeks’ vacation, plus extra paid leave to support your wellness.
  • Flexible Work Arrangements: Experience a dynamic hybrid model with a minimum of two days per week at the office.
  • Outstanding Benefits: Benefit from competitive group plans—including Health, Dental, Life, and Disability Insurance—fully paid by UNE.
  • Financial Security: Secure your future with our Defined Benefit Pension Plan featuring balanced (50/50) contributions.
  • Continuous Growth: Receive robust support for professional development and a wellness allowance of $1,600 per year.

If you’re driven by a commitment to service and ready to contribute to a legacy of positive change, UNE is the perfect place for you. Join us and be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of 27,000 members and beyond.

Discover your next career chapter with UNE – where your passion meets purpose!

Learn more about the UNE’s Mission, Vision and Values.

Current opportunities:

National Labour Relations Officer
Closing Date – March 14, 2025 4 p.m. EST