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Elections at the 2026 UNE Triennial Convention

The 2026 UNE Triennial Convention—taking place August 24 to 28—marks an important and encouraging moment for our Component.

This Convention represents a meaningful step forward in rebuilding UNE’s democratic structures. While trusteeship remains in place, Alex Silas, PSAC National Executive Vice-President and the UNE Trustee appointed by PSAC’s National Board of Directors (NBoD), has expressed confidence based on engagement with rank-and-file members and regional leaders that UNE is moving in a positive direction, with strong signs of progress and renewed engagement from members.

The upcoming elections are a key part of that ongoing journey.

We are happy to announce that elections will be held during 2026 UNE Triennial Convention on Thursday, August 27. National elections will take place on the Convention Floor and Regional elections will take place during regional caucuses.

National elections will be chaired by Alex Silas as Convention chair and Trustee. Regional elections, which may run concurrently in different caucuses, will be chaired by qualified individuals selected by the Trustee. A nomination committee of delegates to Convention will be struck shortly to review nominations forms.

National Elections

Delegates will elect the following National positions:

  • National President
  • National Executive Vice-President
  • National Vice-President, Human Rights
  • National Vice-President for Occupational Health and Safety
  • 1st Alternate National Executive Vice-President
  • 2nd Alternate National Executive Vice-President
  • Assistant National Vice-President, Human Rights

All-Candidates Debate

The All‑Candidates Debate for all national positions listed above will take place on Wednesday, August 26.

Regional Elections

Regional elections will take place during regional caucuses. Delegates will elect:

  • Regional Vice-President
  • 1st Assistant Regional Vice-President
  • 2nd Assistant Regional Vice-President
  • 3rd Assistant Regional Vice-President when applicable
  • Regional Human Rights Representative
  • 1st Alternate Regional Human Rights Representative
  • 2nd Alternate Regional Human Rights Representative
  • Delegates to the PSAC Convention (based on PSAC delegate allocation for the region)
  • Alternates to the PSAC Convention (regions may elect as many alternates as they wish)

These caucuses ensure strong, representative leadership across all UNE regions and help shape UNE’s voice at the PSAC Convention. The agenda of the week of Convention including caucus will be shared soon.

Call out for Nominations and Submitting Nomination Forms

An email will be sent to all locals shortly. If you are running for any elected office, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the following Policies and Bylaws to ensure democratic and fair elections:

A Meaningful Step Forward for UNE 

This year’s elections carry special significance. The decision to proceed with elections was not taken lightly by the UNE Trustee, it reflects the progress UNE has made in rebuilding its democratic structures and strengthening the organization. 

Over the past months, UNE has seen increased engagement and confidence from members and locals. More local are in conformance thanks to hard work of Deputy Trustees and UNE staff, who worked together to make improvements and support locals in their rebuilding efforts. UNE staff processes have strengthened, and important work in areas such as representation services has continued to move forward. 

These positive developments have contributed to renewed confidence in UNE and establishing positive conditions to conduct a full and fair electoral process. The upcoming elections mark an important milestone in the union’s ongoing renewal and demonstrate continued progress toward a strong, accountable, and member-driven Union of National Employees. 

Delegates will play a central role in choosing the leaders who will guide UNE through its next chapter and build on the momentum achieved to date. 

While there is still work ahead, the return to a full electoral process is a strong sign of momentum and confidence in UNE’s future. 

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UNE Mourns Passing of Carole Maillet

The Union of National Employees mourns the passing of our sister, Carole Maillet, who passed away in Montréal on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the age of 63.

Carole served with great dedication as the Regional Vice-President for the Quebec Region, and previously as Assistant Regional Vice-President, Regional Human Rights Representative, and Local President. Her lifelong commitment to union activism, social justice, and equity inspired everyone around her.

Carole’s warmth, compassion, and contagious smile could light up any room. She led with both strength and heart, and her love for people shone through in everything she did. She was also deeply proud of her involvement in the Francophone Committee, where her passion for language and culture brought members together.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones. Carole will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

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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.

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UNE National Executive Passes Motion to Boycott Amazon

During the Union of National Employees (UNE) National Executive (NE) meeting which took place last week, information was shared with respect to Amazon making plans to close all seven of its warehouses in Quebec.  The Amazon warehouse closures will result in 1,700 permanent staff layoffs.

It has been less than a year since Amazon’s distribution centre in Laval, QC was unionized. While the company claims the shutdowns are not related, we believe this is an obvious case of union busting.

As a result, the National Executive unanimously passed a motion to boycott Amazon. UNE will no longer be reimbursing any union related expenses for goods purchased at Amazon.

Standing together, we amplify our strength. We encourage all UNE members to support Amazon workers by boycotting their employer.

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National Executive Meeting – November 25-28

Please note that the next National Executive meeting will be held November 25-28, 2024 at the Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday. The first day will start with a training session on social justice from the Joint Learning Program (PSAC). In the afternoon, members will hear from UNE’s Director of Member Representation & Labour Relations, Douglas Hill, on how to meet the union’s duty of fair representation.

In accordance with UNE Bylaw 2, Sec 7: “Locals may send observers to executive meetings, at the expense of the Local”.

Should your Local have any item to be placed on the agenda for this meeting, please contact your Regional Vice-President and provide them with the necessary information in order that they could be in a position to place this matter before the Executive. 

About the National Executive: The National Executive is responsible for the policies, programs and direction of the Union of National Employees. Between conventions, it makes important decisions and creates policies that help look after our union. The executive also carries out resolutions adopted by the members during the last convention. Its members meet at least three times per year to review the union’s activities and ensure that they reflect the will of the membership.

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UNE Election for National Vice-President for Occupational Health and Safety: Results

Yann Boudreau, former UNE Regional Vice-President for the Quebec Region, has been elected as the new National Vice-President for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

Yann Boudreau’s main objectives for this mandate will be as follows:

  1. Work with the National Executive to advance UNE issues.
  2. Work with the UNE OHS Committee to organize an interesting and informative Health & Safety Conference for our members.
  3. Assist members in answering OHS questions.
  4. Create a community of exchange and communication between the OHS representatives of each of the Local sections.

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Update: Union Leave Requests for PA, SV, TC and EB Members

Treasury Board did not update its leave system to include Union leave (Peoplesoft code 641) before January 1st. Treasury Board estimates it will have the necessary coding completed by February 15th.

Until the update to the leave system is completed, members will need to submit a paper request, including the union authorization letter, to their employer to claim Union leave. Code 641 should also be noted on any paper form submitted. The Employer will continue to invoice your Union for your salary expenses and your pay and benefits will continue uninterrupted.

All Union leave claimed during this time period will be entered into the leave system at a later date when the Employer completes its implementation of this new collective agreement provision.

Source: www.psacunion.ca

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Notice of National Executive Meeting

This is to advise that the National Executive of this Component will be meeting from Tuesday, April 19 to Thursday April 21, 2016 in the Union of National Employees Boardroom. The first session will commence at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19.

Should your Local have any item to be placed on the agenda for this meeting, please contact your Regional Vice-President and provide him/her with the necessary information in order that he/she will be in a position to place this matter before the Executive.

 

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Meeting of the National Executive

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The National Executive of the Union of National Employees will be meeting from Tuesday, January 26 to Thursday, January 28, 2016 in Ottawa.

Should your Local have any item to be placed on the agenda for this meeting, please contact your Regional Vice-President and provide him or her with the necessary information in order that he or she will be in a position to place this matter before the Executive.

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Meeting of the National Executive

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The National Executive will meet from January 20 to 22, 2015. The meeting will be held in the UNE boardroom, in Ottawa.

If your Local wishes to place an item on the agenda, please contact your Regional Vice-President and provide him or her with clear and concise information. He or she will gladly bring your item before the executive.