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.
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.
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.
🗓 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.
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 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.
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!
📢 Join Us for a Virtual Townhall Celebrating Women in the Union!
🗓 Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 ⏰ Time: 2:00 – 3:00p.m. EST 💻 Hosted by: Alisha Kang, National President, Union of National Employees, PSAC
Topic:Celebrating Women in the Union
Join Us for a Virtual Townhall next Tuesday! As we kick off Women’s History month in March, UNE National President Alisha Kang and Ontario Regional Vice-President Phyllis Allen will have a conversation about Celebrating Women in the Union.
Your voice matters—this townhall is your chance to engage with leadership, gain insights, and ask questions that matter to you.
The 2025 UNE Local Presidents’ Conference is just a few short weeks away!
This three-day event will be packed with presentations, workshops and training that will enhance your leadership skills, give you the knowledge and tools to help you and your members. It is also an opportunity for all Local Presidents, or their designates, to come together, engage in activism, and gain a deeper understanding of our Union’s structure and operations.
📅 When: April 10-13, 2025 📍 Where: Hotel Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan
Each UNE Local is invited to send a Local President or designate to attend.
Apply online by Friday, March 7, 2025!
All Expenses Covered!
UNE is proud to fully cover the costs of your participation, including:
✅ Flights and transportation ✅ Accommodation and meals ✅ Loss of salary reimbursement ✅ Childcare support
Travel & Expense Details:
✈️ Your travel to the airport is covered! If you drive, track your kilometers and provide a google map of your trip. If you take a taxi, keep your receipt. (Please note: Unionized taxi companies are preferred over services like Uber.) 🚗 If you plan to drive to the Conference, pre-approval from UNE Events is required.
💰 Upon registration, an advance cheque will be provided to cover your per diem covering meals that are not provided. 👶 On-site childcare is available, or UNE will cover childcare expenses at home while you attend the conference.
PSAC is getting ready for the next round of bargaining for over 4,000 members working at Parks Canada. As the first step in this process, we need to hear from you.
What would you like to see in your next collective agreement? This is your opportunity to share your ideas with us. Your participation is crucial to our strength as a union.
The proposals will be reviewed and brought to the next bargaining conference to be held May 7-9, 2025, where delegates from locals across the country will prioritize them for negotiations. Talks for the next contract are expected to begin soon afterwards.
The current collective agreement expires August 4, 2025.
Please keep your contact information up to date to receive more updates as we prepare to negotiate your next contract.
PSAC Parks members work in architecture, commerce, engineering, finance, forestry, general labour and trades, historical research and program administration. From seasonal workers to office staff, from park wardens to canal workers, members working for Parks Canada help preserve our rich natural heritage.
