PSAC and UNE members showed up in droves to the rally in downtown Ottawa. Thank you to to all members for your hard work and the important services you provide to all Canadians.
Happy Labour Day!
PSAC scores legal victory in fight to reverse federal telework mandate
The Federal Court will hold a full hearing to review PSAC’s application to quash the federal government’s decision to force federal public service workers back into ill-equipped offices three days a week beginning September 9.
This is an important victory for workers and unions who have been pushing back against the government’s unilateral decision announced in May that has had sweeping impacts on federal workers and led to mass protests, legal challenges and a wave of individual grievances.
“The Federal Court’s decision to hear our case is an important win for federal workers fighting for a fair and transparent approach to telework,” said PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa. “Remote work is the future of work, and we won’t let the government off the hook for breaking their commitments and ignoring the voices of federal public service workers.”
The government attempted to have the case thrown out or delayed by the Court until existing legal challenges – including several policy grievances and unfair labour practice complaints disputing the mandate – are heard by a federal board.
But the Federal Court judge ruled that Treasury Board failed to deliver the “knock-out punch” to the grounds for PSAC’s application to warrant dismissal.
The hearing will be a major step for unions and workers looking for transparency around its decision to bring workers back into the office three days a week, as the government will now need to make their case and present their reasoning for making the decision to bring workers back to the office.
Although this does not mean that the Federal Court endorses PSAC’s position, it will allow us to fully argue our case in court. This is part of PSAC’s broader effort to demonstrate that telework is the way of the future and hold the government accountable for its misguided mandate.
What members can do
This is just one of several ways PSAC is continuing the fight for fair telework. Members can take action by:
- Filing an individual grievance on remote work;
- Signing our petition;
- Answering our brief mobilization survey;
- Getting involved with your local.
This fall, PSAC will be launching a national joint telework campaign alongside other unions. But to win this fight, we will need the support of members from coast to coast to coast organizing and making noise in their workplaces. Together, we will show the government, decision-makers and the public that #RemoteWorks.
Dismantle the Lies – Royal Assent Slavery in Canada
By Alisha Kang
Before I speak or write, you may see me hold the tobacco pouches gifted to me by elders I wear around my neck. I pray, “Great Spirit and Ancestors, help me always seek and speak or write the truth, or may another truth bringer correct my ignorance so we may all live in an honest community.”
As a Black Indigenous woman, whose Ancestors were enslaved by Europeans’ Royal Assent, this means…
That the monarchy’s hands are drenched in the blood of my Ancestors. It means that the Royal Family had to approve of my Ancestors’ freedom. It means that the French and British benefitted from our subjugation.
The centuries of slavery are the reason my African Ancestors are made up of people from Nigerian, Ghanaian, Liberian, Siera Leonean, Senegambian, Guinean, Congolese, and Angolan descent — stolen people taken to stolen lands. As breeding stock, they forced the strongest to make more.
Then Royal Assent went somewhat as follows; all children under six were freed in 1834 but others were retained for four to six years as apprentices. People in the British Caribbean finally gained their freedom at midnight on July 31, 1838 – a full two years before some in Canada. Canada loves to downplay its hand in slavery.
This means that in Canada those enslaved could have remained so as late as 1840. The spin of history paints those in lights that harm as the heroes even when not exactly factual. I will not uphold their fantastical stories. We cannot deal in truth if we continue to repeat lies.
Twenty million English pounds (£20,000,000) were made available by the British government to pay for damages suffered by owners of registered slaves, but none was sent to slaveholders in British North America.
Not a single cent was ever paid to any generation of the Ancestors for damages or payment for their labour (work) of those enslaved.
So, though I observe Emancipation Day, it is with an understanding that it is a day to mark when European Canadians decided they should no longer own people of Indigenous and African origin.
A day to remind me never to exploit others.
Never convince myself that the ends justify the means.
I will absolutely never use the very ideals that oppressed my Ancestors.
I reaffirm my dedication to dismantle the system of oppressors and their lies.
Join PSAC NCR and the Ottawa Area Council at Ottawa Labour Day 2024!
September 2, 2024, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
233 Gilmour St, Ottawa
The PSAC-NCR Ottawa Area Council (OAC) is excited to announce our participation in the 2024 Ottawa Labour Day March! The march, put on by the Ottawa District Labour Council, will be on Monday, September 2 starting at 12 PM,with a picnic from 12:45 – 4 PM.
Join us as we show solidarity to all who are fighting to make life fairer for all workers and their families. Following the march, PSAC NCR will also have a booth at the picnic taking place at McNabb Park.
Want to join the PSAC-NCR delegation? Register and let us know you’ll be there!
Members are encouraged to bring friends, family or members of the community who wish to participate.
The day’s schedule will be:
9:30 – 11:30: The PSAC delegation will meet at PSAC Headquarters (233 Gilmour Street). Members will be able to create banners using provided supplies. Refreshments and light snacks will be available and an ice cream truck will be on site.
11:30 – 12:00: The PSAC delegation will walk from 233 Gilmour to Ottawa City Hall (750 m).
12:00: The march will begin at Ottawa City Hall (Lisgar Street side). The march will then take the following route (3 km):
– West on Lisgar Street to Elgin Street
– South on Elgin Street to Gladstone Avenue
– West on Gladstone Avenue ending at McNabb Park (corner of Bronson and Gladstone)
12:45: A family-friendly picnic at McNabb Park will start when the march arrives.
Accessibility
- Attendees should stay home if they are feeling unwell for any reason.
- There will be seats in a vehicle that will drive along the length of the march route. These seats will be available on a first-come, first served basis. The vehicle will leave from 233 Gilmour to Ottawa City Hall at 11 AM. If you have any questions relating to this or other issues of accessibility, please email oac-cro@psac-afpc.com.
- Masks are encouraged but not required.
- Attendees should dress for the weather and bring water and sunscreen.
- Please avoid fragranced products such as perfume, cologne, or lotion out of consideration for our community members with chemical injuries or sensitivities.
- Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
- Parking is available as follows:
- Free parking is available at 233 Gilmour starting at 10:00am on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Paid parking is available at Ottawa City Hall and at McNabb Park.
- OC Transpo routes are available as follows:
- Routes that stop near 233 Gilmour: 6, 7, 11, 14
- Routes that stop near McNabb Park: 10, 14
- Routes that stop near Ottawa City Hall: 5, 11, 14, 16, 19
- For further questions about transit access to the event locations, please refer to the OC Transpo Travel Planner or Para Transpo website.
- Public washrooms are available at 233 Gilmour prior to departing at 11:30 AM, Ottawa City Hall, and McNabb Park Community Centre
Celebrating a milestone!
August 24th, 2024 marks a significant milestone: the one-year anniversary of Union of National Employees (UNE) siblings making history by electing two groundbreaking leaders within the PSAC. Pictured left, we have a Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQA+ woman with disabilities as President of a component – Alisha Kang (nee Campbell).
On the right, Ms. Hayley Millington, a Black (Trinidadian) woman, as our National Executive Vice President.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) only handed over the reins to us on March 6, 2024, and yet we are already a third of the way through our mandate. We have gigantic feats to accomplish in the next two years, but do not despair. As workers, we are accustomed to having the odds stacked against us and making the impossible, possible. Together, UNE siblings, will build a new structure that upholds members as never before.
We must not fear the difficult discussions ahead of us and the collective work it shall take us to get there. The only constant is change and we are in a time of great evolution. I cannot wait to see what we build together.
Update for Local 30115: Situation in Jasper
Monday’s announcement allowing thousands of residents re-entry into the municipality of Jasper, many of them UNE members working at the Jasper National Park, is the first step in a long road ahead of healing and recovery. It will be the first time for many of them to face the damages and devastation to their community. The park remains closed to the public, as the initial re-entry is for residents only.
Our members working and living within Jasper, know UNE has been in close communication with the employer ever since the wildfire started. The main topics discussed have been the safety of our members and their families, the provisions in place to support them while displaced, communication, and mental health. The employer has allocated resources to support those affected by the wildfires.
A FAQ has been distributed. Please reach out to your Local executive if you have not received it. It contents valuable information about:
- General information and financial supports
- Government of Alberta supports
- Red Cross supports and information
- Questions on impacts to PCA Staff and Staff Housing
- Questions regarding travel situations
- Questions regarding general HR situations
- Questions regarding pay
- Questions about staffing
- Questions on Health support
For health support specifically, the following resources are available:
- The Employee Family and Assistance Program (EFAP) crisis line is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-268-7708 (or TTY 1-800-567-5803). The call centre is aware of the context in Jasper National Park and can provide immediate support. If employees are not in a crisis, the call centre will make the arrangement to have a counsellor contact you within five business days to set up a free appointment (up to 12 hours of counselling per issue) in person or virtually. They can also book an appointment by live chat (password: canada), Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (MT).
- In addition to EFAP, The First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline is available at 1-855-242-3310 for Indigenous members and their families.
- For those remaining to support fire management efforts in Jasper at this time, please know that there are two mental health professionals (MHP) coordinated with the Health Canada Psychosocial Response and Extended Counselling (PREC) team on site with incident command, to support all Parks Canada employees. Employees who are not part of the fire crews can request to meet or talk to the MHP by contacting them directly. The MHPs will be on rotation in Hinton and neighbouring sites every two weeks until the end of September.
- Additional mental health support may be requested at any time and coordinated with the Parks Canada Wellness team at mieuxetre-wellness@pc.gc.ca and the Health Canada PREC team at PRECGeneral.CPRPGeneral@hc-sc.gc.ca.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your regional and national teams to advise us of any challenges regarding your employment while displaced so that we may raise them with the employer as soon as possible.
National Acadian Day
National Acadian Day is a celebration that began on the first National Convention of the Acadians in Memramcook on August 15, 1881. The Government of Canada enacted a law in 2003 to proclaim the day celebrated by the Acadians as a national holiday. This day reflects the identity of a people who overcame trials and persecutions with determination and courage. It underscores the cultural vitality and enduring heritage of the Acadian people.
Nowadays, National Acadian Day is expressed in a festive, popular, and artistic way. It is a day to commemorate Acadian history and culture. At 5:55 p.m., thousands of Acadians across Atlantic Canada, Louisiana, the Magdalen Islands and France venture out during a boisterous and colourful parade that is called a Tintamarre, which is heard everywhere. The Tintamarre is a loud, proud, and exciting event that expresses the pride, vitality, and joie de vivre of Acadia.
For those who would like to experience Acadian culture, you can visit the Historical Acadian Village of Nova Scotia in Lower West Pubnico, Nova Scotia. There is also the Village historique acadien in Caraquet, and the Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, New-Brunswick, to name just a few.
UNE’s Francophone Committee wishes you a great National Acadian Day!
UNE’s Francophone Committee
Emancipation Day
Emancipation Day in Canada is observed on August 1st each year, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. This day marks the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which came into effect on August 1, 1834, officially freeing enslaved people in British colonies, including Canada.
While slavery existed in Canada during the colonial period, the country became a refuge for enslaved individuals fleeing from the United States via the Underground Railroad. This network of secret routes and safe houses provided critical support for those seeking freedom.
Emancipation Day not only serves as a remembrance of the struggles faced by enslaved people but also as a celebration of Black history and culture in Canada. It is an opportunity for education and reflection on the ongoing impacts of systemic racism and the work still needed to achieve true equality.
In recent years, various events and activities have been organized to raise awareness about this important day, including community gatherings, educational programs, cultural performances, and discussions about racial justice. In December 2021, Emancipation Day was officially recognized by the Canadian government as a National Day of Observance, further highlighting its significance in Canadian history and culture.
Overall, Emancipation Day is a vital occasion that encourages Canadians to honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and to actively participate in the ongoing journey toward justice and equality. Further to this, from a union perspective, Emancipation Day represents not only a commemoration of the abolition of slavery but also a broader commitment to social justice, equity, and workers’ rights. Key points include:
- Unions have historically advocated for the rights and dignity of all workers and recognizing Emancipation Day aligns with the mission by acknowledging the struggles of enslaved people and their fight for freedom.
- The fight for labour rights is closely intertwined with the struggle for racial justice and union leaders and activists should understand that economic inequities often stem from systemic racism. As such, Emancipation Day serves as a reminder that the fight against discrimination in the workplace and society continues.
Present day unions and activists have taken on the roles of advocates for diversity and inclusivity in all workplaces and as such Emancipation Day highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of Black workers and ensuring that their voices are heard within labour movements. Unions can use this day to reaffirm their commitment to promoting diversity and addressing barriers faced by racialized workers.
Emancipation Day 2024 will be observed with various events and activities aimed at celebrating Black history, culture, and the legacy of those who fought against slavery. To stay updated on specific events and activities planned for Emancipation Day 2024, check your local community calendars, social media platforms, or websites of organizations dedicated to Black history and cultural awareness as the date approaches.
Emancipation Day serves as a vital occasion for unions and activists to reflect on their role in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. By honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom and advocating for the rights of all workers. They can also leverage Emancipation Day as a platform to advocate for policy changes that address systemic racism and economic inequities. This includes supporting legislation aimed at improving labour conditions for racialized workers and combating discrimination in the workplace.
Hayley Millington
National Executive Vice-President
Union of National Employees
PSAC and CAPE Event Info: Emancipation Day March | Marche du Jour de l’émancipation | Facebook
Statement from UNE National President Regarding Wildfire Situation
To my brave members fighting the fire, we are thinking of you and praying for your return.
Our hearts are broken for all members that were evacuated to British Columbia, Edmonton, and any other locations.
One of the 5 big crises facing the labour movement and workers is climate change. We acknowledge and understand that we must be a partner in dealing with Climate change and we have committed to doing our best to address the impacts to you and all workers.
We are in frequent communication with your employer that is following their emergency evacuation procedures, “Guidelines for the treatment of Employees in Emergency Workplace Disruption” for staff. Please reach out to your local, regional, and National team to advise us of any challenges regarding your employment while displaced so that we may raise them with the employer as soon as possible.
Alisha Kang (nee Campbell)
National President
Union of National Employees
For any help, please send us an email at info@une-sen.org.
Scrap the Mandate: Calling all UNE members in the National Capital Region!
Calling all UNE members in the National Capital Region!
Location: Les Terrasses de la Chaudière
Date: Thursday, August 8, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 13:00 ET
Please aim to arrive to the rally 15 minutes early if possible (11:45) and feel free to bring your UNE, PSAC and other union-related flags. Please also distribute this notice as widely as possible.
Following brief speeches at 12:00 at the main entrance of Les Terrasses de la Chaudière, we will be operating an information picket, passing out RT(N)O buttons and leaflets about the negative effects of return to office.
The goal is to broaden the discussion, and everyone is welcome. We would like to cover as many doors as possible to hand out buttons and literature.
Context: On May 1, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat mandated that all federal public service employees must be at the physical work site a minimum of 3 days per week, starting in September 2024. This generic policy continues to lack nuance in terms of an individual’s work realities and ignores the widely used technological innovations already in place.
Like many public service employees across Canada, members of PSAC-NCR successfully demonstrated their ability to conduct their duties remotely throughout the pandemic. We’ve seen how federal public service employees continue to deliver for Canadians with a hybrid work arrangement.
Numerous studies have proven the benefits of working remotely, including a more dynamic workforce, less time wasted commuting to the work site, a safer work environment and a smaller carbon footprint with fewer cars on the road.
Studies also show that many employees are more productive at home without office distractions and regularly work more hours because they have greater flexibility.
Since 2022, PSAC-NCR along with the PSAC National, the individual Components of PSAC, and our ally unions in the public service (CAPE, PIPSC, and ACFO, amongst many others) have strongly opposed the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s uniform approach to mandating employee presence at work site.
At this rally, we will show our dissatisfaction with the unexplained, uncosted and unplanned return to office. Detrimental effects include offices that often fail to meet safety requirements on air quality, mould, rodent and insect infestation. In addition, the employer has burdened tax payers and public service employees (who also pay taxes nationally, provincially and locally) with the cost to reinvigorate the downtown cores of Ottawa and Gatineau, as well as their transit systems. We say this is unacceptable!
PSAC-NCR is willing to have a discussion of rejuvenation of the city, but there must be a reason for it. Further enriching landlords and business owners while city services continue to collapse under the stress of underfunding are not the solution.
We hope to see you on the August 8 at Les Terrasses de la Chaudière !