UNE Human Rights Conference
November 14 – 17, 2019
Hilton Lac Leamy Hotel
Stay up to date with us as the Conference begins!
SSO Bargaining Conference Readies the Issues for Intense Round of Bargaining
Ottawa, ON – The Statistical Survey Operations (SSO) Regional Office and Field Interviewer teams met for three days to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly as they prepare to head to the bargaining table in (MONTH). Their current agreement expired in 2018 and UNE members are eager to get back to the table and negotiate a fair deal.
UNE National President Kevin King addressed the members:
“Our members at SSO do important, not-for-profit work that is a benefit to all Canadians. And yet, they remain underappreciated by the employer. This needs to change. We are proud to support these two bargaining units and hope that UNE can enforce a fair and just agreement.”
The SSO National Bargaining Conference was an opportunity for members to discuss the intent and prioritize demands submitted by workers from across the country.
Congratulations to the following delegates, elected to the SSO (RO & FI) Bargaining Teams:
| Regional Offices | |
| Edmonton | Yun-Csang Ghimn |
| Winnipeg | Donna Fidelak |
| Sturgeon Falls | Michelle Rivet |
| Sherbrooke | Alice Vallée |
| Halifax | Neville David |
| Alternate #1 | Anna Goldfeld |
| Alternate #2 | Imane Meddah |
| Alternate #3 | Helen Anderson |
| Field Interviewers | |
| At Large #1 | Phyllis Allen |
| At Large #2 | Elyse Jones |
| Western | Linda Woods |
| Central (ON & NCR) | Shelly Daudlin |
| Eastern (QC & ATL) | Claude-André Leduc |
| Alternate #1 | Kelly Marshall |
| Alternate #2 | Joanne Bekker |
| Alternate #3 | Nilesh Patel |
Join the Global Climate Strike!
People around the world will be hitting the streets on September 27 to draw attention to the growing climate crisis. PSAC encourages any members who are able, to show support for and join the Global Climate Strike.
Download the PSAC For Climate Justice poster!
With the environment emerging as a top concern for Canadians in the upcoming federal election, this strike provides us with an opportunity to drive home the call for urgent action to all political party leaders. Visit the Global Climate Strike website to find out when and where your city’s demonstration or march is taking place.
What is the Global Climate Strike?
Young people around the word have been leading the fight against climate change. They are now asking everyone to join them in the fight for their future. The strikes have been set to bookend the meeting of global leaders at the United Nations Climate Action Summit taking place September 23. Actions have been planned in 150 countries around the globe and everyone is encouraged to participate. A worldwide show of solidarity will make it clear to all leaders that we expect ambitious action against climate change, and we expect it now.
I can’t skip work, but I want to support the movement. What can I do?
We understand that not everyone has the ability to take a day off of work to join the strike, but it doesn’t mean you can’t participate and make your voice heard. Here are some ideas of how you can support the movement while on the job:
- Share the Global Climate Strike messages on social media on your breaks. You can post selfies or group photos using the #ClimateStrike hashtag.
- Host a presentation or lunchtime discussion to share information about the Global Climate Strike.
- Put forward a proposal to your employer outlining how and why your workplace should join the Global Climate Strike.
- If you have a number of colleagues who want to participate, organize a workplace action.
- If you are able to request formal leave at your workplace, let your employer know why you are taking leave to ensure that your action builds awareness. Encourage other employees to do the same.
Visit the Global Climate Strike website to get other ideas on how you can support the movement.
Attachments:
Source: www.psacunion.ca
UNE Human Rights Conference
UNE Human Rights Conference
November 14 – 17, 2019
Hilton Lac Leamy Hotel
Dear members,
The UNE Human Rights Conference is quickly approaching. We invite you to submit your application to join us in Gatineau, QC from November 14 – 17, 2019 for an exciting chance to meet with fellow Human Rights activists and discuss the many issues facing our union.
The Conference, held every three years, will feature guest speakers, educational sessions and networking opportunities for those in attendance.
In addition, elections will be held for the following:
- National Equity Representative for Aboriginal Peoples
- National Equity Representative for Persons with Disabilities
- National Equity Representative for Racially Visible People
- National Equity Representative for LGBTQ2+
- National Equity Representative for Women
- Four (4) Equity Group Delegates to the 2020 Triennial Convention from each group
Members must self-identify during the application process and will not be able to change or modify their equity group status at the Conference.
For a sneak-peek at what else we have in store for you, check out the Conference agenda.
During online registration, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire. Your answers will be used in the Conference selection process. Here are the questions so that you can prepare and then copy/paste your answers during registration.
Describe your experiences as a human rights activist within the union, your community and/or share your personal story (use the following guidelines as a basis for your description):
- How will your participation impact your Local, your Union and your community?
- Have you had any formal training or exposure to Human Rights issues?
- Describe community organization, Local or any other experience you feel is pertinent (e.g. community activism in Human Rights or social justice, Union positions held, etc.)
- Why are Human Rights important to you?
We ask that you register by Friday, October 4th, 2019.
If you are unable to register please contact our UNE events staff at events@une-sen.org.
Ontario Regional Seminar
The Ontario Regional Team invites you to participate in their Regional Seminar scheduled to take place at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, Ontario on October 25-27, 2019.
This event will offer presentations and workshop training that will give you the knowledge and confidence to help your members. It’s also a great place to meet active members just like you and forge long-lasting friendships.
For a sneak-peek at what else we have in store for you, check out the Seminar agenda.
The UNE will fund the following delegates per Local:
- A Local President or designate should be one of the delegates;
- A member who has not previously attended a seminar should be given priority;
- Locals will elect a youth delegate to attend the Regional Seminar (age 35 or younger as of December 31, 2020).
Locals are required to encourage the participation of equity members. Locals may send additional members at their own expense.
You must register by Friday, September 27, 2019. Unfortunately, we will not consider late registrations.
Should you have any questions about the Seminar please contact Suzanne Boucher at events@une-sen.org.
Delegates to the Regional Seminar should arrive for registration at 7:00p.m. Friday evening, October 25, 2019. Accommodations will be arranged for delegates to spend two nights at the Sheraton Hotel for the Friday and Saturday night of the Seminar as activities are scheduled to take place into the evenings. The Seminar ends on Sunday, October 27 at 12:00p.m.
In solidarity,
Diane Levola, Regional Vice-President, Ontario
Craig Reynolds, Assistant Regional Vice-President, Ontario
Sandy Bello, Assistant Regional Vice-President, Ontario
Prabir Roy, Regional Representative for Human Rights, Ontario
Click here to register online.
Treasury Board Walks
Despite the efforts of PSAC and the PA and Common Issues negotiating teams, the employer made a choice to walk away from negotiations.
The employer did not even book translation for Saturday, September 7, and chose not to inform the PSAC lead negotiator. PSAC and our bargaining team representatives were totally disrespected by Treasury Board negotiators, management representatives and the Privy Council Office.
With an election due to be called, the parties will not be able to resume negotiations until a new government is elected.
We will remember this.
Regional Seminar – Alberta, Northwest Territories & Nunavut
The Alberta, N.W.T. and Nunavut Regional Team invites you to participate in the Regional Seminar scheduled to take place at the Chateau Lacombe in Edmonton, AB on October 4-6, 2019.
Click here to register online.
This event will offer presentations and workshop training that will give you the knowledge and confidence to help your members. It’s also a great place to meet active members just like you and forge long-lasting friendships.
For a sneak-peek at what else we have in store for you, check out the Seminar agenda.
The UNE will fund the following delegates per Local:
- A Local President or designate should be one of the delegates;
- A member who has not previously attended a seminar should be given priority;
- Locals will elect a youth delegate to attend the Regional Seminar (age 35 or younger as of December 31, 2020).
Locals are required to encourage the participation of equity members. Locals may send additional members at their own expense.
You must register by Friday, August 30, 2019. Unfortunately, we will not consider late registrations.
Should you have any questions about the Seminar please contact Suzanne Boucher at events@une-sen.org.
Delegates to the Regional Seminar should arrive for registration at 7:00p.m. Friday evening, October 4, 2019. Accommodations will be arranged for delegates to spend two nights at the Chateau Lacombe for the Friday and Saturday night of the Seminar as activities are scheduled to take place into the evenings. The Seminar ends on Sunday, October 6 at 12:00p.m.
In solidarity,
Jaison Van Tine, Regional Vice-President, Alberta, N.W.T. and Nunavut
Geoff Ryan, Assistant Regional Vice-President, Alberta, N.W.T. and Nunavut
Drew Davidson, Assistant Regional Vice-President, Alberta, N.W.T. and Nunavut
Danielle Palmer, Regional Representative for Human Rights, Alberta, N.W.T. and Nunavut
Click here to register online.
Treasury Board bargaining: PSAC strike timeline
The Labour Board has set dates for Public Interest Commission (PIC) hearings for four Treasury Board bargaining tables:
- Program and Administrative Services (PA): December 4-7, 2019
- Education and Library Sciences (EB): December 9-12, 2019
- Technical Services (TC): December 17-19, 2019
- Operational Services (SV): January 22-24, 2020
Once a hearing has taken place, a PIC report is generally issued within 30 days. After the reports are issued, each bargaining unit will be in a position to strike if members vote to walk off the job.
The PIC process began when bargaining reached an impasse in May.
In negotiations, the government insisted on a wage cut once inflation is factored in as well as a waiting period of up to 18 months after contract signing for retro pay. At the same time, the government rejected our proposals to improve working conditions by:
- implementing market adjustments where pay discrepancies exist;
- providing a full top-up for the new 18-month parental leave option;
- reducing contracting-out and precarious work in the public service; and
- better addressing mental health in the workplace.
What is a Public Interest Commission (PIC)?
By law, once impasse is reached, a PIC is established to help the parties reach an agreement. The PIC is a panel of three people – a chairperson appointed by the Labour Board and nominees appointed by the union and management. The union and the employer submit briefs and explain their positions on the outstanding issues at a hearing with the PIC. The PIC then issues a report with recommendations for settlement. The recommendations are not binding.
Once the PIC releases its report, PSAC bargaining teams will reconvene to discuss the recommendations. Typically, PSAC’s teams and government representatives then return to the table to resume negotiations.
Will we strike?
Regardless of which party forms government after the fall federal election, PSAC will continue pressing for a fair deal that addresses members’ demands. However, if PSAC and the government are still unable to reach an agreement after the PIC reports are issued, members will have the opportunity to take a strike vote.
History has taught us that the best way to avoid strikes is to prepare for one. Therefore, PSAC will ensure that strike training is offered to members in the coming months.
PSAC will also provide updates on the PIC process and other bargaining developments as appropriate.
UNE Multiculturalism Day
Each year, our members celebrate our union’s diversity on August 14. We encourage you to take this opportunity to find out more about the rich cultural mosaic that surrounds us in our workplaces and in our communities!
Employment Opportunities at UNE
The Union of National Employees currently has a staffing action for:
Three National Labour Relations Officer positions:
Two full time positions and two term positions (2 years each).
National Labour Relations Officer Job Poster
National Labour Relations Officer Position Description
Two National Administrative Services Assistant positions:
Both positions are term positions for a period of one year.
National Administrative Services Assistant Job Poster
National Administrative Services Assistant Position Description
The deadline date for submission of applications is August 22, 2019. Please apply by e-mail to Bonnie Sullivan at bonnie.sullivan@sullivansearch.com