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Your Vote = Your Future

YourVoteYourFuture

As the October 19th election approaches, the Union of National Employees urges all Canadians to think about the lack of respect this government has increasingly displayed over the last 10 years. If the last three terms have taught us anything, it is that there is no end in sight if the Harper government remains in power following the next election.

“It comes down to respect,” said UNE National President Doug Marshall. “As a union we ask for respect at the bargaining table and in the workplace. As Canadians we demand respect for our families and livelihoods. All of this has been under attack under the Harper regime.”

The cuts to services affect us all. Government jobs have been slashed and privatized, leading to lower wages and reduced employment stability. And the cuts are twofold – not only do they impact the workers but also leave Canadians with poorer access to quality services; environmental protection and the preservation of historic sites have been compromised, the number of officers who protect the health and safety of workers is dwindling, and wait times for virtually all government services have increased. Just try to get a security clearance these days. You might have several job offers, but the government is months behind in processing clearances. The result? Capable workers are left to draw on employment insurance.

It’s a direct attack on middle-class Canadians. Hard-working ‎families have been ignored and abandoned. The Canadian dream of working hard and getting ahead is no longer the norm as Canadians struggle under crippling debt.

So we urge you to get out and vote on October 19th. Over the next few months we will provide you with the steps you need to take to ensure you are on the voter’s list and that your voice is heard loud and clear. You have the power!

We recently had the opportunity to participate in Mediaplanet Canada’s Organized Labour campaign which provides an opportunity to educate Canadians on the importance of Unions. The Organized Labour campaign is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the men and women who fought and continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of hardworking Canadians as well as many additional rights we enjoy as union and non-union members today. The campaign was distributed through the Toronto Star on July 18th 2015 and is published online. For the full campaign, click here: http://bit.ly/1JUJ9Y9  

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Celebrate National Aboriginal Day

NationalAboriginalDay

By Ruby Langan

Have you attended a National Aboriginal Day celebration? National Aboriginal Day is on June 21. This year, the date falls on a Sunday. This is your invitation to join the festivities.

There are three Aboriginal groups in Canada – the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. They each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. National Aboriginal Day gives us the opportunity to honour, celebrate and share knowledge about Canada’s Aboriginal peoples.

National Aboriginal Day occurs on June 21, the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For many centuries, many of the first inhabitants would celebrate the arrival of warm weather on this day. National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for June 21 to be National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. Canada’s Governor General proclaimed the first National Aboriginal Day in 1996.

This is the one day of the year many, many people devote to Aboriginal-ness. My union sisters and brothers are happy to engage in this awesome community event in Vancouver. Come to our table and converse about Aboriginal, worker, family, public service issues and potential solutions. Bring your children to have their face or hands painted by our amazing artists. We will again have the beautiful and functional Water is a Human Right/Idle No More slap-fans/posters but be sure to get them early because they are in high demand.

Check your local newspaper or Aboriginal Friendship Centre for events near you. Come and join the fun. Eat, learn, play, volunteer, be entertained, get involved. Will you accept this invitation?

A Path of Light – Saturday, June 20, 2015 (Edmonton)

See the attached poster for the details on this large, exciting multi-phase event, ending in a grand entry welcome to the APTN Edmonton event described below.

APTN’s Aboriginal Day Live & Celebration– Saturday, June 20, 2015 (Edmonton & Winnipeg)

The 9th annual Aboriginal Day Live & Celebration is the largest event in Canada to recognize National Aboriginal Day. It includes a day-long program of free family-friendly activities, and a free evening concert held in Winnipeg (at The Forks) and Edmonton (at Louise McKinney Park) featuring a stacked roster of award-winning and up-and-coming Indigenous entertainment. All Canadians are invited to partake in this event – whether in person or via the live broadcast on TV, radio, or the live stream at  http://www.aboriginaldaylive.ca/

National Aboriginal Day – Sunday, June 21, 2015 (Vancouver)

Please join us as we celebrate National Aboriginal Day on Coast Salish Territories. This is a community-based, full day of events that showcase and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal people from across Canada. First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples gather to share their spirit, experiences, stories, songs, art and dance with each other and the general community. All events are FREE, and all Aboriginal community members and supporters are welcome. This is a family-friendly event.  No alcohol or drugs are permitted.  Make sure you bring your cameras and video recorders!

http://www.bcnationalaboriginalday.com/

Solstice Festival 2015 Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, 2015 (Ottawa)

Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa Ontario

Festival & Pow Wow Hours:

Friday, June 19            6pm to 10pm

Saturday, June 20        10am to 10pm

Sunday, June 21          10am to 6pm

http://www.ottawasummersolstice.ca/

Métis and Heritage: Follow the Mi’kmaq trails, Sunday, June 21, 2015 (West Pubnico, NS)

Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Location/Venue: Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos, 898 Hwy 335

National Aboriginal Day, Sunday, June 21, 2015 (Boyd’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador)

Beothuk Interpretation Centre

Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Come and celebrate Aboriginal culture and traditions, past and present. Make a Beothuk pendant, sample Indian Brewis, visit our Spirit Garden to leave a handmade offering.

National Aboriginal Day, Saturday, June 20, 2015 (Dawson)

On June 21st the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre situated in downtown Dawson City, celebrates National Aboriginal Day with outdoor events including the Hän Singers, live contemporary music, tours, activities, refreshments and an opportunity to visit our heritage galleries.

Aboriginal Day has been set aside for all people to recognize, celebrate and learn more about the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation and Aboriginal culture and heritage in Canada.

http://travelyukon.com/national-aboriginal-day-dawson

National Aboriginal Day, Sunday, June 21, 2015 (Iqaluit)

Full day of activities.

National Aboriginal Day events in other locations across Canada are listed at the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada website:

http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100013322/1100100013323

Ruby Langan is the UNE’s National Equity Representative for Aboriginal Peoples.

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National Public Service Week: Respect our rights!

NationalPublicServiceWeek

The government’s National Public Service Week is June 14-20, 2015. The national week is supposed to recognize the importance of federal public service employees and celebrate their service to Canadians. Meanwhile, this government is gutting public services and trampling on our rights.

Through the recent budget implementation bill (C-59), the government intends to take away our Charter right to free collective bargaining.

Let’s use National Public Service Week to send a strong message about the need for respect:

Respect for our rights!

Respect for the Charter!

Respect for our contracts!

Respect for quality public services!

Show your support

Here are some visuals that you can use to show your support. The message is simple and broadly applicable to public services and workers. If anyone asks you about the campaign, explain what it means to you.

Banner image – Use this as your cover photo on Facebook and Twitter

Avatar – Use this as your profile picture on Facebook and Twitter.

National Public Service Week flyer – ​This flyer [PDF] includes space for locals to list union events being organized in workplaces. 

Respect buttons and stickers – Buttons and stickers will be distributed through PSAC regional offices. Wear your button with pride! (Haven’t received yours yet? Contact your regional office.)

Petition to Tony Clement – This is a petition to Tony Clement to respect our right to collective bargaining (PDF). Print this petition and gather signatures from your colleagues. Please send signed copies back to your nearest PSAC regional office.

Credit: www.psacunion.ca

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PSAC Parks Bargaining Team introduces child care proposal, continues to defend sick leave

ParksBargainUpdate

Our bargaining team met with the Agency on May 26, 27 and 28. During this session, our team introduced new language that proposes the formation and funding of a new Joint National Child Care Committee comprised of equal representation from PSAC and the Agency.

Our team also provided the Agency with a presentation on our proposal for the Social Justice Fund.

The Agency presented their proposal to replace our current sick leave system with a short-term disability scheme. Your team respectfully watched the presentation, but afterward reiterated our stern disagreement with the Agency’s proposal.

Our next round of bargaining will be scheduled shortly.

Source: www.psacunion.ca

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Negotiating teams postpone bargaining with Treasury Board over Budget Act

NegotiationsPostponed

PSAC bargaining teams for the core public administration and separate agencies met today to discuss their response to the government’s decision to gut collective bargaining rights in the recently tabled Budget Implementation Act. Bargaining teams all decided to postpone this week’s round of negotiations in order to assess the implications of the government’s violation of our members’ rights, and evaluate all possible actions to defend them.

The Budget Implementation Act (Bill C-59) authorizes Treasury Board to rip up collective agreements to remove sick leave and impose a short and long term disability plan outside of negotiated agreements. The Bill will circumvent the Public Service Labour Relations Act as well as ongoing negotiations.

“In light of the recent attack by this government against our members, our elected bargaining teams have decided not to engage in the scheduled round of negotiations this week,” said Robyn Benson, National President of PSAC. “This government is obviously acting in bad faith and have decided to bully their way into getting what they want, in complete disregard for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and existing collective agreements.”

The Supreme Court established the right to collective bargaining as a Charter right. Bargaining teams were strong in their resolve to defend our rights using all means at our disposal.

PSAC’s recent National Triennial Convention recently voted to use up to $5 million to protect members’ rights and promote public services.

Bargaining teams will continue their discussions.  Further decisions on the next round of scheduled negotiations will be taken in due course.

Source: psacunion.ca

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Game over: Highlands Links Privatized

HighlandsLinksSoldV3

Earlier today, Parks Canada told our members at the Highlands Links golf course that it had found a successful bidder for its operations. As some of you may recall, the Conservative government had been intent on privatizing this unique part of our national parks.

The Highlands Links golf course was carved out of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in 1939. Designed by Stanley Thompson, an internationally-recognized Canadian golf architect, the course has been ranked among the best golf courses in Canada and around the world.  Like all of Thompson’s golf courses, the Highlands Links was built in such a way to make it look like it was a congenital part of the landscape.

And for over 75 years, it was operated by the Government of Canada for the benefit of all Canadians.

For decades, it provided an affordable option for Canadian families – especially for newcomers to the notoriously expensive sport.

There have been thousands of golfers who graced its greens, all of whom were met by courteous and professional Parks Canada employees. Our members at Highlands Links have been committed to providing a unique experience for visitors, all while maintaining the ecological integrity of the site. The golf course has been part of a certification program that “helps golf courses protects our environment and preserves the natural heritage of the game of golf.”

But now that the Harper government has chosen to sell our golf course to the highest bidder, we expect things to change. A private company will be driven solely by profit motive; sound ecological standards, decent wages for hard-working Canadians and affordable options for Canadian families are sure to take the backseat.

In 2012, the local community in Ingonish, Nova Scotia was galvanized by a campaign to stop the government from privatizing the golf course. During a town hall, community members were concerned that privatization would lead to fewer career opportunities for young people who wish to work in their home town.

In 2014, Score Golf Magazine ranked the Highland Links 7th best from the top 100 best golf courses in Canada. The same magazine also rated it the No. 1 public golf course in the country.

Pour toute demande des médias, veuillez communiquer avec :

Greg McNamara
Agent de communications et de recherche à l’interim
Mobile: 613-407-2081

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May is Asian Heritage Month!

MayAsiaHeritage

“I’m Asian.” “No, you’re not. You’re Filipino.”

This was part of a conversation between my niece and a friend of hers several years ago. As Filipinos, we too are part of Asia but somehow we end up being identified solely as Filipinos. It is important to note that Asians are a diverse group of people that celebrate different cultural practices and religious beliefs.

One interesting fact about Asia is that it is the largest continent.  Asia is comprised of around 50 different countries.

AsianCountriesWordle

Canada is home to a large percentage of immigrants from these countries.  They brought their rich culture along with their determination to strive and work hard to achieve their goals. In various ways, they contribute to the development and growth of Canada.

In May, 2002, the Government of Canada signed a declaration designating May as Asian Heritage Month.  Adopted by the senate in 2001, this was proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian senator of Asian heritage.  This is to acknowledge and recognize the various contributions of Asians in Canadian society.

There is a long list of Canadians of Asian heritage who have excelled in various fields:  politics, economics, science, arts and service – but I would like to add to this list – all Canadians of Asian heritage. In their own diverse ways, directly or indirectly, they have contributed something to their community, their workplaces and to Canadian society as a whole. In May, let us celebrate all Asians in Canada. Let us be one with them and show our support for them in their effort and struggle to achieve their goals and realize their dreams.

On behalf of all Asians I invite and welcome everyone to experience Asian culture.  Check out the activities and festivities that have been organized by Asian Heritage Month Societies and other Asian groups in your communities.  Explore the exotic spices and culinary delight that will leave your taste buds craving for more.   May is a very opportune time to learn more about Asia and appreciate its history, culture and its people.

HAPPY ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH!

Submitted by:

Shirley Torres

Filipino…..and Asian

Shirley Torres is the UNE’s regional human rights representative for British Columbia and Yukon.

* Event in B.C. – May 14th – short films & panel discussion | snacks | photo booth and henna! 

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National Day of Mourning

DayOfMourning

By Geoff Ryan

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning for Workers Injured or Killed on the job. On this day flags on government buildings will fly at half mast, and ceremonies will be held in communities across Canada. Workers will gather at these ceremonies, some will wear black arm bands, some will lay flowers or wreathes, candles will be lit and the names of workers who died due to workplace incidents and illnesses will be read. People will be asked to observe a moment of silence to remember and honour them.

It is important for everyone to attend these events, not only to remember those people who have died, but also to bring awareness that health and safety in the workplace needs to be improved in Canada.

Most people are aware of the dangers in using a power tool, but what about the dangers entering an office building? Did you know that asbestos exposure is the single largest on-the-job killer in Canada accounting for almost one third of all workplace death claims approved since 1996? Asbestos is in products such as brake pads and can also be found in pipes and insulation. Many countries have banned asbestos, but Canada has not. The government also has not cautioned citizens that even low levels of asbestos can be a carcinogenic health risk. There is no national database of buildings containing asbestos in Canada despite requests from unions to create one. Saskatchewan is the only jurisdiction in Canada with such a database. It was created with the passing of Howard’s Law.

The annual observance of the National Day of Mourning strengthens the resolve to establish safe conditions in the workplace, and prevent injuries and deaths. As much as this is a day to remember the dead, it is also a call to protect the living. I encourage everyone to participate in the Day of Mourning ceremony in their area and if there is not a ceremony in your area please consider having a moment of silence in your workplace.

Geoff Ryan is the UNE’s National Vice-President for Human Rights.

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Parks Canada – Have you received your designation letter?

ParksDesignationLetters

By Eddie Kennedy

You may have noticed that members in your workplaces have started receiving designation letters in the event of a strike during the current round of collective bargaining.

Both the number of letters being issued by Parks and the designations are different from what happened during the last round of collective bargaining. Since that time the Conservative government has made changes under Bill C-4; these changes have allowed Parks to identify a greater number of designates than previously.

Under the old legislation the Agency would propose a list of designated essential service personnel in the event of a strike. The Union would then review and challenge any positions that we felt were not necessary to maintain public safety. If we couldn’t reach agreement with the Agency, the outstanding positions would go to the Public Service Labour Relations Board  ( PSLRB), an independent third party, for review and resolution.

Under the new legislation the Agency once again proposes its list of designated essential service positions and the Union can again challenge it. However, under this new legislation there is no third party to resolve any outstanding disputes. Parks can either change or reject our challenges to their list.

This has resulted in an increase of 60% to the number of people (1757) identified as essential services in comparison to the last round of negotiations.

In addition, under the old legislation there were 3 codes of designates:

Code 1 – Full time essential service

Code 2 – Replacement for any full time worker who was unable to perform their tasks due to illness etc.

Code 3 – Conditional essential services which are triggered by a condition such as an emergency. Part time essential service in the event of an emergency

Under the new legislation all designates are considered to be level 1 full time essential service –   required to perform the full range of their job descriptions.

The Union is looking at ways to challenge this current legislation as it impacts on our rights to fair collective bargaining.

In the meantime we will ensure that the Agency sends a list of all essential service personnel to each respective local so that you will be able to identify these members in the event of a strike.

For more information, please contact Eddie Kennedy, UNE National Advisor on Parks Canada.

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Give employees some credit!

GiveEmployeesSomeCredit

What does your bank account have to do with your capacity to do your job? According to the Harper government, there’s apparently a correlation – but we couldn’t disagree more.

The federal government recently revealed its intention to add mandatory credit checks as part of its employee screening procedures.

The Union of National Employees condemns the new invasive screening procedures.

“The credit check is overly intrusive,” said national president Doug Marshall. “This process is irrelevant for those not involved in finance. It’s quite frankly a solution where there is no demonstrable problem. Privacy is a human right and forcing employees to disclose this information is a violation of their human rights.”

Government workers already endure intense screening processes to gain levels of security clearance. And lately, there has been a backlog as both potential and current employees wait for their clearances to go through. But somehow the government has the resources to add credit checks to these processes?

Another problem with credit reports is that they were designed to inform financial institutions of your capacity to pay back a loan; they were never designed to glean information on your reliability as an employee. And using these as employment screening devices only hurts the economically disadvantaged.

Furthermore, credit reports are often flawed. From moneysense.ca:

A national survey by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre found a 20% error rate in which people sampled said items on reports were inaccurate or should have been removed. Based on his experience as a mortgage and credit risk specialist, Mike Morley says the error rate may be as high as 40%.

Correcting errors can take several months to a year; and the legwork, unfortunately, lies with the individual, not the credit reporting agency.

Is the Harper government saying that private credit rating agencies have a greater capacity to screen prospective and current employees than CSIS?

Anyone can suffer some financial hardship during the course of their life. A divorce, a prolonged period of unemployment, an unforeseen expense, a misplaced invoice that goes unpaid; all of these things can affect your credit rating to some degree. None of these things play a role in your reliability as an employee.

So if you are asked to sign an agreement for a credit check, consult the union! We are here to help you through this attempt at privacy invasion by the current government.

As a general rule, every Canadian should be aware of the information on their credit report. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada recommends that you check your credit report from a credit agency at least once a year to ensure that it is correct. You can obtain your credit report from two Canadian credit agencies: TransUnion and Equifax.