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The Quebec regional seminar: a great success

UNE members from Quebec met in Chicoutimi last weekend to take part in a regional seminar. Among the participants were employees of Parks Canada, Statistical Survey Operations, Passport Canada Measurement Canada, the Translation Bureau and others.

Public service layoffs were a hot topic during the weekend. Participants were able to hear about how the cuts were affecting our members and the services that Canadians receive. Those whose workplaces have not been affected by workforce adjustment are nonetheless experiencing difficulties. “If someone retires, goes on extended sick leave or maternity leave, our employer isn’t filling those positions,” said one employee of Passport Canada.

Our members also took part in employer caucuses to discuss how the union can protect our members affected by workforce adjustment. Nathalie Bouchard, a young worker from Parks Local 10269, thought the discussions at her employer caucus were great for hashing out a plan of action. “We’re all on the same page now,” said Bouchard.

Participants also learned a lot about human rights, pensions and the union structure, among many other topics.

“It was a great seminar,” said Quebec Regional Vice-President Jean Pierre Naud. “I think that the communication between members was exceptional.”

Naud says the seminar was a great opportunity for our members to learn, network and share what’s been going on in their workplace. He was also quite pleased with the large participation by new activists and young workers.

We got a few pictures of the seminar on our Flickr page. Go check them out! For more information about regional seminars – or to find out when your regional seminar will be held – consult the events section of our website.

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Helpful WFA Tools

The Union of National Employees recently created two factsheets on WFA: one for employees who fall under Treasury Board and one for Parks Canada employees. These factsheets are found in the WFA resources for Locals section of our website. This section also houses many links to WFA documents created by the PSAC.

Many locals have already been using our factsheets to assist their members. Anna Roosen-Runge, of Local 00137, said the factsheets came in very handy last week when a large number of members received affected and surplus letters. “I’m finding this new version to be quite helpful for our Local,” said Sister Roosen-Runge.

At the Union of National Employees, we remain committed to helping our members – and the local leaders who assist them – in any way we can. If you are a member in need of assistance, please contact of a member of your Local. Local Executive members who require assistance should contact a member of their regional team.

pdf WFA Factsheet for Parks Employees
pdf WFA Factsheet for Treasury Board Employees

 

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Truly a sad day

Doug Marshall rose on a point of privilege this morning during the proceedings at PSAC Convention. He asked for a moment of silence for our brothers and sisters who were informed today that they may lose their jobs.

“This is truly a sad day for our members and for our union,” said Marshall. “At the Union of National Employees alone, almost 3000 members across half a dozen departments received notices that their jobs are affected or eliminated.”

The UNE National President says that while the numbers are appalling, they don’t tell the whole story. “What we’re really talking about here is people; our friends, our colleagues and our family members. People we know are losing their jobs.”

He also urged members to be there for each other during this difficult time.

“If there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that we have amazing people in our union – people who are always ready and willing to help others,” said Marshall. It’s comforting to know that they’ll be there to support those devastated by today’s cuts.”

The UNE recently created Factsheets that provide a clear explanation of the Work Force Adjustment Process for Employees of Parks Canada and Treasury Board. We hope these will assist members who are facing layoff and the union representatives who will support them.

WFA Factsheet for Parks Employees
WFA Factsheet for Treasury Board Employees