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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 !

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PSAC-NCR Union Basics Summer School

We are pleased to extend an invitation to apply to the upcoming NCR Union Basics Summer School. If you are interested in learning more about your Union or interested in support your local members, this is the perfect way to learn the basics of the union!

This comprehensive training program aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively fulfill your role as a newly engaged member, a local steward, a local health and safety representative, or newly elected local officer within our union. Through interactive workshops, discussions, and practical exercises, you will gain insights into various aspects of union leadership, advocacy, and member engagement. 

Who Can Apply

This event is open to all members of the NCR in good standing, please share this invitation with the members in your local. 

Attendance is free, and selected participants will receive rooming accommodations, loss of salary coverage, meals, family care, and mileage coverage, as per the NRC education policy. 

Time & Location

The courses will be delivered in person at the Hilton at Lac-Leamy in Gatineau (3 boul. du Casino, Gatineau, QC, J8Y 6X4). Selected participants will be provided rooming accommodations on site for the entire duration of the event and are expected to attend training on all days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Sessions start on August 26, at 9 a.m. and end on August 30, at 5 p.m. Participants can choose a course option from the curriculum for Part 1 of the union school which runs from August 26, 9 a.m. to August 28, 12 p.m. and for Part 2 runs from August 28, 1 p.m. to August 30, 5 p.m. 

Curriculum 

Part 1 (August 26, 9 a.m. – August 28, 12 p.m.)

Option 1 – Talking Union Basics 

The TUB is the “cornerstone” of our PSAC Education Program and a prerequisite for most of our other courses. This course will introduce you to the PSAC, its structure, how to become involved and the fundamentals of trade union action. Emphasis is put on members’ rights in the workplace and in the union; on understanding and using the collective agreement and on union mechanisms to obtain and protect rights.

Option 2 – Union Basics for Stewards

The union basics for stewards’ session brings together a total of 5 basic modules. This option will provide stewards with a space to connect with stewards from other locals. Emphasis is put on the role of stewards within their local and the union as a whole. 

  • Module1: Role of the Steward
  • Module 2: Stewards’ Union Representative Immunity
  • Module 3: Stewards as Problem Solvers
  • Module 4: Human Rights in the Workplace for Stewards
  • Module 5: Basic Duty to Accommodate for Stewards

Part 2 (August 28, 1 p.m. – August 30, 5 p.m.)

Option 1 – Grievance Handling 

This course will develop your knowledge, skills and confidence in effectively handling grievances at the workplace. You will spend time on the technical aspects of grievance handling such as identifying, investigating, drafting, and presenting grievances.

Option 2 – Health and Safety Basics 

Participants will examine why workplace health and safety is a union issue and explore the historical efforts made by unions for healthy and safe workplaces. Members will also be able to familiarize themselves with union perspectives on healthy and safe workplaces, with the internal responsibility system and increase their knowledge on the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. 

Option 3 – New Local Officer Training 

New local officers, who have been an executive for less than two years, will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence in order to provide an effective union leadership in their local. Participants will learn more about the responsibilities and the work of the Local; know how to implement strategies to increase member participation in the life of their union and increase their familiarity to union structures, decision-making and how these connect to the Local.

Application deadline is Sunday August 4, at 11:59 p.m. Once we have completed the selection process, selected participant will receive confirmation by August 6. 

Click here for more information and to register today.

If you’re not in the National Capital Region, check out the other courses offered by your PSAC Regional Office.

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Statement by UNE National President

The announcement of Minister Anand on National Public Service Week was a slap in the face to many members given the number of groups that were excluded from the 25 years of service and out such as peace officers, park wardens and other emergency service workers that have given so much for the protection of Canadians. We will continue to work to demonstrate why these members should be included.

Alisha Kang (nee Campbell)
National President
Union of National Employees

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Arbitration Award issued for House of Commons Operational/Postal Group

After an exceedingly lengthy delay, the bargaining agent received on Wednesday the arbitration award from the Labour Board for our contract dispute with the House of Commons.

Highlights of the new agreement include wage increases and a pensionable lump sum payment as part of the award. The compensation won by the union in arbitration greatly exceeds the House of Commons’ offer in negotiations.

The employer has ninety days from the date of award to pay out back pay.

Other improvements include:

  • Weekend premium must now be paid on all hours worked on a weekend, including overtime hours.
  • Expanded access to Family-Related Responsibility Leave.
  • Employees can now carry-over more vacation leave per year.

In addition, the House must under certain circumstances pay each employee additional compensation if the employer does not pay retro payment within 90 days of the issuance of the award.

The House of Commons, in negotiations and in arbitration, proposed to limit members’ ability to take leave for medical and dental appointments. They also proposed to shorten shift change notice. With the decision, we have protected our ability to access leave for all medical and dental appointments, and we have protected the notice period for shift changes.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Bargaining Team: Gilles Lavigne, Claude Boilard, Charles Joanisse and Ktrishia Letendre.

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National Indigenous Peoples Day

For generations, many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21 or around that time of year because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

National Aboriginal Day, now National Indigenous Peoples Day, was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day.

But one day is not enough. There is a lot of work to do towards reconciliation. Today, celebrate Canada’s Indigenous cultures.

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2024 Women’s Conference Steering Committee Selection

Greetings,

The Union of National Employees Women’s Conference will be held this fall in the National Capital Region. We are excited to begin planning for the event and to get started with the work needed to make the event successful.

The National President, Alisha Kang, has appointed the National Executive Vice-President, Hayley Millington to chair the committee and she has chosen Mirelle Jaillet, the National Equity Representative for Women, and Carole Maillet, from the Francophone Committee as her co-chairs.

In preparation, we are creating a small steering committee. Our Conference committee will meet weekly via teleconference and, when necessary, in person. Meetings will be scheduled during the day and if you miss work to attend the meeting, a union leave letter will be provided for you.

The steering committee will include the following members:

  • One woman from each UNE region
  • One woman from the Francophone Committee
  • UNE Event Staff
  • One woman who has never attended an event

The committee will assist UNE Event Staff with the following and contribute to the overall organization of the conference:

  • Determining the program and organizing the agenda
  • Selection of subject matter and speakers for the conference
  • UNE branded items & activities

Nominations should include a short paragraph from the nominee explaining why the member would be a good fit for this committee. Please submit your nomination to Suzanne Boucher no later than June 28, 2024.

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Library of Parliament pay equity committee: joint update from the employee representatives

Since it was established in October 2023, the Library of Parliament pay equity committee was has been working diligently towards the publication of a pay equity plan in accordance with the requirements of the Pay Equity Act.

During the last meeting in May, the committee conducted a vote on the job evaluation tool and the process for determining the value of work. The committee was unable to reach a consensus on either of these issues.

Despite opposition from the employee representatives, the employer indicated their intention to ask the Office of the Pay Equity Commission (OPEC) to dissolve  the committee in accordance with article 28 of the Pay Equity Act and instead create a pay equity plan without the contributions of the employee representatives.

In response, the employee representatives have sent a notice of dispute to the OPEC to request mediation regarding the two outstandings issues. We believe that the present impasse can be resolved and this work can be achieved through the committee. Therefore, the employer has no grounds to claim that it is necessary to proceed without it.

The employee representatives’ have requested that committee meetings resume so that together we can continue the discussions on gender predominance and total compensation. The employer, however, has so far refused to meet again.

We remain convinced that there is still a solution. Members of predominantly female job categories deserve to have their remuneration determined in full compliance with the Pay Equity Act by a committee made up of representatives of the employer and employees.

We will continue to keep you updated on any further developments and the steps we will be taking moving forward.

In solidarity,

Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and non-represented employees at Library of Parliament.

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Scrap the three-day in-person Mandate

Calling all UNE members in the National Capital Region! Let’s join the rally from 12:00-12:30pm in front of the Treasury Board office at 90 Elgin Street in Ottawa on June 11, 2024.

UNE is joining with USJE and other components of PSAC, as well as allies, to rally in front of the Treasury Board building in Ottawa with a strong message to “Scrap the Mandate.”

The rally is in response to President of Treasury Board Anita Anand’s arbitrary decision regarding the Direction on prescribed presence in the workplace (the “Direction”). Effective September 9th 2024, the Direction mandates all federal public service employees to be at the work site a minimum of three days per week, and Executives a minimum of four days.

This new Direction will further limit hybrid work options for federal public service employees.

The Direction flies in the face of the Government of Canada’s previous commitments of collaboration, flexibility, and consultation as expressed in the Letter of Agreement on Telework (2023).

Come out and show your support and wave those UNE flags high!

More information on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/share/awkHxJghwqDV23ZR/

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Best Theratronics use of unqualified scab labour raises nuclear safety concerns

Unifor and the Public Service Alliance of Canada sent a joint letter to the Canadian Safety Nuclear Commission (CNSC) today, expressing their concerns about Best Theratronics using unqualified managers and non-union workers as scab labour to handle safety-sensitive equipment at its Kanata, Ont. facility, including those containing radioactive material.

“It’s clear that Best Theratronics is willing to cut corners by using unqualified scabs and creating a dangerous work environment,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“This is why we need anti-scab legislation to be put in place in every jurisdiction in Canada – to stop employers from engaging in these kinds of unsafe tactics.”

More than 50 members of Unifor Local 1541 and PSAC-UNE Local 70369 are on strike at Best Theratronics. Unifor members went on strike May 1, 2024, after the company proposed a two-year contract with zero wage increases, while PSAC members followed shortly after on May 10 with no monetary offer from the employer.

“The idea that scab labour could be receiving, offloading and handling radioactive material is alarming,” said Alex Silas, National Executive Vice-President of PSAC. “The use of replacement workers when it comes to hazardous materials sounds like a lesson I thought we learned in the 20th century.”

Best Theratronics develops and manufactures external beam therapy units, self-contained blood irradiators, and cyclotrons for hospitals, medical and research facilities.

The company’s owner Krishnan Suthanthiran recently emailed workers, saying the company will use contractors to complete work.

It is especially concerning that the company is using mangers and non-union personnel at the facility during the strike as scab labour who may be untrained and uncertified to do the work safely.

On May 22, a truck was observed delivering live material to the facility at approximately 8:30 p.m. There was one car in the parking lot at the time, raising questions about how the receiving and offloading of live material is being done.

Unifor recommends a new inspection be scheduled to ensure Best Theratronics – whose facility near Ottawa operates under a Class 1B license for the use of Cobalt 60, Cesium 137, and cyclotrons – is fulfilling its obligations under the CNSC.

“Seeing the lengths this company will go to skirt around a fair deal is mind-boggling,” said Unifor Local 1541 President Steve LaBelle. “We’re talking about unqualified scabs handling hazardous materials like it’s no big deal. We need to keep jobs in Canada being done by workers who are properly qualified and trained.”

As well, the facility is licensed under Class II Nuclear Facilities, Prescribed Equipment License and Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices for conducting work on medical equipment sold in Canada.

Unifor members work in the Skilled Trades as certified machinists, welders, sheet metal workers, machining process specialists, calibrators, electronic technicians, electrical and mechanical inspectors at the facility while PSAC members work as design specialists, production planners and production controllers, expert technicians and many other key positions which are crucial to the drafting, manufacturing and delivery of Atomic Energy-based machines produced by Best Theratronics Limited.

“We like the work we do, and that’s why we’re concerned that the owner may be putting the company and the non-unionized workers inside at risk,” said PSAC Local 70369 President Jeff Gulis. “During the pandemic last time we accepted concessions because we wanted the company to get through difficult times, but now it’s time for us to catch up to similar jobs in our sector, where people down the street are making 24-26% more than we are. We just want a fair deal and to get back to work.”

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is one of Canada’s largest unions, representing nearly 245,000 workers in every province and territory in Canada. UNE is a component union of PSAC representing more than 27,000 members working in 73 different workplaces in the public, private and non-profit sectors.