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Library Seeking Major Concessions in Negotiations

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PSAC bargaining team pushing for improvements to working conditions. 

On Wednesday, August 5th our Bargaining Team for the AS and LT groups met with the Library of Parliament to commence negotiations for a new collective agreement. When presenting our package of proposals we told the Library that we are seeking new rights and protections for PSAC members at the Library in this round of bargaining, and that we are seeking improvements in a number of areas based on what our union has successfully negotiated with other federal employers.

Some of the improvements that we’ve proposed include increased leave provisions, enhanced job security and expanded union rights in the workplace. We also indicated to the employer that we will want to have discussion concerning hours of work and vacation scheduling when the parties next meet.

The Library proposed some very serious concessions in bargaining on Wednesday. These include the elimination of the job security provisions in our collective agreement as well as the elimination of all protections in the context of the introduction of technological change. The Library is also proposing to water down its obligations with respect to following the Public Service Health and Dental plans and the payment of associated premiums.

While we will meet our obligation to bargain in good faith with the employer, our objective in this round of bargaining is to achieve improvements for PSAC members at the Library of Parliament, not take steps backwards. We will also need to seek clarification on a number of the Library’s proposals when the parties next meet.

Also our Team has submitted a request for payroll and other financial information so that we may begin preparation on economic proposals this fall.

PSAC members at the Library should be aware that federal law prohibits unilateral changes to any terms and condition of employment subject to negotiation while the parties are in the process of bargaining a new contract.
If you have any questions, or are interested in seeing the proposals that we’ve tabled in bargaining, and those of management, contact a member of our Bargaining Team – Jean-Michel Lavergne, Caroline Dionne, Nadine Langevin or alternate Team Member Marcel Leonard.

The parties are next scheduled to meet in October. We’ll be sure to update as things progress.

 

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UNE National President Doug Marshall: We need change NOW!

 

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Sisters and Brothers,

I am writing to you, members of the UNE, now that Stephen Harper has officially called a federal election for October 19.

For all of us, this is the most important election in our lifetime.  Never before has so much been at stake.  Never before have we been faced with the end of the Canada that we have known.

Under a Harper majority government, over 5,000 UNE members have lost their jobs while thousands of others have had their pay cut because their hours of work were reduced.  And what matters to all of us – the services we proudly provide to Canadians – have been slashed.  At the same time, worker rights, human rights, union rights, and our very democracy have been under constant attack during the nine years of Harper rule.

We need to work together to stop Harper and instead elect a government that better represents the values we share.  I urge you to get actively involved in this election; talk to your neighbours and friends, take part in your regional PSAC election activities, or work directly for a progressive candidate in your riding.  Our future depends on it.

Doug Marshall
National President
Union of National Employees

*Connect with other UNE members on Facebook, Twitter and on our website at http://www.une-sen.org/

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PSAC Pins and Certificates for Years of Service

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At the Union of National Employees, and at the Public Service Alliance of Canada, much of what we do would not be possible without the tireless work of our many volunteers. That is why I am proud to take this opportunity to extend a sincere thanks to those members who have made significant contributions through union activism.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada has a tradition of honouring long-term officers of the PSAC with service pins and certificates. These pins and certificates can be awarded to those with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service.

If your Local wishes to nominate a member, please complete the application form and enclose a complete service history of the individual. Please pay careful attention when completing the period of service section of the form. The eligibility criteria and application forms can be found on the PSAC website.

Nominations must arrive at the UNE office no later than January 22, 2016.

In solidarity,

Doug Marshall
National President
Union of National Employees, PSAC

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Your Vote = Your Future

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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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Occupational Health & Safety Conference

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The UNE’s Occupational Health and Safety Conference is fast approaching. This October, join us for an exciting chance to learn about the many ways you can make your workplace safer and healthier for you and your peers.

For more information, please go to http://en.une-sen.org/conf2015. While you’re there, be sure to apply today.  Deadline date is Friday, July 3, 2015.

In Solidarity,

Doug Marshall
National President
Union of National Employees

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Bill C-59 on Collective Bargaining: Despite the Law…

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If you thought the Harper government was pulling the wool over the eyes of Canadians in order to further their maligned agenda, you’re mistaken; they’re doing it in plain sight. The Conservatives were bold enough to include language in Bill C-59 that says quite simply that the Treasury Board can establish terms and conditions of employment “despite the Public Service Labour Relations Act”.

Now, seeing as the Act is described as “An Act respecting labour relations in the public service,” how can this be seen as anything but a violation of the Charter of Rights And Freedoms as well as disrespect towards government employees and their families?

This is union-busting, period.

“We are in the midst of negotiations with Treasury Board right now,” said UNE President Doug Marshall. “Bill C-59 tells us that the government has no interest in good-faith bargaining, no regard for the Canadian constitution and the law, and no respect for workers.”

The budget was released just ahead of the PSAC’s recent triennial convention where delegates unanimously passed an emergency resolution to develop a meaningful campaign to oppose government actions that compromise members’ rights.

“We need people to understand that this government is doing whatever they want,” insisted Marshall. “We will defend our right to collective bargaining and we will not be intimidated by bully tactics such as this.”

As the campaign unfolds, the UNE will share this information with members so they have the knowledge and tools to fight back against the attacks the Harper regime is forcing on Canadian workers and families.

Bill C-59 puts into effect the Conservative budget of April 21, 2015, a budget that has made it apparent to our members, and to all Canadians, that this government has to go.

In that budget, the Conservatives unveiled their latest attempt to deceive Canadians with their Pinocchio budget; nothing more than number juggling, spin, and propaganda, in order to meet the Harper government’s promise of a balanced budget.

Up until a couple of years ago, the government has never even included a line item for sick leave. And that is because it is not now – and has never been – a financial liability. The Parliamentary Budget Officer and Statistics Canada have said that there is no cost for the current sick leave system.  In contrast, the government would have to pay a private insurance company millions of dollars to administer a short-term disability plan.  In spite of the facts, the government says that eliminating sick leave will result in a $900 million savings.

The government sold GM shares, but it claimed that the proceeds from the sale of shares would count as income.  No accountant would agree that this is income: if we sold our home for $300,000, that doesn’t mean that we have $300,000 of added income!  To add to the fraudulent accounting, although the Harper government received about $3 billion for the latest share sale, in total, the government received billions of dollars less than what it originally paid.

In order to produce a surplus, the government also claimed another $2 billion in income, which was “earned” by stealing two-thirds of the money set aside in a contingency fund for disaster reliefs.

This is not a balanced budget; it is nothing more than a slick Ponzi scheme. To make matters worse, the budget implementation law proposes to steal away the constitutional right to free collective bargaining.

We simply cannot afford another Conservative government. Not a majority – not a minority – not at all. We have to spread the word that this is unacceptable.

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Game over: Highlands Links Privatized

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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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National Day of Mourning – A Dignified Remembrance

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By Kevin King

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to attend our UNE National Convention in Toronto, it was an opportunity to renew friendships and  forge  new ones. We debated issues important to ourselves, and more importantly, members we represent.

There were a lot of activities near our convention site, the Royal York Hotel on Front Street, and delegates and guests made use of the facility and the many locations around it.

On the first morning of proceedings, I went out along Front Street, walked about three blocks or so, and came to a monument for workers killed on the job in Ontario between 1900 and 1999.

The Tribute called the WSIB Simcoe Park Workers Monument, located directly across from the Toronto Metro Convention Centre, near Spadina Avenue,

Two separate pieces of work combine to make this monument. The first is called 100 Workers and it consists of two long, low walls made out of polished red granite. On the top of the walls are 100 bronze plaques, engraved with the name of a worker who died in a workplace accident. There is one worker named for each year from 1901 until 1999. The plaque for the year 2000 has been left blank.

The second part of this monument is called The Anonymity of Prevention. This is a bronze sculpture of a man, dressed in work clothes and wearing full safety gear, kneeling on one knee and appearing to chisel into the wall of 100 Workers.

I could not take my eyes of the beautiful stonework that described the names, where they worked, and how they died on the job.

They had families, and I am most certain they expected to be home to those families each and every day after their work was completed.

I wish I had told the convention delegation of this find, three blocks from the hall, and felt a little guilty that I did not share an opportunity to mark our visit with a solemn procession and a dignified remembrance.

Let us go forth and always recognize April 28th, the national day of mourning for workers killed or injured on the job, and make more resolute our commitment as union activists to make our workplaces safe from any workplace hazards or occupational diseases.

To view photos of the Monument, please click here.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kevin King
National Executive Vice-President
Union of National Employees, PSAC

 

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Give employees some credit!

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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. 

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Parks Canada Update: the Expedited Mediation/Adjudication Process

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  • The Public Service Labour Relations Board (The Board) ordered us to stop dealing with new files and turn our attention to the 163 files that were referred to the Board (the order was dated April 30, 2014).  75 of these files belonged to UNE and 88 belonged to UCTE.
  • We have dealt with and closed 65 of the 75 files that belong to our component over the last 11 months.
  • We have also dealt with and closed over 1636 files related to this project overall (since 2006 – the date grievances began to be referred to UNE).
  • Most recently, Bill C4 eliminated the PSLRB and created the new PSLREB (December 2014).  The latter does not subscribe nor recognize the expedited process we have been using since November 2010.  There are talks occurring with the Parks Canada, PSAC, UNE and UCTE regarding the Board’s position (outlined in a letter to all parties on January 22, 2015). To date, there have been no decisions made by the PSLREB so we don’t know how the PSLREB will process files.

For more information, please contact Michelle Brunet at 613-560-2680.