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Join PSAC NCR and the Ottawa Area Council at Ottawa Labour Day 2024!

September 2, 2024, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

233 Gilmour St, Ottawa

The PSAC-NCR Ottawa Area Council (OAC) is excited to announce our participation in the 2024 Ottawa Labour Day March! The march, put on by the Ottawa District Labour Council, will be on Monday, September 2 starting at 12 PM,with a picnic from 12:45 – 4 PM.

Join us as we show solidarity to all who are fighting to make life fairer for all workers and their families. Following the march, PSAC NCR will also have a booth at the picnic taking place at McNabb Park. 

Want to join the PSAC-NCR delegation? Register and let us know you’ll be there!

Members are encouraged to bring friends, family or members of the community who wish to participate.

The day’s schedule will be: 

9:30 – 11:30: The PSAC delegation will meet at PSAC Headquarters (233 Gilmour Street). Members will be able to create banners using provided supplies. Refreshments and light snacks will be available and an ice cream truck will be on site.

11:30 – 12:00: The PSAC delegation will walk from 233 Gilmour to Ottawa City Hall (750 m).

12:00: The march will begin at Ottawa City Hall (Lisgar Street side). The march will then take the following route (3 km): 

– West on Lisgar Street to Elgin Street

– South on Elgin Street to Gladstone Avenue

– West on Gladstone Avenue ending at McNabb Park (corner of Bronson and Gladstone)

12:45: A family-friendly picnic at McNabb Park will start when the march arrives.

Accessibility

  • Attendees should stay home if they are feeling unwell for any reason.
  • There will be seats in a vehicle that will drive along the length of the march route. These seats will be available on a first-come, first served basis. The vehicle will leave  from 233 Gilmour to Ottawa City Hall at 11 AM. If you have any questions relating to this or other issues of accessibility, please email oac-cro@psac-afpc.com. 
  • Masks are encouraged but not required. 
  • Attendees should dress for the weather and bring water and sunscreen.
  • Please avoid fragranced products such as perfume, cologne, or lotion out of consideration for our community members with chemical injuries or sensitivities.
  • Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
  • Parking is available as follows:
  • Free parking is available at 233 Gilmour starting at 10:00am on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Paid parking is available at Ottawa City Hall and at McNabb Park.
  • OC Transpo routes are available as follows:
    • Routes that stop near 233 Gilmour: 6, 7, 11, 14
    • Routes that stop near McNabb Park: 10, 14
    • Routes that stop near Ottawa City Hall: 5, 11, 14, 16, 19
  • For further questions about transit access to the event locations, please refer to the OC Transpo Travel Planner or Para Transpo website.
  • Public washrooms are available at 233 Gilmour prior to departing at 11:30 AM, Ottawa City Hall, and McNabb Park Community Centre

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Celebrating a milestone!

August 24th, 2024 marks a significant milestone: the one-year anniversary of Union of National Employees (UNE) siblings making history by electing two groundbreaking leaders within the PSAC. Pictured left, we have a Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQA+ woman with disabilities as President of a component – Alisha Kang (nee Campbell).

On the right, Ms. Hayley Millington, a Black (Trinidadian) woman, as our National Executive Vice President.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) only handed over the reins to us on March 6, 2024, and yet we are already a third of the way through our mandate. We have gigantic feats to accomplish in the next two years, but do not despair. As workers, we are accustomed to having the odds stacked against us and making the impossible, possible. Together, UNE siblings, will build a new structure that upholds members as never before.

We must not fear the difficult discussions ahead of us and the collective work it shall take us to get there. The only constant is change and we are in a time of great evolution. I cannot wait to see what we build together.

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Update for Local 30115: Situation in Jasper

Monday’s announcement allowing thousands of residents re-entry into the municipality of Jasper, many of them UNE members working at the Jasper National Park, is the first step in a long road ahead of healing and recovery. It will be the first time for many of them to face the damages and devastation to their community. The park remains closed to the public, as the initial re-entry is for residents only.

Our members working and living within Jasper, know UNE has been in close communication with the employer ever since the wildfire started. The main topics discussed have been the safety of our members and their families, the provisions in place to support them while displaced, communication, and mental health. The employer has allocated resources to support those affected by the wildfires.

A FAQ has been distributed. Please reach out to your Local executive if you have not received it. It contents valuable information about:

  • General information and financial supports
  • Government of Alberta supports
  • Red Cross supports and information
  • Questions on impacts to PCA Staff and Staff Housing
  • Questions regarding travel situations
  • Questions regarding general HR situations
  • Questions regarding pay
  • Questions about staffing
  • Questions on Health support 

For health support specifically, the following resources are available:

  • The Employee Family and Assistance Program (EFAP) crisis line is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-268-7708 (or TTY 1-800-567-5803). The call centre is aware of the context in Jasper National Park and can provide immediate support. If employees are not in a crisis, the call centre will make the arrangement to have a counsellor contact you within five business days to set up a free appointment (up to 12 hours of counselling per issue) in person or virtually. They can also book an appointment by live chat (password: canada), Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (MT).
  • For those remaining to support fire management efforts in Jasper at this time, please know that there are two mental health professionals (MHP) coordinated with the Health Canada Psychosocial Response and Extended Counselling (PREC) team on site with incident command, to support all Parks Canada employees. Employees who are not part of the fire crews can request to meet or talk to the MHP by contacting them directly. The MHPs will be on rotation in Hinton and neighbouring sites every two weeks until the end of September.
  • Additional mental health support may be requested at any time and coordinated with the Parks Canada Wellness team at mieuxetre-wellness@pc.gc.ca and the Health Canada PREC team at PRECGeneral.CPRPGeneral@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your regional and national teams to advise us of any challenges regarding your employment while displaced so that we may raise them with the employer as soon as possible.

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National Acadian Day

National Acadian Day is a celebration that began on the first National Convention of the Acadians in Memramcook on August 15, 1881. The Government of Canada enacted a law in 2003 to proclaim the day celebrated by the Acadians as a national holiday. This day reflects the identity of a people who overcame trials and persecutions with determination and courage. It underscores the cultural vitality and enduring heritage of the Acadian people.

Nowadays, National Acadian Day is expressed in a festive, popular, and artistic way. It is a day to commemorate Acadian history and culture. At 5:55 p.m., thousands of Acadians across Atlantic Canada, Louisiana, the Magdalen Islands and France venture out during a boisterous and colourful parade that is called a Tintamarre, which is heard everywhere. The Tintamarre is a loud, proud, and exciting event that expresses the pride, vitality, and joie de vivre of Acadia.

For those who would like to experience Acadian culture, you can visit the Historical Acadian Village of Nova Scotia in Lower West Pubnico, Nova Scotia. There is also the Village historique acadien in Caraquet, and the Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, New-Brunswick, to name just a few.

UNE’s Francophone Committee wishes you a great National Acadian Day!

UNE’s Francophone Committee

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International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous peoples have unique cultures and ways of relating to people and their environment. Indigenous peoples’ thoughts on health and well-being are generally seen as greater and more holistic. With a strong determined community, the keeping of the land and the natural environment are always in mind.

Article 24 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes the right of Indigenous peoples to their traditional medicines, to maintain their health practices and to access social and health services without discrimination.

Indigenous women are the backbone of Indigenous communities and play a vital role in the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge concerning the environment, traditional medicines, food systems, preservation of language and cultural heritage. Not to mention in some cultures, the clan and nation are past down from the woman. 

There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous peoples in the world. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world’s population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest people. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures. 

Indigenous peoples have wanted recognition of our identities, our way of life and our right to traditional lands, territories, and natural resources. Yet, throughout history, our rights have been violated. Indigenous peoples today are among the most disadvantaged groups of people in the world. International communities now recognize that special circumstances are required to protect our rights and maintain our distinct cultures.

In Resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was to be observed on August 9 every year. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations to promote and protect the human rights of Indigenous People. 

In 2014, the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, a UN Action Plan on the rights of Indigenous peoples was developed by several agencies to support Indigenous issues. The aim was to ensure a coordinated approach to achieving the ends of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and included an improved support to member states and Indigenous peoples. 

The International Day of Indigenous Peoples, observed on August 9, is a  celebration that honours the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous communities worldwide. This day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples and promote their rights and well-being. 

Lenora Maracle
National Equity Representative for Indigenous Members
Union of National Employees

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Welcome to the UNE Team

O’Siyo ᎣᏏᏲ “o-si-yo,” (Cherokee: I see you) Hello and Bonjour Union Sibling,

I am ecstatic to share the following news, Bernadeth Betchi will be joining the Union of National Employees in the role of Coordinator, Office of the National President, effective August 13, 2024.

Bernadeth is a human, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a partner, and a human rights activist.

She is a Black woman, an immigrant, a francophone, and an artist.

She has a Bachelor of Communication, a Masters of Women and Gender Studies and is currently completing her third year PHD in Philosophy Feminist and Gender Studies at the University of Ottawa. She is the recipient of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Bursary for her research on Maternal Mental Health, with a focus on Black mothers in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

She has worked at the Prime Minister of Canada’s Office, at the Canadian Human Rights Commission and as a Professor of Communications, English, Human Rights, Social Justice and Sociology at Algonquin and St-Lawrence College.

She is also one of the twelve representative plaintiffs for the Black Class Action Suit. She appeared in the Senate of Canada as an expert for the study on anti-Black discrimination and racism at the Canadian Human Rights Commission and has been an active advocate for the rights of humans as a whole.

In 2024, Bernadeth was the first Black woman to run for president for the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE). 

She has had the opportunity to deliver key notes at the Permanent forum for People of African Descent, at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

Bernadeth is one of the co-founders of the Ottawa-Gatineau Black Breastfeeding Week, sat on the Board of Directors for Immigrant Women’s Services Ottawa and Maison d’Amitié Ottawa. Her work inspired the creation of The Village Project, a community-based group that assists parents in finding resources and addressing their specific family needs.

She believes in the power of ubuntu “humanity.” “I am because we are.” Ubuntu embodies the ideas of community, shared humanity, and mutual caring for all. It is a philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people, the importance of relationships, and the responsibility of individuals to their community.

Bernadeth understands that her mission on this earth is to leave a better blueprint for the generations to come. Hoping that her actions and activism bring lasting and significant change forever to come. She wants to make sure that all of her encounters leave the person better than the way she found them. Her guiding principles are love, empathy, and compassion.

She is doing this work standing on the shoulders of her ancestors.

Please join me, Union Sibling, in giving a warm welcome to Bernadeth Betchi to the Union of National Employee’s team and family.

Welcome to the UNE Team, Bernadeth!

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

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Emancipation Day

Emancipation Day in Canada is observed on August 1st each year, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. This day marks the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which came into effect on August 1, 1834, officially freeing enslaved people in British colonies, including Canada.

While slavery existed in Canada during the colonial period, the country became a refuge for enslaved individuals fleeing from the United States via the Underground Railroad. This network of secret routes and safe houses provided critical support for those seeking freedom.

Emancipation Day not only serves as a remembrance of the struggles faced by enslaved people but also as a celebration of Black history and culture in Canada. It is an opportunity for education and reflection on the ongoing impacts of systemic racism and the work still needed to achieve true equality.

In recent years, various events and activities have been organized to raise awareness about this important day, including community gatherings, educational programs, cultural performances, and discussions about racial justice. In December 2021, Emancipation Day was officially recognized by the Canadian government as a National Day of Observance, further highlighting its significance in Canadian history and culture.

Overall, Emancipation Day is a vital occasion that encourages Canadians to honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and to actively participate in the ongoing journey toward justice and equality. Further to this, from a union perspective, Emancipation Day represents not only a commemoration of the abolition of slavery but also a broader commitment to social justice, equity, and workers’ rights. Key points include:

  • Unions have historically advocated for the rights and dignity of all workers and recognizing Emancipation Day aligns with the mission by acknowledging the struggles of enslaved people and their fight for freedom.
  • The fight for labour rights is closely intertwined with the struggle for racial justice and union leaders and activists should understand that economic inequities often stem from systemic racism. As such, Emancipation Day serves as a reminder that the fight against discrimination in the workplace and society continues.

Present day unions and activists have taken on the roles of advocates for diversity and inclusivity in all workplaces and as such Emancipation Day highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of Black workers and ensuring that their voices are heard within labour movements. Unions can use this day to reaffirm their commitment to promoting diversity and addressing barriers faced by racialized workers.

Emancipation Day 2024 will be observed with various events and activities aimed at celebrating Black history, culture, and the legacy of those who fought against slavery. To stay updated on specific events and activities planned for Emancipation Day 2024, check your local community calendars, social media platforms, or websites of organizations dedicated to Black history and cultural awareness as the date approaches.

Emancipation Day serves as a vital occasion for unions and activists to reflect on their role in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. By honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom and advocating for the rights of all workers. They can also leverage Emancipation Day as a platform to advocate for policy changes that address systemic racism and economic inequities. This includes supporting legislation aimed at improving labour conditions for racialized workers and combating discrimination in the workplace.

Hayley Millington
National Executive Vice-President
Union of National Employees

PSAC and CAPE Event Info: Emancipation Day March | Marche du Jour de l’émancipation | Facebook

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Statement from UNE National President Regarding Wildfire Situation

To my brave members fighting the fire, we are thinking of you and praying for your return.

Our hearts are broken for all members that were evacuated to British Columbia, Edmonton, and any other locations.

One of the 5 big crises facing the labour movement and workers is climate change. We acknowledge and understand that we must be a partner in dealing with Climate change and we have committed to doing our best to address the impacts to you and all workers.

We are in frequent communication with your employer that is following their emergency evacuation procedures, “Guidelines for the treatment of Employees in Emergency Workplace Disruption” for staff. Please reach out to your local, regional, and National team to advise us of any challenges regarding your employment while displaced so that we may raise them with the employer as soon as possible.

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

For any help, please send us an email at info@une-sen.org.

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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.