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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.

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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.