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April 17 – Equality Day in Canada

Every human being is entitled to the same fundamental human rights: the right to live free from torture, the right to live free from slavery, the right to own property, the right to equality and dignity, and to live free from all forms of discrimination etc. just to name few among others.

If all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, why are we still fighting against discrimination, racism, inequal pay and gender inequality? Why are we still fighting against social and economic inequalities deep rooted in some communities in this country?

Well! Should we say Equality or Inequality Day instead? Well, let’s see, shall we?

Tomorrow will be Equality Day in Canada. We celebrate Equality Day every April 17 to mark the coming into force of the equality provisions in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter was signed on April 17, 1982. However, Section 15 of the Charter on Equality Rights and Freedoms for all without discrimination, was implemented on April 17, 1985, three years later. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom is here to protect all Canadian’s fundamental rights. Well, easy said than done!

The reality is, many decades later after this great breakthrough, we are still talking in this country about gender inequality: Canadian women still face major income inequality – gender pay gap between women and men. For example, in 2017, on average, women earned between 64 cents and 79 cents for every $1 that men earned. The pay gap is even wider for racialized women, immigrant and migrant workers, indigenous women, women with disabilities and LGBTQ2+ people.

Research also shows that there is a growing gap between the rich and the poor in Canada. Nonetheless, 35 years later, we are still fighting to address gender-based violence towards girls and women, fighting for equal opportunity in our workplaces and fighting against all forms of discrimination and racist behaviors! In addition, and surprisingly some communities are still fighting to have their basic needs met such as clean water, medical accessibility etc.

Yes, the implementation of the section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms on the rights for equality was a touchstone in Canadian history. It is one of our country’s greatest accomplishments and widely admired around the globe! As Canadian, this is one of the things I proudly brag about. However, have we reached the rights to equality and dignity goals? No! It is work in progress! Let’s admit it, there is still much work that needs to be done at home before reaching full equality rights in all areas in our society, workplaces and community at large.

Brothers, Sisters and fellow activists, today, April 17, is Equality Day in Canada. Let’s celebrate! However, every day should be Equality Day because every day we need to fight against the systemic inequality we experience or witness. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

We don’t need a special day to promote or to defend our rights for equality. Let’s reflect today on the right to equality, its role in our society, and what we can do to promote and protect those rights. In conclusion, calling April 17, Equality or Inequality day in Canada, is up to you and me. Happy reading!

Céline Ahodekon
UNE Steward of Local 20278 & PSAC-BC Secretary for the Lower Mainland Human Rights Committee

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PA group: Summer leave request deadline extended due to COVID-19

PSAC has successfully negotiated an extension to May 15, 2020 for members of the PA group to submit summer leave requests in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PSAC and Treasury Board agreed to push back the deadline from April 15 in a memorandum of agreement signed this week. The employer’s deadline to respond to leave requests will also be extended to June 1.

However, employees who want to submit annual leave requests for the first two weeks of June must do so before April 15, and the employer will make every reasonable effort to respond before May 1.

The deadline may be extended depending on the duration of the pandemic.

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COVID-19: Changes to the Public Service Health Care Plan

Due to COVID-19, PSAC has agreed with the employer to make some temporary amendments to the Public Service Health Care Plan, which will assist members in accessing the services that they need.

These changes include:

  • Extension of the Emergency Benefit while travelling to 60 days from 40

The following changes will be made up until April 24, 2020:

  • Any member can see a social worker and it will be covered under your psychological benefit (up to the regular annual maximum)
  • You do not need a doctor’s prescription to access physiotherapy or psychological services
  • Dispensing limit for maintenance medication will allow members to get their medication sooner, if required, and potentially get a supply for more than the 100 days’ limit which currently exists.

The full set of changes and further details can be seen here: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/benefit-plans/health-care-plan/information-notices/covid-19-temporary-measures-public-service-health-care-plan.html

We will continue to work on this situation and will meet with the Employer to potentially make further amendments to Plan during the pandemic.

We are also planning a full set of negotiations for the Plan in the very near future.  We will update members as those negotiations get going.

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COVID-19: Global Affairs members working 24/7 to help stranded Canadians

PSAC members at Global Affairs Canada have been working day and night to bring home Canadians stranded abroad because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The heart of their international effort is the Emergency Response Centre in Ottawa, featuring floor-to-ceiling world maps, televisions set to 24-hour news cycles and a cacophony of phone calls and clacking keyboards.

“For the last few months, we’ve had people in this room 24 hours a day, seven days a week responding to the COVID-19 crisis,” said Brent Robson, Director of Emergency Operations at Global Affairs. “People are rolling up their sleeves and getting the job done.”

Brent Robson, Director of Emergency Operations at Global Affairs Canada

The number of people working to repatriate Canadians has grown exponentially since the beginning of the pandemic, now totaling more than 250 staff, many of them volunteers from other parts of the department putting in extra hours after their day.

“All the other people on my team are volunteers and this is their first time diving in to this operation,” said Katryna Johnston, a PSAC member working as the Chief of Operations for the Americas. It’s her team’s job to organize commercial and emergency flights to evacuate stranded Canadians.

“They’re doing an amazing job, and they’ve been able to have so many successes,” she added just moments before a collective cheer rang out in the Centre when a flight full of Canadians lifted off from Lima, Peru.

Katryna Johnston, Chief of Operations for the Americas

Five temporary call centres have been set up to take calls from Canadians, even spilling out into the lobby of the Global Affairs headquarters in Ottawa, where workstations have been meticulously set up 8 to 10 feet apart.

Diego Matteo, a PSAC member and senior operations officer at Global Affairs, has been training new volunteers for the call centres across Ottawa, and even some remote workers who are lending a hand.

“We have as many people working at noon as we do at midnight,” he said. “[PSAC members] are the face of the department, dealing with people who are in crisis, who are destitute, who have medical problems or who are stuck and have run out of money.”

As international borders tighten up to slow the spread of the virus, it’s getting harder to arrange travel for those stranded abroad. But whether they’re booking emergency flights or processing government loans for travelers who need to stay put, Global Affairs staff will continue to be a lifeline during the pandemic.

“We’re all just really here to help Canadians,” said Johnston.

Source: http://psacunion.ca/covid-19-global-affairs-members-working-247-help

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Passport members called on for assistance to Canadians during COVID-19

Service Canada has announced that in person SCC offices will be shut down effective March 27, 2020 for the safety of all.

The employer has indicated a need for Passport employees to assist with critical work. The UNE has been part of many discussions in order to ensure our members safety while being able to assist Canadians in need.

We understand that employment insurance volumes have exploded. Along with the critical work already being done, the shift will now be to primarily serve Canadians who need critical assistance by a new E-Service online form. This will allow staff to receive e-service requests and call clients back to assist them with getting onto the system for benefits. For Passport members asked to assist, we have been advised that training will be provided and the work can be performed at home.

The UNE does not normally want members to perform work outside their job description or in other programs. However, we know that Canadians are relying on certain services and that many members want to assist in the safest way possible. The closing of Service Canada offices means that members can help in a safer way.

We will continue to monitor the situation with your input and will expect that after the emergency has passed, Passport members will return to only performing work within their own program and job description. The employer has confirmed this request is for these exceptional times only.

Please continue to report any issues that you may have through the local and to your regions.

 

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Critical Work for Passport Members

Representatives from UNE met for a national consultation concerning Passport workers and critical work during the COVID-19 pandemic. National President Kevin King, Assistant National Vice-President for Human Rights, Kate Hart and Regional Vice-President for Outside Canada Rose Touhey represented the Union. Several new pieces of information came out of the meeting.

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship 

The Union was advised that all Passport (PPT) offices have plans to deal with the emergency passports either by “weekend duty” style call-backs or limited staff going into work. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) confirmed that the United States International Passport Service (IPS) and missions are all now deemed critical for evacuations, repatriations and requirements for working visas.

The processing centre in Gatineau will bring in a minimal number of employees on rotation to work on the backlog of IPS files. In Mississauga, the processing centre will send in minimal staff on rotation for the missions work. Additional employees will be trained to assist the call centre in answering COVID-19 questions. All offices will undergo enhanced cleaning and employees will be provided with safety kits, gloves and sanitizer. Mobility will be reduced so members can avoid touching doors.

Service Canada Centres 

In regards to Service Canada Centres (SCC) critical work, the employer has said that their intake of benefits requests is over 600% higher than last year. Offices that remain open have enhanced cleaning standards and spacing requirements. Workers are provided with sterile wipes and gloves. Personal protective equipment training will be provided.

UNE asked about face masks and the employer replied that they are not recommended by health officials unless you are sick. UNE asked about installation of plexiglass and were told by the employer that they do not have plans to do this since they are working to shut down in-person offices completely. Members will no longer do medical screening. Instead, it is to be done by security at each office.

Critical work includes employment insurance, pensions and some social insurance and old age security work. The employer has created an online form to request certain services including passports.

UNE inquired about the nature of the work that would be asked of our members and it was indicated that the needs are different at each location and will be worked on with Locals. Such work could be back office, from home or in person. There could be a number of functions including working on calls for COVID-19, answering passport form inquiries, SIN lookups and any other critical duties if trained. UNE expressed that our members should only be asked to do critical and meaningful duties.

There are national calls scheduled every few days at ESDC and IRCC and in most regions there are calls every day.

For more information, contact a member of your Local Executive.

 

 

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Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses

News release – Department of Finance

March 25, 2020 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

The Government of Canada is taking strong, immediate and effective action to protect Canadians and the economy from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. No Canadian should have to choose between protecting their health, putting food on the table, paying for their medication or caring for a family member.

To support workers and help businesses keep their employees, the government has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERB would be a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.

The CERB would cover Canadians who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures. The CERB would apply to wage earners, as well as contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).

Additionally, workers who are still employed, but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation due to COVID-19, would also qualify for the CERB. This would help businesses keep their employees as they navigate these difficult times, while ensuring they preserve the ability to quickly resume operations as soon as it becomes possible.

The EI system was not designed to process the unprecedented high volume of applications received in the past week. Given this situation, all Canadians who have ceased working due to COVID-19, whether they are EI-eligible or not, would be able to receive the CERB to ensure they have timely access to the income support they need.

Canadians who are already receiving EI regular and sickness benefits as of today would continue to receive their benefits and should not apply to the CERB. If their EI benefits end before October 3, 2020, they could apply for the CERB once their EI benefits cease, if they are unable to return to work due to COVID-19. Canadians who have already applied for EI and whose application has not yet been processed would not need to reapply. Canadians who are eligible for EI regular and sickness benefits would still be able to access their normal EI benefits, if still unemployed, after the 16-week period covered by the CERB.

The government is working to get money into the pockets of Canadians as quickly as possible. The portal for accessing the CERB would be available in early April. EI eligible Canadians who have lost their job can continue to apply for EI here, as can Canadians applying for other EI benefits.

Canadians would begin to receive their CERB payments within 10 days of application. The CERB would be paid every four weeks and be available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020.

This benefit would be one part of the government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, to support Canadian workers and businesses and help stabilize the economy by helping Canadians pay for essentials like housing and groceries, and helping businesses pay their employees and bills during this unprecedented time of global uncertainty.

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UNE Convention Deadlines Extended

Greetings,

The UNE’s National Executive met last night by teleconference and has made some decisions with respect to the UNE Triennial Convention 2020.

The following motion was moved, and seconded with the unanimous consent of the National Executive, on March 24th, 2020:

    • UNE will suspend any timelines contained in Local and UNE Bylaws regarding on time conformance, on time election of delegates, and on time resolution deadlines to the UNE Triennial Convention until May 22, 2020, and should this resolution require an extension, such extension will be made by majority vote of the National Executive of UNE.

These actions are interpreted as an extension of the existing timelines for on time locals, on time delegates and on time resolutions until Friday May 22nd, 2020.

Should a further extension be required, as stated above, it will require a 2/3 majority vote by the National Executive of UNE.

In solidarity,

Kevin King
National President
Unionof National Employees

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PSAC welcomes government measures to support workers

In addition to those in the federal public service, PSAC represents many workers in our universities, gaming sector, security industry, and at national airports. Many of these members are facing layoffs and fearing pay interruption due to the health crisis caused by the spread of COVID-19.

Federal and provincial governments have announced a range of measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on individuals and the economy. Many of these measures address short-term needs and are a direct response to the deficiencies in our support systems, however the governments’ actions are urgently needed and we welcome them. The following is a list of the measures announced (to date) designed to support workers.

Please note this page will be updated regularly as announcements of new measures are made.

Federal Government

New sickness and care benefit

An emergency care benefit of $450 per week for 14 weeks, regardless of your previous income, for anyone who is ill with the virus, in imposed quarantine or self-isolation, is caring for someone who is ill, or is unable to work in order to care for children due to school closures. The benefit also will be available to anyone who doesn’t qualify for or was denied EI sickness benefits. Payments are estimated to begin start sometime in April.

For anyone who qualifies for EI sickness benefits, the one-week waiting period has been waived and no doctor’s notes are required.

Emergency benefit for unemployed workers

The government will be making $5 billion available to support unemployed workers who do not qualify for Employment Insurance. Few details are available at this time other than it is expected to be available in April and will be handled through the Canada Revenue Agency.

Canada student loan payments deferred

Anyone repaying government student loans will not have to make any payments for six months, interest-free. This does not apply to private bank student loans.

Help for vulnerable communities

$350 million has been committed to a new Indigenous community support fund to address immediate needs in their communities.

Up to $50 million for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres, including those in Indigenous communities, to prevent women from feeling forced to stay at home in abusive relationships.

$157.5 million is earmarked to support people experiencing homelessness.

New deadline for tax filing and payment

The deadline for filing taxes has been pushed to June 1. And anyone with income tax payments due between now and September 2020, has until August 31, 2020 to submit their payment.

Special GST credit and enhanced Canada Child Benefit payments

The government has committed to introduce a one-time emergency GST credit for low- and modest-income families: a maximum of $300 per adult and $150 per child, expected in early May.

In addition, those who receive the Canada Child Benefit will see the maximum payment amount increase by $300 per child for the May payment only.

The value of both these benefits falls as income increases.

Supports for business

The government’s economic package also includes supplements for small businesses to help keep workers employed. Corporations are being allowed to temporarily hold onto $55 billion in consumer taxes and income tax deducted from pay cheques until September 2019.

We encourage everyone to keep yourself and workers safe. Apply for EI and other benefits online.

For more information on these measures and others, visit the federal government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

Provincial Governments

Alberta

Emergency isolation support is available to working adults who must self-isolate or who are the sole care-giver for a dependent in self-isolation. A one-time payment of $1,146 is available until the federal emergency payments begin in April.

Residents can defer electricity and natural gas bill payments for the next 90 days.

Full details of measures announced by the Alberta government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

British Columbia

 

The B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers will provide a tax-free $1,000 payment to British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected by the outbreak. The benefit will be a one-time payment for British Columbians who receive federal Employment Insurance (EI), or the new federal Emergency Care Benefit or Emergency Support Benefit as a result of COVID-19 impacts.

The government is increasing and expanding the B.C. Climate Action Tax Credit in July 2020. Eligible families of four will receive up to $564 and eligible individuals will receive up to $218 in an enhanced payment. This boosts the regular climate action tax credit payment of up to $112.50 per family of four and up to $43.50 per adult.

The government is waiving the Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage wait period for people moving back to B.C. from COVID-19 impacted areas.

There is a ban on evictions for non-payment of rent in BC Housing-funded buildings. Individuals needing more time to pay bills can apply to payment deferral programs.

Child care providers who close due to COVID-19 will also receive support to help ensure they are able to pay their fixed costs, like rent/lease/mortgage during the temporary closure, so they can reopen when able.

Full details of measures announced by the British Columbia government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

 

Manitoba

 

The Manitoba government is investing $27.6 million to help provide child care to essential front-line workers as they support the province’s COVID-19 response.

Full details of measures to be introduced by the Manitoba government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

 

New Brunswick

 

The provincial government is working to minimize the financial impacts that child care facility closures are having on parents.

All licences, registrations, certificates and permits that were valid as of March 16, 2020, will remain valid until May 31, 2020.

Full details of measures to be introduced by the New Brunswick government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

 

Newfoundland & Labrador

 

The provincial government will provide compensation to eligible private sector employers to ensure continuation of pay for employees having to self-isolate due to travel. Employees should retain documents regarding their travel (such as boarding passes) to facilitate reimbursement. Provincial public sector employees affected by this decision will continue to be paid as usual.

To ensure families do not have to pay child care fees and that early childhood educators can continue to be paid while centres are closed due to COVID-19, the government will provide funding to regulated child care centres and family child care homes at the child care subsidy program rates for all licensed spaces until April 30.

Full details of measures to be introduced by the Newfoundland and Labrador government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

 

Northwest Territories

Workplaces who provide essential services but has an employee who chooses to self-identify as high risk for severe outcomes (age over 60, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, cancer, immune suppression), must put a plan in place to minimize exposure to COVID-19 for these individuals.

Nova Scotia

 

The government has invested $2.2 million so that every individual and family member on income assistance will receive an additional $50 to help pay for food, cleaning supplies and personal care items. People do not need to apply.

Tenants cannot be evicted if their income has been impacted by COVID-19 for the next 3 months.

Full details of measures to be introduced by the Nova Scotia government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

Nunavut

$25,000 to the Hunter and Trapper Organization for community harvesting and to provide food for their communities.

The government will be providing funds to all licensed child care facilities equal to the parental fees facilities would normally collect during the announced three-week closure. This will allow licenced child care facilities to not charge parental fees for this period but still pay their staff as normal.

Full details of measures to be introduced by the Nunavut government can be found on the government’s homepage.

Ontario

 

The Ontario government has enacted the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies) to provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine, or those that need to be away due to child care.

Select child care centres will be allowed to open to ensure frontline staff can continue to work. Health care and other frontline workers, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, police, and correctional officers, will be eligible to access local emergency child care. The list of emergency child centre locations will be available at ontario.ca/coronavirus.

Ontario is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. Additionally, the province will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage.

For the next 45 days, the government will suspend time-of-use electricity rates and switch to an off-peak rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour. This reduced price will be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week and will be applied automatically to hydro bills. The Ontario Energy Board is banning disconnections until July 31st.

Driver licences, vehicle and carrier products, services and health cards will have their validity extended to reduce the need for in-person visits to government service offices.

$304 million in relief funding has been provided for hospitals, frontline workers, long-term care homes, retirement homes, residential facilities, and Indigenous communities.

Instead of the annual Budget, an economic and fiscal update will be released on March 25.

Full details of measures announced by the Ontario government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

Prince Edward Island

 

The Emergency Relief Worker Assistance Program will provide $250 a week to employees who have seen a significant reduction in their work hours. Employers have to complete the application on behalf of workers.

$2 million has been set aside to support early learning centres and their staff, to maintain child care spaces and to ensure parents do not pay fees during the period of closures.

The PEI government announced a $25 million Emergency Contingency Fund. This new fund supports workers and small businesses affected by the pandemic. Additional details on the program have not yet been released. Read more: Financial Support for Islanders.

Quebec

 

The Temporary Aid for Workers Program offers financial assistance to workers who cannot work because they are in self-isolation for 14 days and are not eligible for another financial assistance program. An eligible worker will be given $573 per week for the 2-week period. If your health has not improved after 14 days, the coverage period for an eligible person could be extended to a maximum of 28 days.

Employers have been asked to implement flexible work schedules for employees to limit crowds in public transit during rush hour.

Full details of measures announced by the Quebec government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

Saskatchewan

 

The Saskatchewan government introduced measures to ensure employees have access to job protected leaves during this public health emergency.

All crown utilities in Saskatchewan will implement bill-deferral programs allowing a zero-interest bill deferral for up to six months for Saskatchewan residents whose ability to make bill payments may be impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions.

Full details of measures announced by the Saskatchewan government can be found on the province’s COVID-19 information web page.

 

 

 

 

Yukon

The Yukon government has announced a stimulus package, which does not yet have a disclosed budget, will support workers, cancelled events, local businesses, and the tourism and cultural sectors.  

 

 

For more information, please visit: http://psacunion.ca/psac-welcomes-government-measures-to-support-workers

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All PSAC Regional Conventions Postponed

In keeping with recommendations from both local and national health authorities regarding COVID-19, PSAC has made the difficult decision to suspend the remaining four PSAC Regional Conventions. All seven PSAC Regional Conventions are now postponed:

·       National Capital Region (April 17-19, 2020)

·       Quebec Region (April 24-26, 2020)

·       British Columbia Region (May 1-3, 2020)

·       Ontario Region (May 29-31, 2020)

·       North Region (June 5-7,2020)

·       Prairies Region (June 12-14, 2020)

·       Atlantic Region (June 26-28, 2020)

The PSAC will continue to closely monitor the situation and make efforts to reschedule at a future date if possible.

For our latest PSAC information about COVID-19, please visit their information page.