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
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.
PSAC bargaining teams for the core public administration and separate agencies met today to discuss their response to the government’s decision to gut collective bargaining rights in the recently tabled Budget Implementation Act. Bargaining teams all decided to postpone this week’s round of negotiations in order to assess the implications of the government’s violation of our members’ rights, and evaluate all possible actions to defend them.
The Budget Implementation Act (Bill C-59) authorizes Treasury Board to rip up collective agreements to remove sick leave and impose a short and long term disability plan outside of negotiated agreements. The Bill will circumvent the Public Service Labour Relations Act as well as ongoing negotiations.
“In light of the recent attack by this government against our members, our elected bargaining teams have decided not to engage in the scheduled round of negotiations this week,” said Robyn Benson, National President of PSAC. “This government is obviously acting in bad faith and have decided to bully their way into getting what they want, in complete disregard for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and existing collective agreements.”
The Supreme Court established the right to collective bargaining as a Charter right. Bargaining teams were strong in their resolve to defend our rights using all means at our disposal.
PSAC’s recent National Triennial Convention recently voted to use up to $5 million to protect members’ rights and promote public services.
Bargaining teams will continue their discussions. Further decisions on the next round of scheduled negotiations will be taken in due course.
Source: psacunion.ca
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
“I’m Asian.” “No, you’re not. You’re Filipino.”
This was part of a conversation between my niece and a friend of hers several years ago. As Filipinos, we too are part of Asia but somehow we end up being identified solely as Filipinos. It is important to note that Asians are a diverse group of people that celebrate different cultural practices and religious beliefs.
One interesting fact about Asia is that it is the largest continent. Asia is comprised of around 50 different countries.
Canada is home to a large percentage of immigrants from these countries. They brought their rich culture along with their determination to strive and work hard to achieve their goals. In various ways, they contribute to the development and growth of Canada.
In May, 2002, the Government of Canada signed a declaration designating May as Asian Heritage Month. Adopted by the senate in 2001, this was proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian senator of Asian heritage. This is to acknowledge and recognize the various contributions of Asians in Canadian society.
There is a long list of Canadians of Asian heritage who have excelled in various fields: politics, economics, science, arts and service – but I would like to add to this list – all Canadians of Asian heritage. In their own diverse ways, directly or indirectly, they have contributed something to their community, their workplaces and to Canadian society as a whole. In May, let us celebrate all Asians in Canada. Let us be one with them and show our support for them in their effort and struggle to achieve their goals and realize their dreams.
On behalf of all Asians I invite and welcome everyone to experience Asian culture. Check out the activities and festivities that have been organized by Asian Heritage Month Societies and other Asian groups in your communities. Explore the exotic spices and culinary delight that will leave your taste buds craving for more. May is a very opportune time to learn more about Asia and appreciate its history, culture and its people.
HAPPY ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH!
Submitted by:
Shirley Torres
Filipino…..and Asian
Shirley Torres is the UNE’s regional human rights representative for British Columbia and Yukon.
* Event in B.C. – May 14th – short films & panel discussion | snacks | photo booth and henna!
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
By Geoff Ryan
April 28 is the National Day of Mourning for Workers Injured or Killed on the job. On this day flags on government buildings will fly at half mast, and ceremonies will be held in communities across Canada. Workers will gather at these ceremonies, some will wear black arm bands, some will lay flowers or wreathes, candles will be lit and the names of workers who died due to workplace incidents and illnesses will be read. People will be asked to observe a moment of silence to remember and honour them.
It is important for everyone to attend these events, not only to remember those people who have died, but also to bring awareness that health and safety in the workplace needs to be improved in Canada.
Most people are aware of the dangers in using a power tool, but what about the dangers entering an office building? Did you know that asbestos exposure is the single largest on-the-job killer in Canada accounting for almost one third of all workplace death claims approved since 1996? Asbestos is in products such as brake pads and can also be found in pipes and insulation. Many countries have banned asbestos, but Canada has not. The government also has not cautioned citizens that even low levels of asbestos can be a carcinogenic health risk. There is no national database of buildings containing asbestos in Canada despite requests from unions to create one. Saskatchewan is the only jurisdiction in Canada with such a database. It was created with the passing of Howard’s Law.
The annual observance of the National Day of Mourning strengthens the resolve to establish safe conditions in the workplace, and prevent injuries and deaths. As much as this is a day to remember the dead, it is also a call to protect the living. I encourage everyone to participate in the Day of Mourning ceremony in their area and if there is not a ceremony in your area please consider having a moment of silence in your workplace.
Geoff Ryan is the UNE’s National Vice-President for Human Rights.
By Eddie Kennedy
You may have noticed that members in your workplaces have started receiving designation letters in the event of a strike during the current round of collective bargaining.
Both the number of letters being issued by Parks and the designations are different from what happened during the last round of collective bargaining. Since that time the Conservative government has made changes under Bill C-4; these changes have allowed Parks to identify a greater number of designates than previously.
Under the old legislation the Agency would propose a list of designated essential service personnel in the event of a strike. The Union would then review and challenge any positions that we felt were not necessary to maintain public safety. If we couldn’t reach agreement with the Agency, the outstanding positions would go to the Public Service Labour Relations Board ( PSLRB), an independent third party, for review and resolution.
Under the new legislation the Agency once again proposes its list of designated essential service positions and the Union can again challenge it. However, under this new legislation there is no third party to resolve any outstanding disputes. Parks can either change or reject our challenges to their list.
This has resulted in an increase of 60% to the number of people (1757) identified as essential services in comparison to the last round of negotiations.
In addition, under the old legislation there were 3 codes of designates:
Code 1 – Full time essential service
Code 2 – Replacement for any full time worker who was unable to perform their tasks due to illness etc.
Code 3 – Conditional essential services which are triggered by a condition such as an emergency. Part time essential service in the event of an emergency
Under the new legislation all designates are considered to be level 1 full time essential service – required to perform the full range of their job descriptions.
The Union is looking at ways to challenge this current legislation as it impacts on our rights to fair collective bargaining.
In the meantime we will ensure that the Agency sends a list of all essential service personnel to each respective local so that you will be able to identify these members in the event of a strike.
For more information, please contact Eddie Kennedy, UNE National Advisor on Parks Canada.
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.
For more information, please contact Michelle Brunet at 613-560-2680.