Category: Events

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As you may have read on the PSAC website, PSAC President Robyn Benson has invited us to boycott Public Service Week – and with good reason!

We’ve seen our brothers and sisters in tears after getting surplus letters. We’ve seen entire programs – programs that are important to Canadians – shut down. We’ve had our hard work called “redundant”.

I think we speak for most public service employees when we say: Thanks, but no thanks. We’re in no mood to celebrate!

This National Public Service Week, ditch the employer barbecue and join PSAC in protest of the government’s actions.

As a Local, there are many things you can do to take part in this event. Some events being organized include: solidarity gatherings, meetings, barbecues and letter-writing campaigns.

Be sure to check your regional PSAC website for more information on what’s happening in your region!

In Solidarity,

Doug Marshall
National President

	English poster
	French poster

Last night, in Ottawa, tons of UNE and PSAC members came to stand in solidarity with striking Quebec students. The strike movement began more than 100 days ago over rising tuition fees. It has grown dramatically ever since the provincial government attempted to quell the protests by adopting Bill 78. The new law, which imposes strict regulations on demonstrations and levies heavy fines for students, has only galvanized support for the movement.

Protesters gathered at Confederation Park in Ottawa’s downtown, where a number of activists spoke to the importance of the movement. Among the speakers was PSAC President Robyn Benson.

“The Public Service Alliance of Canada stands proudly in solidarity with the student movement in Quebec and speaks out strongly against Bill 78,” said Benson

The rally invaded the streets of Ottawa, winding through the heart of downtown Ottawa, made its way into the famous Byward Market before crossing the bridge into Gatineau, Quebec. A number of apartment and condo dwellers took to their balconies, waving red blankets and banging on pots and pans to show their support.

“A thousand people walking from one side of the river to the other, in solidarity with Quebec students, for me, it’s an inspiring demonstration of the power of our voices and of our joint action,” said Sophie Tremblay-Morissette, a UNE member and communications officer for the PSAC-NCR’s Young Workers Committee.

“Let’s do it every night if we have to!”

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We caught tons of amazing pictures last night. Go to our Flickr page to see them.

Vincent Massey Park will again be the site of Canada’s National Day of Mourning ceremony for workers killed or injured on the job. Although the Canadian Labour Congress has officially observed the day since 1984, April 28 was first proclaimed a Day of Mourning by an Act of Parliament in 1991. Today, in over one hundred countries around the world, April 28 is officially observed.

According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, there were a total of 1017 reported workplace fatalities across the country.

“The figures don’t even begin to tell the true number of lives lost as a direct result of the workplace,” said Sean McKenny, president of the Ottawa and District Labour Council. Because these figures come from various provincial workers’ compensation boards, McKenny says they don’t include 38% of workers who aren’t covered by workers’ compensation systems.

“So unquestionably the actual numbers are much higher.”

“We’ve seen a significant number of workplace injuries and fatalities in the city of Ottawa over the last year,” said McKenny. “It needs to stop”.

The ceremony at Vincent Massey Park starts at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday April 28.  Mayor Jim Watson will be in attendance to officially proclaim the day.  Speakers include: Hassan Yussuff (Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress), Robert Blakely (the Canada’s Building Trades Union), MP Paul Dewar (NDP-Ottawa Centre) and Sean McKenny (President of the Ottawa and District Labour Council). This will be followed by the laying of wreaths and roses.

Members of the Union of National Employees will also be there. We’ll post pictures on our Flickr page very shortly.

The PSAC Convention is fast approaching and we hope you’re as excited as we are! We’d like to quickly inform you that the Union of National Employees will hold caucuses during the PSAC Convention.

Caucus meetings are extremely helpful; it’s our time to discuss resolutions, meet candidates and talk about other issues among fellow UNE members (it’s also a good place to get that first jolt of morning java!).

All caucus meetings will take place at the Ottawa Convention Centre at 55 Colonel By Drive. We have arranged for simultaneous translation during all our meetings.

Your attendance at these meetings is mandatory, unless you must attend another caucus (such as equity caucuses). If you are unable to attend, please inform your Regional Vice-President.

We know that getting up in the morning isn’t always easy… that’s why we’re luring you with a full breakfast and beverages of the caffeinated variety! The Union of National Employees will provide a full breakfast for all caucus members, including Area Council members, equity delegates and observers. Breakfast will be served starting at 6:45 a.m.; the caucus starts promptly at 7:30 a.m. (please remember not to claim per diem for those meals).

Here is the caucus schedule:

Date	Time	Room	Notes
April 29	9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.	Room 213/215	Coffee, tea and juice
April 30	7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.	Room 213/215	Full breakfast at 6:45 a.m.
May 1	7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.	Room 213/215	Full breakfast at 6:45 a.m.
May 2	7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.	Room 213/215	Full breakfast at 6:45 a.m.
May 3	7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.	Room 213/215	Full breakfast at 6:45 a.m.
May 4	7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.	Room 213/215	Full breakfast at 6:45 a.m.

We look forward to seeing all of you in the National Capital Region for a great convention!

When the clock strikes noon on March 1, take to the streets and stand up for public services.

The Harper government wants to make reckless cuts to public services that Canadians rely on. Its austerity plan will have a devastating impact on families and communities across Canada.

Asking Canadians to choose between a strong economy and strong public services: it’s absurd! Canadians need both. On March 1, join thousands of workers across the country and demand better.

Ask your colleagues to stand with you; the only way we can win is if we stand together.

	Demonstration locations
	Printable leaflet