{"id":5332,"date":"2016-02-08T10:36:15","date_gmt":"2016-02-08T15:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.une-sen.org\/press\/?p=5332"},"modified":"2016-02-08T10:36:15","modified_gmt":"2016-02-08T15:36:15","slug":"treasury-board-bargaining-new-government-old-mandate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unesen.ca\/press\/?p=5332","title":{"rendered":"Treasury Board bargaining: new government, old mandate"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"CBUpdate\"<\/p>\n

Treasury Board bargaining teams met this week for the first time since the election of the new Liberal government.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

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We brought forward proposals addressing the needs that were identified by the membership and continue to work toward achieving a fair collective agreement.<\/p>\n

Given the Liberals\u2019 election promises, we expected this government to bring forward a new bargaining mandate. In fact there was little indication of a change in approach.<\/p>\n

We will not trade away sick leave<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Treasury Board negotiators tabled a proposal similar to that of the previous Conservative government, that would replace our existing sick leave plan. It takes away existing rights and leaves members worse off. The proposed short term disability plan would fall outside of the collective agreement and allow the government to make unilateral changes any time.<\/p>\n

We remain open to improvements on sick leave but we will not negotiate concessions or agree to any proposal that forces members to choose between losing pay or going to work sick.<\/p>\n

Fair bargaining and Bill C4<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We are pleased to see the government move to repeal Bill C59<\/a> (division 20), but there is still another unfair labour law on the books. The unconstitutional changes to labour laws governing the collective bargaining process under C4<\/a> remain a key issue.<\/p>\n

It is a mystery why the government is not repealing this legislation in light of the clear pronouncements made by the Supreme Court in the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour case. We will continue to move forward with our litigation and take all necessary steps to ensure that there is free and fair collective bargaining for the federal public service.<\/p>\n

At the bargaining table, PSAC will continue to focus on measures to improve the delivery and quality of public services and make the federal public service an efficient and healthy place to work. This benefits all Canadians.<\/p>\n