Letter to PSAC Members

December 23, 2003

Sisters and Brothers,

We are in the process of answering many of your questions and addressing your concerns about the recent government announcements on restructuring and "program review". We understand and share your concerns, and want to assure all PSAC members that their union is treating your concerns very seriously.

To-date, the main problem we have encountered in addressing program review and government restructuring is that the government has proven either unwilling or unable to answer the many questions we have raised with them. This inadequate response is a violation of your rights, and we are using all of the means at our disposal to address that violation.

We have been actively coordinating our responses with PSAC components and reallocating internal resources to enable us to better understand what is happening and to act effectively and proactively to ensure that your rights are protected and vigorously enforced.

Since the announcements were made a little over a week ago, we have met with government representatives at all levels to clarify how the government intends to proceed with its agenda. We have met with the press and they have communicated our concerns to the general public. From the comments we have received from the press, the public and the academic community, it is clear that many share our concerns. The Canadian Union of Public Employees, for instance, publicly voted to support us in our fight for public sector jobs.

We urge you to continue to contact us with your questions and with your insight into what is happeneing at your workplace. Let us know the information that you are receiving from your managers and supervisors.

We wish you all a good holiday season and look forward to working with you and on your behalf to make it a fair and just New Year for all.

In Solidarity,

Nycole Turmel
National President