Public Service Modernization

2003 Triennial National Convention Emergency Resolution Bill C-25

WHEREAS for a long time, the PSAC has been fighting for public sector labour relations legislation, similar to the Canada Labour Code, that expressly recognizes and fosters the right of federal public sector workers to an effective collective voice on all workplace issues;

WHEREAS the Federal Government, through Bill C-25, continues to exclude the PSAC from effectively representing its members on key workplace issues such as classification, staffing and pension-related issues;

WHEREAS Bill C-25 silences or weakens the voice of public sector workers by making their ability to exercise the right to strike more difficult, by dismantling the merit principle and undermining accountability within the public service, and by making recourse against appointments and deployments almost impossible;

WHEREAS Bill C-25 places a chill on union activism, participation, and representation activities;

WHEREAS Bill C-25 fails to establish any statutory protections for public sector workers who seek to expose wrongdoing in the workplace, and goes so far as to block their access to the courts;

WHEREAS the PSAC has put forth a comprehensive position to Parliament documenting why Bill C-25 is unacceptable in its current form;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the PSAC strongly pressure the Federal Government to amend Bill C-25 to recognize, and ensure, that public sector workers are able to associate and participate in free collective bargaining in a manner consistent with the rights enjoyed by workers covered by the Canada Labour Code;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the PSAC, its elected officers and members, oppose the offensive provisions of Bill C-25 through:

1) an organized letter-writing/fax/e-mail campaign to Members of Parliament voicing PSAC members’ concerns (a template appears on the PSAC website);

2) a concerted lobby of Members of Parliament by elected officers and members to seek support for the necessary amendments to the the Bill;

3) the continued publication of information for members related to Bill C-25 on the PSAC web site and in print;

4) the development of and the active participation by all members in PSAC organized events related to Bill C-25;

5) ongoing cooperation and collaboration with other unions who stand with the PSAC in opposition to Bill C-25; and

6) legal and other challenges of the excesses of Bill C-25, if passed into law.