News release

May 1, 2003 

PSAC plans fight to protect public services 

MONTREAL –  Protecting public services from private greed is driving the new action plan to fight globalization adopted by the Public Service Alliance of Canada at its triennial convention. 

            “We cannot ignore the threats to public services and the stability they provide to our communities,” says PSAC National President Nycole Turmel.  “With every passing day, corporations exert greater influence over domestic economies.   In many countries, including Canada, corporations are demanding the unencumbered right to deliver public services.  And, when they don’t succeed, they demand and receive compensation under a string of trade agreements.” 

            According to Turmel, “drawing attention to the corporate agenda, confronting the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization and other institutions of globalization is essential if the economic, political, environmental and social conditions of PSAC members and working people in Canada and around the world are to be protected and enhanced.” 

            The PSAC’s plan is designed to work on a number of fronts.  The union’s Social Justice Fund, launched at the convention, will focus on international developmental work, Canadian anti-poverty and development initiatives, emergency relief work in Canada and around the world, worker to worker exchanges and worker education at home and abroad. 

            “Anti-globalization work will be a priority for the PSAC’s political action program for the next three years,” indicates Turmel.  “We will be working with coalition partners such as Common Frontiers and the Common Front on the World Trade Organization, participating in forums and demonstrations and making the connection between globalization and the privatization of public services during the next federal election.” 

“The union’s conferences, including those for bargaining, will bring an international solidarity and anti-globalization perspective to them. We will be developing special education courses and paying particular attention to communicating with our members about the impact of globalization and what their union is doing to protect the public services they provide to Canadians.” 

            The union will continue its work with the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), with Public Services International and other international labour bodies to confront the international agencies that promote corporate control of public resources.           

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For information: Liz Holden, Coordinator, Communications and Political Action, 613- 560-4280  

Pierre Lebel, Communications Officer,  613-560-5482