News release

September 22, 2004

Government action endangers an important scientific research in the Atlantic

HALIFAX – The refusal by the Canadian government to treat its workers fairly, resulting in a strike launched Monday by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), might endanger an important scientific research project of the Coast Guard in the Atlantic . Some of the striking PSAC members in the operational services group employed by the Canadian government are working on Coast Guard ships.

“Science is very important, but so is earning a decent living for our members at the Coast Guard,” says Jeannie Baldwin, PSAC Vice-president for the Atlantic .   “Our operational members are the ones who care for the scientists and they support the research that is accomplished.   This government needs to recognize the importance of both our members and the scientific staff.   In refusing to negotiate fairly, they are affecting more than PSAC members.”

Twenty-five PSAC members are on strike in Matane , Quebec .   They are the ships crews on two ships currently in drydock: the George W. Pearkes, where 10 members are on strike and the Hudson , stalled by a strike of its 15 member crew.

These two Coast Guard ships are in Matane for a refit.   The Hudson has been involved in a multi year research project that was supposed to finish this year.   This is a time sensitive project involving biological, water and seismic studies, costing millions of dollars which research must be finished the this fall.   The George W. Peakes is a maintenance and research ship.

Operational workers started strike action on September 20. The 11,000 workers in the Operational Services Group include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, labourers, stationary engineers, cleaners, and deckhands on national defence, coast guard and fisheries' vessels.   Approximately half of the members are employed in National Defence.   Other large concentrations are in Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Correctional Services Canada.

Negotiations for these PSAC members with Treasury Board have been underway since the last contract expired in August, 2003.

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Information:  Jeannie Baldwin, PSAC Vice-President, Atlantic – (902) 445-0925

Stan Maly, ships crew PSAC member – (902) 877-1235