News Release

February 18, 2005

PSAC President calls for women's political agenda

VANCOUVER – The National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is calling on women in the union to adopt a political agenda in order to achieve change.

Speaking at the PSAC's national women's conference, Nycole Turmel says that women's leadership is important in changing the face of power within their union, their workplaces, in their communities in Canada and beyond.

“Unions are among the few organizations that have the power to take collective action,” indicates Turmel.   “We have a responsibility to challenge governments to put human rights ahead of corporate rights, to put public services ahead of profits, to make equality a priority.”

Turmel outlined three key issues which need to be addressed.   The union wants the federal government:

•  To adopt a pan-Canadian child care system that is public, not-for-profit, universal and accessible, and to make governments accountable for the child care monies they receive;

•  To implement the recommendations of the federal Pay Equity Task Force and to enact a mandatory, pro-active federal pay equity law; and

•  To pass legislation that will give full protection to pregnant and nursing women whose work poses a risk to the health of their fetus or baby.  

According to Turmel, “victories on these three issues would make a tremendous difference in the lives of women in Canada.   I believe the labour and social justice movements can take on these fights and win.”

PSAC has a track record of being active in the struggle for women's equality.   For over twenty years, women in the union have been tenacious in their battles against the federal government, the government of the Northwest Territories and Canada Post for pay equity.    

It has been 20 years since PSAC held its first national women's conference and great strides have been made.   About 60% of the union's members are women.   They now make up 50% of all union officer positions.  

“My hope is that in twenty years from now, we will look back and be proud of the further gains that all women have made within the PSAC, including the leadership,” says Turmel.   “I hope the face of power will be more inclusive of our racially visible sisters, our Inuit, Métis and Aboriginal sisters, our sisters with disabilities, our younger sisters and our sisters from the LGBT communities.”  

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For information: Louise Laporte, Communications, (613) 558-4975 (cell)

09-180205