May 12, 2008
Parks members from Atlantic to B.C. mobilize to support bargaining team
PSAC members working at Parks Canada mobilize at their workplaces across the country to show support to their bargaining team.PSAC members at Parks Canada were out in force in the B.C. and Atlantic regions to show their support for their Bargaining Team, which returned to the table on May 5 upon the request of the employer.
On April 30, St. John's Local President Jeremy Roop and a regional PSAC staff met with the director of regional affairs and the assistant of Fisheries and Oceans Minister Loyola Hearn. The Minister was not in the region at the time, but the delegation highlighted to her staff the major issues at the negotiating table such as wages, job security, pay zones, workforce adjustment and student hiring. They also discussed the time already taken in negotiations with no clear mandate to negotiate by Parks. They spoke of the potential effects on the local economy and tourism in the event of strike action. The Minister's staff advised the delegation that their concerns will be forwarded to the Minister. The Local is also making arrangements to meet with other Members of Parliament in the area.
Another Local at Gros Morne National Park held a barbecue and mock picket line to coincide with the Bargaining Team's return to the negotiating table on May 5. The members' message in the flyer was clear to Parks Canada: "Get Quackin'" in negotiations. Members working at Terra Nova National Park sent the same message to their employer and expressed their support to the Bargaining Team.
The “Get Quackin” flyer was also distributed to members at a plantgate in Kouchibouguac National Park and in Nova Scotia. At the Fortress of Louisbourg, two Locals held a barbecue attended by about 80 members. Along with the flyers, little Get Quackin ducks were distributed. Members also signed postcards to MPs.
The Cape Breton Post interviewed PSAC Atlantic Regional Executive Vice-President Jeannie Baldwin, who, along with National Component Atlantic Vice-President Eddie Kennedy, spoke to the membeship. Members also signed a large strip of brown paper with messages of encouragement and support to the bargaining team. About 30 members wore T-shirts that asked, "Will Tomorrow Ever Come," as they waved placards about Job Security, No Contracting Out, No Zones and a decent Wage package.
PSAC members working at Parks Canada mobilize at their workplaces across the country to show support to their bargaining team.
Flyers and “I support my bargaining team” stickers were also sent out to locals in Quebec and Ontario. A local near Sudbury, Ontario, had almost all its members wearing the stickers at the workplace.
The green wristbands declaring members' support for the Bargaining Team were distributed to members in Manitoba where they're planning a practice picket in the very near future. The flyers and stickers were also distributed at Jasper and Elk Island parks.
In British Columbia, members have done a number of activities to coincide with the Bargaining Team's return to the table. On May 5, locals distributed the "I Support My Bargaining Team" bumper stickers, signs and tattoos. On May 9, locals distributed a flyer which exposes the Mountain Parks Business Plan, which indicates that 50 per cent of seasonal positions will be staffed by students within five years.
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Date Modified : 2008/05/12
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