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Union UpdateDecember 12 to 30, 2005 In this issue:
PSAC members’ political rights
The definition of political activities in the PSEA is quite broad. The PSEA defines political activities as anything done to support or oppose a political party or a political candidate. It also includes seeking nomination or standing as a candidate in a municipal, provincial, territorial or federal election either before or during the election period. In 1984, the PSAC had challenged the restrictions on political rights in the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) and in 1991 the Supreme Court of Canada struck down these restrictions. There have been virtually no complaints during the last 14 years of non-restricted political activities undertaken by PSAC members. There is absolutely no justification for the government to prohibit our members' right to participate fully in the democratic process. The Public Service Commission has created a “self-assessment tool” on their website that employees are encouraged to use to determine whether or not they should engage in political activities. However, this tool seems designed to discourage any public sector worker from doing anything more than casting a vote during an election. No matter how removed you may be from any contact with Ministers, or that you have no influence on policy-making, the tool will conclude that you should not be involved. Your union suggests that you keep in mind the following guiding principles when determining how you want to exercise your democratic rights.
PSAC members can obtain more information on this subject from their regional office. They can also read the complete PSAC's fact sheets about the members' political rights, and other electoral issues, on the PSAC website: www.psac-afpc.com Celebrating 40 years of action, achievement and change
It will also be a year to remember the labour activists who, during the last four decades, worked tirelessly to improve workers' salaries and working conditions, laying the foundations upon which PSAC members continue the fight for true equality in Canada and the world. To mark this anniversary, the 40 th anniversary logo will figure on all membership and promotional materials, including the very popular PSAC calendar. Also, every issue of the new PSAC tabloid in 2006 will feature articles about our union's achievements over the years. We encourage members in every region to take part in activities to mark this celebration. A list of local events will be prepared in the new year so stay tuned to find out what's happening in your area. Want to help organize an event in your region? Contact your local PSAC office and let them know you're willing to lend a hand. We will provide you with the tools to help you celebrate the PSAC's 40 th anniversary. Happy anniversary, PSAC! Bargaining UpdateNishnawbe-Aski civilian staff Newly organized PSAC members ratified their first collective agreement with the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board. The twenty civilian employees voted to join the Public Service Alliance of Canada in July and were looking for improved working conditions and wages. Highlights of the contract include: significant wage adjustments, a pension plan, and commitments to work to improve health and safety and job classification. The agreement expires March 31, 2007 . Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services civilian staff works in Cochrane, Sioux Lookout, Sandy Lake detachment offices and at their headquarters in Thunder Bay . They provide support for the police services in 35 First Nations Communities in Northern Ontario . Science and Technology Museum PSAC members working at the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation overwhelmingly voted in favour of a tentative agreement, which includes the conversion to a new classification plan, with provisions for an average 18.6% increase to the maximum rates of pay. Members will also receive economic increases in line with those negotiated at the Treasury Board tables (2.25% retroactive to April 2004, followed by 2.4% in 2005, 2.5% in 2006 and 2.25% in 2007). Other economic increases include an increase in weekend and shift premiums to $2.00 an hour, a new late-hour premium, $2.00 per hour for all hours worked between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. , and an increase to $18 in standby pay for each eight consecutive hours. PSAC members made a breakthrough in the area of human rights, with a provision adding gender identity and expression to the list of prohibited grounds in the “No Discrimination/Harassment” clause. Statistics Canada Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) members employed as interviewers with Statistical Survey Operations (SSO) have ratified their new three-year tentative agreements. The interviewers are in two bargaining units with one group working out of SSO's regional offices, the others working in the field, conducting interviews in respondents' homes and workplaces. The new agreements include wage increases for both units of 2.25% retroactive to December 1, 2004 ; 2.4% retroactive to December 1, 2005 and 2.5% effective December 1, 2006 . Both agreements expire on November 30, 2007 . Field Interviewers receive pay in lieu of benefits and that percentage has been raised from 3.5% to 4.0% of all straight-time hours worked. This payment will continue, even if an employee's average work week drops below 12.5 hours. The approximately 1,000 interviewers collect data for Statistics Canada's Consumer Price Index and monthly Labour Force Survey, among many others. Georgian Downs Racetrack Members of the PSAC Local 00500 at the Georgian Downs Racetrack are still trying to negotiate a first collective agreement with their employer. The Union and Company have already agreed on several issues including employee assessments, leaves, discrimination, health & safety and a grievance procedure, union representation and seniority. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for January. The monetary demands will then be tabled. The 130 PSAC members at the Georgian Downs Racetrack include food and beverage employees, mutual workers, maintenance, and gift shop workers to name a few. Notices to bargain Notice to bargain was served to the following: Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation; Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety in Hamilton, ON; Yukon Women's Transition Home; Yukon Arts Centre Corporation in Whitehorse; Bosco Homes Trailcross Treatment Centre in Edmonton, AB; Hamlet of Baker Lake; Hamlet of Chesterfield; Kugluktuk Housing Association; Hamlet of Kugluktuk; Rankin Inlet Housing Association in Nunavut and Hat River Housing Authority in NT. Ratification PSAC members working at the Uncle Gabe's Friendship Centre in Fort Smith , and at the Fort Resolution Housing Authority, NT, ratified their collective agreement. PSAC’s Law enforcement roundtableThe PSAC conducted an important consultation meeting on November 31 and December 1 st with representatives of members who have peace officer powers. The roundtable brought together more than 15 delegates from across the country in Gatineau , QC in a forum which was designed to address issues of concern held by the PSAC enforcement community directly to the leadership of the union. For the PSAC National President, Nycole Turmel, this type of direct consultation was an effective way to address complex and controversial issues that cross component and classification divisions. Among the many topics that were discussed during the two days of the roundtable, were issues of classification, training, health and safety as well as bargaining. The PSAC has committed to further discuss these common issues and the National President will strike sub-committees to advance the agenda to address these issues. A report on the discussion held during the forum is being prepared for the PSAC leadership. New Peace Officers Immigration enforcement and port of entry officers were finally recognized as Peace Officers when Bill C-26 came into force on December 12. The new status came after CEIU had argued for the change before the Commons committee examining the Bill. The union position was that the border officers needed the protection provided by the status of "peace officer". These workers face dangers similar to those of police officers, but individuals who assaulted our members did not face the more serious charge of assaulting a peace officer. For CEIU President, Jeanette Meunier-Mckay, the change means that those PSAC members will enjoy the protection under the law that they need and deserve.Second privatization reversal in Northwest TerritoriesThe Government of Northwest Territories terminated the contract with Rowe's Construction to operate the ferry on the MacKenzie River at Fort Providence and immediately hired the contractor's former employees. For PSAC members working at the ferry, the decision means better wages and benefits as they become automatically covered by the collective agreement that already exists between the GNWT and the PSAC. It is the second time in two months the GNWT has transformed a private service into a public one. The first privatization reversal happened in Fort Simpson when PSAC members were on strike against their private employer, Rowe's Construction. (See Union Update Vol. 17 No 16) . In Fort Providence , negotiations were under way without ferry service interruption. For Jean-François DesLauriers, PSAC-North executive vice-president, this privatization reversal means better wages, benefits and job security for PSAC members. “Our members can now go on with their duties of providing a high quality, reliable public service to the local population who relies heavily on the ferry service in its daily life.” GNWT Transportation Minister Michael McLeod adds, “This proactive step is in the best interest of everyone concerned.” During the first labour disruption at Fort Simpson , the local residents continuously showed their support to the PSAC members in their quest for a fair and reasonable collective agreement.PSAC ScholarshipCongratulations to the winners Every year, the PSAC makes 12 scholarships available to its members and their children. Awarding of the scholarships is based on a 500 - 750 word essay, scholastic achievement, and community and union involvement. Here is the list of the 2005 winners.
For more information about the PSAC scholarships, please visit: www.psac.com Continuing education
Beauport , QC 30 November
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The new Public Service Employment Act (PSEA), which came into force on December 31, 2005 , has imposed new restrictions on political activities for all public service workers.
In 2006, the PSAC will proudly celebrate our many accomplishments of the last 40 years. We will also look forward to a future in which we continue to play a leadership role in the struggle for human rights and social justice.
Two advanced local officers' courses were offered recently in Quebec . The first one was in Orford in the Eastern Townships from November 5 to 9 and the second one was in Lac Beauport, near Quebec City , from November 26 to 30. As the pictures show, the participants appreciated the course.