Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Nominate the exceptional work that is bringing PSAC locals in BC together!

Local Development has been a successful initiative that has been with us for many years. This year, we in BC want to get even more creative with developing strong and vibrant Locals in the workplace and as a result we have created the PSAC Local Achievement Awards. We want to recognize and honor Locals who have achieved workplace victories on behalf of Sisters and Brothers in a variety of categories.

Building strong Locals, one steward at a time.

This is an initiative of the BC Stewards Network, for more information, contact Dave Jackson at the Victoria RO at (250) 950 1050 | 1 (866) 953 1050 | email jacksod@psac.com and download the …

• Local Achievement Awards poster
• Local Achievement Awards background information
• Local Achievement Awards nomination form

A nomination form is available, to be used by Locals and/or members to nominate a Local whose victory at the Local level deserves recognition. Watch for more information coming soon in the mail.

We have lots of photos this month! Many from May Day in Vancouver where a good contingent of the PSAC BC members and staff joined migrants, immigrants, undocumented, indigenous and Canadian workers for the May Day Organizing Committee’s annual International Workers’ Day march & rally on May 1st. This years’ theme was “Reclaim May 1st, International Workers’ Day! March for Workers Rights!”. Megan Adam, Alternate-REVP and First Vice-President for the PSAC Vancouver & District Area Council (VAC), spoke as a member organization of the May Day Organizing Committee at Grandview Park in Vancouver.

As well as some from the 2008 BC Regional Triennial Convention (a full convention report and all the photos are coming soon) and from the May Day celebrations in Terrace where Be Gomes, RC Geographic Coordinator for Northwestern BC, distributed “Think Public!” materials with the Kitimat-Terrace and District Labour Council.

Cheers to Jack Seto and the GSU 20008 Executive for sending in some We Support Our Bargaining team photos (the posters have been signed and sent to the TB Bargaining Team) and to Rosemary MacKenzie, James Little and Cindy Little (RC Coordinator for the South Island) who attended the April 28th Day of Mourning event in Victoria.

Continue reading ‘PSAC photos: April / May’

OTTAWA – While the Harper government is in denial about women’s inequality, income gaps between men and women persist and are growing, according to the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).

“It’s unacceptable that four years after a federal Pay Equity Task Force released its report recommending a new proactive federal pay equity law, women still face wage discrimination,” says PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President Robyn Benson.

• More at national website: Put pay equity back on the agenda!

In the mid ‘90s women working full-time earned on average 72 cents for every dollar earned by a man. By 2005, that proportion had dropped to 70.5 cents. And the pay gap for immigrant women, many of whom are racialized, is much worse.

“Women know where the Prime Minister and his government stand”, says Benson. “As head of the National Citizens Coalition in 1998 he declared that pay equity was a rip-off and that ‘the federal government should scrap its ridiculous pay equity law’.”

According to Benson, “what’s ridiculous is that women are denied their right to pay equity because their complaints take decades to resolve under the current law. What’s ridiculous is that there is nothing in the current law to force employers to review their pay practices and correct discriminatory wages.”

Continue reading ‘News Release: Women have nothing to celebrate on 4th anniversary’

Demands Includes Wage Increases to Bring CBSA Workers in Line with Other Enforcement Workers.

The week of April 30th our Bargaining Team met with Treasury Board/CBSA Administration to continue negotiations for a first contract for FB workers at CBSA. At the table our team made it clear to management that officers are leaving CBSA on a regular basis because working conditions and wages are inferior at CBSA in comparison to other unionized law enforcement agencies in Canada. Recently our team received the first installment of an independent pay study produced for the PSAC that confirmed that compensation for CBSA workers are significantly below market. To address the issue of wage inequity, our team tabled an economic package based on the initial findings of the independent study, a package proposal that includes the following …

Continue reading ‘TB Bargaining Update: FB Bargaining Team Tables Economic Package’

• Sign up for regional TB bargaining updates by email
• Contact your Area/Hub Strike Coordinator here.

Your PA negotiating team finished its work on our pay proposal and spent two days, April 23 and 24, with the Treasury Board team.

Our proposal has three significant elements:

1. Adjusting our salaries to keep them in line with other federal public sector employers

We’re proposing what are known as “market adjustments” so that salary rates in the PA unit are in line with comparable jobs in the federal public sector – particularly the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Effective June 21, 2007, before applying an economic increase, we’re proposing that job rates (the maximum rate) for each classification, except WPs, be increased to the job rates for comparable positions at CRA when they were converted to their new classifications on November 1, 2007. To ensure that none of our members are left behind, we’ve also asked for increases to job rates for the small number of classifications and levels that can’t be compared to CRA. These market adjustments, if implemented, would result in increases to all pay rates.

In the case of WP positions, and two groups of PM-4 positions with enforcement responsibilities, we’re proposing adjustments based on the results of an Enforcement Study conducted for the Union by compensation consultants Morneau Sobeco. For WPs, we’re proposing to increase all job rates, which would result in an increase to all WP pay rates. For PM-4 wildlife officers and fishery officers with enforcement duties, we’re proposing an annual allowance, on top of the market adjustment for PM-4s, outlined above.

2. Changes to our system of increments

Right now there are differences in the number of increments for each of the groups in the PA bargaining unit. In order to even this out, we’re proposing that there be a job rate (the maximum rate) and two increments for most levels in each classification. The period between increments would in most cases be 52 weeks and the difference between most levels in each classification would be 4%.
Deep discounts shouldn’t apply to your job

We’re proposing this change to stop the employer’s practice of discounting your job. We understand that some members see the increments as a way for the employer to recognize their years of service. But think again. The actual value of each classification is the maximum rate. Increments are calculated downwards from that rate. In other words, every year that you are not at your maximum rate, the employer is devaluing your work, not recognizing it. We want to reduce the number of years the employer can take advantage and pay you less than your job is worth. Fewer increments mean more years at the maximum rate of pay.

3. A fair economic increase

After applying market adjustments and fixing up the increment system, we’re proposing economic increases of

• 4.5% - effective June 21, 2007
• 4.5% - effective June 21, 2008
• 4.5% - effective June 21, 2009

The full details of our pay proposal will be posted on the PSAC web site soon.

Continue reading ‘Treasury Board Bargaining: We showed them the money’

This round of bargaining is taking place under the new Public Service Labour Relations Act, here are 10 things you ought to know about the law …

1. The basic framework remains unchanged
2. The new Act emphasizes “the public interest”
3. There are new factors which Arbitration Boards must consider, including an “ability to pay” clause.
4. Conciliation Boards are replaced by Public Interest Commissions, which also must consider the same factors.
5. The conduct of strike votes is now governed by the law.
6. The strike vote has a “best before” date (60 days).
7. The Employer has a “free speech” clause.
8. Designations are gone, replaced by “Essential Services Agreements”.
9. There are prohibitions against impeding ESA workers.
10. Planning strike vote timing and strike vote commencement has become more complex.

source: Canwest News Services, via Anne Marie Sleeman, UEW 20729

OTTAWA - Canadians are increasingly stressed and depressed on the job, and it is costing the economy and society dearly, says a study released Thursday by Desjardins Financial Security.
According to the results, 83 per cent of Canadians report having shown up for work while sick or exhausted, and did so an average of six times in the past year.

Another 89 per cent of the 1,594 adults interviewed for the survey believe incidences of stress-related mental-health problems such as burnout, depression and anxiety have been increasing over the years.
All this is costing the economy $30 billion a year, says a 2005 study produced by the journal Chronic Diseases in Canada, quoted in the Desjardins report.

Continue reading ‘Health and Safety: Stressed-out workers costing economy $30 billion a year’

The factors that go into developing a pay demand

Our Union considers a number of factors when putting together a pay demand.

1. We examine what other workers are being paid who are doing comparable work and we make direct comparisons with PSAC members working for other federal employers.

We use union research, sometimes supplemented by compensation studies, to see what workers are being paid for comparable jobs both in the public and private sectors. With this data, we can propose what are known as “market adjustment” increases. These increases are designed to keep the federal government competitive as an employer. In an economy with low rates of unemployment and an aging workforce, that’s important. Our negotiating teams for each Treasury Board unit are determining what “market adjustment” increases are needed for their members. Look for more information on proposed adjustments in upcoming bulletins from the negotiating teams.

1. We calculate what we need to give our members some real economic improvement that reflects the continued strength of the Canadian economy and protects against inflation.
2. We consider what kinds of increases other workers are negotiating.

Our demand for 2007-2008-2009

For this round of negotiations, we’re proposing:

• an economic increase of 4.5%,
• in each year of a three-year collective agreement,
• retroactive to the first day of the new three-year agreement (the date in 2007 will vary by bargaining unit),
• that applies to all members covered by the agreement.

This proposal has already been tabled with Treasury Board for the PA and FB units and will be soon for the SV unit.

Continue reading ‘TB Bargaining: Proposing a wage increase: we’re worth it!’

On May 1^st, 1886, 80,000 workers took to the streets of Chicago to demand an eight-hour work day. This was at a time when the right to organize and strike did not exist. The peaceful mass meeting at Haymarket Square in Chicago that followed was broken up by armed police, leading to the death of seven police officers, and later, the execution of seven prominent labour leaders. Since then, people all over the world have used May 1st as an opportunity to commemorate the struggle for decent working conditions and to press for social justice and workers’ rights.

• Read more about the Haymarket Affair at wikipedia.org.

In 2008, workers are still fighting to protect their hard-won rights to organize, to bargain collectively and to strike. In the last couple of years alone, we have seen workers’ rights eroded through:

• The defeat of Bill C-257, which would have made it illegal for employers to hire scab labour.
• The Harper government’s dismantling of a hard fought-for universal child care program.
• The removal of the “equality” mandate from Status of Women Canada and the abolishment of the Court Challenges Program, which gave marginalized groups access to the court system to fight for their constitutional rights.
• Continued closed-door negotiations on the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America – a pact between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, which is being led by some of the world’s richest corporations, with zero input from working people.

In addition to standing up for people’s rights in the workplace, PSAC is building a movement to fight back and defend Canada’s valuable public services. We believe that the needs of people come first – that the role of government is to protect and promote the social, economic and safety needs of the public, rather than promote profits at any cost.

One hundred and twenty two years after the Haymarket Affair, PSAC celebrates our successes but we remain vigilant against attacks on our rights.

Women Behaving Politically: Organizing for Change.

The Western Regional Summer Institute for Union Women offers an intensive week of learning within a supportive environment in which union women can develop their skills as workers, activists and leaders.

Sponsored by the British Columbia Federation of Labour, the Institute will be held at the University of Victoria (UVIC). The Western Regional SIUW brings together union women from BC, Washington State, Oregon and California.

Our theme, Women Behaving Politically: Organizing for Change, reflects labour’s commitment to providing women with both the skills and strategies to understand the key issues for labour and how that understanding can help us participate in the upcoming elections, and develop stronger leadership among women within our unions and political institutions. We need the world to hear more women’s voices speaking out on issues that matter to us like: pay equity, a higher minimum wage, universal childcare, health care, the economy, poverty and the right to join a union.

Read more, and download a brochure and registration form at bcfed.ca.

Your Bargaining Team met with the BC Corps of Commissionaires on April 24 and 25, 2008.

This was the first meeting of the parties following the exchange of bargaining proposals on February 27, 2008. These negotiations, for a first collective agreement, include two (2) bargaining units: approximately 40 Commissionaires performing work on behalf of the Canadian Border Services Agency at Library Square and the Vancouver International Airport and 8 Commissionaires performing work on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the Seal Cove Coast Guard Base in Prince Rupert.

The following issues were discussed:

• Purpose and Scope of the Collective Agreement
• Management Rights
• Definitions and Interpretations
• Union Recognition
• Union Representatives
• Use of Client Facilities
• Union Dues and Membership
• Information
• Leave With or Without Pay for Union Business

Although some progress was made during those two (2) days of negotiations, no articles were signed off. The next meeting has been tentatively set for May 29 and 30, 2008.

October 3,4,5: Building Our Union, Building Our Movement! Ensuring Labour’s Relevance in a Changing World

The theme of this year’s union school is “Building Our Union, Building Our Movement! Ensuring Labour’s Relevance in a Changing World.” Our goal is to strengthen our union and ensure the relevancy of the labour movement in a changing world by building solidarity with other workers and communities, both locally and globally.

Can our union and the labour movement remain relevant in an increasingly changing world? How can we mobilize to protect the rights of our members and build solidarity with other workers struggling against exploitation? How can the labour movement organize a collective response to the increasing corporatization of our workplaces and our communities? How can we engage our political system, particularly at a municipal level, to make sure that as trade unionists, our voices are heard in the larger arena?

By working hand-in-hand with other members of our locals, our unions and communities around the world, we can create and build a labour movement that can respond to the many challenges that workers face today. By building solidarity with other workers - particularly those that are working in unorganized workplaces, in temporary jobs and often in precarious working conditions – and exploring creative strategies to protect our collective rights, we can forge a vibrant movement for social change that in will in turn, strengthen our own union.

This theme underscores how critical it is for our survival and growth as trade unionists to identify new strategies for resistance that are rooted in building alliances across unions, communities and borders, particularly with those workers and other members of our society who are the most marginalized.

Plenary sessions and guest speakers will demonstrate the links between strengthening our union, maintaining the relevance of labour movements at both a local and global level and protecting the rights of all workers.

Visit the Union School 2008 page for more information, course descriptions, and application forms.

There was a preliminary statement by the Union negotiating team addressing the issue of Pay Parity with other sectors of the Public Service. We have put the employer on notice that this will be a priority for the union when we table our full pay position.

We encourage the membership to read both the Union and The CFIA bargaining proposals and to provide feedback to the team member in BC - email Bob Jackson.

Sisters and Brothers:

April 28, 2008 will mark the 24^th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning for workers killed and injured on the job. The National Day of Mourning was started in 1984 as an initiative of the Canadian Labour movement and this day of reflection is now established around the world.

• More Day of Mourning information, including a list of events in BC
• Read more Heath & Safety related posts

In 1984, according to the official figures listed by the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), 744 workers were listed as having died from workplace injuries. But instead of seeing and improvement is this tragic situation, the past two decades has actually seen an increase in the number of workplace fatalities. In 2006, the last year that the AWCBC has released statistics for, 976 workers were killed on the job due to workplace injuries.

However, we know that these statistics are grossly underestimated and that the real number of deaths resulting from occupational illness and disease, and other workerplace factors are never included in these official statistics, as it is extremely difficult to prove that deaths that are caused by occupational disease, such as cancer, are caused by exposure to hazards in the workplace.

Continue reading ‘Health and Safety: PSAC statement on April 28th’

From Libby Davies

Dear friends,

Recently the Conservative government in Ottawa tried to sneak controversial changes into the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) through the House of Commons via C-50 (the Budget Implementation Act). These sweeping changes give enormous powers to the Minister to decide which categories of immigration applications will be processed, and which would be ignored or discarded. It also restricts several kinds of applicants based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds that Canadian sponsors can use to bring their relatives into Canada, and gives the Minister extraordinary powers to deny visas to those who meet all the immigration criteria and have been waiting for years to have their cases conclude. NDP Immigration Critic Olivia Chow has done excellent work in opposition to these unfair and misguided changes. To learn more about the changes, visit her website.

Continue reading ‘Bill C-50 and Changes to Immigration’

Negotiations for a first collective agreement between the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the BC Corps of Commissionaires (Corps) are scheduled to be held in Vancouver on April 24 and 25, 2008. The parties had met for the first time on February 27, 2008, to exchange bargaining proposals and to discuss housekeeping matters.

These negotiations will include two (2) bargaining units: approximately 40 Commissionaires performing work on behalf of the Canadian Border Services Agency at Library Square and the Vancouver International Airport and 8 Commissionaires performing work on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the Seal Cove Coast Guard Base in Prince Rupert.

April 28, 2008 marks the 24th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or hurt by workplace injuries or disease.

The Canadian Labour Congress, who were the authors of this initiative in 1984, have marked this special day with the theme of “Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living – Now more than ever!” It is very encouraging to see that this special day is now celebrated around the world from Azerbaijan to Zambia with more involvement being seen each and every year.

The PSAC continues to struggle to create stronger laws and regulations in support of Health & Safety and Hazard Prevention. We hope that the annual observance of this day will strengthen the resolve to establish safer conditions in the workplace for all.

Please join with the PSAC and other labour organizations at Day of Mourning events scheduled in your community.

Resources (all .pdf)

• List of 2008 events in BC, provided by the BC Fed
• Day of Mourning Event poster - Victoria
• Resource Information for 2008 Day of Mourning
• Labour Council Notes for April 28th
• PSAC BC Day of Mourning poster (1.32 MB .pdf)

Continue reading ‘On April 28th: Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living - Now more than ever!’

Continue reading ‘PSAC members at Convention and across the province support their bargaining teams’