Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

updated Nov 20th with the Victoria Airport flowchart!

Grievance time lines are one of the most important elements of problem solving. If we miss the initial filing of a grievance or the transmittal of grievances between levels we shortchange one or more of our members. In order to avoid this happening we have updated and posted several grievance time line flowcharts, more will follow for other bargaining units.

• Purolator Courier grievance flowchart (pdf)
• CRA grievance flowchart (pdf)
• CFIA grievance flowchart (pdf)
• Canada Post grievance flowchart (pdf)
• YVR grievance flowchart (pdf)
• Treasury Board grievance flowchart (pdf)
• Stats Canada grievance flowchart (pdf)
• YYJ grievance flowchart (pdf)

On November 3rd and 4th the Federal Court –Appeals Division heard arguments regarding two appeals filed by the PSAC in response to the February 2008 Federal Court-Trial Division decision. This earlier court decision struck down the 2005 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision which found Canada Post had violated section 11 of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

The PSAC’ first appeal seeks to have the Tribunal’s findings restored on the basis the trial judge made several errors in concluding there was no violation of the Canadian Human Rights Act’s equal pay provisions and that there was no systemic discrimination within Canada Post. The CHRC also argued the Tribunal’s decision should be re-instated.

The PSAC’s second appeal challenged the amount of compensation ordered by the Tribunal in 2005. The Tribunal halved the amount of compensation it ordered based on its concerns over the reliability and accuracy of the job information involved in this case. The PSAC argued there was no evidence justifying this action as there was any evidence that any uncertainties in the job information over-estimated the wage gap.

The Federal Court-Appeal Division’s decisions are not expected until well into 2010.

The tentative agreement reached with Purolator Courier Ltd. on August 19, 2009, was ratified by the membership on September 27, 2009. Unless otherwise specified, the provisions of the agreement have force and effect on the date of ratification.

Highlights of the four year agreement, set to expire December 31, 2012, include:

• Economic increases of 3.0, 3.0, 3.25, and 3%
• Special equity adjustments for all classifications and levels of 2% in January 2011, and a further 2.5 % in January 2012
• Improvements to vacation leave for long-time employees
• Improvements to the pension plan and benefits plan
• Increased coverage for generic prescription drugs, basic dental care, and vision care.

The bargaining team would like to thank all members of the Local for their support during negotiations.

Vote times and locations throughout BC

September 16 – Nanaimo, 6:30PM, Boston Pizza, 2-5779 Turner Road
September 17 – Victoria, 6:30PM, Boston Pizza, 100-3510 Blanshard Street
September 17 – Kamloops, 6:30PM, Starbucks
September 19 – Vernon/Kelowna, 3PM, Creekside, 3929 Lakeshore Road
September 21 – Prince George, 7PM, Main Depot
September 26 – Vancouver, 11:30AM to 2:30PM, PSAC RO, 200 – 5238 Joyce Street
September 27 – Vancouver, 11:30AM to 2:30PM, PSAC RO, 200 – 5238 Joyce Street

A tentative agreement was reached on August 19, 2009 between the PSAC and Purolator Courier Ltd. The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by both parties. Unless otherwise specified, the agreement will become effective on the date of ratification. The highlights of the agreement are:

DURATION:

• 4 years (expires December 31, 2012)

WAGES:

• Effective the 1st Monday in January 2009 – 3.0%
• Effective the 1st Monday in January 2010 – 3.0%
• Effective the 1st Monday in January 2011 – 3.25%
• Effective the 1st Monday in January 2012 – 3.0%

In addition, a special equity adjustment will apply to all classifications and levels:

• Effective the 1st Monday in January 2011 – 2%
• Effective the 1st Monday in January 2012 – 2.5%

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Your bargaining team is pleased to announce that, with the assistance of a Conciliation Officer, a tentative agreement was reached on Wednesday August 19th. Highlights of the four year agreement, set to expire December 31, 2012, include

• Economic increases of 3.0, 3.0, 3.25, and 3%
• Special equity adjustments for all classifications and levels of 2% in January 2011, and a further 2.5 % in January 2012
• Improvements to vacation leave for long-time employees
• Improvements to the pension plan and benefits plan
• Increased coverage for generic prescription drugs, basic dental care, and vision care.

More details will be available in the ratification package. The ratification vote is being scheduled, and further details will be available soon.

The bargaining team would like to thank all members of the Local for their support during negotiations.

All PSAC members working at Purolator Courier are invited to join in a Bargaining Update via Regional Teleconference Call

• Thursday Aug. 20, 2009 – 7:00PM
• Dial-in long distance: 877.385.4099
• Dial-in local: 604.899.2339
• Participants code: call the Vancouver RO at 604 430 5631 or 1 800 663 1655 for the code

Your Bargaining Team will provide an update on Negotiations to date and there will be a question and answer session.

Following the employer’s Notice of Dispute, the Minister of Labour appointed a Conciliation Officer to assist the parties in reaching a new collective agreement.

The Conciliation proceedings in the dispute are scheduled to be held on August 18 and 19, 2009.

Please contact a member of your Bargaining Team, or your Local President, should you require additional information.

In Solidarity, Joanne Hay, Karen Hirst, Jo-Anne Oberg, Richard Des Lauriers

Purolator Courier applied for Conciliation today. This means that, in the next couple of weeks, the Minister of Labour will be appointing a Conciliation Officer to assist the parties in reaching a new collective agreement. The conciliation process usually lasts sixty (60) days, unless the parties agree to an extension.

Although the collective agreement had an expiry date of December 31, 2008, the terms and conditions of employment contained in the agreement were automatically extended until a new agreement is reached or until the parties are in a legal strike or lockout position (unless the bargaining agent consents to the alteration of the terms and conditions).

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Negotiations between Purolator Courier and the Public Service Alliance of Canada were scheduled to resume June 15 to 17, 2009.  However, the employer left the bargaining table on the second day before the end of the session.

Over the course of the 2 days, the parties reached agreement on the following issues:

• Reimbursement for safety shoes ($100 annually if required by the employer, $25 if not required)
• Paid leave of one day for the adoption of a child
• A Letter of Understanding dealing with vacation scheduling
• Travel allowance (current rate of 0.39 cents – if increased, higher rate to apply to the bargaining unit)

Outstanding items where agreement has not been reached yet include:

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Negotiations between Purolator Courier and the Public Service Alliance of Canada resumed May 13 to 15, 2009. The parties continued to work on non monetary issues. Progress was very slow as only three (3) items were signed off. Including:

• A Letter of Understanding dealing with safety in Retail Stores;
• A Letter of Understanding dealing with consultations at the national level;
• A reference that the provisions of Compassionate Care Leave outlined in the Canada Labour Code shall be adhered to.

On May 15, the parties dealt with the majority of monetary issues. The employer’s response to these issues was less than enthusiastic. Despite consecutive years of profit, the employer stated that your expectations are different than the corporate reality!!! Your bargaining team hopes that the employer will address the concerns raised by the membership more seriously at the next session.

The next negotiation session is scheduled for June 15 to 17, 2009.

Please contact a member of your bargaining team if you would like to discuss further.

In Solidarity,

Joanne Hay, Karen Hirst, Jo-Anne Oberg, Richard L. Des Lauriers

The bargaining unit has approximately 150 members in British Columbia performing duties in different functions of the Company including administration, retail, customer service and operations support.

The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2008.

Negotiations between Purolator Courier and the Public Service Alliance of Canada commenced April 21, 2009. During the three-day session, the parties exchanged bargaining proposals and information related to their respective proposals. Although the number of employer proposals is relatively small (11), several of them contain rollbacks. However, the Union team was clear from the beginning that they were not interested in negotiating rollbacks.

Progress was slow. The issues dealt with were generally non monetary in nature. At the end of the three-day session, agreement had been reached on five items dealing with:
• Selection of arbitrators
• Job sites – re staffing of temporary vacancies
• Job sites – re lay-offs and recalls
• Days of rest for part-time employees
• Administrative changes to the vacation year

The next negotiation session is scheduled for May 13 to 15, 2009.

The bargaining unit has approximately 150 members in British Columbia performing duties in different functions of the Company including administration, retail, customer service and operations support.

The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2008.

Negotiations with Purolator Courier Ltd. are set to commence on April 21, 2009. The parties have scheduled three (3) days for this initial meeting.

Establishing dates for the commencement of collective bargaining for this round has been challenging. Following ratification of the bargaining proposals by the membership in September 2008, a Notice to Bargain was sent to the employer on October 16, 2008. The parties had originally agreed to exchange bargaining proposals on December 15, 2008. However, due to a series of unforeseeable circumstances, negotiations had to be postponed to the New Year.

Although the collective agreement has an expiry date of December 31, 2008, the terms and conditions of employment contained in the agreement will be extended until the parties reach a new agreement or the parties are in a legal strike or lockout position, unless the bargaining agent consents to the alteration of the terms and conditions.

This bargaining unit has approximately 140 members in British Columbia.

HOLIDAY MESSAGE TO UPCE MEMBERS FROM JOHN GORDON

Challenging your employer and taking strike action is difficult; it is even more so at this time of year. Between the weather and the holidays, it takes extra strength to remain on the picket line. I am so proud of your courage and determination in standing up to Canada Post and their attempts to break your solidarity.

• PSAC-UPCE members – Protect your rights at work!

This strike was long and difficult, but you all showed Canada Post, and the labour movement, how committed you were to making improvements on the employer’s offer. And because of your commitment and activism, you were able to move the Corporation; having them return to the bargaining table with an improved offer.

Throughout the strike, Canada Post claimed many members were returning to work; but we knew that was not the case as the picket lines remained strong. While Canada Post claimed that mail delivery had not been hurt by the strike, we knew that the mail was backed up and significantly behind schedule. While Canada Post claimed it was business as usual, we knew that important year-end work was not being completed.

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OTTAWA – The 2,100 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) working at Canada Post have accepted the final offer tabled by their employer early morning on December 21, 2008.

PSAC members, who have been on strike since Nov. 17, had voted on December 13 and 14 to reject employer’s previous offer to replace employee sick leave and family-related leave with the employer’s poorly designed Short Term Disability Plan . This latest offer contains improvements to the short-term disability plan.

Highlights of the final offer made by Canada Post are: salary increases of 2.5% in 2008 and 2009 and 2.75% in 2010 and 2011 for a four-year contract and a $500 signing bonus.

The previous collective agreement between UPCE/PSAC and Canada Post expired on August 31, 2008, and negotiations began on June 4, 2008.

PSAC members at Canada Post provide customer service and perform administrative, financial, technical and professional duties.

A ratification vote has been scheduled for PSAC/UPCE employees at Canada Post.

Dec 21 – Vancouver RO, 200 – 5238 Joyce Street, 11AM
Dec 22 – Vancouver, 411 Dunsmuir St. (411 Seniors Centre), 11AM
Dec 22 – Victoria Regional Office, 9AM

Download the ratification kit in English here. In French here. (pdf)

The Public Service Alliance of Canada will be asking members at Canada Post Corporation to vote on the employer’s final offer. The PSAC and Canada Post returned to the bargaining table last night and bargained until this morning when the employer tabled its final offer.

PSAC members, who have been on strike since Nov. 17, voted last week to reject the employer’s previous offer which proposed to replace employee sick leave and family-related leave with a short-term disability program.

The PSAC negotiating team believes that the Corporation’s mandate is firm and that further improvements will not be forthcoming. This latest final offer contains some improvements to the short-term disability plan.

The collective agreement between UPCE/PSAC and Canada Post expired on August 31, 2008, and negotiations began on June 4, 2008.

OTTAWA – Canada Post is misleading employees and the public about a ratification vote on the corporation’s last offer, according to the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). The union maintains that Canada Post made false allegations about the vote in a message posted to employees on the corporation’s website yesterday.

“Canada Post’s complaint is completely without merit and nothing but a shameful abuse of the taxpayer-funded processes of the Canada Industrial Relations Board,” says John Gordon, National President of PSAC, representing the 2,100 administrative and technical employees who have been on strike for 29 days. “More than two out of every three workers who voted rejected the employer’s last offer. Our members came out in droves to send their employer a message that they won’t back down until their sick leave and family-related leave is protected.”

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OTTAWA – Striking Canada Post workers overwhelmingly rejected their employer’s last offer in votes held across the country Saturday and Sunday.

More than two thirds voted against a Canada Post offer that would have replaced the workers’ sick leave and family-related leave with a new short-term disability system proposed by the corporation.

Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) National President, John Gordon, says the vote sends a clear message to Canada Post chief executive officer Moya Greene, her board and management team.

“In at least two letters to the Union and at the bargaining table, Canada Post management insisted that we present this offer to the members” Gordon said. “We did and the members have overwhelmingly rejected it as we knew they would.”

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When: Saturday December 13, 2008
Time: 8:00 PM
Where: YWCA, 733 Beatty Street, Vancouver BC

The Bargaining Team unanimously recommends rejection of the offer.

Erna Post, PSAC Negotiator, will be in attendance.

For the full kit, please visit the PSAC National Website.

Three musicians, all members of the striking UPCE pooled their talents and wrote a song for the occasion of the strike. Enjoy the video and sing along with the words provided. The musicians are Wanda Mundy, Jim Walker and John McCartney.

Wording for those who wish to sing along:

Mrs Greench, by: The Local 20101 Collective (2008)

You’re a mean one, Mrs Greench
You’re a slimy CEO
You’re screwing your employees
Out of their sick leave benefits
Mrs Greench:
Spoken: “You wouldn’t know the first thing about caring and compassion (and employee satisfaction) if it hit you in the head with 2 full bags of mail attached to:
Sung: A 39-and-a-half-foot pole!”

You’re a bully, Mrs Greench
You’re a heartless, cut-throat beast
Your sick plan makes me nauseous
Hope you get an STD
Mrs Greench:
Spoken: “The way you’re been treating your trustworthy, hardworking and faithful UPCE-PSAC employees, there are but 3 words to describe you and your offer, and I quote:
Sung: “Creep, Cheap, Crap”

You’re a “fowl” one, Mrs Greench
You’re a barnyard animal
You want to put us out to pasture
And de-regulate Canada Post
Mrs. Greench:
Spoken: “A few more choice words have come to mind to describe your management style…and the cowards you are sending out to try – without success – to intimidate us:
Sung: “Oink, quack, baaaaaaahd!”