News: Cap Rouge coroner’s inquest calls for sweeping changes in Coast Guard search and rescue efforts

June 2nd Jury recognizes “professional efforts” of rescue divers After two weeks of heartbreaking testimony, a B.C. coroner’s inquest into the tragic deaths of five people in the 2002 sinking of the Cap Rouge II fish boat has issued sweeping recommendations designed to improve Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue capability, and safety standards in the fishing industry. Read more, including the jury's recommendations, here.

CEP Local 1129 - Strike Support Encouraged

CEP Local 1129, a small local representing approx. 100 workers, has been on strike against the Norampac papermill in south Burnaby for seven weeks.

They are striking for the pulp and paper industry pattern settlement and against a series of company concession demands.

Of 23 CEP pulp and paper locals in BC, this is THE ONLY ONE that has not achieved the pattern settlement.

Read more here.

CLC issues letter condemning recent US Government actions agains Cuba

The Canadian Labour Congress has issued a strong letter condemning recent US gov't actions taken against Cuba.

The new measures proposed by the US "Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba" further restrict American citizens ability to travel to Cuba or support relatives there. The measures also include the allocation of an additional $59 million US dollars per year to destabilize Cuban society.

Unions, labour councils and community organizations should consider adopting similar positions opposing aggressive US actions against Cuba.

Following is the complete text of the CLC letter to Paul Martin on Cuba.

Subject: Letter to the Right Honourable Paul Martin, Prime Minister of Canada

Publish date: June 2, 2004

Author(s): Canadian Labour Congress

June 2, 2004

The Right Honourable Paul Martin, Prime Minister of Canada, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

On behalf of the three million working men and women affiliated to the Canadian Labour Conress, I write to urge you to clearly condemn the recent hostile measures taken by the U.S. government against Cuba and to use every opportunity to express concern to the U.S. government about the impact and legality of the new measures.

The new measures recently announced seek to strengthen and deepen the failed policies of economic embargo of the past four decades. The Cuban people have withstood the ill effects of the U.S. blockade on their island and have built what many consider to be outstanding improvements in social indicators such as health, literacy, and education and made social gains unrivalled in
the developing world. These latest repugnant measures by the U.S. government will not succeed either, but they will bring more suffering and hardship to the people of Cuba.

These new measures as proposed by the U.S. government's so-called Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba include giving $59 million to try to destabilize Cuban society, to train personnel to do so, to intensify misinformation about Cuba including the use of military aircraft for radio broadcasting - all activities aimed at curbing growing tourism to the country and increasing the day-to-day hardships in life for ordinary Cubans.

As well, Cuban-Americans residing in the U.S. are being subjected to further restrictions to their contacts with their families in Cuba. Also, persons of third countries may be subject to arbitrary charges and arrest in the U.S. for having invested in Cuba. In the case of Canadians this is a flagrant contravention of the Order of the Attorney-General of Canada, made under the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act which prohibits Canadian corporations from complying with the extraterritorial measures of the Helms-Burton Act.

We urge you, Mr. Prime Minister to immediately reject in the strongest possible terms any perceived compliance or acquiescence by your government in any of these draconian measures designed to hasten "regime change" in Cuba. It is up to the Cuban people to determine their own future. Self-determination is a human right and we would expect the Canadian
government to uphold this "Canadian value".

We would also expect the Canadian government to uphold the principle of sovereignty of nations especially in the face of the hypocrisy of well-known recent violations of democratic principles committed by the United States government in Iraq, Haiti and in Venezuela.

Canadian workers support Canada's independent policy of many years towards Cuba and strongly encourage Canada to continue to seek ways to open spaces for contact between the peoples of our two countries. We believe that this is the most positive way to work with Cuban counterparts on the challenges they face with regards to human rights, use of capital punishment and reconciliation.

We, as Canadians, must roundly condemn and reject this latest illegal and inhumane U.S. government interference in Cuban affairs, affirm the internationally-recognized right to the self-determination of countries, and proudly proclaim our independence and sovereignty in pursuing a foreign policy that continues to maintain and develop our friendly relations with Cuba.

Sincerely,

(original signed by)

Kenneth V. Georgetti, President

Sign the Medicare Petition

We are hoping you can take a moment and fight for Medicare once again!

The fate of Medicare is at stake. Although all federal parties claim to defend Medicare, the forces of privatization are hard at work.

The Medicare Protection Pledge was created by the Canadian Health Coalition, a non-partisan organization dedicated to protect and improve Medicare.

The pledge goes as follows:

____________________________________________

MEDICARE PROTECTION PLEDGE

I believe in publicly funded, not-for-profit delivery of health services in Canada. Investor-owned, private for-profit health care threatens patient safety, universality, sustainability, and undermines Canadian values.

Therefore, I pledge to do all I can to:

a) immediately stop any further privatization; and

b) to protect and expand publicly funded and non-profit health service delivery in Canada.

____________________________________________

We urge you and others to SIGN THE ON-LINE PETITION calling on public office holders and candidates in the federal election, to take the Pledge. It only takes a minute! You can access the on-line petition here (link to petitiononline.com opens in new window).

An ELECTION ACTION KIT for local activists (link to healthcoalition.ca opens in new window) is also available. The kit includes the Pledge form for candidates and public office holders, as well as a backgrounder on privatization and much more!

If possible, please distribute this message to your friends and family.

Thanks for your on-going support!

Sincerely, Shirley Douglas, O.C., Spokesperson, Canadian Health Coalition

News Release: Show us the real cost of your promises

June 16th : For immediate release

OTTAWA – The leaders of Canada’s major political parties need to come clean and tell voters just what federal programs and services will be cut in order to accommodate new spending. According to the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the union representing the majority of federal public sector workers, the parties have provided significant detail on new initiatives and spending plans but virtually no information about how the reallocation of government funding will affect the delivery of current services.

“Before Canadians cast their votes, they have a right to know what programs and services will be cut and which communities and constituencies will be affected,” says PSAC National President Nycole Turmel. “Our members deserve to know if the funding of new programs, tax cuts or debt and deficit reduction will once again be carried out at the expense of the services they deliver.”

Following the leaders’ debates, Turmel has written to the Liberal, Conservative, NDP and Bloc Quebecois parties asking them to respond to some key questions which have yet to be answered during the election campaign.

“Canadians, including our members, should not have to vote in an atmosphere of uncertainty over the future of federal public services,” suggests Turmel. “We’re asking the leaders to clearly state whether or not they intend to cut federal programs, services and expenditures, and which, if any, will be cut. We want to know where they stand on the privatization of public services including public private partnerships (P3s) and where they’ll get the staff to deliver the range of public services they’re proposing.”

The union is also asking the leaders to indicate what they would do, as an employer, to accelerate the bargaining process and conclude fair agreements for PSAC members. “Whichever party forms the next government, they will also instantly assume the role of the largest employer in the country,” explains Turmel.

PSAC’s collective agreements with Treasury Board and federal agencies, covering some 130,000 workers, started running out in June 2003 and there are still no settlements in sight. The lead-up to the election put labour relations on the back-burner as government negotiators came to the bargaining table without mandates.

During this fourth week of the election campaign, PSAC members across the country are conducting a series of solidarity activities to protest the state of negotiations. The activities coincide with National Public Service Week, a week set aside ostensibly to honour the contribution of federal public sector workers.

Turmel has asked the party leaders to reply in writing and for an opportunity to meet with them.

Potential MSP overpayments

June 17th

UPDATE: We have been advised that the departments have fixed the problem a few months ago, so if you look at your current premiums they should be in order.  You should be checking what you paid about 8 months ago and earlier - that's where the potential overpayments were happening.

We have been made aware of a situation concerning potential overpayments on MSP deductions.  This has occurred in National Defense; however, it appears it may have happened in all government departments.

MSP premiums (per month) are as follows (half of the premiums are paid by the employer)

 

	total cost	employee cost
Single	$54.00	$27.00
family of 2	$96.00	$48.00
family of 3 or more	$108.00	$54.00

When your children turn 19 they are no longer covered by your medical.  Therefore, depending on the number of members in your family, you should pay less unless your child is a full time student (in which case you have to send in paper work to keep them on the plan).  What has happened in National Defense (and possibly other departments) is that the department has failed to take 19 year old children off the MSP, so you might still be paying for them.  You should check your pay stub to make sure that the correct amount of MSP premiums is being deducted.

According to the information we received, the Departments met in Vancouver and decided that they would only pay back for 6 months of overpayments, not for the full period.  In some cases the overpayment period could be over quite a few years.  At this point the Federal Government Departments are saying that they paid MPS the full amount as if every one had a family plan so they are out the money but they are not going to try to get it back.   This is hard to understand since the departments pays 50% of payment so they are out a lot of money.  Apparently this is being reviewed at the departments' next meeting. 

Several National Defense employees have grieved this and the grievances are in the process of being heard.  Management is saying that it is the employee's obligation to make sure that their MSP is done right.

You may want to contact your department's Pay and Benefits section to find out what the practice is in your department.  You should also encourage your members to check their pay stubs to ensure that they are paying the correct amount of MSP premiums and ask for a refund if they are overpaying.  Depending on the answer, they might want to consider a grievance.

I you come across any other instances of MSP overpayments I would like to hear about them so I can potentially intervene and enquire at my level.

Patty Ducharme - 604-430-0191  toll-free: 1-866-811-7700  ducharp@psac.com

News Release: YVR limo drivers to launch strike action Friday

June 18th : For immediate release

About 40 drivers who provide limousine service from Vancouver International Airport will be walking the picket line starting Friday morning to fight concession demands and win a fair contract settlement.

The drivers—who are members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada—are launching job action because last-ditch talks today with their employer, Limojet Gold Limousine Service, failed to bring the two sides to an acceptable settlement.

Limojet is under contract with YVR to operate limousines from both international and domestic terminals at the airport.  Former federal Liberal cabinet minister and Vancouver South-Burnaby MP Herb Dhaliwal has an ownership stake in the company.
PSAC spokesperson Patty Ducharme says the union served 72-hour strike notice on Limojet Tuesday.

At the centre of the dispute, she says, is the employer’s aggressive effort to increase what’s called the dispatch fee charged to drivers, which would reduce drivers’ incomes.

Ducharme says the union wants to lower the dispatch fee—currently set at $2,600 per month—which each driver pays to be part of the fleet and for office infrastructure and services provided by the company.

“Our members are already being squeezed by skyrocketing gas prices and insurance costs of more than $500 a month, and they’re solidly opposed to these demands to rollback their income even more,” says Ducharme.

Picketing will initially be confined to Limojet’s head office on Shell Road in Richmond, although Ducharme notes that the company has a facility on airport premises.

The workers have been without a contract for six months. In mid-May they voted 88 per cent in favour of strike action.

Reports: Vancouver Island All Candidates' Meeting

June 22 : Via Email

Thanks to Gail Jewsbury, Nanaimo & District AC, and Nick Humphreys, Southern Vancouver Island & District AC, for these reports on All Candidates' meetings in their areas!

Nanaimo-Alberni

The PSAC Nanaimo & District Area Council sponsored an all-candidates meeting on 16th June 2004.  The invitation to attend was extended to other unions, and the Nanaimo – Duncan Labour Council.  Gail Jewsbury, Chair, NDAC was the moderator.

In attendance were candidates from the Nanaimo – Alberni electoral district.  This included Hira Chopra (Liberal), Scott Fraser (NDP), Diana Lifton (Canadian Action Party), Michael Mann (Marijuana Party) and David Wright (Green Party). 

The empty seat at the table belonged to the incumbent Conservative candidate.  Actions speak louder than words, and we did not receive any notice that the candidate would not be able to attend after it had been confirmed that he would be there. 

PSAC was very well represented.  Heather Brooker, president of the National Component, Bruce Clark, T1 Negotiator, Randi Kocher, A/VP BC & Yukon, NAT, Christine Walker, NVP-Woman - West., CEIU, Stephen Dunsmore, RVP UCTE, Al Hadvick, regional rep, as well as many local presidents, officers and members representing CEIU,DND, ENV, NAT, UCTE and Commissionaires came to hear the candidates.  Other unions represented included BC Ferry and Marine Workers, CUPE, IWA and others. Total attendance was about 70.

Questions ranged from marine safety, collective bargaining, use of EI premiums to more general, such as economic platforms of the candidates and their parties.

Esquimalt-Juan De Fuca

Approximately 175 people showed up for the PSAC sponsored All Candidates Meeting last night in Saanich.  PSAC members were evident as members of the audience and through the questions put forward to the candidates. Some of the questions asked by our members' included, Privatization/P3's, cuts to Public services and Collective Bargaining.

By sponsoring, attending and having our issues put forward at "All Candidate Meetings" we succeed in raising the profile of the PSAC in the community and more importantly with the politicians.  The politicians recognize that we are players in the political process and this heightens their respect for the PSAC.  It is apparent to me that whomever we send to Ottawa from our various ridings next week they will know we had an affect on the outcome.  It is up to us to continue to remind the politicians of this after the election and insist on respect from those politicians.

Some notable quotes from the "All Candidates Meeting" from last night.

John Koury - Conservative Party

"We have to find out what areas of the government can be contracted out"

“When elected we will trim the fat and reduce of waste in the public service…not build up the bureaucracy, which promotes waste"

"Cutting the waste in the public service is one way we will fund the military"

"The military will vote for the Conservative Party of Canada, no doubt!"

"The Conservative Party will be elected the next government of Canada and I will be your MP"

"Reacting to consumer demand is what raises the standard of living in the 3rd world"

"Loose laws on immigration and refugees make Canada a haven for terrorists enabling them to use Canada as a route to the US"

"Funding for the CBC should come from the selling of CBC documentaries to the outside"

It is worthwhile paying attention to what the candidates are saying especially as we are also voting for our employer as well as our MP’s.  “Think, Ask, Vote”

News: Customs officers to protest at Peace Arch border crossing Saturday

June 25th

Travelers should expect some delays, says union.

Upset and angered by a four-year delay in having pay and classification issues resolved by the federal government, Customs Officers in B.C. will be demonstrating at the Peace Arch/Pacific Highway border crossing Saturday, June 26.

The demonstration is set to take place at the north side of the Canada Customs and Immigration building at the Peace Arch crossing starting at 1 p.m. Customs Officers will also be distributing leaflets to motorists after they complete border inspection formalities.

The dispute between the border staff and the feds has been brewing since 2000, when the duties of customs officials were expanded to include Criminal Code enforcement responsibilities. At the time Ottawa pledged that the added duties would be accompanied by a pay review.

However, Ron Moran, national president of the Customs and Excise Union, CEUDA, says “Government has failed to live up to its promise and it’s ignored border security and the pay concerns of our members for far too long.

“It’s bloody well time that the federal government listened to our members concerns about security risks and the greater dangers they face on the job,” says Moran, whose union is part of the 150,000-member strong Public Service Alliance of Canada. “As a result, we’re losing a countless number of recruits to police forces who pay upwards of $20,000 more per year.”

PSAC B.C. regional executive vice president Patty Ducharme charges that the federal government is being hypocritical in its failure to resolve Customs Officers’ concerns. “While they’ve stonewalled the workers on the front-lines,” she says, “Canada Border Services Agency managers have received pay boosts of 30 per cent, and bonuses of $10 million in 2003 alone.”

Moran cautions there will be delays at the Peace Arch, and says that CEUDA and its members express regret for any inconvenience to the public and commerce.

Ducharme and Steve Pellerin-Fowlie, the Calgary-based CEUDA vice president will also be on hand at the demonstration. CEUDA represents about 10,000 members, of whom 5,000 are front-line, trade, investigations, and intelligence Customs Officers.

Equal Marriage: It's the right choice

Equal marriage rights for same-sex couples is a simple matter of equality. Gay and lesbian couples who wish to marry still cannot do so in most jurisdictions in Canada.

No matter how long they've been together. No matter if their church has performed a religious ceremony celebrating their union. No matter if they have children together.

Legal marriage is a public institution which is open to all heterosexuals and closed to samesex couples in most provinces. This is discrimination. Religious groups can and do set their own rules for who they will marry. This will continue. Legalizing same-sex marriage will in fact extend religious freedom: churches would be able to legally marry gay and lesbian couples if they so choose.

Read the rest of the CLC fact sheet here (.pdf)

CEP Local 1129 - Strike Support BBQ & Rally

CEP Local 1129 have been on strike since April 10 and are looking to broaden their strike profile as they are not having a lot of luck convincing the company (Norampac) to return to the bargaining table.

Visit the picket line, 8255 Wiggins Street, in South Burnaby, this Thursday, June 10 at noon for a BBQ and rally. For more information contact the VDLC: 604-254-0703 or visit their website. (link to cep1129.ca opens in new window).

News: Special candidates’ forum to highlight election issues for young people

Youth meeting set for June 10, UBC Robson Square

Election issues that are important for young people will be in the spotlight Thursday night at a special election awareness and all-candidates meeting in downtown Vancouver.

What: Youth election forum featuring candidates from the
major parties running in B.C.

When: Thurs. June 10, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: UBC Robson Square, Room C680, Vancouver

In addition to highlighting key youth issues, the meeting is also designed to provide an open forum for young people to engage in the political process, raise awareness about the importance of voting, and encourage young people to cast their ballots on June 28.

So far, candidates confirmed to participate in the event include the Green Party’s Ron Plowright, (Vancouver East); the Liberal’s Hedy Fry, (Vancouver Centre); and the NDP’s Kennedy Stewart, (Vancouver Centre).

The non-partisan event is sponsored by the youth caucus of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association, Social Justice Group, UBC Alma Mater Society, Simon Fraser Student Society, the young workers committee of the B.C. Federation of Labour, and the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union.

National Aboriginal Day - June 21st

June 8th : Memo from the National President Dear Sisters and Brothers, The PSAC joins Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis Peoples in celebrating June 21st – National Aboriginal Day.  We acknowledge the contribution of our Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis Peoples in making positive change to our communities and our workplaces. We also recognize the invaluable involvement of our sisters and brothers who work in solidarity with the PSAC and the labour movement. Read more from Nycole Turmel and JF Des Lauriers on the Human Rights Committee page.

OpEd: Front-line workers battling avian flu outbreak deserve more respect from federal government

While the battle to eradicate the avian flu virus being waged by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) winds to a successful close, the agency’s management refuses to recognize the employees who are on the front lines working under exceptionally harsh and stressful conditions to protect the well-being of Canadians and the safety of our food supply system.

Read more here.

Sign the Medicare Petition

We are hoping you can take a moment and fight for Medicare once again! The fate of Medicare is at stake. Although all federal parties claim to defend Medicare, the forces of privatization are hard at work.

Read more here.

News Release: Who Speaks For Women? Choice Is a Woman's Right.

Posted June 10th : NAC Media Release - June 8, 2004 The National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC) is appalled that, sixteen years after a hard fought struggle that culminated in the Supreme Court of Canada decision supporting a woman’s right to choice, women's rights are being challenged once again by the fundamentalist right. In 1988 the court ruled that a woman had the right to choice under section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, that guarantees Canadians the “right to life, liberty and security of life”. Read more on the Regional Women's Committe page.

News: PSAC worried Conservatives would cut jobs

OTTAWA -- Federal bureaucrats fear a Conservative government would mean massive job cuts across the country and could stall the capital region's economy. Nycole Turmel, president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, said workers worry a Tory pro-privatization agenda would spell a return to the turbulent times of the mid-1990s. The Liberals slashed thousands of jobs to save money at the time, but the bureaucracy has gradually climbed back in size.

"There is a lot of fear on this one, what could be the impact on the workers," Turmel said.

Read the rest at canoe.ca (link opens in new window).

News: Standing Room Only Crowd at Esquimalt Juan de Fuca All Candidates Meeting

Five federal candidates in Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca got off to a stumbling start at a meeting organized by unions and community groups at Esquimalt high school Monday night.

...

When things eventually started to roll, NDP candidate Randall Garrison appeared to be the star of the night, his concise answers resonating with the socially conscious, working-class-neighbourhood crowd.

And if Garrison was the winner of the evening with the large crowd there were long lineups at two microphones and standing room only then Conservative candidate John Koury was, by a measure of applause, the least popular of the night.

Read the rest at canada.com (link opens in new window) 

Welcome aboard Rosemary!

The PSAC is pleased to welcome Rosemary MacKenzie to the Victoria Regional Office in the position of Administrative Assistant. Rosemary is a long time union activist who has held office at the local, regional and national levels.

The members on Vancouver Island will be well-served by her commitment to the union and her appreciation of members needs.

Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca All Candidates' Meeting Report

Thanks to Nick Humphreys, chair of the SVI Area Council, for this report from last night's All Candidates' Meeting:

Over 300 constituents attended the all-candidate meeting last night in Esquimalt-Juan De Fuca. PSAC members dominated the microphones on questions from the floor.  In fact we probably dominated the mikes a little too much and after some complaints from participants at the meeting we backed off and let others have a chance. The Times-Colonist report is a pretty accurate description of what went on at the meeting. John Koury the conservative came across as bizarre and Keith Martin the liberal was not his usual smooth Teflon self, appearing a bit twitchy.  Randall Garrison the NDP candidate clearly stole the evening as stated in the TC article. John Koury had some memorable quotes:

When referring to Pat Maxwell's question on employment equity he stated, to hoots of laughter from the audience,  "The private sector is the driving force in employment equity"

On the question of privatization of public services, "There is a place for contracting out...the conservatives will work to ensure the federal government unions play a participatory part in the discussion on contracting out of their jobs"

Keith Martin on the funding of public services "Paul Martin has made some very good choices...our strong economy is all due to his discipline"

Food inspection agency treats workers with contempt at bargaining table, union charges

VANCOUVER -- Unionized staff of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have been in the forefront of the successful battle to contain the avian flu outbreak in the Fraser Valley. But they may soon be on strike because at the bargaining table and in the workplace they're being treated with disrespect by the federal government that borders on contempt, charges the national leader of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

Read more here.

News Release: Show us the real cost of your promises

June 16th : For immediate release OTTAWA – The leaders of Canada’s major political parties need to come clean and tell voters just what federal programs and services will be cut in order to accommodate new spending. According to the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the union representing the majority of federal public sector workers, the parties have provided significant detail on new initiatives and spending plans but virtually no information about how the reallocation of government funding will affect the delivery of current services. Read more here.

Table 5 and PSAC Strike Action

The very positive results of the recent strike vote from our brothers and sisters at Tables 1, 2 and 3 clearly show their distaste for the employer's poor wage offer and their displeasure at the lack of movement on the issues around improvements in our work/life balance. The membership gave their bargaining teams a solid mandate for strike action if further attempts at contract negotiation and conciliation fail.

Because Table 5 members are on an arbitration route for contract dispute resolution, we did not participate in the strike vote and we will not be going on strike. During any strike action by our brothers and sisters at the other PSAC tables, we will be obligated to report to work. However, you can do many things to exercise your rights in support of a strike by co-workers. Respect their picket line and ask the picket captain for his/her permission and best advice on how to cross the line. If there is a large line-up or a confrontation, you have the right to leave the area, call your senior manager and tell him/her that you tried to report for work but were unable to do so. The manager has to respect that you have concerns for your own safety and assist you in reporting for work with an escort into the building or make some alternate arrangements for your work.

Read more here.

Potential MSP overpayments

We have been made aware of a situation concerning potential overpayments on MSP deductions.  This has occurred in National Defense; however, it appears it may have happened in all government departments.

Read more here.

Keith Martin's position on 'right to work' legislation

Thanks to Nick Humphreys for this quote:

I would like to deal with the issue of right to work legislation.  It is a very contentious issue in the House and it should not be.  We need to look at the impact of right to work legislation, at the international experience.  Right to work legislation gives the individual worker the right to be part of a union or not.  I strongly encourage the government to work with its provincial counterparts to introduce right to work legislation. It helps the worker and makes labour laws more flexible. It unleashes and unshackles the private sector.

Keith Martin, Liberal Candidate for Esquimalt, House of Commons Debates, May 10, 2001

Photos: Solidarity Week 3

Click for more photos! June 17th Warning Federal Government wage offer is peanuts. May or may not contain minute traces of benefit improvements. Continued exposure will cause allergic reaction. As part of Solidarity Week 3 activities, PSAC staff and members had a booth at the Public Services Week tradeshow at Library Square in Vancouver. They talked to the public and members about the Working For Canadians campaign. They also handed out packages of peanuts with the above warning sticker, showing support for the Negotiating Teams. Click for some photos.

News Release: YVR limo drivers to launch strike action Friday

About 40 drivers who provide limousine service from Vancouver International Airport will be walking the picket line starting Friday morning to fight concession demands and win a fair contract settlement.

The drivers—who are members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada—are launching job action because last-ditch talks today with their employer, Limojet Gold Limousine Service, failed to bring the two sides to an acceptable settlement.

Read more here.

News: Think tanks cast doubt on Tory platform's math

Plan seen taking big social services cuts

OTTAWA -- Two major economic think tanks cast doubt yesterday on the Conservatives' ability to cut taxes and boost health care while keeping their vow not to slash social services.

The chief economist at the Bank of Nova Scotia and the head of the C.D. Howe Institute both say that the Conservative platform is affordable, but only at a cost to other government programs

Read the rest at theglobeandmail.com (link opens in new window)

Tonight: Candidates Debate - Heavyweights Join the Fray

Former federal cabinet minister Hedy Fry (Liberal) and former MP and provincial cabinet minister Ian Waddell (NDP) have agreed to represent their parties at Canada25's Candidates Debate at the Vancouver Public Library. They'll be joining Green Party candidate Ron Plowright and an as yet undetermined Conservative candidate in what promises to be an exciting night of political debate.

Due to the calibre of the candidates and the fact that low voter turnout among youth is a story that's been covered extensively in the news, we are expecting a strong media presence at the event. I urge all of you to come out (and bring a friend!) and participate in what promises to be our most exciting event of the year. We've got the great ideas - now we just need to show politicians that we've got the numbers to back them up!

The debate will take place at the Vancouver Public Library's Central Branch (350 West Georgia) June 18th at 7:30pm. Admission is free and seats are on a first- come basis.

Canada25 is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that brings the voices and ideas of Canadians, aged 20-35, to the nation's public policy discourse and takes action on issues of local and national significance. Visit their website here.

News Release: YVR limo drivers win tentative deal as last minute talks avert strike action

Drivers who provide limousine service from Vancouver International Airport reached a tentative settlement this morning with their employer, Limojet Gold Limousine Service, averting strike action and a disruption of service.

After the 40 drivers, who are members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, made it clear they were set to launch job action today, talks with the employer were kick-started earlier this morning, and produced the settlement.

“Our members are really pleased with the tentative deal,” says union spokesperson Patty Ducharme, “because it addresses the key issue of dispatch fees charged by the company, and protects their incomes.”

“Their determination to take job action obviously forced the employer to present a more acceptable offer,” she says.

Ducharme says her union is recommending the drivers accept the agreement in a ratification vote that will be scheduled as soon as possible.

Here is some background information.

BC Cancer Foundation Fundraiser - Update

June 30 : Via Email From Patty Ducharme, REVP BC Dear friends: Just to update you on the progress of my preparation for the Walk to End Breast Cancer: After encouragement from Christine I realized I would have to do some training walks so that my legs would be up to the challenge of a 60 km walk over a weekend.   So this past Sunday I got up early, put on my running shoes and met a small group of women and walked 23 km from the Vancouver Aquatic Centre to UBC and back.    Pheeeeeew  it goes without saying that I had some body stiffness the next day, but I am getting ready for that walk and just wanted to make sure that you remembered my request for your sponsorship. There are other PSAC women who will be walking with me in August and your donation would ensure that we all meet the minimum $2,000.00 per person pledge. I appreciate your support and I look forward to your contribution. In solidarity, Patty (soon to be known as "buns of steel") Click here to visit The Weekend to End Breast Cancer today.

News: New government should focus on enhancing public services and averting upcoming strike

OTTAWA – If Prime Minister Paul Martin is going to live up to his promise that a Liberal government will do better, he will need to act quickly to avert a serious disruption in federal public services. The Public Service Alliance of Canada is calling on the new government to act quickly to avert a massive federal public sector strike expected later this summer.

“The new government needs to establish a reasonable mandate and start negotiating very soon,” says PSAC National President Nycole Turmel. “The alternative will be strike action that will have a major impact on the delivery of federal public services.”

Read more on the national website (link to psac.com opens in new window)

Peace Arch protest

June 29th About 30 B.C. customs offers took their fight with the federal government over pay and classification issues to the border June 26, in a successful protest at the Peace Arch crossing south of Vancouver. Click to read more and see photos from the demonstration.

June 28th Is Election Day.

According to the Globe and Mail MPs have won their seats by a margin of a single vote 11 times since Confederation, and there many hotly contested ridings in BC, so get out there and vote - elect your 'boss'!

Still undecided? Here is how the major parties line up on major issues.

Remember, the employer has to give you four three (sorry, my mistake) clear hours to go to the polls.

News: Strike countdown begins at Parks as bargaining goes to Conciliation Board

OTTAWA - Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada working at Parks Canada are getting closer to a strike as dates have been set for their Conciliation Board hearings, beginning on July 12, 2004.

During the hearings, the union and the employer will have an opportunity to make presentations to the Board on the outstanding issues. The Board will have 14 days from the date of its appointment to consider the evidence and issue a report. PSAC members will be in a legal position to strike seven days after the union is advised that the Conciliation Board has filed its report with the Public Service Staff Relations Board (PSSRB).

Read more here.

News: Customs officers to protest at Peace Arch border crossing Saturday

June 25th Upset and angered by a four-year delay in having pay and classification issues resolved by the federal government, Customs Officers in B.C. will be demonstrating at the Peace Arch/Pacific Highway border crossing Saturday, June 26. The demonstration is set to take place at the north side of the Canada Customs and Immigration building at the Peace Arch crossing starting at 1 p.m. Customs Officers will also be distributing leaflets to motorists after they complete border inspection formalities. Read more here

The Parties Platforms: What’s in There for Women?

June 24th The Canadian Labour Congress put the three main parties’ election platform through a gender-equality screen and releases today its conclusions (.pdf link to clc-ctc.ca opens in new window) in an easy to read comparison chart. “Equality for women remains a critical political goal for workers and citizens across the country, even if the debates and the headlines of this electoral season do not seem to reflect that,” says Marie Clarke Walker, executive vice-president of the Canadian Labour Congress. “This is why we have gone to the published platforms of the three main political parties and checked what they offer.” Read more on the Regional Women's Committe pages.

Solidarity Week 3 - Report From The North

Much thanks to Sister Be Gomes, ASC for North Western BC, for this report on Solidarity Week 3 and National Public Service Week. Click to see what  the Grains Commission in Prince Rupert, CEIU in Terrace and Prince Rupert, USGE in Terrace, and members in Prince George did for Solidarity Week 3.

PSAC youth forum in Vancouver a hit with voters young and old

June 23rd A full house was on hand for a wide-ranging and spirited debate on youth issues involving candidates from five political parties June 10 at the downtown Vancouver campus of the University of B.C. The event—sponsored by the PSAC and other youth and student organizations—was also designed to encourage young people to take part in the political process and vote in the June 28 election. Read more on the Youth Caucus page.

Reports: Vancouver Island All Candidates' Meetings

"We have to find out what areas of the government can be contracted out"

John Koury - Conservative Party Candidate for Esquimalt-Juan De Fuca, speaking at an All Candidates' Meeting last night.

Thanks to Gail Jewsbury, Nanaimo & District AC, and Nick Humphreys, Southern Vancouver Island & District AC, for these reports on All Candidates' meetings in their areas - click for more.

BC Cancer Foundation Fundraiser - Support My Journey

June 21 : Via Email From Patty Ducharme, REVP BC On August 20-22, 2004 3000 to 4000 ordinary men and women will give up their weekend to walk a total of 60 km. The Weekend to End Breast Cancer is a two-day, 60-kilometre walk through the neighbourhoods of Vancouver. Proceeds benefit BC Cancer Foundation, funding important breast cancer research, education, services and care at BC Cancer Agency. I have decided to participate in this walk and I am inviting members of the PSAC and my friends to join me in my efforts.  If you would like to join me as a walker you are expected to raise $2,000.00.  However, my intention is to raise enough money to enable every member who is willing to walk to participate, even though they themselves might not be able to raise this amount.  If you are registered as a walker, but have not joined a team yet - consider joining the "PSAC Hoofers". I challenge my friends, PSAC members and locals to donate in the name of any of their members or friends who have suffered or died from cancer.  It would be a wonderful way to honour them and work towards eliminating a disease that effects too many of us. You can donate through the website here (link to endcancer.ca opens in new window) or by contacting my office at: 604-430-0191, toll-free: 1-866-811-7700 or by email: ducharp@psac.com In solidarity, Patty

Aboriginal Solidarity Day - June 21st

June 21st PSAC has a long-standing involvement on Aboriginal issues and have made some important gains for our Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis members over the years through organizing new members, negotiating at the bargaining table, education, human rights struggles and many other ways.   Our union is also changing to be more inclusive and accessible to all our members.   There is still much to do when it comes to advancing the social, economic and workplace rights of our Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit Brothers and Sisters.   The National Aboriginal Inuit and Métis (NAIM) Network is an important step in assisting the Union to do just that. Read more on the National Website (link to psac.com opens in new window) Click here for information on the BC Human Rights committe, and click here for some photos taken at the HR Cttee Kayaking and BBQ event on Saturday.

Solidarity Week 3 - Report From The North

June 24th : via email.

Much thanks to Sister Be Gomes, ASC for North Western BC, for this report on Solidarity Week 3 and National Public Service Week:

Grains Commission in Prince Rupert

Sean Kitchener and AGR 20042 members strategically displayed their balloons and pennants and had flyers available. They did look as though these were in the exact same place as during Solidarity Week 2, but nonetheless, effective.  Another very popular product was the making of stress balls by using the green RESPECT balloons and filling them with grain.  It is believed that Sean is still taking requests.

CEIU in Terrace

Baskets were given away with Tshirts, buttons, mouse pads, pens, pins, briefcases which were compliments of the BC Fed, CEIU National and Regional, PSAC Regional and the Prince George Regional offices.  This was in incentive so members would feel good about mentioning the work UNION without badmouthing Management.

As they still had some fortune cookies, they were able to hand those out.  They also had their luncheon on Thursday with the staff from their Smithers office.  They made their newsletter to advise of the upcoming Area Council and desk dropping it before work with pins, badges, ribbons.

Awesome preparations by Sisters Penny Dickson and Nikki McVey.

CEIU in Prince Rupert

As with the the Terrace and Smithers offices, Prince Rupert, too, presented the baskets and goodies and had their luncheon on Thursday.

Keep up the good work, Sister,
Diane Beaulieu.

USGE and BCGEU in Terrace

As the USGE local 20071 members are employed by the RCMP in 15 different detachments with a membership of 21 it was celebrated by wearing their pins and posting banners.
The BCGEU at the Crown Counsel office in Terrace invited the USGE in Terrace to a coffee on Monday to recognize this week.  Pins were exchanged and newsletters.

Thanks to Mac, Caroline, Cathie and Jennifer.

Activities in Prince George

In Prince George, they started the week of with a desk drop on Solidarity Week 3 which outlined the purpose and goals and highlighting union activities.  Daily leaflets were distributed with regards to collective bargaining and electing our employer.  They handed out stickers, federal government scratch and wins to all and had a union raffle on the Thursday while wearing union Tshirts, hats, etc., throughout the week.

The Friday prior to this National week, 3 PSAC members attended an NDP dinner which had acted as an energizer to promote Solidarity week.

Members would be wearing the black Tshirts "If provoked, we will strike" in the parade.  If they do not have this shirt they would be having a "black dress down day".

"We deserve more" leaflets were handed out on Thursday.The members were dressed "union" for the full week during the events for bowling, barbeque and golf.

A big thank you to the employer for financing the activities.
What a busy week. Excellent job to Sisters Patt Holmes and Freda Anthony and their support.

Northwest BC Area Council

Soon you will see another Area Council in BC.  It is with great pleasure and appreciation by the efforts of Penny, Nikki, Nita, Sean, Mike, and Diane.  The CEIU offices of Terrace and Prince Rupert, USGE Prince Rupert - Terrace, Agriculture of Prince Rupert and the Fisheries and Oceans of Prince Rupert have all agreed to establish an Area Council. 

Stay tuned...............

UPDATE: CEIU in Vernon

From: Roberta Gourlie, Pres. CEIU 20915: We, also displayed our balloons and pennants throughout the office.  A leaflet was handed out on Monday and the last of our fortune cookies handed out on payday Wednesday.  Kudos to the north for all their activities.

Photos: Solidarity Week 3

Click for more photos! June 17th Warning Federal Government wage offer is peanuts. May or may not contain minute traces of benefit improvements. Continued exposure will cause allergic reaction. As part of Solidarity Week 3 activities, PSAC staff and members had a booth at the Public Services Week tradeshow at Library Square in Vancouver. They talked to the public and members about the Working For Canadians campaign. They also handed out packages of peanuts with the above warning sticker, showing support for the Negotiating Teams. Click for some photos.