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News: 40,000 public servants on strike; 85,000 set to join them
Posted September 21st : The Ottawa Citizen
11,000 blue-collar workers walk out today; government appears to be
digging in
The Martin government is digging in for a pitched battle with its largest
union as another 11,000 workers go on strike today.
The government's blue-collar workers, from electricians and carpenters to
labourers and heating plant operators, are the latest public servants who to
head for the picket lines today. The expected walkout puts the number of workers
on strike at about 40,000 with another 85,000 poised to follow within weeks.
"It's all about respect," said Nycole Turmel, president of the Public Service
Alliance of Canada. "They (the government) want to show how tough they are and
all we want is to be respected. All our surveys show workers believe they aren't
respected and treated very poorly by the employer, but yet they're still
committed to their jobs."
The big issue is wages, but what distinguishes the blue-collar workers is a
joint pay study done by the union and Treasury Board that suggests they earn 20
per cent less than their counterparts in the private sector.
The government's blue-collar workforce is scattered in all departments, but
is concentrated in National Defence, Fisheries and
Oceans and Corrections
Canada.
Another big sticking point for the blue-collar workers are regional rates of
pay, which they want scrapped. Blue-collar workers are the last public servants
whose pay still depends on the region where they work.
PSAC's strike escalation began more than a month ago when about 4,800 Parks
Canada workers began rotating strikes, strategically disrupting national park
operations during the last few weeks of summer.
Then striking tax workers at Canada Revenue Agency, who began rotating
strikes more than a week ago, stepped up their job action by picketing tax
offices in 55 cities across the country.
PSAC has also boycotted all labour-management meetings, which some say could
derail the National Joint Council's annual meeting in Ottawa this week where
Treasury Board President Reg Alcock is expected to speak. The council deals with
all issues affecting workers from pension and health plans to travel.
But the federal government shows no signs of budging to forestall a looming
national strike. That message came loud and clear when Mr. Alcock warned workers
not to bank on the vulnerability of a minority government as a way to exact
concessions.
A bigger federal surplus than expected, coupled with a "compensation reserve"
of $1.6 billion set aside for wage increases, has left many convinced the
Martin's government's intransigence has nothing to do with economics and
everything to do with politics.
It's well-known within the bureaucracy that the Martin government is not
pleased the public service stealthily crept back to the size it was before Mr.
Martin's watershed 1994 budget that cut 60,000 federal jobs to wipe out the
deficit. What really upsets some ministers is that the growth was concentrated
in Ottawa at departmental headquarters rather than in the field where services
are actually delivered.
Many say public servants are paying the price in this round of talks for the
sponsorship scandal that almost cost the Liberals the election. The scandal,
coming on the heels of a series of management fiascos and financial bungles,
left Canadians with the impression that no one is minding the store. And many
observers say the Martin government is determined to change that by looking like
tough-minded managers.
"This isn't about economics and has to be for political reasons that they
aren't settling," said Gene Swimmer, a labour economist at Carleton University.
"They must believe this will be positive for them politically to look like they
are the guardians of the public purse, differentiating themselves from the
Chretien government and the sponsorship scandal.
"In taking this position they can send the message that for every dollar we
can save we can spend the way Canadians want, which is on health care and urban
infrastructure.... But the money we're talking about is not a lot and Canada's
health care is not going to be saved over whether public servants get 8.25 per
cent over three years."
And nothing infuriates rank and file public servants more than politicians
trying to unload the blame for the sponsorship scandal on bureaucrats. They also
point to the 50-per-cent increase in MPs salaries over the past 12 years
compared to 18 per cent for the average PSAC member whose salaries were frozen
for many of those years.
"The message is no catch-up wages for us, but they can catch up while we
can't even get the rate of inflation," said Ms. Turmel. "You can't have a double
standard."
In the midst of escalating labour tensions, the Canadian Federation of
Independent Business turned up the pressure by asking Mr. Martin to hold the
line on federal wages because, the federation says, they are already higher than
in the private sector. The CFIB released a study last fall that found federal
salaries are 15-per-cent higher than the same jobs in the private sector and up
to 23-per-cent higher when pensions and benefits are rolled in.
The methodology of that study has been challenged by unions, but its findings
are among the reasons Mr. Alcock ordered a major review of the $25 billion a
year it pays public servants to determine how its compensation policies stack up
against other governments and corporations. That report will be part of the
government's spending review to save $12 billion over the next five years.
The big showdown comes when "table one," which represents 80,000
administrative and clerical workers across government, can legally strike
shortly after Parliament resumes Oct. 4. Although 20,000 of them are essential
and cannot strike, these workers are considered critical to a national
walkout.
The last major strike was in 1991 when 100,000 people, led by clerical and
secretarial workers, marched on Parliament Hill and disrupted operations for
days until the Mulroney government legislated them back to work with a
three-per-cent increase over three years. The Chretien government extended that
bill, which froze wages for six years.
Labour observers say the two sides aren't far enough apart to warrant an
all-out national strike.
Contract talks effectively stalled in March and the two sides haven't talked
since. By August, PSAC was in the unusual position of having seven of its major
bargaining groups in various stages of conciliation board hearings.
A possible break in the deadlock came when the conciliation board appointed
for the tax agency recommended a wage increase of 8.25 per cent over three
years. PSAC leapt at the recommendation as a "starting point" for a deal across
government, but the agency refused and offered 5.75 per cent over three years.
The average wage settlement in the public and private sectors this year is 2.5
per cent.
"If the government wanted labour peace they could have had it," said Mr.
Swimmer. "That conciliation report is half-way between the two sides positions
so it would have been an easy and affordable way to deliver a victory."
For now, PSAC is keeping its strike strategy close to the chest as it waits
for a conciliation report for the big table. Some PSAC members grumble the union
shouldn't be wasting its $18-million strike fund on rotating strikes that many
Canadians don't even notice. Striking workers make $50 a day once their
bargaining unit has been on strike for three days. Instead, they argue the union
should keep everyone on the job until the large group is ready and walk out en
masse as Parliament begins its next session.
The next big question is which side will blink first.
"Everyone is trying to speculate on the government's reaction when Parliament
returns, just how long and how much disruption before they bring in back-to-work
legislation," said Steve Hindle, president of the Professional Institute of the
Public Service.
"My sense is that this government is willing to let this (strike) take its
course and put up with disruption before they put legislation in front of the
House."
It's widely expected the Bloc Quebecois and the NDP would oppose back-to-work
legislation, but the Conservatives have not been sympathetic to public sector
unions.
Whatever happens will set the precedent for the remaining 16 federal unions
that have yet to negotiate contracts.
"It has a potential impact because we deal with them too and are right behind
them so the question is whether any back-to-work legislation affects us or would
they only impose on PSAC," said Mr. Hindle.
Cheers to Flo Hawker, UTE 20027, who CC'd us on this email she sent to the CBC
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September 29th : via email
I read your news article on the PSAC program managers at Table 1 who are more than ready to go on strike.
I am a PSAC member who works for CRA. We are out on strike. The government tells us on one hand that we are not worth a raise which is long, long overdue while voting to give themselves a 10% increase on top of the large increases they have already received. They tell us that they are the employer of choice. Who would work for an employer knowing that a wage increase is not on the books? Why do managers receive pay bonuses and days off for the work we perform? I am sorry. I am a little confused. I thought a employee was supposed to be recognized for good work?
Who are the people answering the public's calls regarding the publics's general enquiries on Income Tax, Child Tax Benefit, and GST? Definitely not the Members of Parliament who have no idea how complex and difficult our jobs are to perform. I challenge the Members of Parliament to put themselves in our jobs for three months especially before Christmas up to when filing begins for 2004. I guarantee their attitude towards our requested pay increase would change to our proposed amounts, and perhaps even more!
We are also protesting the treatment of our contracted workers who are the people who have worked on 'temporary contracts' for years at a time. Their contracts have been renewed piecemeal. They have been let go for a specified period of time then come back to work starting at the bottom salary again! Due to their on again, off again employmen these workers cannot accumulate holiday time nor can they accumulate sick leave. Due to their on again, off again employment and even though they have worked for several years they are not entitled to a pay increase either! Treasury Board has a policy for temporary employees that CRA chooses not to follow.
It is time the government negotiators sat down and honestly negotiated with the PSAC and our negotiators! We work very hard at our jobs. Most of us are exhausted when we get home. Those of us who work on the phones (for our entire work day) are so tired of talking on the phone we rarely call anyone. Our stress levels are high, and staff do become burned-out and sick from being on the phone lines. The negotiators must recognize our hard work. They must respect our hard work!
I am almost sixty and let me tell you, I would rather be working but I damn well deserve a good pay increase. It has been a long time since we received anything other than nothing or one per cent for a pay increase!
Retirement cannot be too far away.
Florence E. Hawker
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News: Union membership at all-time high: Statscan
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September 1st
OTTAWA — If you think of a unionized worker as a guy in overalls, with grit under his fingernails and a lunch bucket in his hand, think again.
The face of organized labour in Canada is increasingly a woman's face. And her work place is more likely an office, classroom or hospital than an industrial shop floor Women accounted for 48 per cent of the unionized employees in the country in 2003, up from just 12 per cent in 1977, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday.
"The feminization (of the labour movement) certainly surprised me," said Ernest Akyeampong, the StatsCan analyst who did the study.
"It's bigger than I thought. The women are showing their presence very strongly, and that most likely will continue to be the case."
Read more at ctv.ca (link opens in new window)
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News Release: National walkout at Parks Canada
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September 3rd
OTTAWA - All 4,800 Parks Canada employees represented by the Public Service
Alliance of Canada (PSAC) walked off the job today paralyzing national parks,
historic sites, canals, marine conservation areas and Parks offices across the
country.
“We have given the employer a number of opportunities to come back to the
bargaining table and settle this dispute”, says PSAC National President Nycole
Turmel. “Instead, Parks Canada seems intent on dragging this out as
long as possible, regardless of the impact.”
Turmel reiterated the union's message that the strikers don't want to
inconvenience the public. “Access by visitors to national parks and historic
sites has by and large not been stopped, even if the Agency is losing badly
needed revenue.”
Read more at the national website (link to psac.com opens in
new window)
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Patty Ducharme requests a meeting with the BC Liberal caucus
posted September 3rd
We will keep you posted:
To: Dosanjh.U@parl.gc.ca; INET: Anderson.d@parl.gc.ca; INET: Bell.D@parl.gc.ca; INET: Chan.R@parl.gc.ca; INET: Emerson@parl.gc.ca; INET: Fry.H@parl.gc.ca; INET: Lynn.henderson@e.gc.ca; INET: Martin.K@parl.gc.ca; INET: Owen.S@parl.gc.ca; INET: steve.bourne@hedyfry.com; INET: victoria@keithmartin.org
Date: 9/1/04 3:55PM
Subject: URGENT REQUEST FOR A MEETING
My understanding is that the BC Liberal MPs will be meeting September 7 and 8 in Kelowna.
I have been asking for a meeting with BC MPs for the last 3 weeks on behalf of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, but, with the exception of Keith Martin, have been unable to secure a date. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with the caucus to make a brief presentation on behalf of the 14,000 Public Service Alliance of Canada Members who live, work and contribute to the economy here in British Columbia.
Please contact me at my office at 604-430-0191.
Thank you, Patty Ducharme, Regional Executive Vice President, PSAC BC
CC: Turmel, Nycole
Update From Parks Library Square Picket Line
September 3rd
Much thanks to CEIU Local 20901 for the coffee and donuts and to SEIU Local
244 (Best Facility Services) for respecting the picket line.
A big no thanks to Ujjal Dosanjh, who crossed our picket
line!
More updates and photos coming soon!
Report: Grain CommissionTB 3 meeting
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September 3rd
On September 1st, Table 3 Members from the Canadian Grain Commission, AGR 20060, met with PSAC REVP Patty Ducharme and Table 3 Negotiator David Lee to discuss the employer’s proposed roll back of the terminable allowance for Grain Inspectors on the West Coast.
Termination of the allowance represents an average wage roll back of 10%. So while other Agency and TB members are facing insulting economic increase offers that don’t keep up with the rate of inflation, these members are facing an even greater loss.
Read more here.
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News: Parks Canada relieved union dropped plan for general strike
September 7th
EDMONTON (CP) - Parks Canada managers are breathing a sigh of relief after
threats by unionized employees to pull all workers off the job during the busy
long weekend failed to materialize.
Many of the 4,800 striking employees, who have been staging rotating strikes
for the last three weeks, returned to their jobs on Saturday and Sunday after
staging a general Canada-wide strike on Friday. Services in many parks and
historic sites returned to normal over the weekend, although there were some
exceptions and sporadic picketing in a few parks.
Read more at mytelus.com (link opens in new window).
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News: 25,000 Revenue workers set to strike
September 7th : CBC
OTTAWA - If negotiations fail Tuesday, 25,000 federal employees with the Canada Revenue Agency could go out on strike Wednesday, including 7,000 who work in the Ottawa area.
Ed Cashman, who heads the Public Service Alliance of Canada for the National Capital Region, said he'll know later Tuesday whether the CRA employees will go out.
Cashman said a national rate of pay is one of the same issues that caused Parks Canada employees to turn to rotating strikes in mid-August.
Parks Canada employees went back to work Monday, after walking out on Friday.
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CEP Local 1129 - Solidarity Rally and Barbeque
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS!
Rally around our union family on strike at Norampac. SOLIDARITY RALLY at 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 8255 Wiggins St, Burnaby. BBQ 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
This will be CEP Local 1129's 5th month on the picket line at Norampac. Poster and map in attachment below
 Solidarity_Rally_Poster.pdf
News: PSAC on strike at Canada Revenue Agency
September 7th
OTTAWA - Public Service Alliance of Canada members
at the Canada Revenue Agency will be on strike on September 8th, the latest group to take strike action against the federal government.
"Our members will be on the picket line because of the failure of the
Agency to come to the table with a mandate to negotiate a settlement," according to PSAC National President Nycole Turmel.
PSAC returned to the table on September 7th, assuming that CRA would be ready to talk settlement based on the recommendations contained in a recent
Conciliation Board report.
"Instead, the Agency tabled an offer of 2.25%, 1.75% and 1.75% over three years," advises Turmel. "That's a far cry from the Conciliation Board's
recommendation of 3.0%, 2.75% and 2.5%.
CRA has also refused to move on other outstanding issues, such as the elimination of regional pay zones for CRA operational workers, as recommended in the Conciliation Board's report.
Another major issue in contention is the treatment of term workers at the Agency. The union wants term workers with three years of continuous service to
be converted to indeterminate status, as they are at Treasury Board.
"We're obviously disappointed that CRA has refused to discuss any of the outstanding issues," says Turmel. "This seems to be another case of an Agency taking its marching orders from Treasury Board, rather than working to reach a settlement that is appropriate for their workplace."
Turmel indicates that the union remains prepared to negotiate a settlement. In the meantime, the flow of revenue into government coffers will be interrupted as PSAC members mount picket lines at Taxation Centres and
other CRA locations across the country.
News Release: Tax offices in B.C. behind picket lines today as last minute talks fail to achieve new contract
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September 8th
Workers to stage "aquatic protest" at Liberal's cabinet meeting in Kelowna this morning to press for fair settlement
VANCOUVER - Canada Revenue Agency taxation offices in B.C. are behind picket lines this morning, as more than 4,000 CRA employees in the province who are members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada launched job action after last ditch efforts yesterday in a lengthy bargaining dispute failed to achieve a fair contract settlement.
CRA facilities in Kelowna, Penticton, Prince George, Surrey, Vancouver, and Victoria are affected by the strike, which comes after Ottawa rejected the framework for a fair settlement for 23,000 CRA employees that was recommended by a federal conciliation board a week ago.
Read more here.
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A message from Betty Bannon, Nat'l President, UTE
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September 9th : via email
We are now in a legal strike position and it goes without saying that, even if there are no picket lines established at your sites, some actions can nonetheless be taken within the workplace to demonstrate solidarity. The following are simple examples and I’m sure you can think of some more:
- Do not volunteer for overtime
- If you use your car to conduct business, take it off the road and have the CRA rent you a car.
- Make sure you take all break and lunch periods.
- When receiving instructions from the employer ask that they be provided to you in writing, make sure they are very clear and ask whatever questions you need to ensure you understand exactly what is being asked of you.
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CRA Strike Report - Sept 8th
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posted Sept 9th
Victoria: via Nick Humphreys
UTE and CEUDA members put up picket lines starting at 0600h at 2 locations in downtown Victoria, 703 Broughton and 1415 Vancouver Streets, and continued until 1700h. Over 300 members participated at various times during the day with approximately 220 members on the sidewalk during the picket shift change, 1000-1100h.
A rented cube van was parked outside the government office at 1415 Vancouver draped with a PSAC banner. The van was used as an office by the strikers with chairs and tables set up inside. The PSAC mobile office was parked there throughout the day with hooded parking meters ensuring parking space.
Read more here.
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Letter From Nycole Turmel re: United Way Campaign
September 10th
To: All PSAC Locals
2004 GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WORKPLACE CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
The 2004 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign is underway. Your contribution has always been so important. Again this year, non-profit organizations, homeless people, broken families will benefit from your generous donations.
As you know, our union is facing the possibility of having the majority of its members on strike this fall. We want you to keep in mind that this campaign should in no way be affected by our strike action.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada supports the GCWCC and firmly believes that we can make a difference by getting involved. We urge you to contribute to the campaign by giving money and getting involved as a volunteer.
Please give generously to the 2004 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign.
In Solidarity, Nycole Turmel, National President and John Gordon, National Executive Vice-President
cc: Component National Officers
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News Release: Strikes Force PSAC Withdrawal from Labour-Management Relations with Feds
September 10th
Ottawa - The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) announced today it was withdrawing from labour-management relations forums with Treasury Board, Parks Canada, Canada Revenue Agency and all other federal departments and agencies as well as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, effective Monday September 13th .
“Due to the current and anticipated labour disputes, the PSAC has been required to step down from these consultations” said PSAC National President Nycole Turmel. “We cannot on the one hand participate in all these consultations and committees with the employer when this same employer shows no sign of wanting to return to the bargaining table to conclude fair and equitable collective agreements for our members”.
Read more here (link to psac.com opens in new window)
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News: Public Sector Workers Continue to Fall Behind
September 10th : via the Political Action
Committee
While the federal government is insulting its employees with wage offers less
than the cost of living increases, private sector workers can expect annual wage
increases in the 3.5% range.
Forecasts by three human resources firms stated that workers in Western
Canada and those in certain industries can expect even larger pay hikes.
The full story can be read at canada.com (link opens in new
window).
With federal government retirees being granted 3.2% and inflation running in
the 2.9% range and federal revenue surpluses much larger than anticipated, why
does our employer insist on insulting their employees with less than inflation
wage offers? Federal government workers have fallen behind those in the
private sector and behind the cost of living over the last 15 years. It is
time we were treated fairly.
Support your bargaining team, get involved with your local, participate in
any proposed job action and contact your MP, let them know that you want a fair
collective agreement.
News Release: Strike unavoidable for 11,000 federal government operational services workers (TB 2)
September 10th
OTTAWA – The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is extremely
disappointed by a Conciliation Board report issued today
for its operational services workers at Treasury Board and believes that only a
strike by these 11,000 government employees will force their employer to listen
seriously to their demands.
According to Nycole Turmel, PSAC National President, “The Conciliation Board
failed miserably to point the way towards a fair settlement for our members. In
fact the report is so silent on the main issues in dispute, namely the wage gap
and the regional rates of pay, that we consider it almost useless.”
Read the full news release on the national
website.
You can read the Conciliation Board documents (PDF format) by clicking on the
following links: The full Conciliation Board Report | The PSAC representative dissent report | The Treasury Board representative partial dissent report (links to
psac.com open in new window).
News Release: Conciliation Board brings strike date closer for federal workers
September 11th
OTTAWA – Tens of thousands of Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) members, working in 70 federal government departments, are on a count down to strike action.
The PSAC is appearing before a Conciliation Board starting Sunday, September 12th, on behalf of its almost 80,000 members in the Program and Administrative Services Group.
Read the release on the national website (link to psac.com opens in new window).
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News: CRA strike shouldn't affect service
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September 13th
Union members began picketing Canada Revenue Agency offices across the country when the agency and representatives of the Public Service Alliance of Canada were unable to strike a deal late last Tuesday night, Sept. 7.
There will be picket lines set up outside all Revenue Canada offices in Quebec Monday, according to Nycole Turmel, national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.
Turmel says the job action should not affect services to the public. Some designated employees are not allowed to strike: a CRA spokesperson said Child Tax Benefits and GST rebates will go out as scheduled.
Read more at cbc.ca (scroll down for an audio interview with Nycole Turmel)
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News: Solidarity
September 14th
NUPGE pledges full support to striking PSAC members
'The National Union is prepared to provide whatever assistance PSAC may request of the National Union and its Components'
Ottawa - The National Union of Public and General Employees, Canada's second largest union, has thrown its full support behind federal public employees in their efforts to negotiate new contracts with the Paul Martin Liberal government.
The 337,000-member union passed a resolution unanimously at National Executive Board meetings Monday in Ottawa, pledging to provide any assistance that may be requested by members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
Read more at nupge.ca (link opens in new window).
In solidarity, federal correctional officers agree to respect PSAC picket lines
MONTREAL - The executive of the Union of Canadian
Correctional Officers-CSN is inviting its 5,700 members at 54 federal
penitentiaries across the country to respect PSAC picket lines at federal
workplaces, as requested by Public Service Alliance of Canada president Nycole
Turmel.
"As union members, we must give our support to fellow federal workers
when they are in conflict with their employer," said Sylvain Martel, president
of UCCO-SACC-CSN. "Moreover, it is a CSN tradition. So we are recommending
correctional officers express their solidarity by respecting the picket
lines."
UCCO-SACC-CSN also recommends to its members that they not serve as
replacement workers for striking federal public service workers in the event
they are requested to do so by the employer. "We won't be doing work that is
not ours," said Martel.
Read more at canada newswire (link opens in new window)
Show your support for TB 1!
September 14th : via email
To: Locals / Branches with PSAC members in Downtown Vancouver
Make your voices heard! Treasury Board Table 1 is at the Conciliation Board
(Sept 12-14, and 18-19). Show support for your demands on Tuesday, September 14
at 300 W. Georgia (Library Square) from noon - 1 pm. Send a message of support
to your bargaining team and enjoy a free hot dog and drink.
All PSAC members are welcome to attend!
In Solidarity, Monica Urrutia, A/Regional Representative
News Release: Tax offices workers in B.C. and across Canada hit the bricks today
September 15th
Some 25,000 employees of the Canada Revenue Agency, including more than 4,000 in B.C., are walking picket lines today in rotating job action designed to increase pressure on the Martin government to negotiate a fair contract settlement.
Patty Ducharme, B.C. spokesperson for the Public Service Alliance of Canada, says CRA facilities in Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Penticton, and Prince George will be affected by today’s walkout, which marks a week of strategic rotating job action by tax office workers.
“Morale remains strong,” says Ducharme, “and our members are committed to winning a new contract with a fair wage increase, provisions to protect jobs and services for the public, and improvements for temporary workers.”
Read the release here.
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Changes in the BC Region
September 15th : via email
Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
This is to let you know that I have temporarily left the PSAC to take up a
position with the BC Federation of Labour. As of September 1, I have become the
BCFed's Provincial Political Campaign Coordinator. I will be responsible for
implementing a strategic plan developed by the Fed and its affiliated unions to
fundamentally change the way organized labour in BC practices political action.
Not only will it be our goal to mobilize a record number of union members to
vote in the upcoming provincial and municipal elections, we will work to defeat
the BC Liberals and their mean spirited anti-worker anti-community agenda. But
it won't end there. We intend to create an on-going grassroots democracy
movement, one that is capable of holding governments responsible to create a
social and economic environment in which working people, their families and
communities can thrive, regardless of who is in power. I will be returning to my
job as BC Regional Coordinator in January 2006.
In the meantime, I'm pleased to announce that Joanna Schultz was the
successful candidate in a competition to fulfill the role of BC Regional
Coordinator in my absence. Please join me in congratulating her and supporting
her in her new job.
I look forward to continuing to work with you to build the PSAC, defend the
public service and protect the living standard of our members, albeit in a
different capacity.
In Fond Solidarity, Janet Routledge
Report: TB 1 Rally at Library Square
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posted September 15th
We held a lunchtime demo today at Library Square to gather support for the Table 1 bargaining team while they were at the Conciliation Board. With labour music, great sunshine and an enthusiastic strike structure on our side over two hundred members turned out to share a supportive message to the team, or a message of warning to the boss! We are shipping the messages to the Table 1 team as promised.
Click to read more about the TB 1 action.
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Concerned about the privatization of health care?
September 16th : via email
Call the following two numbers and leave your name and your hometown and province then, in your own words, give them the following message:
I've been watching the coverage of the First Ministers' Meeting and I'm upset You promised that you would do something about privatization but nobody is talking about it at the meeting You also promised that provinces would be held accountable for any money they got from Ottawa I haven't heard anything about this yet, I'm still watching and waiting I expect you to keep your promises.
Prime Minister Paul Martin at 613-992-4211 and Federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh at 613-995-7052
News: CUPE pledges increased support for PSAC strikers, plans lobby campaign
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September 16th
OTTAWA - CUPE will lobby federal politicians, join picket lines and
financially support striking Public Service Alliance of Canada workers, CUPE
national leaders pledged today.
Armed with a forceful new resolution from his executive board, CUPE national
president Paul Moist walked with PSAC pickets earlier this morning.
The resolution says CUPE members will "support the PSAC during their current
bargaining..., including direct lobbying of federal MPs, picket line support,
financial support." The document also pledges to "publicize this plan widely
within our union."
Click for more about CUPE's solidarity with the PSAC (link to cnw.com
opens in new window)
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CRA photo gallery has been updated
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September 16th
Click for some photos of strike activity in Surrey, including the Picket Line Idol competition winers: the Loading Dock Troopers.
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Demonstration tomorrow in Victoria: Ferries Need to be BC Built
September 16th : via the SVID Area Council
Union members working in the ship building industry in Victoria will be at the BC Ferries Headquarters in full force on Friday protesting the decision by the BC liberal government to build our ferries with our money in Germany.
At the Victoria Labour Council meeting last night there was a request for participation from all unions in Victoria to attend the demonstration in support. The demo will be at noon on Friday the 17th of September at 1112 Fort St.
The BC Liberal governments’ decision to build our ferries off shore is nothing less than a clumsy attempt at union busting. The bleat from the government that this is a cheaper option is an unbelievable attempt to justify their anti-worker anti-British Columbian decision. The jobs, tax dollars, training and economic spin offs from building the ferries in British Columbia only makes economic and social sense. These ferries are being built with our tax dollars, the people of British Columbia deserve to reap the benefits.
Short notice I know, but let’s try and make the demonstration and show our support.
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News Release: Striking Parks employees bring petitions to town
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September 17th
Ottawa—Striking Parks Canada employees, members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, presented a petition with more than 10,000 signatures to members of Parliament today in Ottawa. The petitions were signed by visitors to Parks Canada facilities across Canada.
“Those signatures represent the opinion of tourists who, contrary to Parks management, recognize the value of the work our members accomplish for Parks Canada,” said Nycole Turmel, PSAC National President. “Those workers deserve to be treated fairly because they are the custodians of Canada's natural beauty and history,” added Turmel.
Read more at the national website (link to psac.com opens in new window)
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PSAC keeps their sense of humour!
September 17th : via email
Thanks to Jim Goodspeed, NHWU TB 1 member for this joke!
Some federal Cabinet Ministers are mountain climbing. Each climber happens to be extremely loyal and dedicated to their Department.
As they climb higher and higher, they argue more and more about which of them is the most loyal to their particular clients.
As they reach the summit, the climber from Public Works takes a running leap and throws himself off the mountain, yelling, "This is for Public Works and Government Services!"
Not wanting to be outdone, the climber from Human Resources Development Canada throws himself off the cliff, shouting, "This is for HRDC!"
Seeing this, the Minister of Health walks to the edge and yells,
"This is for ALL Canadians!"
He then pushes the President of Treasury Board off the cliff.
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PSAC on the news
September 17th
Patty Ducharme, Regional Executive Vice-President of the PSAC for BC will be
interviewed on CBC Victoria morning show at 7:15AM on Monday September
20th. She will talk about Table 2 Treasury Board members being in a legal strike
position and what this means to the public.
News Release: Tax offices in B.C. behind picket lines again for today
September 20th
Workers’ morale high, union says, as week two of strike activity comes to an end
Picket lines are up again around Canada Revenue Agency taxation offices in B.C. for today, as the more than 4,000 CRA employees in the province take action to press the Martin government for a fair contract settlement.
CRA facilities in Surrey, Downtown Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Penticton, and Prince George are affected by today’s picketing. All CRA staff will be off the job—except those designated as essential workers.
Read more here.
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News Release: Canadian Government Operational Services Workers are on Strike
September 20th
OTTAWA – Operational services workers employed by the Canadian government launched rotating strikes today, with Quebec workplaces targeted first. The 11,000 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) are the first group of Treasury Board employees to join the strike action.
“Much like PSAC members at Parks Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency before them, operational services workers came up against the government’s stubborn refusal to address their legitimate demands,” said PSAC National President, Nycole Turmel. “Strike action was the last resort for these workers but it has become unavoidable due to the hard line taken by Treasury Board President, Reg Alcock. Management’s uncompromising approach attests to its pettiness towards its own employees.”
Read more here.
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News: Grain Inspectors walk off the job.
September 20th
Table 3 members at Vancouver Grain have walked off the job this morning. They have done so in support of their Negotiating team and to send a message to their employer that they are not willing to give up their terminable allowance.
Read more here.
Grain_Inspectors_Petition.pdf
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News: 40,000 public servants on strike; 85,000 set to join them
Posted September 21st : The Ottawa Citizen
| 11,000 blue-collar workers walk out today; government appears to be digging in
The Martin government is digging in for a pitched battle with its largest union as another 11,000 workers go on strike today.
The government's blue-collar workers, from electricians and carpenters to labourers and heating plant operators, are the latest public servants who to head for the picket lines today. The expected walkout puts the number of workers on strike at about 40,000 with another 85,000 poised to follow within weeks.
"It's all about respect," said Nycole Turmel, president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. "They (the government) want to show how tough they are and all we want is to be respected. All our surveys show workers believe they aren't respected and treated very poorly by the employer, but yet they're still committed to their jobs."
Read more here. |
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CRA Strike Report & Photos - Sept 20th
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posted September 21st
Here are some photos from Downtown Vancouver, where spirits were high and pickets were up at all major sites. In Surrey, at the King George Highway Complex, MP Peter Julian got a tour and he spoke with the picketers. A member brought pakoras which were much appreciated, thank you!
Thanks as well to the PIPSC members who treated the picketers in Penticton to pizza for lunch. In Prince George, PSAC Rep. Gail Owen held a Q&A session, and there was music on the line. A group of members also visited MP Jay Hill. In Kelowna the beer delivery person and the liquor store employees were very cooperative, thank you.
Stay tuned for more photos and reports as they become available.
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VDLC resolution supports the PSAC
September 23rd
Thanks to Sheila Dunnachie (CEUDA 20040 - retired) for passing this
along:
At yesterday's VDLC general meeting the following motion was passed
unanimously and you might want to let your members know they have the support of
the labour movement in their struggles with the Liberal government:
"WHEREAS the Public Service Alliance of Canada is being forced to strike by
the Paul Martin Liberal Government
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the Vancouver and District Labour Council
extend greetings of solidarity and support to the Public Service Alliance of
Canada and encourage affiliates to offer them all possible support."
It was encouraging to hear delegates express their support for our struggles
and, since I'm actually retired, I wish you all the best too!
News: Mayor urges end to PSAC strikes
Posted September 23rd : CBC
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CHARLOTTETOWN — The mayor of Charlottetown is adding his voice to the call to end labour disputes between the federal government and Public Service Alliance of Canada.
Union members asked Clifford Lee to lobby government to get back to the bargaining table. They've done the same thing with other mayors in the region too.
Lee said it was important for him to send a letter urging an end to the strikes to the prime minister too.
He said picket lines set up by Parks Canada or other government workers discourage tourism and hurt the economy.
"With the poor tourism season we've already experienced in 2004 this could quite possibly, I guess, be another nail in the coffin of small businesses in P.E.I. And we can't afford to have that happen."
Lee said the government has to understand that any federal work stoppages have an effect on local economies. |
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News Release: Port of Vancouver grain shipments will be brought to a halt by PSAC strike action today
September 24th
Grain shipments from the Port of Vancouver will grind to a halt Friday, as members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada who work for the federal government’s Canadian Grain Commission picket grain terminals throughout the harbour for 16 hours today.
“With Parliament reconvening in less than 10 days, we’re ramping up the pressure on the Martin government to come back to the bargaining table with a fair contract offer,” says Patty Ducharme, B.C. spokesperson for PSAC.
“The action is part of our creative strategy to maximize pressure on the federal government, while minimizing impacts on the public,” she says.
Read more about the Table 2 strike action here.
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Friday Fun
September 24th : via email
On reaching his plane seat a Treasury Board Negotiator is surprised to see a parrot strapped in next to him. When the Negotiator politely asks the stewardess for a coffee the parrot rudely interrupts: "And while you're at it get me a gin fizz and a cracker, you cow! And make it snappy, or else!"
The stewardess, flustered, brings back a gin fizz and a cracker for the parrot and forgets the coffee.
When the Treasury Board Negotiator reminds the stewardess about the coffee the parrot drains its glass and yells "And get me another gin and a side of crackers or else, you witch!". Quite upset, the stewardess returns with another order of gin and crackers, but still no coffee.
The Treasury Board Negotiator says to the parrot: "You're rude, and you threaten the Stewardess every time you make a demand. You talk to her the same way we talk to our employees at the negotiating table. Yet you get what you want. I think I'll try the same approach."
Click here for the punchline!
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Report: Table 1 Conciliation Board
September 24th : via email
Thanks to Bruce Clark, TB1 Negotiating Team member, for this report on the recent Conciliation Board meetings.
Our Team was given five (5) days to present our demands to the Conciliation Board. The hearings were held in Ottawa on September 12th, 13th, 14th …then the 18th and 19th.
The Conciliation Board (made up of a Chairperson, a union sidesperson and an employer sidesperson) is an extension of the Collective Bargaining process as was the participation of a Conciliation Officer during the 10 days of talks with the employer that took place last March.
As has been the case every time we met with the employer, any hopes that they were there to enter into meaningful negotiations were dashed the minute they entered the room. Negotiation is supposed to be about give and take, on BOTH sides of the table. Your employer doesn’t understand this, or more to the point, doesn’t care.
Read the rest of Bruce's report below (.pdf)
cb_report_sept.pdf
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Photos: AGR 20060 pickets in Vancouver
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September 24th
Patty Ducharme and the BC Regional Council joined about 50 AGR 20060 members picketing at the Vancouver Grain Terminals today. Here are some photos.
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News: MP salary hike raises ire ahead of PSAC strike
September 26th
Faced with the prospect of a massive public service strike, MPs are dealing with the difficult politics of accepting a 10 per cent pay raise.
NDP MP Pat Martin told CTV News he plans to reject the mandatory raise. And he hopes his fellow Parliamentarians will do the same.
...
In his latest offer to PSAC, Treasury Board President Reg Alcock proposed an increase of approximately two per cent this year.
That stands in stark contrast to his own pay scale, under which he will be taking more than $242,000 by 2007. That amounts to a 57 per cent raise since 2000.
Read more at ctv.ca (link opens in new window).
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News: MP salary hike raises ire ahead of PSAC strike
September 26th
Faced with the prospect of a massive public service strike, MPs are dealing with the difficult politics of accepting a 10 per cent pay raise.
NDP MP Pat Martin told CTV News he plans to reject the mandatory raise. And he hopes his fellow Parliamentarians will do the same.
...
In his latest offer to PSAC, Treasury Board President Reg Alcock proposed an increase of approximately two per cent this year.
That stands in stark contrast to his own pay scale, under which he will be taking more than $242,000 by 2007. That amounts to a 57 per cent raise since 2000.
Read more at ctv.ca (link opens in new window).
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Report: Table 1 Conciliation Board Timelines
September 28th : via email
Thanks to Bruce Clark, TB1 Negotiating Team member, for this report on the Conciliation Board timelines.
The report of the Conciliation Board was given to the Commissioner of the Public Service Staff Relations Board this morning. The PSSRB first has to translate the document before delivering it to PSAC and Treasury Board in both official languages.
We anticipate that the Board Report will be received by PSAC late Wednesday or early Thursday morning. The Team and PSAC staff will then have an opportunity to study the report before the PSSRB posts the full report on their web site.
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News Release: Federal grain weighers to picket Vancouver Wharves
September 30th
Action an escalation in strike for a fair collective agreement
A picket line by federal grain weighers will be going up at Vancouver Wharves in North Vancouver, Thursday, September 30.
The line will be in effect from 6:45 a.m. and will stay up until 12:45 a.m., Friday.
Read more here.
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News: PSAC condemns Liberal government double standard on pay increases
September 26th
OTTAWA, Sept. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - The Public Service Alliance of Canada says the federal government should worry less about increasing the pay of Members of Parliament and concentrate on making fair wage offers to the people providing services to Canadians.
"The federal government has little concern for Canadians who depend on the services our members provide," says PSAC National President Nycole Turmel. "More and more of our members are being forced out on picket lines while seeing hefty salary increases being proposed for MPs."
"It is ironic that the government is prepared to see the vast majority of its workforce on strike over wage proposals that are not even close to the increases being proposed either by the government or the Judicial Compensation and Benefits Commission."
Read more at Canada Newswire (link to cnw.ca opens in new window)
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Table 1 update
September 29th
The Conciliation Board Report was released to the PSAC and Treasury Board Bargaining teams this morning.
Keep checking at the national website as PSAC will be issuing a bulletin to coincide with the posting of the report on the internet.
Thanks to Bruce Clark, TB1 Negotiating Team member, for keeping us posted!
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Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign
September 29th
To: All Public Service Alliance of Canada members
From: Nycole Turmel, National President, Public Service Alliance of Canada and Wayne Wouters, Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Skills & Development, 2004 Government Workplace Charitable Campaign Chair
Subject: Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC)
As you know, the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign kicked off this year on September 8th at the National Conference Centre. Both of us were present at that launch to portray the joint ownership and leadership of this campaign by both the Government of Canada and its employees.
This memorandum is to provide further support and clarification to all employees regarding the GCWCC Campaign. This year’s campaign slogan is Federal Employees and Retirees: Creating Hope, Changing Lives. This is in recognition of the fact that this employee campaign is the largest workplace charitable fundraising campaign in this country. The contributions that are made, both financially and in volunteer time, greatly benefit the community both locally and nationally.
In recognition of these tremendous efforts, two new awards have been created. The first, the Community Appreciation Award will recognize federal employees who contribute to their community in a significant way through volunteer efforts. Nominations will be submitted during the GCWCC Campaign and several of these awards will be presented to deserving federal employees.
The second award, the Mitchell Sharp Award will recognize a deserving federal retiree who has distinguished him/herself through their efforts in the community. This award will be presented during the GCWCC Closing Ceremonies on November 23rd.
These initiatives are important as they underline the tremendous efforts made by thousands of federal employees who tirelessly give their time to benefit all.
We urge you to continue your generosity and to get involved as a volunteer notwithstanding possible strike action this fall. We wish to reiterate our support for this campaign which so greatly benefits our communities.
We would like to thank each and every one of you for your ongoing commitment.
News Release: PSAC charges Treasury Board President with making threats and bargaining in bad faith
September 29th
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OTTAWA - The Public Service Alliance of Canada(PSAC) is asking for an order that would compel Treasury Board to return to the bargaining table and make every reasonable effort to conclude collective agreements with the union.
PSAC has filed a complaint with the Public Service Staff Relations Board charging that Treasury Board and its President Reg Alcock have failed to bargain in good faith and reach settlements. The complaint also charges that Alcock has used threats and intimidation to try to stop PSAC members from exercising their legal rights to strike and picket. The Public Service Staff Relations Act prohibits actions such as these by employers and their representatives.
"Minister Alcock has been making it clear to our members that they are going to lose out because they have exercised their democratic right and chosen the conciliation/strike route," says PSAC National President Nycole Turmel.
Read more here (link to newswire.ca opens in new window). |
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News Release: October 7 strike date for 80,000 PSAC members
September 29th
OTTAWA - The 80,000 Public Service Alliance of Canada members in Treasury Board's Program and Administrative Services Group will be in a position to take legal strike action on October 7 now that the Conciliation Board has filed its report.
"The basic message in the Conciliation Board's report is to urge the parties to return to the table in order to work out the outstanding issues," according to PSAC National President Nycole Turmel. "Chairperson Ken Norman noted that the Board was confident that the parties ought to be able to reach a negotiated settlement."
While the report makes no specific recommendation on wage increases, Norman indicates that "with a growing economy currently nearing full capacity, according to Bank of Canada governor David Dodge, and what that means in terms of enhancing the government's revenue stream, there is power to the PSAC's claim to a fair share for its membership." He also suggests that "there is no apparent overriding labour relations reason to deny this plea".
Read more at newswire.ca (link opens in new window)
A link to the Conciliation Board report will be available soon.
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Cheers to Flo Hawker, UTE 20027, who CC'd us on this email she sent to the CBC
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September 29th : via email
I read your news article on the PSAC program managers at Table 1 who are more than ready to go on strike.
I am a PSAC member who works for CRA. We are out on strike. The government tells us on one hand that we are not worth a raise which is long, long overdue while voting to give themselves a 10% increase on top of the large increases they have already received. They tell us that they are the employer of choice. Who would work for an employer knowing that a wage increase is not on the books? Why do managers receive pay bonuses and days off for the work we perform? I am sorry. I am a little confused. I thought a employee was supposed to be recognized for good work?
Read more here.
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Back to work legislation: letter from Betty Bannon
September 30th : via email
The rumors are rampant here in Ottawa with the help of Treasury Board President, Reg Alcock. As you may know, it was reported in the media that Reg Alcock has stated that "back to work legislation may be used. So, why are we still out?
Our first effort is to get the government, and I say government, not CRA, back to the table. I say this because it is clear that the Treasury Board is calling the shots on many of our demands with the CRA. However, we want to negotiate a settlement not have a settlement imposed on us through legislation. Our actions need to make it extremely difficult for the government to use legislation to end our labour dispute.
Read the rest of Betty Bannon's letter here.
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National Womens Conference Background Paper
September 30th
As you know, the PSAC National Women’s Conference will be held in Vancouver in February 2005. The theme of this Conference is "Changing the Face of Power / Féminisons le pouvoir".
As Co-Chairs of the 2005 National Conference, we are pleased to announce that the Conference Background Paper has just been released with an accompanying glossary.
The paper can be accessed online here.
These are exciting times for all of us, and for the women’s program, as the Regional Women’s Conferences get under way in the context of nation-wide strikes and mobilizations. We look forward to the discussions arising from this paper and hope that they will contribute to our goal of the full equality of all sisters.
In Solidarity, Patty Ducharme and Robyn Benson, Co-Chairs of the 2005 National Women's Conference
Reminder: the Conference application deadline is October 8th, click for more information, and to apply on line (link to psac.com opens in new window).
Bargaining Bite - vol 25 - When will we be on strike?
September 30th
Your CFIA Negotiating Team finally has dates for conciliation board hearings! The hearings will take place October 12-15, 2004.
This will likely put PSAC Members working for the CFIA in a legal strike position mid-November. In preparation, we are generating the "Bargaining Bites" updates once again. Leading up to the strike, we'll be putting them out twice weekly, each Monday and Wednesday. They will deal primarily with fears and facts around engaging in strike action.
When will we be on strike?
The union is in a legal strike position seven days after the release of the conciliation board report. Once the seven days have passed, the union is free to engage in strike action.
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Report: Table 2 strike activity - mainland BC
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September 30th
Prince Rupert: T2 members from Grain and Coast Guard picketed at the Coast Guard station.
Fraser Valley: T2 members picketed at the Pacific Argifood Research Center in Agassiz and at the Corrections Sevice Canada regional headquaters.
Vancouver: Pickets were up at the Environment Canada warehouse. There were no excluded managers on site to escort the T3 members who refused to cross unescorted and did not report for work at that site.
REVP Patty Ducharme joined AGR 20060 picket lines at Vancouver Wharves, where spirits were high. ILWU members honored the line. A large barley vessel docked at United Grain Growers Terminal and there were not enough managers on site to unload the vessel: the barley is not moving.
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CRA Strike Report - Week of September 27th
posted September 30th
We have had strategic strike actions at CRA all week this week.
This means that we had almost no picket lines, but the members who work in 4 areas; cash, mailroom, call centers and the client service counter, were pulled off the job. The result has been very chaotic for the employer, with many members being paid to wander around the building looking for things to do, managers being put to work in the mailrooms, trying to sort and deliver mail, and no money being processed. Phone lines are on recorded messages and generally, not much work has been accomplished all week. Those that were off work all did other jobs to help with the strike effort. Some of these jobs included writing to MP's, visiting MP's, greeting the Minister for Public Works and Government Services, Scott Brison when he came to talk at the Wall Center in Vancouver, making up fresh picket signs, picketing at the border in Osoyoos, and the HRDC and Veterans Affairs offices in Penticton and attending a rally for Treasury Board members who will soon be in a legal strike position.
Read more, including a report from the interior, here.
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