What's New?
2nd Annual Celebrate Diversity event, in recognition of the International Day for Human Rights
Dec. 14, 2010
PSAC 5th Triennial Ontario Convention
Greetings Sisters & Brothers,
Very soon many of you will be receiving a call out letter for our upcoming PSAC 5th Triennial Ontario Convention.
In the interim, the Call Out Letter, Application Form, and Special Needs Form are attached [pdf]
Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday Season, and a Prosperous New Year.
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Dec. 10th, 2010
Dec. 10th United Nations International Human Rights Day
Today is International Human Rights Day and the Public Service Alliance of Canada condemns the Harper government for continuing to undermine and attack human rights, both at home and internationally.
Click here for PSAC Statement
Click here for OFL Statement [word] [pdf]
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Dec. 6, 2010
Greetings Sisters of the Regional Women's Committee Chairs,
Today marks an important day, one in which we all remember and take action.
I am attaching the PSAC National message for December 6th as well as the CLC and OFL message. Please feel free to share these messages with your respective Committees.
Thanking you in advance, I remain,
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Dec. 3, 2010
OFL Statement for International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec. 3, 2010)
October 5, 2010
The Toronto MDAC Held its First Forum!
On Saturday, October 2nd, 2010, the Toronto Members with Disabilities Access Committee opened its door to all members in the Toronto area by hosting their first Forum! The event was well received by 16 PSAC participants. Aileen Duncan, retired PSAC member, Association of Public Service Alliance of Retirees (APSAR) Regional Vice-President for Ontario, opened the event with her perspective on Stress and the ways we can manage to achieve balance and zen by recognizing the key triggers. After a delicious lunch, the group participated in massage therapy and yoga meditation. Souad Soubra, Chair of MDAC invited all participants to join them in their next meeting.
Look for the next Toronto Members with Disabilities Access Committee Holiday/Meeting Dinner on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at Pickle Barrel Restaurant.
In Solidarity,
Souad Soubra
Chair, Toronto Members with Disabilities Access Committee (MDAC)
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October 4, 2010
PSAC reaches three tentative agreements with Treasury Board
PSAC reached a tentative deal today for new collective agreements for three of its five bargaining units with Treasury Board. Agreements for the PA, SV and EB groups will go into force only if they are ratified by members in votes over the coming weeks. Exploratory talks for the Border Services (FB) and Technical Services (TC) groups ended without agreement and regular bargaining will resume in 2011.
Click here for more information from our National Website
October 4, 2010
Ratification Vote Schedule for Tentative Agreement with CRA
After intensive negotiations that began on September 20, PSAC has achieved a tentative agreement with the Canada Revenue Agency.
According to PSAC national president John Gordon and Union of Taxation Employees president Betty Bannon, the union was able to bargain wage increases and other gains for the members in spite of the difficult economic and political climate.
Members will now have an opportunity to vote on the tentative agreement at meetings to be held across the Ontario Region in October.
Attached find the current schedule of upcoming ratification vote meetings that will be updated by Regional Representatives from each Regional Office in Ontario on an ongoing basis as meeting dates, times and locations are confirmed.
For confirmation of the meetings dates, times and locations please contact your closest Regional Office and/or UTE Local representative.
Toronto Regional Office |
416-485-3558 or 1-800-354-9086 |
Kingston Regional Office |
613-542-7322 or 1-800-355-0783 |
London Regional Office |
519-659-1124 or 1-800-366-0539 |
Sudbury Regional Office |
705-674-6907 or 1-800-354-9134 |
Thunder Bay Regional Office |
807-345-8442 or 1-800-355-0794 |
Click here for Ratification Vote Schedule [PDF]
October 1, 2010
PSAC Negotiates Two-Year Deal with CRA
After intensive negotiations that began on September 20, PSAC has achieved a tentative agreement with the Canada Revenue Agency.
September, 2010
To: All PSAC Locals in Ontario
2010 UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
The 2010 United Way Campaign has officially been launched across Ontario. PSAC Ontario members have always been strong supporters of the campaign by contributing generously of their time and money.
The number of people who will need the help of the various organizations funded by United Way has increased tremendously, especially during this continued period of economic uncertainty.
Unions have been supporting social issues and improving social conditions of the disadvantaged for decades. That is why PSAC is committed to assisting in this goal.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada supports the United Way Campaign and firmly believes that we can make a difference by getting involved. I urge you to contribute to the campaign.
Please give generously! Without you, there would be no way!
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
c.c. Component National Officers
Ontario Region
September 24, 2010
Emergency Public Meeting - One Toronto - Monday, Sept. 27, 2010
This upcoming election is about the future of Canada’s largest urban centre. OneToronto is a vision for the City, a city that builds on its successes, cares for its neighbours, does its part to protect the environment and values community. The OneToronto campaign aims to change the nature of the public debate around the 2010 election. See attached for more information.
Click here for the poster - OneToronto_Poster
Click here to go to their website - One Toronto
Click here for the map - Endorsement Map final
September 22, 2010
Message from the Regional Executive Vice-President
RE: October 25th - Put People First - Vote for Public Services!
Sisters and Brothers,
On October 25th, Ontarians will head to the polls to elect their new municipal governments (mayors, councilors and school board trustees). As we battle to maintain funding for public services at all levels, these elections gain added significance unseen in over a decade.
In communities big and small, right-wing populists are on the offensive. They are utilizing the politics of scapegoating and divide and conquer to win power. In the context of a sluggish economic recovery and alienation from city halls, the simple message of tax cuts is unfortunately resonating with many, who may have forgotten the devastation to our social fabric during the Mike Harris years.
Labour, community groups and neigbourhood organizations across our region are presenting an alternative to the politics of fear, divisiveness and tax cuts. Our alternative is one where cities and towns are viable and sustainable both socially and environmentally; an alternative where municipalities are well funded to provide quality public services to all. It is an alternative vision of communities where people’s needs are ahead of corporate interests.
But we need your help to elect people who support public services and who will work to safeguard and enhance these services, once in office.
Five (5) things you can do today:
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Get informed: visit your local labour council and find out which candidates labour and community groups are endorsing in your area.
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Get involved: volunteer to work in support of a campaign in your area.
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Spread the word: pick up information on the issues and / or candidate’s election platform and give / discuss with colleagues, neighbours and family.
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Get organized: organize an all candidates meeting in your area, workplace and neigbourhood.
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Put up a sign: show your support for public services – put a lawn sign supporting public services or candidates who pledge to protect public services.
Supporting progressive candidates: If you are a PSAC member, support quality public services and running for municipal office, we would like to hear from you! Send us your platform.
Together we will build our communities!
In solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki,
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Click here for the flyer in [Word] [PDF] [MS Publisher]
September 22, 2010
Treasury Board Bargaining Update
Talks are underway between PSAC bargaining teams and Treasury Board. We have agreed to engage in bargaining well before the expiry of collective agreements in an effort to ensure economic certainty and improved working conditions for our members.
Members elected to bargaining teams from the last round of negotiations have been busy reviewing the Program of Demands. They are also looking at outstanding demands from the last round as well as emerging issues to set priorities for this round.
For more information review the attached bargaining bulletin [Word] [PDF], check our Frequently Asked Questions [English] [French] on our national website www.psac-afpc.com or e-mail TB-Q&A@psac-afpc.com
September 2010
To: All Members of the Ontario Region
From: Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Re: PSAC Ontario Council Meetings
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to observe the upcoming PSAC Ontario Council meeting, scheduled for October 15th – 16th, 2010 at the PSAC Regional Office Boardroom, Toronto. Our hours of sitting are: Friday, October 15th from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, October 16th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are, or will be in the Toronto area and would like to attend, please consider doing so.
This event is a scent-free environment. Please RSVP to my Executive Assistant, Rita Cantalini @ (416) 485-3558 ext. 232.
Click here for draft agenda [Word] [PDF]
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki,
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
September 15, 2010
To: All PSAC Members in the Ontario Region
Re: Treasury Board Bargaining Update
Dear Sisters & Brothers:
In the coming weeks, the PSAC and Treasury Board are entering into early and expedited negotiations of our collective agreements.
Treasury Board recently contacted Our National President, John Gordon to see if there was any interest in bargaining this fall. After discussions with the National Board of Directors, we agreed we should take the opportunity to bargain over issues important to our members – including economic security in uncertain economic times and table-specific issues that have arisen over the past years.
To this end, and to the extent possible, the five previous PSAC Bargaining Teams (PA, SV, TC, FB, EB) are being reconvened to Ottawa. Team members have been contacted and are preparing for discussions with the employer to take place starting early in the week of September 20th.
Should tentative agreements be reached, members will have an opportunity to vote on their ratification. If not, we will proceed with the regularly scheduled bargaining process.
Communications will be key throughout this process. PSAC will provide updates and information as it becomes available. I would invite you to visit and share the PSAC website link (www.psac-afpc.com) with your members and respective constituency groups, and to subscribe to the PSAC “Bargaining News” e-mail lists.
The attached Treasury Board Bargaining Update, and more to come, will be posted on the PSAC website. We ask you to please post the Bulletin in the workplace and distribute to your members and colleagues as soon as possible.
Our Union believes that entering into bargaining discussions at this time is the most responsible option we have, and that doing so is in the best interests of our members. That’s the context. Now it’s up to the Bargaining Teams to do the best job they can at their respective tables.
This is the time to stand together in solidarity with our Bargaining Teams.
Click here for flyer [English PDF] [French PDF]
Click here for the national website
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
September 13, 2010
ACCESS" YES, WE CAN
Members with Disabilities Access Committee (MDAC) would like to invite you to attend MDAC Forum On Saturday, October 2, 2010, from 10:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m at PSAC office, 90 Eglinton Ave. E Suite 608.
Come and join us... Meals and Refreshments will be provided.
There will be surprises!
Please confirm your attendance for this event by September 25.
Please distribute this invitation to the members that you know they might be interested in attending this event.
Forum Flyer [PDF]
Design a Logo Flyer [PDF]
For more information, please contact Souad Soubra @ sue.soubra@yahoo.com; souad.soubra@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca or 416.512.5926.
September 13, 2010
The PSAC Ontario Regional Women's Conference 2010
Greetings Sisters & Brothers,
The PSAC Ontario Regional Women's Conference was held in Mississauga on September 10-12, 2010 with approximately 80 delegates, observers and guests from various Regional Women's Committees across Ontario. The theme of the Conference was "You have a voice, Make it Heard".
Sister Patty Ducharme, PSAC National Vice-President and Brother Gerry Halabecki, Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario welcomed the participants to the conference. Sister Ducharme provided an overview of the PSAC Campaigns and her role in advancing women's rights. Brother Halabecki expressed his appreciation for the continued work of the 11 Regional Women's Committees in Ontario. He is proud at how this region has grown within such a short time, he thanked the Committees for their hard work and determination to bring women's issues to the forefront.
Sisters were able to debate resolutions; learn how to get involved in the PSAC Fight-Back Campaign/Universal Child Care in Ontario/PSACs Social Justice Fund/CLC Pension Campaign/United Way Agencies; and network with other women. Sisters also listened attentively to guest speakers who were informative and educational.
The Organizing Committee of the PSAC Ontario Regional Women's Conference also sent a powerful message about inequality and wage gaps in Canada through a video and we invite you to listen to Pennies of Prosperity, http://psac.com/news/2010/what/20100622-e.shtml
Do you know what the term Neoliberalism means? Check out this visual interpretation for yourself as it is explained through a water balloon by Tim McCaskell - http://vimeo.com/6803752.
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In Solidarity,
Colleen Wice,
Regional Women's Committee
Representative
PSAC Ontario Council
September 9, 2010
6th Annual Malvern in Motion - Protect our Public Services
Calling All PSAC Members in the GTA - Improve Malvern
6th Annual Malvern in Motion
September 11, 2010
Protect our Public Services
As the municipal elections are fast approaching, communities across the GTA are organizing themselves and sending a message to our municipal candidates that public services matter and need to be protected.
Share your opinion – get involved.
Join other PSAC members and the community as we celebrate our victories and fight for the city that we need and deserve.
Improve Malvern – 6th Annual Malvern in Motion is organized by the Malvern Community Coalition, Action for Neighbourhood Change and Good Jobs for all.
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2010 Time: 12 PM - 5 PM Place: Malvern Recreation Centre, (30 Sewells Road, Scarborough) |
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August 26, 2010
Treasury Board Bargaining Conference
Call out to PSAC equity activists (Aboriginal, Racialized Worker, Member with disability, GLBT), Regional Women's Committee member, and Youth activists (30 or younger) to participate in Treasury Board Bargaining Conferences.
These Treasury Board Bargaining Conferences bring together hundreds of members to discuss and prioritize issues for bargaining with your Employer.
Please submit your application before September 17th in order to be considered for the upcoming conferences.
Click here to go to our national posting
Click here to complete and submit your application online directly
or
Click here to print out PDF form & submit directly to the Ontario REVP:
Via Mail -
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 608
Toronto, ON M4P 2Y3
Via Fax - 416-485-8607 or
Via Email - REVP-Ont@psac-afpc.com
August 12, 2010
Privatization of Atomic Energy Ltd. of Canada
Please take a minute and contact your MP to let them know you oppose the privatization of Atomic Energy Limited of Canada. Please distribute widely.
Click here for more flyer [Word] [PDF]
July 2, 2010
Town Hall & BBQ
Calling All PSAC Members
in the GTA
Toronto Municipal Election
Town Hall and BBQ
July 24, 2010
As part of the Public Services Solidarity Network (PSSN), PSAC Ontario is calling on all members in the GTA to get out to the first Municipal Elections Town Hall meeting and BBQ.
As the municipal elections are just over three months away, this is the time to meet and engage the candidates and let them know that public services are important to you and need to stay public. Protecting public services at all levels has become a priority and this is our opportunity to send a strong message to all municipal candidates in the Toronto area.
Don’t forget to stop by the PSAC table for the latest updates and say hi to your fellow PSAC members.
Etobicoke North Community BBQ and Town Hall Meeting is organized by the Community Organizing for Responsible Development (C.O.R.D.)
Date: Saturday, 24 JULY 2010
Time: 12 PM - 5 PM
Place: Elmbank Community Centre, 10 Rampart Road,
(Off Martin Grove, south of Finch Ave. W. and north of John Garland)
Highlights
• Information tables
• Town hall discussion
• Food (halal) and soft drinks
• Sports and games for kids
For more Information contact:
Bruce Flannigan
FlanniganB@psac.com or call (416) 485-3558 x250
Click here for flyer [PDF]
July 2, 2010
PSAC Members Protest G20 Summit in Toronto
Call for Public Inquiry into Police Actions
PSAC members from across the Ontario Region as well as the NCR and Quebec joined thousands of other trade union and community allies at the G20 Summit protests in Toronto on June 26th. Members marched under a banner calling to put “people before profits” and highlighted our fight to protect public services here and abroad.
While the causes where many at this mass protest, the diverse groups were united in their distrust of the secretive and closed G8/G20 Summits. Whereas the voice of business was heard inside the halls of power, civil society groups and trade unions took to the streets to expose the Harper agenda and to speak out against the undemocratic nature of these summits.
Weeks before the Summit even began, the people of Canada became outraged as the Harper government spent over $1.25 billion on summit security. According to Ontario Regional Executive Vice President Gerry Halabecki, “all this money did not prevent acts of vandalism.” Halabecki added that “instead, the thousands of police officers turned Toronto into an armed garrison and acted with total impunity against peaceful protesters.” Over 900 people where arrested and denied their basic civil rights.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada, Ontario condemns the mass arrests of peaceful protestors in Toronto at the G20 demonstrations this weekend and joins the growing cry for a public inquiry into police actions.
more on protest: <<
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June 24, 2010
Ontario Council Alternate By-Elections
I am pleased to announce that Mojdeh Rahbari Cox was elected to the position of Alternate Racially Visible Members Representative for PSAC’s Ontario Council. Congratulations Mojdeh!
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
June 22, 2010
Expression of Interest - Regional Representatives
PSAC has posted two expressions of interest for a Regional Representative (Toronto) and Regional Representative (Sudbury) commencing July 5th, 2010 until August 31, 2010. There were no qualified internal candidates; consequently, we are encouraging applications from PSAC members who may be interested in working for the PSAC on a term basis. A generic job description is attached. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Christopher Wilson, Regional Coordinator at wilsonc@psac.com The closing date for applications is June 28, 2010.
June 22, 2010
PSAC National Access Conference, June 4-6, 2010
Greetings Sisters & Brothers,
PSAC Ontario was well represented with a large contingent that attended the National Access Conference. The Conference was held at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa from June 4-6th. The theme of the Conference was "Let's Focus on our Abilities!".
Click here for PSAC Access national blurb
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
June 21, 2010
June 21, National Aboriginal Day
National Aboriginal Peoples’ Network
It’s been 14 years since then Governor-General Romèo Leblanc declared that June 21 was to become National Aboriginal Day across Canada. The day of the summer solstice was chosen because of its significance in a wide variety of Aboriginal cultures, and many First Nations had already been using the longest day of the year to celebrate their heritage and traditions. The day is meant for every Canadian to recognize, honour and respect the contributions Aboriginal Peoples have made to the Canadian fabric.
June 21st should also be a day for us to learn more about the diverse Aboriginal cultures and about the issues that face Canada’s First Peoples. It is important that all of us make ourselves more aware of the reasons why, in almost every measure, Aboriginal Peoples fare much worse than other Canadians.
We should be asking ourselves a lot of questions: Why a people, who for thousands of years lived and prospered on the continent known to them as Turtle Island, are facing such hardships today; Why a people, who had no need for a prison system themselves, are now overly represented in Canadian jails. Why a people, who numbered around 15 million at the time of European contact and had complex systems of trade and commerce, are having such a difficult time economically; Why a people, who had so much respect and reverence for the land that they based all of their major decisions on the impact on the 7th generation following them, in far too many instances don’t have access to clean drinking water? Why a people, who had such respect for the women of the community that no major decisions were made without their input and in many instances were matriarchies, now have more than 550 women murdered or missing in the past 15 years? Why a people, for whom family life was the central focus of the community, had their children ripped from their arms and sent to Residential Schools.
One of the reasons for these dramatic shifts is the number of Aboriginal People who have been separated from their traditional teachings because of the long-standing assimilation policies of the Canadian government. Ever since European traders felt they no longer needed Aboriginal Peoples as navigators, hunters, warriors or nutrionists, there have been consistent attempts to incorporate Canada’s first peoples into the dominant culture. And for nearly 500 years, they have met with resistance. It’s time, once and for all, for the federal government to end their policies of assimilation and instead work with Aboriginal leaders to restore those elements of a culture that allowed it flourish for more than 10,000 years.
The PSAC’s National Aboriginal Peoples’ Circle and Network have been working on these and other issues since their inception in 2005. The numbers of Aboriginal members in the Network have been increasing but as the PSAC’s Aboriginal policy states: “. . . it is not just Aboriginal Peoples who need to take on these challenges. Non-Aboriginal people continue to benefit from the land and resources that once rightfully belonged to the original inhabitants of Turtle Island. It is therefore incumbent on us a union to develop the capacity of our full membership to engage in the kind of political action that draws attention and action to the struggles faced by Aboriginal Peoples.”
Please join with us in celebrating these rich cultures and traditions as we stand together in solidarity on National Aboriginal Day.
For a statement from OFL, click>>
June 18, 2010
SSO Toronto Regional Office Layoffs
PSAC is gearing up to fight back against government austerity measures including the most recent announcement by Statistics Canada to close the telephone interviewing operations in Toronto affecting 140 regional office interviewers. These members are part of the National Component Local 00058.
Statistical Survey Operations employees hired under the Statistics Act will be given the prescribed 60 days notice beginning June 10, 2010 after which they will be laid-off at the end of August. These members were vulnerable because they were hired as temporary employees and were not subject to the provisions of the Workforce Adjustment Agreement. The Union will defend the rights of employees under the collective agreement including notice and severance entitlements.
These layoffs are a direct result of the Federal budget’s cutbacks to departmental spending and follow in the wake of Regional Human Rights office closures in 3 major city centres including Toronto.
PSAC recently convened a meeting of all Local President’s across the Greater Toronto Area and held a region-wide conference call of Local President’s to review the fight back plan and kit. The Union is encouraging all members to tell your Union what’s happening in your workplace to take action to protect our work, our jobs and the quality public services that we provide.
PSAC will also be sending a message in support of quality public services at home and around the world at the upcoming G8/G20 rally at Queen’s Park on June 26, 2010. We welcome all PSAC members and community allies to participate in support of our SSO members and all members who provide the public services that make our Country work.
Click Here To Learn How You Can Get Involved
June 4 , 2010
G8 & G20 Public Rally and March - Saturday, June 26th
G8 & G20 Public Rally and March, Saturday, June 26th Please join the PSAC and other Labour unions and NGOs and the Canadian Federation of Students for a rally at Queen's Park in Toronto. Both the PSAC and the CLC have arranged buses from various communities across Ontario and Quebec. Please check our Get on the Bus Schedule for details of how to reserve a seat. We will be providing a box lunch at the PSAC staging point at 12 noon, in advance of the main rally at 12 noon.
June 26 @ 12 Noon - Queen's Park
June 4 , 2010
Need Volunteers for Toronto Pride Parade
Dorothy and the gang are heading ‘Down
the Yellow Brick Road’ and they need
your help!
PSAC Ontario will have a float in the
Toronto Pride parade on Sunday, July 4th
and we want GLBT members, friends and
family to help make sure it ’s a SUCCESS!
We’re looking for people who:
• Will ride on the float in Wizard of Oz costumes
• Will help decorate the float for the parade
• Will march behind the float carrying Pride
banners and flags
To volunteer, contact Karen Church,
PSAC Ontario GLBT Representative
karen.church@ciu-sdi.ca
Click here for flyer [PDF]
June 1 , 2010
People's Summit: Fri., June 18 - Sun., June 20th, 2010 - Toronto
What is the People's Summit 2010?
A diverse coalition of Canadian civil society organizations and trade unions are coming together from June 18-20, to expose the undemocratic nature of G8 / G20 summits and to press world leaders to take meaningful concrete steps on critical issues such as climate change, human rights, poverty and social security. They are calling for a G8 / G20 agenda that combats poverty, transforms global economic systems and acts on climate change.
Visit http://peoplessummit2010.ca/section/2 for more information. If you wish to attend, please register by contacting Brenda Shillington, PSAC Regional Representative at shillib@psac.com or 416-485-3558 x227
G8 & G20 Open Forum, Saturday, June 19 10:00 - 4:30, U of T
Details: Forum Theme "People First: We Deserve Better!"
WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT?
. Financial Crisis - Who Pays?
. Jobs Pact
If you wish to attend, please register by contacting Brenda Shillington, PSAC Regional Representative at shillib@psac.com or 416-485-3558 x227
Click here for poster in [English] [French]
Shout Out for Global Justice! Friday, June 25, 2010, Massey Hall, Toronto
The PSAC is a proud co-sponsor of this Council of Canadians event on the eve of the labour rally. Join us as speakers challenge the G20 and demand trade, water and climate justice!
Click here for poster [English] [French]
May 28, 2010
Call for Resolutions - Ontario Regional Women's Conference 2010
Below you will find the Call for Resolutions. Please note that the deadline is August 2, 2010.
Click here for [Word] or [PDF]
May 27, 2010
Toronto Fightback Campaign Meeting - June 14th
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
On Monday, June 14th, 2010 PSAC Ontario will be holding a Fightback
Campaign Meeting in the York Room at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel and
Suites located at 1250 Eglinton Ave East. This meeting is open to all Locals and
Toronto based PSAC Regional Committees serviced by the PSAC Toronto
Regional Office.
All Local Presidents or their representatives and one representative from each
Toronto Based Regional Committees (ACs, RWCs, and Equity) are invited to
attend this meeting. Loss of Salary and mileage will be reimbursed.
Component National Officers (RVPs or NVPs), members of National Committees
such as the PSAC’s National Equal Opportunities Committee and PSAC Ontario
Regional Council members are also welcome to attend at their own expense.
Locals are strongly encouraged to send a representative as we will be discussing
our fightback plan against the impact of the 2010 Federal Budget and the
impending job losses and service cuts.
In addition to the fightback campaign, we will be updating members on PSAC’s
participation in the Peoples’ Summit and the G8/20 Summit.
Attached you will find the poster with the time and location of the meeting. Please confirm your attendance. I look forward to seeing you at the meeting as we move forward with our mobilization plan to protect public services and save jobs.
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki,
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Services Alliance of Canada
May 27, 2010
Regional Local Presidents Conference Call - June 15th
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
On Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 PSAC Ontario Region will be holding a Regional
Local Presidents Conference Call for the Region.
All Local Presidents or their representatives, and one representative from each
PSAC Regional Based Committee (ACs, RWCs, and Equity), National
Component Officers (RVPsINVPs), PSAC’s Equal Opportunities Committees
Representatives, National Aboriginal People’s Circle Representatives and Ontario
Regional Council Members are invited to attend this conference call in their
Regional Offices or from their own phones.
Locals are strongly encouraged to send a representative to the call as we will be
discussing our fightback plan against the impact of the 2010 Federal Budget and
the impending job losses and service cuts.
Attached you will find the poster with the time and location of the conference call. Please confirm your attendance and I look forward to speaking with you and
working with you as we fight to protect public services and save jobs.
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki,
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
May 20, 2010
Introductory Letter from Members with Disabilities Representative
Dear Sisters and Brothers of Member with Disabilities
My name is Souad Soubra, otherwise known as “Sue”; I am GSU, Local 00027 president. As some of you know, I am the new representative on the Ontario Council for Members with Disabilities of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
For those of you who do not know me, I have been actively involved in PSAC for the last seven years, almost since I first started working for Public Works and Government Services Canada.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of you who don’t know me, and to let those of you who do, get to know me a bit better.
I am proud to say that during this time, I have been involved in many PSAC committees and organizations, in an effort to raise awareness and make positive changes for those individuals faced with challenges on a daily basis.
For the past few years, and since I accepted the nomination in 2008 for the Toronto Members with Disabilities Access Committee Chair, I have been committed to assisting members with guidance and representation on disability rights and issues and finding solutions for their problems I have also provided members with educational materials and information regarding their rights and encourage them to become more involved with the union.
I am known for my level of commitment and my determination to find a win/win solution for all involved. As the Ontario Members with Disabilities Representative, I will work tirelessly on my sisters’ and brothers’ behalf to ensure that their voice is heard on the regional and national levels within the PSAC and the movement.
I have always been recognized as serving our members in the most effective manner possible. I believe in continually upgrading my knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the collective agreement and union issues. I have participated in various union courses and attended many conferences in an effort to keep current. All of my efforts in my union activities have been made for the sole purpose of providing our members with the most accurate information in relation to their rights and their employer’s obligations.
Additionally, I am also Toronto Members with Disabilities Committee Chair, and an alternate member to the OFL Disability Rights Committee, an alternate Chair and Treasurer for the Regional Women’s Committee. I am also a member with the Racially Visible Committee, a member with PSAC’s Greater Toronto Area Council. I am also involved with Employment Equity within my GSU component framework, all of which demonstrates my commitment to my sisters and brothers and in particular in the Ontario Members with Disabilities.
I am always accessible to all members of the groups I represent as that is the only way to get things accomplished --- to work together as a team
Remember, T…E…A…M… means Together Everyone Achieves More.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to me as your Ontario Members with Disabilities Representative. Please contact me should you require any information or support.
I can be reach at: 416-429-1375 (h), 416-512-5926 (o) Sue.soubra@yahoo.com
In Solidarity,
Souad Soubra (Sue)
PSAC Ontario Council
Members with Disabilities Representative
May 19, 2010
To: All Members of the Ontario Region
From: Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Re: PSAC Ontario Council Meetings
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to observe the upcoming PSAC Ontario Council meeting, scheduled for June 25th & 26th, 2010 at the PSAC Regional Office Boardroom, Toronto. Our hours of sitting are: Friday, June 25th from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, June 26th from 9 a.m. to completion of business. Our Council will participate in the G8-G20 Rally in the afternoon. If you are, or will be in the Toronto area and would like to attend, please consider doing so. This event is a scent-free environment.
If you cannot join us for our meeting please consider joining the PSAC contingent at the G8/G20 Rally. More information is available on our website at www.ontario.psac.com.
We hope that even if you are unable to observe the upcoming meeting, that you will accept an invitation, on behalf of the entire Council, to observe one of our future meetings. Please RSVP to my Executive Assistant, Rita Cantalini @ (416) 485-3558 ext. 232.
Click here for draft agenda [PDF]
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki,
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
May 19, 2010
The PSAC is Fighting to Protect Public Services!
Sisters and Brothers,
I want to start by congratulating all PSAC members in the Ontario Region for standing up and sending a clear message to the minority Harper government to back off our pensions. During our HANDS OFF our pensions! campaign, PSAC members across our region as well as the country, rallied, held town-hall meetings, sent letters to Prime Minister Harper, met with local Members of Parliament and collected over 80,000 signatures on our petition.
It is because we stood up and spoke out that the actual budget steered away from directly attacking our pensions. The March 4th budget, however, contained a number of austerity measures that will have a significant impact on our jobs, the public services we deliver and Canadian citizens who rely on these services every day of the week.
The current government has made no secret of its disdain for pay equity and human rights either, as witnessed by its funding cuts to human rights advocacy groups across the country.
That is why the PSAC is fighting back – and we need your help to mobilize an effective and powerful opposition.
Here’s what you can do today:
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Get your Fightback Campaign Kit: This is an important tool to help Local/Branch executive members, Stewards and other activists engage in the budget fightback campaign. It is available on our website at: www.ontario.psac.com/FightbackKit.shtml
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Attend the local president’s meeting or conference call in your area. A separate poster announcing the date and location of these meetings will be sent out through your RO soon!
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Join us in Toronto on June 26th as we take to the streets with our labour and community allies against the policies of the G8 and G20 leaders. Help us expose the corporate agenda of the Harper government on the international stage!
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Contact your Member of Parliament and tell him/her that you support public services.
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Check out our website for regular updates and schedule of events.
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
May 19, 2010
Calling All PSAC Activists! The G8 is Coming to Town!
World leaders from the G8 and G20 countries along with the heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank will be holding their summits in Toronto from June 25-27, 2010.
The PSAC along with our labour and community allies are part of a broader movement that is opposed to the undemocratic and unrepresentative nature of such Summits. As the host of the Summits, the Harper government is using this opportunity to globalize the same right-wing social and economic agenda that we are dealing with at home.
It is time to tell world leaders, and our own government, that public services, human and workers rights matter a whole lot more than corporate profits!
Labour and civil society groups are organizing our own People’s Summit to draw attention to the real issues that we know won’t be discussed at the G8 and G20. PSAC members, especially in the GTA, are encouraged to participate in the People’s Summit Forums which are taking place on June 18-20.
PSAC buses are departing from Ottawa, Kingston, Sudbury, London Niagara/Hamilton, and Montreal on June 26th. We are also coordinating efforts with the Canadian Labour Congress to bring as many trade union members from other destinations to Toronto for a Rally and March on June 26th, at 1:00 p.m.
The PSAC is holding a pre-rally meeting at the University of Toronto, the details for which will be posted on this site soon – stay tuned!
Contact your Regional Office for more information on bus schedules and other details related to the People’s Summit and G8 / G20 mobilizations.
For regular updates, calendar of events and other community actions please visit the following sites:
PSAC Ontario - www.ontario.psac.com
Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) - www.canadianlabour.ca
The 2010 People’s Summit - www.peoplessummit2010.ca
Toronto Community Mobilization Network - http://g20.torontomobilize.org
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki,
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
May 12, 2010
Ontario Council Alternate By-Elections
I am pleased to announce that Brenda Walsh was acclaimed to the position of Alternate Members with Disabilities Representative for PSAC’s Ontario Council. Congratulations Brenda!
We have just reviewed the nominations for the Alternate Racially Visible Representative position for PSAC’s Ontario Council and will be proceeding with our first ballot shortly.
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
May 12, 2010
National Women's Conference - October 22-24, 2010
Below you will find the Call Out Letter and Application Form for the National Women's Conference - "Fighting Back, Moving Forward"
Click here for [PDF] or [Word]
May 7, 2010
Ontario Regional Women's Conference - September 10-12, 2010
Below you will find the Call Out Letter and Application Form for Delegates, Observers and Facilitators for the Ontario Regional Women's Conference.
Please ensure wide distribution.
Click here for [Word] or [PDF]
May 5, 2010
Pride Events
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
June, known as Pride Month, is fast approaching. It is a time of remembrance, empowerment, solidarity, and a celebration of diversity.
Pride celebrates freedom of expression, acceptance of lifestyles and welcoming of diversity and we encourage all PSAC Ontario members to come out and celebrate with their Sisters and Brothers at the events below.
Durham Pride |
June 12, 2010 |
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Halton Pride |
June 5, 2010 |
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Hamilton Pride |
June 18-20, 2010 |
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Kingston Pride |
June 5, 2010 |
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London Pride |
July 15-25, 2010 |
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Owen Sound Pride |
June 20, 2010 |
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Sudbury Pride |
July 12-18, 2010 |
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Toronto Pride |
June 25-July 4, 2010 |
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Tri-Pride Festival |
June 5, 2010 |
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Windsor Pride |
August 3-8, 2010 |
In Solidarity and Pride,
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Gerry Halabecki Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario Public Service Alliance of Canada |
Karen Church GLBT Members Representative Ontario Council |
May 5, 2010
PSAC Ontario – Building our Union at the Base!
Not only are we organizing more and more workers into our ranks, with over 2000 new members joining PSAC Ontario in the past year alone, but we are also building our union at the base across our region. To this effect, we are happy to announce the formation of the following new committees in our region, all of which are member initiated, driven and led:
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Sault Ste Marie Aboriginal Committee
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Pembroke/Petawawa Area Council
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Northeastern Ontario Area Council
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Sudbury Area Council
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Kingston Regional Women’s Committee
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Barrie Area Council
My thanks to the members, locals, DCL’s and components for taking the initiative to form these new committees in their communities and surrounding areas. Working together we can strengthen our union and build our communities.
Congratulations and welcome!
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice President, Ontario
Public service Alliance of Canada
May 5, 2010
PSAC Ontario Concludes Leadership Phase II Training
The Ontario Region of the PSAC has concluded a successful Leadership Phase II Training in Toronto from April 15 – 17, 2010. The 36 participants in this phase of leadership training course are activists who have been elected to leadership positions on the Ontario Regional Council, Components, Directly Chartered Locals, National EO Committee and National Aboriginal Peoples Circle.
The purpose of the training is to broaden and deepen PSAC leadership to support the vision and strategic directions of the organization and to play a positive role in union renewal. The focus of this particular training was on building communications and political action skills.
“The timing for this course could not have been more ideal considering that we are in the midst of a fightback campaign to protect public services,” said Gerry Halabecki, PSAC Ontario REVP. “We know that everyone of our participants will be going back to their communities, committees and locals ready to use the newly acquired skills to build and broaden the fightback across our region,” he added.
National President, John Gordon and National Executive Vice-President, Patty Ducharme brought greetings from the AEC and the NBoD to participants of the Leadership Training.
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 CCPA Economist Armine Yalnizyan & Ontario REVP Gerry Halabecki |
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 Participants engaged in workshop discussion |
May 5 , 2010
Changes to Government Parking Policy will Unfairly Target Workers with Disabilities
Click here for the News Release in PDF English or French
Click here for the Flyer in PDF English or French
OTTAWA—The Public Service Alliance of Canada is concerned that impending changes to the federal government’s parking policy will adversely affect workers with disabilities, creating a barrier that will make it more difficult to access their workplaces. PSAC represents 172,000 workers, the majority of whom are in the federal public sector.
By July 1 of this year, most federal government employees will be required to pay market rates to park in any government-owned buildings and lots. While it’s clear that this will cause financial hardship for many public sector workers, it will have a particularly harsh impact on people with certain disabilities.
People with mobility issues who are not able to access other forms of transportation have no choice but to drive and park their cars. As it currently stands, most people with disabilities do not have to pay for parking. Costs will skyrocket when the new market rate is introduced – in some cases, to more than $300 per month.
Monty Montgomery works for the Communications Security Establishment in Ottawa. After suffering extreme frostbite on all four limbs, Montgomery is a multilateral amputee.
“I have balance issues standing on a moving bus and can't grip the handrails to support myself,” he said. “Additionally, because my injuries were caused by frostbite, I cannot wait for even short periods outside for buses that may be delayed due to winter conditions.”
Like many workers in similar situations, Montgomery does not have the option of taking public transit and must drive his car to work.
Charles Rozon faces a similar quandary. An employee at the Canada Revenue Agency, Rozon has a back injury that includes a fused spinal cord. An accident without a seatbelt could be devastating to him, so he is forced to drive a truck with specific safety features.
“It is a costly vehicle to maintain both in terms of insurance and gas, so I already pay a lot more than a monthly bus pass,” he said.
“All government departments have an obligation to accommodate workers with disabilities. We believe that people with disabilities who require designated parking should not be charged a fee for their parking,” said John Gordon, National President of PSAC.
The union is also concerned about the fact that Public Works and Government Services Canada is looking to privatize government lots, by transferring revenues to third party companies.
“Privatization of parking in government buildings will only drive up the costs for all workers and taxpayers,” said Mark Brunell, President of the Government Services Union, a component of PSAC. “This will make it more difficult to ensure reasonable accommodation for workers with disabilities.”
PSAC is demanding that workers with disabilities in the federal public sector continue to be accommodated without any additional costs or unnecessary barriers.
For more information or to book interviews:
Ariel Troster, PSAC Communications, 613-292-8363
May 3 , 2010
First Collective Agreement Ratified at University of Ontario Institute Of Technology (UOIT)
TAs & RAs members at University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) in Oshawa ratified their first Collective Agreement on Wednesday April 21st, 2010.
This collective agreement includes -
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a clear system for assigning TAships and Raships
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guarantee that full TAships and RAships will be 280 hours over two semesters
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clear assignment of duties and hours. No more unmanageable workloads, no more working for free (TAF and RAF forms, Appendix "C").
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limits to how many hours you can be asked to work in a day, a week or a semester
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many types of leave, including sick leave, bereavement leave and pregnancy/paternal leave
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overtime pay if you have to work on a statutory holiday, or any Saturday or Sunday attached to a statutory holiday (article 19)
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job and pay protection for non-student teaching assistants who have worked at UOIT for several semesters (article 12 and Appendix "A")
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inclusion in the Employer's policies on intellectual property rights and academic freedom (article 14).
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freedom from all discrimination and harassment (article 20).
Health and safety protections (article 21) -
access to .union representation in the workplace, throughout the grievance procedure, and at the joint union-management committee.
The Collective agreement has an expiry date of August 31,2013 (3 year + 4 month agreement).
 Gerry Halabecki, REVP, Ontario, Mohsen Mousavi, Shawn Vincent, PSAC Research Officer, Darlene Griffith, Gaby Levesque, PSAC Negotiator, Md. Manjural Islam, Adedoyin Odukoya, Brenda Shillington, PSAC Regional Representative, Behnaz Rezaie |
 Mohsen Mousavi, Darlene Griffith, Md. Manjural Islam, Behnaz Rezaie Back, L - R Gaby Levesque, PSAC Negotiator, Adedoyin Odukoya |
 Front, L - R Mohsen Mousavi, Darlene Griffith, Md. Manjural Islam, Behnaz Rezaie Back, L - R Gaby Levesque, PSAC Negotiator, Adedoyin Odukoya |
 Mohsen Mousavi, Darlene Griffith, Md. Manjural Islam, Behnaz Rezaie Back, L - R Adedoyin Odukoya |
April 28, 2010
Workers at Slots at Woodbine OLG Become PSAC Members
Click here to view the News Release
April 28, 2010
April 28, 2010 - National Day of Mourning
April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning for workers who have been killed or injured on the job. PSAC joins with union activists across Canada and Quebec to remember the fallen and fight for change.
This year, the Canadian Labour Congress asks, “Is today the day you die at work?” If current trends continue, this question could prove to be more than rhetorical.
Last year was the 25th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning, and labour activists revealed that 25,000 workers had died from injuries and work-related diseases in Canada since the day’s inception.
The statistics on workplace fatalities have changed very little over the last decade. In 2007 there were 1,055 workplace fatalities in Canada, and in 2008 there were 1,038.
But we know these numbers are inaccurate, and that’s what is frightening. Many diseases contracted in the workplace are not recognized as workplace injuries.
Most employers do not place a high priority on health and safety. When they do, they often place the blame on workers, establishing “behavioural-based” health and safety programs.
Click here to read more on the National website >
April 20, 2010
PSAC Ontario Council By-Elections - Extended Deadline
Greetings Sisters & Brothers,
Due to low responses to our Alternate positions on the PSAC Ontario Council vacancies and requests for an extension, I have decided to extend the deadline for the 2 by-elections until May 7, 2010. The letters have been included, please ensure widest distribution amongst your membership/constituency groups. Please feel free to contact my office with any of your questions.
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Alternate, Members with Disabilities Nomination Letter & Form 
Alternate, Racially Visible Members Nomination Letter & Form
April 7, 2010
Kingston Area Council New Executive - Meeting Feb. 18, 2010
 Swearing in of the new executive - Cindy Lavallee, Treasurer Randy Skeggs, 2nd Vice President Chris Snooks, 1st Vice President Ralf Bucherer, President Janet Lisk, Secretary Gerry Halabecki (doing the swearing in) |
Phil Trottier, Regional Rep |
April 1, 2010
In Defence of Public Services!
PSAC Members Mobilize & Fightback across Ontario Region!
PSAC in the Ontario Region has been actively organizing and mobilizing members to speak out and take action in defence of our pensions, and the retirement security of all Canadians.
Thousands of members have participated in Town-Hall meetings, plant-gates, and lunch & learn events. They have signed petitions and wore HANDS OFF our pensions! stickers and buttons at the workplace - often in defiance of an employer that is afraid of open debate and criticism.
The message at these gatherings and actions has been a unified rejection of the latest conservative austerity measures contained in the federal budget of March 4th. Members are speaking out and demanding that the Harper government commit to leaving our pensions alone. They are also demanding that the government take concrete measures to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) so that today’s workers can retire with dignity.
“I am encouraged by the level of support that our campaign is receiving from our members,” said Gerry Halabecki, PSAC Regional Executive Vice President for Ontario “but this is the time to keep mobilizing until this government gets the message,” he added.
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March 31, 2010
UCTE Hold Press conference on Fri March 26th in Peterborough on the contracting out of Dive Team work on the Trent Severn Waterway
Sr. Christine Collins - UCTE National President held a press conference on Fri., March 26th critizing the move by Parks Canada to contract out the dive team work on the Trent Severn Waterway. This group has been conducting dive work and underwater repair work on the waterway for over 100 years without an incident or fatality. "It makes little sense to contract this work out" she said. Retired and current divers were on hand to provide background information and questions as was Local President Ralph Bucherer and other members of the local executive. Members from the Rideau Canal local were also present and commented on the contracting out of other work on the canal and the proposal by mgt to shorten the season by a month and the operating day by an hour. Clearly this is all about cutting costs and not about maintaining adequate levels of service and safety Collins said.
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March 30 , 2010
PSAC Ontario Council By-Election
As a result of recent vacancies on the PSAC Ontario Council, we are holding by-elections in accordance to the PSAC Ontario By-laws. Vacant positions are as follows:
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Alternate, Members with Disabilities Representative
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Alternate, Racially Visible Members Representative
Please note that the deadline to submit Nomination Forms is April 19th, 2010.
Thanking you in advance, I remain,
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Alternate, Members with Disabilities Nomination Letter & Form (PDF)
Alternate, Racially Visible Members Nomination Letter & Form (PDF)
March 25, 2010
Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows at Queen’s University in Kingston Join PSAC
More than 1300 Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Teaching Fellows (TFs) at Queen's University in Kingston have voted to join PSAC. Queen's was one of the last remaining Ontario universities without a union for its non-professorial teaching staff.
The PSAC organizing drive, which began last fall, involved PSAC staff and a significant number of student volunteers from the Queen’s campus. The union applied for certification to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) on March 16, and the labour board-supervised vote happened on March 23, 2010.
"By joining PSAC, Graduate TAs and TFs at Queen's will be in a better position to improve their working conditions," said PSAC Ontario Regional Executive Vice-President, Gerry Halabecki. "We're proud to welcome them to our family."
The labour board will issue a bargaining certificate soon. The PSAC will then serve notice to bargain a first collective agreement with the university covering such workplace issues as:
-pay security against potential budget cuts and tuition fee increases;
-increased transparency in the allotment of vacancies;
-TA joint training; hours of work;
-grievance procedure; and
-supplemental health benefits.
“PSAC has a vital presence in the post-secondary sector," said PSAC National President John Gordon. "This victory shows we're a strong union that also understands what university workers need.”
In October 2009, PSAC organized 250 TAs and RAs at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa, and in December 2009, 3,000 part-time and casual staff at McGill University, in Montreal joined the union.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
“The reality is that racism has been a part of Canada's past and it is a part of our present. And it remains a problem - one that is largely invisible, hugely underestimated and wholly pervasive. Many Canadians deny that fact. They are wrong.”
- Senator Donald Oliver in The Hill Times, March 15, 2010
For further info from our national site click here
March 22, 2010
Queen's Vote Location Changed
The Labour Board has decided to change the vote location to:
McLaughlin Room - JDUC (John Deutsch University Centre)
Exact Location - At the intersection of Union St. and University Avenue.
March 19, 2010
Vote Union Yes On Tuesday, March 23rd
Dear Graduate Student,
The Ontario Labour Relations Board has ordered a vote for Queen's TAs and TFs. The question on the ballot will refer to the "Public Service Alliance of Canada," the national union we will affiliate with.
Vote Details:
Tuesday 23rd March 2010
10am-2pm
3pm-6pm
** New Location **
McLaughlin Room - JDUC (John Deutsch University Centre)
Exact Location - At the intersection of Union St. and University Avenue.
Vote union for:
* Protection from budget cuts
* Employer-funded health and dental benefits
* Protection from harassment and overwork
* Paid maternity and parental leave, and childcare support
* A real say in working conditions
Vote Yes!
To learn more, watch our video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRirBJQga0Y
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.qtafa.com
Sincerely,
The TAFA Volunteer Team
March 10, 2010
Tentative Agreement Reached at University of Ontario Institute Of Technology (UOIT)
TAs & RAs at University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) in Oshawa reached a tentative first Collective Agreement today. Significant gains for our members were made. Agreement will be ratified on April 21st. Full details will follow.
Congratulations to all!
 UOIT TA & RA Local 00555 Bargaining Team March 7th Caucus (l-r) Md Manjurul Islam, Behnaz Rezaie, Darlene Griffith, Adedoyin Odukoya Missing: Mohsen Mousavi |
 Final day of negotiations, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 UOIT TA & RA Local 00555 Bargaining Team Darlene Griffith, Adedoyin Odukoya, Behnaz Rezaie, Manjurul Islam Gaby Levesque, PSAC National Negotiator |
 Final day of negotiations, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 UOIT TA & RA Local 00555 Bargaining Team Darlene Griffith, Adedoyin Odukoya, Behnaz Rezaie, Manjurul Islam Gaby Levesque, PSAC National Negotiator, Shawn Vicent, PSAC Research Officer |
 Final day of negotiations, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 UOIT TA & RA Local 00555 Bargaining Team Darlene Griffith, Adedoyin Odukoya, Behnaz Rezaie, Manjurul Islam Gaby Levesque, PSAC National Negotiator |
 Final day of negotiations, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - we have a deal! UOIT TA & RA Local 00555 Bargaining Team Darlene Griffith, Adedoyin Odukoya, Behnaz Rezaie, Manjurul Islam, Gaby Levesque, PSAC National Negotiator |
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March 8, 2010
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY TO ALL!
March 8th, marks International Women’s Day. We would like to wish all the women and sisters and friends of PSAC a Happy International Women’s Day!
This special day provides an opportunity to not only celebrate the progress made to advance equality for women but as well to face the challenges that lie ahead. Join us and our affiliates as we mark this special day and celebrate with the sisters/women in your life.
Click here for the OFL statement
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
March 5, 2010
PSAC Fight Back Campaign and Town Hall Meetings
The Federal Budget released by the Harper Government has set a clear direction for balancing the budget within the next five years by targeting the federal public service through austerity measures and optimistic predictions of economic growth. PSAC (Ontario) members are mobilizing through a series of town hall meetings {click for schedule} and plant-gating actions to counter any efforts to balance the budget on the backs of public sector workers! read more>>
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
March 4, 2010
Throne Speech confirms fears of federal public sector cuts
Judging from the Throne Speech, the Harper government’s strategy for containing the deficit will focus on attacks against quality public services through spending freezes, more expenditure review and deregulation.
The speech was clear that the government plans to balance the budget by restraining federal program spending overall. It will do this by freezing the total amount that government departments spend on salaries, administration and overhead, and by aggressively undergoing a review of all departmental spending.
More deregulation is also on the horizon, which could mean job cuts in the public sector and a significant reduction in the quality of the goods and services that Canadians receive. The government plans to compromise environmental protection by deregulating the approvals of projects in mineral resources and energy, including crude oil and uranium. It also plans to deregulate small- and medium-sized businesses, and it will continue its plan to eliminate the long-gun registry. Aggressively pursuing free trade agreements, including with Colombia, will also impact jobs and increase deregulation here in Canada.
Although there was no specific announcement that it will attack our members’ pensions, there was nothing in the speech that explicitly guarantees that it will not reduce pension benefits and/or increase contribution rates. But more glaring is that there was no mention in the speech of improving the retirement security of all Canadians, something that we have also been calling for along with the broader Canadian labour movement.
The Throne Speech confirms our fears that this government will be tackling the deficit on the backs of public-sector workers. We shall know the details on how it plans to do this in tomorrow’s budget announcement, but it is clear that we must continue our organizing and mobilizing efforts in the face of the on-going attack against quality public services.
In solidarity,
John Gordon
PSAC National President
March 2, 2010
What to Look for in the 2010 Federal Budget
The federal budget will probably talk about both short term measures and long term measures to slay the deficit. Some of those measures could involve direct attacks on federal public sector workers. Click here for more info in - English
Le budget fédéral 2010 – À quoi faut-il s'attendre?
Le budget fédéral traitera sans doute des mesures qui seront prises à court et à long terme pour résorber le déficit. Certaines de ces mesures pourraient prendre la forme d'attaques directes contre les fonctionnaires fédéraux. >>
We Can't Stop Our Pension Fight Yet
Speculation about what will be in the March 4 federal budget is rampant in the media. Some reports would lead us to believe that the Harper Conservatives will leave the federal pension plans alone.
So far, nothing PSAC has heard from Treasury Board President Stockwell Day would lead us to believe that we won’t have to continue to fight to protect the pension benefits our members in the federal public sector pay for. Minister Day has made repeated references to the pension plan funds. At no time has he guaranteed federal public sector unions that the Conservative government will not reduce pension benefits and/or increase contribution rates. |
Our pension campaign is in full swing and we are not letting rumours slow us down. I urge you to continue your hard work gathering signatures on our petitions to Stephen Harper. The willingness of our members to send a strong message to the government is critical if we are to succeed in getting the Conservatives to keep their hands off our pensions.
In Solidarity,
John Gordon
PSAC National President
February 17, 2010
PSAC Hands Off our Pensions Campaign
Right-wing think tanks and business lobbyists have been spreading misinformation about our pensions in an attempt to exploit the economic crisis to their advantage. The Harper government has sent enough signals to indicate that they are prepared to attack public sector workers and go after our hard-won benefits.
In the face of these threats, the PSAC is fighting back to protect members’ pensions and the retirement security of all Canadians.
There is no time to lose. We need to send PM Harper & Finance Minister Flaherty a clear message: HANDS OFF our pensions!
We must take action to defend public pensions before it is too late!
A few things you can do today:
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Check out our pensions campaign YouTube video and circulate it broadly
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Circulate the petition among your co-workers as well as at town-hall meetings and other forums and help collect 100,000 signatures by March 1st
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Wear the HANDS OFF our pensions! stickers in your workplace
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Fight the myths about pensions and circulate campaign materials to everyone you know
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Participate in CLC pension forums and visit canadianlabour.ca for more information
Visit the Ontario PSAC website regularly for updates
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
February 5, 2010
Invite to the Ontario Council Meetings
To: All Members of the Ontario Region
From: Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Re: PSAC Ontario Council Meetings
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to observe the upcoming PSAC Ontario Council meeting, scheduled for February 27th – 28th, 2010 at the PSAC Regional Office Boardroom, Toronto. Our hours of sitting are: Saturday, February 27th from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 28th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are, or will be in the Toronto area and would like to attend, please consider doing so.
This event is a scent-free environment. Please RSVP to my Executive Assistant, Rita Cantalini @ cantalr@psac.com.
Click here for draft agenda (PDF)
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki,
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Sault Ste Marie Regional Women's Committee Hosts a Memorial Tea, December 6, 2009
A memorial Tea was held at Riuniti Hall in Sault Ste Marie to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre. Twenty years has passed and violence against women still continues. After this crime was committed, men and women turned their grief into action. Education has become a big part of the PSAC Regional Women's mandate.
This was the first time that Unions in Sault Ste Marie worked together collaboratively to work for a common good. Approximately 80 men, women and children attended the event with 14 candles burning each having an engineering ring on it.
Guest speakers included Tonie Scobie who gave an emotional recount of personal abuse and violence, Brenda Coombs who spoke about her professional experiences as the director of the women's shelter First Nations, and Sarah Broad gave a youth perspective on the impacts of violence and the education that is so crucial.
In Solidarity,
Connie Lento
Chair, Sault Ste Marie Regional Women's Committee
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February 5, 2010
2010 PSAC National Access Conference
Greetings,
We are pleased to be sending you this Registration package for the 2010 PSAC National Access Conference, which will be held June 4 to 6, 2010 at the Westin Hotel, Ottawa, Ontario under the theme “LET'S FOCUS ON OUR ABILITIES!”
Please note the Application and Resolutions deadline is Thursday, March 4, 2010.
Please find below the link to complete the registration form online on the new and improved PSAC national website as well as the attached call-out in both French and English.
http://www.psac.com/conferences/2010/access_acces/home-e.shtml
Thank you
January 26, 2010
Haiti Fundraiser
On January 22nd, Brothers and Sisters from PSAC DCL 00603 at James Bay General Hospital organized a successful breakfast that raised over $850.00 to donate to help with emergency relief for victims of the earthquake in Haiti . The Local is asking for other PSAC Locals across the Ontario Region to get involved and help out.
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DCL 00603 Treasurer, Robbie Lougheed presents cheques to Andrea Mutswairo, the Organizer of the Haiti fundraiser. |
January 14, 2010
PSAC National Pride Conference application deadline extended!
The 2010 PSAC Pride Conference will be held in Toronto from March 26 to 28, 2010. Please note the Application and Resolutions deadline has been extended to 4pm (EST), Wednesday, January 20, 2010. »
January 14, 2010
Celebrate Black History Month
All PSAC GTA members are invited to a special Black History Month event on February 25, 2010. Let's come together to honour our history and celebrate our victories. A special Black History Month video will be shown, along with special guest speakers. Dinner will be also provided. The event is being sponsored by the PSAC Toronto Racially Visible Committee. See attached event notice for details.
Click here for [Word] or [PDF]
January 8, 2010
PSAC Ontario Reflections 2009
To: PSAC Ontario Members
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Below please find a link to the video PSAC Ontario Reflections 2009, celebrating our work, activism and accomplishments in 2009. The video highlights a sample of the many events and actions that PSAC members across the region organized and engaged in during the year and it is one of many such projects that we intend on producing in the coming period.
The link for the video on You Tube is -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHPcfcmYgpI
Click here for video in Windows Media Format -
PSAC-Ontario-Reflections-2009
We realize that many important events did not make it into this particular video, but rest assured that we will highlight your events in future projects. Just send photos of your actions to: dudard@psac.com or husseih@psac.com with a little note describing the event.
Happy 2010 from all of the PSAC Staff in the Ontario Region.
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
REVP Ontario Region hosts a Chinese Trade Union Delegation
PSAC Ontario REVP, Brother Gerry Halabecki and Ontario Regional Coordinator, Brother Chris Wilson hosted a 14 member trade union delegation from China at the PSAC Regional Office in Toronto in December 2009.
The All-China Federation of Trade Unions delegation included representatives from various unions within China. The purpose of the meeting of the delegation was to exchange views and learn more about the work of the PSAC and the regulation and settlement of provincial labour disputes as well as the union’s work in the areas of education and health & safety.
The Sisters and Brothers from the Chinese Labour movement were very interested in our union’s structure and priorities. We were honoured to have had the opportunity to share our experiences with them especially in a time where workers from around the world need to work together and cement the bonds of solidarity.
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