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101 Reasons to be a Union Member .....

We have all heard about the benefits of belonging to an organization such as the USGE-PSAC.  Yet, to some of us, it remains an abstract, intangible thing. 

With the threat of COE looming in the horizon, it becomes imperative that we become aware of what we might lose should we lose the ability to be part of these organizations. 

In order to bring home this point, we will be sharing with you one of our member’s real life experiences. This is a time when we need to support each other.  We invite all of you to share your experiences with us by submitting your stories to your Local Presidents.  Please indicate if you will permit us to use your name.  Your contributions are just as valuable if you wish to remain anonymous.  Please let us know what you think of this initiative.

And now, for the first of the 101 reasons click here.....
 

I started out as an employee at the Canada Employment Centre in Edmonton and five years later my husband and I relocated to Kelowna. I was able to go on the priority list for hiring through the PSAC department as qualifying under the reason of "relocation of spouse".  Within a year I was offered three different positions, one with Canada Employment, one with Transport Canada and the one here at the RCMP.  I chose the one I felt would be most interesting and here I am.  I was able to continue my holidays and years of service towards pension with only a small break in service.  Had I not been attached to the PSAC, I would have had to give up those five years of service and who know what type of job I would have had to accept. 

June Taron
Southeast District

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In the spring of 2002 my counterpart hurt her back while at work.  She took the necessary steps to report it to our supervisor.  I too had been having some difficulty using the piece of equipment that acerbate her injury.  Our supervisor was less than sympathetic, and I felt intimidated, humiliated and belittled by the comments made regarding this issue. 

Having had little or no experience with Union reps (or unions in general), I had no idea what a great advocates we have!  My counterpart suggested I should go with her to see our rep. (who is also our health and safety rep.).  Our rep. took the bull by the proverbial horns, the issues were brought to the attention of senior management, who backed us up 100 percent. 

I now know that  I have somewhere to turn for guidance, assistance and a resolution for any workplace problem. 

Anonymous
Small Town Detachment, B.C.

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I have been a public servant for 27 years with the RCMP and have more than often gone to our PSAC unions reps to consult them in many areas throughout my career. They are always there to protect and support us in many ways. Stop and think about what we have  achieved today and how hard our union has worked to give us these benefits, for eg master agreement, pay equity, additional holidays, spousal relocation. And the list goes on and on and on. Changing to COE may and will limit us only to the RCMP and in todays world of so many changes one may never know what they are faced with. To remain as part of the Public Service of Canada is a big plus and benefit to us all and will benefit us all in the many years to come. I support our union and hope that we will remain in the USGE & win this fight.

Anonymous
Small Detachment, B.C.

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Here's my story!

I began working at the Kelowna RCMP Subdivision in 1979. I worked there until 1992 when my husband was transferred to Prince George. I asked to go on "Leave without pay for Relocation of Spouse" and as usual the union supported this leave. This also put me on the Priority List and it only took two months before the union found a position with Corrections Canada and I began working at the Prince George Parole Office. Four years later my husband was transferred again. This time it was to the small town of Mackenzie. The town had only one federal position and guess what...  it was a vacant position at the RCMP Detachment. I was able to transfer from the Corrections Canada Department back to the RCMP. After 3 ½ years my husband was transferred again back to Kelowna. I transferred to a position at the Kelowna RCMP Detachment with no break in service.  

I'm so thankful the union had the option to transfer between government departments as I now have almost 24 years continuous service!  

Laura
Kelowna Detachment

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Okay my husband lost his job unexpectedly with the Town of Golden due to down sizing.  We knew we couldn't stay in Golden because there was nothing there in his line of work.  I had always wanted to live in the Okanagan so I called what was then subdivision and enquired about a job.  I was advised at that time that there was a six month term position available and it was mine if I wanted it so  I arranged through 'E' Division headquarters to be put on the espousal relocation transfer list.   

I left work at Golden Detachment on a Friday at five o'clock p.m. and started in Kelowna the following Monday at eight a.m.  Then the person who had gone on maternity leave ended up moving out of town and my job became permanent.  I never missed a second of work and this would not have happened had it not been for the benefit of the espousal relocation transfer option.  I don't think people realize how important this benefit is unless they've been in a position where it applies to them.

Pauline
Southeast District B.C.

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After numerous attempts to resolve a conflict of re-classification in my clerical position, I was left with no  viable  option but to file a Grievance.  This process was a very difficult time for me in terms of experiencing stress, sleeplessness and worry.  I subsequently contacted my local union President to determine  what corrective measures were required for commencement.  Moments later my local Shop Steward contacted me and assisted with accurate completion of necessary documents.  I wish to express my sincerest gratitude of appreciation to our local President and Shop Steward for their professionalism and generous support of my request.  As we all know, this can be a frightening experience, however, union support is the backbone providing you the strength and confidence to pursue your beliefs. 

Anonymous
Southeast District

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This is a story from  a member of union but not ours....he has given me permission to use it......I believe it is an important addition to our reasons and one that members with good health don't think about .... we take our extended health for granted...here is the story... 

"This employee's spouse was recently diagnosed with a potentially fatal pulmonary heart condition.........the cost of the one drug alone per year is $40,000.00!!!!............  Extended Health has approved the drug and the cost.  This Union member told me that he is so grateful to belong to a Union that  has  Extended Health because without they could never have afforded the drug and his spouse's chances of survival would be extremely slim.  

Anonymous
Southeast District

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I guess its my turn!  19 years with the Public Service....wow I have really taken advantage of all the opportunities.... 

I started in Edmonton right out of High School with the Dept of Indian and Northern Affairs....my goal....to get promoted each year....I started in the Records Room as a CR2.  And each year I did reach my goal....and along the way I moved from several Departments.  Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Revenue Canada,  Canada Employment and Immigration and RCMP. 

I took advantage of all the benefits....I experienced the strike in 1993 and had to take advantage of the Strike Pay Allowance when my husband was a student going to NAIT. 

Relocation of Spouse which allowed me to move to places like  the Dominican Republic and now here to Beautiful B.C. 

Maternity leave....which used to be only three months!  Now its one year.....almost makes you want to do it over again!!!  Since being on maternity leave I had the option of only working three days a week.  I enjoyed this so much that my position was converted to two part time positions. Our little one experienced a lot of health problems and this work schedule allowed me to book all her appointments on my days off.  I really don't know how I could have done this working full time!

Pay Equity....wow....when I finally got that cheque in my hand....Oh what a feeling!

Then just last spring I experienced my first work place injury.  Not knowing how to formally report the injury I had 100% guidance and support from our local president.  (Thank you) 

With 19 years with the Public Service and 39 years old I sure hope that I can continue my next 16 years employment with the Public Service.  We have a lot of opportunities.....

Maureen M.
Southeast District

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