May 15, 2008
News release
First Nations Police Officers Join the PSAC
Toronto—Police officers employed by the Anishinabek Police Service (APS) voted almost unanimously in favour of becoming members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
The vote was conducted by mail under the supervision of the Canada Industrial Labour Relations Board between April 16 and May 14, 2008. The APS employs 58 police officers in Ontario.
“This vote clearly demonstrates that the PSAC is the union of choice when it comes to fighting for the rights of First Nations workers,” said Gerry Halabecki, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President (REVP) for Ontario.
The APS provides policing services to 16 First Nations communities across Ontario, stretching from the Kettle & Stony Point First Nation in the south to Fort William First Nation in the north.
Halabecki is confidant the union can provide the new PSAC members with the resources to negotiate better wages and working conditions. “We worked hard to develop a strong sense of solidarity with our First Nation sisters and brothers,” Halabecki said. “They know they have access to the same high quality representation and negotiation services the PSAC provides for its members all across the country,“ he added.
PSAC currently represents a large number of First Nations workers, including the Treaty Three Officers and the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service Board Officers and Civilians. The PSAC's involvement with the APS began when the 21 civilian employees of the Service voted in favour of joining its ranks.
Several years ago the PSAC established its own network of Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis (NAIM) members. The NAIM circle works to raise issues of concern to First Nations workers and communities both within and outside the union.
The PSAC will be holding its first stand-alone National Aboriginal Peoples' Conference in Winnipeg September 19-21. “MAAWANGITEENG”: Where the Journey Begins! -- the theme of the Conference – uses the Ojibway term “MAAWANGITEENG” (getting together, gathering or celebration ) to acknowledge that this first PSAC Aboriginal Peoples' Conference is being held on Ojibway land.
For information:
Gerry Halabecki,
PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President – Ontario (416) 485-3558 # 231
Jim Chorostecki, PSAC Regional Coordintaor – Ontario (416) 485-3558 #235
Chris Wilson, Regional Organizer, Ontario (416) 485-3558 #230
19-150508
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Date Modified : 2008/07/30
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