August 31, 2012
PSAC Labour Day Message from Robyn Benson
We are all Affected: Let's stand up for public services
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
This Labour Day, the Public Service Alliance of Canada commits to defend public services and the communities who depend on them across Canada. In the face of reckless and unnecessary cuts to vital federal programs, members of the PSAC continue to work hard on behalf of Canadians from coast to coast to coast. I'd like to thank PSAC members and workers in the public and private sectors across Canada who are standing up to the Harper government on Labour Day this year.
Many of the gains the labour movement has achieved are under attack. The federal government has abdicated its responsibility to protect retirement security for all Canadians. Income inequality is rising faster in Canada than in the United States. Programs that are meant to protect those who need help, such as Old Age Security, employment insurance, child care, and aboriginal health programs are being weakened rather than strengthened.
We have a responsibility to stand together to protect public services and public service delivery in the face of the Harper cuts. We need to redouble our efforts to demonstrate that union membership is an advantage for workers. Having a union on your side makes your job and your workplace safer and fairer as the Canadian Labour Congress shows in this excellent study.
All Canadians know that the cuts to federal jobs and services don't just affect federal workers. They know that we are all affected when the retirement age is raised and food inspection is reduced. They know that the cuts affect small communities and big cities alike. Over the summer I have met many PSAC members across the country who do incredible work with few resources. Many are directly affected, and yes they worry about their jobs and the impact on their families, but they are also worried about what the loss of services will mean for their communities and their children.
Let's all be active participants this Labour Day, and on PSAC's National Day of Action on September 15th. Join together with co-workers and friends in your community to demand better from your federal government.
In solidarity,
Robyn Benson
National President
Date Modified : 2012/08/31
