2007 Archives
December 24, 2007
More bargaining dates for negotiations with Treasury Board in 2008. »
December 21, 2007
First collective agreement ratified at Bank of Canada
OTTAWA - The first group of workers to organize a union at the Bank of Canada has ratified a collective agreement after almost two years of hard bargaining. »
December 21, 2007
Harper Government Acts to Undermine Nuclear Regulator
If regulations are developed and enforced in order to protect the health and safety of Canadians, why is the Harper Government creating legislative loopholes for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and then turning on its nuclear safety watchdog, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission? »
December 20, 2007
Pension surplus litigation: PSAC to appeal Court's decision
On Wednesday, December 19, 2007, the PSAC served Notice to the Attorney General of Canada that it intended to appeal the lower court decision in the 'Pension Surplus' case. Formal appeal documents will be filed with the Ontario Court of Appeal on Friday, December 28, 2007.
Watch our web site for updates and more details as the case moves closer to hearing.
December 20, 2007
Update on Essential Service Agreements Complaints
In October, the PSAC postponed negotiations with Treasury Board that had been scheduled for December. We had to postpone the sessions because various departments are not meeting their legal obligations to provide the most basic information required to negotiate Essential Services Agreements (ESAs). »
December 17, 2007
SAY NO TO AIL!
PSAC members contacted by AIL - the American Income Life Insurance Company headquartered in Texas - should just say no. PSAC has made it clear to AIL that they are not to communicate with PSAC members, via the telephone, mail or in-person. 
»
December 17, 2007
2008 CFIA Negotiations Scheduled
Initial meetings between the PSAC-CFIA negotiating team and the employer are scheduled to take place on January 15 and 16.
December 14, 2007
SSO negotiating teams ready to bargain
Negotiating teams for the two Statistical Survey Operations bargaining units were elected in November at the SSO National Bargaining Conference held in Ottawa. »
December 12, 2007
2008 National Conference for Racially Visible Members
BE THE CHANGE: CREATE A BETTER WORLD! »
December 10, 2007
Quality public services essential to protecting, promoting human rights
This December 10, International Human Rights Day, the PSAC would like to reaffirm our commitment to defending quality public services and human rights. »
December 10, 2007
Don't privatize access to Canadian Culture
Actions by the Harper government to privatize access to Canadian culture need to be challenged. »
December 10, 2007
Parks Canada Negotiations
The Employer seems hell-bent on using students as a flexible workforce and to permanently replace bargaining unit members. On November 22, the last day of bargaining, Parks Canada said they "have a business to run and intend to do it in the most efficient manner." »
December 10, 2007
Unions call on government to halt the anti-equality agenda
Ottawa - Several major unions are stepping forward to give financial support to women's organizations that have been punished under the Conservative government's anti-equality agenda. Their announcement coincides with the 26th anniversary of Canada's ratification of the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women. »
December 6, 2007
NEVP Appears Before Committee
National Executive Vice-President Patty Ducharme brings confidential information to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. The committee is examining the Federal Government's Real Estate Plan, including the sale of seven federal buildings. »
December 6, 2007
PSAC statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women
Each year PSAC members remember and mourn the 14 young women in Montreal attending the École Polytechnique who were killed on December 6, 1989. Each year we rededicate ourselves to end violence against women. »
December 4, 2007
PSAC National Women Conference
Women get political as 250 PSAC delegates, observers and guests attended the National Women’s Conference in Toronto November 23 – 25. Details and pictures
December 4 , 2007
Media Advisory
Federal Real Estate Review to Begin with Secret Document Briefing »
December 4 , 2007
Defending Quality Public Services and the Post Office
Bill C-14 - An Act to Amend the Canada Post Corporation Act MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE! »
December 3 , 2007
Negotiations with Treasury Board
Employer insists on comparing Border Officers to security guards. »
December 3 , 2007
International Day for Persons with Disabilities
"Decent work for persons with disabilities" – this year’s theme for the annual observance on December 3 of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – underscores the enormous challenges persons with disabilities face in securing gainful, paid employment. »
December 1st, 2007
World Aids Day
The PSAC joins the Canadian Labour Congress in calling for leadership by the federal government in the fight against HIV/AIDS. »
November 30 , 2007
PSAC members ratify new pact with Canada Revenue Agency
OTTAWA – A strong majority of Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) members have voted in favour of accepting a tentative agreement with the Canada Revenue Agency. »
November 29 , 2007
PSAC stands in Solidarity with CEUDA Branch 24 at Pearson
November 28 , 2007
PSAC expresses concern regarding the appalling human rights situation in the Philippines to the Federal Government
November 28 , 2007
Canada Post Pay Equity Case
Canada Post pay equity appeal concludes five days of hearings. More hearings scheduled in January. »
November 23 , 2007
PSAC urges federal government to protect Pakistan's trade unionists and call for the restoration of democracy in the country
November 21 , 2007
Union of Environment Workers
Union of Environment Workers calls on federal government to
put more money into Fisheries protection and enhancement. »
Launch of "Our Fish" Campaign: www.ourfish.ca
November 20 , 2007
Pension Surplus litigation decision a big disappointment
The Court submitted its decision on our pension surplus litigation today, rejecting all of our claims. »
November 16, 2007
Negotiations with Treasury Board
The Employer turns downs proposals from Education and Library Science (EB) group. »
November 16, 2007
Negotiations with Treasury Board
Your team listens to the members. »
November 16, 2007
Canada should not be signing a Free Trade agreement with Colombia
Stephen Harper needs to be told loud and clear that Canada should not sign a Free Trade agreement with Colombia, the most dangerous country in the world in which to be a trade unionist, journalist or educator. »
November 16, 2007
PSAC Members in the Federal Jurisdiction – what can you do about the new provincial holidays?
The announcements of a new Family Day holiday in Ontario and Louis Riel Day in Manitoba have many PSAC members asking why they cannot access these provincial holidays. »
November 15, 2007
Media Advisory
Women get political at national conference. »
November 15, 2007
Negotiations with Treasury Board
TB/CBSA Insists on Inferior Working Conditions for Workers. »
November 15, 2007
Canada Post pay equity case
The Federal Court has scheduled two more days of sitting for November 21 and 22, 2007. Further dates will be scheduled for early 2008 to complete the Canada Post judicial review application and to hear the PSAC's judicial review application. The 2008 dates will be posted on the website in the near future.
November 14, 2007
Ekati Diamond Mine Workers, BHP Billiton Inc. reach tentative agreement
The union bargaining team is recommending that the members vote in favour of the offer. »
November 9, 2007
Negotiations with Treasury Board
PA negotiations continue. Key demands discussed. »
November 7, 2007
Negotiations with Treasury Board
Lots of face time with Employer at bargaining table. »
November 6, 2007
CRA negotiations
The new ACS-SP Classification System: questions and answers. »
November 6, 2007
Canada Post pay equity case
Three days of hearings of the appeals in our Canada Post pay equity complaint have been cancelled due to a death in the family of the judge hearing the case. The hearings started on Monday, November 5 and will resume on Friday, November 9. Since these two days will be insufficient to complete the appeal hearings, future dates will need to be determined.
November 5, 2007
CRA ratification vote - important information
A number of concerns and questions have arisen regarding the impact of the conversion to the new SP classification on members in acting positions. »
November 5, 2007
Negotiations with Treasury Board
PSAC will be negotiating with Treasury Board from November 6 to 9 for our Technical Services (TC), Education and Library Science (EB) and Frontière/Border Services (FB) bargaining units. Sign up now to receive the information bulletins that will be issued by the PSAC negotiating teams as bargaining progresses. »
November 4, 2007
Health Canada Commissionaires vote to strike
The Commissionaires who provide security services to Health Canada buildings in Ottawa have given a strike mandate to their union, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). They will be in a legal strike position at midnight on Wednesday, November 7. »
November 2, 2007
Canada Post appeal of pay equity award starts Monday
The Federal Court (Trial Division) is hearing Canada Post's appeal of the Human Rights Tribunal's decision in our pay equity complaint against the Corporation from November 5 to 9. The PSAC's cross-appeal will be heard at the same time. The hearings are taking place at the Supreme Court building on Wellington Street in Ottawa. The hearings start at 9:30 a.m. and are open to the public.
PSAC will post an update on the case by mid-November.
October 31, 2007
Parks Canada Negotiations
Parks employer caught bargaining in bad faith. »
October 31, 2007
Tax Cuts A Sell Out
The widely anticipated tax cuts announced in yesterday's Economic and Fiscal Update confirm once again the Harper government's preference for politics over meaningful public policy. »
October 30, 2007
PSAC is at the bargaining table this week with our Program and Administrative Services (PA) team and our Operational Services (SV) team in negotiations with Treasury Board. Sign up now to receive the information bulletins that will be issued by the PSAC negotiating teams as bargaining progresses. »
October 29, 2007
CRA negotiations
A final version of the ratification kit for members at CRA is now available. 
»
October 26, 2007
CRA negotiations
Details of the tentative agreement between PSAC and the Canada Revenue Agency are now available.
Arrangements are being made for meetings to conduct a vote on the tentative agreement between the PSAC and the Canada Revenue Agency. More information will follow at a later date.
Details of the tentative agreement can be found in these documents:
- PSAC ratification kit (PDF, revised Oct. 29)
- Article 18 – Grievance Procedure (HTML/PDF)
- CRA Term Employment Policy (HTML/PDF)
- PSAC news release (HTML/PDF)
October 24, 2007
Two federal buildings yanked from sale
Ottawa should call off the entire transaction - PSAC
OTTAWA – The federal government should call off the sale of nine federal office buildings in the wake of its last minute decision to pull two Vancouver properties out of the transaction, according to the Public Service Alliance of Canada. »
October 23, 2007
Union staff pension fund first in Canada to invest in affordable housing
OTTAWA – The pension fund of the employees of Canada's largest federal public service workers' union has invested $2 million to help finance affordable housing initiatives in the National Capital Region, marking the first such investment by a pension fund in the country. »
October 23, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Negotiations still moving forward. »
October 22, 2007
Union Update
Read the latest news about your union in the Union Update for the period of October 2007.
October 22, 2007
Help eliminate pay zones
The 2006 PSAC Triennial Convention made the elimination of the pay zones a key collective bargaining priority for this round of bargaining. Email your MP and help end the discriminatory treatment of workers who are paid regional rates of pay based on where they work and not for the work they perform. »
October 22, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Negotiations resume on October 22. »
October 19, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Negotiations intensify as sub-committees complete their work. »
October 18, 2007
Filipino labour activist makes plea for more Canadian labour intervention against human, trade union rights violations
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo boasted of her country's recent economic growth. »
October 18, 2007
PSAC Statement on the Speech from the Throne
While Stephen Harper paid lip service to the ideals of peace, order and good government, the October 16th Speech from the Throne does little to promote these ideals in concrete terms. »
October 18, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Progress continues towards a settlement. »
October 17, 2007
Negotiations for Education and Library Science (EB):
Long discussions on discrimination, leave and training. »
October 17, 2007
Technical Services: small progress and getting ready for bigger issues
Your TC bargaining team was in Ottawa from October 9th to the 12th and met with Treasury Board several times. »
October 17, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Sub-committee work dominates second day back at the table. »
October 16, 2007
Compensation Consultant Selected
In September, AON was selected as the compensation consultant by the compensation analysis research service of the Public Service Labour Relations Board to conduct the enforcement and TC compensation studies. »
October 16, 2007
Frontire/Border Services bargaining unit
Union Bargaining Team Tables Job Security Language In Context Of Arming Initiative. »
October 16, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Your team is back for another intense two weeks of negotiations. »
October 15, 2007
December Treasury Board Negotiation Dates Postponed
Postponement of our December Treasury Board bargaining sessions has become necessary, due to delays with the Essential Service Agreements (ESAs) and the compensation studies. »
October 12, 2007
Stand up and speak out!
On October 17, we're aiming for at least 50 million people to stand up and remind world leaders of their promise.
In the National Capital Region: on October 16, join Maude Barlow, Phil Fontaine and others on Parliament Hill to tell Harper that the Throne Speech must Make Poverty History! »
October 11, 2007
Negotiations with Treasury Board
SV group lays groundwork for long-term strategy as talks continue. »
October 10, 2007
Public Services International (PSI)
Solidarity more important than ever! »
October 10, 2007
Negotiations with Treasury Board
Negotiations start up again for PSAC PA bargaining unit. »
October 5, 2007
First collective agreement for Commissionaires in Halifax
In a striking demonstration of solidarity and after more than a year of struggle and hard bargaining, 110 PSAC members achieved a first collective agreement with the Corps of Commissionaires in Halifax, NS. »
October 5, 2007
PSAC will be negotiating with Treasury Board from October 9 to 12 for our Technical Services (TC), Education and Library Science (EB) and Frontière/Border Services (FB) bargaining units. Sign up now to receive the information bulletins that will be issued by the PSAC negotiating teams as bargaining progresses. »
October 4, 2007
Public Services International (PSI)
PSI Congress Opens with a Call for Solidarity and Action. »
October 4, 2007
PSAC is at the bargaining table this week with our Program and Administrative Services (PA) team and our Operational Services (SV) team in negotiations with Treasury Board. Sign up now to receive the information bulletins that will be issued by the PSAC negotiating teams as bargaining progresses. »
October 4, 2007
Frontire/Border Services bargaining unit
Union bargaining team proposes a fair, objective standard for assigning shift work. »
October 3, 2007
Letter to Stephen Harper
On behalf of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, I am writing to express our deep concern regarding the recent turn of events in Burma. »
October 3, 2007
Public Services International (PSI)
PSAC Delegates to PSI World Congress comment on their experience. »
September 28, 2007
Tax Cuts Come With a High Price
Ottawa - In a week that saw the National Association of Women and the Law forced to close its doors because of funding cuts and the announcement of drastic funding cuts at Environment Canada that threaten environmental monitoring programs and the Canadian Wildlife Service, Canadians should question the Harper Government's constant refrain that budgetary surpluses should be directed towards tax cuts. »
September 28, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
We're not there yet as negotiations continue in October. »
September 28, 2007
CFIA negotiations: Notice to Bargain
The PSAC-CFIA negotiating team has served Notice to Bargain to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. »
September 28, 2007
Union Update
Read the latest news about your union in the Union Update for the period of September 2007. »
September 28, 2007
CFIA collective agreement
The PSAC and the CFIA signed a new collective agreement on Friday, September 21. The new collective agreement. »
September 28, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Another day…another step closer to a settlement. »
September 27, 2007
PSAC at the PSI World Congress!
Public Services International (PSI) -- the global union federation made of of 650 trade unions representing 20 million public sector workers in 160 countries around the world -- is holding its World Congress from 24-28 of September of this year. »
September 27, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Another day with positive progress. »
September 26, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Progress continues during week two. »
September 25, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Our second week of negotiations starts on a positive note. »
September 24, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
A productive first full week negotiating with CRA. »
September 21, 2007
Climate change not the only threat to our environment
OTTAWA – The Harper government, having finally figured out that being seen to be “green” could translate into votes, is in the process of sacrificing other vital Environment Canada programs in a misguided attempt to focus almost exclusively on climate change. »
September 21, 2007
Signing of collective agreement at the CFIA
The official signing of the new Collective Agreement took place in the CFIA Boardroom on Friday, September 21, in Ottawa. The one-year agreement, which will expire at the end of 2007, provides 4,500 PSAC members with a salary increase of 2.5% effective January 1, 2007. »
September 21, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Negotiations are still moving forward. »
September 20, 2007
Negotiations with Treasury Board
Treasury Board's demands for this round of bargaining are a step backwards. »
September 20, 2007
Disability rights are human rights
Delegates from across the country gathered in Ottawa September 7-9 to attend the PSAC's sixth Access Conference. »
September 20, 2007
Women lose as advocacy organizations close
OTTAWA – In spite of election promises by Stephen Harper, women's groups who track women's inequalities and advocate for change, such as the National Association of Women and the Law (NAWL) are being forced to close their doors, according to the PSAC. »
September 20, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Our bargaining team spent another productive day in negotiations with CRA. »
September 19, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Read about how bargaining is progressing and our September 17 activities. »
September 18, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
Bargaining with CRA gets down to business. Read the latest Bargaining INFO bulletin. »
September 7, 2007
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has been in the works for two decades. »
September 4, 2007
PSAC joins the Listen Up Cochlear campaign for workers' rights
Take action to help the workers at the Cochlear Ltd. manufacturing plant in Sydney, Australia, fight back against their employer's union-busting campaign.
August 31, 2007
Public services are cool, even during a hot summer
PSAC members have been active this summer in all regions of the country telling Canadians how cool public services are. They're also delivering the message about the government's plan to sell prime federal real estate to the private sector. Read about their activities.»
August 30, 2007
Labour Day Message
On Labour Day this year, the Public Service Alliance of Canada celebrates with working Canadians the recent landmark decision of the Supreme Court of Canada, affirming that the right to collective bargaining is protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. »
August 30, 2007
Workers with Disabilities to Conference in Ottawa
Defending Quality Public Services on Agenda. »
August 30, 2007
Frontière/Border Services bargaining unit
- PSAC is filing charges with the Public Service Staff Relations Board over information posted by CBSA regarding the arming iniative.
- PSAC is taking steps to address the issue of students performing union work.
August 27, 2007
Postal Reform - In the public interest?
On June 4, 2007, the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association, Canadian Union of Postal Workers and Public Service Alliance of Canada – Union of Postal Communications Employees took part in a roundtable on postal services and regulatory reform. »
August 22, 2007
Union Update
Read the latest news about your union in the Union Update for the period of August 2007. »
August 21, 2007
Demonstrators Protest SPP Talks in Montebello
Demonstrators, union members and activists from Canada, the United States and Mexico converged on the Chateau Montebello resort in Quebec yesterday. »
August 20, 2007
Feds give away more than $600 million in building sale
Ottawa – The federal government has sold nine government buildings for more than $600 million less than their actual value to Larco Investments Ltd., according to an analysis conducted by the economic research firm Informetrica Ltd. »
August 17, 2007
Letter to Stephen Harper
On behalf of the over 160,000 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, I am writing to express my concern regarding the Security Prosperity Partnership (SPP) agenda and its implications for the Canadian public. »
August 16, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
CRA has now agreed to add some additional dates to the bargaining calendar. Read the latest Bargaining INFO bulletin. »
August 8, 2007
Say no to the SPP! Say yes to democracy!
PM Stephen Harper will meet with US President George W. Bush and Mexican President Felipe Calderon at Montebello on August 20-21 2007, to discuss the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP). »
Join us to give a strong message of opposition. Please print and distribute this poster widely.
August 7, 2007
RE: Mental leaves in PS Soar (The Ottawa Citizen, July 31, 2007)
Response from PSAC as it appeared in the Ottawa Citizen of August 4th in response to an article which appeared on July 31st 1st. »
August 2, 2007
CFIA members ratify agreement
PSAC members with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have ratified their tentative agreement. Arrangements will now be made to sign the new collective agreement which expires on December 31, 2007. Preparation for the next round of bargaining will begin soon. Discussions are underway to begin negotiations with the employer early in the fall.
August 2, 2007
Federal Board Finds Bank of Canada Guilty of Bargaining in Bad Faith
OTTAWA – In a victory for the 33 security guards attempting to secure a first collective agreement with the Bank of Canada, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has ruled that the Bank has violated its obligation to bargain in good faith. »
August 1st, 2007
Defending quality public services
PSAC members are calling on their MPs this summer, talking about how our taxes pay for quality public services, the misguided sale of government buildings, the Harper government's attacks on women's equality and more. Read all about these issues. »
July 31, 2007
What is the SPP? Security and Prosperity for whom?
New Fact sheets from Common Frontiers on Free Trade and Continental Integration in North America. »
July 26, 2007
ONTARIO - REFERENDUM ON ELECTORAL REFORM
ONE CHANCE ON OCTOBER 10, 2007. »
July 25, 2007
2007 PSAC National Women's Conference
To find out about the upcoming 2007 PSAC National Women's Conference which will be held November 23 to 25, 2007 at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto under the theme 'Public Services...Pave the Way to Equality! »
July 25, 2007
Parks Canada Negotiations
Negotiations are continuing with the Parks Canada Agency. Read the latest Bargaining INFO bulletin. »
July 25, 2007
Compensation study update
The Frontière Border Services (FB) bargaining unit has a strong interest in the the Security and Enforcement community compensation study. Read the latest information on the progress of this study. »
July 19, 2007
Defending Quality Public Services : a priority for the PSAC
PSAC members are taking action this summer. Visit the web page to know about the issues and join the action. »
July 18, 2007
Union Update
Read the latest news about your union in the Union Update for the period of July 2007. »
July 17, 2007
PSAC 2007 Scholarship Program
The deadline for the receipt of applications for the PSAC 2007 Scholarship Program has passed and applications are no longer being accepted for this year's awards. The applications will be reviewed and the 15 scholarships granted this fall.
Information about the 2008 Scholarship Program will be posted later.
July 13, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
We're at the table with CRA and we want more dates. Read the latest Bargaining INFO bulletin. »
July 13, 2007
Treasury Board bargaining
Treasury Board demands focus on removing or reducing key benefits. Read the latest Bargaining INFO bulletin. »
July 11, 2007
Bank of Canada Security Officers to Seek Conciliation
OTTAWA– After 19 months of bargaining and more than 30 meetings, 33 Ottawa-based Bank of Canada Security Officers are still without a first collective agreement. Read the news release. »
July 11, 2007
Stop the Government's Plan to Sell Off Federal Buildings! »
July 10, 2007
Negotiations with CFIA
PSAC members working at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will have an opportunity to vote on their tentative agreement. Read the details and the ratification kit. »
July 9, 2007
PSAC and Compensation Advisors Push for Employer Action on Compensation Issues
On June 14, 2007, representatives of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and members of the Compensation Community met with representatives of the Interdepartmental Human Resources Capacity Building Working Group (IHRCBWG). »
July 5, 2007
PSAC Wins Drug Testing Grievance
Toronto – Random workplace drug testing is intrusive and an unreasonable exercise of management rights an arbitrator ruled on June 28. »
July 5, 2007
Scholarship Program
Reminder that the deadline of July 16th to submit an application for the 2007 Scholarship Program is approaching fast. Apply today. »
June 28, 2007
Appoint the Auditor General to review Ottawa sale and leaseback plan
Ottawa - The Public Service Alliance of Canada has called on the Prime Minister to mandate the Auditor General of Canada to review the federal government's plan to sell nine office buildings and lease them back from the new owners. »
June 27, 2007
Treasury Board bargaining
The negotiating teams for all five PSAC Treasury Board bargaining units were in negotiations this month. Read the latest Bargaining INFO bulletin. »
June 27, 2007
PSAC Supports the Assembly of First Nations' National Day of Action to Make Poverty History
The PSAC stands in strong support with the Assembly of First Nations' National Day of Action to Make Poverty History. »
June 22, 2007
Tentative agreement at the CFIA
Your PSAC negotiating team reached a tentative agreement on June 20th for our members working at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. This is a one-year agreement that includes a salary increase of 2.5% effective January 1, 2007. The agreement would expire at the end of 2007. »
June 22, 2007
Conciliation needed at the Corps of Commissionaires
Although the Corps of Commissionaires has received a multi-million dollar contract to provide security services to Health Canada buildings, the Corps is still demanding a wage roll-back from our PSAC member Commissionaires. »
June 18, 2007
National Aboriginal Solidarity Day
June 21st is the summer solstice, marked for centuries by many Aboriginal communities as a day to celebrate their heritage. In 1996, the Parliament of Canada proclaimed June 21st as the National Aboriginal Day. »
June 13, 2007
PSAC takes action on AS Compensation Issues
PSAC President John Gordon and members of the Compensation Community appeared before a House of Commons committee last week to put forward solutions regarding the challenges facing the compensation function in the federal government. »
June 13, 2007
PSAC National President, John Gordon, delivers speech
PSAC National President, John Gordon, delivers speech in downtown Ottawa yesterday against the government's plan to sell off valuable federal government buildings.
- View the video (23,851kb)
- View it on YouTube!
June 13, 2007
Union Update
Read the latest news about your union in the Union Update for the period of June 2007. »
June 12, 2007
It's time to stop the sale of federal government buildings
PSAC held a demonstration in downtown Ottawa today to protest the Conservative government's plan to sell off and lease back valuable federal government buildings. Today is the deadline for bids on nine federal buildings. »
OTTAWA – Today is the closing day for bids on nine choice pieces of federal government real estate in some of Canada's hottest markets. The sell off is a bad deal for Canadians but it can and must be stopped says the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
June 11, 2007
Sale of government buildings remains cloaked in secrecy
OTTAWA – Everyone wants to know more about the Conservatives' sale of some of the country's choicest real estate, but no one's getting answers, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. »
June 8, 2007
Supreme Court says Collective Bargaining Right Protected by Charter
OTTAWA - The decision by the Supreme Court of Canada to strike down legislation aimed directly at taking away the rights of working people is a landmark according to the labour movement. »
To read the text of Supreme Court decision.
June 7, 2007
Presentation by John Gordon National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates Pay and Benefits Sector - Compensation. »
June 7, 2007
PSAC/CFIA Bargaining Update
The negotiations are underway. The teams met for 2 days in Ottawa and more meetings are scheduled. Meanwhile, the PSAC negotiating team is getting ready for mobilization. Read the latest Bargaining INFO bulletin. »
June 4, 2007
Union Update
Read the latest news about your union in the Union Update for the period of May 2007. »
May 31, 2007
Parks Canada Agency bargaining
The first meetings with the employer for this round of negotiations took place on May 24 and 25. The first day, the union reviewed and explained its demands for the employer. Read the latest Bargaining INFO bulletin
A large crowd of demonstrators on Parliament Hill
PSAC members and activists take to Parliament Hill to protest the loss of thousands of jobs in Canada's manufacturing sector. Details and picture.
May 29, 2007
Treasury Board bargaining
The PSAC negotiating teams for all five Treasury Board bargaining units were in Ottawa during the week of May 14 for their first face-to-face meetings with the employer teams. Read the latest Bargaining INFO bulletin
May 28, 2007
No More Zones!
PSAC members who are paid based on where they live, not for the work they do, are speaking out against zone rates of pay and in support of our union's fight to eliminate the zones. Check out our video or read the text in the video.
May 25, 2007
Pension surplus trial concluded: judge's verdict expected in six months
Final arguments began in the pension surplus case on May 1, 2007. They were originally expected to last from one to two weeks. However they were finished in no more than three days. Now that the court proceedings are over, Justice Panet will look through information from 18 days of trial that have involved 10 witnesses and close to 60 exhibits. Read the details.
May 23, 2007
Bargaining with CRA
PSAC's Union of Taxation Employees held its national bargaining conference from May 15 to 17 in Ottawa to prepare for the next round of bargaining with the Canada Revenue Agency. Read the Bargaining INFO bulletin
PSAC Communications wins top award
The PSAC's publication Our Union Voice / Le Rassembleur received one of the top awards from the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) during CALM's recent annual conference at St-Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Details and photo.
May 18, 2007
Our Union Voice
The spring issue of Our Union Voice is here. Check it out.
May 17, 2007
National Day Against Homophobia – May 17th
The PSAC is proud to commemorate May 17th as the National Day Against Homophobia with the broader labour movement, our partners in the community, coalitions such as EGALE and la Fondation Émergence and also our members within our union. Details.
May 14, 2007
PSAC begins massive round of bargaining with federal government
Bargaining for over 100,000 federal public sector workers is beginning as the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) meets today in Ottawa with the federal government. Read the news release.
PSAC begins national campaign to end pay zones
As bargaining begins, the big issue for operational workers is the fight to gain national rates of pay. Read our No More Pay Zones leaflet.
May 10, 2007
Parks Canada ordered to protect park wardens
OTTAWA – An Appeals Officer has ordered Parks Canada to protect its park wardens who are responsible for law enforcement in Canada's national parks. Read the release.
Sale of federal buildings: The opposition is growing
PSAC National Executive Vice President Patty Ducharme and other activists hold a press conference to denounce the sale of federal buildings to the private sector. See details and picture.
May 4, 2007
Opposition parties declare support for new pay equity law
On May 3, all three opposition parties spoke out in favour of a new federal pay equity law. Read the release
Parks Canada Agency bargaining
PSAC exchanged bargaining demands electronically with the Parks Canada Agency on May 3, 2007 and the team will have their first meeting with the employer later in May. Read the latest Bargaining INFO and the package of demands.
May 3, 2007
Canada Employment and Immigration Union to represent PSAC members at Service Canada
- Read the statement
- PSAC National President John Gordon's message to Service Canada members
High-resolution / Low-resolution
May 2, 2007
Sale of federal buildings a bad deal for Canadians
OTTAWA - The Public Service Alliance of Canada is calling on the Harper government to stop the sell-off of publicly-owned buildings. The federal government has just announced that it is going ahead with its plan to sell nine buildings, currently owned by the people of Canada, to the private sector. Read the press release.
PSAC 2007 Scholarship Program
The PSAC 2007 Scholarship Program is again offering 15 scholarships:
May 1st, 2007
Treasury Board bargaining
PSAC exchanged bargaining demands electronically with Treasury Board on April 27, 2007 and the teams will have their first meeting with the employer in mid-May. Read the latest Bargaining INFO and check out the package of demands for each of the TB bargaining units.
Update on AS Compensation Issues
There is a brief update on several initiatives being undertaken in conjunction with members of the AS Community. Read the details.
April 23, 2007
2007 PSAC National Access Conference
The 2007 PSAC National Access Conference, which will be held September 7 to 9, 2007 at the Westin Ottawa Hotel in Ottawa under the theme “Transforming Our World: Moving Forward”.
CFIA Bargaining Update and Proposals
The CFIA negotiating team met for two days in Ottawa on April 3 and 4 to review and finalize the bargaining demands. On Friday, April 20, the proposals were exchanged with the employer. Details and proposals.
National Day of Mourning
April 28, 2007 is the National Day of Mourning in Canada. Let's remember and honour the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace. PSAC statement.
April 20, 2007
Defending Quality Public Services
Busy filing your tax form? Take a little break and try our new tax quiz.
Union Update
Read the latest news about your union in the Union Update for the period of April 2007.
April 19, 2007
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2007
PSAC National President John Gordon invites all members to celebrate Earth Day and to raise the consciousness of every citizen around the world on environmental issues critical to the surviving of our planet. Read his message.
April 13, 2007
2007 PSAC Pride Conference
More than one hundred PSAC members met in Vancouver from March 30 to April 1 for the second PSAC PRIDE Conference. It was a success. The delegates elected their representatives to the PSAC Equal Opportunity Committee, they passed resolutions to make the PSAC a more inclusive union and they discussed the many issues they face everyday in their places of work and communities. Details and pictures.
April 11, 2007
Pay equity at Canada Post
A trial date has been set in the latest stage of PSAC's pay equity complaint against Canada Post. Read more.
April 4, 2007
PSAC serves notice for SV group
On April 5, PSAC is serving notice to bargain for its 10,000 members in the Operational Services (SV) Group. Read our bulletin for dates of upcoming negotiations.
April 3, 2007
Presentation of Evidence and Expert Testimony Wrapped Up - Counsel Now Preparing Closing Arguments
Day 15 of the pension surplus trial kicked off with the recall, at the request of Justice Panet, of Scott Milne, an expert in public-sector accountancy and former auditor with the Office of the Auditor General. Mr. Milne had already given evidence at the trial on March 7 and 8. However, Justice Panet recalled Mr. Milne as he wished to have clarification of several issues related to the Public Accounts of Canada. Read the details.
March 30, 2007
Union Update
Read the latest news about your union in the Union Update for the period of March 2007.
Compensation Advisors taking action on their issues
AS-2 Compensation Advisors who are members of the PSAC are taking coordinated action to have the federal government address their classification and workplace issues. Read the details.
March 29, 2007
New approaches needed for aging federal public sector workforce
OTTAWA – The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) says the federal government needs to change a number of its practices if it is to meet the challenges of the changing demographic of the federal public sector. Read the press release.
March 28, 2007
Service Canada
March 21, 2007
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
In the current context of globalization, deep integration of our economies and the war against terrorism, people of colour and Aboriginal peoples suffer racism that subject them to economic, political and social marginalization. Read the details.
We're starting another round of bargaining
PSAC will be serving notice to bargain with the Parks Canada Agency on April 5, 2007. Your negotiating team is eager to begin bargaining. Read our Bargaining INFO bulletin for the details.
March 20, 2007
Bill C-257: Anti-scab legislation
Liberal labour critic Mario Silva voted in favour of Bill C-257 at second reading. Now he has changed his mind. Take a minute to contact Silva and ask him not to flip flop on C-257. Read why.
Contact Mario Silva:
Telephone: 416-654-8084 (Toronto)
613-992-2576 (Ottawa)
Fax: 416-654-5083 (Toronto)
613-995-8202 (Ottawa)
e-mail: Silva.M@parl.gc.ca
Pension surplus balloons to $42 billion: expert witness
A former government auditor testified in Court that the surplus in the public service, RCMP and Canadian Forces pension accounts have now increased to $42.7 billion. Read the details.
March 19, 2007
Conservative budget doesn't make country fairer, safer or better
OTTAWA — In spite of its claims, the latest Conservative budget is not going to make Canada better or safer, nor will it make it fairer, according to the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Read the press release.
Is the Federal Budget Working for You?
On March 19th the Harper government will present its 2007 federal budget. While complex in some ways, the federal budget is really about establishing priorities. Read the details.
What will the Conservative budget mean for the federal public service?
Equality for women and girls
Canada's February 28 statement to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women failed to mention the series of bad decisions the Harper government has made on equality for women and girls. PSAC has joined with women's organizations and released their own statement.
March 16, 2007
To all PSAC members at Greater Toronto Airport Authority
The GTAA has applied to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to have one single bargaining unit at Pearson Airport. Read why it matters to you.
Pay equity news
Last fall, the Federal Court held two hearings into the latest pre-trial motions affecting the PSAC's pay equity claim against a number of separate employers. Read about the results of these motions.
March 13, 2007
Important information from PSAC National President John Gordon to PSAC Members Working at Service Canada.
Bill C-257 - Anti-scab legislation
Canadian Labour Congress President Ken Georgetti has written to Stéphane Dion, urging him to show his support for workers and their families by supporting the anti-scab legislation. Read the letter .
March 9, 2007
Bill C-257: Anti-scab legislation
Members of Parliament will vote on March 21, in third reading, on Bill C-257. According to the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), the media reports announcing the demise of this legislation are premature.
Oda a no show on International Women's Day
TORONTO – The members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) who spent International Women's Day in Status of Women Minister Bev Oda's constituency office say it was a day well spent. Read the press release.
Expert witness says public pension plans have assets
An actuarial expert testified that assets were transferred from the Public Service Superannuation account to newly created pension plans of local airport authorities, NAV Canada and Canada Post, providing solid evidence that there were funds in the public service pension account. Read the details.
March 8, 2007
PSAC women occupy Bev Oda's office
TORONTO – Women members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) are spending their International Women's Day occupying the Bowmanville constituency office of Status of Women Minister Bev Oda. Read the press release.
Harper government plays $5 million shell game with Status of Women Canada
OTTAWA – The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is calling the Harper government's latest announcement on the eve of International Women's Day a shell game. Read the press release.
Put Equality Back on Track
This International Women's Day, PSAC is fully committed to the campaign to put women's equality back on track!
- Read the PSAC National Board of Directors resolution.
- Download the special leaflet and join in activities in your union and community.
March 7, 2007
Bargaining with Treasury Board
Notices to bargain are being sent to Treasury Board, negotiating teams have been meeting, demands are being finalized and meeting with the employer are being scheduled. Read our Bargaining INFO bulletin for the details.
March 5, 2007
Surplus has come from workers
Regardless of what accounting mumbo-jumbo government lawyers use to defend their theft of the pension surplus, to pension-plan members it is plain and simple: That surplus, or at least a good portion of it, came from their paycheques. Read the details.
March 2, 2007
Equality for women and girls
Canada's February 28 statement to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women failed to mention the series of bad decisions the Harper government has made on equality for women and girls. PSAC has joined with women's organizations and released their own statement.
We need your help to get the anti-scab bill passed
A federal Bill to ban the use of replacement workers - scabs - could become law soon with your help. Take a minute to ask your Member of Parliament to vote for Bill C-257.
March 1st, 2007
Anti-scab Legislation
Time is running out to make an anti-scab law a reality. PSAC members need to take action now on Bill C-257.
Blue Water Bridge Authority workers vote to join PSAC
Toronto – Employees of the Blue Water Bridge Authority in Point Edward/Sarnia are now members of one of Canada's largest national unions, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Read the press release.
February 28, 2007
National Gallery of Canada
While management drags its feet during the negotiation to renew the collective agreement, PSAC members at the National Gallery of Canada held a demonstration to show their support for their negotiating team. Press release and pictures.
Pension surplus litigation
The trial resumed on Monday, February 26, with opening arguments from the lawyers of the unions, employee associations and retiree groups. Six weeks has been reserved for the presentation of evidence and witness testimonies. We will be posting updates of the trial on this web site after each highlight in the proceedings.
Anti-Terrorism Act
The PSAC supports the Members of Parliament who opposed the government's motion to reintroduce preventative arrests and investigative hearings in the Anti-Terrorism Act. John Gordon wrote to Members of Parliament .
February 26, 2007
Pre-Budget Roundtable Session with the Finance Minister
In a presentation to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty during a February 19, 2007 roundtable discussion, PSAC National President John Gordon makes the case for increased government spending in the 2007 federal budget. Read the statement.
February 23, 2007
$30-billion pension surplus grab trial to resume Feb. 26
Ottawa - The plaintiffs in the federal pension surplus litigation will proceed to court on Monday to present evidence and opening arguments. Read the media advisory.
February 22, 2007
New bargaining unit at Canada Border Services Agency:
Frontière-Border Services (FB)
Ottawa — PSAC members at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) received their own bargaining certificate from the federal Public Service Labour Relations Board (PSLRB). They are now part of the unit called Frontière-Border Services (FB). Read the press release.
Union Update
Read the latest news about your union in the Union Update for the period of February 2007
February 21, 2007
Black History Month
Black History Month is celebrated in Canada to recognize the contributions and achievements of Black peoples to the growth and development of this country and their importance to Canada's history. Details.
February 20, 2007
National Bargaining Conference
February 19, 2007
Bill C-257 Update
Bill C-257 is still at the Parliamentary Committee stage. The Committee that has been dealing with the Bill is the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities of the House of Commons (HUMA for short). Read the details.
February 14, 2007
Chocolate to sweeten the deal at IMP Group Limited
Halifax- On Valentine's Day, PSAC members working at IMP Group Limited poured their chocolate coated hearts out in an attempt to soften management's stone cold heart. Read the press release.
February 13, 2007
Plaintiffs send letter to PM urging him to intervene
The 18 unions, employee associations and retiree groups in the pension lawsuit has sent a letter to remind the Harper government of many of its party members' opposition to the pension-surplus grab. Read the press release. Read the letter.
The Pension Fight Back Campaign is kicking it up a notch and we need your help!
Write to your MP and tell him or her that you expect ACTION on their part.
February 8, 2007
Privatization is halted and Highlands Links' workers score a victory
In December 2006, Parks Canada workers at the Highlands Links Golf Club in Nova Scotia learned that their club would still be managed by the federal government. This announcement ensured the some 30 PSAC workers with the club that they would remain within the federal public service and retain their salaries and benefits. Details.
February 7, 2007
Information lines at Canadian military bases
Early yesterday morning, PSAC working members at IMP Group Limited set up information lines at the gates of three military bases: Comox, B.C.; Trenton, Ont. and Gander, NL.
They were informing their co-workers of the small progress achieved after five months of negotiations with the employer. Recently the PSAC had to ask the federal government to appoint a conciliation officer because of the lack of progress in the bargaining process. Here is a brief report of yesterday's activities in the three locations.
Another step forward for Treasury Board and Parks Canada bargaining
PSAC has just held its national bargaining conference for PSAC members in Treasury Board bargaining units and at Parks Canada. Find out what's happening next.
February 6, 2007
Union to IMP Group Limited
Time for serious talks
PSAC members invite IMP Group Limited to negotiate seriously. The members at IMP have been trying for 5 months to negotiate a collective agreement with their employer. Recently the PSAC had to ask the federal government to appoint a conciliation officer because of the lack of progress in the bargaining process. Read the news release.
February 4, 2007
PSAC ready to defend federal public services
The Public Service Alliance of Canada is putting the defense of quality public services on the bargaining table in the upcoming round of negotiations with the federal government for over 100,000 federal public sector workers. Read the news release.
February 3, 2007
Members of the National Gallery say:
Negotiations are no Ball!
Ottawa- Equipped with scrolls and candles, the employees of the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa will elegantly greet party-goers to an expensive Viennese Ball hosted by the Gallery… Read the news release.
February 2, 2007
PSAC National Health and Safety Conference
PSAC members must make use of every forum available to speak out against deregulation and the implementation of measures that weaken their health and safety protection and their environment. Read the summary of the Conference.
You can also read John Gordon's speech at the Conference.
See some pictures of the Conference.
Pension surplus trial to resume end of February
The legal proceedings will resume on February 26, 2007. An initial six-week period has been reserved by the Court for opening arguments, presentation of evidence and expert testimony. Read the details.
February 1st, 2007
Master Programmes on Labour and Globalization
The Global Labour University, a cooperation network of the ILO, the International Labour Movement and several international academic institutions, invites trade unionists to study at two special Master programmes on Labour and Globalization. The programmes are targeting union activists. The goals of the programmes are to promote cooperation between trade unions and the research community and to strengthen the analytical, research and policy development capacity of trade unions.
Details.
January 31, 2007
AS Roundtable Follow-up
As a follow-up to the Report of the AS Roundtable, PSAC requested a meeting with senior representatives from PSHRMAC to discuss the issues of the Compensation and Benefits Advisor community. Read the details.
January 26, 2007
Treasury Board and Parks Canada
The National Bargaining Conference is starting on February 1
One of the final steps in preparation towards the next round of bargaining with Treasury Board and Parks, the National Bargaining Conference will start Thursday, February 1, in Ottawa. Read more.
January 8, 2007
National Health and Safety Conference
The PSAC National Health and Safety Conference will be held January 19-21, 2007, in Ottawa. The goals of the Conference include strategies to address the government's move towards occupational health and safety deregulation and its impact on enforcement of current health and safety law. Some 300 delegates will examine the impact of wellness programs, implemented by employers, on workplace health and safety protections and determine ways of improving law enforcement and worker safety. See detailed agenda.
Union Update
Read the latest news about your union in the Union Update for the period of October 1 - December 22, 2006
January 4, 2007
Slight dues increase and a reduction of the special strike fund dues
In May 2006 during the PSAC Triennial Convention, delegates adopted a progressive budget and resolutions with dues increase.
Since January 1, 2007, this means there is an average dues increase of 29 cents per member per month. The actual dues percentage increased to 0.8963% from the current 0.8889% on the first day of 2007. In addition, the special strike fund dues has been reduced to $2.75 per member per month on January 1, 2007. It was $5 per month since July 2006. Read the details.
Previous years
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
