No 27
September 11, 1998
PSAC NATIONAL
SOLIDARITY DAY - September 21, 1998
As PSAC National President Daryl Bean
stated: the government's decision to appeal the Human Rights
Tribunal decision sends a clear message to employers that women
are fair game for discriminatory practices.
WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?
It's time for Canadians in general and PSAC members in particular to ask themselves some fundamental questions. How can it be that Canada, a country that prides itself on its commitments to human rights in other countries, can ignore them in Canada itself? How many Canadians will ever benefit from human rights legislation on pay equity if each time they try to get it enforced they face years and years of stalling and endless court challenges? Are we so cynical now that we accept the government can make and break promises at will or at least if they see no political benefit to themselves? Is the federal government above the law?
The answer to the last question is a
resounding NO! The government must withdraw its appeal of
the Tribunal decision which is based completely on its objection
to how much it will cost and not on an error in law. More delays
will only add to the cost.
The government must give Treasury Board the
leeway to discuss the full implementation of the Tribunal award.
You have waited long enough!
ORGANIZE TO BE HEARD!
On September 21, Public Service Alliance of
Canada members will mark the return of the House of Commons by
participating and conducting study sessions on pay equity across
the country. The sessions will begin at noon. The focus will be
on what Locals can do to get this resolved: letter writing
targetting selected MPs, local/regional media strategy, running a
petition campaign, or any other topics linked to pay equity
and/or collective bargaining.