The Union’s nominee on the Public Interest Commission (PIC) panel has been in contact with our PSAC Negotiator. Our nominee informed our Negotiator that, given the number of matters in dispute between the union and the employer, more time is needed for the panel to complete a recommendation.
Our Negotiator agreed to an extension for the PIC to do its work. As soon as we have a recommendation from the PIC we’ll be sure to provide an update.
A new year means more rallies: CIU & PSAC members kicked things off for 2018 by demonstrating in Windsor (CIU local 00018) today. With a large number of members in attendance, this rally is the latest in a series of demonstrations supporting the FB bargaining team, reminding Canadians that FB members protect Canada’s borders, and sending a clear message to the employer : It is time to treat FB members with respect. These men and women put themselves in harm’s way, they are law enforcement, and they deserve a fair contract.
CIU and PSAC members from different locals were present, including CIU National President Jean-Pierre Fortin and 1st National VP Mark Weber. Thank you to Windsor & District Labour Council, UNIFOR 444, Iron Workers 700, IBEW 773, WUFA, Ontario Teachers Federation, CUPW, CUPE and LIUNA 625 for their solidarity and support. MPP Taras Natyshack, MPP Lisa Gretsky, and MP Brian Masse were also present.
At this year’s Eastern Townships Branch Annual General Membership Meeting, members discussed the ongoing bargaining situation and expressed their support for their FB Bargaining Team, voicing their discontent at not being treated fairly by the government.
On December 19, 2017, in front of the offices of the Canada Border Services Agency, in Regina, CIU & PSAC members rallied for fairness and in solidarity with all FB members. After 3.5 years of bargaining, the employer is still pushing for concessions that devalues the work our members perform on behalf of all Canadians, and continues to refuse to provide parity with other law enforcement agencies.
The demonstrators had a clear message for Minister of Public Safety Ralph Goodale: Enough is enough – it is time to treat FB members with respect.
Present at the rally were members and representatives of CIU SK 40031, PSAC Regina Area Council Committee, DCL 40005, USGE, UNE, and CEIU, including: Brea Lewis, Branch President of CIU Saskatchewan 40031 and FB bargaining team member, Marianne Hladun, Regional Executive Vice-President of the PSAC Prairie Region, and Santa Claus.
Click here to view a video of the rally (on Facebook)
With the Public Interest Commision (PIC) mediation attempt having failed in October, our FB bargaining team proceeded to hearing on November 2, 6 and 23 at the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Employment Board (FPSLREB). Over the course of these three days our bargaining team made our case for compensation parity with other law enforcement agencies across Canada, including other federal agencies under the Ministry of Public Safety. We also made the case – repeatedly – that there are serious problems at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and that in light of these, we seek new rights for employees particularly as they pertain to discipline, hours of work and arming. CBSA management is not to be trusted. We need new protections.
Click here for PSAC’s written submissions to the Public Interest Commission for the FB group (PDF document).
A version of this article was first published on the PSAC website.
