Author Archives: Pierre St-Jacques

2023 wildfires: CIU donates $1,000 to Canadian Red Cross

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In light of the severe impact of ongoing wildfires on several communities across the country, the CIU National Executive has elected to make a $1,000 donation to the Canadian Red Cross.

The fires have resulted in a state of emergency being declared in Alberta and are also affecting a number of locations in other provinces and in the Northwest Territories. It is the union’s hope that this contribution will be of some help to those facing hardships and challenges in the wake of the wildfires.

To all who have been impacted by this crisis, know that you are in our thoughts. We also wish to extend our gratitude and support to all firefighters, other first responders, and volunteers currently hard at work. While we cannot stand with you in person, we do so in spirit.

PA, EB, TC and SV ratification votes to be held May 24 to June 16

Ratification votes for PSAC members in the four Treasury Board groups will begin on May 24 and end on June 16 at noon ET.

In order for PSAC members to receive their new rates of pay, retroactive pay, and lump sum payment, the new agreements must first be ratified. To ensure this ratification process is done as quickly as possible, PSAC will be conducting an expedited ratification process.

The ratification votes will be conducted using the same online voting platform used for strike votes earlier this year.

Click here more important information regarding ratification votes.

Bear Witness Day: We are all responsible for defending the rights of Indigenous children

On May 10, we recognize Bear Witness Day to raise awareness for Jordan’s Principle — a child-first principle and legal rule named in memory of Jordan River Anderson that ensures First Nations children receive the same standard of social, health and educational services as the rest of the Canadian population.

PSAC is proud to be one of the first unions in Canada to recognize this day annually. We encourage all PSAC members to take part in actions in support of reconciliation and equity.

One way to do that is to support the ongoing work of the First Nations Child & Family
Caring Society by sending a letter to your MP calling on them to endorse the Spirit Bear Plan to end the injustices experienced by First Nations children and families living on reserve and in the territories.

Call on your MP to support the Spirit Bear Plan

PSAC also encourages everyone to learn more about Jordan’s Principle by watching the documentary Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger by acclaimed Indigenous director Alanis Obomsawin. The film tells the story of how the life of Jordan River Anderson initiated a battle for the right of First Nations and Inuit children to receive the services they need, when they need them.

Visit the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society’s website for other ideas on how to support and honour Bear Witness Day through education, awareness, and action.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Ratification kits for PA, TC, SV and EB groups

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After nearly two years at the bargaining table and one of the largest strikes in Canadian history, CIU and PSAC members of the PA, SV, TC and EB bargaining units have a tentative agreement.

We thank all our CIU members for the unity they demonstrated and actions they took during this strike. Without you, we would not have this tentative agreement. We also thank our bargaining teams for their hard work and tenacity. These negotiations were uniquely challenging and CIU supports the tentative agreements they’re unanimously recommending.

CIU members of these bargaining units will soon have the opportunity to attend ratification sessions. We encourage you to review your ratification kit, attend a session, ask your questions and cast your vote.

Breaking down the gains in PSAC’s Treasury Board settlement, and individual summaries of PA, EB, TC, and SV agreements

In the hours after reaching a deal with Treasury Board, PSAC shared with members the highlights of the wage increases and remote work language that were negotiated.

As  PSAC prepares the ratification kits that contain the full details of the new agreements to share with you in the coming days, here are more details and clarification on the key improvements the union secured in this round of bargaining.

Please see the following page on the PSAC website for a breakdown of these gains.

Individual summaries

PSAC has also published summaries of each tentative agreement (PA, EB, TC, SV). Review them here: