Author Archives: Pierre St-Jacques

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

Photo of CIU flag

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:

Tentative agreement for Treasury Board units: A heartfelt thank you to all members

Photo rally

In the early morning of May 1, 2023, on what would have been the 13th day of strike for 120,000 Treasury Board members, PSAC announced that a tentative agreement had been reached for the PA, EB, TC and SV bargaining units, securing a fair contract for members and ending this round of strike action.

It goes without saying that this strike — the largest in the Canadian public sector in recent memory — owes much of its success to the sustained dedication and engagement of members everywhere. The union is only as strong as its members are united, and we thank you wholeheartedly for supporting your bargaining teams and showing the employer what can be accomplished when we fight as one.

Thank you to all striking members and activists who walked the picket line and rallied day in, day out, rain or shine. Thank you to all in essential positions who found ways to support strike efforts despite having to report to work. And, last but not least, thank you to all FB members who, regardless of not being on strike, showed up to shoulder their fellow union members in their hour of need, amplifying their call for fair treatment.

An exemplary display of inter-union and inter-unit solidarity, the past two weeks have proven to be yet another watershed moment for the Customs and Immigration Union, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, and the labour movement at large, as we build upon past labour actions to reinforce our capacity to fight for — and win — better, fairer working conditions for all members.

We have never been more united. We have never been stronger.

Stay up to date

See the following link for more information about the tentative agreement. As per PSAC, in the coming days, a full explanation of the new agreements, and a copy of the new language, will be provided once they have been fully translated for the PA, SV, TC and EB groups. PSAC members will shortly thereafter be invited to participate in online ratification votes. Details about the votes will be shared as soon as possible.

Support CRA workers!

While the strike is over for Treasury Board members, it continues for 35,000 CRA members. We encourage all our members to show support — be it by attending a picket line outside of your work hours, or in any other way. No gesture is too small!

20th National Convention – September 21-23, 2023

The National Convention, which is the supreme governing body of our Union, is held once every three years and provides an opportunity for CIU members to become involved in the operation and future of their Union.

We are pleased to announce that the 20th CIU National Convention will be held September 21, 22, and 23, 2023 in Ottawa, Ontario.

Please refer to the following documents for more information: