Author Archives: Pierre St-Jacques

Black History Month: Fighting anti-Black racism in the workplace

Black History Month is a time to honour and celebrate Black people’s past and present accomplishments, their contributions to Canadian society, and their ongoing struggle for equity. This is a time to reflect on the strength and resiliency of people of African and Caribbean descent in Canada, while committing to fight against systemic discrimination and racism in our communities.

From creating one of Canada’s first trade-labour schools in 1842, to launching a class action lawsuit challenging racism in Canada’s public service today, Black workers and labour activists were instrumental in shaping the Canadian labour movement from which we continue to benefit.

Workers’ rights and workplaces in Canada have been greatly advanced through their courage and perseverance, and Black History Month is a time to recognize and give thanks for their leadership and those victories.

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REMINDER: FB bargaining conference: Members of equity groups, women and young workers encouraged to apply

Photo of BSO with the words "Bargaining: FB Group"

PSAC-CIU members who self-identify in one of the groups listed below are encouraged to apply to attend the FB National Bargaining Conference before the February 4 deadline.

Eligible groups:

  • Indigenous
  • Racially visible
  • LGBTQ2+
  • Member with disability
  • Woman
  • Young worker (aged 35 or younger)

Bargaining conferences bring together members to discuss and prioritize the issues that will be negotiated during the upcoming round of collective bargaining. Participation of all groups is critical to ensure important equity issues are represented at the bargaining table.

How to apply

As established in Regulation 15, Section 3.3.3, delegates chosen to attend the bargaining conference must:

  • be members of the bargaining unit;
  • be dedicated union activists, engaged in union activities and committed to union principles, including social justice and human rights.

Please submit your application via the PSAC website before February 4 at 11:59 EST to be considered.

Note: Applying does not guarantee a delegate seat at the bargaining conference.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

UPDATED: Bargaining demands Input Call for Border Services (FB) — Deadline extended to January 28

Banner-FB-Bannière

The Public Service Alliance of Canada will soon be approaching the employer to begin negotiations for the renewal of the collective agreement.

During the last round of bargaining, PSAC-CIU achieved important gains at the bargaining table thanks to sustained member engagement. To ensure success this next round, it’s critical that members participate in the process by submitting their bargaining proposals.

Members of the bargaining unit are encouraged to fill out the online form to provide the improvements and changes they would like to see made to the collective agreement.

This form will be open for input until January 28, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. (EST). Members will be prompted to login to access the form.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Mental health matters, at home and at work

a photo of three people with the words "mental health matters"

Today, as in previous years at this time, social media is filled with discussions seeking to raise awareness about mental health issues and initiatives. As the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic draws to a close, the numerous challenges brought about by this unprecedented crisis, be it in terms of physical or mental health, make it all the more important to reflect not only on the state of our healthcare infrastructure in general, but also on our mental health support systems at large.

Frontline and essential workers continue to be confronted with exceedingly taxing situations, and the need for a robust and accessible service infrastructure cannot be overstated if we wish to care for the mental well-being of Canadians everywhere – including in the workplace. In 2020, the Mental Health Commission of Canada published a study showing that nearly 9 in 10 Canadians want increased funding for mental health. In 2021, from a law enforcement perspective, Statistics Canada released a report making it clear that the pandemic had a significant impact on the mental well-being of the Canadian population, with some police services reporting a 13% increase in well-being check calls, and a 12% increase in mental health-related calls.

Beyond the concerns caused by COVID-19, and in addition to the need for general access to care, workplace culture also needs to foster mental well-being and not hinder it. Within CBSA, past employee surveys have shown a high level of dissatisfaction due to psychologically unhealthy workplaces. As a union, we’ve been vocal about the need for CBSA to address the many problems that plague the Agency when it comes to abuse of authority and harassment by managers.

You are not alone

When facing a difficult situation at work or at home, remember that you are not alone. People around you can be a source of support, and your union is there to assist and help you find the resources you need. As CBSA employees, you can also contact LifeWorks for confidential assistance – be it for advice, counselling or treatment (for more information about LifeWorks and other resources, see our Mental Health page). PSAC has also published a list of resources to assist you if you feel overwhelmed, are struggling with stress, or are facing mental health difficulties.

Just like physical well-being, mental health matters, in any setting.​