Many people are struggling with their mental health during this difficult time. If you are overwhelmed, under significant stress, or having any mental health difficulties, PSAC has published a list of resources to assist you.
The past week has seen unprecedented events take place, with new measures to address the ongoing COVID-19 crisis being announced on a daily basis. To say that the impact on border services and our membership has been significant would be an understatement. The current situation has been taxing on all of us. As you continue to work hard to ensure the security of your fellow Canadians, it is important to remember that your union is there to support you, both locally and nationally.
At the national level, our representatives have been in daily contact with CBSA upper management. The positive, constructive relationship that the CIU National President has established with the Minister in the last week has had tangible impacts on the measures announced since by the Canadian Government:
Union representatives have been working diligently to make sure the employer provides an adequate amount of personal protection equipment (PPE) across the country. Thanks to union pressure, CBSA confirmed that PPE should be used in all modes, by all front-line personnel, and they are looking at creating a guide to ensure PPE is used properly.
For those required to self-isolate, your union has been in contact with management at all levels to clarify the use of 6990 leave when required. As well, local Branch representatives across Canada have been participating in OHS meetings to keep informed of latest COVID-19 developments.
Throughout the week, PSAC has been providing guidance and support on different matters, including health and safety. In addition, the Alliance was instrumental in pushing Treasury Board to clarify the meaning of the term ‘critical services’.
As this week draws to a close, we are witnessing never before seen changes to how our border operates. These are challenging times, and the role played by our members is critical. Take care of yourselves and of one another, and reach out to your union for support whenever necessary. We will keep you updated as things progress.
I am reaching out to all of you to express my deep gratitude to our members who are on the frontlines of this pandemic and to all who continue to sustain critical government services.
The situation has been evolving swiftly and dramatically and our union has been working tirelessly to protect members and their families. We are doing everything we can to keep safe those who are required to go into the workplace, and those who are teleworking. We are insisting that supports be put in place for those who are most at risk. We are also working to protect those who are physically vulnerable at this time. We know that precarious workers are facing hardship and have joined with others to press for income assistance. Northern and Indigenous communities are also at great risk because of difficult living conditions and limited access to health care.
We are in daily communication with employers across the country and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure your safety, and that of the public.
This is a time of exceptional solidarity—a time when our members are engaged in an all-out effort to fight the pandemic and ensure that Canada and Canadians are as safe and supported as possible. Thanks to all of you—border officers, Service Canada personnel, correctional services workers, university personnel and healthcare providers, and so many others—our country will get through this crisis.
Given the constantly changing situation, please continue to listen to the advice of public health authorities and follow their guidance and directives. Let’s all continue to support those who need help.
PSAC has developed some resources to help you and we will be developing more as needed. Please make sure to follow our social media accounts for regular updates.
If you require the assistance of your union, you can contact us online.
The leadership and staff of the PSAC, alongside your local, Component and regional leaders, are committed to doing all we can to support members and communities during this challenging time.
In solidarity,
Chris Aylward
PSAC National President
The original version of this article was first posted on the PSAC website.
In addition to those in the federal public service, PSAC represents many workers in our universities, gaming sector, security industry, and at national airports. Many of these members are facing layoffs and fearing pay interruption due to the health crisis caused by the spread of COVID-19.
Federal and provincial governments have announced a range of measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on individuals and the economy. Many of these measures address short-term needs and are a direct response to the deficiencies in our support systems, however the governments’ actions are urgently needed and we welcome them. For more information, please see the following list of measures announced (to date) designed to support workers, on the PSAC website.
A positive Public Interest Commission (PIC) report has been issued for the TC group recommending the employer move on several important issues raised by your bargaining team. The report names a number of TC’s priorities such as closing wage gaps, parity with CFIA for EGs, increased allowances, and movement on the archaic classification system as areas where the employer can improve its offer. Though the report does not recommend everything in our proposals, its support of key issues demonstrates the union’s demands have been fair and reasonable.
Similar to the PA PIC report, TC’s PIC report points to general wage increases and special adjustments as being a major issue that has halted negotiations. It recommends the employer address wage rates if it expects to reach a tentative agreement with the TC group. PSAC expects a fair wage offer that does not require our members to buy allowances for some members out of the overall wage increases for all.
The PIC report acknowledged the wage discrepancy between those classified as EGs in the TC group and their counterparts at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). In 2018, your union signed an MOU with Treasury Board stating that there is no difference between EGs at CFIA and at those in the TC group. However, there is still a 3.3% salary gap between those different EGs. The PIC recommends that this gap be addressed.
The PIC report recommends allowances for the following groups:
The report does not recommend specific amounts, nor suggests movement for all groups the union has tabled allowances for. However, PSAC welcomes the recommendation for movement on these specific allowances.
The PIC also recognized the importance of implementing new job evaluation standards. The employer has already missed several deadlines to put in place a new structure and classification system. Though the employer wants another extension until June 2021, the PIC recommends that the employer offer more and urges the employer to have new standards in place before the next round of bargaining. PSAC is seeking substantial penalties, payable from the beginning of 2020, for the employer failing to have the new standards ready for this round of negotiations.
Although National President Chris Aylward has authorized strike votes for the TC bargaining unit, all strike votes are currently suspended until March 30. At that time the union will re-evaluate whether to continue the suspension or resume the strike votes.
Despite the suspension of votes, PSAC will continue to bargain for all units currently in negotiations.
The original version of this article was first posted on the PSAC website.
