PSAC National President, Sharon DeSousa, shares a Labour Day message to members.
This Labour Day, workers across the country will take to the streets in their local marches and events, or enjoy the holiday won by the labour activists who came before us. No matter how you’re spending today, no matter where you live in the country, I have one clear message: we are all in this together.
Solidarity, in negotiations
As hundreds of thousands of PSAC members are in the thick of a tough contract battle with their employer, our solidarity is being put to the test. When Treasury Board bargaining teams put out the call for the first Day of Solidarity in April, PSAC members from across the country showed up – at workplaces, at union events, and online. Each Day of Solidarity, we’ve seen more and more workers proudly wear black and show support for our bargaining teams and fellow union members.
PSAC members working at the Canada Revenue Agency currently fighting for a fair deal also answered the call for solidarity, joining the movement to wear black for bargaining.
Other PSAC members are also taking action in similar ways and building their momentum as they move towards or through negotiations. Workers at Parks Canada, at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in municipal, provincial, territorial governments, and in the private sector are organizing and fighting for what they deserve, too.
Our collective strength is in action at every level of our union.
Solidarity, on the line
That same spirit has also been tested on the picket line, too. PSAC members at the Bank of Canada in the Ottawa and Montreal office have been on strike since June 23. The workers at PSAC Local 71250 remain on strike fighting for a fair agreement, all while facing an employer who has repeatedly used illegal scab labour to replace the lawfully striking workers.
We fought back against these anti-union tactics and won. Now, the fight continues for these workers to get the fair contract they deserve.
PSAC members from across the country have joined the line in support since the strike began, and the picket line continues strong today. I encourage all members to visit the line and send an email to your MP urging the Bank to reach a fair agreement.
Solidarity, across the labour movement
Workers from different unions have also come together in solidarity, whether they’re combatting recent challenges or joining forces on shared campaigns.
In July, PSAC announced a new affiliation agreement with the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) that strengthens support for Northern nurses. By joining the national network of unionized nurses across Canada, the 1,300 PSAC-represented nurses in the territories will have a stronger voice in advocating for the issues they face and the communities they serve.
Solidarity starts with you
As we head into the federal budget this fall, we must continue to keep up the momentum beyond Labour Day.
Building our collective strength starts in our local communities. Reach out to your regional office to get connected with your local Area Council or committees so we can build the political power needed to influence decision makers.
We know that public services have been a target of this government. We need to make sure they hear us loud and clear, in one united voice: we believe in a country that funds its public services and protects workers.
And we will always fight for them.
This article was first published on the PSAC website.
