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CIU PA members shine at PSAC National Bargaining Conference

Last week, CIU PA members actively participated in the latest PSAC National Treasury Board Bargaining Conference, in Montreal, QC. With all CIU PA delegates seats filled, our members played a key role in the democratic process of electing the PA bargaining team, speaking up at the microphone as the voice of CIU PA members across Canada — a true testament to our strength and solidarity.

We are especially proud to share that Victoria Lyon, from the CIU Toronto Branch, was elected as 3rd alternate to the PA bargaining team. Congratulations!

 

From left to right: Gulnaz Mirza – Steward, CIU Branch 30036, Brea Baresinkoff – CIU 2nd National Vice-President, Chair of the CIU Collective Bargaining Committee, Victoria Lyon – 3rd V.-P./V.-P. Status of Women, CIU Branch 00024, Mathieu Dubé – Steward, CIU Branch 60004

 

In addition to networking and establishing direct contact with PSAC PA members and the newly elected PA Bargaining Team, our members met with key players and shared the experiences and stories of PA members in our workplaces. They were also fortunate to meet CIU Life Member Danielle Dubuc, who offered her wisdom, guidance, and support on how to engage and mobilize members as we approach the next round of collective bargaining.

Help improve the NJC Relocation Directive

For the first time in eight years, the National Joint Council (NJC) Relocation Directive is undergoing review, with discussions set to begin this summer. This directive outlines the entitlements and support available to federal public service workers who relocate for work.

PSAC is calling on members to provide input on improvements or changes to the directive. If you’ve moved for a government job and have concerns or suggestions about the process, now is your chance to help shape the next version of the directive.

Who can participate?

PSAC members employed by Treasury Board, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Communications Security Establishment, the Office of the Auditor General, and the National Research Council may submit feedback.

If you’d like to submit a proposal, please contact your component, as all proposals must be approved and supported by an executive officer in your component union. The deadline to submit feedback is Friday, June 13, 2025.

Some agencies and departments use the Relocation Directive more than others — particularly Canada Border Services Agency, Correctional Service Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. If you work for these employers, your feedback is especially important.

The National Joint Council is the forum for employers and bargaining agents to collaborate on workplace policies, including directives like this one. PSAC sits on the NJC alongside 18 other federal bargaining agents.

What happens next?

Once proposals are submitted, PSAC’s negotiations team will review and vet them along with a sub-committee of the National Board of Directors, then consolidate it with input from other NJC bargaining agents.

A final package of proposed changes will be submitted to the NJC Secretariat and negotiations will begin. The terms of this directive are negotiated separately from collective agreements.

In addition to this review, negotiations are ongoing for several other NJC directives, including those related to bilingual allowances and travel.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

PSAC serves notice to bargain with Treasury Board

This week, PSAC served notice to begin bargaining with Treasury Board on behalf of more than 125,000 federal public service workers across the country in the Program and Administrative Services (PA) and Technical Services (TC) bargaining groups.

In the coming weeks, notice to bargain will also be served for 12,000 members of the Operational Services (SV) and Education and Library Science (EB) bargaining groups.

Members are united and mobilized heading into this round of bargaining on the heels of PSAC’s historic national strike in 2023. Over the past week, more than 200 Treasury Board members gathered at the national bargaining conference in Montreal to discuss members’ priorities and elect bargaining teams for the next round of negotiations.

This marks the first step toward securing new collective agreements that recognize the critical services federal public service workers deliver for Canada.

The current collective agreements expire on the following dates:

  • PA: June 20, 2025
  • TC: June 21, 2025
  • EB: June 30, 2025
  • SV: August 4, 2025

Federal public service workers deliver essential public services that keep our country running — delivering vital programs like Employment Insurance and child care benefits, protecting our coasts and waterways, supporting our veterans, and keeping our communities safe.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Treasury Board bargaining conference kicks off to set priorities for next round

This week, PSAC members working for Treasury Board are gathering in Montreal to prepare for the next round of bargaining.

Over the next five days, delegates representing the Program and Administrative Services (PA), Technical Services (TC), Operational Services (SV), and Education and Library Science (EB) bargaining groups will review and prioritize demands submitted by members that will shape negotiations for more than 120,000 federal public service workers.

With collective agreements set to expire in 2025, this conference is a crucial step toward securing fair wages and better working conditions. Delegates will also elect the bargaining teams to bring these priorities to the table with Treasury Board.

This year’s conference builds on the momentum of our historic 2023 strike, which demonstrated the power of collective action.

Shaping the next contract

The work done at the bargaining conference this week will set the foundation for the next round of negotiations.

Over the past several months, more than 20,000 PSAC members participated in our bargaining survey, sharing their priorities for the next round of negotiations. Members also took part in town halls to learn about the bargaining process and what makes a strong bargaining demand, ultimately submitting bargaining proposals for consideration. Delegates will now discuss and refine proposals to ensure the strongest possible demands are put forward at the table.

Every member has a role to play in supporting the bargaining process. By working together, we can continue to push for improvements that benefit all federal public service workers.

Stay tuned for more bargaining updates from the conference as we move forward with the next round of negotiations.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Your guide to workforce adjustment protections

The federal government’s Refocusing Government Spending Initiative has outlined $15 billion in public service cuts over the next four years, leaving thousands of workers uncertain about their future.

Recent announcements, such as the loss of 3,300 jobs at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the termination of 600 contract workers at the Canada Revenue Agency, are just the beginning. As federal departments move forward with mandated cuts, PSAC is committed to ensuring members have the resources they need to navigate potential workforce adjustment situations.

The Workforce Adjustment Guide is an essential resource to help members understand their rights and protections when changes to the workforce, including layoffs, are being contemplated. It is designed to reduce uncertainty, provide clarity, and empower members to make informed decisions.

Download the guide

The WFA Guide explains the processes that govern workforce adjustment. Whether you are directly affected or want to stay informed, the guide outlines:

  • Employers and employee responsibilities under the Workforce Adjustment Appendix.
  • Steps to navigate workforce adjustment scenarios, including layoffs, relocations, and alternative delivery initiatives.
  • Options available to workers, such as the guarantee of a reasonable job offer, voluntary departure programs, and the alternation process.

Printed copies are available by request from your PSAC regional office.

Download the guide

Facing workforce adjustment may be one of the most stressful experiences in your career. The WFA Guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate this process while highlighting the protections PSAC has negotiated on your behalf.

If you have questions or need assistance with workforce adjustment, contact your local representative, PSAC regional office or PSAC component for support.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

“Blackhawk helicopters and drones are not enough to stop criminals” : Singh and Masse to Minister McGuinty

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the New Democrats and Brian Masse, MP for Windsor West and New Democrat Critic for Industry, Canada-U.S. Border Relations and the Great Lakes, sent the following letter to David McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety of Canada, as well as to Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance of Canada and Ginette Petitpas Taylor, President of the Treasury Board of Canada on February 6, 2025.

Dear Minister McGuinty,

Following your press conference in Winnipeg, where you met with CBSA officers and re-announced the government’s border plan, we want to express disappointment that – while the $1.3 billion border fund is needed – there has been no progress whatsoever in hiring more border officers or providing them with further tools and supports to do their jobs. Border officers have been detailing the need for more officers and supports since before your government was first elected in 2015.

New Democrats have long supported our frontline border officers, working closely with the Customs Immigration Union (CIU) for decades. Despite the growing importance of border security, Canada’s border officers were not consulted on the government’s new border plans. They are the most knowledgeable about issues like cross-border crime, drug and gun trafficking, and irregular migration – yet their expertise has been overlooked by successive governments, including yours.

Our party has repeatedly called on your government to open a CBSA training facility in Windsor, Ontario to quickly address the staffing shortage caused by the Harper Government’s cuts in 2012. As you remember, they cut 1,100 border officers with detrimental effects at our ports of entry across Canada. Some ports of entry were closed, and others shifted to limited hours. K9 units were slashed, and the intelligence unit lost nearly half its agents. The current training facility in Rigaud, Quebec restricts the amount of border officers for training. Windsor can support a new facility almost immediately, and it’s desperately needed.

To make matters worse, border officers have had not been treated equally with other law enforcement agencies over the years. A 1932 Order-in-Council (OIC) continues restricting border officers from responding to incidents between ports of entry. Your government can easily overturn this OIC allowing officers the choice to act or respond to crime- in-progress and perform their duties within the laws that govern them. How can you claim to be keeping borders secure while preventing them from doing so?

Additionally, your government has promised legislation for the “25 and out” pension plan, which would align border officers with other law enforcement agencies, allowing them to retire after 25 years of service without pension reduction. We urge you to fulfill this commitment through an OIC since Parliament remains prorogued. Our officers deserve this benefit now considering they have been overworked for over a decade to accommodate understaffing issues.

Given the current border threats and potential tariffs, now is the time to rebuild our border workforce and provide the necessary resources to officers to effectively tackle crime. Blackhawk helicopters and drones do not stop criminals and crimes in progress, border officers do. Sadly, there simply aren’t enough of them.

Minister, we must hire more frontline officers, expand their authority to operate between ports of entry, and honour the promises made to them regarding pension reform. New Democrats will not stop fighting for our border officers and we urge your government to act swiftly on these requests, showing them the respect and appreciation for keeping Canadians safe every day. We look forward to your positive response and action on this request.

Yours truly,

Jagmeet Singh MP NDP Leader

Brian Masse MP NDP Critic for Industry, Automotive issues, Canada-US Border and Great Lakes

Click here for the PDF version of this letter.

Black History Month 2025

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate achievements, and recommit to building a future rooted in justice and equity. Black history is Canadian history. It is woven into the very fabric of Canada’s identity and progress.

The United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions and challenges of Black communities worldwide. In Canada, the federal government has extended its efforts until 2028 to better understand and support Black communities, address systemic barriers, and amplify Black voices.

Society often reduces the Black experience to one of struggle or celebrates Black culture while ignoring the burden forced upon Black shoulders. We must recognize, confront and remedy Canada’s racist past and present – from the destruction of Africville in Halifax to the ongoing Black Class Action lawsuit targeting systemic racism in the federal public service. True recognition means rejecting the myth that racism doesn’t exist in Canada. It is alive, pervasive and woven into every facet of society.

Of the 45,000 class members included in the Black Class Action lawsuit, PSAC is the certified bargaining agent for the largest contingent of workers. We are committed to supporting their pursuit of justice for enduring decades of anti-Black racism while working in the federal public service. PSAC has contributed $270,000 to date, to help the Black Class Action Secretariat with legal fees and public relations efforts, ensuring Black public service workers receive the reparations they deserve.

For Black History Month, PSAC proudly honours the rich history and contributions of Black workers and communities. PSAC is committed to fostering inclusive environments where Black people feel valued, supported, and safe.

PSAC is proud to sponsor members attending the 4th National Black Canadians Summit – a space by and for Black Canadians to convene, celebrate achievements, discuss winning strategies, explore local and national projects, and empower leaders.

Throughout Black History Month educate yourself on the real history of Black people in Canada, from the historic adversity they have overcome, to their current successes and fights for justice. Let’s celebrate Black culture, Black joy, and Black excellence in all its diversity – not only this month, but all year round.

Here are some grassroots Black community organizations to connect with across Canada:

  • Fondation Dynastie (QC) – This bilingual foundation aims to make lasting transformations to the cultural, artistic and media industries, ensuring better representation of Black communities in Quebec. It provides professional development programming to support and guide people of African descent working in culture, arts and media.
  • Black Queer Youth Collective (ON) – Their goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for Black Queer youth, Black Trans youth, and those questioning their identity. They allow youth to connect, reflect on their life experiences within Black communities, and improve their self-esteem by equipping them with the tools, confidence, and leadership opportunities.
  • Federation of Black Canadians (ON) – A national, non-profit organization, driven by Black organizations across the country, whose mission is to advance the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent, by discussing opportunities, contributions, and challenges that exist for them.
  • Black Canadian Women in Action (AL-SK) – A bilingual charity committed to making a difference in the lives of families in Black Canadian communities living in Western Canada. Their vision is to promote the empowerment of Black Canadian women, girls and families in all sectors of society by building self-esteem, leadership and confidence through conferences, workshops, programs, etc. They promote cultural activities specific to Black communities, which gives a sense of belonging. They also value building bridges, partnerships and collaborations with other communities.
  • Black Educators Association (NS) – The BEA is a volunteer, non-profit organization. Their mission is to assist African Nova Scotian communities develop strategies toward an equitable education system. This association has programs for children and youth and for adults, which include communications, maths, Black History – African Nova Scotian Studies, GED preparation, and a series of essential skills, such as reading text, working with others or digital skills, to name a few.
  • Unity Centre Association for Black Cultures (BC) – A registered non‐profit organization that is designed to unify, promote and integrate Black cultures into Canadian society. The UCABC has established a Black cultural centre to educate the community on the contribution of Black people in BC, provide support services to children, youth, seniors and newcomers, and host celebratory community events.
  • Black Advocacy Coalition upNorth (NWT) – A non-profit, Black-led organization based in Yellowknife with membership across the Northwest Territories. Their vision is to empower and advocate for the advancement of racial justice and equity for all Black peoples residing in Canada’s North.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

FAQ: Your Right to Be Politically Active

PSAC members, like all Canadians, have the right to take part in the democratic process.

By voting, volunteering, or advocating for policies, you help shape the future of our communities and workplaces and strengthen our democracy. Your participation ensures that the needs and concerns of workers and their families are heard, making parliament more representative and responsive.

This FAQ explains how to exercise your political rights while following any necessary guidelines and restrictions, helping you avoid any issues at work.

Why is political participation important?

A healthy democracy depends on citizens being free to take part in choosing who governs and makes decisions for them. This involvement strengthens democracy and makes sure different perspectives are heard.

By getting involved in political activities, we can help shape policies that affect our lives and communities. This also keeps elected officials accountable, reminding them to act in the public’s best interest.

Can PSAC members engage in political activities?

Yes, PSAC members are encouraged to take an active role in exercising their democratic political rights. Examples of permissible activities include:

  • Wearing a party or candidate button in public.
  • Placing an election sign at your residence.
  • Giving political opinions in public or elsewhere.
  • Volunteering as a canvasser for a political party or candidate.
  • Volunteering in a campaign office.
  • Taking time off work to work on an election campaign.
  • Participating in the formation of party or candidate policies.
  • Taking part in election-day activities on behalf of a party or candidate.
  • Attending peaceful demonstrations on political topics.
  • Soliciting funds from the public for political campaigns and parties.
  • Attending a political convention as a delegate.
  • Writing letters to the editor endorsing a candidate or party.
  • Running for political office.

What are the guiding principles for political participation?

When exercising your democratic rights, adhere to the following principles:

  • Do not conduct any political activity on the job.
  • Do not disclose your employment with the federal public sector or your specific employer when participating in campaign activities such as canvassing, making phone calls, or communicating opinions about election issues through social media.
  • Do not wear your uniform or government identification at public meetings such as candidates’ meetings.
  • Do not use a vehicle that is marked as government-owned or belongs to your employer while participating in election-related activities.

What about PSAC members covered by the Public Service Employment Act?

Canadians have the right to freedom of expression under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This includes federal public service workers.

You have the right to take part in political activities during an election as long as it doesn’t impact your ability to do your job without political bias (and is not reasonably perceived as impairing this ability).

Federal public service workers (except for deputy heads) can support or oppose a political party, help with activities for their party or candidate, and even run for office in a federal election.

However, some restrictions apply to PSAC members covered by the Public Service Employment Act, specifically:

  • Political activities should not be carried out during your working hours.
  • There are guidelines if you wish to be a candidate in a federal, territorial, municipal, or provincial election.

In addition, public service workers, including those who work for the federal government, will need to consider whether public comments they make or political activity they take part in impact their duties of loyalty and impartiality to their employer.

Public comments or political activity may impact these duties when they are critical of the current government or address topics that are relevant to the employee’s job duties with the government.

Different workers will have different limits placed on them based on the nature of their job. In general, workers with higher levels of work responsibilities, higher public visibility in their role, or who do work related to the topics being criticized will be more at risk of breaching, or being perceived to breach, their duties than workers with lower levels of work responsibilities, who do not work in public-facing roles, or who do not do any work connected with the areas being criticized.

Although an employee of the federal or other government may be less likely to violate these duties to their own employer when engaging in provincial political issues, certain objectionable statements or actions not aimed at their employer may nonetheless be considered sufficient for such a violation to take place.

What should I do if I am unsure about a specific political activity?

If you are unsure whether a specific political activity is appropriate, contact your PSAC regional office for guidance.

What if I get in trouble for taking part in political activities?

If you’re disciplined for participating in a political activity, you can file a grievance. Contact your Local or Component for help and inform your PSAC regional office right away.

Are there additional rules for running as a candidate in an election?

Yes, there are separate and special rules if you wish to be a candidate in a federal, territorial, municipal, or provincial election. Ensure you understand and comply with these rules by consulting your PSAC regional office.

Who can I contact for more help?

If you have questions or need more guidance, contact your PSAC regional office. They can explain your rights and responsibilities and offer support if needed.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Brian Masse to PM: “Show some decency” and make ’25 and out’ happen

Brian Masse, MP for Windsor West and NDP Industry, Canada-US Border and Great Lakes Critic, sent the following letter to the Prime Minister of Canada, as well as the President of the Treasury Board, the Minister of Public Safety, and the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, on January 27, 2025.

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau and Ministers,

I am writing to express my support for the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) letter of January 15, 2025, urging the Government of Canada to fulfill its commitment to offer early retirement eligibility to Canada’s border officers under the Public Service Pension Plan. This promise was made by your government on June 13, 2024, and December 18, 2024.

For over two decades, I have worked closely with border officers in my community and with the national union to ensure their concerns are heard by the Government of Canada. I have consistently advocated in the House of Commons for the implementation of “25 and out” for these dedicated workers, who play a crucial role in defending our borders, enforcing laws, and maintaining security for trade and travel. This legislative change is essential to ensure they are treated equitably alongside other officers.

Given that the House is prorogued, I urge you to act swiftly on this commitment. While the traditional legislative pathway may be delayed, the government can implement this change through an Order-in-Council or any other available mechanism. With the current challenges at the border, including the threat of U.S. tariffs, it is more critical than ever to recognize and support our frontline officers. Border officers are severely understaffed and require an additional 2,000-3,000 officers to address existing gaps and attrition.

The low morale among these workers underscores the need for immediate action to demonstrate support. This will also provide motivation for recruiting and retention, and as you are aware, other law enforcement agencies often hire from the CBSA due to their high-level skill and training set.

In 2017, the government ambushed the community with plans for the Ambassador Bridge expansion via an Order-in-Council, which highlighted the ability of Cabinet to make decisions in their interest. It seems odd that a private American billionaire family would receive privileged treatment from the Liberal government, yet our frontline officers are cast aside. Furthermore, you are also aware that this exceptional arrangement for this family comes when they have purchased housing only to demolish some, board up others, and destroy community institutions with the loss of families in the area. Recently, you are also aware that they have decided to stockpile large girders creating another unsightly blemish and potential safety and security risk as they are left unsecured on the former properties where homes once stood. Despite the original conditions of the Order-in-Council not being met, your government has continued to provide more privileges by creating exceptions for their plaza expansion that remain unclear, create safety issues for the neighbourhood and the border as we enter into 2025.

Mr. Prime Minister, your government has already announced twice that you would address the problem with the ’25 and out’ policy for border officers, yet the issue still remains unresolved. It is one thing to provide billionaire privileges to foreign families who have shown no respect for this country or its community, but it is our Canadian citizens who work on the Ambassador Bridge that you refuse to treat with even the slightest fairness. You have lied to those who must continue their work every day in the shadow of this injustice.

I fully support the CIU’s request and call on you to enact this change, using an Order-in-Council because at least this time it is for public good. You weaponized the Order in Council against the Windsor community, the least you can do is show some decency to use it for the benefit of the workers who protect the busiest international crossing and our citizens every day.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Brian Masse

MP Windsor West
NDP Industry, Canada-US Border and Great Lakes Critic
Vice-Chair, Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group

Click here for the PDF version of this letter.

Statement on CBSA’s Suspension of Cumulative Working Period for Term Employees

We are deeply disappointed by CBSA’s recent decision to suspend the calculation of the cumulative working period for term employees. Effective April 1, 2025, the process that allows term employees to transition to indeterminate status will cease, creating instability and insecurity for many of our members.

Term employees are an essential part of the Agency’s day-to-day operations, and this decision sends the message that their contributions are not valued.

Now is the time for this employer to foster loyalty, morale, and trust among its workforce, not to burden them with uncertainty. We urge CBSA to find a more balanced approach that ensures term employees are not left in limbo. The suspension of the cumulative working period is a step backward, and it is our hope that CBSA will reconsider and engage in meaningful consultation with CIU to support the long-term welfare of all employees.

We remain committed to advocating for the interests of our members and will continue to press CBSA to prioritize the fair treatment and recognition of its workforce.

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