News - 2016
Rally in Ottawa - November 24, 2016
PSAC members at Blue Water Bridge on strike
Forty-seven workers at the Blue Water Bridge in Ontario walked off the job on November 21 after their employer, the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL), walked away from the bargaining table.
The workers include toll collectors, cleaners, maintenance workers and currency exchange cashiers.
FCBL is a Crown corporation based in Ottawa and reports to Liberal Transport Minister Marc Garneau.
Unprecedented range of concessions demanded by employer
FBCL demanded major concessions which would negatively affect benefits, pensions, maternity and parental leave, hours of work and scheduling.
When the workers refused to accept the concessions, FBCL walked away from the table giving the workers little choice but to strike.
Rally in Ottawa
If you are in Ottawa, please show your support!
A rally in support of strikers is being held at noon on Thursday November, 24, 2016 at FBCL headquarters, 55 Metcalfe Street.
More details are posted on the PSAC NCR event page.
PSAC members at Blue Water Bridge on strike
Forty-seven workers at the Blue Water Bridge in Ontario walked off the job on November 21 after their employer, the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL), walked away from the bargaining table.
The workers include toll collectors, cleaners, maintenance workers and currency exchange cashiers.
FCBL is a Crown corporation based in Ottawa and reports to Liberal Transport Minister Marc Garneau.
Unprecedented range of concessions demanded by employer
FBCL demanded major concessions which would negatively affect benefits, pensions, maternity and parental leave, hours of work and scheduling.
When the workers refused to accept the concessions, FBCL walked away from the table giving the workers little choice but to strike.
Rally in Ottawa
If you are in Ottawa, please show your support!
A rally in support of strikers is being held at noon on Thursday November, 24, 2016 at FBCL headquarters, 55 Metcalfe Street.
More details are posted on the PSAC NCR event page.
[ November 15, 2016 ]
November 30, 2016
An inclusive reading circle meant to foster dialogue through thought-provoking "readings"
Creating a dynamic space for conversations
Deepening understanding of ideas
Exploring new perspectives
A project organized by the PSAC-NCR Education Committee with the help of our friends!
Details also on our website.
November 30, 2016
An inclusive reading circle meant to foster dialogue through thought-provoking "readings"
Creating a dynamic space for conversations
Deepening understanding of ideas
Exploring new perspectives
A project organized by the PSAC-NCR Education Committee with the help of our friends!
Details also on our website.
C.R.A.P.O. - Assemblée générale annuelle [ November 14, 2016 ]
(Message in French only)
Consœurs et confrères,
Le Conseil régional d’action politique de l’Outaouais prévoit son assemblée générale annuelle le mercredi 14 décembre prochain.
Joignez-vous à nous pour discuter des projets futurs du conseil et faire des connaissances au sein de notre région. Osez vous présenter pour un poste! Et venez jaser avec nos invités spéciaux de ACORN – chapitre de Gatineau.
Les détails de l’AGA suivent :
Lieux : Bureau régional de Gatineau dans la salle Philippe-Célestin au 200 promenade du Portage, suite 310
Heure : Rencontre à 18 h (un léger repas sera servi dès 17 h 30)
Les postes suivants sont à pourvoir :
Nous vous encourageons à partager ce message afin de promouvoir cet événement important!
Au plaisir de vous voir!
Patrice Remillard
Patrice.Remillard@une-sen.org
Pièce jointe : Formulaire d'affiliation au C.R.A.P.O. (version PDF)
(Message in French only)
Consœurs et confrères,
Le Conseil régional d’action politique de l’Outaouais prévoit son assemblée générale annuelle le mercredi 14 décembre prochain.
Joignez-vous à nous pour discuter des projets futurs du conseil et faire des connaissances au sein de notre région. Osez vous présenter pour un poste! Et venez jaser avec nos invités spéciaux de ACORN – chapitre de Gatineau.
Les détails de l’AGA suivent :
Lieux : Bureau régional de Gatineau dans la salle Philippe-Célestin au 200 promenade du Portage, suite 310
Heure : Rencontre à 18 h (un léger repas sera servi dès 17 h 30)
Les postes suivants sont à pourvoir :
- un vice-président
- un trésorier
- un secrétaire
Nous vous encourageons à partager ce message afin de promouvoir cet événement important!
Au plaisir de vous voir!
Patrice Remillard
Patrice.Remillard@une-sen.org
Pièce jointe : Formulaire d'affiliation au C.R.A.P.O. (version PDF)
Annual General Meeting, PSAC Local 70008, NCR [ November 07, 2016 ]
The Annual General Meeting of PSAC NHU Local 70008 will be held in Ottawa on:
Thursday, November 24, 2016 at
1600 Scott Street, Conference Center at
4:30 PM.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided before the meeting. There will also be door prizes.
Please RSVP before November 22, 2016 to assist the local with the hospitality at event.
Elections will be held for the following positions:
President;
Vice-President;
Treasurer;
Secretary, and
Chief Shop Stewards (potentially).
For further information and/or to RSVP, you may contact Annie Noël at 819-598-5691.
All members in good standing are welcome.
The Annual General Meeting of PSAC NHU Local 70008 will be held in Ottawa on:
Thursday, November 24, 2016 at
1600 Scott Street, Conference Center at
4:30 PM.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided before the meeting. There will also be door prizes.
Please RSVP before November 22, 2016 to assist the local with the hospitality at event.
Elections will be held for the following positions:
President;
Vice-President;
Treasurer;
Secretary, and
Chief Shop Stewards (potentially).
For further information and/or to RSVP, you may contact Annie Noël at 819-598-5691.
All members in good standing are welcome.
Message from Local 70008 President, Philip Griffin [ October 08, 2016 ]
Happy Retirement Louise Plouffe
NHU Local 70008 is honoured to have had you as our Vice-President. You started with our Local as a Shop Steward and successfully fulfilled the position of Vice-President. You generously fulfilled the role as President during several months and kept our Membership thriving.
You always had a brilliant way of getting to the crux of any issue and pointing out inconsistencies in management's point of view. No one could deny your keen sense of fairness in all situations as having had some amazing successes in helping members find solutions to difficult problems. It always pleased me that we share the same outlook, in that mediation is always a better way than the grievance process. You have proven to be a dedicated VP and Steward and were willing to take the time to make sure the members were well served. (Always Members First)
Congratulations and best wishes for the next phase – it has been our pleasure to know you and our Local is the better for having you in it.
Philip Griffin
President
Local 70008
Happy Retirement Louise Plouffe
NHU Local 70008 is honoured to have had you as our Vice-President. You started with our Local as a Shop Steward and successfully fulfilled the position of Vice-President. You generously fulfilled the role as President during several months and kept our Membership thriving.
You always had a brilliant way of getting to the crux of any issue and pointing out inconsistencies in management's point of view. No one could deny your keen sense of fairness in all situations as having had some amazing successes in helping members find solutions to difficult problems. It always pleased me that we share the same outlook, in that mediation is always a better way than the grievance process. You have proven to be a dedicated VP and Steward and were willing to take the time to make sure the members were well served. (Always Members First)
Congratulations and best wishes for the next phase – it has been our pleasure to know you and our Local is the better for having you in it.
Philip Griffin
President
Local 70008
2016 National Health Union Local 70008 Scholarship Award Recipient [ September 16, 2016 ]
Congratulations to Carla N. Laing!
Carla was the recipient of one of the four scholarships awards offered annually by Local 70008. We wish her much success!
The National Health Union, Local 70008 wishes to encourage members to actively enhance their current skills by assisting in the cost of part-time technical, educational, skills training or professional courses or programs of study. To find out more, visit our Education page.
Congratulations to Carla N. Laing!
Carla was the recipient of one of the four scholarships awards offered annually by Local 70008. We wish her much success!
The National Health Union, Local 70008 wishes to encourage members to actively enhance their current skills by assisting in the cost of part-time technical, educational, skills training or professional courses or programs of study. To find out more, visit our Education page.
PSAC Bargaining Teams at Tunney's Pasture during leafleting today! [ September 13, 2016 ]
Brothers and Sisters from PSAC, PIPS and CAPE unions: doing a great job organizing this morning's event and mobilizing our members. Having our Union's Negotiation Teams, along with PSAC's Regional Executive Vice-President Larry Rousseau present was a true bonus! Thank you to all members for showing their support to our unions!
Brothers and Sisters from PSAC, PIPS and CAPE unions: doing a great job organizing this morning's event and mobilizing our members. Having our Union's Negotiation Teams, along with PSAC's Regional Executive Vice-President Larry Rousseau present was a true bonus! Thank you to all members for showing their support to our unions!
From left to right: Louise Sicard (Regional Mobilization Committee);
Christine Griffin (Local 70008 Secretary); Ginette Jalbert (PSAC Regional Representative)
Christine Griffin (Local 70008 Secretary); Ginette Jalbert (PSAC Regional Representative)
PSAC-NCR Scholarships – CLC Rise Up! Conference [ September 02, 2016 ]
Deadline date to apply for scholarships is September 12th.
Greetings :
The Canadian Labour Congress is holding their National Human Rights Conference from October 20th to 23rd in Ottawa. Under the theme “Rise Up!”, participants from across the country will explore new ways to renew the labour movement, celebrate our diversity and examine the changing nature of work. The PSAC-NCR will pay the registration fees (350$) and a lunch per diem for 10 equity group NCR members who wish to attend this conference. Please note that no additional expenses will be paid.
We encourage equity group members who are beginning their involvement with our union and who have a passion for human rights, improving the lives of all Canadians and the future of the labour movement to apply for these scholarships. Our selection will be done in a manner to ensure there is equitable representation from the following groups: Aboriginal workers, workers of colour, workers with disabilities, LGBT workers, women, and young workers.
For additional information about the Conference and workshops:
http://canadianlabour.ca/event-calendar/all-events/rise-clc-human-rights-conference
Please complete the attached form and e-mail to labinej@psac-afpc.com before September 8th.
Application
Deadline date to apply for scholarships is September 12th.
Greetings :
The Canadian Labour Congress is holding their National Human Rights Conference from October 20th to 23rd in Ottawa. Under the theme “Rise Up!”, participants from across the country will explore new ways to renew the labour movement, celebrate our diversity and examine the changing nature of work. The PSAC-NCR will pay the registration fees (350$) and a lunch per diem for 10 equity group NCR members who wish to attend this conference. Please note that no additional expenses will be paid.
We encourage equity group members who are beginning their involvement with our union and who have a passion for human rights, improving the lives of all Canadians and the future of the labour movement to apply for these scholarships. Our selection will be done in a manner to ensure there is equitable representation from the following groups: Aboriginal workers, workers of colour, workers with disabilities, LGBT workers, women, and young workers.
For additional information about the Conference and workshops:
http://canadianlabour.ca/event-calendar/all-events/rise-clc-human-rights-conference
Please complete the attached form and e-mail to labinej@psac-afpc.com before September 8th.
Application
Labour Day Parade [ August 30, 2016 ]
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Labour Day is soon upon us and just like every year, the PSAC will have a float in the parade. We are looking for volunteers to walk as proud members of the PSAC next to our float and join in solidarity with workers across the city!
As one of the largest unions in the city, it’s important that the PSAC’s float shine on Labour Day. Please join us for this event to demonstrate your union pride and celebrate our 50th anniversary! We hope that every component will be visible in our delegation. So bring your flags and wear your colours !
PSAC members will gather at City Hall near the staging area on the corner of Lisgar St. at 11:30 am.
The parade will begin marching from City Hall at noon and will arrive to McNabb Park where there will be plenty of family fun, including a BBQ, live music, games, face paintings and balloons.
Thank you and in solidarity,
David Lanthier
Chair of the Ottawa Area Council
Poster: Labour Day / Affiche : Fête du travail
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Labour Day is soon upon us and just like every year, the PSAC will have a float in the parade. We are looking for volunteers to walk as proud members of the PSAC next to our float and join in solidarity with workers across the city!
As one of the largest unions in the city, it’s important that the PSAC’s float shine on Labour Day. Please join us for this event to demonstrate your union pride and celebrate our 50th anniversary! We hope that every component will be visible in our delegation. So bring your flags and wear your colours !
PSAC members will gather at City Hall near the staging area on the corner of Lisgar St. at 11:30 am.
The parade will begin marching from City Hall at noon and will arrive to McNabb Park where there will be plenty of family fun, including a BBQ, live music, games, face paintings and balloons.
Thank you and in solidarity,
David Lanthier
Chair of the Ottawa Area Council
Poster: Labour Day / Affiche : Fête du travail
PSAC – NATIONAL HEALTH UNION LOCAL 70008 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS [ July 19, 2016 ]
The National Health Union, Local 70008 wishes to encourage members to actively enhance their current skills by assisting in the cost of part-time technical, educational, skills training or professional courses or programs of study. To achieve this task we offer our members, in good standing, the opportunity to apply for:
Two scholarships in the amount of $1000.00
Two scholarships in the amount of $500.00
Interested applicants must currently be enrolled by August 15th, 2016.
Application forms can be obtained from the local web page: http://www.local70008.ca/education.html, and must be submitted by Monday, August 15, 2016. Only those candidates who are currently enrolled in the educational programs noted above will be considered for the scholarships.
Address Applications to:
NHU Local 70008
c/o 69 Beacon Way
Kanata, ON
K2K 2R4
Notification of the successful candidates will be posted on our web site.
For further information, please contact Christine Griffin or Annie Nöel.
The National Health Union, Local 70008 wishes to encourage members to actively enhance their current skills by assisting in the cost of part-time technical, educational, skills training or professional courses or programs of study. To achieve this task we offer our members, in good standing, the opportunity to apply for:
Two scholarships in the amount of $1000.00
Two scholarships in the amount of $500.00
Interested applicants must currently be enrolled by August 15th, 2016.
Application forms can be obtained from the local web page: http://www.local70008.ca/education.html, and must be submitted by Monday, August 15, 2016. Only those candidates who are currently enrolled in the educational programs noted above will be considered for the scholarships.
Address Applications to:
NHU Local 70008
c/o 69 Beacon Way
Kanata, ON
K2K 2R4
Notification of the successful candidates will be posted on our web site.
For further information, please contact Christine Griffin or Annie Nöel.
Gary Trivett Receives Lifetime Member Status at Shop Stewards Meeting [June 16, 2016]
It was our pleasure to award Gary Trivett a lifetime membership for National Health Union Local 70008.
Over the years, Gary has been instrumental in shaping the structure of this Local. Many, if not all of the Local Bylaws were written by Gary and they have contributed to making this Local stronger by providing a guide on how to run the Local. Gary has always been there for this Local with vital information and quick comments. He always has something to say and seems to pull information out of his (memory) from years ago which included the names of people to call for every type of problem. It would be fair to say that he knows everyone or anyone who is useful in solving problems.
The saying that our Union is made strong through the solidarity of its members is perhaps not the whole truth. It is also made strong through the participation of its members and through people who put members first and do all they can to make sure this happens. Gary is one of these people and it was Local 70008 Executive Committee’s pleasure to make Gary a lifetime member and present him with a token of our appreciation.
It was our pleasure to award Gary Trivett a lifetime membership for National Health Union Local 70008.
Over the years, Gary has been instrumental in shaping the structure of this Local. Many, if not all of the Local Bylaws were written by Gary and they have contributed to making this Local stronger by providing a guide on how to run the Local. Gary has always been there for this Local with vital information and quick comments. He always has something to say and seems to pull information out of his (memory) from years ago which included the names of people to call for every type of problem. It would be fair to say that he knows everyone or anyone who is useful in solving problems.
The saying that our Union is made strong through the solidarity of its members is perhaps not the whole truth. It is also made strong through the participation of its members and through people who put members first and do all they can to make sure this happens. Gary is one of these people and it was Local 70008 Executive Committee’s pleasure to make Gary a lifetime member and present him with a token of our appreciation.
June 8: Support Your Bargaining Teams! [ June 02, 2016 ]
To all Locals,
June 8 is PSAC’s National Day of Action for Treasury Board members to show support for their bargaining teams, which will meet again with government officials the week of June 17. It is important that you do all you can to mobilize members for workplace actions that day.
The federal government continues to insist on replacing our sick leave provisions with a private, for profit, short-term disability insurance plan, and has not moved at all from the former government’s 0.5% yearly wage increase offer. We’ve now been at the bargaining table for two years, but continue to see little progress on these two critical issues.
As National President Robyn Benson has said, we know that the government responds to pressure. Indeed, Treasury Board President Scott Brison’s announcement last week that the government will repeal some elements of Bill C-4, a piece of anti-union legislation that was passed by the Conservatives in 2013, is evidence that the pressure PSAC has been directing at government works.
We must now keep that pressure up and ensure that the government hears us loud and clear: ‘We want a fair contract now!’
NOON HOUR INFO-PICKET
As you know, each local is to organize a noon-hour info picket on June 8 that is easy for members to participate in. With these actions, our goal is to be seen by managers and directors, who will relay what they witness to their Deputy Ministers and Ministers, and eventually to Treasury Board.
If you are having trouble organizing an activity, are in need of placards, or have any questions, please call the Ottawa Regional Office (613-560-2560) or the Gatineau Regional Office (819-777-4647) to get in touch with a regional representative.
Click here for a fillable poster, you can use to promote your workplace action »
Click here for a flyer, you can print and distribute to members on June 8 »
Good luck with the organizing! In solidarity,
Larry Rousseau
To all Locals,
June 8 is PSAC’s National Day of Action for Treasury Board members to show support for their bargaining teams, which will meet again with government officials the week of June 17. It is important that you do all you can to mobilize members for workplace actions that day.
The federal government continues to insist on replacing our sick leave provisions with a private, for profit, short-term disability insurance plan, and has not moved at all from the former government’s 0.5% yearly wage increase offer. We’ve now been at the bargaining table for two years, but continue to see little progress on these two critical issues.
As National President Robyn Benson has said, we know that the government responds to pressure. Indeed, Treasury Board President Scott Brison’s announcement last week that the government will repeal some elements of Bill C-4, a piece of anti-union legislation that was passed by the Conservatives in 2013, is evidence that the pressure PSAC has been directing at government works.
We must now keep that pressure up and ensure that the government hears us loud and clear: ‘We want a fair contract now!’
NOON HOUR INFO-PICKET
As you know, each local is to organize a noon-hour info picket on June 8 that is easy for members to participate in. With these actions, our goal is to be seen by managers and directors, who will relay what they witness to their Deputy Ministers and Ministers, and eventually to Treasury Board.
If you are having trouble organizing an activity, are in need of placards, or have any questions, please call the Ottawa Regional Office (613-560-2560) or the Gatineau Regional Office (819-777-4647) to get in touch with a regional representative.
Click here for a fillable poster, you can use to promote your workplace action »
Click here for a flyer, you can print and distribute to members on June 8 »
Good luck with the organizing! In solidarity,
Larry Rousseau
PSAC launches new video on Multiple Chemical Sensitivities [ June 02, 2016 ]
Today we are launching a new video entitled, “Demystifying Multiple Chemical Sensitivity”.
This video features an expert in the field of chemical sensitivity (MCS), Dr. John Molot and a PSAC member who is impacted by this condition.
It explains what MCS is, its impact on workers and the employer’s duty to accommodate.
The video is meant to be an introduction to the issue and a discussion starter in workshops and health and safety union events.
People with MCS can suffer debilitating physical symptoms when exposed to chemicals in the environment. It is an often misunderstood medical condition.
Symptoms include trouble breathing, headaches, unexplained pain and chronic fatigue. The common triggers are chemicals in commonly used products such as perfumes, deodorants, cleaning products, etc.
For more information, visit: http://psacunion.ca/psac-launches-new-video-multiple-chemical
Today we are launching a new video entitled, “Demystifying Multiple Chemical Sensitivity”.
This video features an expert in the field of chemical sensitivity (MCS), Dr. John Molot and a PSAC member who is impacted by this condition.
It explains what MCS is, its impact on workers and the employer’s duty to accommodate.
The video is meant to be an introduction to the issue and a discussion starter in workshops and health and safety union events.
People with MCS can suffer debilitating physical symptoms when exposed to chemicals in the environment. It is an often misunderstood medical condition.
Symptoms include trouble breathing, headaches, unexplained pain and chronic fatigue. The common triggers are chemicals in commonly used products such as perfumes, deodorants, cleaning products, etc.
For more information, visit: http://psacunion.ca/psac-launches-new-video-multiple-chemical