November 7th – RVP, Carol Osborne and Local President, Michelle Martin Visited the Jamieson CCC/Nova Scotia Area Office, Halifax Parole Office and Dartmouth Parole Office for Local 80073’s annual visit. This was in addition to holding the AGM in a hybrid format for members across the province to attend.
RVP Osborne reported on her consultations about the recent change in CSC’s direction “Presence in the Workplace”. Concerns were raised on how this direction would be implemented as it focuses solely on the WP Group. RVP Osborne advised that she has received assurance from the Region and District that there will be a flexible approach to the Return to Office (RTO) mandate. She explained that while the WPs were specifically cited in the recent direction, that a nuanced approach with flexibility for all positions is what is needed. Opportunities to work remotely existed prior to the pandemic and this should not change now. Local President Martin reiterated that her discussions with the AD have been in the same vein, citing flexibility. Members were encouraged to go to the USJE website to send a letter to the Senior Managers and their Member of Parliament to express their concerns.
RVP Osborne also reminded members of their right to request and be paid overtime when extra work results from high workloads. Members were reminded of key facts around overtime. Firstly, overtime must always be pre-approved. Secondly, hours of work are explicitly mentioned within the Collective Agreement and should be strictly respected. Thirdly and most importantly, members should not be doing work for free. Never, ever work for free.
RVP Osborne encouraged members to go to the USJE website to complete the petition for USJE’s Presumptive Injury Campaign and support Bill C-357. She explained that changes need to be made to the Government Employee Compensation Act (GECA) to ensure Workers Compensation coverage for our members who suffer operational stress injuries, after being exposed to traumatic material or events. These stressors and risks are inherent in the job of all our members.
RVP Osborne spoke about the next round of Bargaining. She advised the members that their own Local President was elected to attend the next PSAC National Bargaining Conference in February 2025. She encouraged members to submit demands through the PSAC website and reminded members that the deadline for submissions is Friday November 15th.
Local President Martin gave an update on the Locals finances and called for nominations of a Treasurer. Unfortunately, no nominations were received. RVP Osborne encouraged members to submit nominations and explained the importance of having a complete Executive.
RVP Osborne was pleased with the turnout of members who attended in person and virtually. RVP Osborne and Local President Martin thanked the members for their engagement and candid discussions.