Updates

The events that took place in James Smith Cree Nation in September sent shockwaves across our union, and every corner of this country. Since this tragedy, USJE has endeavoured to ensure we offer ongoing support to USJE members who were affected, directly or indirectly, by virtue of their work in Corrections, the RCMP or the Parole Board of Canada.

The Greenwood-Gray Class Action, which has been certified by the Federal Court, relates to personal harassment and bullying of RCMP employees. When this class action was brought to the attention of USJE, we immediately began researching whether this was something that could assist our members in addressing this long-standing, deeply entrenched issue within RCMP culture.

The visit provided the opportunity to meet with several USJE members and to answer their questions regarding Phoenix pay issues, USJE’s representation on the new hybrid work model and more general questions around collective bargaining. Telework remains a top priority with many of our members and USJE must continue to advocate for flexibility and a nuanced approach.

The Treasury Board directive will have a disproportionately negative impact on public servants who are also active care-givers. It is quite difficult to secure before and after school spots mid-year, leaving many parents scrambling to find other arrangements and creating unnecessary stress and anxiety for public servants who have worked tirelessly since the pandemic began. 

Once every three years, USJE turns to Local executives with a call out for nominations for the Exemplary Service Award. That time is now! However, this year, there is something brand new! USJE is proud and excited to launch for the very first time a second award, the Human Rights Award!

USJE member Nicole Akhenak was able to address several of the challenges faced by Parole Officers with MP McCauley. She described the experience of USJE members who support the reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders without sufficient resources and staff.

In March 2022, USJE released the report, The Mental Health and Well-being of Detachment Services Assistants in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police: A Qualitative Investigation, conducted by public safety expert Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli. We spoke with DSAs across Canada and this is what they had to say about the report’s recommendations.

A highlight of the conversation was the USJE Presumptive Injury Campaign that aims to extend coverage for operational stress injuries to first responders. Creamer described the challenges of working in Corrections, and how these have an impact on the mental health of public safety employees.

We are in the second year of the government’s aggressive and heavy-handed plan to recover overpayments caused by Phoenix. Over the next few months, we expect more than 37,000 more current and former public service workers will receive an overpayment letter, asking for repayments for the year 2017.

RVP Heather McKinnon met with Niki Ashton, New Democratic Member of Parliament for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski in Manitoba.