Updates

When the six farms in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick were closed in 2010, a major campaign to save the farms was launched with the support of some of Canada’s most prominent authors and other cultural icons, as well as national labour unions, including USGE.

Last week, the Miramichi Area Council organized an event for PSAC’s 50th anniversary. Chris Aylward, PSAC’s National Vice President, was in attendance and took questions from members. One pay centre employee spoke about the abuse she endures from employees who are experiencing problems with their pay.

Some of you may remember USGE’s participation in the Save Our Farms campaign from 2009. Despite the campaign’s efforts, all prison farms had been closed by 2011.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for sending a letter to Minister Judy Foote letting her know how the Phoenix pay system is adversely affecting you. So far, the Minister has received more than 2,000 letters and we have been reviewing your comments very closely. 

With the new job descriptions rolling out for the Aboriginal Liaison Officers, USGE wants to remind members that if they are concerned they should file a job description grievance.

On June 8th, USGE members from across the country took part in a show of solidarity. From the Atlantic provinces, to the West, to the North, we support our bargaining teams!

A little over a year is left before USGE’s 17th National Triennial Convention, and we are now inviting members to submit their ideas for our convention slogan.

PSAC’s June 8th actions in support of our federal public service bargaining teams are just a few days away. I encourage all PSAC members in the federal public service to participate.

On Tuesday, May 17th, USGE’s National President and Vice President, Stan Stapleton and David Neufeld, made a presentation on Parliament Hill to the Government of Canada’s Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.

The World Social Forum (WSF) is a global movement of individuals and organizations committed to advancing social and economic justice. This year’s forum will be hosted in Montreal from August 9 – 14, and will feature dynamic national and regional organizations within, and outside, the Labour Movement.