Updates

PSAC has been pushing the government to sign four collective agreements by the end of May, but the employer is insisting they won’t be ready until mid-June at the earliest. These agreements, covering over 100,000 workers, were ratified by the membership in votes that concluded in April.

More than a decade after the gruesome murder of a federal parole officer during a home visit led to sweeping safety reform promises, a new audit finds that key security gaps persist in protections for front-line staff.

USGE is currently examining the Auditor General’s report regarding mental health support for RCMP members. We will be paying particular attention to ensuring that the interests of USGE members are properly represented in the implementation of all of the report’s recommendations.

USGE is presently reviewing this report, paying careful attention to the recommendations. We’re dedicated to ensuring that all our members work in safe and respectful work environments.

In a formal meeting last week between senior staff at Correctional Service Canada and USGE National President Stan Stapleton and National Vice President David Neufeld regarding DRAOR (Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Reintegration), USGE was provided with more information about the additional resources being allocated by CSC to cover the extra time that parole officers will incur in sites where DRAOR is being piloted. 

This week, the USGE National Executive unanimously passed an urgent motion to immediately make available $20,000 in funds from our unrestricted reserves to the Red Cross. This money will go towards the Red Cross’ Quebec Spring Floods Appeal.

With the flood situation continuing to worsen in many regions of Ontario and Quebec, our top priority is the safety and security of our employees, and those in our community. The latest information available indicates there is the potential for more local flooding and road closures, which may result in evacuations in some areas or significant delays on the roads over the next few days.

Last Saturday, April 29, USGE members participated in the Phoenix mobilization day. They visited Liberal MPs from all regions of Quebec and demonstrations took place in nine different cities across the province.

Current and former employees who encountered pay issues related to the Phoenix pay system and who required the assistance of an accountant or another qualified tax professional may seek a reimbursement for tax advisory services in relation to their 2016 or 2017 income taxes.

Around 200 Winnipeggers marched and rallied on Monday at an annual event to celebrate the working class. Starting at 6 p.m., supporters marched to the Manitoba Legislature as part of May Day, an international event each May 1 in support of workers’ rights. This year’s event was hosted by the Winnipeg Labour Council and Mayworks.