Wednesday, May 29th – It is day 3 of PSAC’s National Triennial Convention. Prior to the commencement of business, USJE members officially welcomed guests and observers in attendance and provided them with promotional materials for the “Union Job Security” campaign promoted by National President David Neufeld which was the object of a point of privilege raised in the first part of the morning. Along with the USJE delegation who backed Neufeld, USJE received the support of many other Components such as the Union of National Defence Employees, the Union of Health and Environment Workers, the Union of Taxation Employees, Agriculture Union, Canada Employment and Immigration Union, Yvon Barrière, PSAC Regional Executive Vice President for Quebec and Alex Silas, PSAC Regional Executive Vice President of the National Capital Region.
Currently, many union representatives do not have a guaranteed job once their mandate comes to an end. National President David Neufeld is championing this important cause that has negatively affected union engagement for years throughout PSAC’s Components. USJE is committed to defending union job security for union activists and to terminate this shameful union busting practice.
The third day of Convention exhibited a significant Inuit dimension with singers Alassua Hanson and Annie Qimirpik performing throat singing for the enthused crowd. This performance was later followed by an address to the delegation by Nunavut MP Lori Idlout who spoke almost exclusively Inuktitut. The NDP MP came to report on the historical anti-scab legislation that cleared the Senate the day before and was now headed to Rideau Hall to receive Mary Simmons’ Royal Assent. Ms. Idlout was cheered by the assembled delegates with a standing ovation.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also made a surprise appearance. In his address to the delegates, Singh reviewed some of the gains made in recent years such as dental care and expanded further on the anti-scab legislation. He maintained that, given the chance, the NDP firmly intends to bring about a federal Pharmacare program. He reaffirmed the NDP’s support for several ongoing battles waged by PSAC, such as the remote work position defended by the various Components and the strike actions by NPF members and the strike mandate obtained by members of the Customs and Immigration Union.
In the afternoon, an all-candidate meeting was scheduled ahead of tomorrow morning’s vote. This includes Sharon DeSousa who is the current NEVP and Alisha Campbell, currently UNE Component President, who are running for National President. The three candidates for National Executive Vice President, Alex Silas, (current REVP for PSAC NCR), Wendy Ann Moulton (CEIU) and Amanda Wakeford (UCTE), answered questions from the members.
Resolutions that were adopted today:
GEN-031 ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM
NEGO-002 INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES – COMMITMENT TO REVITALIZATION AND PRESERVATION
NEGO-009 IMPROVE STAFFING PROCESSES
NEGO-001 CONFERENCE OF THE NORTH
NEGO-030 PUBLIC SERVICE ALLIANCE OF CANADA MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT STUDY FOR UNION ACTIVISTS
The following resolution was defeated:
NEGO-021 IMPACT SHIFT WORK
