Wednesday, February 19 marked the opening of the PSAC-TB Bargaining Conference. Prior to the conference opening, USJE organized its own morning caucus from 7-8:30 am. During that meeting, the participants reviewed USJE’s strategy and candidates seeking election on the bargaining teams.
To kick off the Conference, Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President, called the delegates to order, followed by a welcome from a local Knowledge Keeper.
DeSousa commenced her opening remarks by welcoming the delegates, observers and all others to the first in-person Bargaining Conference since 2018. She focused on the challenges related to the political climate in North America, including current events in the US, the impact on our own political landscape and by extension our members. She outlined the bargaining process and how Treasury Board already seeks to weaken our resolve—something that we cannot allow to happen. DeSousa reinforced that PSAC members need to mobilize and fight together for gains in the face of leadership that doesn’t truly try to understand our contributions or needs.
In order to set the stage, the delegates were presented with bargaining survey results and context towards the process of bargaining.
During the afternoon, there was a panel focused on the future of the Public Service in relation to:
- Remote work,
- Confronting the climate emergency,
- Artificial Intelligence; and
- Work Force Adjustments
To end the day, focus was paid on the role of bargaining team members and understanding the learn election process. Participants were invited for an evening meet and greet session to conclude the first day of the conference.
The USJE delegation is comprised of the National Executive as well as members who were selected during the 2024 USJE Regional Training Sessions.
The PSAC Bargaining Conference sets the stage for Components (who represent members employed by Treasury Board) to come together, elect members to the bargaining teams and prioritize bargaining demands for the next round of bargaining.
The USJE delegation is comprised of close to 50 members who will be actively campaigning to elect USJE representatives to the PSAC Treasury Board National Bargaining Team and to advocate for specific bargaining demands that will improve the working conditions and benefits of USJE’s members.
PA : Alex Creamer – Local 30250 – Calgary CSC Community Parole – Calgary
PA: Julie Nelson – Local 7D005 – Coventry Place D’Orleans Buildings RCMP – Ottawa
SV : Satinder Bains – Local 40002 – Regina RCMP Depot Division – Regina
SV : Rick Sweetman – Local 00039 – Joyceville Pen – Kingston
TC: Nicole Reemeyer – Local 20011 – Vancouver RCMP – Vancouver
EB: Nicholas Pawlak – Local 50027 – Rockwood Pen – CSC – Winnipeg
The USJE candidates were provided with the necessary tools to run effective and professional election campaigns. T-shirts, buttons, stickers, flyers and speaking notes were prepared in advance.
USJE will be posting regular updates from the Conference. Be sure to check our website and social media and help amplify the profiles of our members seeking a seat on the bargaining team.