November 21, 2024 – RVP Carol Osborne and Local President JR Legault visited the Barrie Parole Office for the annual visit of Local 00079.
RVP Osborne reported on her consultations with the recent change in CSC’s direction on Presence in the Workplace. RVP Osborne advised that she has been assured by the Region that there will be a flexible approach to the Return to Office (RTO) mandate, but that this will be discussed at the RLMC next week. She explained that even though WPs are cited specifically in the Direction, USJE is requesting a nuanced approach for all positions. Local President Legault confirmed that his own discussions with the DD were identical.
The tour of the office revealed that the site, in its current configuration, cannot accommodate the RTO mandate. Employees share offices and work out of small spaces and the boardroom.
In answer to the concerns with increasing and unmanageable workloads, RVP Osborne reminded members of the precise number of hours of work contained in the Collective Agreement and that members should follow Work Descriptions to the letter. Overtime should be requested if needed. RVP Osborne insists that members should refuse to work for free under any and all circumstances.
RVP Osborne encouraged members to visit the USJE website to sign the petition for USJE’s Presumptive Injury Campaign in support of Bill C-357. Members were also encouraged to meet with their Member of Parliament. She displayed the new pin created by the USJE National Health and Safety Advisory Committee, which President Legault is a member of. President Legault and RVP Osborne explained that changes need to be made to the Government Employee Compensation Act (GECA) to ensure Workers Compensation coverage for our members who suffer operational stress injuries after being exposed to traumatic material or events.
RVP Osborne and President Legault spoke about the next round of Bargaining and the demands that have been submitted in the Region. RVP Osborne reported that President Legault was a member of the Bargaining Team during the last round of negotiations and that he was recently elected to attend the PSAC National Bargaining Conference in February 2025. This is where the Bargaining Teams will be elected. RVP Osborne expressed that it is important to have USJE representation on the Bargaining Team to ensure the unique issues of our departments are heard.
Members spoke of their experiences during the Strike in 2023 and expressed appreciation for the strike pay. There were concerns with the location to report for picketing, as members had to travel. It is hoped that this will be addressed prior to another strike.
Members had questions about the interpretation of Articles within the Collective Agreement and were encouraged to reach out to their Local Executive if they have further questions or concerns.
President Legault reminded members to ensure that the Local has their current contact information, specifically their personal emails.