On January 15, 2026, RVP Carol Osborne attended USJE Local 60146’s AGM in Moncton, NB at the Parole Board of Canada’s Atlantic Office.
The biggest concern voiced by members at the meeting was about the Federal Government’s Comprehensive Expenditure Review and the impacts it will have on workers, specifically Workforce Adjustments.
RVP Osborne explained that as of now, USJE is not aware of any WFAs proposed for the PBC, but that a WFA Committee has been struck nationally with USJE and PBC. When the union knows more, information will be shared with the Locals.
RVP Osborne explained that there is a lot of information coming from the employer and misinformation being posted on social media. She encouraged members to follow the USJE and PSAC websites for information, and to reach out to the union directly.
Any WFA letters will come directly from the employer. Members who receive a letter should contact their Local President, who will consult with their RVP.
Members asked if they should be agreeing to going on Alternation lists and if they do, can they later remove their name. RVP Osborne committed to following up with the USJE Director of Labour Relations to confirm.
RVP Osborne also spoke about the Early Retirement Incentive and that members who are eligible would have received their letter from the employer. She explained that this has not yet received royal assent. She cautioned members to wait for additional information on this. RVP Osborne referred members to a recent article on the USJE website explaining how this circumvents the WFA Appendix in the Collective Agreement; noting that this was bargained for and provides additional support measures and benefits to members.
RVP Osborne also recommended that members should be contacting the Pension Centre and perhaps consulting a financial planner to discuss their individual circumstances. Concerns have been raised about pension indexing and members should know all the impacts prior to making a decision. Members cannot rescind their retirement once it has been submitted and accepted.
Elections were also held for the Local Executive during the meeting. Welcome and congratulations to these members who stepped up to take on leadership roles:
- Stephanie Norris was elected Local President;
- Tammy Leger was elected Treasurer;
- Venessa Cormier was elected Secretary;
- Huguette Saulnier-Guitard and Marc Bélanger were elected Shop Stewards.
Elections were also held for the upcoming USJE National Triennial Convention and the PSAC Atlantic Regional Convention.
RVP Osborne thanked the members for their time, and expressed that while we are in uncertain times, the union is always here to provide support.