On October 1st, RVP Jeff Sandelli visited Edmonton, AB, for site visits and meetings with Locals 30125 (CSC Community/Grierson) and 40146 (PBC Prairies).
The day began with Local 30125 President Nicole Akhenak and RVP Sandelli attending the Local Labour Management Consultation Committee (LMCC) at Grierson Minimum Security Institution. Grierson is a unique institution as it is located in an urban centre, attached to the Edmonton Urban/Rural Parole Office and on the same grounds as the Stan Daniels Section 81 Healing Centre.
The LMCC visit provided an opportunity for management to share updates on day-to-day operations, as well as the ongoing process that will see the site transition from a men’s facility to a minimum-security women’s institution. This change was announced as part of CSC’s response to the Comprehensive Economic Review (CER).
The Local then hosted a special meeting that included members attending both in person and by video conference. Local President Akhenak presided over the event, which featured the President’s & Treasurer’s reports, followed by a bargaining update from PA bargaining team member, Alex Creamer. RVP Sandelli then delivered a presentation on a range of topics, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the recent Commissioner’s site tours in Alberta.
RVP Sandelli then made his way to the Canada Place building, where a meeting was held with Local 40416 (PBC Prairies). Local President, Jessica Kennedy-Lessard, who works out of the Saskatoon PBC office, presided over the meeting in person after making the journey to Edmonton to work from that office for the week. A special thank you goes out to Jessica for going above and beyond in support of a Local that spans two provinces.
Members received the President’s & Treasurer’s reports, followed by a bargaining update by PA bargaining team member Alex Creamer. RVP Sandelli then provided a presentation covering a range of topics, including mental health considerations and interventions for Public Safety Personnel (PSP), such as PSPNET, as well as a reminder to submit nominations for the 2027 USJE Public Safety Awards.
Both groups, in addition to receiving a bargaining update, had the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with Alex and RVP Sandelli. The Locals have been actively engaging in mobilization events to support the bargaining team and were recognized for their efforts and encouraged to continue. Their solidarity and actions are contagious and serve as tangible evidence to the Treasury Board that members stand firmly behind their bargaining teams.
Members were reminded to ensure their information is up to date on the PSAC member portal and were encouraged to sign up for and regularly visit the bargaining website for the latest updates.
At the conclusion of each meeting, draws were held for USJE and CIPSRT prizes, and members had the opportunity to socialize and ask additional questions.
Thank you to all USJE members who attended and to those who participated in the planning, preparation, organizing of food, and all other efforts that helped make these meetings a success.