Ontario - Fightback
FIGHTBACK CAMPAIGN |
May 1, 2012
Work Force Adjustment Information Webinar
PSAC will be holding information webinars on Work Force Adjustment. The webinar will provide you with an overview of your rights under the Work Force Adjustment Appendix.
Two times:
Tuesday May 15th 7:30-8:30 p.m. EDT
Registration and instructions [http://bit.ly/IE896D]
Thursday May 17th 9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT
Registration and instructions [http://bit.ly/IE8c2r]
The webinars will be recorded and posted on-line for those who cannot participate at the allotted times.
Enrollment is limited and is on a first-come first-served basis.
In Solidarity,
Sharon DeSousa
REVP Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
(416) 485-3558 ext 231
Fax No. (416) 485-8607
Email: desouss@psac.com
April 12, 2012
Provincial Budget Teach-In & Rally - Sat., April 21st
Impact of the Provincial Budget Cuts - Time to Fight Back!!!!!PSAC - Toronto Regional Office |
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"We don't live in an economy - We live in a community!"
Join your fellow PSAC members to discuss the impact of the recent Provincial Budget. Challenge this provincial government for its failure to foster healthy communities and support workers' rights. We will gather at the PSAC Toronto Regional Office to share reflections on the budget and voice our plan to demand better. After a focused conversation we will head to Queen's Park to join our brothers and sisters of the labour movement and community agencies and make our concerns and demands heard by this government.
Please RSVP via email to PSAC_Toronto_Mail@psac.com or phone (416)485-3558 by April 19th to ensure your space.
In Solidarity,
Sharon DeSousa
REVP Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
(416) 485-3558 ext 231
Fax No. (416) 485-8607
Email: desouss@psac.com
Jan. 3, 2012
Local Presidents and Stewards Assemblies
In an effort to strengthen and build on our union's capacity, the Public Service Alliance of Canada will be holding Local Presidents and Stewards' Assemblies in different locations across Canada.
These Assemblies will provide:
- A forum for Local Presidents and Stewards from the same area to network and build communications trees
- Review the role of the Steward and develop tools to support the work of Local Presidents and Stewards within their locals and the larger community
- Space and time to develop plans to support PSAC's Fightback Campaign
- Review of the Work Force Adjustment Appendix (if applicable)
Please see the Assemblies: Call out Letter, Registration Form and the Schedule for the various Local Presidents and Stewards Assemblies within the Ontario Region.
In Solidarity,
Sharon DeSousa
REVP Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
(416) 485-3558 ext 231
Fax No. (416) 485-8607
Email: desouss@psac.com
October 7, 2011
World Mental Health Day - October 10
World Mental Health Day was created to raise awareness of issues concerning mental health and diminish the social stigma surrounding the subject of mental illness. This year’s World Mental Health Day theme is “The Great Push: Investing in Mental Health”.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has stated that this year alone, more than seven million Canadians will experience a mental illness. Without continued investment in public health services we will continue to see tragedies like the suicide last March of 18 year old Jack Windeler, a first-year student at Queen’s University.
This years’ theme focuses on the need to increase investment in public health and community services, which are vital to Canadians who are coping with mental illness.
On Mental Health Day, the PSAC is calling on all levels of government to address the growing mental health crisis in Canada. To address this gap, the PSAC has developed a series of new tools to assist employers and workers navigate around mental health issues in the workplace.
“Let’s speak to our family, friends, coworkers and politicians about the importance of public services and the role they play in so many Canadians lives and fight back against government cuts”.
In Solidarity,
Sharon DeSousa
REVP Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
(416) 485-3558 ext 231
Fax No. (416) 485-8607
Email: desouss@psac.com
September 30, 2011
Political Parties Called to Act on Poverty
Ontario’s political parties offer limited solutions to child and family poverty that should be a priority this election, a new report from the Ontario Campaign 2000 has found.
The “Political Commitment Grid” released by Ontario Campaign 2000 evaluates each of Ontario’s four major political parties’ responses to a questionnaire and includes platform announcements made during the election campaign. Most party platforms mention poverty reduction strategies, but some parties fail to make extensive commitments on critical issues that affect people living below the poverty line.
"There is absolutely no reason why 1.7 million Ontarians (one in ten of us) should be living in poverty. Let's join with our community allies to call upon candidates to take a stand to address poverty, increase access to affordable childcare and build an equitable, inclusive province that ensures dignity for everyone. On October 6th cast your ballot to make a difference, vote for candidates who are committed to ending poverty", states Sharon DeSousa - REVP Ontario.
In Solidarity,
Sharon DeSousa
REVP Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
(416) 485-3558 ext 231
Fax No. (416) 485-8607
Email: desouss@psac.com
September 29, 2011
Provincial Election October 6th - Let's put child care on the public agenda
The Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care has produced a report card to assess each of the Parties platforms on Early Childhood Education and Care in Ontario. Ontarians are headed to the polls on October 6th, and each of us must do what we can to put child care on the agenda and ensure that the political parties are clear about their position on child care.
Candidates in our communities must know that we will be voting for child care, and that we need to hear a strong commitment from each party for funding to create more affordable high quality spaces and ensure decent wages for Early Childhood Educators.
(visit http://www.childcareontario.org/ for more information)
In Solidarity,
Sharon DeSousa
REVP Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
(416) 485-3558 ext 231
Fax No. (416) 485-8607
Email: desouss@psac.com
September 28, 2011
Public Forum on Public Services, Good Jobs and the Ontario Election
The Toronto District Labour Council is endorsing a forum today to facilitate a public conversation on what our communities have at stake in this provincial election. Rob Ford and Stephen Harper are cutting, privatizing and contracting out vital public services. The McGuinty Liberals are giving corporations a $2.4 billion annual tax break while cutting jobs and services. And Tim Hudak’s Tories plan to start cutting where Mike Harris left off.
Join friends, neighbours, and labour and community activists for a discussion on the October 6th Ontario provincial election. PSAC members joining in coalition with the broader labour movement and communities allies can make a difference!
When: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6 p.m.
Where: Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil Street, Toronto
September 27, 2011
Rally for Toronto - Stop the Cuts to Vital Toronto Services
On Sept. 26, 2011 thousands of protesters rallied outside Nathan Phillips Square to demonstrate against Rob Ford’s proposed cuts to municipal public services. Rob Ford wants to cut: environmental services, public transit, arts funding, bike lanes, social housing, the fire department, emergency medical services, city zoos and farms, recreation programs and many other public services affecting communities across Toronto..
“Before Rob Ford became Mayor of Toronto the city enjoyed a surplus of millions of dollars and was considered a world leader in environmental initiatives and cultural events. Now, in less than a year under Mayor Ford the city is in a $774 million deficit with many of its cherished public services on the chopping block. Ford’s policies are reckless and destructive and we will not stand by and allow them to continue”, stated Sharon DeSousa, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President – Ontario.
Labour and community activists recognize that public services at federal, provincial and municipal levels are all integrally connected. Harper said that he is seeking a hat-trick at the provincial election. As protestors demonstrated outside Toronto City Hall, councillors spent the day debating Ford’s proposed cuts. Due to the tremendous public outcry against these cuts, library services and subsidized childcare were removed from the proposed cuts list. PSAC (Ontario) is calling upon activists across the Region to vote on October 6th to resist the conservative austerity agendas at all levels and protect public services.
September 21, 2011
Student Report Card on Ontario’s Political Parties
Brothers and Sisters,
The Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) has created short-form report cards and longer two page explanations of the parties’ marks (visit take-it-over.ca). Grades were determined through careful consideration of party platforms and responses to a CFS questionnaire that was distributed.
Provincial public services affect all of us including the over 4,000 PSAC members who work in universities. We are sharing these reports cards from the CFS, along with election material produced by the Ontario Federation of Labour and our own PSAC (Ontario) questionnaire and Toolkit to ensure that our members are in a position to make an informed decision on October 6th. Cast your ballot and make your voice heard.
Report card full: http://www.cfsontario.ca/downloads/TIO-Reportcard.FINAL.pdf
Long form Green Party: http://www.cfsontario.ca/downloads/TIO-ReportCard-Full-GP-FINAL.pdf
Long form Liberal Party: http://www.cfsontario.ca/downloads/TIO-ReportCard-Full-Liberal-FINAL.pdf
Long form NDP: http://www.cfsontario.ca/downloads/TIO-ReportCard-Full-NDP-FINAL.pdf
Long form PC: http://www.cfsontario.ca/downloads/TIO-ReportCard-Full-CP-FINAL.pdf
In Solidarity,
Sharon DeSousa
REVP Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
(416) 485-3558 ext 231
Fax No. (416) 485-8607
Email: desouss@psac.com
September 21, 2011
Cuts cost Canadians: Pass it On!
The Harper government will cut funding to public services by $4 billion, and has asked every department to slash their budgets by 5% and 10%.
The job cuts have already started. As federal government workers, your services keep Canadians safe and healthy, protect the environment and sustain economies in communities across the country.
Spread the news with your colleagues, neighbours and friends and let's show Stephen Harper and Tony Clement cuts will cost them support.
September 19, 2011
Show Tony Clement, you support public services
PSAC has launched a major effort to pressure Treasury Board President Tony Clement to reverse plans for cuts and to improve the services Canadians pay for. Sign the on-line petition today. http://petition.web.net/psac/node/54/
A key part of our fightback campaign against cuts to federal public services is also a hardcopy petition addressed to Treasury Board President Tony Clement. Our objective is to get at least 150,000 signatures by the end of October 2011! Information about the objectives of the petition, the timeline and specific instructions for this activity are available online:
http://psac.com/ontario/documents/Petitioninstructions-efinal.pdf
http://psac.com/ontario/documents/PetitionClement.pdf
The petitions are available at your closest Regional Office and/or they can be printed by Locals and they will be reimbursed for these copy costs by submitting a claim with the original receipt to the closest regional office. They are in 8 ½ x 14 format. There is enough room on one page for up to 30 signatures. Each petition sheet must have at least 25 signatures. Please ensure that information about the petition activity is provided to your members within your locals so that we can take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to gather signatures, including local events, steward assemblies, education activities, bargaining meetings, rallies etc.
September 19, 2011
Dear Members of the McGill University Non-Academic Certified Association (MUNACA):
On behalf of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) in Ontario, representing over 30,000 members, we would like to extend our most sincere support of your efforts during your ongoing struggle against McGill University’s unwillingness to earnestly address the issues of pensions, benefits, and proper wage scales at the bargaining table.
Solidarity statement in English
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Aux membres de l’Association du personnel non enseignant de l’Université McGill (MUNACA) Au nom de l’Alliance de la Fonction publique du Canada (AFPC), qui représente plus de 30 000 membres en Ontario, nous voulons exprimer notre appui sincère aux efforts engagés pendant votre lutte constante contre le manque flagrant de volonté de l’Université McGill d’aborder avec sérieux, à la table de négociation, les questions liées à la pension, aux avantages sociaux et à une échelle salariale convenable.
Solidarity statement in French
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September 16, 2011
PSAC Members Rally Against Cuts
PSAC members rallied on September 12 outside their federal government worksite in Richmond Hill. Led by Cathy Malone and the members of Local 569, the lunchtime rally was designed to raise awareness of the Harper government’s cuts to public services.
The activists were joined by Sharon DeSousa, REVP for the Ontario Region, Larry Rousseau, REVP for the National Capital Region and Val Fargey, National VP of CEIU. They delivered the message loud and clear: “Don't cut me – I provide public services!"
DeSousa gave an encouraging speech to the members, letting them know thatPSAC and the labour movement are behind them all the way.She also urged members of the public to tell Ontario election candidates to protect public services.
The rally was a great success!
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September 14, 2011
This Provincial Election Make Your Voice Heard
On October 6th you will have the opportunity to cast your ballot to elect your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and the Party that will form the next government.
PSAC members can make a difference by electing candidates who will protect and enhance public services. You can demand a clear vision for public services that can grow our economy.
This election impacts upon all of us including the over 4,000 PSAC.
members who work in universities, health care facilities, the security and law.
enforcement sector, casinos as well as those providing cleaning services.
Get involved by sharing my open letter to the membership and using this questionnaire to challenge the candidates on their commitment to protect and enhance public services. On October 6th make your voice heard!
In Solidarity,
Sharon DeSousa
REVP Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
(416) 485-3558 ext 231
Fax No. (416) 485-8607
Email: desouss@psac.com
(Click here for REVP Letter in PDF )
(Click here for Questionnaire in Word)
September 14, 2011
PSAC Supports OPSEU Members on Strike
PSAC joined the march yesterday in support of striking OPSEU college support workers from Georgian, St. Clair, Durham, Centennial, St. Lawrence, Mohawk, Niagara, Centennial, George Brown, Humber, and Seneca Colleges. The march and rally started outside of the Bay Street offices of the College Employer Council, and ended at George Brown College with several hundred striking workers and supporters chanting their demand for the employer to return to the bargaining table. Solidarity between unions is critical at this time of economic uncertainty. PSAC members across Ontario Region are encouraged to come out to the picket lines and support these workers at every available opportunity.
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September 14, 2011
OFL Supports Defending Public Services
OFL President Sid Ryan has pledged the support of the OFL in PSAC's struggle to defend Canada's federal public services and public assets including our ongoing struggle to negotiate a renewal collective agreement with Atomic Energy Canada Limited.
The Harper government has already announced massive cuts in the federal public service including cuts at Environment Canada, Service Canada, Department of National Defence and Atomic Energy, and more cuts are expected as Flaherty forges ahead with an aggressive plan to cut $4 billion annually from the Federal budget. Each job cut undermines important public services and has a detrimental impact on the public, but even more is at stake. Harper's decision to privatize Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) and sell it to the Montreal-based engineering giant, SNC-Lavalin, will cost at least 800 to 900 high-paying jobs affecting PSAC and the Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA). SPEA is an independent union representing over 900 engineers and scientists and 300 technologists and tradespeople who work for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL).
PSAC successfully fought back against layoffs of bargaining unit members through the workforce adjustment process but the number of total jobs will be reduced as a result of voluntary separation agreements. Harper's Conservatives have basically given away AECL - the price tag was a mere $15 million. Since then, the Harper government also agreed to provide SAC-Laval in up to $75 million to complete development of a new reactor called Enhanced CANDE 6. It seems the Conservatives have handed over the keys to Canada's high tech industry. In the wake of the recent nuclear disaster in Japan, this is a decision that could have disastrous consequences.
September 1, 2011
Activist Café
Toronto RO's weekend schedule has been updated to include an Activist Café in response to recent announcements of public service cuts. It will be held September 10th, from 9am-5pm.
For more information please see the attached flyer. *Please distribute widely!* Contact your closest regional office for other fightback campaign training opportunities.
In Solidarity,
Christopher Wilson,
Regional Coordinator, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Phone: 416-485-3558 ext. 230
Fax: 416-485-8607
Email: wilsonc@psac-afpc.com
August 31, 2011
New Report Shows High Cost Of University Education Hitting Families Harder Than Ever
PSAC (Ontario) joined the Ontario University Coalition to advocate within the broader labour movement for the Union's over 4,000 members employed as Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, Research Assistants and Post-Doctoral Associates at Queen's University, Western Ontario and University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
A new report commissioned by the Ontario University Coalition (OUC) reveals the increasing pressure that Ontario families face in order to afford the cost of a university education. The report entitled "Under Pressure: The impact of rising tuition fees on Ontario families," written by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), looks at the financial shifts that have occurred over the past 20 years and shows that low- and middle-income families are stretched to the limit in order to pay the $6,500 per year price tag for university.
"Paying for an expensive university education is a burden that not only falls on individual students, but it deeply affects Ontario's parents as well," says David Macdonald, Associate Researcher with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. "The combination of record high household debt, stagnating incomes and steadily rising tuition fees have made it much harder for Ontario families to get their kids through school."
Today, Canadian families have debt equal to 150 per cent of its disposable income on average, compared to 93 per cent in 1990. The explosion in housing prices during this period has been the most significant reason, particularly those who live in urban centres. At the same time, low- and middle-incomes families are making less or about the same in after-tax income compared to what they earned in 1990. During the same period, Ontario students have faced a 244 per cent real tuition rate increase.
The study shows that if a middle-income family began dedicating every cent of their after-tax earnings towards the cost of their child's tuition fees on September 1, 2011, they would have to work until March 14, 2012 before they paid for a four-year degree. The same family in 1990 would only have to work for three months - until the end of November - to pay for the degree.
Sharon DeSousa, Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario calls upon the over 30,000 members across Ontario to make the issue of accessible education a ballot question leading up to the provincial election on October 6th, 2011: "public services, including accessible and quality education, are important today, tomorrow and on election day. The mounting debt that our members, their families and their children are expected to carry to pursue a university degree is unacceptable. We need to elect candidates who will protect public services for the benefit of all Canadians."
The Ontario University Coalition is comprised of organizations representing students, staff and faculty from the post-secondary education sector in Ontario including the Canadian Auto Workers, Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario, Canadian Union of Public Employees-Ontario, Confederation of Ontario Staff Associations and Unions, Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations, Ontario Public Service Employees' Union, Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, Public Service Alliance of Canada, United Steelworkers and Ontario Federation of Labour.
The report can be downloaded at here:
In Solidarity,
Christopher Wilson,
Regional Coordinator, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Phone: 416-485-3558 ext. 230
Fax: 416-485-8607
Email: wilsonc@psac-afpc.com
August 29, 2011
PSAC Stops Layoffs At AECL
PSAC is pleased to be able to confirm that there will be no layoffs of PSAC bargaining unit members employed at Atomic Energy Canada Ltd. PSAC represents 75 design technologists/specialists at AECL, more than 50% of whom were at risk of losing their jobs following the Harper Government's decision to sell AECL to the Montreal-based engineering giant, SNC-Lavalin.
Local activists worked tirelessly along with Component and PSAC representatives through the workforce adjustment process to fightback against layoffs and protect members' jobs. As a result of the Candu Energy resourcing requirements being higher than previously identified, the success of the Voluntary Separation Program and, finally, a detailed analysis of employees' skill sets, no PSAC bargaining unit members will be laid off.
Local President Kirk Cooper says "This speaks to the versatility of our people in being able to work in multiple discipline areas such that with some movement we are able to avoid layoff and loss of talent. This is an exciting time in the transition and we appreciate the incredible patience and professionalism within the membership as the Local continues to move forward."
In Solidarity,
Christopher Wilson,
Regional Coordinator, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Phone: 416-485-3558 ext. 230
Fax: 416-485-8607
Email: wilsonc@psac-afpc.com
August 29, 2011
Local Mobilizes Against Call Centre Closures
PSAC members at the pension call centre in Hamilton are mobilizing in response to the announcement that Human Resources and Skills Development Canada intends to dramatically reduce the number of call centres across the country within the next 3 years reducing 120 of the smaller sites into 19 larger regional processing centres. The department cites the Harper Government's budget on June 6 as the mandate to find "operational efficiencies" or cutbacks.
On Friday August 19, senior officials of the department in Ottawa briefed union leaders on planned changes to EI processing and call centre organization. On the same day, many CEIU members received notification of changes for their region and their local office. In some instances, it appears that the messages were not the same. CEIU’s national office is seeking clarification in Ottawa, but in the meantime is asking that affected locals copy it to the information they have received. Please send copies of the information received to the attention of Luc Pomerleau, National Resources Officer, with a copy to the Component National Vice-President(s) for your region.
The Local executive at the Hamilton Call Centre will be meeting to plan a membership meeting in September when most members will have returned from annual leave which will then provide an opportunity to gather information and determine how to fightback against the reduction of call centres. The upcoming provincial election on October 6th provides an opportunity to campaign with MPPs. The Local fightback strategy will be consultative and members will be encouraged to meet with their executive.
In Solidarity,
Christopher Wilson,
Regional Coordinator, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Phone: 416-485-3558 ext. 230
Fax: 416-485-8607
Email: wilsonc@psac-afpc.com
August 16, 2011
Response to Sun Editorial
This Toronto Sun editorial shows a complete lack of compassion for the hundreds of employees at Environment Canada, AECL and other federal government departments and agences who will be losing their jobs as a result of the Harper imposed austerity agenda. Make your voices heard by sending your comments to the Toronto Sun Managers. We can not let this attack on our Union go unchallenged.
Please submit these letters, or your own variations on them, to Sun papers, post them to online comments sections, use Twitter and Facebook to spread the word, get your Locals and PSAC members to do the same. Keep us posted on the success of your actions!
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/08/12/challenging-ottawas-jobs-for-life-culture
In Solidarity,
Sharon DeSousa
REVP Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
(416) 485-3558 ext 231
Fax No. (416) 485-8607
Email: desouss@psac.com
August 16, 2011
Tony Clement Petition
At the 5th PSAC Ontario Triennial Convention the delegates passed an emergency resolution to fight back against the Harper Government and their austerity agenda.
As you know, a key part of our fightback campaign against cuts to federal public services is a petition addressed to Treasury Board President Tony Clement. Our objective is to get at least 150,000 signatures by the end of October 2011! Information about the objectives of the petition, the timeline and specific instructions for this activity are in a file attached with the petition.
The petition will also be available for downloading from the Ontario PSAC website ASAP. The petitions are to be printed by Locals and they will be reimbursed for these copy costs by submitting a claim with the original receipt to the closest regional office. They are in 8 ½ x 14 format so that bilingual versions can be printed. There is enough room on one page for up to 30 signatures. Each petition sheet must have at least 25 signatures. Please ensure that information about the petition activity is provided to your members within your locals so that we can take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to gather signatures, including summer events, labour day, steward assemblies, education activities, bargaining meetings, rallies etc.
We are also going to work with other unions and partner organizations to get as many signatures as possible. If you have any questions, please contact your closest regional office.
Petition Instructions >>
Petition Form >>
In Solidarity,
Sharon DeSousa
REVP Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
(416) 485-3558 ext 231
Fax No. (416) 485-8607
Email: desouss@psac.com
August 15, 2011
Cuts To Environment Canada Will Harm Canadians
The Harper government’s attack on public services is once again rearing its ugly head, this time at Environment Canada. On 3 August, Deputy Minister Paul Boothe delivered bad news to workers at the Environment Canada building located at Dufferin and Steeles in Toronto concerning the loss of jobs. Boothe announced that 776 indeterminate PSAC members across the Department will lose their jobs, including 470 PSAC members.
A range of jobs will be eliminated including people who protect water quality, safeguard ecosystems, prevent toxic waste from poisoning communities and communicate important information about climate change.
This means that 250 employees located at the Environment Canada Toronto office are anxiously awaiting news of whether or not they will be able to keep their jobs.
“Defending the job security of our members against the Harper imposed austerity agenda is our priority as a union. Quality public services matter to Canadians.” says Sharon DeSousa, Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario of PSAC.
Treasury Board President Tony Clement said in a press conference today that the federal government will find new assignments for the affected employees. But there is no guarantee that the employer will find “reasonable job offers” for everyone impacted by this announcement. We also know that attrition is no panacea. There is no guarantee that workers who are eligible to retire will do so in time to create room for “surplused” employees.
PSAC and the Union of Environment Workers component are working to ensure that the Workforce Adjustment process is applied consistently and fairly. We recently launched a campaign to protect public services and stop dangerous cuts.
“The Conservatives are showing a complete disregard for the environment and for public services by making these cuts,” says John Gordon, National President of PSAC.
July 6, 2011
Sale of AECL leads to more job cuts
The Harper Government recently announced the sale of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. to the Montreal-based engineering giant, SNC-Lavalin.
Under the deal, AECL's three main businesses – its lucrative repair business, reactor services and new builds – will be taken over by a new SNC-Lavalin subsidiary called CANDU Energy. At least 800 to 900 high-paying jobs will be lost in layoffs through the sale.
PSAC represents 75 design technologists/specialists at AECL, up to 50% of whom are being laid off. The sale of AECL has put good jobs at risk.
Harper’s Conservatives have basically given away AECL – the price tag was a mere $15 million. Since then, the Harper government also agreed to provide SNC-Lavalin up to $75 million to complete development of a new reactor called Enhanced Candu 6. It seems the Conservatives have handed over the keys to Canada’s high tech industry.
AECL was one of Canada’s largest Crown corporations and most technologically sophisticated. The sale of AECL to SNC-Lavalin comes at a time when billions of dollars in revenue are expected to be generated through the refurbishment of aging Candu reactors around the world.
This loss of revenue during a time of high government debt, coupled with the loss of high paying jobs in Ontario begs the question of what Stephen Harper and his conservatives believe are fiscally sound policies.
Click here for Toronto Star article
June 27, 2011
Canada Post back-to-work legislation attacks workers’ rights
On June 26, the Harper Conservatives passed legislation by a vote of 158-113, forcing locked out Canada Post workers back on the job. The New Democratic Party opposed the legislation with a 48 hour filibuster in the House of Commons over the weekend, fighting for workers’ rights to collective bargaining.
Standing in solidarity with 48,000 members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, the NDP criticized the legislation for imposing a lower wage settlement than the one originally offered by Canada Post during bargaining.
The Conservative government’s actions in legislating Canada Post workers back to work is proof that the right to free collective bargaining is under attack in Canada. Despite the right being upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada as well as by international conventions, this back-to-work legislation sends a clear message that Stephen Harper does not respect the rights of Canadian workers.
Quality public services and the workers that provide them are an essential part of Canada’s economy and society. PSAC (Ontario) will continue to watch the Harper Conservatives and hold them accountable for their voting record on workers rights. Let’s show this government the true meaning of union solidarity and fight to protect and enhance our public services and labour rights in this country!
Participate in PSAC's campaign to fight cuts and defend public services.
June 21, 2011
WE STAND TOGETHER FOR GOOD JOBS
Stephen Harper’s Conservatives are tabling back to work legislation to strip postal workers of the right to strike. It's clear that Steven Harper believes he was elected to give corporations exactly what they want – increasing profits at the expense of Canadian workers.
Canada Post has turned a profit for over 15 years straight; yet employees are being asked to give up secure pensions and have a two tier system of wages and benefits for new hires. This is about power and corporate greed at the highest levels.
Attacking union rights is how CEO's and Conservative politicians plan to lower wages and benefits in Canada’s economy, while lining their own pockets with greater pay and bonuses.
This is why all of the labour movement is rallying around postal workers during this time of intense struggle. “The Harper Government has shown they are not interested in workers rights. Lowering wages, precarious employment and an insecure retirement future is what this back to work legislation will produce,” states Sharon DeSousa – PSAC Ontario’s Regional Executive Vice-President.
The fact is that the Canadian standard of living was achieved through Unions. Unionization, tough bargaining, strikes and other forms of collective action are necessary to achieve a decent share of the wealth workers create.
It is the labour movement which has advocated so strongly to improve standards for all working Canadians, as we did with the fight for maternity benefits and to increase the minimum wage. Unions are at the forefront of the efforts to improve retirement security and the creation of good jobs for all.
Our standard of living, and that of our children, is being decided right now in the boardroom, the workplace and on the picket line. The labour movement is what stands between the CEO's and their dreams of a cheap, disposable workforce.
Join us to protest the collusion of Canada Post and the Conservative Government to strip workers of their legal rights to bargain in defence of working conditions, wages and benefits for the next generation of Canadians.
MASS PICKET and RALLY
Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.
Yonge + Dundas (At the legal offices of Canada Post)
Bring your flags and banners, and signs of support for postal workers.
PSAC Workplace Fightback Campaign Kit |
PSAC has prepared a campaign kit to help our Local/Branch executive members, Stewards and other activists engage our members in the budget fightback campaign.
Here’s what you will find in the kit.
PSAC launches workplace fightback campaign against job cuts – a message from PSAC National President John Gordon about the Speech from the Throne, the latest federal budget and their impact on our members.
PSAC’s federal budget fightback plan – an outline of the actions our union and our activists need to take to fight back.
We need information to protect jobs and public services – our campaign is about protecting the valuable public services our members provide as well their jobs. To be successful we need information from our members. This document outlines the tools available for you to reach out to our members and get their help to provide the critical information we need. It also tells you where to send the information once you have collected it.
What’s going on in your workplace? – is a card designed to ask our members a few questions about employer actions in their workplaces that could have an impact on their jobs and the services they provide; questions such as are there vacant positions being left unfilled, are students or casuals doing bargaining unit work. The card is easy to complete and should be distributed to and completed by the members in your Local/Branch. Your PSAC regional office has supplies of these cards.
Important questions you need to ask management in your workplace – in addition to collecting information from our members about what’s happening in the workplace, we also need to use every possible opportunity to find out from management about any changes they’re planning. We’ve provided some sample questions to start you off.
We will defend our jobs and our rights – this is a leaflet that should be distributed to your members to let them know that they have rights and their union will be there to defend them.
Union activity in the workplace: Know your rights – this is another leaflet that should be distributed to your members. As we mobilize to fightback against cuts in jobs and services, it’s important for member to know they have right to conduct some union activities in their workplace.
TAKE ACTION! Everything you need to know to mobilize workers to win positive change – whether it’s strategy or tactics, this booklet will help you and your members organize successful campaigns. Copies are available from your PSAC regional office.
• Public Sector Cuts – The public sector: An easy scapegoat
• Debt and deficits: Don’t believe everything you hear about debt and deficits
• Destroying public services: Five sneaky ways governments have been
destroying public services
• Alternative choices for a health economy: There’s a right way and a wrong way to get the economy back on track
• Taxes and publics services: You can’t have one without the other
“The Harper government has declared war against federal public sector workers and PSAC is fighting back. This is a job for all of us.”
(PSAC National President John Gordon)