News and Political Action

• Problems with the Phoenix pay system (here's more info and what you can do if you're affected) have been in the media lately. PSAC is urging the government to delay rolling out the second phase of the system. PSAC NVP Chris Aylward met with workers at the Miramichi pay centre and lays the blame squarely with management. More at the Ottawa Citizen and cbc.ca. 
• “We have given the Liberals ample time to reach a fair agreement with federal government workers that will strengthen the public service. We expect the government to respond with proposals that are a real change from the previous government’s agenda.” Robyn Benson, on Treasury Board bargaining in the Ottawa Citizen.
• “The government cannot say they are investing in public services without providing the resources to deliver.” Chris Aylward on the government moving to address long wait times for Canadians who call in to EI call centres, at the Globe and Mail.

• A message from Bob Jackson: Given the current climate of protracted collective bargaining and uncertainty in labour relations. and as PSAC has done in the past, I respectfully ask that PSAC members in BC not participate in employer sponsored activities in the workplace and that you encourage other members to do the same. More at the regional website.

• Reminder! The PSAC Scholarship Program details are now online at the national website. The program consists of 14 scholarships for dependant children of PSAC members and 3 scholarships for PSAC members who will be attending university, college or a recognized institute of higher learning on a full-time basis. Read more and apply online here.

June 8th National Day of Action

• Treasury Board: Our Treasury Board bargaining teams met with the employer in April. The focus for the teams continues to be bargaining a solid agreement that will strengthen the public service. Updates for each table at the national website. Membership meetings/Q&A sessions in worksites across the province are ongoing. If your worksite or Local is interested in having a team member come and meet with you, contact Robert Strang in the Vancouver Office.
• CRA: After 4 years of negotiations, 3 mediation sessions, a Public Interest Commission hearing and recommendation, our CRA bargaining team signed a settlement with the CRA that the membership will be voting on. The bargaining team and the national leadership of UTE are not recommending it - here's why. Keep an eye on the national website for the lastest updates and more information.
• CFIA: CFIA bargaining team met with CFIA April 19-21 in Ottawa. Discussions continued on non-monetary proposals and both parties agreed in principle to a number of administrative items - visit the national website for an update. Members are showing their support by wearing red bracelets - here are some photos from BC.
• Canada Post: Members of UPCE met in Ottawa last week to discuss the challenges they face in their workplaces and to prepare for the upcoming round of bargaining with Canada Post. An update at the national website.
• SSO: Bargaining dates are being scheduled.
• IMP Group, Comox: The next round of negotiations has been scheduled for the last week of May. We'll keep you updated.
• Parks: Bargaining dates are being formulated, in the meantime: the PSAC and employer proposals are at the national website.
• Commissionaires, Vancouver Island: Bargaining has been delayed due to an issue with the employer - we hope to go to the table soon. Contact your Local Executive for the latest information.
• Prince George Airport: Bargaining dates have been scheduled for early May. Contact your Local Executive for more information.
• Nordion: We expect to exchange proposals with the employer in mid-May and will keep you up to date.
• Victoria Airport: Bargaining is ongoing.

Union Education

The Spring 2016 Course Schedule is winding up. Watch for more courses coming in the Fall.

Lower Mainland

Grievance Handling - Jun 4,5

Northern BC

Health & Safety Activism - May 28,29 - Prince George

More information about these courses at the website. Apply online here.

Meetings and Events



March in the Victoria Day Parade! All PSAC members and families in the Victoria Area are invited to join the PSAC Victoria Area Council and march or ride along in the Victoria Day Parade, Monday May 23. Details at the website and RSVP at facebook.

Join members of the Treasury Board bargaining team for an informal bargaining update and Q&A session in the Vancouver Office, May 25th. TB Bargaining Team Members and BC REVP Bob Jackson will be here to provide an update and answer any and all of your questions about bargaining. Drop by any time between 4:30 and 7:30PM - you bring your questions and we'll provide the snacks! More info.

PSAC BC, the Canadian Labour Congress, and the BC Federation of Labour have teamed up to Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at an event May 29th 1-4PM at the Unifor Hall, 326 12th Street in New Westminster. More info at the website.

Batter up! PSAC BC's annual softball tournaments are taking place in Vancouver, June 15 and Victoria, June 17.

Regularly Scheduled Meetings

Last but not least: check out these 10 amazing facts about PSAC!

Patrick Bragg
PSAC Vancouver Regional Office
604 430 5631 | 1 800 663 1655

psacbc.com | facebook.com/psacbc | twitter.com/psacbc