Updates

We have taken the government to court. We have taken the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before the Public Service Labour Relations and Employment Board (PSLREB). Union members have picketed their workplaces – from Sarnia to Dorval Airport in Montreal, to PIA in Toronto, to downtown Vancouver. We have filed for a Public Interest Commission (PIC). Now is the time for us to take our message to MPs.

PSAC and CIU are organizing to take our message about the need for parity with other law enforcement agencies to cabinet ministers and other MPs this summer. Lobbying teams are being organized across the country. Other activities in support of our efforts to achieve a fair contract are also being organized.

PSAC celebrates the news that the Senate has finally adopted Bill C-16, which will enshrine trans rights into Canadian law. Bill C-16 finally passed the Senate on June 15, after passing the House of Commons in October 2016.

“This represents a huge step forward in defense of trans peoples’ right to work in an environment where they are respected and protected against prejudice and hate,” said Robyn Benson, PSAC National President.

Bill C-16 adds gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act. It also adds gender identity and gender expression to the list of distinguishing characteristics of “identifiable groups” protected by the hate speech provisions in the Criminal Code.

Earlier this year, the federal government held consultations on what should be included in new legislation dealing with accessibility for people with disabilities.

On May 29, the government released a report on its consultations. While the report contains some important recommendations, they remain vague. There is also no timeline for when the legislation will be put forward.

Federal government should be a leader

The report states that the new legislation should apply to all areas under the control of the Government of Canada, including the government as an employer.

After much delay on the part of the employer, Treasury Board and PSAC have finally signed collective agreements for the PA, EB, TC and SV bargaining units on June 14, 2017. This is the result of significant pressure from our union.

These agreements, which cover over 85,000 workers in the federal public service, were ratified by the membership in April. Since then, PSAC had been pushing the employer to sign the agreements.

Two Conservative anti-union laws, Bills C-377 and C-525, are now history with the adoption of Bill C-4.

“Both of these Conservative bills were an attack on working people,” said PSAC National President Robyn Benson. “Canada’s labour movement mobilized fierce opposition to these laws. This victory is thanks to the vocal solidarity of union members and our allies.” 

The bill reverses changes that were made to the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations Act and the Income Tax Act.