As part of the summer Think Public! campaign, the PSAC in Moncton joined the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA) for its fifth annual Rendez-VousMulticultural Festival in a celebration of diversity.
The PSAC exhibit included a fair trade basket giveaway to raise awareness about the issues threatening quality public services. A petition for the ‘Save our Farms’ campaign was popular amongst the crowd, who would like to see more food grown locally.
The Rendez-Vous offered a wide variety of activities including great food, a fair trade craft sale featuring Ten Thousand Villages, lively music and exciting dance at the all-new World Village tent in Victoria Park. Throughout the week, courses were offered addressing community engagement and facilitating healthy dialogue, in an effort to combat racism and cultural insensitivities.
June 26, 2009
CEIU BATHURST CELEBRATION!
It was celebration and recognition day in Bathurst on June 25th for close to 500 CEIU members under the theme «Together WE can achieve our goals!»
The CEIU 60254 & 60269 local executive committees wanted to recognize their members for the role they played during the last round of bargaining and thank them for their support. They also wanted to recognize the work done by the PA bargaining team who was able, even during a difficult period, to save members from any concession
in their new collective agreement, which in it self was a victory and a reason for celebration.
For the occasion, Gaby Lévesque, PSAC negotiator, was the guest speaker. She also thanked the members for their support and reminded them of the major role they have during each round of bargaining in participating in the mobilization activities.
The celebration was a great success; the organizing committee put in place for the occasion has done a great job! Congratulations to all!
June 10, 2009
Save our Farms
Canadians need a safe, secure and sustainable food supply.
Please log on to the link below and sign the petition.
Working together to reduce poverty in the Province
of New Brunswick
The Common Front for Social Justice, in collaboration with more than a dozen other organizations, including PSAC Atlantic region, released its report of recommendations for the provincial government's upcoming Poverty Reduction Plan.
Members of the Saint John Regional Women's Committee along with CFIA's Wellness Committee dedicated their lunch hour on April 29, 2009 to cleanup a street. A little of our time, makes a big difference.
May 4, 2009
Day of Mourning - 2009
PSAC members participated in several ceremonies organized in New Brunswick to commemorate workers injured or killed on the job for the Day of Mourning on April 28.
Wreaths were laid in Moncton and Fredericton by NATIONAL component members working at ACOA and a ceremony was organized in Gagetown where UNDE members participated in a joint ceremony with over 80 persons attending.
The UNDE local executive provided members with black ribbons, information pamphlets and some carnations to lay after the wreath laying.
A moment of silence was respected at the main gate also at the work sites of workers that were unable to attend.
The Health and Safety Officer, Bill Hovey raised and lowered the UNDE flag to half mask at the same time as the Military raised and lowered the Canadian flag to half mask.
April 22, 2009
PSAC Greater Moncton Human Rights committee
New executive elected at the April 21st meeting for a two year mandate.
Philip Lillies, chairperson (NAT)
Anne Fagan-Wood, co-chair (GSU)
Shanny Doucet,secretary/treasurer (GSU)
Next meeting on June 9, 2009
For more details on this committee, please contact your PSAC regional office at 857-4220.
April 20, 2009
RALLY to oppose the Liberal New Brunswick Government Budget
Over 300 people gathered on April 17 in front of the N.B. Legislative Assembly to say NO to job cuts, reduction of public programs and services, wage freeze, interference in collective bargaining and imposing essential services in the nursing homes.
In a show of support and Solidarity, many CEIU local presidents in town for their regional Presidents meeting were present along with members of the Fredericton AGR local and many other Unions, NBFL,
This Rally was organized by CUPE-NB
April 15, 2009
2009 Day of Mourning Ceremonies
March 10, 2009
International Women's Day in Saint John, NB - March 6, 2009
The women in Saint John celebrated International Women's Day with a free pancake breakfast which was done by PSAC members. They also took this opportunity to give the women lunch bags stating: "Women's Rights are Not Negotiable - Defend Pay Equity"; postcards were also signed and sent to Senators re Bill C-10.
March 10, 2009
International Women’s Day - Dieppe, NB
On Sunday, March 8th, approx. 150 women and men participated at a brunch in Dieppe, NB. Guest speakers were Sandy Harquail, PSAC GLBT Director for the Atlantic Region and Victor Boudreau, NB Minister of Finance. Sister Harquail took this opportunity to mention to the participants the issues concerning Bill C-10. Postcards were signed by the participants and will be sent to the NB Senators asking them to put pressure on this government to ensure that the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act is removed from the Budget Implementation Act and to protect existing collective agreement wage rates. Participants were also provided with a list of all NB Senators and were asked to call, fax or email them.
This activity was well represented by the media, French CBC television and both the local English and French newspaper.
As a gift, the NB Finance Minister received a pair of red shoes as a reminder not to forget women in his next budget which will be revealed on March 17th.
March 6, 2009
CRA MEMBERS IN SAINT JOHN OUT TO PROTEST BILL C-10
CRA members were out on March 5th to protest Bill C-10 which contains legislation that will roll back their wages. They also sent post cards to Senator Joseph A. Daigle, from Saint John / Kennebecasis who is the Chair of the Senate National Finance Committee where the Bill is now.
March 2, 2009
UNION PROTEST PROPOSED BILL C-10 IN MONCTON
Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) members and other unions and local organizations protested outside MP Brian Murphy's (Moncton, Dieppe & Riverview) office Friday, February 27, 2009 at noon. The protest was against Bill C-10 containing two important pieces of legislation which will have a direct impact on the PSAC members.
The Expenditure restraint Act which will roll back increases wages of our CRA members and the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act that will remove women's ability to file Pay Equity complaints with the support of their Union.
February 26, 2009
This is what Solidarity is all about!
Members of PSAC/ UEW local 60026 walked the picket line alongside the 6 CUPE food service members from local 3372 at the HughJohnFlemmingForestryCenter in Fredericton on Feb 19 despite a snow storm.
CUPE cafeteria Brothers and Sisters have been on strike since February 4th.
The pictures shows the CUPE members, the CUPE national president, Paul Moist and the PSAC / UEW members during the lunch rally.
January 28, 2009
PSAC EDUCATION PROGRAM NB REGION
WINTER/SPRING 2009
January 28, 2009
Budget Watch in Moncton
Some PSAC members joined a variety of local, regional, provincial and national organizations gathered in Moncton to watch Jim Flaherty release the details of his next proposed budget.
Rhéal Vautour, PSAC member working at the NationalKouchibouguacPark, was the PSAC’s spokesman to comment on proposed changes to the EI program. The Moncton Times & Transcript of January 28 reported his comments:
Times& Transcript - January 28, 2009
“The approximate $1.2 billion in changes to employment insurance also drew much scrutiny from those in attendance. The new budget increases the period jobless workers can receive benefits by five extra weeks, to a maximum of 50, for the next two years and also increased the protection for workers when their employer goes bankrupt. It's not enough, according to Rhéal Vautour, a spokesman for the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Vautour was hoping the two week waiting period to receive benefits would be waived and was looking for a definitive answer on whether or not a pilot project which extended the time workers can receive benefits by five weeks will be continued.”
January 19, 2009
Collective Agreement ratified for PSACCity Hall
Employees Association (CHEA)
Members of the CHEA/PSAC local 60200 who were without a contract since December 31, 2008 just voted at 85% to ratify a 4 years collective agreement with the Moncton City Council.
On top of wages increases of 1.5 % on January 1st and 1.5% on July 1st, 2009, 3 % for 2010, 3 % for 2011 and 3.25% for 2012, other gains such as the Employer paying some top up of maternity leave benefits and improvements to Health and Dental plans.
UPCE Picket Line Moncton - Support from sister unions
December 4, 2008
UPCE Strike
December 2, 2008
DONATIONS FOR UPCE LOCAL STRIKE FUND
UPCE members have been on strike since November 17. Locals have established strike funds that will assist with aiding members through the strike. PSAC Locals and Unions are asked to make donations directly to UPCE Locals at the following:
UPCE Local 60100
808 Anderson Drive
Saint John, NBE2M 4G3
******************
UPCE Local 60105
186 Killarney Road
Killarney Road, NBE3A 9E3
******************
UPCE Local 60120
30 Irving Road
Riverview, NBE1B 4E3
November 27, 2008
UPCE strike in New Brunswick
November 21, 2008
UPCE Strike in New Brunswick
November 7, 2008
Move over Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Cat Woman, Iron Man and make room for our new union superhero! It is with great pleasure that we introduce "UNION MAN". Neither snow, nor rain nor heat nor negotiations will keep Union Man from protecting its members.
UPCE members had fun at Halloween but also took this opportunity to send a message to Canada Post.
November 7, 2008
N.B. Treasury Board members Halloween Costume contest
Winner for the best costume: Eddy Bourque, CEIU 60260
Winner of the Random draw: Joanne Breneol, USGE-RCMP60052
Kevin Rossiter, President of Local 60029 at FundyNational Park
carved this beautiful PSAC pumpkin."
October 14, 2008
STEPHEN HARPER'S VISIT TO MONCTON
On October 4th, while his visit in Moncton had for objective to get some votes in a strong liberal riding prior to the elections call, Stephen Harper faced approximately 100 protesters from different groups welcoming him to Moncton in a demonstration to express their opposition to his vision of Canada and to his numerous cuts in: health, poverty, culture, quality public services, Status of Women Canada, literacy, student employment, etc.
Among the protesters, several PSAC members from different areas of the province who were attending a Union training in Moncton on that day, provincial employees, members of the CLC, CUPE, NBFL, artists, Acadians, members of the GLBT community, Common front for Social Justice, Child care coalition and many more....
October 14, 2008
On September 30th, everyone in N.B. received the Green Bracelets and the handout in the morning. Some through plant gate as they entered to work, others by desk drop or other ways.
On September 17, Jeannie Baldwin, PSAC Atlantic REVP, chaired elections
of the first Human Rights committee in New Brunswick.
The Chair of the committee is Fabiola Narcisse, member of GSU Local 60018; the
co-chair is Philip Lillies, member of National Component, local 60350; and Shanny
Doucet, also with GSU Local 60018, has accepted the position of Secretary-Treasurer.
The photo shows Jeannie Baldwin swearing in the committee and presenting them
July 2, 2008
The Federal Government needs to do the right thing and provide sufficient funding now to First Nation schools to ensure a quality education for their children. (petition)
June 5, 2008
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNDER THE NEW
PUBLIC SERVICE LABOUR RELATIONS ACT
(PSLRA):
10 THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW
The basic framework for Collective Bargaining remains unchanged.
The “Public Interest” is paramount in this new Labour Relations Act.
Arbitration Boards have an expanded list of factors to consider.
Now, Public Interest Commissions (PICs) also have a list of factors they must consider.
Strike Votes are now governed by the law.
The strike vote in the legislation has a “best before” date.
The new Act contains an Employer “free speech” clause.
Essential Services Agreements (ESAs).
Strike prohibitions re: Essential Services.
Legal Strike Action – it’s all in the timing.
For more information on the above, please click on the icon.
May 12, 2008
PLANTGATE AT KOUCHIBOUGUACNATIONAL PARK
The picture shows Secretary/Treasurer Daniel Comeau giving a "Get Quackin" flyer to Brother Adélin Hébert at the plantgate which took place at the KouchibouguacNational Park on May 5th.
May 8, 2008
CEIU N.B. sends a message to their Bargaining Team!
On May 3rd and 4th, CEIU members attending a bargaining conference in Moncton took the opportunity to declare their commitment towards their bargaining team. Their message was clear; they are ready to face Treasury Board to protect their benefits and obtain a wage increase and fair adjustments.
Louiselle Laforest, team member for the PA group attended this conference to provide members with an update on bargaining. Members also prepared a huge banner containing
several messages to be sent to the PA team.
1st row from left to right:
Sandy Harquail, L-60255; Eddy Bourque, L-60260; Kelli Reid, L-60260; Jeannie Baldwin, PSAC REVP Atlantic; Jeannette Meunier-McKay, CEIU National Président , Farid Tourkmani L-60262; Lise Lévesque, NVP CEIU NB;
