October 16, 17 and 18 - Break the Guinness World Record
«If everyone who wants to see an end to poverty, hunger and suffering speaks out at the same time, the noise will be deafening. Politicians will have to listen. » Desmond Tutu
For more information on what can be done at your local level for this occasion, how to participate in the Guinness Record challenge, etc., please click on the link below.
September 16, 2009
Retirement - Peter Pedersen
September 15, 2009
Fair Trade Before Free Trade...
September 9, 2009
Student worker appreciation pizza lunch
Shediac, NB, August 14th, 2009 – In appreciation of all the work done by students at PWGSC in Shediac, and to present the ‘Protect Student Workers!’ campaign, the PSAC and the Local Executive team organized a complimentary pizza lunch for students.
The nearby Royal Canadian Legion Hall was the ideal venue for students to visit during their brief lunch hour. The Atlantic Council Director for Youth Shanny Doucet, and Local members Randy Howard, Edward Lane, Stephanie Scott, Lise Blakney, Carole Killiam, and Anne Fagan-Wood plantgated to deliver invitations to students, and organized to ensure it would be a successful event. Regional Representative Monique LaPlante and Summer Student Organizer Matthew Buckley worked behind the scenes to make it happen. After all, the key ingredient, pizza, arrived piping hot from the Greco next door.
All the efforts and a good humoured crowd made for a very successful event. The students, who were very open-minded and interested to hear about the ‘Protect Student Workers!’ campaign, were overwhelmingly supportive, and most of them signed pamphlets to support the PSAC court challenge, which aims to ensure students have the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
For more information about the campaign please visit the ‘Protect Student Workers!’ website at:
«PSAC is committed to ensuring that all members are secure in the protection and enjoyment of their human rights. This year, we should all be especially proud of the courage and the commitment of our members and of the general public to change and grow into a more tolerant, inclusive and respectful society.»
PSAC members were more visible than ever this summer in the various Pride activities and events in different areas of N.B. along with their Brothers and Sisters from the CLC, NBFL, CUPE and CAW.
Sandy Harquail, PSAC Atlantic GLBT director, participated in the parade in Saint John and at the flag raising ceremony in front of MonctonCity Hall.
August 19, 2009
NBFL Executive Meeting - July 2009
What's happening at the NBFL? Following the July meeting, full report prepared by Philip Lillies and Marie-Ange Losier, recently elected as the PSAC representatives on the NBFL.
The 9th New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL) Blair Doucet Youth Camp was held at the Université of Moncton from August 3 to 7, 2009.
This year, 6 out of the 21 participants were sons or daughters of PSAC members. Shanny Doucet, Youth Director on the PSAC Atlantic Council had the opportunity to meet them during the opening ceremony and also in two education workshops.
NEWLY ELECTED EXECUTIVE FOR THE GREATER MONCTON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
On July 29, 2009 Jeannie Baldwin, PSAC Atlantic REVP, chaired elections of the Greater Moncton Human Rights committee.
The new Chair of the committee is Scott Gallant, member of UTE Local 60008; the co-chair is Anne Fagan-Wood, member of GSU 60018; and Sandy Harquail, member of CEIU 60268 and also GLBT director on the PSAC Atlantic council, has accepted the position of Secretary-Treasurer.
The photo shows Jeannie Baldwin swearing members on the new committee,
Sandy was doing it by audio conference.
August 11, 2009
St. Stephen Chocolate Festival – Description
On New Brunswick Day 2009, the PSAC joined the citizens and tourists of St. Stephen for the Chocolate Festival cake cutting ceremony and Kiwanis barbecue. Our Think Public! celebration booth welcomed PSAC members and the public to enter their name for a chance to win a Ganong Chocolate Gift Basket.
Hundreds of people crowded the St. Stephen Town Square and St. Croix waterfront for some tasty food, a lumberjack competition, and musical entertainment by Mr. Mark the Entertainer from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Members volunteered to help raise awareness about the vital public services provided by our members, and sported new Think Public! t-shirts.
Kids were thrilled to get free balloons while we welcomed everyone to sign a petition in support of the PSAC Student Worker Campaign. The Think Public! message resonated well with the crowd, and everyone enjoyed the festivities.
August 11, 2009
Canada’s Irish Festival in Miramichi – Description
On July 17th, 2009, a Think Public! celebration booth was set up for Canada’s 26th Annual Irish Festival in the Miramichi. For years the Irish have been celebrating their heritage through stories,music and song, and this year the PSAC was welcomed to join the festivities.
The public was showered with information about quality public services provided by PSAC members while they enjoyed an afternoon of Celtic music and dance, and complimentary strawberries. Everyone had an opportunity to sign petitions and post-cards in support of current PSAC campaigns, such as the Student Worker Campaign. Members and the public alike put their names in for an Irish Basket giveaway, and the lucky winner went home with a four-leaf clover!
Support for the Student Worker Campaign was overwhelming, and the citizens of Miramichi expressed their support for keeping federal jobs in their city. People were happy to Think Public! and support the PSAC.
August 5, 2009
Matthew Buckley - PSAC Summer Student , Moncton
July 21, 2009
NB Education Fall Schedule
July 21, 2009
Regional Women's Committee - Saint John, NB, held kiosk for National Public Service Week:
A National Public Service Week BBQ was held on Wednesday, June 17th. The Saint John Regional Women`s Committee took this opportunity to recruit new members and hand out information on the Public Service Alliance of Canada. A draw was held on a beautiful PSAC satchel. Congratulations to the winner, Ciara McKenna of CRA.
July 21, 2009
"Community members in Sackville, NB, rally in support of keeping open the Westmorland Institution Farm"
The PSAC had a kiosk at the Marsh Festival in Sackville, NB, on July 10th. Approximately 200 community members signed our petition and postcards to MP Dominic LeBlanc in support of keeping the Westmorland Institution Farm open. The PSAC was promoting locally-grown plants, vegetables and meat from the Institution. Also in attendance were the Mayor of Dorchester and the media.
July 21, 2009
PSAC and CUPE distribute flyers to community members in Shediac,
NB to promote quality public services.
July 15, 2009
Closing farm "makes no sense" by Jeannie Baldwin
July 7, 2009
SAVE OUR FARM - DORCHESTER, NB
On June 26, 2009, a BBQ was held in the Community of Dorchester, NB to denounce the Harper government's intention of closing the farm at the Westmorland Institution in Dorchester, NB. The BBQ was open to our USGE members and also to the community of Dorchester.
Present at this BBQ were: Jeannie Baldwin, REVP for the Atlantic; Mike Arseneault, RVP for USGE; Mel Goodland, Mayor of Dorchester; Mike Olscamp, Conservative MLA; and Heather Reid, President of USGE Local 60128. Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal MP had sent a flyer/postcard to all the households in Dorchester on the importance of the prison farm in the community. This flyer was also distributed at the BBQ. Along with the BBQ, a petition was signed to keep open the farm in Dorchester. All the guest speakers including the politicians said how important the farm was for the community and they would do all they could to keep it open. Approximately 200 people attended the BBQ and it was a huge success.
The event was also attended by the local newspaper and Global Television who did interviews with Jeannie Baldwin, Heather Reid and members of the community.
June 29, 2009
Multicultural Rendez-Vous
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;
