National Public Service Week (NPSW) is an opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of federal public service workers over the past year. From June 12 to 18 members across the Atlantic region participated in union and employer events throughout the week.
The PSAC Atlantic region was host to alternate NPSW events, like the one hosted by PSAC-UVAE local 90001 in Charlottetown, P.E.I. They handed out literature and gave members some “I support my bargaining team” cake. About 50 members stopped by during the lunch, many taking photos with “I support my Bargaining team” posters. Overall people were happy to have an in-person gathering to support the union.
On June 15th, PSAC hosted a BBQ for the locals in the Moncton Area at the Avenir Centre Place. There were 65 participants from various locals in attendance. This BBQ was held in conjunction with the NB mobilization group, whose members were able to mingle with our members and talk about bargaining concerns.
Canadian Coast Guard members in St. John’s, N.L. held a rally to inform the public about everything they’ve done over the pandemic, and what we are asking from Treasury Board. You can read the coverage of the event here (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/coast-guard-workers-rally-st-johns-1.6492490).
USJE local 60001 ensured they were present at the employer’s BBQ in Miramichi, N.B. “I think it’s important for the local executive to be present and visible at the NPSW BBQ hosted by the employer,” said 60001 local president Caroline Gregan. “It shows that we are working together. The local executive used this opportunity to collect members information to update our contact list and had several draws for PSAC and USJE swag. Our members proudly showed support for the Bargaining team and have taken the signs back to their workstations to be posted.”
There’s no doubt our members have earned this recognition. Since the beginning of the pandemic, federal public service workers have stepped up for Canadians. Now, it’s time for the government to do the same thing for our members. If Treasury Board really appreciated federal government workers, they would come to the bargaining table with a fair wage offer that keeps up with skyrocketing inflation and doesn’t leave workers behind.
We are proud of our members who used this week to mobilize and educate their fellow workers on what is going on at the bargaining table. Workers are sending a message to the employer, they deserve more than a BBQ; they need fair wages, good working conditions and inclusive workplaces.
