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NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR REGION
What's New?
MAY 2008
DECEMBER - 2008For UPCE members in St John's Newfoundland, the meeting to vote on Canada Post's last offer is being held on Sunday December 14, at 10:30 a.m. at the Ramada Hotel, 102 Kenmount Road, room 110. NOVEMBER - 2008November 22, 2008...UPCE Strike, St. John's, NL Sister Unions together with a number of supporters from several PSAC Locals joined the six UPCE/PSAC members who commenced strike action at Canada Post on November 17, 2008. The show of support, together with the financial contributions is greatly appreciated by our UPCE/PSAC members. The main issue in the strike is Canada Post's insistence in clawing back sick leave which has been in collective agreements since the 1960's and replacing it with the sick portion of EI and a cumbersome administrative system. An attempt to return to the "Dirty Thirties"? YOU BE THE JUDGE!!! Pictures (wmv)
November 10, 2008...Employment Opportunity - Regional Representative Position, Gander Region:
PSAC MEMBER RAISES $1,570.00 FORTHE ST. JOHN'S SCHOOL LUNCH ASSOCIATIONSteve Wall, member of Local 90915 UCTE/PSAC has treasured his 'curly tresses' for many years now but lost them in a recent effort to raise monies for the St. John's School Lunch Association. Actually, he said he'd undergo the haircut if $1,000.00 were raised - but his friends went far beyond that for the worthy cause and to see the "new" Steve!! See Steve's "Before"and "After" photos below!
OCTOBER - 2008October 29, 2008...Employment Opportunity - Regional Representative Position, St. John's Region:
UPCE Strike Vote Meeting
SEPTEMBER - 2008September 30, 2008....REVP Jeannie Baldwin speaks at the Students for Sustainability Campus Tour which was launched from Memorial University of Newfoundland on this date.
Key speaker at the Event was Dr. David Suzuki. To view his presentation, click here
September 30, 2008....PSAC members employed with CFIA in the Conception Bay area, NL participate in an early morning demo to show support for their negotiating team. Left to right: Lisa Martin, Roy Russell, Melinda Kennedy and Local President, Tom St. Croix.
Did you or someone you know work at the Baie Verte Asbestos Mine? NOW is the time to participate in the Baie Verte Miners' Registry! Read More (pdf)
AUGUST - 2008Union of Environment Workers, Local 90001 President Helen Flynn and Local member Stephen Murphy load up a van of donations for the St. John's Single Parent Association. Back-to-school items, clothing and household goods were donated by employees of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in St. John's, NL.
News Release - August 27, 2008: SERCO Workers at 5 Wing Goose Bay poised to strike, Workers refuse employer contract clawbacks Read More (pdf) The employer, SERCO, walked away from negotiations on Thursday night. UNDE Local 90125 SERCO in Happy Valley Goose Bay, Labrador held a mock picket line on Friday, August 22, 2008. Over 200 members showed up in support of their negotiating team. Graham Moorehouse(chairperson of the negotiating team) spoke to the members regarding the current status, and explained that the employer has walked away from the table. Advanced strike votes were held on Friday and Sunday, with a general membership strike vote being held on Tuesday,August 26, 2008. Pictures (wmv)
Upwards of 200 members of UNDE Local 90125 SERCO did not allow the rain to dampen their spirits on Tuesday, August 19, 2008. They showed up in full force to support their negotiating team on the first day of mediation. A loud roar went through the crowd when the team came out to greet them. Graham Moorehouse (chairperson of the negotiating team) spoke to the members thanking them for their support and continued support during this critical period of time. Pictures (wmv)
The members of UNDE Local 90125 in Happy Valley, Goose Bay Labrador participated in a car rally on Sunday, August 17, 2008 to show support for their negotiating team. They braved the wind and the rain and drove around Happy Valley, Goose Bay honking their horns and decorated with PSAC balloons as flags. As well, all the vehicles had flyers stating: "SERCO Slashing Employee's Rights Company's Objective". Pictures (wmv) On Friday August 15, 2008 UNDE Local 90125 SERCO came out in full force at lunch time to show support for their negotiating team. Upwards of 200 PSAC members in Happy Valley, Goose Bay, Labrador picked up shirts stating: "If Provoked We Will Strike". The members are preparing for possible strike action as their negotiating team in going to mediation on August 19-22. As the pictures show, a number of the members lined up outside the gates at 5th Wing Goose Bay. Pictures (wmv) THINK PUBLIC went to the Royal St. John's Regatta on Friday, August 8, 2008. Concession booths are always busy at 'the Regatta' but with PSAC's FREE facepainting, FREEjuice boxes and FREE balloons, along with FREE tickets on a Fair Trade Basket, FREE tattoos, fans and other memorabilia, PSAC's was 'the busiest spot on The Pond'! PSAC membersHelen Flynn, Siobhan Foley, Melissa Hyde, Ruth Aylward and Gordon Lake were in attendance as well as RO Staff Mike Stokes and Ruby Whelan. The lucky draw for the Fair Trade Basket was claimed by Trina Russell of St. John's and a One-Hundred-Thirty-dollar donation was contributed to the Community Food Sharing Association. All involved agreed that this THINK PUBLIC projectdid PSAC proud. Pictures (wmv) JULY - 2008As a part of the Think Public Campaign, PSAC members from the Goose Bay areatook charge of a booth at the North West River Beach Festival. This event was held on July 26 and 27, 2008 and was a great success. Pictures (wmv) The Grand Falls-Windsor Family Day was held on Sunday July 20th, 2008. PSAC member Violet Bennett, Regional Representive Scott Gallant and Summer Student Jonathan Pippy were in attendance. There were approximately 3000 people who came out to Centennial Field to participate in the day's events. Read More (pdf) A Message From Doug Tremblett, FB Bargaining Team Member (pdf) On Wednesday July 23, 2008 PSAC members from the Gander area showed up in full force to help out with a Think Public BBQ. This BBQ turned out to be a huge success. By the end of the lunch hour a total of $314.00 had been raised to purchase food for a local food bank. This event proved to be a great opportunity to promote the importance of quality public services to members and to the public. Proceeds from Think Public BBQ donated to Local Food Bank (pdf) June - 2008St. John's members rise bright and early on June 19, 2008 to host Plantgates and a mock picket line. Plantgates were held at two major locations in the city with great success. Pictures (wmv)
Gander members hold a Mobilization demonstration Pictures (wmv)
Goose Bay members show support for the Negotiating Teams with BBQ and Demonstration Pictures (wmv) Gander Area Regional Mobilization Team meet. At the end of the day the team developed a plan and budget to ROCK the region and lead the country in Mobilization Team Pictures (wmv) MAY - 2008May 21 Demonstrations (wmv) Gander Region members show support for their negotiating teams (wmv)
PSAC St. John's Regional Staff Celebrating 100 years of service ST. JOHN’S LOCAL GOES GREEN TO SUPPORT THEIR NEGOTIATING TEAM
Members of Union of Solicitor General Local 90001, St. John's, NL are doing their part to show support for their Negotiating Team. They are collecting recyclables, with the money proceeds going to a Strike Fund. By doing so, they are showing that they are prepared to take necessary action if strike becomes imminent. The recycling program is also an excellent contribution to help the Environment.
Front Row L to R : Sue Kavanagh, Jean Slaney Middle Row L to R: Ruby Johnson, Bonny Lake Back Row R: Steve LeGrow May 5th - PARKS NATIONAL MOBILIZATION DAYNational Component Locals Terra Nova National Park - Local 90005 Gros Morne National Park - Local 90265 show great support for their Negotiating Teams. The clear message to Parks Canada was - "We want a fair deal "NOW" and its time to "GET QUACKIN"
Terra Nova National Park Members - Local 90005
Gros Morne National Park Members - Local 90265 APRIL 2008 Gander PSAC Members Honour National Day of Mourning
PSAC REVP Atlantic Jeannie Baldwin and Gander's Mayor Claude Elliott lowering the flag
Carl Waterman - Chair - Gander Area Councillaying a wreath on behalf PSAC members PSAC membership well-representedat Day of Mourning ceremonies on April 28
Left to right: Lorraine Power-Green, Kevin Bassett, Gerald Skanes, Marg Madden, Gerard Neville, Helen Whitty. In St.John’s, Representatives from 5 Locals, the Regional Women’s Committee, Area Council, and Regional office (on behalf of all the PSAC members) participated in the remembrance ceremony. Parks Canada Mobilization -April 22, 2008National Component Local 90005 members Stephen Holloway and Neville Crisby meet with MP Scott Simms on April 22/08. MP Scott Simms committed to writing Alan Latourelle Chief Executive Officer Parks Canada Agency and John Baird Minister of the Environment to express his concern aroung the lack of committnment by Parks Canada to bargain in good faith. He also committed to speaking with Mr. Baird personally while in Ottawa. He is fully supportive of the elimination of Zones.
PSAC National Mobilization Day-April 21, 2008Members of CEIU/PSAC Local 90114 in Harbour Grace used their breaks and lunches to go out in front of the workplace with picket signs re "Support us in the fight to protect your Quality Public Services" and, as well, used picket signs from April 1st re "Fair Contracts" and "MP salary increases". The handout "Defending Quality Public Services" was distributed to all members, and most participated. The demonstration attracted the attention of the local newspaper. Left to right: Janice Pike, Linda O'Leary, Pamela Neil, Janice Swain, Debbie Bowering, Jeannie Penney, Kimberly Singleton, Tony Cull and Derek Saunders.
UNDE Local 90102 show their support for National Day Of Mobilization with a plant gate at 9 Wing Gander. They were joined by PSAC Gander and Area Council Chair Carl Waterman.
National Component Local 90005 Terra Nova National Park holds a plant gate and mail drop in support of National Day Of Mobilization. Left to right: Brothers Ray Matthews and Herb Ralph.
UNDE Local 90103 Goose Bay holds a plant gate in support of National Day of Mobilization. Left to right: Brothers Marcel Tuttle and Robert Saunders.
CEIU Locals joined by USGE Members participate inNational Mobilizaation day - April 21, 2008
FEBRUARY 2008Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour support the Our Fish Campaign
FEDERAL DOWNSIZING CONTINUES IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADORMedia Advisory - MarketwireSee attached Advisory READ MORE PARKS PLANTGATEA colder morning than the last one couldn't keep us away. When PSAC National Component Local 99242 members began their second plant-gate so far this Winter, on the morning of 18 Feb, it was 12 degrees below zero! But, getting the issues of what's happenning at the bargaining table has to get in the hands of employees at Cabot Place II in downtown St. John's.
DID YOU KNOW???
Injury on Duty Leave and Provincial Workers' Compensation Benefits
Under some provincial workers' compensation legislation, an employee on leave with pay, as a result of an injury on duty, is entitled to receive a tax credit equal to the amount the employee would have received had the provincial workers' compensation board paid the claimant directly. Beginning in the mid-80s, various provincial governments amended their workers’ compensation acts to reduce benefit levels and entitlement. Some provinces even prohibited top up agreements. Top up agreements are found in many collective agreements negotiated by unions. They compel employers to make up the difference between benefits awarded by the provincial workers' compensation acts and the injured worker’s full salary. Section 81.1 of the Workplace Health, Safety & Compensation Act of Newfoundland and Labrador imposes such a prohibition on any agreement between an employer and an injured worker. Accordingly, amendments have been made to the income tax system to change the application of the Newfoundland and Labrador income tax provisions. Workers compensation legislation entitles workers on leave with pay, as a result of an injury on duty; to receive a tax credit equal to the amount the worker would have received had the provincial workers compensation board, paid the claimant directly. Federal tax regulations require your employer to report income in the year it was paid. In the case of a worker on leave with pay (injury on duty), the award (deemed value of lost wages) is to be treated for income tax purposes as if the payment was made in the year approved by the provincial workers compensation board. As an employer, Treasury Board has confirmed that the Canada Revenue Agency will request amendments to T4 slips for the provinces that allow for the crediting of the amount received for injury on duty (deemed value of lost wages). Unfortunately, the province of Newfoundland & Labrador does not allow for the crediting of the amount received for injury on duty (deemed value of lost wages). Information on this complicated situation can be found on the Treasury Board Web site (http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/hr-rh/in-ai/2007/0301_e.asp). Any additional information on how this tax credit works should also be directed to your Newfoundland & Labrador Workplace Health, Safety & Compensation Board since the legislation concerning this situation arises from their legislation. Draft of January 22, 2008 Denis St-Jean
What's New?
Union of Environment Workers, Locals 90001 and 90002 (Helen Flynn,
Parks Canada Agency plant-gate at Cabot Place II in St. John's A brisk winter morning welcomed members at the on Monday, 28 Jan2008. Sister Jeannie Baldwin (REVP - Atlantic) was in attendance and greeted employees of the office tower with our leaflet explaining the membership's concerns around the abuse of student hiring programs. National Component Local #99242 Exectuive members Jeremy Roop and Dave Taylor encouraged the employees and visitors to the building to support the bargaining teams efforts, to show that support in the workplace and to stay tuned to the progress and state of negotiations."
EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTSSt. John's Regional Office hosts Train the Trainer Workshop Alliance Facilitators members from Newfoundland & Labrador Region attended the first "Train-the-Trainer" workshop in St. John's on April 3rd. Facilitators from the Atlantic Region will deliver a one hour workshop on mobilizing around collective bargaining for Treasury Board, Parks and Canadian Food Inspection Agency bargaining units. Left to right: Lise Thibodeau, Regional Education Officer, Atl., Cecil Stoyles, Natasha Fudge, Angela Decker, Mary Anderson and Margaret Madden.
St. John's Regional Office hosts TALKING UNION BASICS A Talking Union Basics (TUB) Course was held at the PSAC Boardroom in St. John's, NL on January 12 & 13, 2008. Course instructor Mike Stokes and Course facilitator Corina Gladney agreed it was gratifying to see young members becoming involved in their Union. From left to right: Mary Lou Devereaux, Sonia Chesney, Dorothy Chafe, Fred Barrett, Helen Whitty, Ruby Johnson, Margot Malone, Lisa Welsh, Lorraine Power-Green, Aiden Maloney, Michelle Norman, John Hart and Heather Hanlon.
OCTOBER - WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH Celebrations with the Labrador RWC
Annette Michelin - Guest Speaker .................Labrador RWC Members
St. John's REgional officeintroduces: JUSTICE LAWS WEB SITEActs and Regulations of Canada
October 14th, 2007Members at the Gander International Airportmobilize in the event of a strike.Members of this group are worried as the employer wants to cut more jobs. Most feel it is about union busting, rather than saving money. “This employer has money for everything and is having a record year for revenue since its takeover.” says Fraser Hiscock, Regional Representative – PSAC Gander Regional Office. “We hope to avoid a strike but if that is what it's going to take; then we will be ready. “Enough is Enough." | ||||
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