May 3, 2007

CEIU to represent PSAC members at Service Canada

Today, we turn the page on the representation vote, and look to a future that will see all PSAC Service Canada members represented at the workplace level by a single PSAC Component.

Over the past six weeks, a significant number of PSAC Service Canada members participated in a representation vote.

To those of you who voted. Thank you, you have earned the right to define your Component going forward.

Those of you who didn't vote continue to be part of the process and have an ongoing opportunity to participate in your union in the future, and I sincerely hope that you do.

The vote resulted in CEIU earning the right to represent you at the workplace level.

Today marks a new beginning for PSAC members who work for Service Canada. CEIU will be welcoming a significant number of members formally represented by NHWU.

There will be challenges as members who come from two distinct Component cultures come together in a single Component. I want to assure you that as the National President of the PSAC, my priority will be to ensure a smooth transition.

A transition that ensures that grievances are vigorously pursued. A transition that simultaneously welcomes respects and gives voice to the members being transferred to CEIU from NHWU.
Over the next few days, I will be meeting with both NHWU National President, Ray Strike, and CEIU National President, Jeannette Meunier-McKay, to get their position on transition issues, and where possible to reach a consensus with them both on the implementation process.

It is my hope and expectation that the actual transfer of members from NHWU to CEIU will take place on August 1, 2007, if not before.

Let me acknowledge that this has not been an easy process.

This was a vote between two PSAC Components, Components with long histories and proud traditions.

This was a vote that neither Component chose.

But it was a necessary vote if you were to be well represented in the long term. The vote is over now, and it's time to move on.

When you get up in the morning, Service Canada will still be your employer, and the PSAC will still be your union.

That's important, because you will still face an employer with enormous power and you still need a union that can protect your rights.

As the National President of the PSAC, I am committed to ensuring that your rights are protected.

I am committed to working with you to help build a strong united PSAC Component that can meet the challenges that Service Canada has created, and defend your workplace rights.

Thank You!