April 17, 2008
First Nations Education Workers Join PSAC
Education staff of the Akhwesashne Mohawk Board of Education voted by a strong majority to join the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) in a recent representation vote. These teachers, educational assistants, student escorts, counselors, occupational therapists and speech therapists work at three separate districts. The vote was conducted by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).
“We welcome these newest members to the PSAC family,” said John Gordon, National President of PSAC. “Over the years our union has worked to support Aboriginal People in their pursuit of self governance and Aboriginal workers in their workplaces. This win for these workers is also an honour for PSAC as we continue to build strong relationships within Aboriginal communities.”
The balloting took place at the three Ahkwesahsne Districts: the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk School on Cornwall Island; the Kana'takon School in St. Regis; and, the Tsi Snaihne School in Snye (Quebec). The ballots were counted on March 20, 2008 at the CIRB headquarters in Ottawa.
“It's a powerful thing when any group of workers takes the bold step to unionize,” said Gerry Halabecki, Regional Executive Vice-President of PSAC. “These workers will now be able to negotiate their salaries, benefits and conditions of work with their employer. We are looking forward to working with them to achieve a strong first collective agreement in the near future.”
PSAC currently represents language teachers, teaching and education assistants, tutor/escorts and administrative assistants who work at Six Nations schools and many other Aboriginal workers in communities across the country. PSAC's membership of over 160,000 workers is in many different sectors and in all regions of the country.
For further information contact: Christopher Wilson 416.986.9341 (cell)
Home Site Map Contact Us Bargaining Search Join Our Union Français
Date Modified : 2008/04/16
Public Service Alliance of Canada | 233, Gilmour Street, Ottawa, ONTARIO CANADA, K2P 0P1, Tel.: 1 888 604-7722 (PSAC)