Many Passport members have recently received notification of changes to their position classification.
We understand that this news has raised many questions and concerns. Like you, we are concerned about the impact these changes may have on our members.
We are actively reviewing the information we receive, evaluating all available options, and determining the most appropriate course of action.
We are fully aware of the deadlines associated with this process and are actively working within those timelines.
Help Us Build the Strongest Possible Case
Every member’s situation is important.
To help us better understand the scope of the issue and gather the information we need, we ask affected members to complete the form below as soon as possible.
Pride season is in full swing, and PSAC has put together a comprehensive calendar of Pride events happening throughout the regions. We encourage everyone to explore the listings and take part in the celebrations, marches, and community gatherings happening near you.
If you’re planning to participate in a Pride event this year, and would like to give away UNE promo items (flags, temporary tattoos, or stickers) during events, please send an email to communications@une-sen.org.
Let’s celebrate together, uplift our communities, and continue advocating for equality and inclusion across all regions.
Between June 7 and June 11, 2026, UNE committee members gathered in Gatineau at the Hilton Lac‑Leamy for the pre‑Convention committee meetings. Over several focused days, delegates rolled up their sleeves and began the essential work that ensures Convention runs smoothly.
These meetings are where every resolution submitted by UNE members nationwide is reviewed, debated, prioritized, and prepared. The work done here allows delegates in August to make informed decisions that will shape the future of our union.
Convention Committees
Three committees met in June:
Finance Committee, General Committee, and the Constitution & Bylaws Committee.
Across all three committees’ members examined the resolutions submitted by locals and members across the country. Their responsibilities included:
Reviewing each resolution carefully
Debating concurrence or non‑concurrence
Analyzing impacts on UNE’s structure, operations, and members
Prioritizing resolutions so Convention delegates can debate them efficiently
Preparing clear recommendations for Convention 2026
While the Finance Committee also receives resolutions, their primary responsibility was developing the UNE budget for the next three years. Their focus was to build a budget that ensures UNE can deliver everything its members need to function effectively.
All committees work will be shared at Convention.
Delegates at Convention will vote in August for each resolution in the order of priority prepared by the committee. The thoughtful preparation done in Gatineau ensures that debates will be organized, informed, and grounded in the needs of the membership.
Who Serves on These Committees
Committee members were selected by UNE’s current Deputy Trustee and PSAC Vice‑President, Alex Silas, with a clear goal: representation that reflects the full diversity of UNE. All members of the committee will be Convention.
Delegates included voices from:
Every UNE region
Equity groups
A wide range of workplaces
With all perspectives in one room, the union becomes more balanced, more representative, and better equipped to address the real needs of its members.
Throughout the week, delegates considered how each resolution would strengthen UNE, support members, and position the union for the future. They asked important questions:
Would this proposal help build a more effective organization?
Does it support members equitably?
Will it help UNE remain strong, stable, and member‑driven for years to come?
Our Journey to Convention 2026
The debates have begun, the groundwork has been laid, and momentum is building. Delegates at Convention will make the final decisions in August, but the collaborative work completed between June 7 and June 11 has already shaped the path forward.
The future of our union starts here—through the careful, democratic, member‑driven work of Convention committees. Thanks to the dedication of UNE members from across the country, that future is already taking shape.
The 2026 UNE Triennial Convention—taking place August 24 to 28—marks an important and encouraging moment for our Component.
This Convention represents a meaningful step forward in rebuilding UNE’s democratic structures. While trusteeship remains in place, Alex Silas, PSAC National Executive Vice-President and the UNE Trustee appointed by PSAC’s National Board of Directors (NBoD), has expressed confidence based on engagement with rank-and-file members and regional leaders that UNE is moving in a positive direction, with strong signs of progress and renewed engagement from members.
The upcoming elections are a key part of that ongoing journey.
We are happy to announce that elections will be held during 2026 UNE Triennial Convention on Thursday, August 27. National elections will take place on the Convention Floor and Regional elections will take place during regional caucuses.
National elections will be chaired by Alex Silas as Convention chair and Trustee. Regional elections, which may run concurrently in different caucuses, will be chaired by qualified individuals selected by the Trustee. A nomination committee of delegates to Convention will be struck shortly to review nominations forms.
National Elections
Delegates will elect the following National positions:
National President
National Executive Vice-President
National Vice-President, Human Rights
National Vice-President for Occupational Health and Safety
1st Alternate National Executive Vice-President
2nd Alternate National Executive Vice-President
Assistant National Vice-President, Human Rights
All-Candidates Debate
The All‑Candidates Debate for all national positions listed above will take place on Wednesday, August 26.
Regional Elections
Regional elections will take place during regional caucuses. Delegates will elect:
Regional Vice-President
1st Assistant Regional Vice-President
2nd Assistant Regional Vice-President
3rd Assistant Regional Vice-President when applicable
Regional Human Rights Representative
1st Alternate Regional Human Rights Representative
2nd Alternate Regional Human Rights Representative
Alternates to the PSAC Convention(regions may elect as many alternates as they wish)
These caucuses ensure strong, representative leadership across all UNE regions and help shape UNE’s voice at the PSAC Convention. The agenda of the week of Convention including caucus will be shared soon.
An email will be sent to all locals shortly. If you are running for any elected office, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the following Policies and Bylaws to ensure democratic and fair elections:
This year’s elections carry special significance. The decision to proceed with elections was not taken lightly by the UNE Trustee, it reflects the progress UNE has made in rebuilding its democratic structures and strengthening the organization.
Over the past months, UNE has seen increased engagement and confidence from members and locals. More local are in conformance thanks to hard work of Deputy Trustees and UNE staff, who worked together to make improvements and support locals in their rebuilding efforts. UNE staff processes have strengthened, and important work in areas such as representation services has continued to move forward.
These positive developments have contributed to renewed confidence in UNE and establishing positive conditions to conduct a full and fair electoral process. The upcoming elections mark an important milestone in the union’s ongoing renewal and demonstrate continued progress toward a strong, accountable, and member-driven Union of National Employees.
Delegates will play a central role in choosing the leaders who will guide UNE through its next chapter and build on the momentum achieved to date.
While there is still work ahead, the return to a full electoral process is a strong sign of momentum and confidence in UNE’s future.
Last week, UNE delegates from across the country gathered in Gatineau for the pre‑Convention committee meetings. From the first morning, delegates rolled up their sleeves and got straight to work, engaging in discussions that will shape Convention 2026.
Across all three committees, members reviewed the resolutions submitted by UNE members nationwide and examined the budget for the next three years. They debated concurrence and non‑concurrence, analyzed impacts, and began the important work of preparing recommendations for Convention. While delegates at Convention will have the final say in August, the groundwork being laid last week was essential.
Throughout the week, delegates focused on how each resolution would strengthen our union, support members, and position UNE for the future. They considered whether proposals would help build a more effective organization and ensure UNE remains strong, stable, and member‑driven for years to come.
Unity in Diversity
One of the strengths of the process is the diversity of voices at the table. Delegates were chosen because they bring perspectives from every region, equity group, and workplace. When all those experiences come together in one room, our union becomes stronger, more balanced, and more representative of the membership we serve.
Solidarity in Action
The week also included a moment of solidarity as delegates visited Bank Street to support our union siblings — the Bank of Canada Security Guards. Standing together is what defines us. Our presence was a reminder that solidarity extends beyond the meeting room and that our strength lies in supporting one another.
Looking Ahead to Convention 2026
The debates have begun, the groundwork has been laid, and the momentum is building. Delegates at Convention will have the final say in August, but the thoughtful, collaborative work completed last week has helped set the decisions ahead.
The future of our union starts here — and it is already taking shape.
June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada, from coast to coast to coast.
This month is also an opportunity to reflect, learn, and recommit to reconciliation and the advancement of Indigenous rights. Meaningful reconciliation begins with awareness and action, and each of us has a role to play.
One way to take action this June is to deepen your understanding of Indigenous histories, rights, and realities. PSAC’s online course, Walking in Our Truth Together, was developed in collaboration with Canadian Geographic and invites you to explore treaties, Indigenous law, residential schools, MMIWG, and more, at your own pace.
We also encourage everyone to explore resources from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and consider making a personal or professional commitment aligned with the TRC’s Calls to Action.
Resolutions are one of the main ways members bring issues forward and propose changes, improvements, or new directions at UNE Convention.
If you want the union to act on an issue that matters to you — a resolution is how you make it happen.
What Is a Resolution? A resolution is a short and structured proposal that identifies an issue or concern, explains why that issue matters to members, and proposes a clear action for the union to take in response.
How to Write a Strong Resolution
The most effective resolutions are clear, focusing on one issue at a time; action‑oriented, stating exactly what you want the union to do; and concise, keeping the proposal short and to the point.
Most resolutions follow a simple format:
“The Union of National Employees will” — states what action should be taken
“Because” — explains the context or problem
Example:
The Union of National Employees will encourage unions to submit resolutions to convention in a clear language format.
Because the actions proposed will be better understood by convention delegates.
Because clear language is a valuable way to help union members feel included by the labour movement.
Because the clear language format makes sense: we start with what we want, then we back it up with our reasons.
Typically, the process begins at the Local level, where you bring your idea to a meeting, discuss and refine it with fellow members, and then participate in a vote to decide whether the Local will submit the resolution to Convention.
This helps ensure resolutions reflect the priorities of the membership.
Even a rough idea is a great starting point, so do not limit yourself. Your Local can help you:
Develop your idea
Draft the resolution
Ensure your resolution meets submission requirements
Submitting a Resolution
Resolutions are submitted before the main deadline, allowing time for review by the Pre-Convention Committees (Finance, General, or By-Laws & Policies).
Submitting early ensures your resolution can be fully reviewed and discussed.
For Convention 2026, the deadline to send your resolutions is May 29th, 2026.
Late Resolutions Resolutions received after May 29th, will be considered late resolutions. They will be considered only after all other resolutions have been reviewed and debated, with discussion time often more limited as a result.
Emergency Resolutions Emergency resolutions are introduced during Convention.
They must address issues that:
Could not have been anticipated earlier
Require immediate attention
Because of their nature, they must clearly demonstrate why they meet these criteria.
How to Submit a Resolution
You should submit your resolutions electronically on our website. Completing this process significantly reduces the time required to prepare resolutions for our committees’ review. If you do not have internet access, you can submit your resolutions by mail or fax.
Submit Supporting Documentation
Resolutions submitted online must be supported by signed minutes confirming that the resolution was adopted at a general local meeting.
Scanned copies must be sent to Ateau Zola at resolutions@une-sen.org.
You may also submit supporting documents by mail or fax.
Submission Deadline
Please send your resolution before May 29th, 2026. Any resolution received after this date will be classified as a late resolution and will only be reviewed and debated after all other resolutions, with more limited time for discussion.
Have an idea? Bring it forward.
Resolutions are one of the most powerful ways members shape the future of UNE.
Your voice matters — and Convention is where it’s heard.
Convention is the highest decision‑making body of our union. Every three years, delegates from across the country come together to review our By‑Laws and Policies, debate resolutions, and approve the budget that guides UNE’s work. In a regular cycle, Convention is also when delegates elect the National Executive.
This year, delegates will carry out the same important Convention work. Because UNE is currently placed under Trusteeship, the election for the National Executive may take place at a later date. If that happens, only members who are accredited as delegates for the 2026 Convention will be able to vote — even if the vote occurs on a different day. This Convention is especially important. The decisions we make in August 2026 will help set the foundation for how we rebuild and move forward as a strong, member‑focused union. Your involvement — whether as a delegate, a resolution writer, or an engaged member — truly makes a difference.
Union of National Employees: A Union Like No Other
We represent over 23,000 members working in 73 different workplaces, with as many collective agreements. Our members work in the public sector, the private sector, and the non‑profit sector. They work in every region of this country — and even around the world.
This diversity is one of our greatest strengths. But it also means that democracy is essential to how we function. We need voices from every workplace, every region, and every type of job to help shape the decisions that affect all of us.
That’s why your participation matters so much.
And that’s also why we extended the registration deadline — because not all Locals have sent someone yet, and we don’t want anyone to miss the opportunity to take part in the Convention that represents you.
What Happens at Convention
In August, delegates work together to make decisions that guide UNE for the next three years. They will:
Debate and vote on resolutions submitted by group of members
Approve the budget that sets our priorities and supports our activities
These decisions shape how we support members, how we grow, and how we continue building a strong, inclusive union.
Why Your Resolutions Matter
Resolutions are one of the most important tools members have to influence the direction of UNE.
A resolution is simply an idea or proposal for change. It can be something you want to improve, something you want to add, or something you want the union to do differently.
Every resolution submitted is reviewed by the appropriate Convention Committee before the Convention:
Convention is where we come together to make decisions that shape the future of UNE, and an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow activists and build lasting relationships. Whether you’re attending as a delegate, submitting a resolution, or simply learning more about the process, your involvement strengthens our union.
On May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, we reflect on what we have won together and on the power of collective action to create change in our workplaces and communities.
We mark May Day to honour the roots of our movement. On this day in 1886, in Chicago, Illinois, workers took to the streets in a general strike to fight for an eight-hour workday. Their protest was met with violence from anti-union forces determined to stop these protections from becoming reality.
But when workers stand together, we are powerful. And when we stay united in the face of backlash, we can win lasting change.
One hundred and forty years later, the eight-hour workday is the standard for many workers, and the labour movement continues to fight to protect these rights and expand them for everyone.
The eight-hour workday is just one example of what workers have won through organizing. Workers are who secured weekends, maternity and parental leave, health and safety laws, employment standards, and so many other protected rights that we benefit from today.
PSAC has a long and proud history of helping raise the bar for workers across the country.
In 1980, over 10,000 PSAC members in clerical and regulatory jobs, positions primarily held by women, organized and took action for equal pay. They won wage increases for themselves and their coworkers and helped spark broader demands for pay equity across the public service.
In 2026, we carry that struggle forward. We are working to protect the public services that make our country strong. We’re fighting for flexible work arrangements. We are pushing back against the misuse of risky AI technologies that threaten good union jobs. And we’re demanding safe and healthy workplaces for all.
Today, we recommit ourselves to the solidarity that anchors our movement. Together, we can create change in our workplaces and strengthen our communities and our country.
We do that by growing our movement and staying united.
Want to join the campaign to protect public services and workers’ rights? Visit ForYouCanada.ca to sign up and take action.
