January and February are the busiest months for passport offices. Because of the upcoming March Break in Quebec, from March 4 to 8, 2024, Canadians are applying in person at various passport service locations, such as the ones in Laval and Montreal.
It’s also a busy year for all offices because many people who purchased 10-year passports in 2014 will require renewal in the coming months. Furthermore, the government decided to transfer over 500 workers who helped with the processing of passports at Service Canada locations to work on the new dental plan. This has created a shortfall for passport offices felt across the country.
While times for in-person applications have been longer on the day of application, Canadians continue to receive their passports on time whether they apply in person or by mail, thanks to the diligence and professionalism of Passport Officers who are proud UNE Members.
Did you know? PSAC has a free online education program available to all members. The courses are typically 1-2 hours in length and include electronic handouts. You can work at your own pace to complete the courses.
These topics cover information important to Local activists as well as new members looking to familiarize themselves with how our union works.
You can access the site and create your account here. Registration only takes a couple of minutes.
O’Siyo ᎣᏏᏲ “o-si-yo,” (Cherokee: I see you) Hello and Bonjour!
Happy Black History Month Union Siblings,
I’m often asked, what does Black History mean to me?
I’m happy to see Black Canadian historic figures celebrated, in whom I see myself, and our contributions to Canada brought to the forefront. Yet I worry that this is the only time the next generation sees themselves highlighted and that one month isn’t enough for Canadians to learn of our roles within our country.
I’ve always made it a point to uplift our impacts on Canada year-round.
This year’s theme for Black History in Canada is Black Excellence. There is much of that in our Ancestors to celebrate as Canadians. However, too many are individuals that are not much older than I am. There are stories of the over two hundred years of Slavery in Canada and nearly one hundred and seventy years of segregation told by those such as Viola Desmond. There is also the closing of last segregated school for Black children in 1983. The enslavement and segregation of Black Canadians back-to-back means Canada has been robbed of too much Black ingenuity, art, originality, creativity and so much more. This has exacted a heavy price on Black Canadians but they have still found ways to contribute to Canada. We can do better and we can be better. My members have shown us all how.
I join an elite group of Black Women such as:
1825 – Rose Fortune Considered by many Canada’s 1st Female Police officer
1853- Mary Ann Shadd Cary First Female Publisher in Canada and a Black Women
I also sit among the ranks of union Black excellence firsts such as the likes of the Sleeping Car Porters, Cal Best, Muriel Jean Collins, Livingstone Holder, Mervis White, Craig Reynolds and Larry Rousseau. I will do my utmost to live up to the trust members have put in me and to make my communities proud.
I hope you will take some time this month to think about and share a few of the stories of Black Excellence historically within Canada but especially those making a contribution within your place of work, community and beyond.
Thank you, Merci, ᏙᎾᏓᎪᎲᎢ “di-da-yo-li-hv-dv-ga-le-ni-s-gv,” which means “Until we meet again”
Pronouns: She/her
Alisha Campbell National President Union of National Employees
The employer has informed us of the breach, and we expect them to follow up with our union and members about the full scope of the breach and take all necessary measures to protect their privacy and security.
Black History Month traces its origins back to the early 20th century, when honoring African American history was first proposed by the historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African American figures.
Woodson, often hailed as the “Father of Black History,” was committed to promoting the study of African American contributions to American History. He believed that history was more than just political and military achievements; it embodied the social, intellectual, and cultural highlights that painted a detailed picture of a people’s history.
In 1926, Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, started the first iteration of Black History Month, then called “Negro History Week.” The second week of February was selected to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both key figures in the history of African Americans.
Woodson’s aim was to encourage the coordinated teaching of the history of American blacks in the nation’s public schools. The week was met with enthusiastic response, prompting schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs, and host performances and lectures.
Black History Month has since grown from a single week to being observed for a month. It has become a globally recognized celebration, observed not only in the United States but also in Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries around the world. It serves as a reminder of the struggles for racial justice and equality, and it spotlights the achievements and contributions of African Americans to science, education, literature, art, and the cultural development of society.
Today, Black History Month continues to be a time for reflection, recognition, and education. It’s an opportunity to engage in dialogue about race and equality, and to commit to understanding the rich history of people of African heritage. Through exhibitions, documentaries, readings, workshops, and seminars, Black History Month inspires individuals and communities to learn about and appreciate the history that helped shape the world we live in today.
During this Black History Month, we should all take the time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of Black people, which is essential in supporting social progress. Each of us has the obligation to raise awareness about the ongoing issues of racial injustice and inequality, encouraging society to engage in meaningful dialogue and action. Active participation promotes unity and solidarity, not just within Black communities, as people come together to celebrate and recognize Black history.
Celebrating Black History Month not only honors the past but also shapes our collective future by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Sam Padayachee is the UNE Regional Representative for Human Rights, Ontario.
As part of the collective agreement that PSAC negotiated during this round of bargaining for Parks Canada members, the $2,500 pensionable lump-sum payment will be issued to all eligible members on January 31, 2024.
See our FAQ for full details about eligibility for the lump sum payment.
The employer has 180 days from the date of signing to action retroactive pay, the $2,500 pensionable lump-sum payment and implement wage increases, wage adjustments and allowances. All non-monetary terms of the collective agreement took effect immediately upon signing on September 26, 2023.
Unfair labour practice fight ongoing
PSAC filed an unfair labour practice against Parks Canada, arguing that members who completed their contracts between the date of ratification on August 4 and September 26, 2023, should also receive the $2,500 pensionable lump-sum payment that was negotiated in good faith at the table.
Instead, Parks Canada delayed signing the agreement by almost two months after it was ratified by a majority of members. As a direct result of this delay, vulnerable term employees did not receive a benefit that they had just voted to accept. We will update members as soon as we have a decision on this complaint.
Take action!
Send a letter to the Minister of the Environment Stephen Guilbeault and President of the Treasury Board Anita Anand to push the employer to honour the collective agreement.
O’Siyo ᎣᏏᏲ “o-si-yo,” (Cherokee: I see you) Hello and Bonjour Union Siblings,
I am thrilled to share the news of a former UNE member, rejoining her union family in the exciting new role of Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development, Fabienne Duffet.
Fabienne has a vast and rich experience in human resources and labour relations.
She comes to us from PSAC where she held the positions of Manager, Labour Relations and Senior Human Resources Advisor, Labour Relations. Prior to being called to the Bar, Fabienne had a distinguished career in human resources.
She worked as an Occupational Health and Safety Advisor at Parks Canada and as an Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness Advisor at both Parks Canada and the House of Commons.
Her role continues important work began under the trusteeship that has only accelerated in the Administration to make necessary organisational shifts that will enable us to better meet members needs.
Fabienne is already proving to be a wonderful addition to UNE.
So please join me in welcoming Fabienne to the UNE team and making her feel at home once more!
Alisha Campbell National President, Union of National Employees
All members that were part of the SSO group are now covered by the recently negotiated PA collective agreement. All issues, including outstanding issues prior to the transition, will be dealt with under the PA collective agreement going forward. This includes a review of the current structure of SSO locals and how best to integrate them into existing PA locals.
The Union of National Employees, PSAC’s component that represents workers at Statistics Canada, is working on this process and will communicate directly with locals as updates are available. UNE has also compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding interviewer appointments and additional information about severance calculations, and plans to organize virtual townhall meetings to determine what is working well and what needs to be improved in the coming months.
The decision to integrate SSO members into the core public administration is an important one that fully recognizes SSO members as federal public service workers who deserve better terms and conditions of employment including fair wages, improved job security, and better benefits.
Joining the PA group will result in a stronger collective agreement, more bargaining power as part of PSAC’s largest bargaining group and allow SSO members to apply internally to positions across the federal public service.
The PA group includes over 100,000 federal government workers responsible for program administration, information services, communications, secretarial services, office equipment, administrative services, welfare programs, clerical functions and data processing.
It somehow feels as though the 2023 convention was so long ago and yet it was only four short months ago that a new National Executive was elected.
We moved out of trusteeship to Administration just over a month ago.
I can’t help but reflect on the amazing year UNE has had. We have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. I want each of you to know you inspire me to be a leader worthy of such amazing union siblings.
Earlier this year I lost my father Valient (2023) to join the Ancestors in the big circle along with my stepfather Dad (2021) Roland and my mother Linda (2019). We have lost members and family over the 2023. I wish you comfort over the holiday season in your grief.
Many of you took part in Canada’s largest strike in our history. I couldn’t be more amazed by how you came together in Solidarity. I thank you for standing on the line to advance changes in the labour causes.
As we enter the traditional Christian Holiday Season, I can’t help but think of those struggling in the world for safety and peace from other religious denominations and of how fortunate I am.
Some of you may be far from your families and homelands but know many of your union siblings are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in your struggles.
Whether the Holiday season is one you celebrate or not as we lead up to 2024, I would like to wish you well. I want to thank those of you that will provide others with time off to be with their families to celebrate the holidays and hope that you will also take some time to rest.
Those of us that will be off, may you find love and comfort in those around you as this has been another tumultuous year. Our collective efforts make us stronger.
My wishes for the 2023/2026 mandate are that:
We love and embrace our union siblings in their struggles.
Let us lend each other our collective strength through sharing knowledge and mentorship.
We will empower each other.
We will comfort each other when we stumble.
We will celebrate each other’s wins.
We the oppressed will strive to thrive.
Thank you./Merci, ᏙᎾᏓᎪᎲᎢ “di-da-yo-li-hv-dv-ga-le-ni-s-gv,” (Cherokee: Until we meet again)
As of December 15th, 2023, all federally regulated workplaces are required to ensure free access to menstrual products, as per the Canadian Labour Code (CLC) Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) will undertake the following in washrooms located within controlled areas accessible to federal employees, including those within tenant space:
Installation of menstrual product dispensers in female, male, all-access and gender-inclusive washrooms;
Installation of and maintenance of covered disposal receptacles in all male washroom stalls;
Procurement and restocking of menstrual products to meet usage levels in each building.
Exceptions: PSPC notes that every workplace is unique and there may be situations where installation of product dispensers may not be feasible in all washrooms. This includes installation concerns, space constraints, washrooms shared with private sector tenants, etc. Alternative solutions may be necessary within tenant space.
The National Accommodations Directorate will be responsible for liaising with PSPC on their implementation of this new requirement in all departmental workplaces in Crown-owned and PSPC-leased buildings across the country.
If your federally regulated workplace has not completed this important upgrade to washrooms, please contact your manager and, if necessary, follow up with a member of your Local Executive.
