Solidarity Week News

CEIU locals across the country participated in activities to mark the PSAC’s Solidarity Week 3.

CEIU local 90107 (Happy Valley – Goose Bay, Newfoundland) and other PSAC locals mixed fun with solidarity. They also extended their solidarity work beyond our battle with the Treasury Board to include striking members of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP) at their BBQ. A draw was held for one of the best prizes available these days – gasoline gift certificates.

Local 90107 president Grace Stockley presented Union of National Defence Employees members Rhonda Barrett, Belinda Brown and Gerald Ryan with gas gift certificates. PSAC winners of the certificates donated them to striking CEP members.

At local 10315 (New Richmond, Quebec) members responded to management’s initiatives on National Public Service Week by wearing red PSAC tee shirts and displaying red picket signs throughout their office. Added to the picket signs were CEIU flags and balloons which, according to local president, Colette Bertrand, “are going to be up for a long time.” Hourly exercise breaks are taken as well, with the local using a small bell to alert members to stop work. This practice will be followed on an on-going basis, according to Bertrand.

CEIU congratulates the locals that took part in solidarity week exercises and encourages all locals to stay active over the summer months. We are dealing with a difficult employer and must be prepared for whatever action may be necessary as we proceed along the bargaining path.