Support for Table 1 team

Conciliation board hearings began on September 12 for Table 1 members and the following day supporters of all bargaining groups rallied at Place du Portage in Hull. The rally included music, a corn roast and speeches.

Reg Alcock was recognized in effigy as the “Phantom of the Treasury Board”. Alcock has been invisible in the bargaining process despite breakdowns that have led to strikes at Parks Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency.

Not shy to put their words to music, PSAC President Nycole Turmel and Executive Vice-President Ed Cashman joined CEIU President Jeannette Meunier-McKay in singing out their message to the Treasury Board.

In addressing the rally, the CEIU President hit out at the government for their treatment of members in the past, including wage freezes and downsizing, and for the appalling offers made in the current round of bargaining. “The government is trying to save money at our expense to pay for its election promises – and we’re just not going to accept that kind of behavior.”

After the rally, the CEIU President delivered a special message of support to the Table 1 team from the CEIU Ontario Collective Bargaining committee. It included a picket sign covered with messages of support along with 54 carnations, one for each local in the Ontario region.