Call for equity group delegates to PSAC bargaining conferences

The PSAC provides for equity group delegates to Alliance regional bargaining conferences and CEIU members are encouraged to put their names forward for these positions.

Each of the following groups is entitled to send one delegate to the bargaining conference for their region:

• Aboriginals
• Racially visible members
• Gays/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered
• Members with disabilities

Equity delegates must be members of a bargaining unit that is covered by the regional conference and must also either hold union office or show evidence of union activism. The Shop Steward position is considered to be an office in the union. Attendance at union conferences or participation in union committees is considered to be evidence of union activism.

The CEIU has members in the following bargaining units:

PA (Program and Administrative Services – formerly Table 1)
SV (Operational Services – formerly Table 2)
TC (Technical Services – formerly Table 3)
EB (Education and Library Science – formerly Table 5)

For greater clarity, "regions" are understood as the seven PSAC regions: Atlantic, Quebec, National Capital Region, Ontario, Prairies, North and British Columbia.

Two regional bargaining conferences will be held:

Eastern Bargaining Conference: Montreal, Quebec – November 25-26, 2006. (For the Atlantic, Quebec, National Capital Region and Ontario regions).

Western Bargaining Conference: Vancouver, British Columbia – December 2-3, 2006. (For the Prairie, North and British Columbia regions).

A national bargaining conference will be held in Ottawa February 1-4, 2007. Delegates to the national conference will be selected by the delegates attending the two regional conferences.

The purpose of the regional conferences is to develop regional strategy and mobilization as well as input and discussion on bargaining proposals. Unlike previous conferences, delegates will not be asked to review and comment on specific proposals.

The participation of all groups in collective bargaining is critical and I encourage CEIU equity group members to consider participating at the PSAC conferences.

Interested members must ensure that their nominations are received at the CEIU National Office by October 13, 2006. Here is the contact information:

CEIU
Suite 1004
233 Gilmour Street
Ottawa ON K2P 0P2

Fax: 613.236.7871

In solidarity,

Jeannette Meunier-McKay
National President