Union News - April 2025
During the last round of collective bargaining and specifically the ratification votes, it became apparent that members were not aware of the need and benefits of retaining their membership while they were off on various types of leave without pay. This resulted in several members not having the right to vote during this process. To ensure that members can make an informed decision on whether to request to remain a member in good standing with PSAC we are providing information on PSAC’s policy on this matter as well as the process to be followed.
Non-Dues Paying Members
The PSAC Constitution defines the rights and privileges enjoyed by members in good standing of our union. Protecting one’s membership status is important, as only members in good standing can actively participate in our union and enjoy membership rights, as defined in Section 5 of the PSAC Constitution. This includes the right to union representation. All members of PSAC shall be considered members in good standing, subject to Section 4, Sub Section (2) and to Section 25 of our Constitution. Situations can arise that impact membership status, such as leave without pay for reasons including disability, injury at work, maternity/parental leave, or care of family greater than two years. Layoff, suspension, and termination also impact membership status. Should members experience any of the situations outlined in Section 4, Sub-Section (2), it is imperative that they request to remain a member in good standing from PSAC. To do this, a member must submit a request in writing (by completing this form) to the PSAC National President, asking to have their membership extended to cover the duration of their absence. Members must not assume that retaining their membership in good standing is done automatically – they must make a written request and their request must be approved. This process also alerts the PSAC Membership Administration Section to the member’s status, as well as the member’s Component and Region. Non-dues paying members must also be aware that unless authorized to do so by a motion adopted by the Alliance Executive Committee (AEC), they are not eligible for elected office within PSAC and cannot be a delegate to attend any PSAC Convention or Conference. These restrictions are outlined in Regulation 5.
Dues Paying Members
Membership in good standing can also be retained when members are working in a non-PSAC represented position. Members can maintain their PSAC membership by continuing to pay dues to PSAC. This is a common occurrence; the member must make arrangements to forward their dues to PSAC and Membership Administration is able to accommodate this arrangement. By continuing to pay dues, members are able to enjoy the rights and privileges of PSAC membership, including holding elected office and attending PSAC Conventions and conferences. As such, members can continue to serve in positions within their Local, Component and Region.
Hopefully this clarifies the process for maintaining membership in good standing within PSAC. Not retaining one’s membership while on leave without pay may result in an adverse effect to the member in a couple other ways. Members in good standing are eligible to receive a free $10,000 in life insurance policy available to PSAC members through Coughlin and Associates Insurance. By requesting to retain your membership you will ensure that during any periods you may be on leave without pay the insurance coverage would remain in place. Another important reason to retain your membership would be if you were on leave and receiving benefits through the Public Service Health Care Plan. If there was a problem with your benefits, as a member in good standing the union could represent you in dealing with Canada Life.
You can obtain information on the free $10,000 life insurance policy from Coughlin and Associates by visiting PSAC web page.
Patricia Sleczkowski
Co-Chair, Communications Committee