Union News - December 2023
Sisters, Brothers and Friends,
As the year draws to an end, you should have received the lump sum payment of $2,500 (gross amount) as part of the new collective agreement. In addition, rates of pay for all members of the Union of Taxation Employees (UTE) have increased by 3.0%, plus a 0.5% wage adjustment for a total of 3.5% effective November 1, 2023.
On October 24, we launched a campaign to denounce the unacceptable situation in which many of our members and retirees find themselves since Canada Life became the administrator of the Public Service Health Care Plan. Long waiting times for customer service or reimbursement of expenses, refusal to cover certain drugs or treatments - the problems are piling up. If you haven't already done so, we urge you to contact your Member of Parliament or the Canada Life Ombudsman to tell them about the problems you're experiencing and to demand immediate improvements to this totally unacceptable situation. To increase the pressure, we also held a demonstration in front of the Canada Life regional office in Ottawa on October 25, which was covered by the media.
The UTE/CRA Joint Consultation Committee on Virtual Work Arrangements met again on October 30. Another meeting will be held soon, and the Committee will then provide an update on the progress of its work.
I would also like to inform you that the UTE National Office will be moving from the 8th floor of the building located at 233 Gilmour Street in Ottawa to the 4th floor of the building situated at 275 Bank Street, Ottawa, effective January 1, 2024. We have signed a ten (10) year lease.
Meanwhile, several members have written to tell us how the tragic events in Israel and the Gaza Strip are affecting them. UTE is deeply saddened by the loss of so many civilian lives and for all the suffering caused by the escalation of violence. This situation is beyond our control, but we call on the Canadian government to demand an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and to allow humanitarian aid organizations to reach the population. Canada must also advocate for a peaceful solution to this conflict as quickly as possible. We know that many members were shocked and hurt by the message issued on October 11 by the Clerk of the Privy Council and the lack of subsequent messages from the employer. I would like to inform you that I have raised the matter with the Agency Commissioner to sensitize him to this issue and to request that further communications be issued in the near future, and that they be respectful of all parties involved and all CRA employees. We are aware of the pain and distress that many of our members are experiencing as a result of this difficult situation, and we offer our sincerest thoughts to all those affected by the crisis.
Thank you once again for your excellent work and for your continued support of your union. Please do not hesitate to contact any of your local union representatives if you have a problem or question, as they are there to help.
In closing, I wish each and every one of you and your loved ones a wonderful Holiday Season. May the New Year bring you peace, joy, happiness, and prosperity! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Stay safe and take good care of yourself and your loved ones!
In Solidarity,
Marc Brière
National President