PSAC-UTE members from across the country joined a series of virtual town halls this June to learn about the latest bargaining updates as the union prepares to table its wage offer in July.
“It's really encouraging to see the turnout and interest from our membership,” said UTE National President, Marc Brière. “Our members are our strength, so seeing this level of engagement is promising for the road ahead.”
Inflation, remote work among priorities
Facilitated by the UTE regional vice-presidents of their respective regions, town halls were held for members in the Atlantic, British Columbia, Ontario, the Prairies, Quebec and the National Capital Region.
Following a high-level national bargaining update, members asked questions on topics ranging from wages that match skyrocketing inflation to protecting remote and hybrid work options in the collective agreement.
Members take action
Each town hall closed with an action, with members from coast to coast sending nearly 700 emails to Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, along with opposition party critics from the Bloc Québécois, Conservative, and NDP parties.
“The federal government relied on us to process over 27 million CERB applications over the past two years. We delivered,” the letter begins. “Now, our members should be able to rely on this government for a fair deal at the bargaining table. So far, all we’ve been offered aby CRA is concessions.”
The action sent a clear signal to the employer that PSAC-UTE members are mobilizing and will hold strong for an agreement that recognizes their important work. Members still have time to participate in the action. Send a letter to Minister Lebouthillier now to show that our members are united.
Take part in the action
What’s next?
The next bargaining dates are set for July 12-14, when the PSAC-UTE bargaining team will present their wage demands.
However the employer responds to the union’s wage demands, the success of this round of negotiations rests on an engaged membership that is ready to mobilize. The town halls are a promising start.