Letters

Dear PSAC Young Workers:Do you want a forum to discuss the impact of current issues on young workers? Are you interested in getting together to build solidarity, share knowledge and develop skills? As young workers, we face the same issues other Canadian workers face, as well as some that are unique to our demographic.

Each year on Labour Day we celebrate the achievements of all workers across Canada.This year, let’s honour the thousands of hardworking PSAC members who have been affected by the federal government’s reckless slash and burn agenda. As of May 31, 21,734 of our members in 58 departments have received notices saying they could lose their jobs, including 2,711 from the Prairie Region.

June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, an annual day to celebrate the rich, diverse cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal people and their contributions to Canada.

Have you ever been asked, “What has the union done for us?” As union activists, we know how much we benefit from our collective agreements, but not everyone knows how much we’ve fought for and the gains we’ve made in the past.Based on feedback and suggestions from PSAC members and local leaders across the Prairies, we’re moving forward with a video project to put faces to our members and give an outlet to share our stories and successes from the past. This will be an important resource for us to help all members learn about our history and build solidarity.

As June approaches, so do Pride festivities throughout the Prairie Region. Pride is an opportunity to celebrate diversity in the GLBT community, and recognize the contributions and accomplishments of our GLBT sisters and brothers.

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, an annual event to raise awareness of GLBT rights violations and stimulate interest in GLBT rights work. This year, let’s ensure we are doing everything we can to prevent homophobia in our workplaces, in our communities, in our schools and in our homes.

A Letter from Marianne Hladun, Regional Executive Vice-President for the PSAC Prairie Region, recognizing the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, 2013.

March 8 is International Women’s Day, an annual celebration of women’s economic, political and social achievements. This year, PSAC sisters have a few more reasons to celebrate.

Each year in February, we honour Black History Month, a time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of black citizens in Canada and around the world.This month allows us the opportunity to reflect on the social forces that have shaped and influenced our communities. We revisit the struggles and challenges inherent in black history in order to continue our work towards harassment free workplaces and a racism free Canada.

Today marks the Idle No More World Day of Action, a momentous day for the historic movement that has swept the country and attracted global attention and support. As MPs return to Parliament Hill today, we will stand together to peacefully protest attacks on democracy, Indigenous freedoms, human rights and environment protections.