Letters

Dear Sisters & Brothers,Annual GLBT Pride festivities are kicking off across the region and throughout Canada this summer, and PSAC members are participating in a variety of activities to celebrate.

A letter from Sister Marianne Hladun, Regional Executive Vice-President for the Prairies, recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, a day that aims to reach all groups of society, regardless of their sexual orientation, to promote diversity and foster acceptance for LGBT peoples.

 Marianne Hladun, Regional Executive Vice-President for the Prairies, addresses the members in her first letter since being sworn in at the PSAC 16th National Triennial Convention.

On April 28, the National Day of Mourning, we commemorate workers whose lives have been lost at work and those who have been injured in the workplace.

Dear Brothers & Sisters,Election day is less than a week away and, on April 23, you will have the opportunity to influence the political landscape in your province.This is a landmark election in that, for the first time in 40 years, the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta is seeing a decline in popularity and may be on the verge of a historic defeat. This is our opportunity to affect much needed change in Alberta.

This week is a very dark one for many PSAC members across the country. Thousands of members received notices from their departments advising them that they are "affected employees", or worse, under the WFA. In some cases members were advised that the section or organization that they are working for is shutting its doors.

Dear Brothers & Sisters,On April 23, you will have the opportunity to influence the political landscape in your province as Alberta heads to the polls to elect the representatives who will guide your province over the next four years.

Please email me directly with any information you have about how the cuts will be rolled out, when they will be rolled out, and who will be affected in your workplaces, now and as the weeks progress.

As the representative for young workers in my region, I have heard time and time again the need for a place for young workers to gather on an ongoing basis. Please help to spread the word to the young workers in your region and encourage them to join the "PSAC Young Workers United!" Facebook group and engage in this constructive dialogue.

 PSAC members that are employed by Treasury Board and its agencies have protections in their collective agreements against job cuts in the federal public service. Employers must ensure that employees are treated equitably and given every opportunity to continue their careers. Your collective agreements outline your rights and options when you are an indeterminate employee facing a Work Force Adjustment situation, also known as the Employee Transition Policy for CFIA members.