Updates

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Friends, 

This coming Sunday is December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. For members who do not know, this national day of remembrance was established after the 1989 shooting of 14 women at École Polytechnique in Montréal, also known as the Montreal Massacre. 

Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the National Board of Directors has passed a motion that all regional conventions be conducted virtually. 

The Prairie Region Convention will take place virtually on June 25-27, 2021. The official revised Convention Call will be circulated to all bodies eligible to attend convention (locals, committees, area councils, National Officers, etc.) on December 15, 2020. 

This special webinar was an informative hour long session in an interactive format discussing mental health issues in these difficult times. We checked in with participants, explored challenges maintaining proper mental health, and provided tips and resources for those in need. We also has a special guest presenter, Dr. Leigh Quesnel, to tailor the discussion. Document provided during the webinar are attached. Watch the recording.

About Dr. Leigh Quesnel

Bill 16, Labour Relations Amendments Act

This bill will significantly change collective bargaining rules in Manitoba and tip the scales in favour of the employer, disenfranchising workers and their unions. It is clear Premier Brian Pallister is taking a page out of Alberta Premier Jason Kenney’s book, who makes undermining workers’ labour rights practically his full-time job. He wants to punish the public sector unions who challenged his unconstitutional bill – and won.

Most PSAC members contribute to the Public Service Pension (PSP) plan through their federal government pension contributions. PSP Investments is the sole owner of Revera, Inc., which is the second largest owner and operator of private, for-profit long-term care homes in the country. 

Since the start of the pandemic, residents of private long-term care homes have suffered higher rates of infection than residents in publicly owned and operated homes. These residents are also much more likely to die. 

During these unprecedented times, your REVP and union want your feeback on how we adjust to our new COVID reality. In order to do this, we are asking members to complete an online survey. PSAC Prairies has had some successful new approaches since the start of the pandemic such as the numerous skills training webinars provided in the winter and spring while our respective communities went into lockdown. However, it is important to hear directly from the membership on what your union is doing well and what we could improve on.