Dear Members,
To describe this pandemic as unpredictable doesn’t capture the degree to which our expectations are scuttled at every turn. A few weeks ago, while all indicators were on the decline, we cautiously thought that we had made it through the peak, that the wave was receding, and that it probably would be one of, if not the last one we’d see for a while. However, here in the National Capital Region, key indicators, such as the wastewater signal, are on the rise again. The same is true, not only in other parts of the country, but in many places across the world. No one has yet come out and called this a fifth (or is it sixth?) wave, but the evidence is clear that now is not the time to let our guard down.
In the midst of all this, Global Affairs has initiated the third phase of its return-to-the workplace plan (we have not heard of similar measures yet from IRCC). I want all our members to know that PAFSO is committed to ensuring that our return to the workplace is carried out in a way that (1) puts the safety of our members and their loved ones at the forefront; (2) is guided by the latest science and modelling available; and (3) responds quickly and appropriately in the event of another Covid wave. If you believe that your return to the workplace is being handled in an unsafe or discriminatory manner, please reach out to our office for advice.
In other news, as mentioned in previous messages, notice to bargain was served to the Employer at the beginning of March. And now that we are in the negotiating phase, we want to hear from you. The Collective Bargaining Committee is putting the final touches on a very short and simple questionnaire designed to find out what our members want to see in their next collective agreement. Your input in these matters is crucial to reaching the best deal possible for us all. Give some thought as to what you’d like to see in our next contract and keep an eye out on your inboxes next week for the links to the questionnaire.
Next Thursday, 7 April, I have been invited to appear before the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade as part of their study of the Canadian Foreign Service and elements of the foreign policy machinery within GAC. Along with Michael Small of AMBCANADA and Dan Livermore of the Forum, I will be one of the first witnesses to speak to the Committee as it embarks on the year-long study led by Senator, and PAFSO member, Peter Boehm. This is the first such deep look at the conditions of foreign service since the 1981 MacDougall Report and offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to tell our story to parliamentarians and the Canadian public. I look forward to the opportunity to share PAFSO’s perspectives on issues including recruitment, morale and the management structures within the Foreign Service, and to discuss our vision and concerns over where our profession is headed.
I’ll be sure to report back to you on the proceedings in my next message. We can also discuss them at our next PAFSO Breakfast, scheduled for Tuesday 12 April at 0900, Ottawa time. Join me for a discussion covering a range of topics including the results of the 2021 Triennial Survey, preparations for collective bargaining, the next steps of our strategic plan and our vision for advocacy. You can use this link to register for the session.
In case you missed it, please note that the PAFSO Awards Committee has just extended the deadline for nominating a colleague for the 2022 awards. The new deadline is Tuesday, 12 April. All the details you need can be found here on our website.
If you still haven’t received your copy of the latest issue of bout de papier, please contact info@pafso.com to make sure we have your correct mailing address. And while you are waiting for your copy to arrive, you can always check out a few selected articles at boutdepapier.ca.
In the meantime, if you have any issues or concerns about your circumstance at work, please contact Executive Director Kim Coles. Make sure to include your name, department and a short description of your concerns. She will put you in touch with someone from our labour relations team. For all other questions, email info@pafso.com and someone will get back to very soon.
This pandemic has felt like a rollercoaster sometimes. And right now feels particularly bumpy. I don’t know if we are entering an umpteenth wave. All I know is that it doesn’t feel like we can let our guard down just yet. And I also know that together, we’ll get through this.
I’ll be talking to you again in two weeks. Until then, take care of yourselves, and each other.
All the best,
Pam Isfeld
President