Dear Members,
Here we are in December already. And as the year starts to wrap up, we are starting to look back on what we’ve achieved and turning our attention to what lies ahead. In the meantime, I want to catch you up on a few developments from the past two weeks.
Negotiations for the next Collective Bargaining Agreement
As I mentioned in my last message, our bargaining team was at the table again for three days last week. During that time, both parties were able to exchange a number of counter proposals. Progress was made, although the more significant issues, such as our economic proposals, will be presented when the parties meet again on January 18. Paul Raven, our lead negotiator, reports that while progress last week may have seemed a little slow, he remains optimistic that the pace will pick up in the coming months. As always, I will be sure to update you on this as developments unfold.
Cyclical review of the FSDs
Last week, the National Joint Council announced that it was extending the deadline for submitting proposals to amend the FSDs from April to August next year. This will give us a few more months to better prepare for the review. A huge part of this will be reaching out to you for your thoughts on how the FSDs can be improved to better serve the FS community. Early in the new year, we will be circulating a survey – prepared with input from your colleagues on the Consultative Committee – to collect your input on the matter.
AMBCANADA/PAFSO Deborah Chatsis Indigenous Scholarship
in Foreign Affairs at Carleton University: Giving Tuesday
I am pleased to report that this past “Giving Tuesday” was a resounding success for contributions to the AMBCANADA/PAFSO Deborah Chatsis Indigenous Scholarship in Foreign Affairs. The fund has greatly surpassed its $2,000 goal and now sits at just over $11,500 at the time I write this. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to this very important initiative.
Premiere of The Treaty
I wanted to remind everybody that this coming Monday, 5 December will mark the 25th anniversary of the Ottawa Treaty banning the use of landmines. On this occasion, Mines Action Canada and the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs will be holding the première screening of Richard Fitoussi’s documentary, The Treaty, which explores the bold diplomatic gamble that involved many PAFSO members in bringing together governments and civil society in a global movement to end this scourge. Join host Evan Solomon and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Lloyd Axworthy for this very special event at Carleton University on Monday, December 5 at 6pm. Click here for tickets and more information. Proceeds from the ticket sales will go towards de-mining in Ukraine.
As always, if you have any concerns with your situation at work, please send a detailed email to our General Manager, Bertrand Myre, and he will connect you with one of our Labour Relations Advisers. For all other inquiries, email info@pafso.com and someone will get back to you very soon. I’ll write to you once more before the holidays, on December 16. Until then, please take good care of yourselves, and of each other.
All the best,
Pam Isfeld
President