Dear members,
There’s a lot of work going on at PAFSO, and a lot on the horizon, but only a few concrete items to report back on right now. Still, I wanted to bring you a quick update on the issues we’re dealing with, as well as a couple of events we’re planning.
PSAC reaches tentative agreements
This week, the Public Service Alliance of Canada announced that it had reached tentative agreements for more than 120,000 Treasury Board and 35,000 CRA employees. And with this announcement, one of the largest strikes in Canadian history came to an end.
Strong negotiating tactics, union activism, and strong support throughout the public service moved the Employer to offer a better deal to our PSAC colleagues. The agreement secures wage increases, provisions for safer and more inclusive workplaces, protections against the contracting out of services, and more robust language around provisions for remote working arrangements. The gains made in this tentative deal will affect not just PSAC members but all workers in this country, whether they are public or private sector, unionized or unrepresented.
Of course, this is not a done deal yet. The Employer’s latest offer still needs to be ratified by our Alliance colleagues in the coming weeks.
Over the course of the strike, your Immigration Vice President Logann McNamara and I had the chance to walk the line with our PSAC colleagues, and I was proud to know that many of you also found ways to show your solidarity. I know that it is this same spirit that will carry us forward as we continue our negotiations in the months ahead.
Collective bargaining update
As I write this, we are in active negotiations with TBS, and are pleased with the direction in which things are heading. I will share any and all news as soon as I can.
Save the date: Spring Happy Hour, Thursday, June 8
There’s nothing like springtime in Ottawa. That’s why I would like to invite you all to a Springtime 5 à 7. Join me on the terrace roof of the PAFSO offices on Thursday 8 June at 1700. Come for a glass of wine, some light snacks, and a great networking opportunity. Expect more details and a formal invitation in the coming days.
Affairs of State at the Classic Theatre Festival
I wanted to let you know that the Classic Theatre Festival is offering PAFSO members, and their dependents, a 20% discount on tickets to its production of Louis Verneuil’s 1950 classic comedy, Affairs of State. Running from July 7 to 30 at the Arts Court theatre, Affairs of State is a funny and intriguing story about the diplomatic deals and double crosses taking place behind closed doors in post-WW2 Washington. For more information about the play, and to purchase your tickets, visit the Classic Theatre Festival’s website or call 613-695-9330. Make sure to use the discount code PAFSO23 to get 20% off your ticket purchase.
PAFSO Breakfast: Panel discussion on trauma in Foreign Service work
Next Tuesday, 9 May at 0900 Ottawa time, I’ll be chairing a virtual panel discussion on the issue of trauma and its effects on us in our Foreign Service work. Panelists will include: Robyn Aaron, a former GAC child rights specialist who is now pursuing a career in counselling, providing support to professionals dealing with vicarious trauma, as well as to adult survivors of childhood trauma; Joanna Ignaszewska, a member of GAC’s EAP team with a special interest in the topics of compassion fatigue, trauma and burnout; and members of the peer-led FS Well-Being Network, who will share their personal experiences.
You can join me for this long-overdue discussion by registering for the Zoom webinar here.
So, that’s it. Just a quick note to keep you up to date. If there’s anything concerning you about your situation at work, just reach out to us. Make sure to include your name, department, and a detailed description of the issues you are facing. We’ll connect you to one of our Labour Relations Advisors who will be happy to assist you. For all other questions, just email info@pafso.com and someone will get back to you shortly.
We’ll talk again in two weeks. In the meantime, you can always keep up to date with what I’m up to by checking out our new President’s Twitter account. For my take on current issues, politics, and anything else newsworthy that impacts on our profession, follow me at @PafsoPresApase.
Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other
All the best,
Pam Isfeld
President