The holiday season is here once again. The RCEA wishes you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday.
Since the last update some significant changes have occurred for the RCEA.
A new Federal Government has been elected and we are hopeful that this will bring meaningful changes to the public service.
The Liberal Party, Prime Minister Trudeau and Treasury Board President Scott Brison have all vowed to change the way the government deals with public servants and services. The Liberal government clearly stated that it is opposed to the former Harper government’s proposed new short term disability and sick leave plan and would instead review the existing one for fairness and impartiality. Marvin Zaluski and I met Minister Brison in early December. Marvin and I were thrilled to introduce the RCEA and the membership to the new Treasury Board President.
The last decade of unfair federal politics has led to growing concerns about mental health in the workplace. On December 2, 2015, Minister Brison jointly endorsed a Mental Health Task Force for public servants. We are hopeful that, with a new Federal government and employer, compassion and trust in the workplace will be renewed. The Technical Committee Report on Mental Health in the Workplace can be found under Latest News.
Prime Minister Trudeau committed to “fair and balanced” labour laws. Repealing the numerous anti-labour legislations (Bills C-59, C-377, C-525) and restoring free collective bargaining, and a return to trust and respect in the public service would benefit all Canadians, not only public employees.
The RCEA AGM in October had a significant increase in membership attendance from previous years. The new video link option saw a three-fold increase in the number of members participating.
The New Year will hopefully see bargaining for all six groups. The RCEA is looking for volunteers to sit on the bargaining committees for the AD, AS, CS, OP and PG groups. If you are interested, please contact joan@rcea.ca. These committees meet to prepare and finalize demands. These meetings take place over the lunch hour. Bargaining teams are selected from these committees. Bargaining normally takes place during working hours. Please participate.
The Elections Committee would like to inform RCEA members that Marvin Zaluski has been re-elected as 1st Vice President for another term of two years, ending on 31 December 2017. Congratulations Marvin.
The RCEA has several vacancies for stewards. Notifications will be mailed out to unrepresented locations in the New Year. At any time, you may contact the office@rcea.ca and put your name forward to become an RCEA representative.
Happy Holidays
Cathie