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The visit provided the opportunity to meet with several USJE members and to answer their questions regarding Phoenix pay issues, USJE’s representation on the new hybrid work model and more general questions around collective bargaining. Telework remains a top priority with many of our members and USJE must continue to advocate for flexibility and a nuanced approach.
The Treasury Board directive will have a disproportionately negative impact on public servants who are also active care-givers. It is quite difficult to secure before and after school spots mid-year, leaving many parents scrambling to find other arrangements and creating unnecessary stress and anxiety for public servants who have worked tirelessly since the pandemic began.
USJE member Nicole Akhenak was able to address several of the challenges faced by Parole Officers with MP McCauley. She described the experience of USJE members who support the reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders without sufficient resources and staff.
A highlight of the conversation was the USJE Presumptive Injury Campaign that aims to extend coverage for operational stress injuries to first responders. Creamer described the challenges of working in Corrections, and how these have an impact on the mental health of public safety employees.
RVP Heather McKinnon met with Niki Ashton, New Democratic Member of Parliament for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski in Manitoba.
RVP Osborne along with Local President, Annie Thériault held a meeting with members at the Fredericton Parole Office, one of the sites within Local 60074 (NB/PEI Parole).
Keeping Canadians safe is what USJE members do, behind the scenes, without the recognition and support that they deserve. Endeavoring to bring light to the critical work undertaken by our members has been adopted as one of USJE’s primary goals, in order to achieve positive change.
USJE representatives clearly stated the union’s position that the hybrid work environment must remain flexible. The COVID-19 pandemic brought irrevocable changes to the workplace and to work culture that members quickly adapted to while maintaining high productivity levels thanks to telework. Any post-pandemic interpretation of telework must necessarily benefit from a nuanced approach.
On Thursday morning, individuals had the chance to participate in the KAIROS blanket exercise, a deeply moving self-reflection initiative on the difficult history and urgent need for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The exercise was emotional, eye-opening and inspiring for many participants.
On the second day of USJE’s Equity Conference, members were invited to brainstorm in small groups to review the USJE by-laws through an equity lens, as well as all other areas where USJE could act to strengthen equity. In addition, views were exchanged on how to best safeguard equity when equity issues arise with the employer.