usjecommunicationsesj Tuesday’s federal budget was a mixed bag for USGE members. The federal government signaled its intention to follow through with its plan to make significant changes to the federal public service’s sick leave program, regardless of the outcome of the collective bargaining process.
While there have been some delays in meeting the previously established timelines, significant progress has been made over the last several months. Consultation with divisional management and USGE representatives has been very positive with helpful feedback.
Public safety is clearly on the minds of Canadians. And for good reason, given recent domestic and international events. So, it perhaps comes as no surprise that the federal government would introduce the possibility of keeping some of Canada’s most egregious offenders in jail – for good.
On January 26, 2015, the Public Service Labour Relations and Employment Board (PSLREB) ruled in favour of the union on our policy grievance against Correctional Service Canada (CSC) for its handling of food services employees whose jobs were being eliminated.
The Union of Solicitor General Employees (USGE) is asserting that CSC’s Attendance Management Program is arbitrary, discriminatory and violates the collective agreement. This is particularly the case for those Correctional employees who required family and bereavement leave, as well as those employees with a disability.
The Public Service Labour Relations and Employment Board (PSLREB) has ruled in favour of the Union of Solicitor General Employees (USGE) and the Public Service Alliance of Canada in its formal complaint against Correctional Services Canada (CSC) for its handling of employees whose jobs were being eliminated.
I know many of you have been working in an environment that is ever changing and you have had to adapt to new circumstances. I want to assure you that USGE is doing everything we can so that you are able to work in a constructive and supportive environment.
Correctional Services Canada has announced that the CCLO positions will be terminated nationally within the next few months due to budgetary constraints.
One of the primary reasons for this Information Picket was to bring attention to the announced cuts to the Community Corrections Liaison Officer (CCLOs) positions. CCLOs were part of an innovative Integrated Police and Parole Initiative across the country. Correctional Services Canada has announced that CCLO positions will be terminated nationally as of the end of 2014 as part of or the Deficit Reduction Action Plan (DRAP).
The information picket was designed to inform members concerning the employer’s attacks against the current insurance regime and sick leave benefits. Surgical masks were distributed to USGE and PIPSC members. The masks were worn all day by the vast majority of members, symbolizing the employer’s demand that public service employees show up sick to work.