OPEN LETTER TO CIU MEMBERS

Sisters & Brothers,

As you are probably aware, the Treasury Board Tables of the PSAC (PA, SV, EB, TC & FB) recently engaged in exploratory discussions under the provisions of a rarely used article in the various collective agreements entitled “Agreement Reopener”.  Tentative agreements were reached at the PA, SV and EB Tables, while the TC and FB Tables rejected the employer’s offer.

At the heart of negotiations was severance pay, a benefit that has been in our collective agreements for approximately 40 years and assists our members as they transition into retirement. This proposal would disadvantage most of our members, but would have the worst impact on our members at the outset of their careers in the Public Service.  This is not a legacy that we wish to leave to our Brothers and Sisters.

With the greatest respect to the PA, SV and EB Bargaining Team members and the PSAC National Board of Directors, we emphatically urge all CIU members to vote NO.

It is important to note that a No vote cannot lead to a strike, since this is an Agreement Reopener. A NO vote would simply lead to a unified front when we return to the table next year and fight to prevent the erosion of our Collective Agreements.

In solidarity,

Francine Stuart                                                  Jacques Lafleur                           Pierre Alain
Headquarters District Branch, President     Montreal District Branch, President Quebec Branch, President
PA Member                                                       PA Member                         PA Member