President Debi Daviau will be hosting a telephone town hall for federal public servants on Thursday, June 18. She’ll discuss how COVID-19 has affected the work of federal public servants, what PIPSC has been advocating for, and where we go from here.

We’ll be answering your questions about plans to return to the workplace, health and safety, and other pandemic-related issues live on the call.

Please join us for one of the following telephone town halls:

English telephone town hall – East

Date: Thursday, June 18
Time: 6:00 PM ADT / 5:00 PM EDT / 4:00 PM CDT / 3:00 PM MDT / 2:00 PM PDT

English telephone town hall – West

Date: Thursday, June 18
Time: 10:00 PM ADT / 9:00 PM EDT / 8:00 PM CDT / 7:00 PM MDT / 6:00 PM PDT

French telephone town hall

Date: Thursday, June 18
Time: 7:30 PM ADT / 6:30 PM EDT / 5:30 PM CDT / 4:30 PM MDT / 3:30 PM PDT

How to join the town hall

1. We will call you just before the town hall start time for the session in your region and language. Pick up and stay on the line.

2. Dial in to join the call.
English: 1-877-229-8493
French: 1-877-255-5810
Enter the code: 112851

3. Stream the call online: https://video.teleforumonline.com/video/streaming.php?client=12851

We look forward to connecting with you.

LGBTQ2+ communities and allies have begun digital events to mark Pride 2020 - we want to amplify your voices.

Pride events across the country have been moved from our streets to the internet, but we are just as proud as ever. And when the time is right, we’ll all be back together, shoulder to shoulder, fighting for inclusive and safe communities.

Share your pictures with us using #PIPSCpride on Facebook and Twitter or email us at bettertogether@pipsc.ca by June 25.

We’ll reshare to amplify your voice, your message, your Pride event!

When you share your photos, we’ll put your name in a draw to win artwork from a Canadian LGBTQ2+ artist.

With so many meetings moving online, you can show your pride and solidarity using our Pride digital background or Pride poster. We’ve also created Pride colouring pages for the whole family to enjoy.

We recommend checking out the actions from the Canadian Labour Congress in support of LGBTQ2+ communities.

Learn more about the work of our Human Rights and Diversity Committee.

We are in no rush to have members return to the worksite until every precaution necessary has been taken and health authorities believe it is safe to do so. 

PIPSC has been in discussions with the Treasury Board Secretariat on guidelines for returning to the workplace for several weeks. There is still no date for that return. 

We don't see the reason to throw caution to the wind and return members to the workplace when they've been so productive working from home. It's a virtual world and federal public servants have proven their ability to be productive while working remotely. 

Under no circumstance will we stand for compromised safety and that may mean it will take some time for you to return to the workplace. It also requires departments to be transparent and to work with our representatives on their plans to open up worksites. 

If we don't feel confident that adequate health and safety measures have been put in place, such as distancing requirements and sanitation of common spaces like bathrooms and kitchens, or even the safety of ventilation systems and workspace airflow we will be pushing back. 

For those of you who have been in the workplace this entire time, on the frontlines, we’re going to continue to push for adequate PPE and ensure you can refuse work if it is unsafe. 

For parents, balancing work and childcare has been especially stressful. To mitigate the strain on families, the leave code 699 must be available while daycares and schools remain closed, voluntary or limited.

In areas where schools and daycares have reopened, families that do not feel comfortable sending their children should continue to have access to the leave code. We are calling for the short term flexible use of Code 699 to remain in place until the start of the new school year, to allow time for any negotiations required. 

We will fight to ensure you have the leave you need made available. You shouldn’t have to choose between a pay cheque and taking care of your kids! 

It goes without saying, that the employer must respect the collective agreements and all applicable legislation. And we will be identifying potential temporary measures, beyond existing collective agreement provisions, to adapt to the new reality of COVID-19. 

This may mean finding opportunities to test innovative flexible work solutions. There might not be a one-size fits all solution in the future. A solution at one worksite may not be a solution in another, as regional, occupational and site specific facility requirements vary greatly. Whatever your situation, we will be here to help!

The Federal Black Employee Caucus (FBEC) seeks to address public servants' concerns of anti-Black racism and lack of career progression. PIPSC has participated in these events and joined advocacy efforts to identify and remove barriers that prevent any public servant from fully participating in the workplace and fulfilling their goals.

FBEC is launching a survey to better understand the experiences of Black federal public service employees. The results will be used to inform the FBEC’s diversity and inclusion work pertaining to career progression within the federal workplace. Norma Domey, B.Sc., M.Sc., DTM, PIPSC National Vice President, represents our members in her work with the FBEC Union Advisory Committee.

This is the first time a survey will focus on Black and African diaspora employees within the Canadian federal public service.

If you are Black or from the African diaspora and a federal public service employee, we encourage you to support this work by completing the survey.

TAKE THE SURVEY

The deadline to complete the survey is June 30, 2020.

Responses are anonymous and all information gathered will be strictly confidential.

Please contact members@fbec-cefn.ca if you have any questions.

We are surprised and disappointed by the Ford government’s decision last week to not expand pandemic pay beyond those already deemed eligible. This completely contradicts Health Minister Christine Elliott’s statement on May 14, 2020, when she told Ontarians the Ministry was working on a consolidated list to ensure that, “everyone who should receive pandemic pay will receive it.”

We are extremely proud of our radiation therapists working on the front lines during this pandemic. Just like other healthcare workers deemed eligible for pandemic pay, you are subject to the same provisions of the Ontario state of emergency. You are essential workers who cannot refuse to treat patients who are suspected to have contracted COVID-19. You are taking all precautions possible, screening patients and using personal protective equipment (PPE). And just like other healthcare workers, radiation therapists have been exposed to COVID-19 in your workplaces. 

Following the announcement of the pandemic pay, a letter was sent by PIPSC President Debi Daviau to Premier Ford, Health Minister Elliott and President of the Treasury Board, Bethlenfalvy. Calls were also placed to their offices and key staff within the government. 

We also reached out to other unions and groups representing hospital workers in Ontario who were not identified as included for pandemic pay, including OPSEU and the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS). 

On May 6, 2020, PIPSC launched an Email the Premier campaign. Members were asked to send a personal email to the Premier and key ministers, to demonstrate their concern over being excluded from pandemic pay. Thank you to all of our members who wrote to the Premier in support of this campaign.

Many hospital presidents, CEOs and employer organizations also supported the inclusion of radiation therapists and other hospital workers for pandemic pay:

• Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre President & CEO, Mr. Jean Bartkowiak, wrote to the Premier asking that all hospital employees, except CEO's, be included in the pandemic pay.
• Windsor Regional Hospital President & CEO, Mr. David Musyj, wrote the Premier and spoke publicly in support of expanding pandemic pay for hospital employees.
• The eight CEOs of the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Burlington Hospitals issued a public letter asking that pandemic pay be examined on how it "could apply to all hospital employees to provide equitable recognition.”

The Ontario Hospital Association and multiple other health organizations submitted a public letter to the Ontario Premier, copied to the Minister of Health, Treasury Board President and key staff, urging the province to accelerate and expand the implementation of pandemic pay of all non-management frontline staff, “to recognize the critical services provided and the team effort required in fighting COVID-19.”

Despite all of the support for expanding pandemic pay, the pleas to the Ford government have gone unanswered. 

This is beyond disappointing and upsetting for our members who have continued your important work in Ontario’s cancer centres throughout this crisis. You deserve the same recognition as the other professionals in the hospital who have been granted the pay. We plan to pursue this further in the collective bargaining process.

Since mid-March, the PIPSC team has been working hard to advocate on behalf of all members in light of the rapid changes caused by COVID-19. 

In this video, Debi Daviau, PIPSC President, provides an update for members in the federal public service on our advocacy to date. 

She also outlines how PIPSC has adapted to serve members remotely, and provides a brief update about union activities. 

We want to thank our incredible members for the work they’ve been doing on behalf of Canadians under these extraordinary circumstances.

This week, we have witnessed the devastating impact of anti-Black racism.

Too many people and communities in Canada continue to experience racism and injustice. Our Human Rights and Diversity Committee (HRDC) is working to address issues surrounding the Black community within the public service.

PIPSC should be a safe place and a place of inclusion. This can only happen when we individually and collectively take action to disrupt and dismantle the systems that perpetuate racism and oppression.

PIPSC and the Human Rights and Diversity Committee commit to this work and to actively engage in the listening, learning and collaboration necessary to build a better way forward together.

“Black PIPSC members have reached out to me sharing their experiences of racism both at work and in our union. They’ve reacted in shock as I’ve shared my own many years of confronting this same anti-black racism. We have to support each other and know that we are not responsible for this injustice,” said PIPSC Human Rights and Diversity Committee Chair, Jennie Esnard. “We are a caring community and we must remember to reach out and support each other; we must acknowledge that what is happening is not okay; and we must remain committed to speaking out against racism in all its forms.”

We have a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. We acknowledge that we have work to do within our system. We are committed to challenging ourselves to examine privilege and question how we can make changes to eliminate racism from within our system. We are committed to creating a place where everyone has an opportunity to learn and work in spaces of respect and belonging. 

Your union is 100 years old! While it is not the 100th anniversary we imagined, we are seizing the moment to make an impact in local communities.

As soon as it is safe and the pandemic has passed, the Board of Directors will work with constituent bodies to determine where and when at least 100 trees will be planted across Canada to commemorate 100 years of progress.

In order to maximize our impact, you are invited to donate to Nature Conservancy of Canada or Tree Canada, two charities that are leading important initiatives to plant new trees and to protect our biodiversity. Donations to either of these charities can be eligible for a tax receipt.

DONATE TO NATURE CONSERVANCY OF CANADA

The Nature Conservancy of Canada works to protect our country’s most precious natural places. Proudly Canadian, they empower people to safeguard the lands and waters that sustain life.

DONATE TO TREE CANADA

Tree Canada is proudly dedicated to planting and nurturing trees. For 25 years, they’ve engaged communities, governments, corporations and individuals in the pursuit of a greener and healthier living environment for Canadians.

Donate now to make a difference! We’re proud that for our 100th anniversary, we can give back to promote environmental stewardship, which is more important than ever as we attempt to address the climate crisis by reducing our carbon footprint.

The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) is a voluntary health care plan for federal public service employees and their families. Every five years, this plan is reviewed by the Treasury Board.  Benefits for public service workers are not negotiable under the law, so PIPSC plays an active advisory role during this review bringing forward your suggestions and concerns.

Along with other public service unions, we conducted a member survey in 2018 and held consultations to identify your priorities.

You asked for a plan that:

• promotes health & wellness through evidence-based medical care and plan design
• provides comprehensive coverage to care for members in difficult life situations
• innovates with digital tools, industry partnerships, new technologies and preventative care
• adopts a long term vision of sustainable, efficient, and affordable health care that delivers top value to current members, retired members and the Canadian public.

Our Pension & Benefits Team analyzed your feedback, developments in other big plans as well as trends in the industry. Along with other public service unions, we have identified coverage enhancements like enhanced vision care, access to social workers and psychotherapists and the implementation of direct billing. 

We are presenting our proposal to the employer in the coming months and will keep you informed.