Newfoundland and Labrador

The Atlantic Regional Council met in Halifax on February 9 and 10, 2013.  Despite a major storm, the meeting went ahead and a lot was accomplished.  Here are some highlights.

ST. JOHN’S, NL -  Federal Mediator Barney Dobbin called the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the St. John’s International Airport Authority back to the table this morning to resume negotiation. 

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Canada Industrial Relations Board has dismissed a complaint by the St. John’s Airport accusing the union representing striking workers of bargaining in bad faith.  The decision released yesterday maintains that the Public Service Alliance of Canada has thoroughly upheld its responsibilities as outlined in section 50(a) of the Canada Labour Code. The decision was issued unanimously by a three person panel.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Winter 2013 Education Schedule has been posted on the Website.  See attached for more information. 

The 2013 PSAC National Health and Safety Conference, will beheld April 12 to 14, 2013 at the Sheraton Hotel in Montréal, Québec under the theme “Mental Health at Work – We Are All Affected.”

OTTAWA – The proposed Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and other trade and investment treaties threaten the sustainability of fisheries and fishing communities, says a  new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

To All PSAC Locals with members in Happy Valley-Goose Bay Area,The Happy Valley-Goose Bay Area Council is inviting your Local/Component to attend our next annual general meeting, scheduled for Thursday, January 24th, 2013 at the Masonic Lodge from 7 – 9 pm with the hope that you would consider joining your brothers and sisters under the PSAC Area Council.  We have an active Area Council with Locals from SERCO, Canadian Border Services, Service Canada, Aboriginal Affairs Northern Development Canada, Fisheries and Oceans, Transport Canadaand Health Canada.

We have a saying in Newfoundlandand Labrador, for situations that are unacceptable. Unjust. Unfair. Outrageous. ‘Not fit’.Our friends on the mainland use the phrase too, but in a slightly different way. Up there it means something is not equal. It doesn’t match up. Doesn’t add up. It doesn’t fit.It’s a bit ironic that the St. John’sAirport Authority – a crowd that would very much like to compare themselves to their colleagues on the mainland – have created a situation that falls under both definitions. One that’s not fit.Let’s take a look at that situation.

ST. JOHN’S, NL - The Public Service Alliance of Canada is disappointed that negotiations with St. John’s Airport failed Tuesday.  The union appreciates the efforts by Mayor Denis O’Keefe in bringing the parties back together to end a 100 day-old strike.  The PSAC negotiating team returned to the table hoping the employer was prepared to move on issues that would result in a settlement. 

The Solidarity was strong at Thursday's rally for the striking workers at St. John's Airport. PSAC Atlantic REVP Jeannie Baldwin reminded the Airport Authority that "we bargain on our feet and not on our knees."