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'Respect' is the watchword for 2007: A New Year's message from John Edmunds, National President
The holiday season is a time of celebration, but also of reflection. A time both to look back and to look ahead. This is as true about the workplace as it is in our home lives.(more...)
USGE training rolls into Quebec after successful Ontario course
The USGE’s ever-popular member training course starts the New Year with a three-day session for our Quebec members beginning January 23 in Montreal.(more...)
Not too early to start planning for 2007 Regional Conferences
Every three years, the USGE holds a cross-country series of Regional Conferences to promote membership involvement in our union, provide education and establish a forum for members to meet and discuss local, regional and national issues.(more...)
Time to prepare Local Audited Financial Statements for 2006
Locals are reminded that they must submit an audited financial statement for the year 2006 to the National Office no later than March 1, 2007.(more...)
Strong USGE delegation at PSAC's National Health and Safety Conference
The USGE has always shown leadership on health and safety issues.(more...)
National Office issues official call for Ontario and Quebec USGE Regional Conferences
Locals in Ontario and Quebec have received the official call for this spring's USGE Regional Conferences in their regions. (more...)
Atlantic Locals receive official call for USGE Regional Conferences
Atlantic Region Locals are now receiving the official call for this spring's USGE Regional Conference. (more...)
Montreal training session for USGE Quebec members highly successful
Two dozen activists from our Quebec Locals participated in a highly successful USGE training session in Montreal from January 23 to 25. (more...)
USGE to be well represented on PSAC negotiation teams for upcoming round of Treasury Board bargaining
The USGE will be well represented on the key negotiation teams that will bargain later this year with Treasury Board for new collective agreements for the great majority of our members. (more...)
Edmunds brings members’ concerns directly to PSEPC Minister Stockwell Day
National President John Edmunds has brought the concerns of USGE members directly to the man who gives senior management their marching orders – Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Security and Emergency Preparedness Canada. (more...)
National President's Report to February USGE National Executive meeting available for download
USGE pushes CSC for action on staffing and stress issues facing institutional and community parole members
The USGE continues to push Correctional Service Canada to boost staffing and ease stress among both institution- and community-based parole staff. (more...)
One click, and you’re up-to-date on PSAC-Treasury negotiations!
Now, USGE members can instantly get the latest news on the unfolding contract talks between our bargaining agent – the Public Service Alliance – and Treasury Board. (more...)
Sudden passing of Helen Haakman stuns her many friends and colleagues
Any death is a tragedy. But when it comes both swiftly and unexpectedly, it is a true heartbreak for family, friends and colleagues. (more...)
National Executive enhances skills at PSAC-USGE training session
The USGE is a huge supporter of union-provided education – whether by our own union, or by our bargaining agent, the Public Service Alliance. (more...)
USGE activist new Alternate PSAC Regional Vice-President for the National Capital Region
Maria Fitzpatrick, President of USGE Local 70041 and prominent PSAC activist, is our bargaining agent’s new Alternate Regional Vice-President for the National Capital Region. (more...)
Productive first NPB labour-management consultation under new senior management
The first National Labour-Management Consultation Committee meeting under new senior management at the National Parole Board got off to a good start with word of further progress to resolve our members’ grievances regarding work description, classification, effective date and pay. (more...)
USGE says new RCMP Commissioner’s first major decision ‘irresponsible, lacks common sense and vision’
Bev Busson’s first major decision as new RCMP Commissioner – on the long-standing Category of Employees project – gets a failing grade from National President, John Edmunds, and the more than 3,500 RCMP members the USGE represents across Canada.(more...)
Personal Leave Charts sent to Locals
The National Office has shipped the latest Personal Leave Charts to our Locals, in sufficient quantity for distribution to all USGE members. (more...)
Atlantic Regional Conference a big hit
It was three-for-three, as the USGE held another successful Regional Conference for our Atlantic members on April 18-19. (more...)
Charters presented to two new Laval Locals
The recent Quebec Regional Conference afforded National President John Edmunds the opportunity to present charters to two new USGE Locals from the complex of Correctional Service Canada facilities in Laval, the city north of Montreal Island. (more...)
RCMP to devote more resources to fixing PROS reporting system
Pushed by the USGE, the RCMP has committed to putting more resources into fixing its much-touted but less-than-successful Police Reporting and Occurrence System (PROS). (more...)
Are you, or someone you know, missing?
Our bargaining agent, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, has sent new membership cards to all its members, including those of the USGE... (more...)
Two highly-successful Regional Conferences in Ontario and Quebec
The group photos below show participants at the USGE's March 26-27 Ontario Regional Conference and March 29-30 Quebec Regional Conference. (more...)
National Office issues official call for Pacific and Prairies USGE Regional Conferences
Locals in Western Canada have received the official call for this spring's USGE Regional Conferences in their regions. (more...)
Joint USGE-CSC Working Group on CMA grievances finishes work and hands off proposed work description for final decision
A new draft National Generic Work Description (NGWD), the key to resolving classification issues faced by our Case Management Assistant members at Correctional Service Canada, has entered the final stage. (more...)
Mark April 28, National Day of Mourning for Canadian Workers
National President John Edmunds has written to departments and agencies employing USGE members to ask that flags be lowered to half-mast across Canada on April 28 to mark the National Day of Mourning for Canadian Workers.(more...)
Launch of redesigned USGE Ontario Region website for CSC members
The USGE has officially launched a redesigned and revamped Ontario Region Web site for our members employed by Correctional Service Canada in that province. (more...)
Independent human rights expert’s recommendations back USGE calls for RCMP action on employment equity
The USGE’s repeated calls for the RCMP action on employment equity issues has received strong backing from an independent human rights consultant hired by the Force itself. (more...)
USGE puts transformation of pension administration on consultation agenda for all departments
The USGE is putting the impending transformation of pension administration on the agenda of our next National Labour-Management Consultation meeting with senior management of all departments. (more...)
Psst! Remember to tell the National Office about PSST complaints!
The rules of the labour relations game changed a great deal at the end of 2005, with the coming into force of a ‘new’ Public Service Employment Act. (more...)
USGE establishes excellent rapport with head of Conservatives’ Review Panel into CSC operations
The USGE was quick off the mark in building an effective working relationship with the newly-appointed independent Review Panel delving into the operations of Correctional Service Canada. The Panel was announced April 20 by Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety. (more...)
Reminder – Ensure completed, signed election forms are sent to the National Office
This is the time of year when many of our Locals conduct their elections. The National Office provides a special form -- the USGE Representative Information Form – that must be completed and returned in order to officially validate these elections. (more...)
PFA retroactive payments to be completed for all affected CSC members by end of July
In October 2006, the USGE won a significant victory in having Correctional Service Canada reverse its controversial decision to strip longstanding Penological Factor Allowance payments from some 2,000 USGE members. (more...)
USGE forcibly rebuts UCCO's cheap shots on EAP-CISM
Some unions, like some people, never seem to grow up. (more...)
The butt stops here: CSC to go smoke-free May 1, 2008
Correctional Service of Canada informed the USGE on June 26 that its anticipated smoke-free workplace policy will take effect by the end of April 2008. (more...)
USGE submits wide-ranging brief on CSC reform to government-mandated Review Panel
The USGE has submitted a comprehensive analysis of the organizational and operational failings of Correctional Service Canada to the Review Panel established by the Conservative government. (more...)
Nationwide USGE-Management 'visitations' to RCMP Locals now under way
Meetings in Quebec City and Montreal have kicked off the latest round of ‘visitations’ by USGE and management labour relations staff to RCMP Locals. (more...)
Big win for CMAs, as 158 positions see upwards classification to CR-04
They fought hard for it. They fought tenaciously for it. And, now, they’ve got it. Some 158 Case Management Assistant positions, providing administrative support services in Community Parole Offices, have won an upward reclassification from CR-03 to CR-04 in recognition of their actual duties and responsibilities. (more...)
Haven't seen the latest USGE Solidarity newsletter? Get your own electronic copy!
USGE Solidarity, our union’s newsletter, is produced usually half-a-dozen times a year by the National Office. This handy compilation of the most important union news and information is mailed by the National Office to all Locals for distribution to the membership. (more...)
2007 round of USGE Regional Conferences ends on two high notes
Well-received USGE Regional Conferences in the Pacific and Prairies Regions in late May capped off a highly-successful 2007 round of these educational and skills-building sessions. (more...)
ACOCSS recommendaton results in CSC upping admin support for Small Parole Offices
Parole Officers working from small offices have always been disadvantaged by a CSC staffing formula that makes administrative support available only part of the time. (more...)
CSC shows movement on Institutional Parole Officer caseload ratio
Acknowledging a push from the USGE, Correctional Service Canada is moving to address a longstanding complaint of our Institutional Parole Officers – persistent exceeding of the target 1:25 caseload ratio. (more...)
Edmunds welcomes new RCMP Commissioner, seeks early meeting
While viewed as controversial by many uniformed Mounties, the USGE has welcomed the appointment of William Elliott as new RCMP Commissioner. (more...)
New BC-Yukon Regional Vice-President and Alternate RVP for RCMP/Justice/CAFC members
Our British Columbia members employed by the RCMP, Department of Justice and the Canada Firearms Centre have a new Regional Vice-President and Alternate RVP to represent their interests on the USGE National Executive. (more...)
USGE represented on RCMP’s PROS Advisory Committee
The USGE is now represented on the RCMP committee overseeing the Force’s efforts to grapple with its problem-plagued Police Reporting and Occurrence System. (more...)
Superannuation contributions lightened for USGE members working in operational service at Correctional Service Canada
USGE members working in ‘operational service’ at CSC saw their superannuation contributions reduced as of the June 27, 2007 pay period. (more...)
National President's report to August USGE National Executive meeting available for downloading
(more...)Edmunds presents second formal submission to CSC Review Panel
Parole Officers working from small offices have always been disadvantaged by a CSC staffing formula that makes administrative support available only part of the time. (more...)
USGE-Management 'visitations' to RCMP Prairies Locals set for September
Parole Officers working from small offices have always been disadvantaged by a CSC staffing formula that makes administrative support available only part of the time. (more...)
David Neufeld new RVP for NPB-NPS (West) members
Parole Officers working from small offices have always been disadvantaged by a CSC staffing formula that makes administrative support available only part of the time. (more...)
Productive union-management consultation at Public Prosecution Services Canada
Parole Officers working from small offices have always been disadvantaged by a CSC staffing formula that makes administrative support available only part of the time. (more...)
RCMP members' issues highlighted at first face-to-face meeting with new Commissioner
Parole Officers working from small offices have always been disadvantaged by a CSC staffing formula that makes administrative support available only part of the time. (more...)
We're looking for a catchy Convention slogan!
Parole Officers working from small offices have always been disadvantaged by a CSC staffing formula that makes administrative support available only part of the time. (more...)
USGE members share parole expertise in Haiti
Parole Officers working from small offices have always been disadvantaged by a CSC staffing formula that makes administrative support available only part of the time. (more...)
July-August USGE Solidarity newsletter is now available for download
(more...)Coodinator of Organizing/Training position extended until 2008 Convention
Parole Officers working from small offices have always been disadvantaged by a CSC staffing formula that makes administrative support available only part of the time. (more...)
CSIS members have new contract, look ahead to new bargaining round in 2008
It’s been barely a month since our members employed with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service ratified their new collective agreement. However, they’re already starting to think ahead to the next bargaining round. (more...)
Work progressing on CSC's massive rewriting of job descriptions
Many of our CSC members are anxiously awaiting the results of Correctional Services Canada’s rewriting of job descriptions. The good news is that work is progressing well. The less-than-good news is that there’s a way to go before the project is completed. (more...)
RCMP members: Don't be blindsided by 'Letters of Expectation'!
RCMP management calls it a ‘letter of expectation’. The USGE calls it ‘disguised discipline’, a sneaky ploy to deny our members the protection of their collective agreement. (more...)
Manitoba members press CSC Commissioner on commitment to staff security
Keith Coulter, Correctional Service Canada Commissioner, came to Manitoba in late August to hear from USGE members. He got an earful. (more...)
Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP first USGE employer to move to 'proposals' stage of Essential Service Agreement process
The Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP has become the first USGE department to move to ‘proposals’ stage of the Essential Service Agreement process. This event provides a timely opportunity to provide all our members with an overview of where the ESA process sits. (more...)
CMAs get word of 'effective date' of reclassification
As we noted last June, some 600 Case Management Assistants, who provide administrative support services in Community Parole Offices, have won an upward reclassification from CR-03 to CR-04 in recognition of their actual duties and responsibilities. (more...)
Correctional Investigator's report echoes USGE's push for more money and staff for CSC
Whole sections of the annual report of the Correctional Investigator, released in late October, could well have been drafted by the USGE. (more...)
Treasury Board fails to further delay Chiefs of Administrative Services’ pay equity complaint
As difficult as it can be dealing with departmental and agency employers, federal public service unions also have to contend with Treasury Board. As an example, take the case of Chiefs of Administration Services at Correctional Service Canada Institutions across the country. . (more...)
Ottawa Justice member wins contest to coin USGE Convention slogan
If Guy Bellavance ever gets tired of his job with the Department of Justice, he might want to consider a career in advertising. (more...)
Local Health and Safety Committee members: We’re making a list, and checking it twice!
There is no more critical workplace issue than health and safety. All are affected, and lives can literally depend on it. (more...)
New Brunswick NPS members make the smart choice, invoking 'right to refuse' over fear of infection
Parole staff working at the Saint John Area Parole Office and the adjoining Parrtown Community Correctional Centre in New Brunswick recently made a smart choice in invoking the ‘right to refuse’ clause of the health and safety provisions of the Canada Labour Code. (more...)
October-November USGE Solidarity newsletter is now available for download
Reminder – National Office subsidy assists Locals to send delegate to PSAC Regional Conventions
The USGE plays a strong role within the Public Service Alliance of Canada, our bargaining agent. And we want to keep it that way. (more...)
USGE-management ‘visitations’ to RCMP Locals wrap up this month in Pacific Region and North
Meetings this month in the Pacific Region and the North will wrap up the latest round of ‘visitations’ by USGE and management labour relations staff to RCMP Locals. (more...)
USGE represented on the RCMP Steering Committee dealing with ‘Brown Task Force’
The USGE will play a part on the internal RCMP Steering Committee that is funnelling information to the ‘Brown Task Force’ – the five-member Task Force established by the Harper government last July to provide advice on strengthening the accountability and governance of the Force. (more...)
USGE secures full-time status for our RCMP Regional Vice-Presidents
The USGE has secured full-time status for those of our Regional Vice-Presidents who are employees of the RCMP. (more...)
Ontario members – vote for ‘MMP’ when you vote for your MPP
When they go to the polls, Ontario voters elect MPPs, or Members of Provincial Parliament. (more...)
Additional USGE-RCMP visitations to be scheduled for spring
The joint USGE-RCMP cross-Canada ‘visitations’ are a highly-useful and popular opportunity for our members to air concerns and discuss workplace issues in a less formal setting than official union-management consultation meetings.(more...)
History made as RCMP Commissioner attends LMCC meeting
While it’s way too early to say that labour relations with the RCMP is changing for the better, a highly-positive management gesture took place on November 21. (more...)
USGE asks Labour Board to force CSC to negotiate ESA
The USGE is calling on the Public Service Labour Relations Board to force Correctional Service Canada to meet to its legal obligation to negotiate an Essential Services Agreement. (more...)
Essential Services Agreements: Update
The status of the negotiation of Essential Services Agreements with the USGE’s various employers as of November 15 is outlined below. (more...)
Rosy CSIS media picture out of sync with reality
Our members employed by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service recently read about a truly wonderful employer in their hometown newspaper. (more...)
USGE Triennial National Convention Call sent to Locals
The National Office has sent all Locals the official call for our Triennial National Convention, to be held in Edmonton, Alberta next June 24-27. (more...)
National Office's Francine Laplante recognized for 40 years of dedicated service
Francine Laplante, our National Office Mail Clerk, has been recognized by the Public Service Alliance of Canada for an impressive 40 years of service. (more...)
CSC’s GS/GL Group Review: Make your voice heard!
Correctional Service Canada has finally begun the long-awaited review of all GS and GL work descriptions. T he USGE has been pushing hard to have CSC move forward with this overdue update. (more...)
USGE National Office job availability: Mail Room Clerk (Bilingual Imperative)
The USGE has an immediate job opening for the position Mail Room Clerk (Bilingual Imperative) in our National Office in Ottawa. (more...)
Critical year of activities reinforces need for Locals to submit info on Officers to National Office
Autumn is the time of year when many of our Locals hold elections for Officers. Even if no changes occur, it is essential that a filled-out ‘USGE Representative Form’ be sent to the National Office. (more...)
RCMP PROS Committee to hold special meeting to focus on USGE members' concerns
The RCMP Committee studying the controversial Police Reporting and Occurrence System will hold a special meeting on November 27 to discuss the numerous problems that PROS has caused USGE members. (more...)
Resource kit helps Locals prepare resolutions for next year's USGE Convention
Proper preparation of Local resolutions for consideration at the USGE Triennial National Convention was identified as a priority topic by members attending our 2007 round of Regional Conferences. (more...)
USGE launches cross-Canada 'Strike Preparation Workshops'
The focus on the upcoming year for all USGE members employed by Treasury Board will be on collective bargaining. The Public Service Alliance of Canada, our bargaining agent, goes head-to-head with the employer in what are likely to be a set of difficult and demanding negotiations. (more...)
New CSC grievance protocol a big step backwards
The USGE is expressing its strong opposition to a move by Correctional Service Canada to replace Regional Deputy Commissioners with Wardens as the 'second step' of the grievance procedure. (more...)
'Brown Report' calls for sweeping changes to RCMP structure and operations
The report of the Task Force on Governance and Cultural Change in the RCMP — the 'Brown Report' — has recommended sweeping reforms that, if implemented, would radically change the structure and operation of Canada's federal police force. (more...)
USGE reponds positively to Independent Review Panel recommendation for CSC reform
The USGE has reacted positively to the eagerly-awaited report of the Independent Review Panel established by the Conservative government earlier this year to address badly-needed reform of the Correctional Service Canada. (more...)
USGE hopeful our recommendations for RCMP reform will be reflected in 'Brown Report'
The ‘Brown Report’, the eagerly-anticipated task force study of RCMP management practices, is expected to be handed down before year’s end. And the USGE will be watching to see how many of our own recommendations for reform of the Force are reflected in the critical document. (more...)
USGE says 'no thanks' to more RCMP bureaucratic runaround on COE
With an admirable degree of moderation, the USGE has declined the opportunity to participate in more futile, time-wasting dancing around the RCMP’s Category of Employees project. (more...)
December USGE Solidarity newsletter now available for download
PSAC 2008 Calendars en route to workplaces
The popular calendars produced by the Public Service Alliance should be available in USGE workplaces by Christmas. (more...)
Strike Preparation workshops head into Prairies after successful B.C. launch
As this is being written, USGE workshops on strike preparation are heading for the Prairie provinces after a successful launch in British Columbia. (more...)