The Roles of the USGE and the PSAC

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is the certified bargaining agent for all members in the Union of Solicitor General Employees. As such, it is the PSAC that officially negotiates and signs collective agreements, amendments to agreements, letter of understanding, etc.

The USGE does, however, have an important role to play in this process.

We are very much involved in the effort to wrest better working conditions, improved benefits, job security and increased pay for our members.

In accordance with its bargaining timetable, the PSAC will advise the USGE of the 'input call' for the upcoming round of negotiations for a particular group or number of bargaining groups.

At that time, the USGE requests that all its Locals establish a Standing Bargaining Proposal Committee. This committee has the critical role of soliciting membership input as to issues which they feel should be included in the next round of negotiations for their group.

While we all have our axes to grind, responsible and realistic bargaining proposals will have the greatest chance of ultimate success. Loading up a 'wishlist' of demands ismply takes our collective eye off the major issues.

The Local collective bargaining committee also ensures that only one demand is submitted for each article of the collective agreement, be it pay, hours of work, annual leave and so forth. This vetting avoids confusion and contradictory proposals. Only proposals with a complete rationale and justification are considered.

All Local Officers should be aware of USGE Regulation 7 and PSAC Regulation 15. Both are included as separate topic sheets in our Local Toolbox, available elsewhere on this website. USGE Regulaton 7 outlines procedures for USGE Regional Bargaining Committees and the USGE National Bargaining Committee.