Federal public sector workers will rally to protect bargaining rights

VANCOUVER, May 18, 2015 /CNW/ - Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), and other federal public sector unions will rally in Vancouver on May 19th to defend collective bargaining rights and oppose portions of Bill C-59, the Budget Implementation Act, that propose to unilaterally alter collective agreements in the federal workforce.

"This government is turning back the clock, acting in bad faith and have decided to bully their way into getting what they want in complete disregard for the Supreme Court and our members' rights." says Bob Jackson, PSAC Regional Executive Vice President for BC, "Federal government workers in Vancouver, and in many other locations across the country, will be taking to the streets and letting the government and Treasury Board know that this is unacceptable. The government is trampling on our collective agreements and our bargaining rights."

The government tabled its Budget Implement Act (Bill C-59) on May 7, 2015. The Bill authorizes Treasury Board to modify collective agreements to remove sick leave and impose a short and long term disability plan outside of collective agreements. The Bill will circumvent the Public Service Labour Relations Act as well as ongoing negotiations.

What: Rally for bargaining rights

When: Tuesday, May 19th, 12:15 to 12:45 PM

Where: North Plaza, Library Square, 300 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

SOURCE Public Service Alliance of Canada

More information: Patrick Bragg, PSAC Communications, cel: 778 889-3486, email: [email protected]