MPPAC Invites RCMP Members to Join Efforts to Revamp Legislation

OTTAWA, March 11, 2016 /CNW/ - The Mounted Police Professional Association (MPPAC) is inviting all rank-and-file members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to join the association and take part in efforts to amend the new labour relations legislation tabled by the Government of Canada.

"This bill must be debated and passed into law within two months, which is a very short window to ensure it is amended to best reflect what members deserve," said MPPAC President Rae Banwarie. "We know this government is committed to transparency and accountability which is why we believe the proper changes can be made, and we are asking members to take an active role with us."

The Association's goal is to provide leadership and advocacy not only on workplace issues, but on policing and justice issues which affect our members and all Canadians the RCMP serves and protects.

Over the years, MPPAC has been successfully fighting for the right to engage in collective bargaining as the independent association on behalf of RCMP members, and has consistently raised questions of the RCMP management's accountability, resources and training, and issues related to officer safety and the public's safety.

"Members want to negotiate our employment conditions and be consulted on how this bill represents them," said Rob Creasser, MPPAC spokesperson. "Unfortunately the way it stands, this bill is flawed by removing vital matters from the bargaining table such as disciplinary measures and allocation of resources."

By joining MPPAC, members will receive timely information in coming weeks and representation during this process. This also includes ongoing exclusive access to the association community including direct contact with members in their region, member-to-member support, and access to MPPAC's intranet forum.

In January 2016, the Supreme Court gave the federal government until May 2016 to pass new legislation that will grant collective bargaining rights to RCMP members.

To learn more, visit www.mppac.ca.

SOURCE Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada (MPPAC)

Rob Creasser, Media Relations, Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada, T: [phone], E: [email protected]