Director Robert MacDonald reported on the work of the Task Force on Professionals Canada since the last AGM.
The 2018 AGM had deferred the decision on Professionals Canada until further consultations could take place. A Task Force of peers was nominated by the Advisory Council and the Board to review 90 documents associated with the proposal and discuss 158 questions and comments generated by the members of the Board and the Advisory Council. All 158 questions and comments have been answered or addressed. The Task Force has reported the results of its review and assessment to the Professionals Canada Steering Committee, Advisory Council and Board of Directors.
Member engagement and consultation resulted in an improved outcome. For example, as a result of the questions and comments regarding support of other labour organizations for the concept, the Canadian Labour Congress was approached. CLC President Hassan Yussuff issued an official letter to express the broader labour movement’s support of the proposal. He wrote:
“Professionals Canada is a great opportunity for Canada’s labour force and it compliments, but does not replace, our traditional representation model. I encourage you to fully support PIPSC in its efforts to establish this vital new element in the fight for fairness for all Canadian workers.”
In the report to the 100th AGM, the Task Force has identified no objection to the proposal.
The delegates to the 100th AGM will consider the following resolution:
Whereas PIPSC must protect itself from incessant attacks from right wing governments including any attack on the Rand Formula; and
Whereas a growing number of professionals in non-unionized private sector positions are facing precarious and harsh working conditions; and
Whereas PIPSC must continue to use every available means to combat the misuse of contracting out which has severely impacted our CS members and is increasingly threatening all professionals represented by the Institute; and
Whereas reaching out to non-unionized private sector professionals will benefit PIPSC by creating a new potential member base and by making us the leading voice for professionals in Canada; and
Whereas building communities of professionals to act collectively to improve our members’ lives is our highest purpose as a union that believes we are “better together”;
Be it resolved that the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada carry on its 100-year tradition of protecting and enhancing the rights of professional workers through the establishment of Professionals Canada, while reaffirming its commitment to combating the abuse of contracting out.
Be it further resolved that Professionals Canada be implemented in accordance with the plan and materials presented to the 2019 AGM.
Therefore be it resolved that the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada carry on its 100-year tradition of protecting and enhancing the rights of professional workers through the establishment of Professionals Canada.