LGBTQ2+ communities and allies have begun digital events to mark Pride 2020 - we want to amplify your voices.
Pride events across the country have been moved from our streets to the internet, but we are just as proud as ever. And when the time is right, we’ll all be back together, shoulder to shoulder, fighting for inclusive and safe communities.
Share your pictures with us using #PIPSCpride on Facebook and Twitter or email us at bettertogether@pipsc.ca by June 25.
We’ll reshare to amplify your voice, your message, your Pride event!
When you share your photos, we’ll put your name in a draw to win artwork from a Canadian LGBTQ2+ artist.
We are in no rush to have members return to the worksite until every precaution necessary has been taken and health authorities believe it is safe to do so.
PIPSC has been in discussions with the Treasury Board Secretariat on guidelines for returning to the workplace for several weeks. There is still no date for that return.
We don't see the reason to throw caution to the wind and return members to the workplace when they've been so productive working from home. It's a virtual world and federal public servants have proven their ability to be productive while working remotely.
Under no circumstance will we stand for compromised safety and that may mean it will take some time for you to return to the workplace. It also requires departments to be transparent and to work with our representatives on their plans to open up worksites.
If we don't feel confident that adequate health and safety measures have been put in place, such as distancing requirements and sanitation of common spaces like bathrooms and kitchens, or even the safety of ventilation systems and workspace airflow we will be pushing back.
For those of you who have been in the workplace this entire time, on the frontlines, we’re going to continue to push for adequate PPE and ensure you can refuse work if it is unsafe.
For parents, balancing work and childcare has been especially stressful. To mitigate the strain on families, the leave code 699 must be available while daycares and schools remain closed, voluntary or limited.
In areas where schools and daycares have reopened, families that do not feel comfortable sending their children should continue to have access to the leave code. We are calling for the short term flexible use of Code 699 to remain in place until the start of the new school year, to allow time for any negotiations required.
We will fight to ensure you have the leave you need made available. You shouldn’t have to choose between a pay cheque and taking care of your kids!
It goes without saying, that the employer must respect the collective agreements and all applicable legislation. And we will be identifying potential temporary measures, beyond existing collective agreement provisions, to adapt to the new reality of COVID-19.
This may mean finding opportunities to test innovative flexible work solutions. There might not be a one-size fits all solution in the future. A solution at one worksite may not be a solution in another, as regional, occupational and site specific facility requirements vary greatly. Whatever your situation, we will be here to help!
Philippe always wanted to be a chemist when he was a kid. Changing particles and experimenting with solutions always sparked his interest.
Little did he know, he would become an engineer for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), which would lead to exciting space innovations. Although he doesn’t work with chemistry every day, he loves his job.
“My main role is to look at special projects at the CSA to ensure all of the project parameters are being respected,” he says. “This allows me to assure Canadians that all the projects are responding to their needs.”
Philippe often works on space projects launching and monitoring satellites that provide us with important navigation data. These satellites enable increasingly accurate GPS and other radar systems whether you’re hiking, biking or commuting.
He enjoys working with his team to ensure public science is improving the quality of space technology.
Philippe is also a PIPSC steward. He helps his colleagues understand their collective agreements, and is there to support his coworkers when they are having issues at work.
He says one of the great privileges of being a union member is having access to the technology and resources he needs to do his best.
“At the space agency, we are privileged to have access to special programs and resources that we need,” he says.
When it comes to work-life balance, Philippe also appreciates the security that being a union member provides.
“Being part of an institution like PIPSC allows us to have proper representation for good working conditions,” he says. “In the last round of bargaining, the union was able to secure a wellness package that addresses workplace violence, which is security we wouldn’t have without PIPSC.”
Working in a healthy and safe environment ensures Philippe and his team can confidently do the work that’s important to Canadians.
He recognizes that research is important for our leadership in space technology. Specifically, the RADARSAT Constellation project at the CSA works to improve ship navigation and detection for the national defence of Canada.
“What I’m most proud of in my career is being placed at the centre of satellite operations at the space agency,” he says. “It’s a project that’s taken many years. We have undertaken many operations and launched satellites that have collectively improved our work on RADARSAT Constellation.”
Every day, Philippe and his team work in the public interest to ensure the progress of space innovation — leading the way to a brighter future and greater access to reliable technology for all Canadians.
OTTAWA, June 5, 2020 – The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), is calling on the Ontario government to fix the glaring errors with their pandemic pay plan, and include front-line Radiation Therapists treating vulnerable patients in Ontario’s Cancer Centres throughout the pandemic.
“We are extremely proud of our radiation therapists working on the front lines during this pandemic,” said President Debi Daviau. They have been exposed to COVID-19 in their workplaces. They’re risking their lives — and the lives of their families.”
Just like other healthcare workers deemed eligible for pandemic pay, radiation therapists are subject to the same requirements of the Ontario state of emergency. They are essential workers who cannot refuse to treat patients who are suspected or confirmed to have contracted COVID-19. They are taking all precautions possible including constant use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The Ontario Hospital Association, many hospital CEOs, and employer and employee organizations have called for the pandemic pay to be expanded to all front-line hospital workers, but those pleas to the Ford government have gone unanswered.
“This isn’t just about the pay,” said Daviau. “It’s also a matter of respect and recognition for the critical services provided by these workers during the COVID-19 crisis. Cancer patients are a vulnerable population during this pandemic. The decision is beyond disappointing and upsetting for our members who have continued to treat at risk patients throughout this crisis. They deserve the same recognition as the other professionals in the hospitals who have been granted the pay.”
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada represents 60,000 public service professionals across Canada, including radiation therapists at Juravinski Cancer Centre, Walker Family Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook, Thunder Bay and Windsor facilities. Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.
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For further information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (cell),jfillion@pipsc.ca
The Federal Black Employee Caucus (FBEC) seeks to address public servants' concerns of anti-Black racism and lack of career progression. PIPSC has participated in these events and joined advocacy efforts to identify and remove barriers that prevent any public servant from fully participating in the workplace and fulfilling their goals.
FBEC is launching a survey to better understand the experiences of Black federal public service employees. The results will be used to inform the FBEC’s diversity and inclusion work pertaining to career progression within the federal workplace. Norma Domey, B.Sc., M.Sc., DTM, PIPSC National Vice President, represents our members in her work with the FBEC Union Advisory Committee.
This is the first time a survey will focus on Black and African diaspora employees within the Canadian federal public service.
If you are Black or from the African diaspora and a federal public service employee, we encourage you to support this work by completing the survey.
This week, we have witnessed the devastating impact of anti-Black racism.
Too many people and communities in Canada continue to experience racism and injustice. Our Human Rights and Diversity Committee (HRDC) is working to address issues surrounding the Black community within the public service.
PIPSC should be a safe place and a place of inclusion. This can only happen when we individually and collectively take action to disrupt and dismantle the systems that perpetuate racism and oppression.
PIPSC and the Human Rights and Diversity Committee commit to this work and to actively engage in the listening, learning and collaboration necessary to build a better way forward together.
“Black PIPSC members have reached out to me sharing their experiences of racism both at work and in our union. They’ve reacted in shock as I’ve shared my own many years of confronting this same anti-black racism. We have to support each other and know that we are not responsible for this injustice,” said PIPSC Human Rights and Diversity Committee Chair, Jennie Esnard. “We are a caring community and we must remember to reach out and support each other; we must acknowledge that what is happening is not okay; and we must remain committed to speaking out against racism in all its forms.”
We have a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. We acknowledge that we have work to do within our system. We are committed to challenging ourselves to examine privilege and question how we can make changes to eliminate racism from within our system. We are committed to creating a place where everyone has an opportunity to learn and work in spaces of respect and belonging.
Your union is 100 years old! While it is not the 100th anniversary we imagined, we are seizing the moment to make an impact in local communities.
As soon as it is safe and the pandemic has passed, the Board of Directors will work with constituent bodies to determine where and when at least 100 trees will be planted across Canada to commemorate 100 years of progress.
In order to maximize our impact, you are invited to donate to Nature Conservancy of Canada or Tree Canada, two charities that are leading important initiatives to plant new trees and to protect our biodiversity. Donations to either of these charities can be eligible for a tax receipt.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada works to protect our country’s most precious natural places. Proudly Canadian, they empower people to safeguard the lands and waters that sustain life.
Tree Canada is proudly dedicated to planting and nurturing trees. For 25 years, they’ve engaged communities, governments, corporations and individuals in the pursuit of a greener and healthier living environment for Canadians.
Donate now to make a difference! We’re proud that for our 100th anniversary, we can give back to promote environmental stewardship, which is more important than ever as we attempt to address the climate crisis by reducing our carbon footprint.
We are surprised and disappointed by the Ford government’s decision last week to not expand pandemic pay beyond those already deemed eligible. This completely contradicts Health Minister Christine Elliott’s statement on May 14, 2020, when she told Ontarians the Ministry was working on a consolidated list to ensure that, “everyone who should receive pandemic pay will receive it.”
We are extremely proud of our radiation therapists working on the front lines during this pandemic. Just like other healthcare workers deemed eligible for pandemic pay, you are subject to the same provisions of the Ontario state of emergency. You are essential workers who cannot refuse to treat patients who are suspected to have contracted COVID-19. You are taking all precautions possible, screening patients and using personal protective equipment (PPE). And just like other healthcare workers, radiation therapists have been exposed to COVID-19 in your workplaces.
Following the announcement of the pandemic pay, a letter was sent by PIPSC President Debi Daviau to Premier Ford, Health Minister Elliott and President of the Treasury Board, Bethlenfalvy. Calls were also placed to their offices and key staff within the government.
We also reached out to other unions and groups representing hospital workers in Ontario who were not identified as included for pandemic pay, including OPSEU and the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS).
On May 6, 2020, PIPSC launched an Email the Premier campaign. Members were asked to send a personal email to the Premier and key ministers, to demonstrate their concern over being excluded from pandemic pay. Thank you to all of our members who wrote to the Premier in support of this campaign.
Many hospital presidents, CEOs and employer organizations also supported the inclusion of radiation therapists and other hospital workers for pandemic pay:
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre President & CEO, Mr. Jean Bartkowiak, wrote to the Premier asking that all hospital employees, except CEO's, be included in the pandemic pay.
Windsor Regional Hospital President & CEO, Mr. David Musyj, wrote the Premier and spoke publicly in support of expanding pandemic pay for hospital employees.
The eight CEOs of the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Burlington Hospitals issued a public letter asking that pandemic pay be examined on how it "could apply to all hospital employees to provide equitable recognition.”
The Ontario Hospital Association and multiple other health organizations submitted a public letter to the Ontario Premier, copied to the Minister of Health, Treasury Board President and key staff, urging the province to accelerate and expand the implementation of pandemic pay of all non-management frontline staff, “to recognize the critical services provided and the team effort required in fighting COVID-19.”
Despite all of the support for expanding pandemic pay, the pleas to the Ford government have gone unanswered.
This is beyond disappointing and upsetting for our members who have continued your important work in Ontario’s cancer centres throughout this crisis. You deserve the same recognition as the other professionals in the hospital who have been granted the pay. We plan to pursue this further in the collective bargaining process.
