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"I want to thank Brother Aylward for speaking with us today. We stand in solidarity and appreciate the work you and your members are doing for the betterment of all workers." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
(R) Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Ottawa (06 Nov. 2018) — The National Executive Board of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is meeting on November 5 and 6 in Ottawa. The board members gave a warm welcome to Brother Chris Aylward, President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Aylward was elected President in May 2018.
Phoenix scandal continues
Brother Aylward thanked the Board for the opportunity to share the major issues PSAC is working on, and the union's priorities for the future. Front of mind, of course, is the Phoenix scandal. Thousands of PSAC members have been underpaid, overpaid or not paid at all for 3 years due to the flawed government pay system. The Phoenix pay system was brought in under the previous Conservative government, despite warnings from PSAC members that it could not do the job. The union is cautiously optimistic about the new federal government's acknowledgement of the massive problem, and its desire to create a new system, in collaboration with the experienced PSAC members who are on the frontlines.
Brother Aylward thanked the NUPGE Component leaders for their support as PSAC holds Phoenix information pickets across the country.
Anti-privatization and P3s
Brother Aylward spoke about the union's concerns with the privatization of public services and the growing trend to turn to private-public partnerships (P3s) to build and maintain. We know from experience with P3s elsewhere that profit is the biggest priority so companies involved in these schemes find ways to maximize the rewards while skimping on the necessities. As public sector unions, it is important for us to continue to oppose these decisions and show members and the public why P3s are not the answer.
Brother Aylward spoke words of solidarity as we all battle the negative forces — at the bargaining table, in government and around the world — knowing that we will succeed only by working together in common cause. We know that fighting for the well-being of our members, and putting forward progressive policies, mean improving the lives of everyone, not just union members.
"I want to thank Brother Aylward for speaking with us today," said Larry Brown, NUPGE President. "We stand in solidarity and appreciate the work you and your members are doing for the betterment of all workers."