Work isn't what it used to be.
Over the last two decades work has shifted from largely industrial, resource and manufacturing based to service sector jobs.
Advances in technology continue. Many jobs are now part of the "knowledge based" economy. While this sounds impressive, many of these jobs are anything but.
And, we're working harder . . .
Free trade deals and globalization of trade have had very negative effects on workers. Free trade means global competition and downward pressure on wages and working conditions.
Over the last 15 years here's what's happened at work
- a culture of working unpaid overtime has developed
- permanent jobs continue to be contracted out
- term employment is epidemic
- new jobs tend to be lowered paid and in the service sector
- a rise in part time and precarious employment
- public services continue to be privatized
- burnout and cynicism amongst workers was increased
- a decline in our real wages and standard of living
- people are working longer and harder to keep afloat
- a growing gap between the workers and the rich
...and the list goes on.
Employers have told workers:
"Adapt!" "Be flexible!" "Be thankful you have a job!" "Be a team player!"
Sadly, many workers have bought into this rhetoric and are putting up with more and more bad treatment in the workplace.
What can be done?
- We can balance the power
- We can have a stronger voice in our workplaces
- We can exercise our right to unionize and speak with one voice
- We can negotiate our terms and conditions of work in a collective agreement
What's covered in a collective agreement?
- rates of pay - salary, increments, overtime, shift differentials, recall, etc.
- leave provisions - vacation, sick leave, family related, spousal union, bereavement, enhanced maternity, education, union business, etc.
- complaint and grievance procedures which can be referred to third party arbitration
- anti-harassment procedures
- seniority provisions
- technology change protection
- lay-off and recall
- joint union / management committees
- health and safety procedures
- and increasingly unions are negotiating work and family balance issues into collective agreements
We welcome your inquiries about joining PSAC. Our regional organizer in the National Capital Region can be reached at:
Organiser - Agent de syndicalisation, NCR
Telephone: 613-560-4261
or 613-292-2310
Fax: 613-234-6209
email: messiej@psac-afpc.com
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