May 4, 2012

Robyn Benson elected PSAC National President

Robyn Benson has been elected as the new National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. She succeeds John Gordon, who retired after six years in the role and more than 30 years of union activism.

Benson has been the Regional Executive Vice-President (REVP) for PSAC's Prairies region since 2000. As the REVP, she has been responsible for a wide range of activities in her region which covers Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Benson worked for 20 years with the Winnipeg Taxation Centre of Revenue Canada (now the Canada Revenue Agency) before her election in 2000. Her union involvement dates back to the 1980 strike by the Clerical and Regulatory (CR) bargaining unit when she was a term employee. She has held a variety of union positions including Regional Vice-President in the Union of Taxation Employees (UTE), a position she held until 2000.

May 3, 2012

Striking workers at Many Rivers ratify agreement

The strike at the Many Rivers Counselling and Support Services Society ended Thursday morning, May 3, when employees voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective agreement. See Ratification News Release.

After 3 weeks on the picket lines, the striking workers return to work on Friday, May 4.

May 1, 2012

Harper welcomes May Day with a new wave of job cuts.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Harper prepared for May Day by delivering notices to 3,872 PSAC members that they could lose their jobs. These "workplace adjustment notices" bring the total number of PSAC members affected since the Federal Budget to 11,928.

The delivery of the notices coincides with both a world-wide commemoration of attacks on labour, and with the PSAC Triennial Convention now taking place in Ottawa (see April 30 Convention Update).

International Workers' Day (May Day) commemorates the 1886 Haymarket Massacre in Chicago, when police fired on workers during a general strike for an eight hour work day. Since that time, May Day has evolved into a day of active civil engagement tied to the generations-long labour movement―celebrated in more than 80 countries around the world.

The story of May Day makes excellent reading. For those interested in its history, visit May Day's radical history, an online article published on May 30, 2012, in Salon.

May 1, 2012

Many Rivers Strike―Federal Mediators to

meet with Many Rivers today

The strike at Many Rivers Counselling and Support Services has continued into its second week. Negotiations will resume May 1, 2012 with the assistance of two Federal Mediators.

"Resolution of this strike is the Union's first priority" says President Steve Geick.

Read full Press Release here

See News Room for all Press Release

April 24, 2012

Federal Mediators to assist as negotiations resume between Union and Many Rivers

See Y031 News Release April 24

April 13, 2012

Many Rivers Strike Notice Served

See Y031 News Release April 13

April 10, 2012

Many Rivers Counselling and Support Services Society votes for strike action

See Y031 News Release April 10

January 5, 2012

Salvation Army Wage Dispute

Workers at the Salvation Army's Ottawa Booth Centre are fighting for a basic living wage. Please follow this link to learn more about their situation.

November 10, 2011

2011 YEU Bursary Awards announced

The Yukon Employees' Union is pleased to announce the names of the recipients of 2011 Bursary Awards. These awards are presented annually to YEU members or family for courses that augment the recipient's ability to learn about or make a contribution to organized labour in the Yukon.

Mitchell Andre—John Irving Trade Bursary $500

Tyler Wynnyk—$500

Elizabeth Bosely—Don Galbraith Award $1000

Michael Fraser—$1000

Alexander James Wiens de Bruyn—$1000

Ryan Michael Lane—$1000

Shiva Kazemi—$1000

Rebecca Dack-Brink—$1000

Jennifer Petelski—$1000

October 30, 2011
STEVE GEICK elected YEU President

Day 3 - Sunday, October 30, 2011

The 2011 Triennial Convention of the Yukon Employees' Union completed its business at 5 p.m. today. Steve Geick has been elected President, and will guide the Yukon's largest labour union for the next three years.

Steve Geick addresses the convention

This was a convention of change. Ten of the thirteen Executive positions are now held by newly elected members. And significantly, five new Executive members are under the age of 35―an exciting and positive development for YEU.

Retiring YEU President Laurie Butterworth chaired the convention. Butterworth served YEU as President for the last six years.

More details will be provided in the next few days. The names of the newly elected Executive members are:

President: Steve Geick

1st Vice-President: Loralee Kesler

2nd Vice-President: Tony Thomas

Secretary: Becky Nash

Treasurer: Girlie Austin

Equity Director: Lisa Vollans

Youth Director: Lindsay Heynen

Director: Jack Bourassa

Director: Blaire Andre

Director: Derek Yap

Director: Tyler Murray

Director: Mark Bowers

Director: Justin Lemphers

Day 2 - Saturday, October 29, 2011

Members of the YEU Executive presented their various reports, and accepted questions from the floor of the convention. Late morning, PSAC National President John Gordon addressed the delegates.

He spoke passionately about the current anti-union climate in North America, and the anti-union actions the Harper government has taken to deny public sector workers the right to bargain and strike to protect wages and beneifits.

Day 1 - Friday, Oct. 28, 2011

Delegates, staff and guests of the Yukon Employees' Union began meeting Friday morning at Mount McIntryre in Whitehorse.

The convention will continue through Sunday. Click the following link to read the Convention Agenda.

June 21, 2011

Julie Docherty elected PSAC North REVP

YEU member and activist Julie Docherty waselected as Regional Executive Vice-President of PSAC North at their triennial convention in Iqaluit last week. Julie replaces Jean François DesLauriers, who held the position for the last 14 years.

The Union Employees' Union is delighted to again have one of our members chosen for this important and high profile position. We congratulate Julie and look forward to working with her.

February 2, 2011

Union-First Nations MOU helps preserve union jobs

Incorrect reports about the intent and impact of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Union and two First Nations have recently been circulating. The following summary is intended to address the most common misunderstandings.

The MOU does not “give away” jobs. Far from it, it is designed to protect jobs. The possibility that certain services now delivered by government may at some point be transferred to First Nations for delivery is a reality created by the Umbrella Final Agreement, not this MOU.

If the Union sat idly by and did nothing until the transfer occurred, those Union members affected would have no protection for their rights and benefits, let alone their jobs. The MOU means that if a Union member’s job is ever transferred to these First Nations for delivery, then their collective agreement rights and protections will follow them, as will the protection offered by the Canada Labour Code, which the agreement specifically references.

It helps these First Nations in their quest to see the Umbrella Final Agreement fully implemented, and fulfills the union’s mandate to protect its members. It should be celebrated.

It is also worth noting that although the media has reported the Yukon government’s suggestion that the Union has supported privatization or contracting out, nothing could be farther from the truth. The Umbrella Final Agreement agrees to ‘transfer’ responsibility for delivery of certain programs to another government. Nothing is privatized or contracted. Our goal is to ensure that our members keep their jobs should a transfer occur.

The entire Memorandum of Understanding is available for viewing on this website. We encourage our members and the general public to take the time to read the MOU, and gain a full understanding of its provisions and intent.

January 31, 2011

Town of Watson Lake CA negotiations reach impasse

Negotiations between PSAC/YEU and the Town of Watson Lake reached an impasse on the second day of negotiations (January 25, 2011).

The Union will be seeking legal advice on a complaint to the Canada Industrial Labour Relations Board, and will be applying to the Minister of Labour for the appointment of a Conciliation Officer.

January 27, 2011

ADM apologizes for criticism of EMS employees 

Emergency Medical Services Director Nicholas Tilgner has written to YEU President Laurie Butterworth apologizing for published comments that suggest ambulance staff members sit around bored, waiting for opportunities to take overtime shifts. He assured Mr. Butterworth that the “impression” left by reporter James Munson that characterized our members in this way was a “gross inaccuracy”, and that “the employer does not in any way view them in this light.”

Mr. Tilgner expressed his regrets if such a characterization of ambulance staff caused offense or resentment within the union or the general public, and extended his apologies.

January 24, 2011

Union & First Nations reach

ground-breaking agreement

The Public Service Alliance of Canada and two Yukon First Nations―Na-cho Nyak Dun and Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in―signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding this morning.

Within the agreement, PSAC recognizes the rights and aspirations of First Nations' people in their pursuit of self-government and the transfer of government programs. The First Nations agree to protect Union employees' jobs and benefits when assuming sole or joint responsibility for programs and services currently delivered by the federal and territorial government.

More information is available in the YEU Newsletter available on this site. Please click on the following links to view the News Release announcing the agreement, and a scanned copy of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Annual Open House celebrates Human Rights

YEU members and friends of the union gathered on December 10 at the union hall to celebrate International Human Rights Day. This was the 9th annual human rights open house held by the union.

The event recognizes the progress made over the past year in the advancement of human rights around the world. It celebrates those accomplishments and provides an opportunity to renew our commitment to the advancement of human rights in the coming year.

Respect for human rights and human dignity “is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”, declared the United Nations General Assembly in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

The Day formally marks the anniversary of the Assembly’s adoption of the declaration. And for the second straight year, the Yukon Employees’ Union welcomed representatives from the Whitehorse Food Bank to join us at the event to  solicit contributions.

YEU donated $5 to the food bank for ever person who attended and signed the guest book. The amount raised was then topped up to bring the total union donation to $1000.

The event welcomed everyone to join the celebration, and to partake in the refreshments and fine food offered. Music was provided by Yukon classical guitarist Nicholas Mah.

YFL holds Triennial Convention

The Yukon Federation of Labour held their 1st Triennial Convention on December 10 and 11 at the High Country Inn. Twenty-six delegates from labour unions across the territory were in attendance. Observers from other provinces and territories also attended including Amber Hockin, Regional Director of the CLC Pacific Region, BC Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair, and UNW President Todd Parsons.

The convention dealt with issues of joint concern to members and the public in general, such as the treatment of foreign workers coming to the territory under the Seasonal Foreign Worker Nominee Program.

The convention approved many resolutions, including ones calling for the relocation of the Workers’ Advocate Office to fall under the jurisdiction of YFL, creation of a permanent Workers’ Memorial, expansion of the Canada Pension Plan, and a call for affiliates to resist employer attacks on benefits and sick leave.

A budget for the coming year received approval, and the election of a new executive for the next three years followed. Alex Furlong was re-elected President, and three members of the Yukon Employees' Union will hold executive positions for the coming term:

• Julie Docherty (YEU), 1st Vice-President,
• Vickki Quocksister, 2nd Vice-President
• Del Young (YEU), Secretary, and
• Laurie Butterworth (YEU), Treasurer.

Nine Executive Council members were also elected along with 3 trustees.

YEU Shop Steward's Conference delivers the goods

More the 50 shop stewards and local repre-sentatives met in Whitehorse on November 19-20 for the 2010 Shop Steward's Conference.

The conference provided union representatives with an opportunity to develop representation techniques, learn about workplace issues and solutions, improve their listening skills, and share information and experiences with other shop stewards.

Fifteen presenters from YEU and PSAC delivered training modules on subjects such as

• the Duty to Accommodate

• mental illness in the workplace

• the power of participation

• health & safety committee work

• protecting collective agreement rights

• grievance writing

• knowing the collective agreement

• the grievance process

• confident communication

• bullying in the workplace

• workplace safety

• the power of labour-management meetings

• problem solving meetings

• keeping each other informed, and

• balancing work, union activity & personal life.

More details will be provided in the upcoming YEU Newsletter. A copy of the conference agenda is still available.

Workers hear about pension threat

Link to Hands Off Our Pensions information

On Wednesday evening, February 24, public service employees met in Whitehorse to hear from union leaders about the emerging threat to our pension benefits. PSAC National President John Gordon was in town to address this critical issue, which could come to a head as early as March 4 when the federal government releases its budget.

Those in attendance at the town hall meeting heard from Gordon, YEU President Laurie Butterworth, YTA President Katherine Mackwood, Jean-François Des Lauriers, Regional Vice-President of PSAC North, and YFL President Alex Furlong.

Detailed information about the issue and what you can do to help are available on the Events page of this website. At the very least, all public service employers should sign the petitions being circulated. This threat cannot be ignored.

Our community loses

a beloved member

Honourary YEU member Lucy Jackson recently passed away. See the story about her in our August-September Newsletter. In the photo above, PSAC National President John Gordon greets Lucy at the 2008 YEU Triennial Convention.

2009 Bursary Applications

available online

Each year YEU awards 8 bursaries of $1000 each toward studies or courses that augment the recipient's ability to learn about or make a contribution to organized labour in the Yukon.

Visit the Training Events section of this site under the Members button for more information and to download an application form. The deadline for submissions is September 30th, so don't delay.

Government workers -
have your say!

The Collective Bargaining process has begun for Yukon government employees. See the article in the March 2009 Newsletter, and download Bargaining Input forms. If you have something to say about the content of your Collective Agreement, now would be the time.

Your Executive!

Delegates to the 2008 YEU Triennial Convention elected a new Executive and established their agenda to guide the Yukon's largest labour union over the next three years. See News Release for details.

2008 YEU Bursary Awards

Recipients of the 2008 Yukon Employees' Union Bursaries were chosen on Thursday, October 2. See the October newsletter for details.

How to contact us

YEU staff can be reached at 667-2331, by fax at 667-6521, or through our office email.

Members living in rural communities can now contact the Union office Toll Free. Please call
1-888-YEU-2331.

June 29, 2009

Watson Lake Municipal Workers ratify agreement

A first Collective Agreement has been reached between the Town of Watson Lake and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (bargaining agent for YEU). The agreement was achieved on June 25, and ratified by the members the same day.

It is expected that the employer will vote on the ratification package July 7. More information to follow.

January 15, 2009

Union members in Watson Lake fight to prevent hospital transfer

Watson Lake Hospital and Health Centre staff have been told that the Yukon government intends to transfer control of the community’s hospital to the Whitehorse Hospital Corporation. The plan was made without consultation with the health care professionals working at the facility, nor with the community itself.

Staff of the Watson Lake Cottage Hospital have taken a strong stand against the transfer, and have prepared a thoughtful, well researched alternative to the move: Our Vision for Excellent Health Care Delivery in Watson Lake. As well, concerns about the government’s action, detailed in nine-pages of questions, have been forwarded to the Whitehorse Hospital Corporation.

The Yukon Employees' Union has sent an Open Letter to Premier Dennis Fentie detailing the reasons why the move is not in the best interest of health care in the community. The transfer also endangers the job security of our members and threatens benefits agreed to during collective bargaining.

We have learned that departmental officials will be holding a meeting with staff in Watson Lake on Monday, January 19, at 12 noon. A public meeting will be held later in the day. However, at this time we understand that neither Premier Fentie, who represents the riding, nor Minister Glen Hart will be in attendance. We encourage both ministers to go to Watson Lake to hear from the community and answer questions.

October 2008

2008 Educational bursaries awarded

Each year the Yukon Employees' Union awards $8000 in educational bursaries to YEU members or family members.

$7000 is awarded in the form of seven $1000  bursaries for applicants enrolled full-time in a postsecondary university or college program.

The final $1000 is awarded to individual(s) pursuing a career in the trades and may be awarded as one bursary for a full- time student, or as two $500 bursaries for those attending school part-time – generally apprenticeship programs.

The bursaries are intended to support the recipients' ability, through further education, to make a contribution to the Yukon.

Recipients of $1000 awards are:

• Alanna Warner
• Colleen Stinson (Don Galbraith Award)
• Jenny Charchun
• Benjamin Bryce
• Sina Kazemi
• Amanda Fraser
• Michael Fraser

$500 award recipients are:

• Blair Vigeant (John Irving Trades Award)
• Scott Hoffman (Trades Award)

May 2008

YEU welcomes our newest Local in Watson Lake

On May 1, 2008, Yukon government employees working in Watson Lake held a founding General Meeting for Local Y028.

Members have been  working for some time toward the establishment of a Local in their community. Congratulations to our members there, and to the new executive elected at the meeting.

The first Local YO28 Executive, left to right:

Michael Gormley, President

Shawnna Boone, Vice President

Kathy Vigeant, Chief Shop Steward

Scott Cole, Secretary-Treasurer

Laurie Butterworth, YEU President

April 2008

Union Hall getting an extreme makeover

Union Hall renovations are now in progress. The building upgrade will make the facility more efficient, accessible and enjoyable for all our members.

A special convention was held on April 5 to approve the design and vote for the funding necessary to complete the project. See the April Newsletter for a full report.

December 20, 2007

YEU steps in to help the

Share the Spirit campaign

The Yukon Employees' Union is donating space in our building to help organizers of the Share the Spirit campaign gather donated food and assemble Christmas hampers for needy local families. The hampers will be delivered between Dec. 22-23.

Share the Spirit is a children's charity run by the Whitehorse Kinettes Club. For more information call 393-ELFS (3537).

Independence of Workers' Advocate office threatened

August 23, 2007

Union protests government plans to reorganize the office of the Workers' Advocate. Click for August 23rd News Release

Union-Hospital reach home call agreement

November 9, 2006

YEU and the Whitehorse General Hospital have reached an agreement covering situations where Union members employed at the hospital are called at home to provide telephone advice. A joint WGH & PSAC/YEU Memo details the terms of the agreement. Note: The language of the draft memo posted here prior to December 11 has been further revised and reposted.

Whitehorse Correctional Centre hours-of-work dispute resolved

November 8, 2006

Representatives of the Yukon Employees' Union, the Department of Justice, and the employees and management of the Whitehorse Correctional Centre have achieved a resolution to the long-standing dispute involving hours-of-work. YEU issued a Press Release this morning explaining the agreement. Further details are available from the YEU office.

YEU activist Marianne MacKinnon passes away

November 1, 2006

Marianne MacKinnon passed away in Ottawa after a short battle with cancer on October 29, 2006. A committed trade unionist, she served on the YEU Executive and the PSAC Regional Women's Committee. See poster for details about the celebration of Marianne's life.

New Occupational Health & Safety Regs take effect

New Occupational Health & Safety Regulations took effect on November 1, 2006. They can be viewed and searched on the YWCH&SB website: Occupational Health & Safety Regulations.

Yukon Party wins majority

Yukon voters returned the Yukon Party to power on October 10, 2006.

The relationship between Premier Fentie's government and Yukon labour has been strained over the last three years, to say the least. During the first months of the new government's mandate, union leaders will try to determine if Mr. Fentie and his new cabinet have an appetite for constructive dialogue, or if the style of confrontation that characterized recent union-employer relations will continue.

YEU members employed by the Yukon government are tentatively scheduled to begin negotiations on a new collective agreement in November. The tone and progess of these negotiations will be a harbinger of the new government's style.

Other News

PSAC budget 2007-2009, dues increase and special strike fund dues

The PSAC Triennial Convention, as the union's supreme governing body, has established clear priorities for the union for the next three years.  In order to meet these priorities, the Convention adopted a progressive budget and resolutions with dues increase that will allow the PSAC to better represent the interests of members, as well as all Canadians, at work and in their communities.

This means there will be an average dues increase of 29 cents per member per month.  The actual dues percentage will rise to 0.8963% from the current 0.8889%.  This increase will take effect on January 1, 2007.

The Strike Fund

Delegates at the 2003 PSAC Convention increased strike pay from $35 to $50 per day, without an increase in the current Strike Fund dues of 35 cents per member per month.  The National Board of Directors also approved to pay the necessary premiums to ensure that the health and dental benefits of our members continue during a strike.

The PSAC has the best general strike benefits of any union in Canada, which puts our members in a position of strength at the negotiating table.  In order to continue to pay for these benefits, delegates at the 2006 Convention gave direction to rebuild our Strike Fund through a special strike fund dues of  $5.00 per member per month between July 2006 and December 2006, and $2.75 per member per month from January 2007 until the Strike Fund has a positive balance of $25 million and then the regular strike fund dues will increase from the current 35 cents to $1.00 per member per month. Members who earn less than $30,000 will pay a reduced amount to help rebuild the strike fund. They will pay $2 per month from July 2006 until the strike fund has a positive balance of $25 million.

YEU contributes $2,500 to Striking Ekati workers

At the PSAC Convention this month, the Yukon Employees' Union pledged $2,500 to help the striking workers at the Ekati mine in Yellowknife. No resolution to the dispute between unionized workers at the diamond mine owned by BHP-Billiton is in sight. For more information, click this link to PSAC North.

Current Hot Issue Alerts

YTG not offering employee-volunteers WCB coverage for Canada Winter Games

YEU delegates active at PSAC Convention

Yukon Employees' Union delegates to the PSAC Convention held in Ottawa this May kept the issues of the north on the agenda. Members also bid farewell to retiring President Nycole Turmel and welcomed new President John Gordon.

Congratulations Jean François Des Lauriers on your spirited campaign for the leadership. Your willingness to let your name stand and your commitment to northern PSAC members was most appreciated.

First rural outreach trip a success

Representatives of the Yukon Employees' Union and the Public Service Alliance of Canada held a series of information meetings and training sessions in the communities of Carmacks, Pelly, Stewart Crossing and Dawson City. The events took take place between May 10 and 13.

Union representatives met with members on May 10 in Carmacks, Stewart Crossing and Pelly.

Meetings in Dawson City took place between May 11 and 13. See the Course Description for training session information, and the Notice of Meeting for a description of issues and discussion topics discussed

.

It's your union. Take control. Get involved.

YEU delegates in Ottawa for PSAC Convention

Nine Yukon Employees' Union delegates to the PSAC Convention in Ottawa earlier this May worked to bring northern issues to the forefront. Their efforts were underlined by Jean François Des Lauriers' campaign for the leadership.

Although John Gordon won the election to succeed outgoing President Nycole Turmel, Des Lauriers' campaign kept northern concerns on the convention floor.

Prominent among these issues was the ongoing strike by workers at the Ekati mine in Yellowknife. YEU stepped forward to pledge $2,500 to support our brothers and sisters on the picket lines.

Thanks to all delegates for devoting their time and energy to make YEU's presence felt at the convention.

April 28, 2006

A moving tribute to workers

Yukoners gathered at noon today for a moving ceremony honouring Yukon workers killed and injured on the jobsite. Opening remarks by YFL President Alex Furlong brought home the message that such workplace tragedies are personal, and touch all of us.

A beautiful and impressive mock-up of the proposed Workers Memorial was on display. Guests were invited to light candles of rememberance to float in the water-filled base at the foot of the scupture.

YEU joined the Yukon Workers Health and Safety Compensation Board, and the Yukon Federation of Labour among others, in supporting this initiative. We enourage all Yukoners to offer a contribution, however modest, to ensure that a permanent memorial can be constructed in the near future.

April 27, 2006

Ekati workers on strike

Talks in Yellowknife between the PSAC and Ekati mine owner BHP-Billiton have broken down. Unionized workers at the diamond mine have set up picket lines.

YEU supports our PSAC co-workers in their job action.

For more information, click this link to PSAC North.

April 5, 2006

Fallen workers to be honoured

Since 1991, ceremonies have been held across Canada to remember the workers who have been killed or injured. On April 28, YEU in co-operation with the Yukon Federation of Labour and the Yukon Workers Compensation Health & Safety Board, will again be active in the commemorative ceremony. But this year we are committed to doing more.

The Yukon’s 2006 Day of Mourning ceremony will emphasize the toll that job-related injuries take on our community; injuries that were all preventable. YEU has joined YWCHSB and
YFL to sponsor the ceremony, and to  encourage the active involvement of all Yukoners, whatever their vocation - because we are all working people.

YEU is participating in a campaign that will run
throughout April to raise awareness of the Day of Mourning and its significance, and to  encourage our members to attend the  ceremony on April 28.

Pins to raise funds for permanent memorial

Day of Mourning pins bearing the Candle of Remembrance shown at the top-right of this article will be distributed through displays at
offices and retail outlets. These pins draw attention to the issue, and raise funds to be contributed toward a permanent memorial for Yukon workers killed on the job. We encourage our members to support this project by wearing a pin.

A full-size model of the Workers’ Memorial will be on display at this year’s Day of Mourning ceremony. Commissioned by the Yukon Federation of Labour, the sculpture was designed by Dan Lebrun and sculptor Bela Simo. It is being produced by Bela.

The event will be held in the foyer of the main Yukon government administration building. The
formal portion of the ceremony will begin at 12:30 p.m. and will last 20 minutes. All those who arrive at the event early will be invited to add a candle of remembrance and commitment
to the memorial.

Please wear a Day of Mourning lapel pin, attend the event, and do your part to make the Yukon’s workplaces safer.

February 10, 2006

WCC workers protest shift changes

Whitehorse Correctional Centre employees, union members and supporters rallied on the front steps of the Yukon government administration building on Friday, February 10 at noon. The event was organized to protest arbitrary and damaging changes to shift schedules recently imposed by management. Demonstrators gathered to raise public awareness of the negative consequences of the Yukon government’s move.

YEU spokesperson Brent Mekelburg said that WCC management rejected all attempts by the staff to negotiate a constructive and workable solution. Alternate schedules were offered by the employees that met the requirements of the facility, addressed provisions of the collective agreement, and still protected health and safety.

“The government’s decision to impose a shift schedule of 7 consecutive days is opposed by nearly all staff members”, he said. “It creates an unsafe environment for both inmates and employees through institutionalized understaffing.” This schedule replaces the long-established 12 hour, 4 days on, 4 days off schedule.

The scheduling issue further exacerbates the problems imposed by an obsolete structure, which routinely houses between 70 and 90 inmates – WCC was constructed to incarcerate 45.

Former YEU President Dave Hobbis told the protesters that even though the government will not listen now, they will have to listen soon because this matter will certainly be raised during collective bargaining later this year. NDP MLA Steve Cardiff also addressed the crowd, reminding those in attendance of his party's commitment to working people in the Yukon.

The event was very well attended, with a large contingent of workers from the correctional centre.

February 3, 2006

YEU issues health alert for WCC

The Yukon Employees' Union has posted an Official Union Health Alert warning to our members working at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre about the dangers of second-hand drug smoke.

Management has directed staff to disregard an existing policy requiring searches of visitors entering and leaving the centre. As a result, incidents of illegal drug use within the facility have increased, leading to potential health risks.

October 25, 2005

Butterworth Elected YEU President

Laurie Butterworth has been elected President of the Yukon Employees' Union at the 2005 Triennial Convention.

Butterworth won the majority of the votes on the first ballot to secure the position, with Mike Travill finishing second and Craig Battaglia third.

This is the first change at the top for the Yukon Employees' Union in a quarter century. Past President Dave Hobbis did not seek re-election. Loralee Kesler was elected 1st Vice-President.

The full composition of YEU's newly elected Executive includes:

Laurie Butterworth, President

Loralee Kesler, 1st Vice-President

Steve Geick, 2nd Vice-President

Jo-Anne Smith, Secretary

Mike Travill, Treasurer

Brent Mekelburg, Youth Director

Diane Allen, Director

Sue Christianson, Director

Richard Gordon, Director

Naresh Prasad, Director

Russ Carpenter, Director

Mark Bowers, Director

The new position of Equal Opportunity Director was also established. This position will be elected from the Equity Group representatives who were delegates.

October 18, 2005

New PSAC North Site website online

PSAC North recently announced that their new website is online.

Some sections are still under construction, but will be updated as information becomes available. The website was created and will be maintained by the staff in theYellowknife and Whitehorse offices.

If you have any suggestions or concerns, please contact your Regional Office. Your ideas will always be welcomed and appreciated!

Check it out at www.psacnorth.com.

July 1, 2005

New Yukon government employee Grievance Procedure now in place

The new procedure for processing grievances came into effect on July 1, 2005. This new approach, developed jointly by YEU and the Public Service Commission, was established in the 2003-2006 Collective Agreement.

Visit the Fact Sheets section of this website for more information, downloads and forms.

NEWS RELEASES