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News - February 2010

The headlines for news items published during this month are listed below.

Click on the headline of your choice to see the entire text of the article.

• Protect Your Pension. Sign the PSAC on-line petition!

Protect Your Pension. Sign the PSAC on-line petition!

Posted February 26, 2010

It’s sad but true. Whenever the Canadian economy falls, attacks against federal public service pensions rise.

The Harper government is poised to bring down its 2010 budget on March 4. Thanks to the severe economic crisis that has persisted since 2008, the Conservatives are facing a huge deficit. And their private sector pals are egging them on to fill the fiscal hole with your pension!

Our pensions don't come cheap; they cost us dearly. This year, federal public service workers will contribute 10.45 per cent of every dollar they make under $47,200 and 8.4 per cent of every dollar above $47,200 towards their pension, which is a combination of CPP and the federal public service pension plan.

That's why we say that our pensions are in fact deferred wages.

Our bargaining agent, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, has launched an aggressive campaign to defend and protect your right to a fair and equitable retirement. The PSAC has produced leaflets and stickers, developed an on-line petition and organized meetings, demonstrations and regional tours to make sure the stakes are well understood.

However, at the end of the day, all these campaign efforts count on your participation as a rank-and-file union member. First of all, we're urging you to click on the logo below (which is also posted on the main page of this Web site) to sign our on-line petition:

The PSAC has also produced an excellent document entitled ‘Seven myths about public service pensions’. It should be mandatory reading for every NHU member. This document can be viewed HERE.