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News - November 2008
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.
For past months, click on 'Archived News' under 'News' on the menu to the left.
• 2009 workplace calendars now being distributed through PSAC Regional Offices
• NHU National Council members hold orientation session in Ottawa
• NHU members active participants at NCAFE National General Meeting
• Time to give ‘Rands’ the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of NHU membership!
2009 workplace calendars now being distributed through PSAC Regional Offices
Posted November 17, 2008
Around this time of year, many members are looking to receive the popular annual calendar produced by our bargaining agent, the Public Service Alliance of Canada.
This year, the calendars are being distributed to NHU Locals by PSAC Regional Offices across the country. They should now be available for distribution to your membership.
However, to ensure receipt of the calendars in sufficient quantities, Locals should get in touch with their closest PSAC Regional Office to arrange for delivery or pick-up. A list of contact information for these Offices can be accessed by clicking HERE.
NHU National Council members hold orientation session in Ottawa
Posted November 13, 2008
As part of the successful launch of the new National Health Union, last August’s inaugural Triennial National Convention saw the election of a larger-than-usual number of fresh faces to our National Council.
For many of these energetic Regional Vice-Presidents, it was their first experience with senior union leadership. Accordingly, Council members met in Ottawa the first week in November for an intensive three-day orientation session organized by the NHU National Office.
A group photo of the National Council members attending the orientation session can be seen immediately above. The photo below shows the National Council members during one of many informative exchanges.
Session participants covered a wide variety of topics during the three days, including:
- roles and responsibilities of Council members and the National Office;
- financial management at the Local and Regional levels;
- an overview of the NHU’s place in the broader labour movement;
- the Duty of Fair Representation;
- RVP roles in Union-Management Consultation and Health and Safety Committees;
- human rights and the Duty to Accommodate;
- disability and Workers’ Compensation issues; and
- the role of the Public Service Staffing Tribunal.
It was an intensive orientation session, but a highly-worthwhile undertaking that will see all NHU members benefit in the months and years to come.
NHU members active participants at NCAFE National General Meeting
Posted November 10, 2008
Given Health Canada’s mandate, many NHU members are deeply involved in Aboriginal health issues. In fact, a large number of these members are themselves from the First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities.
So, it came as no surprise that NHU members were active participants at the recent 3rd National General Meeting of the National Council of Aboriginal Federal Employees. The theme of the Meeting, held in Edmonton on October 28-30, was ‘Developing Paths for Success’.
The above photo, from left to right, shows Local 0009 President Rhonda Evans, NHU national Vice-President Patricia Todd and Local 0009 Vice-President Sarah Caribou.
NCAFE serves as the voice and face for issues concerning its membership within the federal Public Service. It provides recommendations and guidance to the federal government in such areas as Aboriginal recruitment, retention, advancement and promotion.
Those interested in learning more about this important organization are encouraged to visit the NCAFE Web site by clicking HERE.
Time to give ‘Rands’ the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of NHU membership!
Posted November 6, 2008
Each autumn, in preparation for our Local Annual General Meetings, the National Health Union asks our executives and activists to reach out to those co-workers who, for one reason or another, have yet to sign a union card.
Some of your colleagues may not appreciate that the requirement to pay union dues does not mean they are members in good standing. Only those employees who complete and sign an application for membership can be members of the PSAC and NHU.
While full membership costs nothing more, it does entitle the member to such benefits as life, home and automobile insurance at reduced rates. Non-members also have no voice or vote when it comes to making critical decisions that impact their working lives.
These non-members are as ‘Rands’. The term comes from a landmark ruling made by Mr. Justice Ivan Rand some 60 years ago. The principle is that all workers – whether union members or not – benefit from a union-negotiated contract. While no-one would be forced to join the union, ‘free-loading’ would not be permitted. If you got the benefit, he ruled, you should help pay the cost. So, Rands are required in fairness to pay union dues.
So, now is the time to approach your co-workers to sign a union membership application. We would also encourage anyone uncertain as to their membership status to check their status with their Local officers. It’s as simple as looking up your name on the membership list and letting you know where you stand.
Most Rands have simply never been provided an opportunity to sign a card. Given the intense contracts negotiations unfolding over the next year, everyone deserves the opportunity to step up, have their say and play their part in our union.
As the cliché goes, we are only as strong as our weakest link. Recruiting any new members who were formally Rands will help us forge a strong and unbreakable chain of membership solidarity.
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