USPE News

Shining Waters BBQ – July 14 and 21

Posted July 4, 2024, 1:30pm

The PR and Rec Committee will be hosting a BBQ on each day of the Family Fun Time at Shining Waters Fun Park!|| July 14 and July 21 from 11am to 2pm on each day. Located just outside the main entrance of Shining Waters (No ticket/pass required to take part in the BBQ)|| All members and families are welcome to take part in the BBQ.||

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Call for UPSE Members: Occupational Health and Safety Committee

Posted June 28, 2024, 3:46pm

The Union has issued a call for seven (7) members to sit on a new Occupational Health and Safety Committee. UPSE is looking for:

- Two (2) Representative from Prince County (cannot be from same Local)

- Two (2) Representative from Queens County (cannot be from same Local)

- Two (2) Representative from Kings County (cannot be from same Local)

- One (1) Representative from WCB (Local 18)

Background

The Occupational Health and Safety Committee was created for the union to address the needs and concerns related to the membership's workplace psychological and physical safety. Reports and injuries related to violence, harassment, and mental and physical harm have increased over the past years for UPSE members. COVID-19 highlighted the importance of occupational health and safety and identified deficiencies in government providing adequate PPE and safe working conditions. The ongoing labour shortage has resulted in understaffing which has increased the ris...

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Check Out The Advocate!

Posted June 28, 2024, 2:21pm

Check out the latest edition of The Advocate for news and events. See Karen Jackson's message to the membership, the most recent bargaining update, and more.|| See (here) ||

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Family Fun Time Tickets All Spoken For!

Posted June 27, 2024, 9:15am

Attention UPSE Members:|| Family Fun Time Codes Are Now All Spoken For! However, all members are free to attend the Union's BBQs.|| July 4 (11:00 am -1:00 pm) at Bloomfield Provincial Park|| &|| July 14 and July 21 at Shining Waters, Picnic Area Outside Main Entrance (11:00 am - 2:00 pm)||

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Youth and New Professionals Network!

Posted June 27, 2024, 9:10am

The Youth and New Professionals Network organized an event called "Getting to Know the Union" and invited UPSE representatives as guest speakers. Bryan Burt (UPSE Education and Organizing Officer), and Kathlene Smallman (UPSE Director and Young Workers Committee Chair), helped the attendees to gain insights into the Union's structure, its functions, and operational processes. Additionally, members received information on how to actively engage with the Union and learned about the significant role of the Young Workers Committee.|| Karen Jackson, UPSE President, said “It was a pleasure to speak with so many young members in the public service and to see their enthusiasm and interest in the workplace and the Union.”||

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Happy Multiculturalism Day!

Posted June 27, 2024, 8:35am

Today on Multiculturalism Day in Canada, we celebrate the diverse tapestry of cultures that enrich our nation. As a Union, we recognize the importance of embracing and honouring the multitude of backgrounds and traditions that make up the fabric of Canadian society. We take pride in fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

As we commemorate Multiculturalism Day, let us reaffirm our dedication to creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute, regardless of their cultural heritage. Together, we stand in solidarity to uphold the principles of multiculturalism and promote a society where every voice is heard and every identity is celebrated. Happy Multiculturalism Day to all Canadians!

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UPSE Members and Steward Level I

Posted June 26, 2024, 2:25pm

Today, UPSE members are taking the Steward Level I training course. Participants are gaining valuable insights into the vital role Stewards fulfill within the union. They are also acquiring essential tools and knowledge to effectively perform their responsibilities as Stewards. This training session is empowering our members to better serve and support our union and its members. UPSE Proud!||

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Attention UPSE (24/7) Health PEI Members

Posted June 25, 2024, 4:35pm

As many of you are aware, UPSE and Health PEI have entered into two separate Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) for the summer period.  Specifically, “MOA - Working Extra Shifts on Evenings, Nights, Weekends & Holidays” and “MOA- Critical Shift Premiums”. 

The Employer released a communication on June 20, 2024 but it appears some of the information provided was inaccurate and possibly misleading. The purpose of this correspondence is to provide you with UPSE’s understanding of what was agreed to by the parties as it relates to the two Memorandums of Agreement noted above.

Note: If you have any questions regarding eligibility or the application of these agreements, please contact the UPSE office at 902-892-5335 and ask to speak with a Labour Relations Officer.

Communication on MOAs from UPSE FAQ on MOAs MOA WORKING EXTRA SHIFTS ON EVENINGS NIGHTS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS MOA CRITICAL SHIFT PREMIUMS

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BARGAINING UPDATE FOR UPSE HEALTH PEI MEMBERS

Posted June 21, 2024, 3:12pm

The collective agreement between UPSE and Health PEI expired on March 31, 2023. Negotiations with Health PEI commenced in June 2023 and have continued, with our most recent bargaining date being June 19, 2024.

The UPSE bargaining team and Health PEI (the Employer) have reached an impasse on key provisions, leading to a breakdown in discussions. The Parties attempted to reach a deal at the table, but unfortunately, there were fundamental differences.

UPSE’s position is that the Employer does not value all bargaining units the same and undervalues the daily contributions of UPSE’s dedicated members. Both UPSE and the Employer will now seek conciliation in an effort to reach a tentative agreement.

Please monitor the Union website and our social media sites for updates on the bargaining process.

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National Indigenous Peoples Day

Posted June 21, 2024, 9:01am

Celebrated during National Indigenous History Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place annually on June 21. The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is proud to join in recognizing the histories, cultures, resilience, and innovation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Indigenous people have been on the land we call Canada since time immemorial and continue to play a crucial role as stewards of the land and water. Today we celebrate all the contributions Indigenous people have made to our shared histories, societies, communities, and unions.|| See more (here).||

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