PSAC CONVENTION: GETTING READY TO TAKE ON HARPER

By Crystal Warner, PSAC Metro Vancouver Coordinator
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) held its Triennial Convention between April 26 and May 2, 2015. The ultimate governing body of the PSAC, comprised of 17 components, dozens of Directly Chartered Locals (DCLs), seven regions, and roughly 180,000 members, ended with a shift to the left, and a war cry from National President Robyn Benson to stop Stephen Harper in the next federal election.
Roughly 500 delegates and 200 observers spent a week in what many are calling one of the most progressive conventions in PSAC history. PSAC delegates, compromised mainly of federal public sector workers, answered her call by passing an emergency resolution to spend $5 million to organize and mobilize, to take legal action to defend our constitutional right to free collective bargaining and to elect a federal government that respects workers and union rights and the federal public service. Read More!
Regardless of the age on our birth certificates, the divide that exists between new and less new members of a union can be difficult to bridge. Considering how important solidarity among members is in a union, we’ve come up with our top ten pieces of advice for getting (and keeping) your new members involved.
1. Make space
Older members will likely have more information in meetings and might take up more space in meetings or events. Be aware of how often you’re speaking and find ways to help limit the participation of people whose participation tends to dominate. Find ways to encourage the participation of people who talk a little. When everyone has the opportunity to participate as equals, we can build a solid base of goodwill. Read More!
The political and economic struggle of the ruling class to control educational labour reveals a contradiction in its social interpretation. Read More!
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