Canadian Military Hires Scabs to displace Striking PSAC members.
More than 500 Civilian Military workers went on strike on Monday, January 15 to fight for what they deserve – fair wages, a national pay grid, and secure jobs. These workers are the staff of the Non-Public Funds (NPF) and members of the Public Service Alliance and the Union of National Defence Employees (PSAC-UNDE).
CEIU Local 541 stands in solidarity with our civilian military peers striking in the National Capital Region, Ontario, and Quebec.
Although the Staff of the Non-Public Funds (NPF) provide vital programs and services to Canadian Forces members, veterans, and their families, they are some of the lowest-paid workers in the federal public service. Their pay grids are inconsistent, and to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living, many NPF members have to take on second jobs to make ends meet. They deserve better.
Backgrounder: Strike FAQ for NPF | Public Service Alliance of Canada (psacunion.ca).
TL;dr Same old story, managers got a 100% raise over 2 years and the workers can’t get a decent living wage.
The Employer is absolutely lovely, they’re not out there trying to win hearts and minds.
In advance of strike action on January 15, the employer has signaled that they will be rescinding maternity leave top-ups for people on maternity leave. This is a blatant attempt to break the solidarity of our members and discourage you from exercising your legal right to strike.
After pushback from PSAC and membership solidarity, the employer has stated they will continue to provide maternity leave top up during the strike. PSAC has also secured health benefits for members while job action is taken.
Workers are predominantly women, who ensure the welfare of our military – yet Ottawa police are arresting them for being on the road. Even Alex Silas, PSAC’s regional executive vice-president for the National Capital Region, was arrested by police while participating in a legal strike.
Here is a recent story from the Ottawa Citizen about our employer hiring scabs:
Non-Public Funds workers rally across Canada as strike continues | Ottawa Citizen
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services had been hiring replacement workers and had appointed military members to do some of the union members’ work in gyms and at coffee events.
I thank you for your help and action on their behalf.