Union News - September 2024
Who is my Union?
Sometimes we’re referred to as PSAC members, and sometimes as UTE members. What is that all about?
The PSAC is often called the “umbrella” under which all members fall. The PSAC represents members across Canada and around the world. Within the PSAC, members belong to different groups. Some are called components, and they are generally grouped according to the agency or department for which they work. For example: members who work for Veterans Affairs belong to the Union of Veterans Affairs Employees, and members who work for Customs belong to the Customs and Immigration Union. We all work for the Canada Revenue Agency; therefore, our component is the Union of Taxation Employees.
A member’s main contact with the Union will normally be their UTE Local Executive Officers and Stewards. Stewards provide advice and guidance, represent members on grievances, and act as a liaison between members and the Local Executive. Local Executive Officers often also represent members in grievances.
UTE has a communication protocol that must be followed. If an issue arises that can’t be resolved by the Steward, it is raised with the Local President, who will take steps to resolve it, if possible. If the issue is too complex or relates to something outside the Local’s jurisdiction, it is elevated to the Regional Vice-President (RVP), who may liaise with CRA regional contacts, or consult with UTE Labour Relations Officers (LROs) to settle the issue. If this is not possible, it is referred to the UTE National Executive for resolution.
These steps must be followed:
Member => Steward/Local Executive Officer => Local President => RVP => LRO/National Executive.
If any steps are skipped, the issue will be referred to the level at which it should have been addressed and the Local President will be informed. Jumping the queue will not get you a faster response.
Likewise, contacting the PSAC to resolve local issues will not provide you with a route to resolving them.
The PSAC provides high-level services, such as bargaining with the employer on our behalf. They represent our members in adjudication when grievances are unsuccessful, or the result achieved is unsatisfactory, at the first to fourth levels. They provide a broad range of education and Regional and National conferences. All other services are provided by UTE.
Locals hold Annual General Meetings (AGMs), regular Executive meetings, Member Appreciation Events, or other events within the Local. The AGM is the members’ opportunity to connect with Local Executives, who will provide a report of the events of the past year. They will report on how resources were used and present a budget for the upcoming year. The budget provides the operating plan for the Local for the upcoming year. Members have the opportunity to review these documents and vote upon them.
RVPs attend Local AGMs, generally accompanied by one of the three National Officers, namely the President, 1st Vice-President or the 2nd Vice-President. They also attend other Local events when invited and when approved. The RVP is a source of information and advice for Local Executives. RVPs present third-level grievances to the Assistant Commissioner and serve on National Committees, such as Health and Safety, Communications and Bargaining.
The National Executive Council ensures the component is run efficiently and, in the manner, approved by the delegates at the National Triennial Convention. National and Regional Conferences are held – Health and Safety, Equal Opportunity, and others approved at the National Convention. Education is provided Nationally and Regionally on a growing number of topics that pertain directly to UTE. Executive Council meetings are held four times per year and Local Presidents participate in two Presidents’ Conferences per year.
Whether we’re called PSAC members on the picket line or UTE members in our offices, we’re all part of a vibrant organization that continues to fight the good fight for our members. If you are interested in being a part of leading the charge, contact your Local Executive!
Melanee Jessup
Communications Committee