Social Justice Fund : Success at the bargaining table

Our success in negotiating the Fund at the bargaining table is growing. To date, we have achieved the Social Justice Fund with over 102 bargaining units from coast to coast to coast. These bargaining units range in size from hamlet councils and housing authorities in the North to a national employer like Canada Post. We have 4 national components who also contribute to the Fund.

The methods of contributing to the Social Justice Fund vary, depending on the nature of the bargaining unit. Some groups have agreed to the original demand of one cent per hour per employee, whereas other employers have agreed to give lump sum donations, either annually or once over the life of the collective agreement, depending on the size of the operation and duration of the collective agreement. In some cases, we have employees also matching the employer contribution to the SJF, to double the impact.

In November 2016, the Nunavut Employees Union signed a new collective agreement with the Nunavut Government that included a Memorandum of Understanding that the Employer shall contribute one cent (1¢) per regular hour worked to the PSAC Social Justice Fund to be used in the territory of Nunavut.

In April 2009, members of the Union of Northern Workers who work for the Government of the Northwest Territories negotiated a voluntary contribution to the SJF of two cents per member per hour worked, when the employer refused to contribute to the SJF.  This generous contribution from UNW members makes up a significant portion of the SJF budget dedicated to anti-poverty programs in Canada, as well as the defense of labour and human rights around the world.  A year earlier in 2008, the workers of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation became the first group of PSAC members to support the SJF independently of their employer.

The International Postal Communications Fund negotiated between the Union of Postal Communications Employees, PSAC and Canada Post Corporation provides funding for literacy programs that help to tackle poverty in Canada and around the Globe. It was first negotiated on April 6, 2005.     

Four components have taken some important steps to find ways to support the Social Justice Fund and express their solidarity with workers in Canada and the global south. The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees, Canada Employment & Immigration Union, Government Services Union, and Union of National Defence Employees passed resolutions to contribute to the SJF, based on their number of employees and hours worked or based on a yearly grant.

No matter the size of the contribution or how it is made, members have felt strongly about the need to contribute; to make a positive change in society, whether it is locally, nationally or internationally.

The Social Justice Fund remains a priority bargaining demand in all sets of negotiations. While we continue to seek sustained funding from larger employers, every contribution is valued. The more the members and employers across the country see the value of the work done by the Fund, the greater our chances of success at the bargaining table.

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November 2, 2023