OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov 9, 2013) - More than 400 delegates representing 55,000 federal government scientists and other professionals today voted overwhelmingly to call on their union, the Professional Institute of the Public Service (PIPSC) to "apply all necessary resources to defend public services for all Canadians and collective bargaining rights for the professional public servants who deliver them."
Delegates to the Professional Institute's Annual General Meeting in Ottawa were responding to the Harper government's introduction of Bill C-4, the new budget omnibus bill, which includes a direct attack on the bargaining rights of federal public servants. The AGM also voted to approve a $7 per member monthly increase in the dues paid by all PIPSC members.
"Our members clearly understand that the Institute must be appropriately equipped to defend their rights, compensation and working conditions and to stand up for public services that they deliver to all Canadians" said Gary Corbett, President of the Professional Institute.
Speaking to the delegates, Corbett set out the tremendous challenge facing the Institute in the wake of the Conservative convention in Calgary, which underlined the current government's deep disrespect for public services and the professionals who deliver them.
PIPSC delegates were also addressed by former Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page who thanked them for their service to Canadians and drew attention to the important role the Institute plays in speaking out for its members and these services. Page urged PIPSC to continue to advocate for an "ethically-based public service renewal" and for professional public servants to provide the information that Parliament requires to do its job in the face of a government that does not share this commitment to accountability and transparency.
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada represents some 55,000 professionals and scientists across Canada's public sector.