April 2007

Elimination of Zone Rates of Pay

Sisters and Brothers,

I bring to your attention Resolutions 105 and 109 unanimously supported by our convention as well as a similar resolution unanimously supported at the May 2006 PSAC Convention.

As you all know, negotiations are scheduled to commence later this spring. UNDE’s GLT and GS Committees have met a number of times, developed literature and campaign tools (i.e. zone video), pamphlets and, with the support of the PSAC, acquired t-shirts and buttons.

Over the course of the next several weeks, and especially during negotiations, the campaign for the elimination of zones must be turned up a few notches if we are going to show the employer that our union and Table 2 (SV) members are serious about achieving a national rate of pay.

Therefore, each local is being called upon to support the above resolutions as mandated by convention and to do whatever is necessary to have members lobby, write, and email their MPs. I have already written the Minister of National Defence calling on the government to end the discrimination and establish a national rate of pay. Locals can refer to the letter for background information.

The campaign against zones has been endorsed by the regional and national bargaining conferences . Members should be wearing buttons, t-shirts and displaying posters in the workplace so that the elimination of zones gets a high profile both in and out of the workplace. I strongly urge locals to get the membership engaged in the campaign.

Attached is a list of UNDE GLT Committee members by region who are available to attend local meetings and assist and inform members as to what we can all do together to eliminate zone rates of pay and provide Table 2 (SV) members with a well-deserved national rate of pay for the same work we proudly perform in support of our military.

In closing, as we’ve heard at two conventions and many times since:

John MacLennan
National President