Hello PSAC555 Members:
Contents of the PSAC555 December 2020 newsletter.
- PSAC555 Budget and Fund Update (apply now)
- PSAC TA LOU# 5 working group
- PSAC 555 Sessional Instructor Bargaining Team Opportunity
- PSAC Academic Sector Updates
- PSAC Regional and National Updates – Covid 19 reliefs
PSAC555 Budget and Fund Updates:
As of December 1st, 2020, the members voted in approval of the new budget, which increased the COVID 19 fund, the food bank/card program, and other funds.
Members are now eligible for a maximum of $300 from the COVID 19 fund. In other words, If you have already accessed this fund for $200, you are now eligible for an additional $100 a total of $300.00 per member.
Please visit our website www.PSAC555.ca, and look under the tab “PSAC MEMBERSHIP, WELLNESS, AND FUNDS”, for all of our fund policies and applications.
And if you need to access our food program, please let our office know at Office@PSAC555.ca
PSAC TA/RA & Invigilators working group:
We have established the working group to review LOU #5 “How hours are being dispersed?”. More updates to come
To review Article 12 and Article 17 and how hours are being dispersed. Please check out the Guide to Article 12 & 17, for more information.
PSAC 555 Sessional Instructor Opportunity
We are forming the Sessional Bargaining Team in January 2021 and are looking for people who would be interested in joining this team. This is a paid position. Please let our office know if you would like more information on the role of Sessional Bargaining Team member.
PSAC Academic Sector Updates:
https://ontario.psac.com/agreement-reached-university-western-ontario-postdoctoral-fellows-dcl-610
Congratulations PSAC610 Post-Doctoral Fellows on your tentative agreement!
PSAC Regional/National Updates:
http://psacunion.ca/federal-economic-update-delivers-some-progress
Pandemic relief
PSAC members continue to go above and beyond to deliver the financial assistance Canadians rely on it during the pandemic.
It’s encouraging to see the government continue to provide financial relief for the most vulnerable Canadians impacted by COVID-19, including Canada Recovery Benefits, enhancements to Employment Insurance, and additional relief for caretakers.
However, PSAC continues to urge the government to create an inclusive, streamlined, and simplified EI program that doesn’t disadvantage low-paid and gig economy workers and makes sure nobody slips through the cracks of the pandemic relief measures.
This government must also commit to providing all workers with access to paid sick leave in the 2021 federal budget.
Expenses for working from home
PSAC applauds the government for providing $400 in financial relief to Canadians who continue to work from home during the pandemic.
The streamlined expense claim will simplify the lives of workers who already have so much on their plates while allowing our members at the Canada Revenue Agency to focus on providing financial relief to other vulnerable Canadians.
In solidarity,
PSAC555 2020-2021 Executive.