National Public Service Week should be about one thing: honouring the dedication, talent and resilience of federal workers who show up every day for the people of Canada. The programs and services that people across this country rely on wouldn’t be possible without your commitment. That’s what this week should be about. You deserve to be recognized.
Unfortunately, that may be too much to expect from our employer. This week you may get token lip service, at the same time as the government actively works to roll back labour rights and make your lives worse.
We refuse to accept that.
Over the past year, the government has shown us what they think of workers, and what they’re willing to do to override their rights. But they’ve also made massive promises to Canadians, and they won’t be able to deliver without you.
This is leverage that we can use as we prepare to sit down at the bargaining table. We have an opportunity to get some big wins and move the needle forward for public service workers and workers across the country on major issues like remote work and AI.
But that won’t happen if we’re not united and building our power actively.
So, this week take the time this week to appreciate the work you and your colleagues do for the people of Canada. And then get involved, whether that’s in the bargaining process, your local, an organizing committee or equity caucus.
As our employer continues to disrespect us, let’s use this NPSW to connect with each other and demand the rights and working conditions we deserve.
In solidarity,
Nate Prier
