Attend the National Executive Meeting online as an observer

Greetings,

Please be advised that the next National Executive meeting will take place from October 28 to 30, 2025, at the Hilton Lac Leamy in Gatineau, running daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.

This meeting will be open to all members who wish to participate online, providing an opportunity for broader engagement and transparency. 

To attend as a virtual observer via Zoom meeting, please click here.

Locals are also welcome to send observers to attend the executive meetings in person. However, please note that all associated expenses will be covered by the respective Local, in accordance with UNE Bylaw 2, Section 7: 

“Locals may send observers to executive meetings, at the expense of the Local.”

We look forward to your participation and continued support.

Deadline to register is Friday, October 24, 2025 at 4pm EST.

Farmers for Climate Solutions workers win precedent-setting four-day work week in first collective agreement

On October 2, workers at Farmers for Climate Solutions ratified their first collective agreement, with several significant gains that will improve their working conditions and allow them to better serve their members and support Canada’s agricultural sector.  

This agreement includes major wins, such as:

  • A four-day work week; 
  • Fair wage increases; 
  • Extended pregnancy and parental leave top-ups to 75% of wages; 
  • Improved pension benefits by moving to the CAAT defined benefit pension plan; 
  • Protected two-week vacation during the winter holidays; 
  • Guaranteed union consultation when hiring term employees; 
  • $500 health care savings accounts with a commitment to ongoing improvements to benefits. 

“Achieving a four-day work week means a lot to us. It will dramatically improve work-life balance, allowing us more time to enjoy life. It really feels like a game-changer,” said Ben Lewis, a member of the bargaining team. 

Members of PSAC-UNE Local 70405 won this significant contract by showing their strength and solidarity; proving that when workers are united, they can win major improvements to their working conditions.  

Workers at Farmers for Climate Solutions develop policies and solutions to help farmers and ranchers across Canada transition to more sustainable and resilient methods of agriculture. Their science-based coalition brings together farmers and ranchers, climate scientists, agricultural economists, and other experts to address issues of climate change impacting farmers and ranchers.  

Across the country, farmers and ranchers have been struggling with droughts, wildfires, and other climate disasters. The work of Farmers for Climate Solutions is more important than ever, and this collective agreement will support these workers in their work to ensure sustainability and resilience in Canada’s agricultural sector.  

Source: PSAC

Passport National Call – Monday October 6, 2025

Dear UNE Members,

⚠️ We are inviting all members impacted by the changes at Passport Canada to join us for an important UNE Passport National Call.

Just like the previous ones – this call is meant to provide the latest updates and offer space to answer more of your questions. We understand the situation continues to evolve, and we want to ensure that you feel informed and supported every step of the way.

📞 Please join us for a Passport National Call
🗓️ Monday, October 6, 2025
💻 ZOOM LINK: https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/65523907409?pwd=ZAU5Bacjdhfts3ZxbS4vzeppkxW16T.1

For those who want to send questions in advance. Please do so using the following form by clicking HERE.

👉 Visit the Passport Corner for the latest updates and the link to sign on to the grievance.

📩 If you have questions or need support before signing, please contact your Local President or email us at PPT@une-sen.org.

🤝 In solidarity

2025 Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day

Today, hundreds gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to honour police and peace officers across Canada. The Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Annual Memorial Service pays tribute to the those in law enforcement who are killed in the line of duty.

It’s also an opportunity to thank to those who work so hard to keep us safe.

Among these inspirational men and women are park wardens, who are responsible for law enforcement in our national parks. They also happen to be members of the Union of National Employees.

This year, ten wardens were chosen to represent the Park Warden Service in Ottawa:

Lucas Burnside

Erin Munk

Sean Williams

Gareth Short

Andrew Sokolowski

Neil Shroeder

Elizabeth Martin (unable to attend)

Tommaso Colucci (unable to attend)

Allex Elliott (unable to attend)

Jessica Corkum (unable to attend)

Passport National Call – Sign On to Our Group Grievance

Dear Passport Members,

The recently announced workforce cuts have directly impacted UNE membership. Many of you are facing uncertainty, reduced opportunities, and unfair treatment. You are not alone.

📞 Please join us for a Passport National Call

🗓️ Tuesday, September 23, 2025
💻 ZOOM LINK: https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/69416573656?pwd=BogiVcZJOHawEeStB5PO1vOD5slmPU.1

Passcode:450141

To protect your rights and hold the employer accountable, UNE is filing a group grievance on behalf of all affected Passport members. By standing together, we amplify our voices and strengthen our case.

🖊️ We are inviting you to sign on to this grievance.
✅ Your participation ensures your concerns are formally represented and that management hears us loud and clear.

👉 Visit the Passport Corner for the latest updates and the link to sign on to the grievance.

📩 If you have questions or need support before signing, please contact your Local President or email us at PPT@une-sen.org.

🤝 In solidarity,

National Executive Meeting

Greetings,

Please note that the next National Executive meeting will be held October 28-30, 2025, at the Hilton Lac Leamy in Gatineau from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Locals are welcome to send observers to attend the executive meetings; however, all associated expenses will be covered by the respective Local.

In accordance with UNE Bylaw 2, Sec 7: “Locals may send observers to executive meetings, at the expense of the Local”.

Should your Local have any item to be placed on the agenda for this meeting, please contact your Regional Vice-President and provide them with the necessary information in order that they could be in a position to place this matter before the Executive. 

In solidarity!

Join the UNE Young Workers Committee!

Are you a young worker looking to make a difference, build connections, and shape the future of your union? Come join the Union of National Employees (UNE) Young Workers Committee!

This is your space to:

  • Amplify your voice
  • Learn your rights in the workplace
  • Build leadership skills
  • Organize fun and powerful campaigns
  • Be part of a vibrant community of changemakers!

The Young Workers Committee is a place to grow, support one another, and act on the issues that matter most to us; workers’ rights, mental health, climate justice, equity and inclusion.

You do not need experience, just your passion, curiosity, and ideas. The future of the labour movement needs YOU!

Our union recognizes anyone 35 and under as a young worker. To express your interest in joining the Young Workers Committee, please send a short message to Éric Poitras, Chair of the committee, at this address: eric.poitras@une-sen.org.

Interested? Let us know by Friday, September 19, 2025.  Our first meeting will be held before the end of September. Do not miss this chance to help shape the future of our union and connect with other inspiring young workers!