VOLUME 11 No. 17 | OCTOBER 18, 2021

PROVINCIAL NEGOTIATIONS
We're talking again

Delegates at the General Council meeting on October 5, 6 and 7 decided to officially reject the offer tabled by the government on June 22, and were virtually unanimous in giving our bargaining team a mandate to continue discussions with the Treasury Board.

At a meeting with government spokespersons on October 7, interim president Robert Comeau and 3rd vice-president Benoit Audet explained what must be included in any future agreement in principle in order to recognize the crucial work carried out by professionals and technicians, help attract them to the public system, and make them want to stay. We’re waiting for the government’s response.

SOCIO-POLITICAL ACTION
Let's talk about gender and sexual diversity

Today, we’re talking more openly about gender and sexual diversity. But prejudice and bias still exist, and they can still be found in our workplaces. Four APTS members – Christine, Lucie, Pascal and Nathaniel – agreed to talk about their experience and tell us what they expect not only from their employer but also from their fellow workers. We thank them wholeheartedly and we encourage you to share this video (in French) with people around you. Let’s work together to end every kind of discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender.

Climate change demonstration

COP26, the next UN conference on climate change, is taking place in Glasgow from November 1 to 12. Québec’s inter-union coalition to fight climate change (Réseau intersyndical pour le climat) will participate in a worldwide day of action to mark the event, with a major demonstration to be held in Montréal on November 6.

Where: Mont-Royal Park, George-Étienne Cartier monument

What time: Noon

Suggestion: Bring a scarf, preferably green.

The APTS is encouraging members to participate in the march on a volunteer basis. Mark the date in your agenda and stay tuned for more information.

ONLINE VIDEO | Health and social services: privatization in every shape and form

Yes, independent workers are being hired – but that’s only one of the many forms taken by privatization, as discussed at our webinar on September 29. If you missed it and would like to know more, a recorded version of the event is available online.

The presentation by Émilie Charbonneau, 4th vice-president, and Guillaume Plourde, socio-political action research officer, is now up on the APTS YouTube channel (in French).

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Occupational Health and Safety Week

Occupational Health and Safety Week takes place from October 17 to 23. At the APTS, our OHS sector deals with a wide range of issues affecting members’ health and safety. Check out highly relevant documents on our website about workplace violence, psychological distress, how to report work accidents and work overload. Let’s act together to make our workplaces safe!

Free lecture on CNESST workplace inspections

As part of its lecture series for the fall, the CNESST (Québec’s Labour Standards, Pay Equity, Occupational Health and Safety Commission) is offering a free talk on workplace inspections carried out by CNESST inspectors. The talk will take place on Tuesday, November 2, from 9 to 10.30 a.m., and the video recording will be available online for a period of 48 hours. Participants will learn how the inspector’s role is defined, how visits are carried out, and how workplaces benefit from them. Get more information and register here. (In French)

SOCIAL SECURITY
WEBINAR | Making sense of the RREGOP and other pension benefits

It’s not too late to register for one of the information meetings on the RREGOP, on October 27 (at 5.30 p.m.) or November 2 (at noon). Both sessions are in French. Click here to sign up.

A session in English will be offered before the end of the year (date to be announced).

* Sessions last about two hours.

** Union leave time cannot be granted for this type of meeting.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to write to us at retraite.assurance@aptsq.com