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UNE Mourns Passing of Carole Maillet

The Union of National Employees mourns the passing of our sister, Carole Maillet, who passed away in Montréal on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the age of 63.

Carole served with great dedication as the Regional Vice-President for the Quebec Region, and previously as Assistant Regional Vice-President, Regional Human Rights Representative, and Local President. Her lifelong commitment to union activism, social justice, and equity inspired everyone around her.

Carole’s warmth, compassion, and contagious smile could light up any room. She led with both strength and heart, and her love for people shone through in everything she did. She was also deeply proud of her involvement in the Francophone Committee, where her passion for language and culture brought members together.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones. Carole will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

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Union of National Employees Placed Under Trusteeship

Over the past several months, PSAC has heard from many members who have raised concerns about the level of representation and support they have received from the Union of National Employees (UNE). 

PSAC’s National Board of Directors (NBoD) takes these concerns very seriously. This week, the NBoD voted to place the Union of National Employees (UNE) under trusteeship, effective October 24, 2025.  

During the period of trusteeship, the UNE Bylaws are suspended. This means that all elected officers of UNE – the National President, National Executive Vice-President, the National Executive members, Regional Teams, and Human Rights Committee – are vacated. However, local executives remain in their positions.  

PSAC’s NBoD has appointed a Trustee and an Administrator to oversee the operations of UNE, and they will report to PSAC’s National President and to the NBoD.   

The Trustee will assume the responsibilities normally carried out by the elected officers and will work with UNE staff to restore the component’s capacity.  

UNE members should continue to contact their local representative or their UNE National Labour Relations Officer for representation assistance. The component’s operations will continue during this period and PSAC is dedicated to assisting UNE members and staff through this transition. 

Supporting UNE’s more than 27,000 members remains PSAC’s top priority. We are working to ensure UNE members receive the strong, effective representation they deserve. 

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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

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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

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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)

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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,

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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!

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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!