From braggp at psac-afpc.com  Tue Dec 16 10:46:16 2008
From: braggp at psac-afpc.com (Patrick Bragg)
Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:46:16 -0500
Subject: [Tb-bargaining] Dec 16th - Message re: Essential Services Agreements
Message-ID: <4947845E.CB7B.006E.0@psac-afpc.com>

As you may be aware, the PSAC has been working hard over the past months
to finalize Essential Services Agreements (ESA's) for the Treasury Board
PA, SV and FB bargaining units.

Unlike the former designations process, ESA's are not re-negotiated
with every round of collective bargaining. While amendments to the ESA's
are possible, they are presumed to stay in place indefinitely. This is
why your Union has maintained the position with the employer that we
will *get it right* the first time.

As you may also be aware, the Treasury Board proposed over 30,000
positions in 46 different departments to be included in essential
services agreements. The Union has been very successful in challenging
many of these proposals, either through informal discussions with the
employer, or, in several cases, using the mediation services of the
Public Service Labour Relations Board (the Board). As a result, many
proposals have been withdrawn by the employer and remaining proposals
from over half of the departments have been tentatively agreed to.

Unfortunately, because ESA's are for the entire bargaining unit, all
proposals must be agreed to prior to signing a final ESA. This has
proved particularly difficult with some of the employers' larger
departments.

The Union appreciates our members patience and support and want to
reassure you that the PSAC will continue to do everything it can to
ensure that only those members occupying positions essential to the
safety and security of the public are included in the final ESA's,
allowing the vast majority of our members the ability to exercise their
legal right to strike.