PSAC wins federal assistance for museum workers
For immediate release
Ottawa and Winnipeg – PSAC in the NCR and Prairies, issued a letter to the Minister of Canadian Heritage last week urging federal assistance for national museums during the pandemic. On Friday, June 19, 2020, the Ministry released new program information called the Museums Assistance Program or MAP.
PSAC-NCR also reached a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the employer, Ingenium, which includes the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. There is a no layoff clause, and reintroduces regular work hours, nullifying the old MOU from June 15, 2020 and provides all employees with two additional personal days to use at their discretion. PSAC now expects to begin talks for a new collective agreement in the fall, and talks begin with the Museum of Nature this week.
PSAC-NCR Regional Executive Vice-President, Alex Silas, states, “Organizing works. We sent our message to the Minister and they’ve responded positively to support workers. We’ve also worked hard on a new MOU with the employer to secure additional paid leave for our members at Ingenium museums.”
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, in Winnipeg, is currently open to the public. PSAC/UNE Local 50773, representing over 100 staff at the museum, is currently in contract negotiations with the employer, meeting this week. Mandatory anti-harassment training is a key proposal of the union.
"We are glad to hear that Minister Guilbeault has heard our call and has taken action to ensure that our national museums aren’t left behind during this pandemic,” said Marianne Hladun, REVP for the PSAC Prairie Region. “Staff are critical to the functioning of our national museums. PSAC/UNE Local 50773 is looking towards contract negotiations to ensure a safe workplace for all staff.”
For interview requests, please contact:
Jill O’Reilly, PSAC-NCR Political Communications Officer, 613-808-6523 / oreillj@psac-afpc.com
Alanna Makinson, Prairies Political Communications Officer, 204-292-0585 / MakinsA@psac-afpc.com