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Frequently Asked Questions
What Union do I belong to?
You belong to the Union of Taxation Employees (better known as the UTE). The UTE is a component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
The PSAC is our bargaining agent; it works to help all members obtain fair treatment and respect in the workplace, employment security, better pay
and safe working conditions. They are compromised mainly of Federal Government Employees in various components but are starting to branch out into
the private sector. The Components are organized to bring together members working for the same government department, territory or Agency. The
Components work with the Locals, have their own decision-making structure, hold their own conventions and elect their own leadership.
What is a collective agreement?
A collective agreement is an agreement, in writing, between an employer and the union representing its employees. The agreement contains various
provisions such as rates of pay, hours of work, leave permitted, etc. and the rights and obligations of the parties to the agreement. The agreement
is the "bible" that specifies all the "do's" and "don'ts" as well as entitlements for all employees. Ordinarily the agreement is for a definite
period such as one, two or three years, but not less than twelve months.
Where can I get a copy of the current collective agreement?
According to Article 10.02 of the agreement, "The Employer agrees to supply each employee with a copy of this agreement and will endeavour to do
so within one month after receipt from the printer." This means that the Employer must supply each and every employee with a copy of the agreement.
An electronic version can also be obtained by clicking on the following link Collective
Agreement
What is collective bargaining?
Collective bargaining is the framework under which the negotiation of the collective agreement takes place. It is a process where the Union and
the Employer negotiate, in good faith, the rights and obligations of a first or a renewal of a collective agreement. This negotiation process is
usually quite lengthy and focuses mostly on wages, working conditions, grievance procedures and fringe benefits.
What is the difference between CEUDA and UTE?
Like UTE, CEUDA is another component of the PSAC. CEUDA represents Customs Officers and other Customs Support Staff, mostly at the ports. They are
one of three Unions that represent CCRA employees.
What is my ID# and where can I get it/find it?
In order to have a PSAC ID number, you must be a member and not a RAND...that means you must have signed a membership card. Your ID number can be
found on your PSAC Membership Card. Your ID number can also be obtained by contacing the PSAC National Capital Regional Office at 560-2560.
How will I be kept informed on union matters and activities?
Our Local has its own website that is used to keep members informed. When necessary, we also do mailouts, sending information to every member
within our Local. The Local also has representatives in the workplace that can pass on information and who update the Union boards in our
buildings. There is also a discussion board on this website that allows members to talk to other members and members of the executive council.
Both the UTE and the PSAC also have websites, as well as, newsletters that are sent to members on a regular basis keeping them up-to-date with
Union information and what other members across the country are doing.
Who is my contact?
You can contact any of the members of the Executive Council listed on our Contact Page for any reason.
When do members have a chance to voice their concerns?
Members can voice their concerns at any time to any of the Executive Council members, either by phone, email or in person. Members also have
the opportunity to voice their concerns in a more formal environment at the Local's Annual General Meeting held every February, where all
members are encouraged to come and participate.
How do I get involved?
Getting involved is very simple. Contact one of your Executive Council members and make them aware of your intent to get involved. If you have
something specific in mind, we will try to accommodate, otherwise, we have many tasks and duties that we can always use a hand with.
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