Vacation season is upon us. With it comes our chance to rest and re-energize our bodies and minds.
This particular summer break is especially well deserved. We’ve been worn down by more than two years of pandemic. Our passport offices are overrun. Mobilization is in full swing for some locals. We’re still seeking work-life balance as offices reopen and hybrid work models spread. We’ve been without a contract for months. We’re having to adjust our budgets in the face of rampant inflation. And, on top of all that, we just entered the seventh wave of the pandemic.
In these unsteady and often stressful times, caring for ourselves and our loved ones couldn’t be more of a priority. We want you all healthy, so be cautious and practise distancing if you have symptoms. Show empathy and solidarity. And, most importantly, enjoy all the wonderful things Quebec has to offer this summer.
We’re headed for a pivotal fall. As we’ve said time and again, we’re counting on our federal public service members’ mobilization. Many of our directly chartered locals are also at the bargaining table. Amidst inflation, labour shortages and an upcoming provincial election, concessions are out of the question. We need to rally together and mobilize. The best way to prevent a strike is to be ready for it.
A great way to get involved is to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, as well as on my own professional page.
In the meantime, we’ll be hard at work. We’ll keep fighting to promote French and ensure strong representation for directly chartered locals. We’ll also maintain our involvement with the FTQ, which is all the more significant as we’re hoping to have sister Magali Picard elected FTQ president this fall.
We’re also working on various mobilization and education initiatives that should be ready for you this fall, including an online store, podcasts, new interactive content and other surprises that are sure to appeal to everyone.
A huge thank you for all your hard work over the last year. You can all be proud of everything you’ve accomplished. Enjoy the nice weather and charge up your batteries for a productive fall.
In solidarity,
Yvon Barrière
Regional Executive Vice-President
PSAC-Quebec