Our work as a union is always centered on our members’ workplaces. Nonetheless, the impact of our work has global reach.
The Social Justice Fund (SJF) is an initiative of all of PSAC together. The Fund’s mission, “The promotion of the right to decent work, quality public services, human rights and equity,” is a priority for labour everywhere. Contributions from members and employers go a long way (literally!) to help working-class and vulnerable groups deal with their own issues in their own communities.
Just a few examples
In the North: the SJF is supporting community programs that fight food insecurity and poverty in the North.
In all of Canada: the Fund supports anti-poverty projects, which includes literacy programs, and human rights for racialized communities, LGBTQ+ communities, precarious workers and more.
In the global labour movement: Uniting workers across borders, the Fund develops partnerships between workers and unions in the Global North and the Global South for mutual support and development. The Fund also supports Humanitarian assistance for communities and countries in crisis.
There are so many more worthy projects. Let us just highlight one that you can engage with directly: Café Justicia is supported by the Fund. Based in Guatemala, they produce “fair trade plus” coffee to benefit social justice projects in Mayan communities. There’s an order form directly on the site.
How UCTE supports the Fund
Revenues come to the fund by negotiated provisions in our collective agreements. UCTE is one of the components that contributes directly, and some bargaining units make joint contributions (union + employer), but the majority of participating bargaining units have negotiated employer contributions.
It’s a priority for UCTE, and for that reason National President Teresa Eschuk sits on the Steering Committee of the Fund. UCTE also advances a demand at every private sector bargaining table for employer contributions to the fund. It’s something all members can be proud of.
It’s good to remember that it’s our collective power as a union that makes all this great work possible, just by being a member in good standing, you are part of that power. Several bargaining units, components and employers contribute, so more can be accomplished than by any bargaining unit or community working alone.
Learn more at Social Justice Fund : Who we are – and while you’re there, try that fair-trade coffee!