PSAC members from across the country met in Ottawa on November 26 and 27 for the first-ever national trades roundtable to discuss key issues impacting trades workers in the federal public service. 

Trades workers play an important role in keeping Canada’s buildings, bases, borders, museums, airports, labs, and public infrastructure running. They support the safety of communities, preserve public heritage, and maintain the essential services people rely on every day.  

Roundtable attendees identified a number of issues affecting their day-to-day work, including contracting out, wage gaps, outdated classifications, barriers to apprenticeship pathways, and health and safety concerns. Members also spoke about reconciliation in the trades and the importance of creating safer, more respectful workplaces, including preventing gender-based violence. 

“It’s been encouraging to bring our components together and to learn from each other,” said Charles Olson, president of UCTE Local 50600 in Winnipeg “This space really strengthens our collective work.” 

“Trades workers play an important role in keeping public services running”, said Jamey Mills, PSAC regional executive vice-president for British Columbia. “We organized this roundtable to make sure their experiences are heard and reflected in our union's priorities.” 

Over the two days, members worked through a full agenda that covered: trades mapping, bargaining and compensation, reconciliation in the trades, anti-privatization, gender-based violence prevention, apprenticeships, and health and safety. They discussed how privatization undermines service quality and safety of public services, and how important it is to keep trades work public and adequately staffed. They also discussed the need for better apprenticeship pathways, making it easier for new workers to access training, get support from members, and build long-term careers in federal workplaces.  

“This was a wonderful opportunity for us to be here and represent our region,” said Nicky Nauyuk, a plumber with the Iqaluit housing authority and part of the NEU’s bargaining team. “We’re grateful to be part of this first trades roundtable and to have our voices included.” 
 
“This has been a really great experience, and it feels good to be part of such a supportive group of trades workers”, said Bill Kroeger, president of UNDE Local 80407 (Nova Scotia) and SV bargaining team member.  

The roundtable made it clear: trade workers want ongoing opportunities to come together, share their experiences, and help shape their workplaces and their unions.  

PSAC is committed to fighting fair wages, stronger health and safety protections, better apprenticeship pathways, meaningful progress on reconciliation, and protection from privatization.