The AJC continuously strives to be a fearless advocate for justice in the workplace for all our members. While justice can mean very different things to different people, I’d like to use this space to demonstrate what justice in the workplace looks like for our members.
Justice in the context of the work we do at the AJC is a concept that encompasses a wide range of issues. At its core, justice in this context refers to the fair and equitable treatment of all members, regardless of their background or status. This includes ensuring that all members have access to the same opportunities for advancement, that they are paid fairly for their work, and that they are protected from discrimination and other forms of mistreatment.
One of the key components of justice in the workplace is the principle of equal opportunity. This means that all members should have the same chances to advance and succeed, regardless of their race, gender identity, religion, sexual identity, orientation, disability, family status or any other protected ground. The Employer also has a responsibility to provide training and other resources to help all members develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. Through our advocacy, the AJC brought significant changes after calling for an LP1-LP2 progression program for over 10 years and helping to improve the LP1 to LP2 progression programs at DOJ. My Special Advisor who coincidentally is also the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (EDIAC) chair, now sits on the selection committee of a DOJ LP1 and LP2 external competition which is open only to candidates from employment equity groups. This has allowed the AJC to monitor the employer’s progress in implementing their EDI objectives and provided another opportunity to advocate for the removal of barriers in staffing processes.
Another important aspect of justice in the workplace is fair, reasonable and comparable compensation for all members. This means that AJC members should be renumerated with salaries that are commensurate with the skills, experience, and effort they bring to their work. On this front, the AJC has been tireless, whether it is through our Hours of work policy grievance, our management leave policy grievances, bargaining and the on-going market adjustment discussions that are expected to see significant changes to LP pay structure that will benefit all members with retroactive effect.
Additionally, justice in the workplace encompasses protecting the health and safety of our members. The AJC is continuously putting members’ health, safety and well-being at the core of all that we do, that was never more evident than throughout the unprecedented world-wide public health emergency, whether that was through our advocacy on 699 leave and subsequent policy grievance, our guidance document for members that was shared across the legal community or the litigation we brought before the Federal Court. These battles are not yet over as we now face the new common hybrid work model and its challenges.
At its core, justice must confer the fair and equitable treatment of all. It must be anchored in the principles of fairness, impartiality, and accountability. Justice for our members is always at the heart of all that we do at the AJC and our results, whether they be viewed as great successes or as learning experiences, are essentially reliant on strong membership engagement.
As a union, our strength lies in our collective power to bring justice to the workplace and to be fearless advocates for your rights and interests. In order to achieve our goals, it is crucial that we have the active participation of our members. When members are engaged, it creates a sense of community and solidarity within the union, making us stronger and more effective in our advocacy.
For the AJC, strong membership engagement means having a pool of committed and passionate individuals who are willing to work together towards common goals. It also means that we will better understand the needs and concerns of our members, which better informs our bargaining and advocacy strategies.
For you, the members, strong engagement means having a voice and being part of a collective effort to improve your workplace conditions and protect your rights.
Together, we can make an even bigger difference and achieve the changes we all seek.
In solidarity,
David McNairn, AJC President