International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day of action. Its roots trace back to women workers who marched for better wages, safer conditions and the right to be heard. The 1912 Bread and Roses strike, led by immigrant women textile workers, demanded not only fair pay (“bread”) but also dignity and respect (“roses”). These women knew that real change happens when we stand together and history has proven them right.

Ongoing tariff disputes with the United States are threating economic stability and job security. CEIU members will feel these impacts, not just in their workplaces, but in their daily lives and communities.  

CEIU hosted its inaugural Health and Safety Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, from Dec. 8 to 11, drawing 120 delegates, observers and guests from across the country under the theme, “Speak out for your health.” 

Some 60 members participated in the Canada Employment and Immigration Union’s first National Young Workers Conference, Dec. 12-13, 2024 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. 

As indicated in the last update published on our site, January 2025, the hearing of the policy grievance, filed on March 29, 2019, did take place, in person in Ottawa, on Thursday, September 12, 2024, before the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS).

This International Women's Day, CEIU and your National women’s committee are proud to introduce our theme: Your Voice is Your Vote. Women’s voices shape our communities, our policies, and our futures, yet too often, our priorities are overlooked. This year, we are amplifying the issues that matter most to women:

CEIU is pleased to announce that the 2025 CEIU National IRCC Conference will be held on May 6 & 7, 2025 at the Toronto Marriott City Centre, at One Blue Jays Way, in Toronto, ON Registration and a meet and greet will be held starting at 7 p.m. on May 5, 2025.

CEIU is hereby calling for nominations for the position of Alternate National Vice-President for the Immigration & Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).

CEIU is hereby calling for nominations for the position of Alternate National Vice-President for Human Rights (HR) as well as for different positions on the CEIU Human Rights/Race Relations Committee (HR/RR):

CEIU members provide critical public services. We process pensions, assist newcomers and support Canadian families and businesses.

Now more than ever, solidarity and collective support are essential. As we navigate political and economic uncertainty, we must stand together to protect not only our jobs but also the vital services our communities rely on.

Our priority is to support one another through these challenges. By staying informed and engaged, we strengthen our ability to advocate for fair workplaces and a resilient public service.

We encourage you to attend information sessions, learn about your rights, and connect with your union for support—because together, we are stronger.

Workforce Adjustment

Workforce adjustment (WFA) is the term used to describe a process for reducing indeterminate positions in the core federal public service, agencies, and separate employers.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced in January 2025 that it is imposing workforce adjustment on hundreds of CEIU members.

Indeterminate employees have job protections in place thanks to union members who fought hard during a 1991 national strike. Since then, WFA has been expanded and enhanced through successive rounds of collective bargaining.

These protections are enshrined in the Workforce Adjustment Appendix (WFAA), a critical component of our members’ collective agreement.

CEIU has developed resources and held information sessions to inform members of their rights under the WFAA.

Resources:

• WFA: Frequently Asked Questions
  
  
• Workforce Adjustment: A Brief Introduction
  
  
• PSAC Workforce Adjustment webpage
  
  
• Workforce Adjustment: A guide for PSAC members in the core public service
  
  

Term positions

Federal departments, including IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), are implementing a “stop the clock” on term rollovers. This means that term employees will no longer be able to accumulate time towards obtaining an indeterminate job until otherwise notified.

We have thousands of members who are term employees across the country, and we are advocating for them at national tables with the employer.

• Term Employees: FAQ
  
  
• “CEIU denounce IRCC’s lack of consultation on term rollovers” (Oct. 18)
  
  
• “ESDC ‘stop the clock’ a serious concern for union” (Jan. 22)

Sign up to get involved

People rely on a strong public service every day, and our members continue to deliver. We will defend the public service in the upcoming round of bargaining, in the federal election, and in our campaigns.

The strength of our union relies upon an active and engaged membership.

Sign up to get involved in upcoming campaigns.

What we are doing

• Representing our members on departmental workforce adjustment committees
  
  
• Pushing for comprehensive supports including financial planning assistance, internal and external job opportunities, and enhanced mental health resources for members
  
  
• Tracking and monitoring job cuts in collaboration with PSAC
  
  
• PSAC provided training to CEIU staff on workforce adjustment
  
  
• Over 160 stewards from union locals across the country participated in CEIU training to support members

What you can do

• Know your rights: for indeterminate employees, understand your WFA entitlements and how-to speak to the employer
  
  
• Access job opportunities: the employer has a responsibility to provide career and financial resources to those impacted by WFA
  
  
• Take care of yourself and your fellow union members: we have called on the employer to expand mental health supports beyond the Employee Assistance Program. We have also put together a list of additional resources for you.
  
  

Still have Questions?

 
Your union local is your primary point of contact. Find your union local here >>  

 
Your elected National Executive members are also available:  

 
National Vice-President, National Capital Region 
Daniel Carriere 
[email protected] 

Alternate National Vice-Presidents, National Capital Region 
Vanessa Sandsmark (2nd) 

[email protected] 

 
National Vice-Presidents, Ontario 

Julie Nanquil 
[email protected] 

Lisa Prescott 
[email protected] 

 
National Vice-Presidents, Quebec 
Judith Côté 
[email protected] 

Annik Beamish 
[email protected] 

 
National Vice-President for Women’s Priorities, Eastern Canada 
Carolyn Locke 
[email protected] 
 

National Vice-President for Women’s Priorities, Western Canada 
Lynda MacLellan 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, Newfoundland and Labrador – Nova Scotia 
Debbie Morris 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, New Brunswick – Prince-Edward-Island 
Kelli Reid (Interim) 
[email protected]  

National Vice-President, Manitoba & Saskatchewan 
Keri D’Avignon-Nault 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut 
Sabino Spagnuolo 
[email protected] 

 
National Vice-President, British Columbia and Yukon 
Jaspinder Badesha 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 
Shauna-Lee Dupuis 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, Immigration and Refugee Board 
Vivian Ike 
[email protected] 

National Vice-President, Human Rights Issues 
Mofizul Islam 
[email protected]