Agriculture Union members, like all federal public service workers, are unique in that they have three 'bosses'

• their workplace employer (Department or Agency);
• central public service agencies (Treasury Board and Public Service Commission, as two examples); and
• the political government of the day.

It is this last category – the politicians – that arguably presents the greatest challenge to our members. A government can (and has often) removed hard-fought-for workplace rights and benefits with the stroke of a pen. Government Ministers also set the tone for contract negotiations and give marching orders to the Departments and Agencies they oversee.

So, lobbying, advocacy and political action are essential tools for defending Agriculture Union members. From time to time, alone or in conjunction with our bargaining agent, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, we launch public campaigns to correct injustices or address such issues as job security, quality public services and fairer, more secure workplaces.