Congratulations to the staff of Queer Yukon Society, a newly certified bargaining unit of the Public Service Alliance of Canada and affiliated with Yukon Employees’ Union. Welcome to the Union family of Yukon Employees' Union and the Public Service Alliance of Canada; we're so glad you're here!
Queer Yukon Society is a community-led initiative with community centers across the Yukon that offer safer spaces, resources, supports, online and in-person programming, and community connection to 2SLGBTQIA+ Yukoners and their loved ones.
The workers at Queer Yukon Society fulfill an important role in a dynamic environment, offering valuable services and support to Yukon residents who are often marginalized and under-represented. With a staff of roughly 10 individuals, the non-profit society is growing and evolving. Their choice to unionize is an example of their commitment to a healthy and inclusive workplace.
Queer Yukon Society’s spokesperson Mira Sirois says “Collective action allows us to make change. We wouldn’t be where we are now, have the rights and supports that currently exist, without group organization. An individual has limited reach, but a community is an empowering force that can make systemic change happen.”
The successful organizing campaign initiated by the staff and assisted by the Public Service Alliance of Canada is an exciting victory. Members of the new bargaining unit look forward to a strong negotiated collective agreement which will bring an important perspective to the traditional language of unions.
Mira says the team was united in their desire to unionize. Already a strong and supportive group, this empowering step will allow them to continue providing the 2SLGBTQIA+ community the service it needs and deserves.
The membership and staff of the PSAC and Yukon Employees’ Union welcome the staff of Queer Yukon Society into our union family. We are all proud to walk alongside this powerful team as they build a strong collective agreement.