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North America

The Washington Office

Contact: Mark Langevin - Subregional Secretary

Address: 1200 18th Street NW #700 - Washington, D.C. 20036 - USA

Telephone: 202-744-0072

Email: mark.langevin@world-psi.org

US Justice Department decision to close privatized prisons marks turning tide in privatization debate

19 August 2016

In an historic move, and on the back of years of work by public sector unions and civil society allies, the United States Department of Justice announced on 18 August their intention to close all private prisons under contract to the DOJ.

It’s About Time – Federal Government to End Use of For-Profit Prison Operators

19 August 2016

PSI affiliate AFSCME applauds the Justice Department’s decision to end the use of private, for-profit firms to run America’s federal prisons.

Federal Correctional Officers in the US Praise DOJ Decision to End Use of Private Prisons

19 August 2016

PSI affiliate American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) hails announcement as move towards safe, responsible incarceration policy.

Many charter school advocates want public schools to be run like businesses

11 July 2016
Children queuing up outside a charter school

All of the rhetoric about “school choice” only obscures the real choice. Who do we want to control public education? Communities, teachers, and education professionals, or billionaires and owners of companies like Walmart?

Canada: MP committee falls short on pay equity plan

06 July 2016
Mind the Gender Pay Gap - Photo: Mike Licht - Creative Commons - http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionscapital/5297085447
Photo: Mike Licht - Creative Commons

PSI affiliate, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Canada’s largest union, is calling on Parliament to adopt a federal pay equity law that will close the persistent gap in how women and men are paid for work of equal value.

CUPE says the time frame recommended by an MPs’ committee on pay equity doesn’t move quickly enough in addressing discrimination against women workers.

Everyday Hero Brenda Johnson

28 June 2016
Brenda Johnson

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has selected a member from each of its seven divisions who epitomize the spirit of public service, camaraderie and compassion, as its Everyday Heroes. Each winner will be honored at this year’s AFT convention in July.

Special education paraprofessionals: Work shouldn't hurt

27 May 2016
Work shouldn't hurt

PSI affiliate the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has received a huge response from its members to a recent article by the Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) on the subject of violence towards special education paraprofessionals.