Robyn Benson was elected as the new National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada on May 4. She succeeds John Gordon, who retired after six years in the role and more than 30 years of union activism.

Benson has been the Regional Executive Vice-President (REVP) for PSAC’s Prairies region since 2000. As the REVP, Benson has been responsible for a wide range of activities in her region which covers Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. These include the Regional Council, organizing and re-certifications, education, political and social action, women’s and equity programs, Area Councils, Directly Chartered Locals and separate employers, Federations of Labour and related committees, and District Labour Councils.

During her terms as REVP she has also shared national responsibility for collective bargaining, finance, human rights and education for the PSAC.

In her first message to members, Benson expressed concerns about “the public service cuts you are experiencing in your workplaces, and the hostile political climate we are faced with in this country. The stories of how the cuts are already affecting our Brothers and Sisters and their families are truly heartbreaking, and I am committed to helping you through this difficult process.

“Many of you have shared your concerns with me regarding the cuts, and they’re similar to mine. There is no question, Brothers and Sisters, this government is decimating quality public services and destroying our communities, but they will not break our spirits.”