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Public sector unions launch lobby effort

Eighteen federal public service unions have signed a "partnership with Canadians", asking government to reverse plans to cut public services and jobs.

The unions, representing hundreds of thousands of public sector employees, met in Moncton, New Brunswick, as part of their National Joint Council summit.

They want to save positions, such as the 150 jobs to be cut at the Public Service Pension Centre in Shediac, N.B.

Gary Corbett, president and CEO of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, said the idea is to pressure the federal government to put the brakes on downsizing.

"We're really supporting and we serve and we represent those who deliver service to Canadians. And if those people aren't there, Canadians don't have the service. And guess what? That's a problem for Canadians," said Corbett.

It wasn't a coincidence that the unions were meeting on the same day the Conservative majority government began its first fall session. The Harper government is promising to cut $4-billlion from the federal public service.

The unions are asking the public to join their effort by signing a petition. It calls for a reversal of the cuts, better public services and a reversal of corporate tax cuts to reduce the deficit.

They're asking Treasury Board President Tony Clement to put critical services and long-term viability of social programs, ahead of short-term concerns for reducing the deficit.

The unions are promising to ramp up their public awareness campaign as the government moves closer to the next federal budget.