[Updated] TB strike: CIU representatives cease all communication with the employer

19 April 2023

Effective immediately, in light of the ongoing Treasury Board strike, CIU and all of its representatives, including National Office staff, are to stop interacting with the employer regarding all union-related matters, for all units, except for:

Filing grievances
Consulting on grievances (as some timelines are contractual)
Attending meetings related to a disciplinary, administrative or investigative hearing regarding a member;
Reporting imminent health and safety hazards, and
Attending workplace health and safety committee meetings

Normal communications will resume once the strike is over.

What happens at 12:01 a.m. on April 19, and additional information regarding the strike, picket lines, and essential services

18 April 2023

If a deal isn’t reached by 9 p.m. Eastern Time on April 18 — today — PA, EB, SV and TC members, along with CRA employees, will go on strike beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time. As per PSAC, non-essential shift workers who are at work at that time should walk off the job and prepare to join a picket line when available.

For shift workers in other time zones, that also means walking off the moment a strike is declared. For example, non-essential workers in British Columbia who are at work at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time would walk off at 9 p.m . on April 18.

Essential services agreements will also be coming into force at that time.

What work do I have to do during a strike?

If you’re in a non-essential position (PA, EB, TC, SV), you do not perform any work during a strike. Instead, report to the nearest picket line.

If you’re in an essential position (PA, EB, TC, SV), you should only perform essential duties. Ask your manager for a list of essential duties. If they do not provide one, for every task you are ordered to perform, ask your manager (in writing) if this task is essential. If they say yes (or tell you that all tasks are essential), ask (in writing) why this task is essential for the safety and security of the public (you can use the following wording: As a worker deemed essential, I must only perform essential duties. Please provide me with the reason why the requested duty is essential to the safety and security of the public). Always loop in your Branch President.

If you are a code 2 or 3 and management is asking you to come in, please ensure:

Code 2: That you are only replacing the Code 1 person you have been identified to replace (ask your Branch President for more information)
Code 3: That you ask the employer what specific conditions have been met for you to be called in (make sure to inform your Branch President if the employer fails to provide you with a suitable explanation)

See the PSAC strike FAQ for more information on essential services codes.

If you’re part of the FB group, you are not on strike. You may however be asked to perform duties that are not usually assigned to you. If you are ordered to perform duties outside of your usual duties, you should ask management to show you where these duties are in your job description. If they are not in your job description, and fall outside of your regular duties, ask for the order in writing, inform a union representative, obey the order now, and grieve later.

Finding and joining a picket line: When to show up, and a note about barcodes

The PSAC picket line finder is now live. Some things to keep in mind, in addition to already available information:

If you cannot register electronically and haven’t received a barcode for strike pay, but have a PSAC membership card, bring your card with you when you attend a picket line. The barcode on the back of the card is the same that would have been sent to you by email.
Unless otherwise indicated, picket lines will usually be active for the day. You do not need to arrive at the picket line at the time the picket line starts, but you do need to stay 4 hours to qualify for strike pay. For example, if you register for a picket line that starts at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., you can arrive at 10 a.m., but should stay until 2 p.m. to qualify for strike pay. And don’t forget to check in and check out!
New employees who have not started paying union dues can still report to a picket line, where they’ll be able to sign a card. They may be asked to verify which Branch they belong to, either by calling a Branch representative, or by providing suitable documentation (such as a hiring letter).

As always, make sure to keep an eye on the PSAC Treasury Board Strike FAQ.

Attending a picket line and receiving strike pay: What to do if you cannot register electronically

17 April 2023

In some cases, usually due to being recent hires or having changed department in the last few months, members may be unable to complete parts or all of the PSAC electronic registration process, including updating their contact information. While this is frustrating, in no way does it prevent striking members from participating in picket lines and receiving strike pay. Here’s what to do:

When attending a picket line, bring a copy of your pay stub (and, if you have filled an electronic membership card or eRand card, any confirmation or screenshot showing you have completed the form). You will be manually added to the strike system and sent a bar code to be able to receive strike pay.
Make sure a picket captain is aware of your presence and have them note your attendance. Keep a record of the picket captain’s name, and of the time you arrived (and departed) the picket line.
If you cannot register electronically and haven’t received a barcode for strike pay, but have a PSAC membership card, bring your card with you when you attend a picket line. The barcode on the back of the card is the same that would have been sent to you by email.
New employees who have not started paying union dues can still report to a picket line, where they’ll be able to sign a card. They may be asked to verify which Branch they belong to, either by calling a Branch representative, or by providing suitable documentation (such as a hiring letter).
Loop in your Branch President, who’ll be able to assist you.

See the PSAC TB strike FAQ for more information on strike pay and picket line attendance.

Treasury Board strike: Don’t fall for management’s misinformation, join a picket line!

17 April 2023

PSAC has announced that Treasury Board and Canada Revenue Agency units are set to strike on April 19 if a deal isn’t reached by 9 p.m. ET on April 18.

We know that our members have questions about the strike process, so please take time to review the PSAC Treasury Board strike FAQ, as it is frequently updated with new content, including important information on:

What to do in the event of a strike
Where to report to join a picket line
The consequences of crossing a picket line for striking workers
The consequences of continuing to work, even remotely, for workers in non-essential positions
What to do if you’re travelling for work
What to do if you’re on an acting assignment
Etc.

Workers in non-essential positions: See you on the picket line!

In the event of a strike, workers in non-essential positions must not report to work, including remotely. Once a strike is declared, do not have any communication with your manager unless you are in an essential position (or are asked to return employer equipment). Do not report to your manager, do not take phone calls from work, and do not answer work emails. Don’t cross picket lines — either at a physical office, or by continuing to work from home.

Instead, use the PSAC picket line finder (link to come) and join the nearest picket line. Members who are unable to attend a picket line (due to being farther than 100km from a picket line, or for other reasons) can request an accommodation to perform alternate strike duties by contacting their PSAC regional office.

As per PSAC, members who cross the picket line by performing work for the employer could face fines and suspension of membership privileges. PSAC’s Constitution outlines disciplinary action that can be taken against members, including “a fine that equals the amount of daily renumeration earned by the member, multiplied by the number of days that the member crossed the picket line, performed work for the employer, or voluntarily performed struck work.”

See the PSAC Treasury Board strike FAQ for more information.

Beware of misinformation

We’ve heard from several members about attempts by some managers to spread misinformation about what workers (both essential and non-essential) should do. Whether you’re in an essential or a non-essential position, here are some examples of what your manager might tell you to do, when in reality, you should not do any of the following during a strike:

Calling in every morning before the time you would normally be starting work
Attending meetings before the time you would normally be starting work
Calling/going on MS Teams before your regular start time, under threat of being marked absent and not paid
Entering your strike leave on a daily basis
Choosing to work or be on strike
If non-essential, logging into the work computer for any reason while on strike
Checking-in with your manager for attendance twice a day
Picketing for 4 hours but working the rest of the time
Performing non-essential tasks, or tasks/duties that are not a part of your regular job
Etc.

If your manager is telling you do to any of the above, they’re telling you to be a scab. Don’t do it.

What you can — and should — do:

If you’re in an essential position: Report to work and perform essential duties. Support strike efforts outside of your scheduled work period.
If you’re in a non-essential position: Don’t report to work. You’re on strike. Join (don’t cross) a picket line.

If your manager attempts to share misinformation or tries to intimidate you, make note of it (forward emails to yourself at home, take screenshots of messages, etc.) and send this information to your Branch President and PSAC Regional Office.

For more information, see Treasury Board strike mandate – CIU complementary FAQ and, as always, the PSAC TB strike FAQ.

Some information adapted from content previously published by PSAC.

Strike deadline announced for 155,000 PSAC members

17 April 2023

More than 155,000 PSAC members working for Treasury Board and the Canada Revenue Agency will begin strike action on April 19 if a deal cannot be reached by 9 p.m. ET April 18 – setting the stage for one of the largest strikes in Canada’s history.

“We’ve made some progress at each of our four bargaining tables over the past two weeks, but we’re still too far apart on several key issues, including wages that keep up with the cost of living, job security and remote work language,” said Chris Aylward, PSAC National President.

“We’re committed to remaining at the table until a fair deal is reached for all our members – both for our 35,000 Canada Revenue Agency members who resume negotiations today, and our 120,000 Treasury Board members still at the table.”

PSAC members have been without a contract since negotiations with the federal government began in June 2021, and last week, voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking strike action.

“These workers – like all workers – deserve fair wages and decent working conditions. Despite some progress at the bargaining table, our members are frustrated that while negotiations drag on, they continue to fall behind,” said Aylward.

“We’ve already been at the table for nearly two years, and these workers can’t wait any longer. That’s why we’re setting a clock on this round of bargaining.”

With so many federal public service workers potentially on strike as of April 19, Canadians can expect to see slowdowns or a complete shutdown of services nationwide, including a complete halt of the tax season, disruptions to employment insurance, immigration and passport applications; interruptions to supply chains and international trade at ports, harbours, and airports; and slowdowns at the border with administrative staff on strike.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Negotiations with federal government continue as a potential strike for 155,000 workers looms

14 April 2023

Over the past two weeks our bargaining teams have been back at the table with the assistance of third-party mediators to secure a fair contract for workers.

This is a critical time in the bargaining process, and it’s encouraging that talks are continuing into the weekend. PSAC will be holding a press conference on Monday, April 17 at 9 a.m. ET to provide an update on the status of negotiations with Treasury Board and Canada Revenue Agency on behalf of more than 155,000 federal government workers.

Members can watch the livestream of the press conference on our PSAC national Facebook page, and we’ll continue to keep you up to date on the status of negotiations on our website, social media, and by email.

Our priority remains to secure a fair contract for PSAC members that addresses our key issues, including decent wages that prevent workers from falling further behind, a more inclusive federal public service, remote work enshrined in our collective agreements, and good secure jobs.

More than 155,000 PSAC members across Treasury Board and Canada Revenue Agency are now in a legal strike position. A strike by PSAC’s federal public service workers would be the largest strike against a single employer in Canada’s history.

This is the government’s last opportunity to show workers the respect they deserve. Workers can’t wait, and we’re ready to take strike action.

Check your email regularly for more information about strike pay, PSAC’s picket line finder, and other strike-related information in the coming days as we prepare for potential strike action.

Visit our frequently asked questions for more information about strike action and strike pay.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Treasury Board strike – CIU complementary FAQ

14 April 2023

To supplement the frequently updated PSAC Treasury Board strike FAQ, CIU has also prepared a complementary FAQ to further help CIU members navigate the TB strike mandate and the potential strike.

Always refer to the PSAC FAQ in addition to the documentation below to ensure you have all available information. Make sure to use the PSAC picket line finder. Should you have any questions, please consult your CIU Branch President and your PSAC regional office.

Receive your PSAC strike pay via Interac e-transfer

12 April 2023

Here’s what members in the TB bargaining units should know about registering for Interact e-transfer for the PSAC strike pay.

Q: I received an email with the subject line: Strike pay: sign up for e-transfer. Is this an official email from PSAC?

Yes. This is an official email from PSAC, to ask you to register for strike pay to be transferred securely through e-transfer with your personal e-mail address. The email is unique to each member and linked to their individual PSAC ID. It cannot be forwarded to other members.

Q: If I do not provide an e-mail address for an e-transfer, will I continue to receive strike pay?

Yes, you will still receive strike pay. If we do not have your consent and preferred e-mail address, your strike pay will be processed by cheque and distributed to the PSAC region you are in to pay you when you are on the picket line with PSAC members.

Q: I deleted the email by accident, what should I do?

Nothing. If you received the email, that means you are already in our membership database, and we will be re-issuing the email on Thursday, April 13 for members who have not yet signed up.

Q: I did not receive this email, what do I do?

This means we may not have your personal e-mail address to communicate with you. You can add your email through PSAC’s member portal. You will not be able to use an email that was forwarded to you by another member because the original email is unique to each member and linked to their individual PSAC ID.

Q: Can my regional office re-send the e-mail directly to me?

Yes, Regional Office staff can re-send emails directly. We strongly encourage members to have updated contact information through the member portal.

Visit our member portal to keep your contact information up to date.

Q: What is strike pay?

For more about Treasury Board bargaining and strike pay, check our FAQ about Treasury Board Bargaining.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

120,000 Treasury Board members secure strike mandate

12 April 2023

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has received a strike mandate from members in the Program and Administrative Services, Operational Services, Technical Services, and Education and Library Science bargaining groups, which collectively represent more than 120,000 federal government workers employed by Treasury Board.

“The cost of living has hit highs we haven’t seen in 40 years, and people are struggling. Every day, we see that our dollar doesn’t go as far at the grocery store or at the gas pump,” said Chris Aylward, PSAC national president. “Today, PSAC members are sending a clear message that they won’t be taken for granted, they won’t fall further behind, and they’re ready to fight for better.”

The strike mandate follows nationwide strike votes that took place from February 22 to April 11, and comes on the heels of the strike vote mandate announced last week for 35,000 PSAC-UTE members working at the Canada Revenue Agency. A strike by PSAC members working for the federal government would be the largest against any single employer in Canada’s history.

“Our members won’t take the decision to strike lightly. They know that a strike will be difficult for them and for the Canadians who depend on the services they provide,” said Aylward. “But they’re exercising their bargaining power because they just can’t wait any longer. Their bills can’t wait. Their families can’t wait. None of us can.”

PSAC is the largest federal union representing federal public service workers, including workers who got vital new financial aid programs like CERB and emergency business loans up and running for Canadians in record time during the pandemic. They’re also cleaners and cooks on military bases, clerks and maintenance workers, tradespeople, Coast Guard search and rescue teams, teachers, firefighters and the people Canadians rely on to help process employment insurance, passport applications and immigration documents.

Negotiations between PSAC and Treasury Board began in June 2021, but reached impasse in May 2022. The two sides met again during mediation in September and Public Interest Commission (PIC) hearings in December before a PIC report was issued in February with non-binding recommendations.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Union members that stick together, win together

12 April 2023

Over the next few weeks, we could be headed towards a national strike for more than 155,000 federal public service workers. As strike votes wrap up on April 7 for Canada Revenue Agency members and April 11 for Treasury Board members, it’s important to know what that means for federal public service workers.

In the event of a strike, all members in the PA, SV, TC and EB groups and working at Canada Revenue Agency will be required to take strike action and attend a picket line, whether you work in the office or remotely – except a small percentage of workers who’ve already received letters deeming their position essential.

Here’s why it’s imperative that we all show solidarity with one another and do not cross a picket line:

This is a truly historic moment for workers. Together, we wield incredible power and can shut the government down to secure a fair contract.
A strike by PSAC would be one of the largest strikes in Canada’s history, and mean real gains for our members at the table;
When we work together, we apply maximum pressure on the government, which can lead to a shorter strike and a better collective agreement for workers.
When we’re divided, we show the employer we aren’t prepared to fight for decent wages and better working conditions.

We are aware that some departments and managers are sharing information that encourages PSAC members to continue working in the event of a strike. This is a union-busting tactic that aims to undermine our efforts to secure a fair agreement for all workers — including wages that keep up with the rising cost of living and don’t force you to take a pay cut.

Any member who works during a strike, including working remotely, betrays the entire bargaining unit. Crossing a picket line, whether in person or remotely, weakens our bargaining position and can cause the strike to last longer or result in a deal that’s less than workers deserve. It could also have long-term impacts on the working relationships between the coworkers who held the line and made sacrifices to get a good deal for everyone, and those who sided with the employer.

Members who cross the picket line by performing work for the employer could face fines and suspension of membership privileges.

If your manager is encouraging you to cross the picket line, notify your union steward, local executive, or PSAC regional office immediately.

As a union, we are committed to protecting the rights of our members, and ensuring your voices are heard and your demands are met. But the union is only as strong as the solidarity of the members. If we stick together, we can secure a historic victory for all PSAC members.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.