As planned, the formal bargaining process with Treasury Board began July 8-10. Negotiations will resume in mid-September. Here are a few updates.
PSAC fights to protect sick leave
Treasury Board indicated that the government wishes to move to a short-term disability plan, however the employer did not yet table any specific sick leave proposals. PSAC has been clear that sick leave is a right in our collective agreements and any changes to working conditions need to be negotiated at the bargaining table, not in backrooms or in the media. PSAC filed a formal bad faith bargaining complaint against Treasury Board for their disregard for our collective bargaining rights.
Insulting wage proposal
Treasury Board tabled a wage proposal of 0.5% per year for four years. This amounts to a wage cut when inflation is factored in.
PA group: Negotiations focus on classification reform, workplace surveillance
The key discussions at the table during this first session of bargaining focused on classification reform and workplace surveillance. Our team told Treasury Board that our members are frustrated and angry with the delays in implementing classification reform. We also focused on the electronic surveillance that front-line customer service and call centre workers face.
FB group: Talks focus on wage parity
Our talks with CBSA on behalf of FB members focused on the ongoing fight for wage parity with the broader law enforcement community. We also want to fix problems in the workplace, and ensure that PSAC/CIU members working at CBSA are afforded new rights and protections in the context of a hostile management culture.
TC group: Bargaining proposals tabled and fight to implement expired agreement continues
Our TC bargaining team sat down with the employer and exchanged initial proposals. We also told the employer that it must fully implement the former TC collective agreement. PSAC has referred a grievance to the Public Service Labour Relations Board and continues to push the matter at the bargaining table.
SV group: Draft pay study first step in negotiations
SV team members exchanged proposals with Treasury Board and received a draft joint pay study. While the report is still a rough draft, it nevertheless gave the team the opportunity to prepare technical questions on the pay study.
EB group: Talks focus on pay study
Since 2004, PSAC has been trying to implement changes to the compensation of the ED-EST 12-month teachers. With the recent pay study and discussions with Treasury Board, we thought that it would be resolved but the employer has shown little interest in working on joint recommendations. PSAC has filed a grievance with the Public Service Labour Relations Board and continues to push the matter at the bargaining table.
