Why does it take years to reach a new collective agreement in the federal public service? PSAC’s new video looks at one of the biggest problems in the current system: outdated rules under the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act (FPSLRA) that create barriers at the bargaining table and slow the path to a new agreement.
The video explains how the current system restricts what can be negotiated and builds delays into the bargaining process, including through the Public Interest Commission (PIC) process. It helps explain why federal workers can spend years waiting for movement at the table, and why that needs to change.
Mediation for the PA Group
The PA bargaining team is meeting with a third-party mediator from April 28–30 in an effort to help break the deadlock in negotiations and move discussions forward.
When PSAC declared impasse, we asked the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board to skip the PIC process so bargaining could move ahead more quickly. Treasury Board opposed that request. Rather than deciding on the issue, the Board said it will hold its decision until May 29 or the conclusion of mediation.
This makes it an important time to build awareness and support around one of the key problems in the current bargaining system: the delay and added barriers created by the PIC process.
Federal public service workers deserve a bargaining system that is fair, timely, and effective — not one that forces workers through unnecessary delays before negotiations can meaningfully progress.
It’s time to speed up dispute resolution by removing the Public Interest Commission process, so members get fair outcomes without needless delays.
Get involved
This video is part of PSAC’s broader campaign to modernize the FPSLRA.
The more members understand how the legislation affects bargaining, the stronger we will be in pushing for change. That means learning about the issues, sharing the videos, using the campaign tools, and speaking out in support of a better system.
Visit the campaign page to:
- Watch the full video series
- Explore the discussion guide and other resources
- Use the lobby and social media kits
- Send an email to your MP
Watch the video, explore the campaign, and take action now.
This article was first published on the PSAC website.
