CIU and PSAC have prepared a series of flyers on major FB bargaining issues, explaining what we are fighting for. This week, the issues are Variable Shift Scheduling Arrangements and Telework and Hours of Work.
Variable Shift Scheduling Arrangements
(Primarily intended for shift workers)
What do we want?
- To curb management’s ability to implement “6 and 2” schedules, while at the same time ensure CBSA managers negotiate Variable Shift Scheduling Arrangements (VSSAs) in good faith.
Why do we need it?
- A majority of our members in the FB group work under these arrangements.
- These locally negotiated agreements have become the norm in shift working environments at CBSA.
- Since the FB group was created, we have had disputes with CBSA/Treasury Board about the VSSA language in our collective agreement during every round of bargaining.
Why are we fighting for it?
- CBSA is proposing language that would potentially remove the VSSA process from the local and/or regional level. Our bargaining team has said NO.
- Our experience with CBSA has been that once Ottawa management gets involved it spells bad news for employees. We believe local representatives are in the best position to negotiate shift schedule agreements that respond to local needs.
- Shift workers in particular build their lives around hours of work. We need fair processes in place for scheduling and VSSA negotiations that protect shift workers from CBSA abuses.
A message from your FB bargaining team
Telework and Hours of Work
(Primarily intended for day workers)
What do we want?
- Protected access to telework and compressed work weeks.
- Employee requests for telework and/or compressed work weeks not be unreasonably denied.
Why do we need it?
- Over the last several years CBSA has been eliminating compressed work week and flexible work time arrangements that have been in effect for a very long time.
- CBSA has also been eliminating telework arrangements as well.
- In the case of both telework and compressed work weeks and flexible work hours, CBSA management more often than not has made these changes without providing any justifiable or operational explanation.
Why are we fighting for it?
- CBSA management should have to justify why requests to telework or for a compressed work week or flexible hours are denied.
- And if their responses are unreasonable, union members should be able to challenge those decisions under our collective agreement.
A message from your FB bargaining team
