Now that Statistics Services Operations (SSO) members have formally signed a new collective bargaining agreementthat is officially in effect as of the March 13 signing, we invite SSO members to attend townhall meetings to learn more about what is new in the agreement.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns at these meetings.
PSAC national negotiator Hassan Husseini will provide more information about specific new provisions included in the new agreement and update you on what to expect for the next round of negotiations that will begin by the end of this year.
Please ensure that your contact information is up to date to receive all the latest bargaining updates as we gear up for the next round of negotiations.
After nearly two years of bargaining leading to one of the largest strikes in Canadian history, PSAC has reached tentative agreements for the more than 120,000 Treasury Board workers who deliver critical services to Canadians.
With the national strike now over for Treasury Board workers, members of the PA, SV, TC and EB bargaining groups are required to return to work beginning May 1 at 9 a.m. ET or their next scheduled shift after that date.
In this tentative agreement, PSAC has secured a fair contract for members that exceeds the employer’s original offer before the launch of strike action, and provides wage increases above the recommendations of the Public Interest Commission as well as those negotiated by other federal bargaining agents. It also provides significant new protections around remote work for PSAC members.
“During a period of record-high inflation and soaring corporate profits, workers were told to accept less – but our members came together and fought for better,” said Chris Aylward, PSAC national president. “This agreement delivers important gains for our members that will set the bar for all workers in Canada.”
This agreement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of PSAC members who held the line on fair wages and better working conditions.
Highlights of the tentative agreement
Wages that close the gap with inflation
PSAC negotiated wage increases totaling 12.6% compounded over the life of the agreement from 2021-2024. PSAC secured an additional fourth year in the agreement that protects workers from inflation, as well as a pensionable $2,500 one-time lump sum payment that represents an additional 3.7% of salary for the average PSAC member in Treasury Board bargaining units.
2021-2024:
Year of the agreement
2021
2022
2023
2024
Total
Wage increase
1.5%
4.75%
3% + 0.5%*
2.25%
12%
Total compounded wage increase
1.5%
6.4%
10.1%
12.6%
12.6%
*wage adjustment of a minimum of 0.5% for all bargaining units
One-time lump-sum payment
For PSAC members approaching retirement, the pensionable lump sum payment will contribute to their average salary for their best five years of service, and increase their overall pension payments in retirement.
Lump sum payment $2,500 (pensionable)
Example salary
Lump sum value
relative to salary
$45,000
5.5%
$55,000
4.5%
$65,000
3.8%
$75,000
3.3%
Strike action improves final wage offer
By securing an overwhelming strike mandate and following through with strong strike action, important gains were made to the employer’s final wage offer.
In the graph below, you’ll see a comparison of the employer’s position on wages before PSAC declared strike action; the settlements achieved by other federal public service bargaining agents for the same time period; and the wage offer PSAC negotiated in the tentative agreement.
* Based on an annual average salary of $67,300 for PSAC members at TB
New and improved remote work language
PSAC members will now have access to additional protection when subject to arbitrary decisions about remote work. We have also negotiated language in a letter of agreement that requires managers to assess remote work requests individually, not by group, and provide written responses that will allow members and PSAC to hold the employer accountable to equitable and fair decision-making on remote work.
It will also result in the creation of joint union-employer departmental panels to address issues related to the employer’s application of the remote work directive in the workplace.
Additional market adjustments and table-specific improvements
PSAC has also secured several table-specific wage adjustments and other improvements that will be fully outlined in the coming days.
Safer and more inclusive workplaces
Everyone in the federal government can benefit from anti-racism and discrimination training. That’s why we’ve reached an agreement to create a joint committee to review the existing training courses related to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to ensure employees are fully aware of training opportunities available to them during their work hours.
We also know a diverse workforce with strong Indigenous representation means a better public service for all. With the new addition of paid leave for Indigenous employees to engage in traditional Indigenous practices, including hunting, fishing and harvesting, the government will be better able to attract and retain more Indigenous workers and recognize their lived experiences.
Protections against contracting out
Privatization and contracting out in the federal public service out lead to higher costs, more risk, and reduced quality of services for Canadians. PSAC has negotiated language to ensure that in the event of layoffs, PSAC members will not lose their job if they can perform the duties of a contractor already working with the federal government. This language will protect public service jobs and reduce contracting out in the federal public service.
The government has also committed to a consultation process on the issues associated with contracting out in the federal public service.
Seniority under Workforce Adjustment Directive
PSAC and the employer have agreed to submit a joint proposal to the Public Service Commission of Canada to include seniority rights in the Workforce Adjustment process.
Other gains at the bargaining table
PSAC also made important improvements on a number of issues, ranging from a commitment to review the bilingual allowance, an increase to shift premiums, leave for union business and other types of leave. A detailed summary of these improvements will follow in the coming days.
Full text and next steps
In the coming days, a full explanation of the new agreements, and a copy of the new language, will be provided once they have been fully translated for the PA, SV, TC and EB groups. PSAC members will shortly thereafter be invited to participate in online ratification votes. Details about the votes will be shared as soon as possible.
The PSAC bargaining teams recommend the ratification of the tentative agreement.
It’s clear the Liberal government is feeling the pressure as we escalate our strike actions across the country. But we’ve been clear – the offer the government has on the table simply doesn’t cut it. And while we’ve had our sleeves rolled up for the past two years and have been ready to negotiate day and night to reach a fair deal, this government has consistently dragged out negotiations and tried to nickel and dime Canada’s workers.
Without a wage increase since the beginning of the pandemic, our members have fallen behind inflation to the tune of nearly 11% of their earnings. After losing more ground to runaway prices than workers in any other sector for years, the government is now saying Canada’s public service workers should be happy with an offer that leaves them even further behind.
And let’s not forget, these are the same members who delivered essential services to Canadians in a time of crisis. Imagine working every day and not having a contract, and because of Phoenix, not even knowing if you will be paid at all. These are regular Canadians who show up day in and day out to do the work that keeps our country running.
We came to the table with demands that reflect the need for significant change in our members’ workplaces. Workers deserve fair wages that keep up with rising costs, remote work to be spelled out in their contract and better job security. Those demands haven’t been met at the table, and we will continue to prioritize the needs of our members until we reach a fair deal.
The truth is, we don’t want a strike any more than our members; any more than Canadians; any more than this government. But we’ve been at the table for nearly two years. How long can workers wait?
We’re calling on the Liberal government to work with us on getting to a fair deal so that members can leave the picket lines behind and return to the work they’re proud to do.
PSAC National President Chris Aylward delivered the following message to members of the Treasury Board and CRA bargaining teams
Friends,
You may have seen the headlines this weekend – things didn’t get off to a great start.
We made some progress in the end, but we’re not there yet.
I can report that at the Treasury Board common issues table, we made some headway on remote work language, and both sides have moved in order to get closer to a resolution on wage increases.
At the CRA bargaining table, talks continue but without a new mandate from the employer, things haven’t moved much further.
So we’re not at the finish line yet, but I know that we can get to a fair deal for all 155,000 PSAC members thanks to the strong strike mandate you’ve delivered and the incredible solidarity you’ve shown from coast to coast to coast.
As we moved towards our strike deadline last week, the employer finally put a wage offer of 9% over three years on the table. You did that.
And when you hit the picket lines, it’s the first time we saw real progress at the table. You did that.
Even if the government seems content to prolong this strike and its impact on Canadians, I know you have the collective power to get us to a fair deal in the coming days. And tomorrow we’re going to escalate our actions.
PS: I know many of you still have lots of questions so we’ve updated our FAQ.
April 22, 2023
This afternoon, PSAC’s National President, Chris Aylward, National Executive Vice President Sharon DeSousa and Regional Executive Vice President — NCR, Alex Silas gave a bargaining update on Treasury Board bargaining.
While members are not on picket lines this weekend, we are still on strike, including members who are regularly scheduled to work on the weekend, and if we don’t reach a deal by Sunday, workers will be back on picket lines Monday morning. Members and public supporters can find the nearest picket line using PSAC’s picket line finder tool.
UNE is receiving a lot of questions regarding strike pay top-up. Unfortunately, UNE does not have a strike fund and does not provide strike pay top-up. However, some UNE Locals have established strike funds and may provide some additional financial assistance during the strike. Members should contact their Local Executive to inquire about possible assistance during the strike.
Furthermore, there are some UNE Locals who established strike funds, but those funds cannot be accessed because the Local has been inactive for quite some time and they have not complied with the requirements set out in the UNE Bylaws. In order for those funds to be accessed, Locals need to hold an annual general meeting, hold elections and present financial statements for approval. The Local will then designate signatories and have those members change the signatures on the account at the bank. Once those steps have been completed, the Local will have access to funds and may choose to provide financial assistance retroactively. UNE staff will assist Locals in completing these steps and getting your Local active again.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. We understand this is a difficult time for our striking members and information coming from every angle can be overwhelming and confusing.
We are here to help. Please contact your Deputy Trustee Teams if you have questions.
Picket lines will go up across the country April 19 as more than 155,000 Public Service Alliance of Canada members working for Treasury Board and Canada Revenue Agency begin strike action.
“We truly hoped we wouldn’t be forced to take strike action, but we’ve exhausted every other avenue to reach a fair contract for Canada’s Federal Public Service workers,” said Chris Aylward, PSAC national president. “Now more than ever, workers need fair wages, good working conditions and inclusive workplaces. And it’s clear the only way we’ll achieve that is by taking strike action to show the government that workers can’t wait.”
Strike action will begin at 12:01am ET April 19 – setting the stage for one of the largest strikes in Canada’s history.
Picket lines will be set up in more than 250 locations across the country. Members and public supporters can find the nearest picket line using PSAC’s picket line finder tool.
With nearly a third of the entire federal public service workers on strike, Canadians can expect to see slowdowns or a complete shutdown of services nationwide beginning tomorrow, 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; and slowdowns at the border with administrative staff on strike.
“As we begin this historic strike, PSAC bargaining teams will remain at the table night and day as they have been for weeks,” Aylward said. “We’re ready to reach a fair deal as soon as the government is ready to come to the table with a fair offer.”
Negotiations between PSAC and Treasury Board began in June 2021, but reached impasse in May 2022.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada is Canada’s largest federal public service union, representing nearly 230,000 workers in every province and territory in Canada, including more than 120,000 federal public service workers employed by Treasury Board, and more than 35,000 employed by the Canada Revenue Agency.
Use our picket line finder to register for the picket line closest to you. You’ll get a confirmation email and reminders by email and text before the strike. You may receive specific instructions on where to picket from your PSAC regional office.
When you get to the picket line, sign in with a picket captain with the barcode you received by email. Remember to sign IN and OUT of each shift on the picket line by scanning your barcode. We need your attendance recorded in order to process strike pay. If you did not receive a barcode, a picket captain can help you sign in.
Invite your coworkers, friends and family to join you on the line. Now more than ever, there is power and solidarity in numbers.
If you can’t find a picket line near you or you have any other questions, please contact your nearest PSAC regional office and review our frequently asked questions page for more information about the strike.
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.
