Union takes position that work of Constables and work of Scanner Operators are different, with specific bargaining issues.

The new employer for security services on Parliament Hill has made a proposal to the Public Service Labour Relations Board to merge both Constables bargaining units and the Scanners bargaining unit into one – meaning that there would be one contract for both Constables and Scanner Operators.

Constables and Scanners both play a role in ensuring the safety and security of the public, parliamentarians and their staff. But the work that each performs is substantially different, as are the issues and operational-settings, from scheduling to uniforms to firearms. As a union that represents thousands of law enforcement officers in the federal public service, PSAC has a great deal of first-hand knowledge about collective bargaining in a law-enforcement environment. In the case of PPS, the fact of the matter is that constables and scanners don’t do the same work.

As a result, PSAC is taking the position that Constables and Scanners should each have the ability to negotiate their own collective agreements. Regardless of the union that represents these groups, PSAC believes that the two groups should be separate in terms of their collective agreements. Just as the PSAC has taken the position that – despite the fact that both groups are represented by the PSAC – postal workers and editorial workers should each have their own collective agreements. The PSAC currently represents eight different, separate groups on Parliament Hill, each with its own collective agreement.

Also resolving this issue would ensure that PSAC can get back to the bargaining table in a more timely fashion and resolve issues related to the work of Scanner Operators.

We’ll be sure to update as things progress. If you have any questions or wish to see a copy of our proposals contact a member of our Bargaining Team.