Ottawa – After 25 days on strike, an agreement in principle was reached between PSAC and the National Battlefield Commission (NBC) on Monday, July 16. The members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the agreement today.
Here are the highlights:
• Seniority is conserved for 24 months after being laid off
• Four members granted paid union leave to take part in bargaining sessions
• Fewer years of service required to obtain vacation leave
• Maximum days for union leave have been eliminated
• Thirty minutes paid to allow the Union to meet with new employees
• Possibility of schedule changes for employees on call
• Sick leave broken up in 30-minute segments
• The two-tier sick leave system has been eliminated
• The meal allowance is increased by $0.15 for every year of the collective agreement
• Compassionate care leave of twenty-six weeks with a 93% complementary payment
• Family has been broadened for bereavement leave: grandparents (5 days) and nephews/nieces have been added (1 day)
• Every month, 3.75 hours have been granted for pregnant members to undergo routine checkups
• Three-weeks paid dependency leave
• Four-day paid leave in the event of domestic violence. The day when the incident occurs will be paid by the employer.
• Paid representatives, interested parties and witnesses for any hearing of the Tribunal administratif du travail in the event of a work accident
• Improved grievance procedure
• Safety boots for employees assigned to winter duties reimbursed up to a maximum of $150
• Snow removal contract reclaimed
• Clause related to the performance review improved
• Task description committee has been established
• Adding gender identity as a principle of non-discrimination
• Task descriptions can be accessed at the request of employees
• Guidance of employment agencies
• Presence of local executive during the hiring process
• Monitoring of outsourcing
• No loss of salary if employee is suspended for a disciplinary investigation
• Students will have the right to be treated the same as employees
The duration of the collective agreement will be for five years including a “tow” clause (clause “remorque” en français) with the Treasury Board, as well as a new pay grid with a wage “catch up”. Members will be positioned in this new grid depending on seniority:
• 0 to 2 years – increment 1
• 2 years and more – increment 2
• 3 years and more – increment 3
A huge thanks to the negotiating team, the Local executive, the UNE Quebec Regional team, the PSAC Quebec team and staff, and to Natalie Rainville for their tireless efforts.