Latest Updates: Tentative Agreement reached with TB and PSAC

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.