WHY NOT US?
Government takes position that we deserve less.
Our bargaining team and that of CRA met this past week in contract talks. We made no progress over the course of the three days. By the second day it became abundantly clear that the CRA had no new mandate from Treasury Board. In fact, the employer’s position with respect to compensation has not changed since it first tabled its wage proposal in 2013. The agency’s wage position is 1.5% in 2012 and 1.5% in 2013. In addition, the employer is asking that we give up our severance in exchange for an additional 0.25% in 2012 and 0.5% in 2013.
Thousands of other public service workers have received compensation over and above this pattern over the course of this round of bargaining. This includes our former coworkers at CBSA. In short, the government has taken the position that we at CRA should agree to less than what was agreed to for other public service employees.
We are not second-class public service employees. We work hard on behalf of Canadians. We deserve better than this. Much better.
In light of the lack of progress, the parties have agreed to meet with the assistance of a federal mediator and are discussing dates to meet next month.
In the meantime, we call on all PSAC-UTE members at CRA to join us in taking action in support of a fair contract. In the coming days UTE Locals across Canada will be announcing a National Day of Action in support of achieving a new contract with the CRA, a contract that recognizes the important work that we do on behalf of all Canadians.
We will be sure to update as things progress. Be sure to go to psacunion.ca for more information.
PSAC/UTE members at Canada Revenue Agency
United for a Fair Contract
