Parties unable to reach an agreement in reopener talks.
Our PSAC/UTE Bargaining Team met with the CRA on May 3rd and 4th to discuss wage increases for 2014 and 2015, consistent with our collective agreement signed last year. Unfortunately we were unable to reach an agreement over the two days.
The employer made a final offer of an additional 0.5% for 2014 and 0.5% for 2015. Our Team indicated that our members rejected a “me too” clause linked to the Treasury Board PA group last year, and that this wage position reflects what was negotiated for the PA group. Our position is that our union has always negotiated separate from Treasury Board, and that we are not interested in simply replicating what was agreed to for the PA group. CRA is a separate employer. What’s more, management’s position does nothing to close the wage gap with other comparable groups in the public service.
In light of the fact that what was presented to us was deemed ‘final’, we are in the process of contacting the Public Service Labour Relations and Employment Board to have our dispute resolved via binding arbitration, consistent with our Agreement.
We want to continue negotiations and remain prepared to return to the bargaining table to negotiate should management’s mandate change. Otherwise we will take the CRA before the Labour Board to resolve our dispute.
We will be sure to update as things progress. Be sure to go to www.psacunion.ca for updates. Also should you have any questions please contact your UTE Local President.
PSAC/UTE members at Canada Revenue Agency
United for a Fair Contract
