In April, we asked you to boycott National Public Service Week because we were outraged over the employer’s unnecessary use of the moratorium on term conversions. Since then, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) chose to follow Treasury Board and require workers to report to the office a minimum of three days a week starting in September. At the same time, the employer advised us that approximately 2,000 of our term members working in its Contact Centres would see their contracts expire on May 10, not to be renewed.
These actions show CRA’s ongoing lack of respect and consideration for workers.
Our members are frustrated and rightly so. Under the terms of the Letter of Understanding reached during the last round of negotiations between the Union of Taxation Employees (UTE)/Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the CRA, the employer was to consult our union in order to update the outdated Virtual Work Arrangements Directive, as well as its policy on the Rollout of On-site Presence at the CRA. At no time during the discussions held at the Joint Union-Management Consultation Committee on these issues was there any mention of increasing the rate of on-site presence.
CRA proclaims that it puts ‘People First’. Really?
This National Public Service Week, being held June 9 to 15, 2024, we are asking you to say NO to their piece of cake, hot dog, or hamburger. You’re worth much more than that, and deserve more respect from your employer, the Canada Revenue Agency.
We are asking you to use this background for your virtual meetings. If your manager asks you to take it down, do so, but ask for the request in writing and contact your local representative so that you may file a grievance.
Our union greatly appreciates and is proud of the excellent work you do every day in the service of Canadians. Thank you.
In Solidarity,
Marc Brière
National President
Union of Taxation Employees