UNION NEWS - MAY 2022
The news continues to be dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on our lives, both personally and professionally. Since my last message, a fifth wave has swept across Canada and a sixth is still underway. It seems clear that this pandemic has not yet had its last word. Our union continues to hold the vast majority of its meetings and conferences virtually, but we are exploring the possibility of holding meetings in a hybrid format (simultaneously in person and virtually) in the near future, if it is feasible to do so.
We continue to meet regularly with the employer regarding a possible return of more employees to the Agency's premises. The timeline has been pushed back many times and we are monitoring the situation very closely. We agree with the employer's cautious approach to date. Your health and safety remain our top priority.
In addition, we understand the ongoing pandemic is having significant adverse effects on each and every one of you. Your well-being is very important to us. Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in mental health issues. This is normal in these difficult times. Difficult work-life balance, skyrocketing consumer prices and inflation, difficulty finding affordable housing, sanitary restrictions, etc. add to our stresses. There are many reasons to feel stressed and vulnerable. And that's not even counting the difficulties you may experience because of your job. We discuss this regularly within our union and with the employer, including through our representatives on the UTE National Well-Being Committee. We are making the employer aware of this reality and asking them to take concrete actions to support you. If you or a member of your family is experiencing difficulties, do not hesitate to call on the employer's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Your union representatives are also there to support you and help you get the help you may need.
As if that wasn't enough, the terrible war that is currently raging in Ukraine, in addition to having led to one of the most serious humanitarian crises in recent history for the people of that country, is having repercussions right here in Canada. Indeed, 1.4 million of our fellow Canadians are of Ukrainian origin. Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army, more than six million people have fled their country and sought refuge in neighbouring countries. Some people have also begun to arrive in Canada. On behalf of the Union of Taxation Employees (UTE), I would like to express our solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people and the millions of refugees who have been affected by this war. With this in mind, the UTE Executive Council has decided to make an extraordinary donation of one hundred thousand ($100,000) dollars to the International Red Cross to support efforts to provide clothing, shelter, food, medicine and other necessities to these refugees. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people.
Since my last message in December 2021, we have had numerous discussions with the PSAC regarding its position on the Treasury Board and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) mandatory vaccination policies. While UTE did not fully agree with the Alliance's initial position on this issue, we were obliged to comply with their direction as the PSAC is the legally recognized bargaining agent by the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.
In late January, we were informed that PSAC had filed a policy grievance in mid-December 2021 in support of its teleworking members in the core public administration. After numerous requests, we finally received a copy of the policy grievance on February 25, 2022. After reviewing it, we quickly concluded that a separate policy grievance needed to be filed with the CRA as the original grievance filed by the PSAC only referred to Treasury Board and its mandatory vaccination policy. After some discussion, the Alliance agreed to file a separate and specific policy grievance against the CRA and its mandatory vaccination policy in support of our teleworkers. This policy grievance was filed with the employer on March 10, 2022.
We had also suggested additional remedies that were not included in the PSAC version of the grievance, which included reimbursement of pay and benefits and other expenses incurred by members as a result of being placed on administrative leave without pay, but the Alliance rejected our suggestion. After many discussions, the PSAC finally agreed to file another policy grievance against the CRA over the continuation of the mandatory vaccination policy affecting our members and the lack of any substantive changes to that policy. The grievance demands reimbursement of pay, benefits and expenses. This second policy grievance was filed on March 22, 2022.
Mandatory vaccination policies in place in the federal public service must be reviewed every six (6) months. The policy of the core public administration (Treasury Board) was to be reviewed in early April. However, the review had not been completed at the time of writing. The CRA's policy is scheduled to be reviewed in early May. It does not appear that this deadline will be met. Despite discussions with senior Agency officials and follow-up with the PSAC, we have no concrete information about the policy review. Will the policies be repealed, renewed under the same terms, or will changes be made? These are questions that remain unanswered. In the meantime, I have made it clear to the CRA that we demand to be consulted in the review of its policy. I have also told the employer that we want to see some flexibility if the policy remains in effect. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep you informed of any significant developments in this matter.
Following the employer's decision to unilaterally implement extended work schedules in its contact centers over our objections, we asked the PSAC to file a policy grievance and a statutory freeze complaint (unfair labour practice complaint) against the CRA. The PSAC agreed and the policy grievance was served on the employer on March 7, 2022. The statutory freeze complaint was filed on March 14, 2022.
As you know, our bargaining team continues to work hard to achieve better working conditions for you, our members. Priorities include work schedules, recognition of years of service, telework rights, vacation leave, improved work-life balance and increased protection against discrimination at CRA. Our team will be back at the bargaining table this month and negotiations will continue this summer.
I have full confidence in our bargaining team, and I ask that you continue to show your unwavering support for your team in any way you can. For example, you can go to the UTE website (ute-sei.org and through InfoZone) to download one of our two digital backgrounds (option #1 and option #2) and display them at all your work meetings. This will send a clear message of support for the bargaining team, to the employer. Should your manager direct you to remove the background, we ask that you comply and immediately advise a local union representative.
Thank you for all the good work you continue to do and for your exemplary dedication to the people of Canada under difficult conditions. And I also want to thank you for your continued support of your union. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with. Let's never forget that!
Stay safe, take good care of yourself and your loved ones and I hope you fully enjoy the warm summer months!
In Solidarity,
Marc Brière
National President