Union News - December 2022
First, let me congratulate you again on the excellent work you do every day for Canadian taxpayers. Whether your work is done from one of the Agency's offices or remotely, you continue to provide professional and quality service and it is to your credit.
I would also like to thank all our union representatives for their hard work and dedication to our members. Like you, they are employees of the Canada Revenue Agency and members of the Union of Taxation Employees. They are here to serve and assist you. They do so proudly and on a volunteer basis. I understand that some situations are sensitive, stressful, and difficult for our members in the workplace and our representatives do everything possible to support you. I ask each and every one of our members to always be respectful of our union representatives. Like you, they deserve to be respected at all times.
As the year comes to a close, I know that your dearest wish is to get a new fair and equitable contract as soon as possible in order to face the very high inflation that is increasing the price of all the goods and services we consume. Housing, transportation, heating, groceries, everything costs more.
Our union and its bargaining team want the same thing. But it doesn't look like the employer is in any great hurry to come to a fair agreement that shows appreciation and respect for you and the work that you do, by not even presenting us with a wage offer.
If there is one very clear message that we have been hearing from you for a long time, it is that you are sick and tired of waiting years for your contract to be renewed.
I recently delivered this message personally to both the Minister of National Revenue, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, and the Agency Commissioner. I reiterated our outrage that our bargaining team is the only PSAC team currently negotiating with the federal government that has not received a wage offer from the employer.
I have warned them that it is out of the question for us to wait and do nothing if there is no significant progress in our bargaining.
Just like in the spring of 2020, if we need to hold strike votes again to increase the pressure to improve our bargaining power, then that's what we will do. Your support for your bargaining team last time was simply incredible and I expect the same this time.
The Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau has recently stated that bargaining should be done in a respectful and thoughtful manner at the bargaining table. I agree. The problem with this statement is that the federal government representatives are not showing us the respect that we have a right to expect through their actions or inaction as they are constantly dragging their feet and unduly prolonging our bargaining. In effect, the employer is using existing legislation to stretch the process.
This is unacceptable, it must stop, and things must change. You deserve much better.
UTE and PSAC have started organizing membership mobilization activities this fall. A National Day of Action was just held on November 28. This is just the beginning. I am calling on all of you to participate in these activities. We need to turn up the heat and fast!
As always, it is very important for you, our members, to show unwavering support for your bargaining team. You know that there is only one team that truly has your best interests at heart, and that is our team.
Together, I am convinced that we will be successful again in securing a new, improved, fair and equitable contract.
Let's go! It's time to act!
In closing, I wish each and every one of you and your loved ones a wonderful Holiday Season. And may the New Year bring you joy, happiness and prosperity! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Stay safe and take good care of yourself and your loved ones!
In solidarity,
Marc Brière
National President