PSAC/UTE Bargaining Team and CRA Agree to Mediation

November 26, 2013

Our bargaining team and that of CRA have been in talks for a new contract for over a year. 

Unfortunately to date very little progress has been made on our key issues, with CRA rejecting all of our key proposals concerning protection for our jobs and our rights. 

In an effort to make progress, the parties have agreed to reconvene talks with the assistance of a federal mediator of the Public Service Labour Relations Board.

Mediation is non-binding.  However, it can be helpful in negotiations in terms of finding solutions and breaking impasses.  We are committed to negotiations.  We are also committed to winning a fair contract, one that provides protections and fair compensation for PSAC/UTE members working at CRA.   

Recently, Treasury Board President Tony Clement made it clear that the Harper Government has every intention of attacking our hard-won rights – including sick leave – in negotiations in 2014.  It is too late for CRA to add new concessions in this round of bargaining for a new contract, beyond those already proposed.

Recent comments by the Harper Government denigrating public servants and our collective agreement rights only serve to strengthen our resolve to achieve a fair contract in this round of bargaining, one that provides protections under a three-year agreement, through to October of 2015.    

We will be sure to update as things progress. Go to ute-sei.org or psacunion.ca to sign up for more updates. 

PSAC/UTE members at Canada Revenue Agency

United for a Fair Contract