Sisters, Brothers and Friends,
Yesterday, the Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) informed approximately 700 permanent employees—about 600 of whom are members represented by our union—that their positions are impacted by a workforce adjustment (WFA) process. These employees all work at CRA Headquarters and report to various branches. Most are based in the National Capital Region, with others located across the country. According to the employer, this WFA exercise could eventually lead to the departure from the Agency of a number of employees, up to 280 people.
This announcement, coming on the heels of several previous rounds of significant job losses, is deeply concerning news.
We fully understand that those directly impacted are feeling immense stress and uncertainty about what comes next.
To those affected, I want you to know that your union will stand with you throughout the entire process.
We will be actively involved with the Agency to ensure transparent communication and a fair implementation of the workforce adjustment process. The Union of Taxation Employees (UTE) will advocate for your rights and explore every possible avenue to support job retention. We are here to support you through it all.
We strongly encourage you to contact your local for support and guidance.
Our local representatives have received training to assist and advise you effectively.
On March 20, we published a comprehensive Workforce Adjustment Guide for our members.
We encourage you to review it:
Read our complete Workforce Adjustment Guide (PDF)
Once again, our union strongly opposes these potential job losses, as well as all recent layoffs that have impacted thousands of our members.
As we have said before, behind every cut are real human and social consequences. These are real people whose lives—and the lives of those around them—are being deeply affected. Entire communities across the country are feeling the impact.
Ultimately, it is Canadian taxpayers and businesses who will see their public services further deteriorate. More delays, more frustration, and fewer services.
This morning, UTE issued a press release strongly condemning these job cuts in the federal public service. We are calling on the new Minister of Finance and National Revenue, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, to advocate to the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, and put an end to these cuts at CRA. We are demanding significant reinvestment so that the Agency can once again fulfill its mandate and provide the quality service that Canadians and businesses rightfully expect.
Read the UTE press release (PDF)
In Solidarity,
Marc Brière
National President
Union of Taxation Employees