Last chance negotiations continue Tuesday between the federal government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), with the aim of avoiding a strike in the next hours, at midnight and one minute.
Several federal departments would be affected, as well as the Canada Revenue Agency. The PSAC represents 155,000 members there for the purposes of these negotiations, ie 120,000 public servants who are members of four groups and 35,000 who are members of the Union of Taxation Employees.
However, in the event of a strike, essential services would be provided, including border services, in correctional services. Employment insurance benefits, veterans income support, old age security benefits and the guaranteed income supplement, as well as Canada Pension Plan payments, will also be maintained.
However, several services to the public would be affected, such as passports, immigration, tax returns and various customer services, in person or by telephone.
Improved salary offer
The Secretariat of the Treasury Board revealed that it had improved its salary offer on Sunday in order to obtain the support of the PSAC. It is now offering a 9% increase over three years.
But the Alliance deemed this insufficient, asking for 4.5% per year for three years.
The issue of telework — a priority for PSAC members — seems to pose a serious problem for Treasury Board.
The Treasury argues that the PSAC’s demands, “as currently worded, would have a serious impact on the government’s ability to provide services to Canadians and limit its ability to effectively manage the public service workforce.”
The Treasury Board defends its global offer. “We have a good offer on the table, and there is enough commonality to reach consensus on a renewed collective agreement for our public servants. Canadians expect both parties to negotiate in good faith and compromise to avoid disrupting the services on which they depend. We are doing everything we can to avoid work disruption,” he said.