After talks broke down with the employer over wages and other key issues, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) announced that it would be launching strike votes for over 120,000 federal public service workers. Members of the Program and Administrative Services, Operational Services, Technical Services, and Education and Library Science occupational groups are expected to cast their ballots between February 22 and April 19.
While PAFSO opted for binding arbitration in case of an impasse during our negotiations with the Employer, PSAC selected the conciliation/strike method and may be in a legal strike position this spring. It is important that you know your rights should our colleagues from other occupational groups go on strike. This is why we have prepared the following FAQ. Should you find yourself still having questions about how to proceed should a strike occur, please reach out to our office at info@pafso.com and we will be glad to help.
Though we encourage you to be supportive of your striking co-workers, it is important to remember that PAFSO is not in a legal strike position. As such, you must abide by the terms and conditions of your collective agreement and report to work as scheduled. All of our members are required to report to work unless otherwise directed by the Employer.
If you are currently on assignment in an FS position you will not have the right to join a strike even if your substantive classification makes you a member of PSAC.
For the duration of your FS assignment, PAFSO is acting as your bargaining agent and is not in a legal strike position. To avoid potential confusion, we strongly suggest you obtain written confirmation from your manager that you are in an acting FS assignment. This may be useful in a number of situations, including when you may encounter a picket line.
Conversely, if you are a substantive FS acting in a position that is represented by PSAC (i.e., you are paying union dues to PSAC) we recommend that you contact your PSAC representative for more information on how to proceed in the event of a strike.
When you get to your workplace, contact your supervisor to inform them that you are on the premises and may experience a delay due to the picket line. Doing this is important because, as of the time you contact management, you are considered to have started your workday. This it true regardless of how long it may take you to arrive at your workplace, or to return to your home office (in cases where you accept a potential offer from management to work remotely).
At the picket line, ask to speak to a strike captain to obtain information on entrance protocols. Usually, strike captains will periodically allow people to access the building in an orderly fashion. If your workplace remains inaccessible for an extended period, you can seek further instruction from management, and an escort may be arranged for you.
Please note that if management requests that you work extra time because of your delayed arrival, overtime provisions set out in the collective agreement would apply. Similarly, you should not be required to change your regular work schedule as a result of another group’s strike action. If you receive a request to change your schedule or that feels wrong in any way, please obtain a written copy, and send it to us at info@pafso.com.
Strike action in the Federal Public Sector has typically always been peaceful and orderly. However, you should always avoid putting your safety at risk. So, if you believe the picket line is a legitimate threat to your physical well-being, you should leave the area. Be sure to call your manager, or the person assigned by your employer, and advise them of the situation and ask for instructions. And please advise the PAFSO office so we can alert the striking union to the situation.
If your employer insists that you cross the picket line and you still feel there is a legitimate threat to your physical well-being, contact the PAFSO office for further information.
When another group takes strike action, your duties and responsibilities as a member of the Foreign Service should remain the same. You are not required to perform tasks usually carried out by striking colleagues.
Should your manager ask you to perform tasks outside of your usual scope of work, you should request written confirmation. If your manager insists, or gives a direct order, it is in your best interest to fulfil the request, as failing to do so may lead to disciplinary action. Please keep a record of the incident, and report it to us.
PAFSO encourages its members to support co-workers who are on strike. When encountering a picket line, we suggest that you “walk the line before you cross the line.” You can choose to picket with them on your own time (such as breaks, lunch or before/after work). You can bring them coffee and/or snacks. There are lots of other ways to show your support. Honk your car horn and wave as you drive by. Sign a petition. Wear buttons or a designated colour tee-shirt. You can also share social media posts or create your own supportive messages on your personal networks.
If you still feel unsure about what to do in the event of a strike action by co-workers, please do not hesitate to contact our office at info@pafso.com or by phone at 613-241-1391