As of 9pm last night, negotiations have broken down between the Employer and the Public Service Alliance of Canada. As a result, over 120,000 core public service and 35,000 CRA employees are now on strike.
While we stand in solidarity with PSAC members, PAFSO is not in a legal strike position. Our members must abide by the terms and conditions of our collective agreement and report to work as scheduled, unless otherwise directed by the Employer.
If you are currently on assignment in an FS position you will not have the right to join the 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.
Should you encounter a picket line on your way to work, contact your supervisor to inform them that you are on the premises and may experience a delay. At the picket line, ask to speak to a strike captain about entrance protocols. Strike captains will periodically allow other employees to access the building. If your workplace remains inaccessible for an extended period, seek further instruction from management.
We encourage members to show solidarity and support our co-workers who are on strike. You can choose to picket with them on your own time, such as on breaks, at lunch, or before or after work. There are many ways to show your support. Bring them coffee or snacks. Honk your car horn and wave as you drive by. Sign a petition. Wear buttons or a designated colour tee-shirt. And share social media posts or create your own supportive messages on your personal networks.
For more helpful information on your rights and responsibilities during the Alliance labour action, please refer to this comprehensive FAQ. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at info@pafso.com or by phone at 613-241-1391.
Meanwhile, we call on the Employer to return to the table and resume negotiations with our colleagues. It’s the only way to reach a swift resolution to this impasse.
Thank you.
Your PAFSO team.