BANFF – Parks Canada and the union representing its employees have yet to reach a deal.
A Public Interest Commission (PIC) hearing for Parks Canada Agency bargaining with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) was held Jan. 27-28, with mediation Jan. 29-30. The PIC report is expected in the coming weeks.
After a solid year of bargaining, the union argues that Parks Canada still hasn’t tabled a formal pay proposal, or taken a position on implementation, work force adjustment (WFA) or the troubled Phoenix pay system.
According to a PSAC newsletter, the union’s bargaining team continues to seek parity and fairness, improved work-life balance, increased job security and fair compensation for all Parks Canada workers – and will not concede to anything less.
“The Agency continues to claim it doesn’t have a mandate from Treasury Board despite the fact that Parks Canada members have been working without a contract since August 2018,” according to the union.
According to a PSAC letter, the bargaining team was able to make limited progress on a few items in mediation.
The letter says the team achieved a letter of understanding for a joint learning program pilot project with money attached.
“They also got the employer to drop concessions on hours of work, overtime, callback and reporting,” according to the PSAC. “Concessions for seasonal and term workers remain outstanding.”
A spokesperson for Parks Canada said the agency respects the collective bargaining process.
Meaghan Bradley said the agency is committed to a fair collective agreement that respects the interests of taxpayers and “offers employees fair wage adjustments and workplace improvements that reflect today’s work environment.”
“Parks Canada is committed to achieving a renewed collective agreement and is hopeful that a return to the bargaining table will be possible in the near future,” she said in an emailed statement.
“As negotiations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for Parks Canada to comment further at this time.”
If PSAC and Parks Canada are still unable to reach an agreement after the PIC report is issued, members will have the opportunity to join Canada Revenue Agency workers and take a strike vote.
