As negotiations between the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the federal government continue, federal public servants in Canada are seeking not only higher pay, but also other demands related to their working conditions. The talks, which have been ongoing since June 2021, have stalled, with the PSAC citing a lack of movement from the government. While increased wages to keep up with inflation remain the top concern for the union, other issues have been brought up during negotiations.
One of the key demands from the PSAC is more flexibility in working from home. The union argues that the government’s plan to order workers back to the office two to three days a week without consistent rules and basic supports for workers is problematic. The PSAC’s proposal envisions work-from-home agreements only being terminated at the request of the employee or by just cause from the employer. The union also wants to be consulted by the government before it contracts out work instead of retraining current workers, giving workers more say in the decision-making process.
The PSAC is also advocating for recognition of Indigenous culture and language. The union has proposed a $1,500 annual bonus for employees who use an Indigenous language at work, nearly double the bilingual bonus paid to federal workers who speak French and English. Additionally, the PSAC is calling for up to five days of paid leave for employees who self-identify as Indigenous and engage in traditional practices such as hunting, fishing, and harvesting. The union argues that this recognition would help reduce barriers for potential Indigenous employees and align with the government’s commitment to truth and reconciliation.
Another demand from the PSAC is extra compensation for case managers at Veterans Affairs Canada. The union contends that case managers, who support veterans in various ways including coping with mental health issues, deserve an annual allowance of $2,000 due to the high-stress conditions they often face in their job.
Financial asks from the union also include shift premiums for workers whose shifts stretch past 4 p.m. on weekdays and beyond scheduled shift hours on weekends. The PSAC argues that these premiums have remained unchanged since 2002 and have eroded in value due to inflation.
The negotiations between the PSAC and the federal government are ongoing, and the union’s demands are evolving throughout the bargaining process. The outcome of these negotiations will have implications for the working conditions and compensation of federal public servants in Canada.