PSAC-UTE strike. Image credit: PSAC Twitter page
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) entered mediated negotiations with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) this week with the goal of reaching a fair deal with Union of Taxation Employees (PSAC-UTE) as soon as possible, a news release said.
Unfortunately in its efforts to return to in-person negotiations since Tuesday night, CRA’s proposals focusing on CRA specific issues were exchanged between both parties.
“We continue to call on PSAC–UTE to return to the table so we can continue mediated negotiations. We remain ready to have productive discussions at any moment…Agency remains committed to working together with the PSAC-UTE…reach an agreement that is fair to employees and reasonable for taxpayers,” said the news release.
On the recommendations of the third party Public Interest Commission, a fair, competitive offer of 9% wage increase over three years were presented earlier this week by CRA to the PSAC-UTE, in line with the current offer being negotiated between the PSAC and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.
Committed to being transparent with Canadians about impacts to services since the beginning, CRA asks Canadians to consult the Contact Us and Labour disruptions impact at the Canada Revenue Agency pages for more information as the situation continues to evolve.
Valuing the important role CRA’s employees from across the country play in delivering services to Canadians as well as recognizing their important contributions, CRA remains committed to reaching an agreement at the bargaining table that is both fair to employees and reasonable for taxpayers.
On Friday evening, as PSAC members joined picket lines across the country to pressure the government for a fair contract, they were reported saying that progress has been made in contract talks this week.
The strike involves 120,000 public service workers that fall under the Treasury Board, and 35,000 Canada Revenue Agency employees.
Where as PSAC is asking for a 13.5 percent raise over three years for all employees under the Treasury Board, the PSAC-Union of Taxation Employees, representing CRA employees, is asking for a 4.5 percent raise effective Nov. 1, 2021, and an 8 percent raise in both 2022 and 2023.
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