Pa Collective Agreement Update

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PA Collective Agreement Update: What You Need to Know

If you work for the federal government of Canada as a professional or administrative employee, you may belong to a bargaining unit represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), which is the largest union of scientists and engineers in Canada, or the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), which represents a wide range of professionals. These unions negotiate collective agreements with the Treasury Board of Canada, which defines the terms and conditions of employment for their members, from salaries and benefits to working hours and job security.

The last collective agreement for the members of the PIPSC and CAPE bargaining units, known as the Program and Administrative Services (PA) group, expired on June 21, 2018. Since then, the unions have been in negotiations with the government to renew the agreement or reach a new one that reflects the interests and needs of their members. However, the process has been slow and challenging, as the parties have faced various obstacles, such as funding limitations, political mandates, and pandemic-related disruptions.

Recently, there have been some developments in the PA collective agreement update that may affect you as a member of the PIPSC or CAPE. Here is a summary of the key issues and updates:

1. Bargaining status:

The PIPSC and CAPE have been in the process of choosing new bargaining teams to represent their members in the next round of negotiations. The PIPSC announced that its new team has been approved by the Board of Directors and that it is working on developing a mandate based on the feedback and priorities of its members. The CAPE is still in the process of electing its new team, as the previous team resigned due to conflicts with the union`s leadership. The CAPE has extended the nomination period until September 15, 2021, and plans to hold the election in November.

2. Salary increase:

The PA group members have not received a salary increase since 2018, as the previous government imposed a 1.5% wage freeze for two years. The current government has promised to restore the collective bargaining process and to provide a fair and reasonable wage increase for public servants. However, the exact amount and timing of the increase are still subject to negotiations. The PIPSC has proposed a 5% increase over five years, while the CAPE has proposed a 6% increase over four years.

3. Job security:

The PA group members have expressed concerns about their job security, as many of their positions have been subject to outsourcing, contracting out, or reorganization. The unions have proposed to include provisions in the collective agreement that would protect the jobs of their members and prevent the government from unilaterally changing their classification, duties, or location. However, the government has resisted some of these proposals, citing the need for flexibility and efficiency.

4. Mental health:

The PA group members have also raised concerns about their mental health and well-being, as many of them have experienced increased workload, stress, and isolation during the pandemic. The unions have proposed to include provisions in the collective agreement that would promote mental health awareness, support, and accommodation for their members. The government has expressed willingness to address these issues, but the details are still under negotiation.

5. Next steps:

The PIPSC and CAPE have indicated that they are committed to negotiating in good faith and to reaching a fair and reasonable collective agreement for their members. However, they have also warned that they may resort to job actions, such as strikes or work-to-rule campaigns, if the negotiations fail to produce satisfactory results. The PA group members have also expressed their solidarity and determination to achieve their goals, as they believe that their work is essential to the well-being and prosperity of Canadians.

If you are a member of the PIPSC or CAPE bargaining unit in the PA group, you may want to stay informed and engaged in the collective bargaining process. You can do so by checking the websites and social media of your union, attending virtual town hall meetings, participating in surveys or petitions, and sharing your feedback and concerns with your bargaining team or local representatives. Together, you can make a difference and achieve a collective agreement that reflects your values and aspirations.