Question Period Note: PSAC-UTE CONSULTATIONS WITH CRA EMPLOYEES ON A STRIKE MANDATE

What is the Minister’s response to reports that PSAC-UTE is consulting CRA employees on a strike mandate ?

As a separate employer, the Canada Revenue Agency
(Agency) is responsible for conducting its own collective
bargaining negotiations.
• The Agency remains committed to returning to the
bargaining table to reach an agreement that is both fair to
employees and reasonable for Canadian taxpayers.
• The Public Interest Commission (PIC) has reviewed both
parties’ outstanding issues and will provide its final
report in March. This report will serve as a basis for
further discussion and should assist the parties in
reaching an agreement.
• The Agency is fully committed to negotiating in a timely
and efficient manner in order to reach an agreement as
soon as possible.
• The Agency remains committed to providing the level of
service that Canadians expect and the benefits to which
they are entitled.

On February 3, 2020, La Presse publishes an article on the Public Service Alliance of Canada asking employees to vote in favour of a general strike mandate, effective February 12.

Negotiations between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA and the Public Service Alliance of Canada – Union of Taxation Employees (PSAC-UTE) began in June 2018.

In May 2019, after eight bargaining sessions, the PSAC-UTE declared an impasse and requested the establishment of a Public Interest Commission (PIC) through the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.

The parties attended the PIC hearings on January 6 and 20, 2020.

The PIC has reviewed both parties’ outstanding issues and will make recommendations for their resolution in March.

Following receipt of these recommendations, the parties should schedule further sessions and continue negotiations. This report will serve as a basis for further discussions and should assist the parties in reaching an agreement.

Seven days after the release of this report, the union could be in a legal strike position.

REDACTED.

La Presse (February 3, 2020) « Les 27 000 employés de l’ARC consultés sur un
mandat de grève »