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 ?

• Restoring and maintaining a respectful relationship with Canada’s public service has been an ongoing commitment of the government.As a separate employer, the Canada Revenue Agency (Agency) is responsible for conducting its own collective bargaining negotiations.

• The Canada Revenue Agency (Agency) knows the important role it’s employees play in delivering services for Canadian taxpayersThe Agency remains committed to returning to the bargaining table to reach an agreement that is both fair to employees and reasonable for Canadian taxpayers.

• We respect the collective bargaining process and will not comment on the ongoing negotiations publicallyThe 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.

• In the meantime, the Canada Revenue Agency remains committed to continuing to bargain in good faith, and to reaching an agreement that is both fair to employees and reasonable for Canadian taxpayersThe 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 »