When and where exactly will strike votes be held?

We are in the process of finalizing logistics around all strike votes and will provide you with the full schedule for voting sessions in the coming weeks, well ahead of time.

Each voting session will also include an information session where all questions can be addressed.

What constitutes a successful strike vote?

A successful strike vote means that a simple majority (50% + 1) of members in the CRA bargaining unit who cast a ballot voted in favour of strike action.

Will we have strike preparation courses? If so, when and where? 

PSAC is committed to ensuring members are informed about and prepared for a possible strike. Strike preparation courses have already started rolling out in workplaces across the country and will be ramped up in early 2020. Your local union and regional office will be in touch with information about strike preparation courses being planned near you.

When would we actually go on strike?

A successful strike vote does not necessarily mean we will automatically go on strike. When the employer realizes that we are ready to walk off the job, it’s possible that we will reach an agreement. If we do not reach an agreement, however, we will be in a legal strike position seven days after the PIC report is issued.

What is “strike action” and how long would a strike last?

If members vote for a strike and PSAC-UTE is still unable to reach an agreement with CRA at the bargaining table, the PSAC National President can authorize a strike. A strike can involve a range of actions—for example, targeted activities in specific workplaces or a full walking off the job at sites across the country. PSAC-UTE's leadership will develop a plan and determine when, where and for how long strike actions will happen.

Will I receive strike pay?

Strike pay for both regular and strategic strikes are governed by Regulation 6 in PSAC’s Constitution. Members are expected to provide a minimum of four hours of work per day in support of the strike to qualify for strike pay.

Members who usually work 20 hours or more each week will receive the strike pay below.

PSAC members who usually work less than 20 hours per week will receive the strike pay below.

In the case of a ‘strategic strike’—that is, a targeted strike involving no more than 10% of the bargaining unit and lasting no longer than two weeks—strike pay will be 60% of a member’s gross salary.

Some PSAC locals may choose to top-up members’ strike pay.

Strike pay is not considered taxable income by the Canada Revenue Agency.

I’m afraid of being Phoenixed if I go on strike. How can I be sure my pay won’t be interrupted?

The best way to make sure we aren’t forced to strike is to make sure we prepare for one and get a strong strike mandate, so the employer understands we’re ready to fight for what we deserve. 

Members at the CRA are less affected by Phoenix than workers elsewhere in the federal public service. This is because the agency has its own compensation advisors—also members of PSAC-UTE—and these advisors complement their Phoenix payroll processing work with the Corporate Administrative Systems (CAS). 

In the event that some of our members working at CRA see their pay being impacted when they return to work after a strike, there are procedures in place to help resolve these issues.

Also, if a problem doesn’t get resolved in a timely fashion, UTE has a protocol in place with CRA to escalate the case and resolve it quickly.