CRA bargaining: Frequently Asked Questions

Bargaining Updates

What is the status of negotiations for PSAC-UTE workers? 

We began the bargaining process in the spring of 2025 with the input call for bargaining proposals. We held the PSAC-UTE bargaining conference to align our priorities before we began negotiations in fall 2025. Since then, we have met with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in five separate sessions and spent nearly 14 days at the bargaining table with the employer. 

After more than six months of negotiations with Canada Revenue Agency, PSAC-UTE made the difficult decision to declare impasse with the government after they failed to present any proposals on wage increases, refused to negotiate better protections for our jobs against AI and announced sweeping remote work changes while that issue was at the bargaining table.

Impasse means negotiations have stalled, and we are moving to the next legal step to break the deadlock. In this case, it means that PSAC-UTE has requested a conciliation process from the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (FPSLREB).

When declaring impasse, we asked the Board to skip the Public Interest Commission (PIC) process so bargaining could move forward more quickly. The employer opposed that request, arguing the parties were not at impasse and that a PIC should be set up if the Board determined an impasse existed. 

Rather than deciding on this request now, the Board will appoint mediators to work with the parties and will reserve its decision on any other requests until May 29 or the conclusion of mediation.

If PSAC can’t reach an agreement with the government following this conciliation process, PSAC-UTE members could take job action.

What are the outstanding issues at the table? 

During this round of negotiations, this government has failed to address any of our key bargaining issues — not the least of which is fair wages to protect us all from skyrocketing inflation. They've also rejected or ignored proposals on many of our other key issues, including provisions for remote work in the collective agreement, job security, new protections in the context of hours of work and better work-life balance. Many of these improvements have been agreed to by other federal employers since we settled our last contract.   

PSAC-UTE has put forward a comprehensive wage offer that would address inflation and provide fair pay that recognizes the work we do for people in Canada. But CRA has not presented any wage offer, an unacceptable position that fails to recognize the impact of inflation on workers.

Other key issues include: 

Job security: CRA has indicated that its mandate is to conduct a full review of its operations to determine where Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be introduced – even if it costs jobs. We want to limit the impact of AI on our jobs and the services we provide. PSAC-UTE will be seeking new language in the collective agreement that will protect our work and our jobs, including improvements to the Workforce Adjustment Appendix. 

Why it matters: Members need certainty that evolving technology will not threaten their livelihoods or lead to job erosion.

Remote work: Our team is seeking remote work protections. The Agency and the government have proven time and again they cannot be trusted on this issue. PSAC has had to take legal action against the CRA for announcing changes to remote work while it is being negotiated at the bargaining table. Other federal employers have agreed to remote work language. CRA can do the same.  

Why it matters: Secure and predictable remote work rights support work-life balance and prevent sudden disruptions to members’ lives.

Work-life balance: Increased work-life balance for PSAC-UTE members at CRA is a priority. The PSAC-UTE negotiating team made it clear that employees are looking for additional paid time to take care of themselves and their families. 

Why it matters: Healthier members deliver better public services and are less likely to experience burnout or excessive stress.

Hours of work: The team is seeking language to further protect against evening, weekend and shift work, and greater compensation when such work is required.  

Why it matters: Predictable schedules and fair compensation allow members to plan their lives and feel respected for the work they do.

What happens now that we’ve declared impasse?

The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board has informed PSAC-UTE that it will appoint a mediator after the bargaining team declared impasse. Mediation dates have not yet been determined. 

PSAC-UTE accepts the opportunity to work with a third-party mediator to move discussions forward and help break the deadlock in negotiations. 

When we declared impasse last month, we asked the Board to skip the PIC process so bargaining could move forward more quickly. The employer opposed that request, arguing the parties were not at impasse and that a PIC should be set up if the Board determined an impasse existed. 

Rather than deciding on this request now, the Board will appoint mediators to work with the parties and reserve its decision on any other requests until May 29 or the conclusion of mediation.

Is my existing collective agreement still in effect during the bargaining process? 
The current collective agreements expired on October 31, 2025. However, the terms of the collective agreement continue to apply after they expire and until a new collective agreement is signed. 
Could we end up going on strike this round of negotiations?  

At this stage, we have declared impasse. PSAC-UTE has requested a conciliation process from the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.   

If PSAC can’t reach an agreement with the government following this process, PSAC-UTE members may be asked to take a strike vote and decide if job action is the way forward.  

Taking strike action is always a last resort, but we should be prepared to fight for a fair contract that ensures workers don’t fall behind in the face of inflation, offers better work-life balance and protects our jobs from AI and contracting out. 

Next steps

I’d like to ask questions to the bargaining team. Will I get that chance?

Yes. PSAC-UTE is organizing a series of virtual townhalls. Wherever you are in the country, you will get an update on how negotiations have been going from the bargaining team and you’ll be able to ask questions. 

Make sure you register today.

Can we take part in job action before we’re in a strike position? 

We’re already organizing activities to show the government that we’re serious about getting a fair deal. Activities may start small but grow to bigger, high-visibility actions. Find your local, get connected, sign up for the PSAC newsletter, the UTE newsletter, and find out how you can get involved. 

Some examples of workplace action include: 

  • Encouraging members to display mobilization materials in the workplace; 
  • Holding workplace membership meetings to inform and organize; 
  • Organizing lunchtime rallies outside the workplace. 
How can I get involved and support our bargaining teams? 

Getting involved and taking action are key as we push for a fair contract. Be prepared, get mobilized, stay engaged, and be ready to take action: 

Keep your contact information up to date to receive all the latest bargaining updates. 

 

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March 27, 2026
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