After months of waiting, we’re pleased to share that a date has finally been set for our arbitration hearing, now scheduled for March 10, 2026. 

This has been a long road for Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) members, longer than any of us expected, so we want to provide a clear update on how we got here, why the process unfolded the way it did, and the steps we’re taking to keep things moving forward. 

Why has this taken so long? 

In the past, PSAC and the employer have relied on wage patterns established in the broader federal public service; negotiating increases up to that maximum. In this round, that pattern was established following the 2023 Treasury Board and Canada Revenue Agency strike. 

But for the first time in many years, the employer has broken away from that longstanding approach. Instead, they provided non-unionized staff at CSIS with wage increases 5% above the established settlement. And all while refusing to extend that same increase to unionized members doing equivalent work. 

This is unacceptable. If CSIS believes a higher wage increase is justified, it should be applied fairly and equitably to all employees. We cannot accept an offer that expands the gap between unionized and non-unionized staff. 

Brief overview 

Let’s take a look at what has been going on. 

• Fall 2023: PSAC and the Union of Safety and Justice Employees reached out to CSIS to begin bargaining. Due to unique security protocols, additional clearances are required for unionized staff to attend bargaining sessions with the employer. In the meantime, the bargaining team completed preparations for our proposals. 

• February 2024: Our bargaining team reaffirmed our readiness to begin negotiations. The employer stated they were not prepared to schedule bargaining. 

• May 2024: The employer declined again to move forward, preferring to wait for the ruling on an unfair labour practice complaint, a decision that was ultimately found in our favour. 

• July 2024: CSIS finally reached out to begin bargaining.  

• Fall 2024: First bargaining sessions took place.  

• November 2024: After the employer refused to offer the same wage increase granted to non-unionized staff, PSAC filed for impasse. Normally, conciliation is scheduled within a few months. Unfortunately, external factors, including the federal election and the employer’s refusal to negotiate during that period, pushed the process back significantly. 

• April 2025: A mediation meeting was set but postponed when the employer informed us that they cannot negotiate during the federal election. 

• July 2025: Mediation resumed. We made progress on several issues, but the employer still refused to apply the same wage pattern offered to non-unionized staff. There was no other movement. 

• March 10, 2026: After many delays, we finally have a date set for arbitration. 

What happens next? 

Arbitration is a formal, independent process, and we will be presenting a clear, evidence-based case that our members deserve the same wage treatment provided to other CSIS personnel. 

While arbitration takes time, it is designed to ensure fairness when negotiations break down, and it allows us to resolve issues that the employer has repeatedly refused to address at the table. 

Looking ahead: reducing delays in future rounds 

We share members’ frustration with how long this round has taken due to employer stalling, procedural requirements, and external political factors creating delays. 

That said, your bargaining team is reviewing every step of this round to identify measures that can speed up future negotiations and minimize the impact of unforeseen delays. Our goal is always the same: to secure fair, equitable, and timely agreements for members. 

While we wait for our arbitration date, members are encouraged to subscribe to our mailing list so you can get the latest news. Show your bargaining team some support by using this virtual background and make sure to talk about important issues with your colleagues. Together, we can continue to make gains at the bargaining table.