The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has agreed to meet the Agriculture Union (PSAC-AGR) bargaining team on September 22 and 23 for a first bargaining session.  

In November 2025, CFIA members met to establish bargaining priorities and elect their bargaining team. Our PSAC-AGR team is ready to get to the table and begin working towards a fair contract, especially since the current collective agreement expired in December 2025.  

Here are some of the priorities members identified that the bargaining team will be fighting for in this round of bargaining: 

• Fair pay that keeps up with the rising cost of living and reflects the specialized work done across the Agency. 
• Stronger job security, including better protections for term employees and around employment transition. 
• Improving work-life balance, including more predictable schedules and better protections for shift workers. 
• Better leave provisions so workers can better support their families and their wellbeing. 
• Stronger health and safety protections and a workplace culture built on respect and fairness. 

Next steps 

Now that we have dates for bargaining, we have to start building pressure. The employer is going to fight tooth-and-nail to not give PSAC members what they deserve. We can strengthen our position by taking action:. Here are few ways you can start:  

• Talk to your co-workers about bargaining and why getting involved matters.  
• Get informed on why bargaining takes so long and how you can help to change it. 
• Connect with your PSAC regional office and your Component to learn about upcoming events or organize something at your workplace.  
• Attend mobilization events in your area, including rallies, information pickets, and lunch-and-learns.  
• Show your solidarity at work, in-person and online, with our solidarity toolkit. 
• Sign a PSAC membership card if you haven’t already. 
• Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and that you’re subscribed to PSAC’s newsletter for the latest bargaining updates.