PSAC’s bargaining team will be resuming negotiations with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency the week of July 31 to August 3, 2023.

Our bargaining team declared impasse following the February 28 to March 1 bargaining session and filed for conciliation on March 20. Since then, the parties have appointed their representatives on the Public Interest Commission Board and agreed to the appointment of Mr. Jesse Kugler as Chair. Conciliation hearing dates have also been set for November 1 and 15, 2023.

Our team is returning to the table to secure a new contract that provides a fair wage increase for all CFIA members, the appropriate market adjustments and allowances for certain groups, and to address long standing key issues including telework, wash-up and preparatory time, improved job security, and equity in the workplace.

The Agency has serious concessions on the table that would roll back hours of work provisions and compensation contained in the the call-back, standby, and reporting pay articles. We are positive that an agreement can be reached in early August if these concessions are withdrawn.

PSAC is determined to achieve a fair contract that protects the hard-fought gains while providing new rights and protections for members.

What’s next?

Should the parties reach a tentative agreement in early August, ratification vote meetings will be held over the following weeks. Should an agreement not be possible in August, the parties will proceed to the Public Interest Commission hearing as scheduled in the fall.

If you have questions, contact your local leadership and update your contact information to ensure you receive the latest bargaining updates.