Following eight months of negotiations with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), PSAC’s bargaining team has made the difficult decision to declare impasse for more than 4,100 members working at CFIA, and will file for conciliation. 

During the most recent bargaining session February 28 to March 1, the employer tabled a pay proposal that failed to provide a fair wage increase that keeps up with the cost of living. The proposal also contained no movement on market adjustments and allowances – key issues for our members. 

The employer’s inadequate pay proposal was the final straw for our bargaining team after CFIA spent months ignoring the union’s top issues, including telework, wash-up and preparatory time, improved job security, and equity in the workplace. To add insult to injury, the Agency is calling for serious concessions that would roll back hours of work provisions and compensation contained in the call-back, standby, and reporting pay articles. 

Our bargaining team has made it clear that we will not accept any concessions. We are determined to achieve a fair contract that protects our hard-fought gains while providing new rights and protections for members. 

What’s next?  

In the weeks and months ahead, our CFIA bargaining team will be ramping up plans to mobilize members for upcoming actions and events and we need your help to secure a fair contract. Complete this survey to get involved and help put pressure on the employer. 

You can also learn more about how to contribute to mobilization efforts across the country and ask questions about bargaining by registering for an upcoming national virtual bargaining townhall on March 28 at 7 p.m. EDT, March 30 at 9 p.m. EDT, and April 1 at 3 p.m. EDT. 

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