After a week in mediation for more than 5,000 Parks members across the country, the Parks Canada bargaining team reached a tentative agreement that makes concrete gains and prevents workers from falling further behind and improves job security.  

PSAC filed an unfair labour practice against the Parks Canada Agency for refusing to provide seasonal and term workers the pensionable lump sum payment negotiated as part of the collective agreement signed September 26. 

What is the wage increase that was negotiated?

The Parks bargaining team negotiated wage increases totaling 12.6% compounded over the life of the agreement from 2021–2025. PSAC secured an additional fourth year in the agreement that protects workers against inflation, as well as a pensionable $2,500 one-time lump sum payment that represents an additional 4.01 % of salary for the average Parks member.

For more information see the full ratification kit.

When will the new collective agreement be implemented?

Non-monetary items become effective upon signing of the agreement. Compensation increases including premiums will be implemented within 180 days after signature where there is no need for manual intervention. If the employer is unable to meet this deadline, there is a lump sum of $200 payable if the outstanding amount is more than $500 owed.

When will the deal come into effect?

A majority of voting members participating in the ratification must vote in favour of the agreement for it to be ratified. If a majority of members vote “yes” in the ratification vote, PSAC will meet with the employer to sign the new collective agreement. The new negotiated provisions come into effect on the date of signing, unless otherwise specified.

Who will get retroactive pay for the negotiated economic increases?

The annual economic increases included in the new collective agreement are retroactive to the date the former collective agreement expired. This means that you are entitled to retroactive pay for the period you were employed and a member of your bargaining unit, regardless of current employment status (e.g. retired or no longer member of the bargaining unit).

If I retired recently or left the bargaining unit, will I get the lump sum payment?

Unfortunately, no. The lump sum payment is only given to members of the unit who are employed in the bargaining unit on the date of signing.  

Will retroactive pay be taxable?

Yes, retroactive pay is subject to taxes.

Who will get the lump sum payment?

As part of your economic package for this tentative agreement, a one-time, pensionable, lump sum payment of $2,500 will be paid to each employee who is a member of the bargaining unit on the date of signing of the new agreement. Additionally, the one-time lump sum is to be paid to employees on Leave Without Pay (LWOP). The employer has 180 days after the date of signing to issue the lump sum payment. 

The payment will be based on the substantive position occupied by the employee on the date that the collective agreement is signed. As such, the lump does not apply to: 

• Acting appointments, assignments, and secondments; 
• Excluded employees who are eligible to receive performance pay; 
• Non-unionized employees who are eligible to receive performance pay; 
• Casual employees, students, term employees (less than 3 months), and part-time employees (working less than 1/3 of full-time hours) 

Will I receive the $2,500 lump sum payment if I am in an acting position on the date that the new agreement is signed?

You must be in the bargaining unit as of the date of signature of the agreement to receive the $2,500. The payment will be based on the substantive position occupied by the employee on the date that the collective agreement is signed.

As such, an employee who is on an acting assignment outside the bargaining unit but whose substantive position is in the bargaining unit will receive the lump sum. However, an employee who is on an acting assignment in the bargaining unit but whose substantive position is outside the bargaining unit will not receive the lump sum.

Will I receive the $2,500 lump sum payment if I am on Long Term Disability on the date that the new agreement is signed?

The $2,500 allowance is payable to bargaining unit members who are employed at the time the collective agreement is signed. This includes employees on unpaid leave since there is still an employment relationship, whether they are receiving disability benefits or not. However, a person receiving disability benefits, but whose employment was terminated (medical retirement, resignation, dismissal) prior to the signing of the collective agreement, will not be entitled to the allowance.

Will I receive the $2,500 lump sum payment if I am a seasonal or term worker on the date that the new agreement is signed?

You must be in the bargaining unit as of the date of signature of the agreement to receive the $2,500. The payment will be based on the substantive position occupied by the employee on the date that the collective agreement is signed.

Non-monetary items become effective upon signing of the agreement. Compensation increases including premiums will be implemented within 180 days after signature where there is no need for manual intervention. If the employer is unable to meet this deadline, there is a lump sum of $200 payable if the outstanding amount is more than $500 owed.

I still have more questions. Who can I contact?

Contact your regional office.