Parks Canada bargaining proceeding to mediation and PIC to continue fight for a fair contract  

Last week, the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (FPSLREB) appointed a Public Interest Commission (PIC) to help advance negotiations for 5,000 Parks Canada members. The appointment of the PIC follows PSAC’s declaration of impasse after a year –and –a half of bargaining.  

If mediation fails to result in a settlement, PSAC and Parks will advance to PIC hearings. 

What is mediation? 

During mediation, a neutral third party with expertise in contract negotiations helps two parties in a labour dispute reach an agreement.  In this case, the mediator is appointed by the Labour Board.  

How does the PIC work? 

On receiving a request for conciliation, the chairperson of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board may recommend that a PIC be established for conciliation of issues in dispute.  

The PIC is a panel of three people – a chairperson appointed by the Labour Board and one nominee each appointed by the union and the employer. Each side presents briefs to explain their positions on outstanding issues at a hearing. The process ends when the PIC issues a report with non-binding recommendations for reaching a settlement. PIC hearings can take months to complete. 

What comes next? 

The Parks Canada bargaining team will continue the bargaining process in mediation June 20-23. No dates have been set yet for the PIC, but PSAC expects to have dates soon.    

Stay informed and engaged  

  • Read this FAQ about Parks Canada Agency bargaining.
  • Fill out this member survey to get involved at this critical time.  
  • Make sure you receive all the latest news about bargaining with the Parks Canada Agency by keeping your contact information up to date.

Show your support for the Parks Canada bargaining team  

For questions contact your local PSAC regional office, Union of National Employees (UNE) local, or Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) local.  

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May 12, 2023