As negotiations kicked off on January 28 to 29, our Parks Canada bargaining team made proposals to secure stronger job security, fair wages, better work–life balance, and equal treatment with the core public service. We made it clear that we will not accept concessions or give up hard-fought wins and we are committed to securing a fair deal that brings stability and respect at work. 

Prioritizing job security  

Our team proposed stronger protections for term and seasonal members. We insisted that indeterminate status be automatically granted after three years of continuous service to end the cycle of short-term contracts and job insecurity that too many members face.  

We've put forward cost-effective solutions, including language around remote work to support teams' productivity while reducing office space requirements and relocation costs. We are demanding fair and transparent processes for job offers and workplace changes, so no one is left behind. 

Supporting balance, health, and respect 

We’re fighting for workplaces that truly support people and prioritize real work–life balance, with stronger leave provisions, fair access to remote work, and better support for psychological and reproductive health. 

Parks Canada workers deserve the same rights and benefits as those in the core public service. We’re demanding full parity and equity, including a seat at the National Joint Council, participation in the Joint Learning Program, and equal access to travel and isolation allowances, relocation support, government housing, and bilingual bonuses. 

We also called for protections against potential risks from an increased use of technology in the workplaces, such as artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, and data privacy issues, to ensure technological change does not come at the cost of job security or workers’ rights. 

At the same time, we are reinforcing Indigenous rights with proposals to provide leave for traditional activities and ceremonies, promoting or recognizing Indigenous language at work, and including National Indigenous Peoples Day as a paid holiday.  

Our team is fighting for fair wage increases and updated premiums to keep up with inflation. We are demanding fair recognition and valuing of the skilled and often high-risk work that our members in specific groups do, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, visitor safety staff, emergency responders, tradespeople, and janitorial workers. 

Next steps 

Our Parks Canada team meets with the employer again on March 24–26. We’ll continue to keep members informed as negotiations progress.  

The employer also failed to provide their proposals in French. Our team expects that the employer will provide documentation in both official languages at future bargaining sessions.  

Here’s how you can support our work now: 

• Read the full PSAC proposals to find out what we’re fighting for. The employer’s proposals will be made available soon.  
• Get to know our bargaining team so you know who represents your interests.  
• Talk to your coworkers about what’s on the table and why it matters to you.  
• Get involved early by attending rallies, info pickets, lunch-and-learns, and other mobilization events in your area.  
• Subscribe to our mailing list for the latest bargaining news.