Since reaching impasse, many members have been asking what this means for bargaining and what comes next. One thing is clear: our work has not stopped. Our PA bargaining team met in caucus March 11–12 to analyze options and prepare for the next phase of negotiations. 

The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board has informed PSAC that it will appoint mediators following the PA and EB bargaining teams declaring impasse last month. Mediation is now scheduled for April 28–30 for the PA group, with dates to be determined for the EB group. 

While workforce adjustment and employment transition provisions in federal collective agreements are designed to limit the harm of job cuts for indeterminate employees, term employees face a different — and often more precarious — reality.  

Being on leave when workforce adjustment or employment transition notices are distributed in your federal department, organization, or agency can present additional challenges, especially since you are away from the workplace.

After years of review and negotiations, federal public service unions including PSAC have secured meaningful improvements to the National Joint Council (NJC) Travel Directive that better reflect the real costs and realities of work-related travel. 

Our PA bargaining team last met with Treasury Board on January 21–22, with the employer refusing to discuss most of our key proposals. After last week’s announcement of changes to work conditions while we are in bargaining, our PA team has made the decision to declare impasse as the employer refuses to bargain in good faith.