Our PSAC/UTE bargaining team met with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) December 17-19 to continue negotiations for a new collective agreement.  

Our team tabled our comprehensive monetary package that includes a general economic increase of 4.75% per year over a three-year agreement. Our team also called for a 12% market adjustment for all classifications to close longstanding pay gaps with comparable workers in the federal public service. We indicated to the employer that we will be looking for a response when we return to the table next month. 

In light of recent rumours regarding the return to office mandate, we reminded the Agency  that changes in working conditions cannot be made while in negotiations. We will defend our rights if any attempt is made to circumvent the law. Our team has proposed clear protections to ensure members have fair and equitable access to remote work.   

Our team reiterated our proposals to strengthen job security provisions and working conditions in our collective agreement. We presented strong language that protects members against cuts to the work we do and the services that we provide. We also made proposals to significantly improve the conditions in our call centres, including increased time off between calls and seniority rights in the context of evening work.  

The CRA has taken the position that there should be increased surveillance of employees in the workplace. We reject this position. Our call centre members deserve a better, more respectful place to work.   

 We will be meeting with the employer again in January. To stay up to date, make sure to visit the UTE and PSAC websites for more information and to sign up for our newsletter. If you have any questions, please contact your UTE local.