Members of Staff of the Non-Public Funds (NPF) bargaining units in Kingston, Petawawa, Ottawa, Valcartier, Montreal-St. Jean and Bagotville have provided a strong strike mandate—averaging 94% in favour of strike action--after votes were held from November 20 to December 14.  

At this critical step of the bargaining process, members are fully mobilized and ready to make it clear that we are united, strong, and will not backing down as we fight for what workers deserve. NPF units and the employer will be meeting in early January 2024 to continue discussions for a National Pay Grid. We will update members as soon as we have more information. 

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Strike action

What are the outstanding issues at the table for NPF workers?

PSAC members in the Staff of the Non-Public Funds (NPF) bargaining units provide vital programs and services to Canadian Forces members, veterans and their families through Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFWMS).   

We are fighting for: 

• Fair wages: NPF members are some of the lowest paid federal public service workers in Canada and currently do not make the same as other workers doing the same jobs in the core federal public service.  
• An equitable pay scale: From base to base, NPF pay grids are wildly inconsistent. Workers need a simplified salary scale so members across the country receive equal pay for equal work. 
• Good, secure jobs: NPF members are fighting for more benefits for part-time employees and retroactive pay for all members, including members who recently retired and members who recently left their employment with NPF. 

What is "strike action" and how long would a strike last?

To participate in strike action, staff of the Non-Public Funds are required to take part in strike activities. You will still be expected to show up at a picket line, and you’ll still receive strike pay for working four hours per day on a picket line. To receive strike pay and become members in good standing, members must full out a Member in Good Standing form.

If members vote to strike and PSAC is unable to come to an agreement with the employer at the bargaining table, the PSAC National President may authorize strike action. A strike can involve a range of actions—for example, targeted activities in specific workplaces or a full walking off the job at sites across the country. PSAC leadership and the NPF strategy committee will draw up a plan that includes the date, location and duration of strike action.

RAND members (members working in positions represented by PSAC automatically become 'RAND' members), must complete the Membership Application Pledge Form to become Full Member.

Make sure your contact information is up to date by contacting your regional office, joining the email list and checking out the latest updates for NPF members.

How are decisions about a strike made?

A joint strategy committee, made up of bargaining team members representing each unit supported by staff, makes recommendations and decisions around what form the strike will take and what actions will be most effective. Per the PSAC Constitution, Chris Aylward, PSAC national president, ultimately authorizes strike action.

When would we actually go on strike? 

NPF members will be on strike as of Monday, January 15 if an agreement cannot be reached.

What if my shift is on the weekend? Where will I be picketing?

To find out more about how picket lines will operate, where they will be in your region and what the shifts are, contact your Regional Office. 

How do I sign in at a picket line to ensure I receive strike pay?

Regional offices will have barcode sheets for you to sign in and sign out. You will be responsible for ensuring that your contact information is updated on your first sign-in, so we can ensure you receive strike pay. If you do not appear on the barcode sheet, this may be because you are a new member and not in the system yet. The Regional Office will have a separate sign-in sheet for you. Your local can verify your membership status.

What if my manager asks me to work?

If your manager asks you to work during a strike, you should decline and report the manager’s request to the union. Remember, to receive strike pay, all PSAC members working for one of the striking NPF units are required to take part in strike activities.  

What if my manager says it’s mandatory for me to confirm my working status? 

During a strike, you are not required to have any communication with your manager.

Are members who work remotely required to strike?

Yes. Remote work or telework allows an employee to work from home rather than from a specific worksite but does not exclude them from the bargaining unit. Continuing to work remotely during a strike is considered crossing the picket line and is a violation of Section 25 of the PSAC Constitution. Members who normally work remotely should join their nearest picket line with their coworkers.  

If you are working remotely because of inability to travel to the worksite or another accommodation, please contact your union steward, local executive, or Regional Office to discuss alternate arrangements to ensure you can still support the strike. 

I require accommodation based on protected human rights grounds. How can I participate in the strike?

As a union, PSAC has a duty of accommodation based on human rights protected grounds. Please get in touch with your Regional Office to make arrangements.  

What if I go to a picket line but I am not a full member yet? 

You can sign a membership card at the picket line or sign a membership card online. 
 
Also refer to I’m no longer a member in good standing. Can I still take part in strike action?

Is strike pay taxable? 

Strike pay is not considered taxable income by the Canada Revenue Agency.

How will I get paid?

Strike pay is by cheque on the picket line. If you have any questions, contact your Regional Office. 

Is my existing collective agreement still in effect during the bargaining process?

The terms of the collective agreement continue to apply after it expires and until a new collective agreement is signed. However, the collective agreement is no longer in effect during a strike. For more information, contact your regional office. 

The current collective agreements expired on the following dates: 

• Bagotville, November 30, 2022
• Gagetown, February 28, 2022
• Goosebay, June 30, 2022
• Kingston, June 30, 2022
• Ottawa, February 28, 2022
• Petawawa, April 30, 2022
• Montreal-St. Jean, October 31, 2022
• Suffield, March 31, 2022
• Trenton, November 30, 2023
• Valcartier, June 30, 2022

Why is it important for members to participate in strike action?

Together, we wield incredible power. When 120,000 Treasury Board (TB) and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) members went on strike, it was one of the biggest strikes in Canada’s history. Some of the key gains include: 

• A better first three-year wage offer  
• A fourth year with full inflationary increases  
• A $2500 pensionable lump sum payment  
• Wage adjustments, along with better leave provisions and increased allowances  
• The strongest remote work protections in the federal public service  
• Protections against contracting out  
• Safer and more inclusive workplaces  
• Seniority protections 

When we work together, we apply maximum pressure on the government, which can lead to a shorter strike and a better collective agreement for workers. But when we’re divided, we show the employer we aren’t prepared to fight for decent wages and better working conditions. 

Am I required to advise the employer that I am on strike?

There is no legal requirement that you inform the employer that you are on strike. You are not required to have any communication with your manager unless you’re asked to return employer equipment.

I’m no longer a member in good standing. Can I still take part in strike action? ​ 

To participate in strike action, staff of the Non-Public Funds are required to take part in strike activities. You will still be expected to show up at a picket line, and you’ll still receive strike pay for working four hours per day on a picket line. To receive strike pay and become members in good standing, members must fill out a Member in Good Standing form. RAND members (members working in positions represented by PSAC automatically become 'RAND' members), must complete the Membership Application Pledge Form to become Full Member.  
 
Make sure your contact information is up to date by contacting your regional office, join our mailing list, and checking out the latest updates for NPF members. 

What about essential services? 

All PSAC members in NPF bargaining units are legally entitled to take strike action.

When we work together, we apply maximum pressure on the employer, which can lead to a faster, more rewarding conclusion to the strike. If your manager asks you to work during a strike, you should decline and report the manager’s request to the union.

How can I sign a union membership card?

You can sign an e-rand card here to update your membership status to ensure you receive strike pay. 

How do I update my contact information with PSAC? 

You can update your contact information online or by contacting your regional office directly.

Do I have the right to keep working during the strike?

In the past we’ve been made aware that employers have encouraged PSAC members to continue working. This is a classic and often seen union-busting tactic that aims to undermine our efforts to secure a fair agreement for all workers — including wages that keep up with the rising cost of living and don’t force you to take a pay cut.

Any member who works during the strike, including working remotely, betrays the entire bargaining unit. Crossing a picket line, whether in person or remotely, weakens our bargaining position and can cause the strike to last longer or result in a deal that’s less than workers deserve. It could also have long-term impacts on the working relationships between the coworkers who held the line and made sacrifices to get a good deal for everyone, and those who sided with the employer. 

Members who cross the picket line by performing work for the employer could face fines and suspension of membership privileges. PSAC’s Constitution outlines disciplinary action that can be taken against members, including “a fine that equals the amount of daily renumeration earned by the member, multiplied by the number of days that the member crossed the picket line, performed work for the employer, or voluntarily performed struck work.” 

If you notice a member who is not respecting the strike action, speak to them and make sure they are aware of the situation and expectations, and talk to them about what’s at stake. If your manager is encouraging you to cross the picket line, notify your union steward, local executive, or PSAC regional office immediately. 

When we work together, we apply maximum pressure on the employer, which can lead to a faster, more rewarding conclusion to the strike. 

Can my employer discipline me or terminate me for participating in lawful strike action? 

In the past we’ve been made aware that employers have reminded employees of their obligation to adhere to the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, and indicating any breaches may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. The right to strike is constitutionally protected under the freedom of association in s. 2(d) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act states that every employee is free to participate in the lawful activities of the union. In addition, the Act prohibits the employer and its managers from engaging in reprisals against employees for their exercise of rights under the Act, including their right to participate in lawful strike action. 

Keep in mind, however, that “off duty conduct” principles continue to govern even during a lawful strike, so members should always conduct themselves in a lawful and appropriate manner. 

Where the employer or its managers engage in unlawful reprisals against lawfully striking members, the union will take swift action to challenge any such measures. 

What about anti-scab legislation? 

Members working for the Staff of the Non-public funds fall under the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act, which does not contain language banning the use of replacement workers. 

The federal government has committed to implementing anti-scab legislation in the Canada Labour Code.  

Where can I get information about mental health support

See Mental health support: Get help

About maternity leave top ups

In advance of strike action on January 15, the employer has signaled that they will be rescinding maternity leave top-ups for people on maternity leave. This is a blatant attempt to break the solidarity of our members and discourage you from exercising your legal right to strike.

After pushback from PSAC and membership solidarity, the employer has stated they will continue to provide maternity leave top up during the strike. PSAC has also secured health benefits for members while job action is taken.

Strike pay

When will strike pay be issued? 

Here is the proposed strike pay schedule for NPF members. 

• Pay day / Number of days 
• Friday, January 19 / First three days of the strike: January 15, 16, 17 
• Tuesday, January 23 / 2 days, January 18 and 19 
• Tuesday, January 30 / 7 days  

Strike pay day is every Tuesday after this. 

Will I receive strike pay?

Strike pay for both regular and strategic strikes are governed by Regulation 6 of PSAC’s Constitution. Members are expected to provide a minimum of four hours per day in support of the strike to qualify for strike pay. 

If you work at least 20 hours a week, you will be entitled to $75.00 a day.  If you work less than 20 hours, you will be entitled to $53.00. Some PSAC locals may choose to top-up members’ strike pay. Strike pay is not considered taxable income by the Canada Revenue Agency. 

Regulation 6 
(a) The qualifying period for benefits takes effect the first day of the strike.  Using attendance lists provided by the Locals and Branches, strike pay will be paid retroactively for the full period to each member participating in the strike for the authorized duration of the strike in accordance with the PSAC Strike Procedure, as follows:  

Per day  ">	To a maximum per calendar week of  ">
$75.00	$375.00

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) above, for a member who normally works less than twenty (20) hours per week, who participates in the strike, strike pay will be paid retroactively for the authorized duration of the strike in accordance with the PSAC Strike Procedure, as follows:  

Per day	To a maximum per calendar week of
$53.00	$265.00

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) above, in a situation where members are requested to and scheduled to picket seven (7) days per week, the AEC may authorize payment of strike benefits as follows: 

Per day	To a maximum per calendar week of
$75.00	$525.00

or in the case of paragraph (b) above, as follows: 

Per day	To a maximum per calendar week of
$53.00	$371.00

(d) Notwithstanding the provision of paragraph (a) above, the AEC may make recommendations to the Strike Fund Committee to provide for payment of benefits to members who participate in any activities, as may be decided from time to time by the AEC or the NBoD. The amount of such benefits would be as determined by the AEC in each instance after having considered existing circumstances and the nature of such activities. Such activities must have the prior approval of the AEC or of the NBoD and be authorized by the National President.  
 
With the exception of strategic strike pay, this paragraph cannot be used to increase strike pay as provided in Section 1 (a), (b) and (c) above. 

What happens to my group benefit plan during a strike? 

The employer has indicated that benefits will be suspended during strike action. PSAC has secured alternate benefit coverage, including life insurance, for striking members. For more information, enrollment and claim forms, visit this page. 

What if I can’t afford to go on strike?

As a union member, you are entitled to Strike Pay beginning from the first day that a legal strike begins. During a strike, every member who participates in four hours of strike activity is entitled to strike pay and it is paid retroactively for the authorized duration of the strike.

Hardship Fund 

The purpose of the Hardship Fund is to provide assistance of an emergency nature, including but not restricted to urgent matters of food and shelter, to members who are incurring/have incurred financial hardship due to being on strike or honouring a picket line. It is not intended to be a source of supplementary strike pay. If you are experiencing significant financial hardship, please contact your regional office.

I am on injury on duty leave. How does that affect my strike pay?

Members on strike who are on disability insurance, or any other paid or non-paid leave, before the beginning of a strike should be authorized to take their leave, as long as they continue to provide justification for their leave. Regional offices, working with the locals, can provide accommodation duties to members who cannot walk the picket line. Please reach out to your regional office.

I have a medical condition. Am I required to picket to receive strike pay?

Regional offices, working with the local, can provide accommodation duties to members who cannot walk the picket line. Please reach out to your regional office. 

Pay during a strike 

How will a strike affect my pension?

Periods while a member participates in a strike do not count as pensionable service. Also, the periods participating in a work stoppage strike cannot be “bought back.” However, these periods are not considered as “breaks” in pensionable service for purposes of calculating a member’s “highest five consecutive years of highest paid service.” 

There will be no impact on the average salary on which the pension will be calculated for members whose days on strike do not fall within their five consecutive years of highest salary. Average salary for pension benefit purposes is always based on the member’s best five consecutive years of highest paid salary. Any salary lost due to a strike during the final average salary period is accounted for by extending back in time the average salary period so that five years of paid earnings are used in the calculation. 

For example, if a member had been on strike for 10 days during the relevant period, the average salary would be based on earnings paid during the best consecutive five years and 10 days of employment. It should be noted that average salary is based on five consecutive years of pensionable service, rather than on five continuous years of service. 

If you plan to retire, request an exact record of your pensionable service to check whether you have enough years for your retirement option before setting your retirement date. 

Leave and travel  

I am on maternity leave and receiving 93% of my salary. Will I continue receiving that amount during the strike?

You are legally entitled to maternity or parental leave, and you retain that right during the strike.

That said, your entitlement to the salary top-up is established under the collective agreement and no collective agreement is active during a strike. The employer could, therefore, choose not to pay the top-up. However, the employer’s own policy states that employees on “other leave with or without pay” prior to the start of the strike should be permitted to continue on leave. The union also pursues these top-ups as a standard demand in return-to-work protocols.

Can my already approved leave be cancelled once strike action is called?

The employer’s own policy states that “generally, employees in the striking bargaining unit who are on leave when the strike begins may be allowed to continue on leave. Employees who are participating in a strike and who have been scheduled to go on leave during the strike will not be permitted to do so.” 

With that being said, the employer may still choose to cancel your leave, even if it has already commenced, because no collective agreement is in force during a strike. 

Communication from the employer has indicated that “any request for leave by employees in a legal strike situation that would allow them to avoid the consequences of participating in strike action will not be approved.” Additionally, “necessary leaves of absence (such as bereavement leave or parental leave) will normally be approved subject to satisfactory evidence.” 

What about sick leave, disability insurance, and other leave with or without pay?

Since there is no collective agreement in force during a strike, the employer does not have a legal obligation to approve any type of leave. Contact your regional office if you experience any issues.  

Acting positions, part-time, casual and student jobs during strike action ​ 

I work part-time for NPF. What do I do?

All members in NPF bargaining units are in legal strike position. This includes part-time and indeterminate employees. Casual employees are not part of the bargaining unit.  

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