Our SV bargaining team met with Treasury Board on March 11-12 to push for stronger job security, improved family leave, and fair compensation for specialized workers.  

We were encouraged by some productive discussions this week. The employer responded to our group‑specific proposals, and although they rejected most of them, we will continue to push for the demands identified as priorities by the membership. Treasury Board also tabled a proposal under the guise of “pay simplification” that would reduce the HVAC terminable allowance for HVAC technicians when they take certain types of leave.  

Stronger protections for union leave and family supports 

Our team is seeking clearer, more reliable access to union leave so SV members can take part in union activities, training, and representation work without risk to their careers. We are also calling for stronger protections for members elected to full‑time union office, including safeguards for job security, salary, pension, and years of service while they serve, along with a clear right to return to their position, or an equivalent one, when their term ends. 

We also tabled a proposal to increase extended parental leave top-ups, helping ensure families can take extended parental leave without facing financial hardship. 

In addition, we are seeking clearer and more inclusive adoption language so members can access parental leave when a child comes into their care or is permanently placed with them. The proposal would ensure that both standard and extended leave options are available. 

Improving call-back protections and minimum pay 

For the Hospital Services classification group, we are pushing for higher minimum payments when members are required to report to work, including when they are called in on their days of rest or outside their regular hours. 

We are also seeking clearer call‑back rules so workers receive proper overtime pay and recognition for travel time when they must return to work, whether in person or remotely. 

Next steps 

While our next bargaining date has not yet been scheduled, we are working to finalize it and will return to the table to continue our work as soon as possible. 

Your support helps strengthen our bargaining position. There are many ways to show it, including: 

• Talk to your co-workers about bargaining and why it matters. 
• Connect with your PSAC regional office to learn about upcoming events or organize something at your workplace. 
• Attend mobilization events in your area, including rallies, information pickets, and lunch-and-learns 
• Show visible solidarity at work and online with “I support my bargaining team” graphics. 

Every action helps build momentum. Other ways to strengthen our collective voice include: 

• Take your scheduled breaks and lunches because your health matters 
• Check in on your colleagues to make sure no one feels isolated or unsupported 
• Update your contact information to receive the latest bargaining updates 
• Sign a PSAC membership card if you haven’t already 
• Read the bargaining proposals to learn what we’re fighting for 
• Get to know your bargaining team so you know who represents your interests 

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