Members of the Treasury Board Operational Services (SV) bargaining group have voted in favour of arbitration as a dispute resolution process for the next round of bargaining set to begin later this year. 

The vote, held from January 8 to February 7, gave SV members the opportunity to decide which dispute resolution method they want to follow in the upcoming negotiations with Treasury Board. 

What this means for the next round of bargaining 

With this decision, if we reach an impasse during the negotiation process, an independent arbitrator or arbitration panel will be called upon to issue a final and binding decision on outstanding issues, rather than members having the option to strike.  

During arbitration, PSAC and the employer present their evidence and arguments to an independent arbitrator or panel. The arbitrator considers several factors when making their decision — including attracting and keeping talent, competitive pay, fair pay across roles, fair compensation for work, and economic reality. As a neutral third party, the arbitrator does not favour either the union or the employer. 

Unlike a tentative agreement reached through negotiations, arbitration decisions are final and binding. Both parties must implement the decisions as issued. This dispute resolution change will apply only to this round of bargaining. 

What’s next? 

Delegates will gather at the National Treasury Board Bargaining Conference from February 19-23 in Montreal to set bargaining priorities for the upcoming round of negotiations.  

The current SV collective agreement expires on August 4, 2025, and PSAC can serve notice to bargain as early as April 3. 

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