PSAC-UTE members are ready to take strike action together
April 7, 2023 — More than 35,000 members of the Union of Taxation Employees have made it clear. We’re strongly in favour of going on strike if Canada Revenue Agency and this government aren’t willing to bargain in good faith.
We have a powerful message for the employer: Together, PSAC-UTE members are ready to take a stand and show the government we mean business.
When Canadians needed us most during the pandemic, we delivered – processing nearly 30 million CERB applications and providing historic financial relief to millions of people hardest hit by COVID-19.
The cost-of-living has soared, and we’ve been without a new contract for over a year. CRA has shown a complete lack of respect for us at the bargaining table – without so much as a wage offer.
We deserve wages that keep up with the cost of living, telework and remote work to be enshrined in our collective agreement, and better job security that protects us from precarious employment and contracting out.
Instead, the Agency continues to push for us to make concessions – including changes to call-back and hours of work provisions and care and nurturing leave.
Our bargaining team and national union leadership will be meeting in the coming days to make strategic decisions to pressure this government for a fair deal during tax season when we wield the most leverage.
The next two weeks will be pivotal. The federal government knows the clock is ticking. And so do Canadians.
Last week, our bargaining team told CRA that we’re ready to return to the table – with or without a mediator – and we expect CRA to come prepared to have meaningful discussions when we meet with the employer April 17-20.
If we need to take job action to secure decent wages and better working conditions, that’s exactly what we’ll do.
Together, we’re more than 35,000 members strong and we’re ready.
Make sure you get the latest updates: keep your contact information up to date on the PSAC website, including your cell phone number and a personal, non-work email. If you have any questions, check the FAQ or contact your UTE local.
We’re in this together, and together we will win a new collective agreement that makes gains for you, our members.
In solidarity,
Chris Aylward, Public Service Alliance of Canada National President
Marc Brière, Union of Taxation Employees National President