On May 27–28, our bargaining team met with the employer to continue negotiating a new collective agreement, with a strong focus on addressing precarity for workers, including students and term employees.  

As of 2025, approximately 43% of Parks Canada’s workforce was made up of term, casual and student employees. These workers play a critical role in operations, particularly as the busy season begins, yet they continue to face greater instability and fewer protections. 

During these bargaining sessions, the employer did not present new proposals. However, they asked questions and engaged with several demands, to which we provided detailed responses.  

Our team tabled proposals aimed at strengthening health and safety protections for student workers, including clearer standards for training and supervision during peak operational periods. We also introduced measures to improve fairness, transparency, and job security for term employees, particularly considering ongoing workforce adjustments underway across the broader public service and the resulting uncertainty many members are facing regarding continued employment. 

We also continued to push for parity with the core public service, including full equity in rights and benefits. We reiterated our proposals to secure participation in the Joint Learning Program, which would help build healthier work environments, improve labour relations, and clarify the roles of both the union and management. 

While some progress has been made, there is still more work ahead. 

Next  

Our Parks Canada bargaining team will meet with the employer again September 9-10. We will continue to keep members informed as negotiations progress.  

How you can support:  

• Read the full PSAC and employer’s proposals to find out what we’re fighting for. 
• Learn more about workforce adjustment and its impact on job security 
• Get to know our bargaining team, so you know who represents your interests. 
• Talk to your coworkers about what’s on the table and why it matters to you. 
• Participate in rallies, info pickets, lunch-and-learns, and other mobilization events in your area. 
• Subscribe to our mailing list for the latest bargaining news.