The Public Service Alliance of Canada will hold strike votes for more than 90,000 federal public service workers from the PA, SV, TC and EB bargaining units from March 17 to May 7, 2020.

Before you cast your vote, we’ve put together everything you need to know about strike votes and taking strike action.

Why are we taking strike votes now?

National President Chris Aylward authorized strike votes following the release of the Public Interest Commission report [1] on the PA and common issues tables. Strike votes for the 27,000 members of the Canada Revenue Agency bargaining unit are already underway.  [2] 

“PSAC bargaining teams need a strong strike mandate from members to force Treasury Board to come back to the bargaining table with a new mandate so that we can get a fair settlement quickly,” said Aylward.  

The government’s current offer falls short 

The Public Interest Commission (PIC) report on common issues made it clear that to reach a deal, the government will need to offer PSAC members more Phoenix compensation [4] and a wage increase in line with the cost of living. The report also highlighted the need to address compensation gaps and recruitment/retention challenges for those groups that are underpaid relative to comparable groups inside or outside the federal public sector. 

The government’s current offer falls short on all fronts. They have yet to table wage increases that would ensure rises in the cost of living are met, and their Phoenix compensation proposal remains meagre and unequal across the public service. 

“The threat of a strike will give the employer the nudge it needs to avoid more disruption during their minority government,” said Aylward.  “That’s why we urge all PSAC members to vote yes.”