Dear members of the CO, EN-ENG, ES, PG, SE-RES, SE-REM and SR classifications

I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe during this difficult time. The impacts of COVID-19 on our current work are not negligible, but since the onset of the pandemic, members of our group have quickly adapted to this new reality.

Our Stewards (https://pipsc.ca/labour-relations/stewards/stewards-list?p_groupcode=CFIA-S%26A), our National Consultation Team (https://pipsc.ca/labour-relations/consultation/cfia/executive) and our National Executive (https://pipsc.ca/groups/cfia-sa/executive) have been in constant contact with CFIA management to voice your concerns. Despite the current unprecedented crisis, know that our union continues to work for you.

Our Bargaining Team (https://pipsc.ca/groups/cfia-sa/bargaining-team), with the help of PIPSC President, Debi Daviau and its staff, signed a tentative agreement with the CFIA on August 12, 2020. The agreement will cover 4 years, expiring on September 30, 2022. Regular members in good standing will be invited to vote on this new agreement soon and will receive the voting instructions by email. Our members will receive a detailed ratification package with all the changes highlighted. Please take the time to read and understand all the changes. Our Bargaining Team will be hosting virtual town halls to answer your questions on the tentative agreement.

Questions have been raised by some of our SR Classification members regarding the SR Classification Review Memorandum of Agreement (https://pipsc.ca/groups/cfia-sa/cfia-sa-sr-classification-review-memorandum-agreement-moa). We have now reached an agreement with the CFIA on some 29 job descriptions for members of the SR classification. The next step in this important collaborative work is for the employer to classify each of these new job descriptions. We recognize that the SR classification review project is taking longer than expected. We want to ensure that the work is done thoroughly and addresses the important concerns raised by the SR community. Grievances regarding the classification and nature of the work of SR members remain on hold until the end of this review process.

If you have any questions and / or concerns, I invite you to contact me, a member of our National Executive or a Steward.

Take care,

Stéphanie Fréchette

CFIA-S&A Group President