To all proud IT Group members,
Your bargaining team met with the employer for the ninth session of negotiations on March 22 and 23, 2023. This session began with the employer tabling a comprehensive offer to the IT Group including a counter-offer on pay increases and a list of proposals on articles that would have to be accepted in order to come to a settlement. This offer indicated that the employer is willing to drop a few of their demands but that they are still pushing a few concessions. The Treasury Board made it clear that this was not a final offer.
One issue of concern is the employer’s proposal to delete Appendix L, which enforces payments to members for the slow implementation of a ratified collective agreement due to the Phoenix pay system. At the same time, the Treasury Board is proposing the same delays that were seen last round for which we were compensated.
The IT bargaining team reviewed the employer’s comprehensive offer and worked on a counter-offer of our own. Our offer included an adjusted pay proposal and a list of priority articles and included no concessions. We presented this counter-offer at the end of the session and answered any immediate questions posed by the employer.
Despite the distance between both parties on several issues including wage increases, we continue to have productive discussions and are committed to making an earnest effort to come to an agreement.
As you may be aware, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is at an impasse at some of its bargaining tables. They are currently conducting a strike vote. The IT Group bargaining team would like to voice their support of our public service colleagues and encourage our members to show their support as well. We are all fighting for a fair wage increase that recognizes the struggle against inflation.
As a reminder, the Return to the Office mandate is not an issue that we can discuss at the IT Group bargaining table as it currently sits at the PIPSC central table. For the latest from PIPSC on this subject, please see Return to Workplaces.
Our next bargaining session will be held May 16-19, 2023. Further sessions will be scheduled depending on the progress made in our May negotiations.
Thank you for your continued support.
In solidarity,
Robert Scott
IT Group Bargaining Officer