Our PIPSC bargaining teams are pushing hard at the negotiation table and fighting for a better deal for our members. You can find bargaining updates from each Group on their individual Group pages.
The PIPSC Central Table Bargaining Team held our fourth meeting with Treasury Board representatives on May 23 – 25, 2023. The Central Table negotiations aim to bargain common language to be integrated into group collective agreements, ensuring consistency and fairness, while Group tables negotiate specific language around pay and working conditions for each of the occupational groups represented by PIPSC.
This is where things currently stand on some of our key issues.
Return To Office (RTO):
Some of our members are needed on the frontlines to provide essential services – but many others are now able to do their best work from their own homes. Forcing employees back to workplaces without rhyme or reason really demonstrated a lack of trust and respect – and we have been advocating against the government’s one-size-fits-all policy since it was abruptly implemented.
We have seen some movement on this issue from the employer with other bargaining agents, like PSAC and CAPE. PIPSC has consistently maintained that the implementation of 'presence with purpose' is best sorted out at the bargaining table, and we will continue to pursue that goal. We also conducted an online survey of members in May, and have been amplifying those responses in the media and to Treasury Board.
PIPSC believes that a fair, flexible remote work policy can help create a workplace built on accessibility, equity, and respect. We hope the federal government is willing to collaborate with us to make that happen.
PAY:
It is crucial that our members are paid at a rate that reflects both the value of their work and the skyrocketing costs of living. One of the ways an employer can truly recognize its employees is through better compensation.
PIPSC continues to fight for improved compensation for its members, especially in light of painful inflation. However, other bargaining agents have now set a pattern for general economic increases which will be hard to resist.
PIPSC continues to look for creative ways to bargain gains for our members, especially given the unique nature of our work.
EQUITY:
The Pay Equity Act and related regulations have been in effect since September 2021, but there is still so much work to be done before Pay Equity is a reality in the public service.
PIPSC is taking an active leadership role in support of pay equity, a role which has major significance given the overwhelming resistance to the pay equity process from many employers.
But equity extends beyond pay. This government has made equity a pillar of their mandate – and they must ensure this is extended to their employees. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong at work.
For some, this means working from home. For others, this means being able to show up as our true selves without having to worry about harassment or social exclusion. Our union is also a community – we fight to ensure no worker is left behind. Equity, in all its variations, is a huge part of what we do – both in bargaining and beyond.
IMPACT OF PSAC STRIKE
PSAC and PIPSC negotiate with a common employer, the federal government. It was essential for PIPSC to show solidarity when they took their strike action in April.
We know that when fellow bargaining agents, like PSAC, reach a tentative agreement, the government will attempt to establish a pattern for wage increases for other groups still in negotiations.
However, as PIPSC members, we have circumstances that are unique to the professional work that we do. We will continue to fight for “market adjustments” to make sure that our groups and classifications are meeting the same market rate value as their counterparts in provincial governments or in other agencies – as well as compared to the private sector.
JOIN THE FIGHT FOR A BETTER DEAL
At every stage of the process, members are vital to collective bargaining. When we work together, we show the employer the strength of our union and the power of our united voices.
Often, simple actions can be the most effective. For example, if you know that your bargaining team is at the negotiation table with Treasury Board, you can wear a PIPSC t-shirt or put PIPSC buttons on your jacket or backpack.
You can also get active on social media by sharing or commenting on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts. This will help ensure our message is getting in front of more folks within your network – which is really important to building support. You can also send your Group’s bargaining team a quick message to wish them luck when they’re heading into bargaining – this lets them know you have their back, and can be a helpful boost to the team.
But the best way you can support the fight for a better deal is to keep up to date with what’s happening – be engaged, read all your emails and newsletters, follow us on social media, take online actions like sending an email, and attend local meetings and activities.