By Canadian Press

Major public-service union and to begin mediated negotiations with federal government

Mar 30, 2023 | 12:52 PM

OTTAWA — The federal government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada, a union representing 165,000 federal public servants, are expected to begin mediated negotiations on Sunday as a possible strike looms.

The union announced strike votes for workers in the core public service in January amid a protracted labour dispute, with final votes to be cast by April 11.

If workers opt for a strike, the union would be able to begin one within 60 days, as long as it gives the government three days’ notice.

The decision to start mediated negotiations follows a recent recommendation from the federal labour relations board’s Public Interest Commission, which called for the two parties to return to the bargaining table. 

Negotiations over a new contract first began in June 2021, but talks broke down and the union declared an impasse in May 2022, with both parties filing labour complaints since.

new mayor

Spring Mayoral by-election called in Ladysmith

12h ago

holiday check stops

Nanaimo motorists shine during province-wide crackdown

15h ago

targeted job action

Striking Nanaimo postal workers disrupt Purolator operations

19h ago

The government says it is committed to reaching an agreement that will be fair to both parties. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 30, 2023. 

———

This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

The Canadian Press