Fact Sheet

September 7, 2004

Chronology of collective bargaining between the Canada Revenue Agency and the Public Service Alliance of Canada

August to November 2003:
Bargaining teams from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) met four times for a total of 13 days of negotiations in an effort to conclude a new collective agreement for CRA employees represented by PSAC.

December 19, 2003:
PSAC announced that 85% of members who voted between November 17 and December 18 supported a strike.

February 16-20, 2004:
The parties met with the assistance of a mediator.

March 15-17, 2004:
Again, the parties met with the assistance of a mediator. On March 17, stating that the parties had not made enough progress, the mediator terminated the discussions.

March 24, 2004:
PSAC requested the establishment of a conciliation board. The request was initially refused as the parties first had to agree on the designation of essential positions.

May 10, 2004:
CRA and PSAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding on all remaining designations.

May 11, 2004:
PSAC again requested the establishment of a conciliation board. This time the request was granted.

July 9, 2004:
Conciliation board members were confirmed and hearing dates were set.

August 7-10, 2004:
The conciliation board conducted hearings and both parties presented their positions. Some progress was made, but the parties remained significantly apart on the issue of wages.

August 31, 2004:
The conciliation board report was tabled. The union is in a legal strike position seven days after the report is tabled.

September 7, 2004:
Negotiations resume. The CRA presented a revised monetary offer of 2.25%, 1.75% and 1.75% (cumulative 5.75% over three years). The union is proposing an increase to the compensation package in excess of 17% over three years.

September 8, 2004:
CRA employees represented by PSAC are in a legal strike position.

This document is also available for download in .pdf format.

To receive notification by email when news releases, fact sheets or tax tips are added to our Web site, you can subscribe to our electronic mailing list.

For media information