My unsolicited 2 cents about their tentative-agreement

Hey everyone! Let’s dive into the recent PSAC-FB tentative agreement and see what’s brewing. If you’ve been following the updates, you might have noticed the summary put out by PSAC, detailing the new tentative agreement reached for the FB group. Here’s a friendly rundown of what’s in store and what’s left hanging in the balance.

The Good, the Bad, and the Okay

So, what’s the buzz about this agreement? Well, first off, kudos to PSAC’s negotiators, including Morgan Gay and the team, for pushing through some significant wins. They’ve managed to secure important gains for the FB group, which includes Canada Border Services Agency workers. These gains encompass better job security, improved working conditions, and some noteworthy financial bumps.

Morgan Gay seen here at Scarborough Town Centre at noon on April 29 2023, giving the worldwide apology tour for the mediocre deal secured in the PA Strike.

One of the unfortunate standout points of working for the Treasury Board is the principle of parity, which ensures that the PA group will receive a 2% raise in 2025. This news isn’t exactly the firework celebration we were hoping for. A 2% raise feels a bit underwhelming in today’s economic climate. It’s a step in the right direction, but maybe just a baby step when we were all hoping for a leap

BAD: How could the negotiating team accept this? Have you tried to buy eggs, milk, baby formula, gas, or lunch lately?

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The Disappointment: Work from Home

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—work from home. In the post-pandemic world, remote work has become a key issue for many employees. Unfortunately, the agreement falls short here. There’s a noticeable lack of clear language or concrete commitments regarding work-from-home policies. This is a major letdown for many who have adjusted to and thrived in a remote work environment.

In today’s job market, flexible work arrangements are not just perks—they’re necessities for retaining talent and ensuring employee well-being. It’s disappointing to see this issue not being given the attention it deserves in the agreement. Many were hoping for stronger advocacy and clearer terms that would provide certainty and flexibility.

Final Thoughts

While the tentative agreement does bring some positives to the table, it leaves much to be desired, especially concerning remote work policies and the modest raise. The PSAC team has undoubtedly worked hard to reach this point, and their efforts are commendable. However, there’s still a long way to go to fully address the needs and concerns of the workforce.

Let’s keep the conversation going and continue advocating for better conditions, fairer compensation, and more flexibility in our work lives. Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s hope for more substantial gains in the near future.

Feel free to share your thoughts and comments ! What do you think about their tentative agreement? Are you satisfied with the outcomes? What changes would you like to see moving forward?

Stay informed, stay vocal, and let’s strive for a better workplace together!