BANFF – Parks Canada workers have ratified a new agreement struck between their union and employer, which includes wage increases.
Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSCA) members in the Parks Canada bargaining units voted in favour of their tentative agreements. The new collective agreement covers the 2018-21 period.
Union officials say all agreements provide for fair wages, no concessions and improved working conditions.
“I am proud of the elected members of our bargaining teams for their unwavering dedication during this round of talks,” said Chris Aylward, PSAC’s national president.
“Thanks to their hard work and the solidarity shown by thousands of members across the country, we were able to negotiate a fair deal. We’re now in a strong position to build on these improvements in the next round of bargaining.”
Parks Canada members will see a 2.8 per cent wage increase in year one, followed by 2.2 per cent and 1.35 per cent increases the following two years respectively.
Employees of Parks Canada will also be awarded a Phoenix damages settlement to compensate for the federal government’s broken pay system.
During negotiations, PSAC fought for fair compensation for park wardens to be more in line with Canada’s other law enforcement positions, such as Border Patrol officers.
The union argued wardens are highly trained law enforcement officers who perform similar duties to that of other federally paid law enforcement, and yet, in some cases, the salaries of park wardens lagged up to 17 per cent below their counterparts.
There’s now also a new allowance of $1 per hour for dog handling.
PSAC also fought for a competitive wage increase for other national park employees, pay parity with the core public service, improved maternity and parental leave, and fairness for seasonal and term workers.
In the coming weeks, PSAC will meet with Parks Canada representatives to sign the new collective agreements. With the exception of monetary provisions, which are retroactive, new contract terms come into effect on the date of signing.
The federal agency has 180 days from the signing of the contracts to implement wage increases, wage adjustments and allowances. In view of this extended implementation timeline, PSAC negotiated a $500 lump sum payment into all contracts.
A spokesperson for Parks Canada said the agency is pleased that employees voted to ratify the collective agreement with PSAC.
"Parks Canada would like to thank both bargaining teams for their efforts and commitment leading to the renewal of the collective agreement," said
agency spokesperson Rola Salem in an email.
