THE Public Service Alliance of Canada – Union of Taxation Employees bargaining team was surprised to see the Canada Revenue Agency’s email to all staff regarding their current negotiations two weeks ago.
“This desperate attempt by CRA to mislead and influence our members on the eve of the strike vote is completely unacceptable. It is dishonest and disrespectful to our members,” said Marc Brière, National President of the Union of Taxation Employees.
As advised by their legal counsel, the PSAC has come to the conclusion that the communication is necessary grounds to take legal action. Therefore, PSAC announced on Monday that it has filed a bad faith bargaining charge against CRA with the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.
Briere said: “Our members are not fooled and see right through the employer’s game. The support we’ve received so far in getting a strike mandate is just unbelievable. The CRA and Treasury Board are finally starting to understand the serious mistake they have made in dragging out negotiations unduly and showing a total lack of respect for our members. They are panicking and rightfully so. For the first time in its history, there might be a strike at the Agency in the middle of peak tax season. And they will only have themselves to blame. Enough is enough!”