After a week, Non-Public Funds workers are still on strike

Members met at picket lines on Jan. 15 after PSAC announced the week before that a strike would occur if an agreement wasn’t reached.

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Published Jan 22, 2024 • Last updated 49 minutes ago • 2 minute read

Staff of the Non-Public Funds on strike Monday, Jan. 15. Photo by Tony Caldwell /POSTMEDIA

Strike action continues for Non-Public Funds workers who took to the picket lines last week.

According to the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s regional executive vice-president for the National Capital Region, Alex Silas, no progress has been made since the strike began, with no bargaining taking place since Jan. 12.

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“Unfortunately, still no news from the employer, still no willingness to get back to the table,” Silas said on Monday, which marked the eighth consecutive day of the strike. “Our bargaining teams are ready and willing to get back to the table at a moment’s notice, but we just need to hear back from the employer that they’re willing to present a reasonable offer that’s going to meet our needs.”

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The strike is impacting almost 500 NPF workers in Bagotville, Kingston, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Ottawa, Petawawa and Valcartier. Members met at picket lines on Jan. 15 after PSAC announced the week before that a strike would take place if an agreement on a contract for workers wasn’t reached.

The Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services is a separate agency, with NPF workers supporting Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families by delivering morale and various welfare services. Forming part of the federal public service, they work in the retail and food service through the Canadian Forces Exchange System, in financial planning for Canadian Armed Forces members through SISIP financial and in community service, physical fitness and recreation.

According to the Government of Canada website, CFMWS operates on behalf of the chief of defence staff and under the authority of the defence minister. As staff are not National Defence or Treasury Board employees, they have their own pension and pay system, and collective agreements.

Without a contract since 2022, members are fighting for better wages, a national pay grid for workers across Canada and better job security.

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At this point in the strike, Silas said that if the employer isn’t willing to get back to the table and reach a deal, the union is calling on Defence Minister Bill Blair and Treasury Board president Anita Anand to intervene.

In Ottawa, striking workers have been picketing at 4210 Labelle St. On Tuesday, Silas said they will be changing locations, gathering by the National Defence headquarters at 60 Moodie Dr.

“Our union’s ready for a fight if the employer wants to drag this out,” Silas said, adding that the union has heat lamps and a heated trailer to keep pickets warm in the freezing temperatures. “If we don’t see movement from the employer and a willingness to return to the table, we’re going to escalate our actions and escalate our pressure.”

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