The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Public Service Alliance of Canada
reached an impasse in their efforts
to conclude a new collective agreement for approximately 25,000 of the Agency's employees.
As a result, CRA employees were in a legal strike position as of September 8,
2004, and they walked out. The union
has begun rotating strikes across the country, following the breakdown of negotiations.
Union spokesperson Ed Cashman said the collection of income tax will be
affected.
Money is the main issue in
the dispute. A conciliation board recommended raises totalling 8.25 per cent over three years, but, in talks Tuesday, the agency came back with a 5.75 per cent offer over the same period, the Public
Service Alliance of Canada said.
They are also seeking better job security.
A few designated employees are not allowed to strike. A CRA spokesperson said Child Tax Benefits and GST rebates will go out as
scheduled.
The strike at the CRA is not expected to cause extreme disturbances in border clearance at this time. However, contract talks at the Canada Border Services Agency and at the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency are not going well and a strike at those two agencies, possibly in early October, could cause serious disruptions. |
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