Dear members,
The Bank of Canada has notified PSAC that it intends to lock out employees in our bargaining units beginning June 23, 2026, if no agreement is reached.
This is an unnecessary and aggressive escalation.
Your bargaining team has been at the table in good faith, working to secure a fair collective agreement that reflects your priorities. Instead of moving toward a settlement, the Bank has chosen confrontation and is threatening to remove you from your workplaces.
Let’s be clear: a lockout is an employer decision. If members are not at work after June 23, it will be because the Bank of Canada chose to shut you out.
This is not about lack of ability to reach a deal—it is about the employer’s refusal to do so on fair terms.
We also know the employer is actively asking members to sign up to continue working during a potential strike or lockout, claiming operational necessity.
We do not accept that this situation meets any reasonable definition of an emergency. This is about maintaining business as usual during a legal work stoppage – not an urgent or serious threat to safety.
We are asking members to stand together and not sign up for these arrangements. Solidarity is what gives us strength at the bargaining table, and weakening that solidarity only strengthens the employer’s position.
Your bargaining teams remain committed to reaching a fair deal—but not at any cost. We will not accept imposed concessions or pressure tactics dressed up as “operations”.
The employer can choose to escalate. We can also choose to stand firm.
Please refer to the FAQ for more information.
In solidarity,
Ruth Lau MacDonald
Regional Executive Vice-President
PSAC-NCR