FAQ: Potential UNDE-NPF Strike

Members of Staff of the Non-Public Funds (NPF) bargaining units in Kingston, Petawawa, Ottawa, Valcartier, Montreal-St. Jean and Bagotville have provided a strong strike mandate—averaging 94% in favour of strike action–after votes were held from November 20 to December 14.  

At this critical step of the bargaining process, members are fully mobilized and ready to make it clear that we are united, strong, and will not backing down as we fight for what workers deserve. NPF units and the employer will be meeting in early January 2024 to continue discussions for a National Pay Grid. We will update members as soon as we have more information. 

No. If you are part of a bargaining unit that’s on strike and haven’t been declared an essential worker, you cannot work during a strike. Members who attempt to work during a strike undermine the union’s position and can cause the strike to last longer or the final deal to be less than we’re asking for.

This is also the case for members who work remotely. Continuing to work remotely during a strike is considered crossing the picket line and is a violation of section 25 of the PSAC Constitution.

PSAC’s Constitution outlines disciplinary action that can be taken against members, including “a fine that equals the amount of daily remuneration earned by the member, multiplied by the number of days that the member crossed the picket line, performed work for the employer, or voluntarily performed struck work.”

If you notice a member who is not respecting the strike action, speak to them and make sure they are aware of the situation and expectations, and talk to them about what’s at stake. When we work together, we apply maximum pressure on the employer, which can lead to a shorter and more successful strike.