Non-public Funds workers still on strike after negotiations fail

Non-public Funds workers represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada are still on strike this week after bargaining teams failed to reach a deal on a new contract agreement following four days of negotiations.

Under Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, the more than 500 NPF workers support Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families by delivering morale and welfare services. Forming part of the federal public service, they work in retail food service, financial planning, community service, physical fitness and recreation.

The union walked away from bargaining, which took place with the assistance of a mediator, after the employer “once again refused to budge” on the issue of wages, PSAC said in a news release Friday.

The lowest-paid workers in the federal public service, according to PSAC, members are fighting for better wages, job security and a national pay grid for workers across Canada. They have been without a contract since 2022 and on strike since Jan. 15.

“This employer's complete disregard for the well-being and dignity of our members not only prolongs the strike, but deepens the financial strain on more than 500 workers in Bagotville, Kingston, Ottawa, Petawawa, Montreal–stjean, and Valcartier,” PSAC said in the news release, adding that its bargaining teams are prepared to resume negotiations, so long as a new mandate that addresses key issues is presented. “We have no choice but to keep ramping up our actions to bring attention to this injustice.”

In Ottawa, workers are picketing at 4210 Labelle St. from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends.