PSAC reaches tentative agreement for 68,000 members

The Public Service Alliance of Canada has reached a tentative agreement with the federal government to replace expired contracts for about 68,000 of its 170,000 members.

It covers workers in the programs and administrative services group, which is the largest group represented by the union.

Under the tentative dealsick leave entitlement would remainunchanged. The union also says it has worked out a better, more fair process when it comes to future layoffs and re-structuring.

A working group on mental health will be created and family leave will be enhanced, and members will also see their salaries increase by at least 5.5 per cent over fouryears.

"I am proud of our negotiating teams for standing strong during these two long, difficult years at the table. A deal for our largest group, as well as agreements on key common issues, is a significant victory,"Robyn Benson, PSAC'snational president, is quoted saying in a news release.

"I am equally proud of our members for their strength and solidarity. It is because of them that our teams were able to prevent the concessions on sick leave that the employer had been pushing for."

Last week, the Professional Institute of the Public Service also reached a tentative deal with the Treasury Board.