In this episode of the Union Safety Net, we take an in-depth look at the collective bargaining process between one of Canada’s largest public sector unions, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, and the Government of Canada. More specifically, the union members employed by the Federal Treasury Board.

We often hear from union members: Why does the union only bargain when the collective agreement has expired? Why can’t we get ahead of the expiration date? Why does it take years to reach a new tentative agreement? Who’s involved in making the decision?

To discuss all of this and even more, I’m joined by Pierre-Samuel Proulx and Rachel Besharah, who are Senior Research