The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) held a national bargaining conference from October 28 to 30. This event centered on defining member priorities ahead of upcoming negotiations as the current collective agreement will expire in December 2023.
CFIA Bargaining Conference Sets Member Priorities
During the conference, CFIA members engaged in discussions to establish their key priorities. Feedback from members across Canada helped shape these discussions. Their priorities reflect the experiences of various professionals within the agency, including inspectors, scientists, and administrative staff.
Key Priorities for Negotiations
- Fair Pay: Members advocate for compensation that matches the rising cost of living. They are pushing for equitable pay structures, fair premiums, and enhanced allowances to attract and retain skilled professionals.
- Job Security: The call for stronger job security is a significant concern. CFIA employees seek fair treatment for all employment types and measures to reduce job precarity, particularly for term employees.
- Work-Life Balance: Ensuring a healthy work-life balance is essential. Members request predictable schedules, protections for shift workers, and limits on after-hours work to accommodate contemporary work life.
- Leave Provisions: Enhancements to various leave options are crucial. Members emphasize mental health, caregiving, and equity as central themes of their requests to better serve workers and their families.
- Health and Safety: There is a strong demand for improved workplace health and safety standards. Members seek greater flexibility in work settings, recognition of preparation time, and fair treatment across roles.
- Respect on the Job: CFIA workers emphasize the need for a collective agreement that embodies values of inclusion, equity, and respect. Priorities also include protecting employee rights and improving consultation processes.
Next Steps for Members
During the conference, members also elected a bargaining team. This team will include representatives from across the country and will begin negotiations in 2026. Members are encouraged to keep their contact information current to receive updates and information regarding the bargaining process.
