This section will help you answer some questions you might have, such as:
- What are my rights during collective bargaining?
- How can I show my support for my union at work?
- Where can I find my collective agreement?
During a period of collective bargaining:
- You have the right to be kept informed, and to take action during non-work hours.
- You have the right to openly support your union and to promote it in the workplace, both physical and virtual.
- You have the right to visibly promote your union through “merch” like t-shirts, buttons, lanyards, stickers, ball caps or branded water bottles.
- You have the right to express support for your union using virtual backgrounds and signatures on virtual platforms such as Outlook, Zoom, and Teams.
- You have the right to visibly promote your union through “merch” like t-shirts, buttons, lanyards, stickers, ball caps or branded water bottles.
- You are free to talk about the union and promote our collective activities with colleagues. Feel free to engage in conversations with your colleagues about CAPE both in person and through virtual gatherings, just as you would on any other topic. This helps maintain awareness of CAPE's work and of our collective rights.
- You have the right to actively participate in rallies and events organized by your union or other unions (restrictions may apply), to sign petitions, participate in online discussions, and actively share insights.
Remember:
- Any union activity should be done during non-paid time, but that includes your time before or after work shifts, paid and unpaid breaks, paid lunchtime, or when specifically taking approved Leave for Union Business.
- For non-work-related communication, use your personal email accounts to ensure privacy and a clear delineation between your union activities and your role as a public sector employee.
- If anyone from management interferes with any of your union rights or discourages you from exercising your rights, you should notify your local CAPE representative.
- For further guidance on supporting other unions’ labour actions, consult the information provided during the 2023 PSAC strike here.
Become familiar with important laws governing collective bargaining in the federal workplace:
- Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act
- Public Service Sector Labour Relations Act
- Public Service Employment Act
Browse key federal government workplace policies. Click here to find all Treasury Board Secretariat policies and directives.
Read your collective agreement. Your collective agreement regulates the terms and conditions of your employment, which makes it a critical reference document. It explains your rights and responsibilities and outlines the compensation to which you are entitled (pay, paid and unpaid leave, overtime provisions).
