The CRA’s New Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recently negotiated a new collective agreement with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). The agreement, which covers approximately 27,000 CRA employees, came into effect on July 1, 2021, and will remain in place until June 30, 2024.
Here are some of the key changes and provisions that you need to know about:
Pay Increases
Under the new agreement, CRA employees will receive wage increases of 2% per year for the duration of the agreement. This will apply to both general increases and economic increases, which are designed to ensure that salaries are competitive with those of other public sector employees.
Additional Vacation Leave
CRA employees who have been with the agency for at least 10 years will be eligible for an additional week of vacation leave. This will take effect on the employee’s 10th anniversary date, and will apply to both full-time and part-time staff.
More Leave Due to Family Responsibilities
CRA employees who need to take leave due to family responsibilities will now be eligible for up to 37.5 hours of annual leave for these purposes. This leave can be used to care for children, elderly relatives, or family members who have medical needs.
Improved Job Security
The new agreement includes provisions designed to improve job security for CRA employees. For example, the agreement establishes a joint workforce adjustment committee that will help to manage the impact of any future downsizing or restructuring initiatives.
Improved Bereavement Leave
CRA employees who need to take time off due to the loss of an immediate family member will now be eligible for five days of paid bereavement leave. This is an increase from the previous three-day allowance.
Enhanced Accessibility for Employees with Disabilities
The new agreement includes provisions designed to improve accessibility for employees with disabilities. This includes a commitment to providing ergonomic accommodation, as well as increased support and training for employees who need it.
The new collective agreement represents a positive step forward for the CRA and its employees. By improving working conditions, job security, and employee benefits, the agreement will help to ensure that the CRA can continue to provide high-quality services to Canadians while also attracting and retaining the talented staff it needs to do so.