On May 10, MP Claude Gravelle (NDP-Nickel Belt) stood up during question period and told the House of Commons something that our members know all too well: the government is mistreating Statistical Survey Operations employees.
“This government has been nasty with science and statistical evidence. Now they are mistreating the people collecting the evidence,” said Gravelle. “I have 200 statistical survey operations staff in Sturgeon Falls, part of 1,500 across Canada, who have been without a contract for over a year.”
The PSAC is still waiting for arbitration dates, both for regional office employees, who collect data in a call centre, and for field interviewers, who work door-to-door.
Among the demands is the issue of seniority; our members want the employer to recognize seniority when assigning work hours. As things stand currently, the employer has no obligation to provide a minimum amount of hours.
In response to Gravelle’s question, Conservative MP Andrew Saxton responded: “Mr. Speaker, our government bargains in good faith.”
For more information, please consult the SSO bargaining section of the PSAC website.