With a participation rate of over 85%, Non-Public Funds (NPF) strikers on Canadian Forces bases in Quebec decided with a 80% majority to continue their fight for better working conditions by rejecting the proposed memorandum of settlement (MOS).
The overwhelming results demonstrated unprecedented solidarity despite the employer providing scabs time to vote in an attempt to sway the outcome.
“Despite the employer’s promise to consult the union on implementing with no schedule a national classification for all jobs, a lack of national uniformity—coupled with the proposed wage increase which doesn’t go very far when you’re the lowest-paid public service worker—only accentuates the disparity between counterparts on each military base,” said Yvon Barrière, Executive Vice-President for PSAC-Quebec.
These disparities are particularly significant for Quebec members. For example:
- A financial services assistant in Valcartier earns $10/hour less than someone doing the same work in Ottawa.
- These same assistants earn 1/3 the salary of their counterparts at the Treasury Board.
- Bagotville’s fitness and sports instructors earn 62% less than their federal counterparts.
- The pay scale for Bagotville’s kinesiologists ranges from $16–$26 an hour. Mere blocks away, their colleagues in Quebec’s long-term care centres earn $26–$43 an hour.
- Shipping and receiving clerks earn barely $1 more than the federal minimum wage.
- And many more.
The strikers just want to be treated the same as their counterparts throughout Canada. They want NPF personnel to be fully recognized as federal public service workers.
The strike, which will reach its 100th day next week, continues for these steadfast and dedicated workers. “Their message was clear, and we’re going to support them all the way. I am so proud of their determination and solidarity during the vote,” said Yvon Barrière.