News Labour Relations
CRA reaches tentative four-year deal with union, workers back on the job this morning

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has reached a four-year tentative agreement with its striking workers, represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada – Union of Taxation Employees (PSAC-UTE).

Upon ratification, this agreement will apply to approximately 39,000 PSAC-UTE employees working at the CRA, the agency said in a press release. Employees represented by PSAC-UTE will return to work this morning, it said.

Wage increases, remote work

The tentative agreement includes wage increases of 11.5% over four years, retroactive to 2021, that will cover periods until 2025. The third year also includes an allowance of 0.5%. Employees would also see a number of improvements over the life of the agreement, as well as a one-time payment of $2,500, according to the CRA.

“The CRA continues to be committed to a modern, hybrid workplace that provides employees, where applicable, with the flexibility to continue to work up to three days from home a week. Outside of the collective agreement, the CRA and PSAC–UTE reached a tentative settlement on telework to the satisfaction of both parties,” it said. “Both parties agreed to undertake a review of the Directive on virtual work arrangements, and to create a panel to advise the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner regarding employee concerns.”

Pension improvements, family leave

The agreement alsp includes improved provisions, around leave with pay for family-related responsibilities, for example. It also includes measures to further support employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, such as a new benefit for Indigenous employees who will now have access to paid leave to participate in traditional practices, it said.

“This new provision represents another important step in our reconciliation journey and supports our ongoing efforts to create healthy workplaces,” the CRA said.

The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by PSAC-UTE membership. The PSAC–UTE will present details of the tentative agreement to its members and organize ratification vote sessions in the coming weeks. Once the agreement is approved and ratified, employees will see wage enhancements within agreed to timelines.

The CRA has already taken measures to resume its normal operations and to fully restore services that were affected during the labour disruption. Canadians can consult the Contact the Canada Revenue Agency for more information.