Labour disputes on military bases going in opposite directions

By Medicine Hat News on April 23, 2024.

Workers at three Ontario military bases have voted to end a strike, but counterparts in Quebec have rejected a deal as their union calls for nationwide wage parity including civilian workers at CFB Suffield.

A release from the Public Service Alliance of Canada on Friday states the “key sticking points” in latest talks are wage gaps for non-public funds workers between military bases in Canada.

“Our members who voted against the contract are also the lowest paid NPF workers despite performing the exact same duties as their colleagues in other provinces and the core public service,” said June Winger, national president of the Union of National Defence Employees. “These members are demanding pay equity, and UNDE will continue supporting them to achieve that.”

The 100-day strike will end at military bases in Kingston, Ottawa and Petawawa, with workers expected to return to work over the next five days. They voted 71 per cent in favour of the proposal that raises wages by 13.75 per cent over three years.

Nearly 200 members working on bases in Bagotville, Montreal-St-Jean and Valcartier voted four-to-one against the settlement, according to PSAC.