According to a union representative, there appears to be no movement in the labor dispute affecting civilian employees at four military bases in Quebec.
The 510 Non-Public Fund (NPF) employees at six bases across Canada – these workers provide services to the military, veterans and their families – gave themselves a 94% strike mandate in December.
The four bases in Quebec, divided into three union units: Valcartier, Bagotville and Montréal-Saint-Jean, have been on an indefinite general strike since January 15.
“One local section actually agreed 100%,” says Yvon Barrière, executive vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) for the Quebec region.
Irritants
“We expected to receive an invitation from the employer to sit at the negotiating table this week, but we have not received a response. We find it sad,” he regrets.
Yvon Barrière, regional vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, spoke to protesters outside the Valcartier base on January 17. Provided by Alexandre Zacharie, ACP
Salaries and the introduction of a uniform salary scale across the country are the main demands of union members.
“There is no progress. The ministry has been saying for many years that it will seek to introduce a national pay scale. Certain jobs in Ottawa pay up to 30% more than in Valcartier for the same role and the same employer,” he denounces.
“The money comes from the Ministry of Finance. So why does a kinesiologist in Bagotville start at $16.51 an hour while the same job in the public sector can cost up to three times that? A top-notch accountant in Valcartier and Bagotville earns $21 an hour. In the public sector it is 40 to 50% more,” he emphasizes.
The unionist reiterates that his members benefit from good strike pay and says the strikers are prepared for a long standoff.
Non-Public Funds (NPF) employees demonstrate in front of the Valcartier base on January 17. Provided by Alexandre Zacharie, ACP
“We were good players for too long. This is a strike that can continue. Our people want a national level worthy of public service. “Right now they are the lowest paid workers in the entire federal government,” Mr. Barrière said.
Story
The latter reminds us of the origins of the employees of the non-public funds, which sheds light on their current situation.
“In the 1960s, they created jobs for military spouses on bases by opening small grocery stores and recreational services. It was a little secret, each base had its own organization, but it became more and more serious. In 1982, there was a decree stating that NPF employees could not be considered federal civil servants. We call on the Ministry of Defense to revoke the decree.”
“Some people work between 28 and 31.5 hours per week. Because from the age of 32 you are obliged to take out group insurance. We prefer to hire additional people rather than give them full time. It may take a long time, but I firmly believe in this cause. There is a blatant injustice on the part of the government that looks the other way,” concludes Yvon Barrière.
Number of affected employees in Quebec
- Valcartier: 125
- John: 70
- Bagotville: 20
- Montreal: 20
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