Your union, the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Yukon Employees' Union, is conducting a strike vote on January 12-13, 2026.
A positive strike vote would authorize the union to call a strike in early March if we do not have a deal by then. While we hope that we would not have to use it, getting a positive strike vote is critical to show the employer that members are serious and that the employer needs to provide us with a better offer.
Stay tuned, more details to come. This is an important vote, and we strongly encourage all members to participate.
If you have any questions, please contact PSAC Regional Representative, Tara Fallat: [email protected]
What is conciliation?
Conciliation in collective bargaining is a process where a neutral third-party conciliator helps a union and employer resolve impasses in negotiations (wages, benefits, conditions) before a legal strike or lockout can occur, clarifying issues and guiding towards a settlement. Well over 90% of the time, a deal is made at conciliation, without getting to a strike.
What is a strike vote?
A strike vote is when members vote on whether to authorize their bargaining team to call a strike, giving them a strong mandate to pressure the employer for a better contract during negotiations.
What is a strike?
A strike is job action taken by employees designed to pressure the Employer to get back to the bargaining table with a fair offer.
What are the different kinds of strikes?
General Strike : A PSAC general strike is a cessation of work by all PSAC members in a bargaining unit. (General strike pay provisions apply.)
Strategic Strike : A strategic strike is a work stoppage by a limited number of members of a bargaining unit at a limited number of locations. The strategic strike includes up to 10 per cent of the members of a bargaining unit. Strategic strikes are designed to have the greatest impact on the employer’s operation. Strategic strikes are approved by the leadership of the union based on strategic plans of action. (Strategic strike pay provisions apply).
Work to rule : A work-to-rule is when workers obey all the laws and rules applying to their work (i.e., through legislation or the collective agreement), but perform their work more slowly or follow “the letter of the law” to stall productivity.
What will my strike pay be?
If there is a general strike:
- $137.50 for 4 hours of picket line work if you are employed full-time
- $97.32 for 4 hours of picket line work if you are employed part-time
- Maximum per week is $687.98 based on 5 days of picket line work
- Note that these amounts are non-taxable.
Do I get back-pay for my wages after the strike is over?
We anticipate that there will be retro pay from July 2024 until the end of the strike, but we will only know this when we have a deal.
What is the Hardship Fund?
Part of our Union dues goes into a Hardship Fund. Members facing financial difficulties in the event of a strike can apply for additional funds on top of strike pay for child care, child support payments, etc.
Do we get access to our health benefits while on strike?
Yes, it is required under the Canada Labour Code that the union be allowed to pay for the benefits of employees on strike under 94 (3) (d.1) and (d.2). We have always done so and would certainly do so if this group is on strike. This includes continued coverage of benefits for dependents.
Will our pension be affected during a strike? Will contributions stop?
Yes, pension contributions will stop and the time that we are on strike will not be pensionable. While the employer may decide to let members buy that time back, it is highly unlikely.
How are third party funded employees impacted during a general strike? Can I submit final reports or submit funding applications?
If a general strike is called, all work for the employer stops. This includes report writing and funding applications for third-party funded employees.
Can the employer contract out services if we strike? For example, cafeteria services or security
There is a ban on the use of replacement workers during a strike under the Canada Labour Code. We will fight to ensure that none of our work gets done during a possible strike.
Are there any essential services designations at Yukon U?
There have been none negotiated at this point. However, the employer has reached out to negotiate this and we anticipate some positions to be designated as essential.
If I was deemed an essential worker during COVID, is it the same during a strike?
Despite the use of the same word, the concept of “essential” during COVID and “essential” in the event of a strike are not the same.
- During COVID, this meant whoever the employer deemed to be required to come into work, despite the public health mandates and the employer could do so unilaterally.
- In the event of a strike, we must negotiate a Maintenance of Activities Agreement, which means anyone whose absence would lead to an immediate and serious danger to the safety or health of the public will be deemed essential and not be allowed to strike. If we cannot agree on who is essential, the Canada Industrial Relations Board will make a final and binding determination.
What is the overall strike strategy of Yukon Employees’ Union bargaining team?
Well over 90% of the time, a deal is reached during conciliation. If a deal cannot be reached during conciliation mid-January, we will be preparing for a strike. Preparation includes strike strategy, organizing picket captains, etc. If you are interested in strike strategy, there will be opportunities for members to contribute as members will know what will be most effective, such as which buildings to picket, which organizations to reach out to for support, etc.
Why does our bargaining process look different than YG’s?
Yukon University falls under different labour legislation than the Yukon Government. As a result, there are significant differences in the bargaining process as determined by legislation. Most notably, we do not have access to binding arbitration.