News release

June 24, 2005

Strike averted at Canadian Museum of Civilization

          OTTAWA –   A tentative agreement was reached early today, June 24, 2005, between the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the management of the Canadian Museum of Civilization.  The agreement, to be ratified by the PSAC members employed by the Museum, avoids a possible strike this weekend.

“Although the employer did not budge on subcontracting, we will recommend the agreement to the membership, as it contains significant improvements to their working conditions,” explained Ed Cashman, the PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for the National Capital Region.

The agreement includes wage increases similar to those obtained in the federal public service: 2.5%, 2.25%, 2.4% and 2.5% for each of the four years of the agreement.  The employees will also be entitled to adjustments to their pay scale.  Part-time employees will receive financial compensation for their fringe benefits.

The collective agreement of these PSAC members expired on March 31.  Negotiations began in April.  The new agreement is retroactive to April 1, 2005.  Employees will be asked to ratify the new agreement during a vote that should be held in early July.

The PSAC represents 400 workers at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, which includes the Canadian Children’s Museum, the Postal Museum and the new War Museum.  PSAC members are responsible for setting up exhibitions, greeting visitors, handling security, administration and the maintenance of collections belonging to the Canadian people. 

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Information:            Pierre Lebel, PSAC Communications

                                    (613) 560-5482

30-240605