PSAC and NAC meet for final day of bargaining; strike notice imminent

Ottawa, April 20, 2017 — Progress has been minimal at the bargaining table between box office and usher staff at the National Arts Centre (NAC), represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada, and management.

The parties had initially agreed to meet on April 24, but then agreed to meet starting on April 18 to try and resolve the dispute. Despite two days of bargaining, however, progress has been very slow. Key issues at the table remain wages, hours of work and scheduling, benefits and overtime pay.

Today is the final day of bargaining and PSAC’s team will be focussed on reaching a tentative agreement. However, if NAC management does not show flexibility on addressing workers’ longstanding concerns through a fair deal, PSAC will file a 72-hour notice to strike tomorrow.

Workers at the NAC remain on strike alert.