Strike Action by other Groups (PAFSO)

General Updates

Jun 25, 2002

STRIKE ACTION BY OTHER GROUPS (PAFSO)

Given that members of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) are in a legal strike position, you may be seeing some picket lines in evidence at the Lester B. Pearson Building.

The Association wishes to remind its members that we are not in a legal strike position. Members must abide by the terms of our current collective agreement and report to work as scheduled. Failure to report to work without prior authorized leave may result in disciplinary action being taken by management.

It is in everyone’s interest that the process of picketing be peaceful and orderly. If picket lines are blocking access to the building, call your supervisor or another designated management representative and request that they provide safe passage through the picket line. Ensure that you have phone numbers for management representatives who may be required to escort you across picket lines, along with any additional information you may require in regards to the procedures to follow in your department during strike situations. Be patient and wait. You will be paid if you report to work, even if you spend part of your work hours waiting to be escorted by management. It is management’s responsibility to ensure your safety.

We urge you to remain supportive of your striking co-workers. The support that you will express will encourage and may ultimately assist the strikers in resolving their outstanding issues with the Employer. Members of PAFSO share many of the same objectives as FIs, such as appropriate levels of compensation for their professional contributions.

Am I obligated to do strike work?

Under the pressures of a strike, management may ask you to perform work of an employee on strike. Unless you believe the assigned work would be a threat to your safety and security, you cannot refuse a direct order from management. OBEY NOW GRIEVE LATER. If you are confronted with this situation, contact us at 728-0695, and a representative will assist you in this matter. It is the position of the Association that unless the strike work is assigned as a result of a real emergency situation, you are only obligated to perform FI work, i.e. duties belonging to the Financial Management Group.

Article Date: 2002-06-25T00:00:00