Media Advisory - Canada's Foreign Service union steps up pressure on government - PAFSO plans 'Information Picket' to bring Treasury Board back to negotiations

OTTAWA, April 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada's Foreign Service Officers are in a legal strike position and will be increasing pressure on the government and calling for a return to negotiations immediately.

The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) represents Canada's 1350 Foreign Service Officers. The union will stage an information picket at the departmental headquarters at 125 Sussex Drive from 7:00 am - 9:00 am tomorrow, April 24th. Information pickets will follow at other DFAIT and Citizenship and Immigration locations throughout the week and continue periodically until Treasury Board Secretariat agrees to return to negotiations. PAFSO members have begun a work-to-rule campaign both at headquarters and at foreign posts.

The primary issue at hand is PAFSO's request for equal pay for equal work. Specifically, the union is seeking wage adjustments to keep Foreign Service Officer pay in line with comparable employment groups.

Canada's Foreign Service officers help create Canadian jobs and build prosperity by providing critical support for Canadian businesses, in addition to being critical link to the smooth operation of Canada's immigration system.

PAFSO President Tim Edwards will be available for comment at the information picket and can be booked for interviews throughout the the week.

SOURCE: Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO)

Frederic Fournier
613-790-5402
[email protected]
Photos available for download at Foreign Service Officer blog: foreignservicereality.com