Media Advisory - Canada's Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers announce immediate withdrawal of services in some locations, along with plans to return to negotiations with Treasury Board

OTTAWA, May 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Treasury Board proposed a date of June 3 for a return to negotiations with PAFSO. While appreciative of the Treasury Board's call, until the contents of the latest offer are determined, a scaled down withdrawal of service will continue to stress their demand for a substantive discussion that addresses current pay inequities. As such, Canada's Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) will withdraw services in three international locations, and three Headquarters divisions in Ottawa, effective immediately.

The interruption of services will take place at the following locations: Cairo, Canada's Permanent Mission to the OAS in Washington, DC, and at HQ in the International Economic Relations & Summits Division, North America Relations and the OAS unit of Hemispheric Relations.

PAFSO members are in the midst work-to-rule campaign both at headquarters and at foreign posts which will continue until a resolution to the pay inequities are found. However as a show of good faith, PAFSO has agreed to suspend all withdrawals of service on Friday, May 31 in advance of the return to the negotiating table, and on June 3 when officials meet to begin negotiations.

There will be a union rally at 125 Sussex on Friday, May 31 at 12:00 - 1:00 where members will hold an info picket to underline member resolve to find a real resolution to the on-going problems.

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

PAFSO representatives will be available for comment and can be booked for.

SOURCE: Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO)

Frederic Fournier
Number: 613-790-5402
email: [email protected]