OTTAWA, ONTARIO, August 9, 2004 -- Parks Canada warned today that meeting the current demands of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) would significantly threaten its ability to provide services to Canadians. "We welcome PSAC's decision to return to the table and we have offered to sit with them for as long as it takes to conclude a deal," said Gaby Fortin, Parks Canada's Director General, Western and Northern Canada. "Parks Canada is committed to achieving a negotiated solution that is fair to our employees, but the union's insistence on raises of up to 43% remains the main stumbling block." In paid newspaper advertisements published on August 4, 2004, PSAC stated that "the employer is, however, forcing us into a strike by refusing to respond to our demands." "Accepting the union's current demands would require Parks Canada to cut our services by nearly one-quarter," Mr. Fortin added. "This would significantly affect our ability to operate our canals, campsites, hiking trails, national historic sites and visitor interpretive programs, and have a negative impact on the ability of Canadians to use and appreciate their national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. It is our hope that the union will adopt a more reasonable position when negotiations resume." The two parties are scheduled to meet August 11-12. Parks Canada employees will be in a legal strike position on August 13, 2004, if a deal cannot be reached. Information: Gaby Fortin Director General Western and Northern Canada Parks Canada (403) 292-4540 Carol Sheedy Director General Eastern Canada Parks Canada (902) 426-5871 Backgrounders associated with this News Release. CHRONOLOGY OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING EFFORTS BETWEEN PARKS CANADA AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE ALLIANCE OF CANADA EXAMPLES OF PUBLIC SERVICE ALLIANCE OF CANADA PAY DEMANDS PARKS CANADA'S CURRENT OFFER TO PSAC
