PSAC is happy to announce that a new collective agreementwas ratified by the members of Local 20500 who work for the Corps of Commissionaires, Victoria the Islands and Yukon. The new contract is effective April 1, 2025 to April 1, 2028.
Thanks to the work of Bargaining Team members Ron Cawthra, Paul Paulson, Nicole Petrie, Paul Stinson and staff negotiator Gaby Levesque, DCL 20500 members will see a wage increase in 2025 that keeps up with—and in most cases exceeds—inflation. Wages for 2026 and 2027 will be negotiated in those years, allowing us to respond to the economic conditions at that time. For now, the 2025 increase helps protect members’ purchasing power and keeps pace with the cost of living in our region.
The new collective agreement also includes a number of meaningful improvements to benefits, working conditions, and overall support for members. Night and weekend premiums will continue to be paid, and the annual boot allowance has increased to $150. Full-time employees can now claim it every twelve months, and those averaging less than 28 hours per week can claim it every twenty-four months. A new Letter of Understanding on career development allows members to request reimbursement for registration fees for external training related to their duties.
There are also several positive changes to working conditions and leaves. Limits on Family Responsibility Leave have been removed, giving members more flexibility to care for loved ones when needed. The obligation to provide sick notes has been eliminated, and while new employees must still complete a three-month probation period, it can no longer be extended beyond six months. Strike and lockout protections have been expanded to cover client sites, and a new Letter of Understanding commits the employer to sourcing properly fitting PPE and clothing for all employees, addressing longstanding concerns around “one-size-fits-all” equipment.
The Commissionaires Bargaining Team would like to thank all the members for their support during this round of bargaining. Together we are stronger!
Approximately 470 members of PSAC Local 20500 work as Commissionaires on Vancouver Island and in Whitehorse, providing high-quality security services to the federal government as well as the private sector.