Negotiations between the federal Treasury Board and National Police Federation (NPF), the union representing the RCMP, are expected to culminate in a collective agreement for RCMP members below the rank of Inspector. Although it is unknown when this agreement will be finalized, local governments are advised to budget for the anticipated increase in costs.
While specific items for collective bargaining have not been released, pay, resource levels and benefits have been identified by RCMP members as high priorities. Once the federal Treasury Board and NPF finalize a collective agreement, local governments will be responsible for paying the incremental policing costs associated with unionization.
While RCMP National Headquarters has instructed Divisions to project a 2.5% per year pay increase retroactive to January 1, 2017, the current comparator police universe salaries suggest this annual projected rate is insufficient. As such, local governments that utilize RCMP services are being advised to set aside additional funds in anticipation of higher costs, most notably increases to RCMP member remuneration.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was expected that a collective agreement would be reached within the 2020 calendar year. The pandemic's impact on contract negotiations is currently unknown.
To ensure that federal Treasury Board is kept informed of the potential impact of negotiated items on contract partners, a group of four Provincial Assistant Deputy Ministers from across Canada, including BC’s Brenda Butterworth-Carr, have been made available to liaise with federal representatives. Contract partners, including local governments, have requested that the federal government provide regular communication and updates, while respecting the confidential nature of negotiations.
Other key developments during the process to establish a new labour relations regime include:
- January 16, 2015: Supreme Court of Canada rules the RCMP has the right to collective bargaining, similar to other members of the public service.
- December 31, 2016: The RCMP’s pay package expires.
- June 19, 2017: Corresponding federal legislation (Bill C-7) receives Royal Assent.
- July 12, 2019: The NPF is confirmed as the certified bargaining agent for RCMP members.
- July 15, 2019: The NPF serves notice to bargain.
UBCM will provide additional information as soon as it is made available. Questions may be directed to Bhar Sihota, UBCM Senior Policy Analyst.