OTTAWA – The union representing public servants has reached a tentative contract that it says gives federal scientists the right to share their research with the media without first being designated official spokespeople.
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada says it has reached tentative agreements involving more than 18,000 public servants.
The union prioritized a provision that allows scientists to speak about their research after allegations that the former Conservative government “muzzled” scientists amid vast funding cuts.
READ MORE: ‘It’s a new world’: Government scientists told they can speak freely to media
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada represents some 55,000 scientists, Information Technology experts, auditors and other public service professionals, most of whom work for the federal government.
The union, which represents 55,000 scientists, IT experts, auditors and other public servants, says its last contract expired in 2014.
The contract also includes five per cent wage increase over four years, the agreement is retroactive to 2014.
Negotiations are ongoing for over 32,000 other PIPSC members.
WATCH: Discovery Channel host thanks Justin Trudeau for unmuzzling scientists
Comments