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Common Issues bargaining: Time to make work-life balance a priority

February 4, 2022

As Canada continues to navigate the pandemic, the federal government should be a leader when it comes to offering better work-life balance to workers with remote work and the right to disconnect. But Treasury Board made it clear that they don’t recognize the need when the Common Issues bargaining table January 31 to February 3.

The pandemic has radically changed the way our members work. We continued to serve Canadians, whether we were working from home or in the workplace and proved that it’s time to rethink the future of work. The results of PSAC’s bargaining survey of federal public service employees showed three out of four respondents have been mostly working remotely since the pandemic started. Another 90 per cent of respondents want to continue working remotely after the pandemic.

PSAC’s proposal for remote work would give employees the opportunity to voluntarily participate in remote work – or not — based on their unique and individual circumstances. It also outlines the process for requesting a remote work agreement, makes sure workers are properly equipped for remote work, and ensures their requests are not unreasonably denied.

Treasury Board refused PSAC’s proposal, arguing it’s unnecessary given their Directive on Telework. But the government’s policy, which came into effect in April 2020, is already out of date two years into the pandemic and leaves far too much up to the discretion of individual managers which could lead to discrimination against some workers.

Remote work has become a part of everyday life for most workers and is widely supported by the majority of Canadians. It’s time for the government to look to the future by enshrining it into our collective agreements.

The right to disconnect

That’s why PSAC is also fighting for the right to disconnect. The increase in remote work has blurred the lines between work life and private life. We need to ensure employees aren’t subject to unreasonable expectations outside of work hours with clear language in our contracts.

Smartphones and other technology shouldn’t be used by employers to force employees to work longer hours, but that’s exactly what’s happening. One out of five respondents in PSAC’s survey said they felt they were expected to look at emails or work outside of their scheduled working hours at least a few times a week.

Our proposal is clear — employees should be under no obligation to answer calls or emails outside of normal working hours, or be disciplined for exercising their rights, unless they are on standby.

It’s not complicated, but the employer doesn’t want to acknowledge that our members have the right to disconnect. We will keep on fighting because workers shouldn’t feel tethered to their work by having to check their emails and work phones after hours.

Wages and new submissions

Despite having received our wage position last December, Treasury Board once again came to the table empty handed. They weren’t even prepared to discuss our general economic increase proposal. We expect the employer to provide a full response to our proposal for fair wages that reflects the rising cost of living when we meet in March.

PSAC also submitted new memorandums of understanding. These MOUs aim to ensure continued financial support for the Joint Learning Program, establish an ongoing Child Care Joint Union-Management Committee, and recognize Treasury Board’s commitment to address issues of diversity and inclusion in the workplace in collaboration with PSAC.

Next steps

The next bargaining dates for the Common Issues team, March 29–31, 2022, will be a critical moment in our negotiations.

We know firsthand the impact rising inflation is having on our families, and we should expect to mobilize and take action if the employer doesn’t come to the table with an offer that keeps up with skyrocketing prices.

With over 165,000 members in bargaining with the government this year, we have a lot of power at the table. We can leverage our strength in numbers to improve our working lives and push the government to lead by example, making life better for all workers.

Get involved

Register now for our upcoming national panel discussion on remote work and work-life balance to learn more about this important issue. At the end of the panel, you will have the chance to take part in a digital action with members across the country to support the fight for remote work and improved work-life balance.

You can also continue to show your support by using our virtual bargaining materials: 

Please be sure to keep your contact information up to date via the member portal to receive all the latest updates as we negotiate your next contract. 

Source: Common Issues bargaining: Time to make work-life balance a priority  | Public Service Alliance of Canada (psacunion.ca)

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH – February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day

February 1, 2022

In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month.

Black History Month exists to remind us of all the rich contributions made within our society by people of African descent, and of their ongoing struggle for equity and social justice. This is a time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse nation we know today. It is also an opportunity for all Canadians, including our younger generations, to be reminded and to learn about the experiences and contributions of Black Canadians in our society, and the vital role this community has played throughout our shared history.

From abolitionists to war heroes, to sports celebrities and inventors, we celebrate the distinguished Black Canadians who have helped to make Canada a rich multicultural land. During this month I encourage UNE members to make the effort to educate themselves about some of some of these achievements. In doing so, you will become aware of how Black culture has influenced our lifestyles today…. from the poetry and music that we listen to, the food that we eat, the clothes that we wear and to advancement made in Science and Innovations.

We can no longer choose to ignore such a rich history that has had such a profound influence on all our lives today. There are many organizations and educational resources across the country devoted to the promotion and awareness of Black Canadian history.

Sam Padayachee
National Equity Representative for Racialized Members

Useful Link: Black history organizations and educational resources

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SV bargaining: Team aims to close critical wage gaps at the table

January 25, 2022

The Operational Services (SV) bargaining team put forward fair and reasonable wage proposals in talks with the employer January 18-20, and PSAC expects Treasury Board to provide their response to our wage package in March.  

Many SV members are experiencing a widening wage gap compared to their private-sector counterparts that is affecting the morale of members and risks impacting the services they deliver to Canadians. And with the cost of living and inflation increasing, it is critical that wages are addressed this round of bargaining.  

Proud tradesworkers and public safety workers, SV members are the backbone of our public service, and they are proud to serve Canadians. Throughout the pandemic, SV members didn’t have the option of working from home. They showed up every day to work, and without them, core services we rely on would have been impacted.  

Fair wages are crucial to hire and keep highly trained public service workers. Otherwise, we risk losing the talent Canada needs to deliver the programs and services Canadians depend on.  

The SV group presented key improvements, including: 

  • Close wage gaps: More than ever, SV members need fair wages. To eliminate persisting wage gaps, PSAC has proposed a range of reasonable market adjustments based on a new labour market compensation comparability survey commissioned by PSAC in 2021. The survey’s results confirm a significant gap between compensation for SV positions and comparable jobs outside the federal public service.  
  • Existing allowances: Some allowances are currently not available to all members who should be receiving it. PSAC proposes to expand the eligibility of allowances such as the dirty work and HVAC technician allowances to make them available to all members who perform these duties. 
  • New allowances:PSAC proposes new allowances to help address the difficult working conditions in which SV members work, including extensive periods spent at sea, as well as during helicopter operations. 

Read the full SV group pay proposal 

The SV bargaining team returns to the table March 1-3, 2022. 

Show your support  

Meet your SV bargaining team and learn why they got involved in this round of negotiations. Show support by downloading and using the virtual background for all your work meetings and swap out your social media profile picture:  

Get involved 

As a part of our month of action on equity in the workplace, we will be holding a national panel on equity in the workplace January 25, 2022.  

Panelists will be discussing PSAC’s fight for equity in the workplace during this round of bargaining with Treasury Board, the impacts winning these demands would have, and why it is important that we all mobilize to support our bargaining teams to win big.   

Register today

Stay tuned for updates  

To ensure that you receive all the latest updates as we negotiate your next contract, verify that your contact information is up to date via the member portal.   

Source: SV bargaining: Team aims to close critical wage gaps at the table | Public Service Alliance of Canada (psacunion.ca)

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SSO bargaining: Moving forward together

January 5, 2022

The Statistics Survey Operations (SSO) bargaining team made progress during negotiations in December, even though the employer did not bring outstanding proposals to the table. The team was disappointed that the employer did not table their monetary proposals, which would have enabled the parties to move through this round of bargaining more quickly and arrive at a long overdue agreement.

However, positive movement on several issues was an encouraging sign and the employer has committed to bringing all outstanding monetary items to the table in mid-February.

The SSO bargaining team continues to push for significant improvements in working conditions and work hours, including:

  • Wage parity with the core public service
  • An allowance to fully cover personal expenses when working remotely
  • Better job security, and a fair and transparent process around the assignment of work hours
  • Improved maternity and parental leave benefits
  • Improved shift premiums for evenings and weekends
  • Improvements to sick leave, family leave, vacation leave and compassionate care leave

A detailed update on the state of bargaining will be shared with PSAC members at upcoming info sessions. More information to come on the dates and times of these local meetings.

Source: SSO bargaining: Moving forward together | Public Service Alliance of Canada (psacunion.ca)

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Parks Canada team sets priorities for new round of bargaining

December 17, 2021

The Parks Canada bargaining team met to prioritize the bargaining issues that will drive the next round of bargaining with the employer November 29 to December 1.  

Alongside growing concerns about job security and precarious work, the team discussed the importance of getting Parks Canada representation on the National Joint Council and the Joint Learning Program.

Many crucial issues, like harassment and discrimination, acting pay, Indigenous language allowances, vacation leave, parental leave, workplace accommodation and equity were also addressed.   

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parks Canada members redoubled their efforts to ensure that the public had safe access to the country’s national parks, canals, marine areas and national historic sites. The pandemic required unprecedented restrictions on indoor gatherings, making nature and protected places even more important for physical and mental health. Despite the crucial role that members have had throughout this pandemic, seasonal and term employees make up almost half of Parks Canada’s workforce. 

The team is set to meet again in January to finalize the package of proposals they will present to the employer in early 2022. 

Please be sure to keep your contact information up to date through our member login to receive all the latest updates about Parks Canada bargaining.  

Source: Parks Canada team sets priorities for new round of bargaining | Public Service Alliance of Canada (psacunion.ca)

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Phoenix general damages finally open to retired and former members

December 16, 2021

After months of waiting, retired and former PSAC members finally have access to Phoenix general damages. 

Any former member, legal representative of a former member or estate of a deceased member who worked for the federal public service between 2016 and 2020, and is eligible, can now claim the maximum lump sum of $2,500. This includes compensation for the late implementation of collective agreements during those years due to the Phoenix pay system. Entitlement to compensation is as follows:

2016–17 $1,000 
2017–18 $500 
2018–19 $500 
2019–20 $500 

These damages were negotiated in October 2020 by PSAC under the Phoenix pay system damages agreement. 

To be eligible to claim each year of the financial compensation, a worker must have been a PSAC member, had their pay processed by Phoenix, and been on strength for at least one day in the applicable fiscal year. To clarify, “on strength” means  an employee who was actively working, on leave, on assignment, on long-term disability or otherwise not active, but remained employed. 

To receive the amount you are entitled to, you must submit a claim, either online or by mail. Once the claim is evaluated, and you have agreed the government’s calculation of monies owed is correct, the amounts will be paid in one instalment. Please note that general damages payments are subject to overpayment recovery. 

Submit your claim online

Submit your claim by mail

If you have questions or need help with the claim process, contact your departmental claims officer. If you have other concerns, please contact the Client Contact Centre.  

For more information on Phoenix general damages for retired and former PSAC members please see our FAQs.

Source: Phoenix general damages finally open to retired and former members | Public Service Alliance of Canada (psacunion.ca)

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Treasury Board members: Moratorium lifted on automatic leave cash-out

December 9, 2021

PSAC and Treasury Board have reached an agreement to lift the moratorium on the automatic cash-out of vacation and compensatory leave for the PA, TC, EB, SV and FB groups.

In previous years, in order to address the shortcomings of the Phoenix pay system and allow compensation advisors to focus on fixing outstanding pay issues, PSAC and Treasury Board had agreed to suspend the automatic cash-out of vacation and compensatory leave permitted under PSAC’s collective agreement until March 31, 2022.

Under most of PSAC collective agreements, leave that is earned in a fiscal year and remains outstanding on September 30 of the following fiscal year is subject to an automatic cash-out provision.

Payment of outstanding vacation and compensatory leave credits will resume on March 31, 2022. However, in order to return to the carry-over levels allowed in the collective agreements, PSAC and Treasury Board have agreed on a transition process.

This means that each year, for a five-year period, 20 per cent of the vacation and compensatory leave balances above the annual carry-over limit will be cashed out.

Members with a balance above allowable limits remaining on March 31, 2026, will receive a cash-out for the portion in excess, in its entirety, with respect to the applicable collective agreement provisions.

PSAC acknowledges that many members prefer paid time off over a cash payment in lieu. Members will continue to be allowed to use their vacation and compensatory time or to request a cash-out of their vacation or compensatory leave balances during the year, in the amounts and manner described in their collective agreement.

If a member is having ongoing issues with their leave balance, for example in situations regarding a dispute about the balance due to the Phoenix pay system or a pending transfer situation, in consultation with the employee, the mandatory leave cash-out can be paused by the employer.

For more information on the automatic leave cash-out, members can consult the Memorandum of Understanding.

Source: Treasury Board members: Moratorium lifted on automatic leave cash-out | Public Service Alliance of Canada (psacunion.ca)

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Human Rights Day: The Origin of Human Rights

December 9, 2021

I have often wondered about the origin of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) on December 10, 1948 in Paris, at the Palais de Chaillot, by resolution 217 (III) A. It specifies the fundamental rights of humankind. Because of the horrors of the Second World War, the international community decided to draw up an international bill of rights to affirm the values put forward in the fight against fascism and Nazism.

But as I continued my research, I found that the origins go back even further to Antiquity:

  • In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle talks about the principle of dignity and the respect that the individual should have for others.
  • In Marcus Aurelius’ Thoughts and Cicero’s Tusculana (on the notion of jus hominum, “the right of men”), taking up Plato’s words.
  • In religious texts (such as the Ten Commandments, which command the right to life, to honor, etc.).
  • In Saint Paul, in the epistle to the Corinthians, who speaks about the interior man, totally virgin, by granting him an absolute dignity.
  • In literary texts, such as the play Antigone by Sophocles, or in philosophical texts, such as those of the Stoic school of thought.

Moreover, we find writings in several regions of the world like the Edict of Milan or Edict of Constantine I in the year 313; in the 13th century with the Charter of Manden in Africa; in the 15th and 16th centuries with the great Islamic jurisconsults of the Mali Empire.

Also, through the Great Texts (13th – 17th centuries), we can go back to the Middle Ages to find the first manifestations, concrete and with real effects in practice, of the idea of human rights, gathered under the name of human rights of the first generation:

  • The Magna Carta in 1215. This text is important but was only really used from the 17th century moving forward, as an instrument against the royal absolutism of the Stuarts.
  • The Twelve Articles in 1525.
  • The Petition of Rights in 1628.
  • The Habeas Corpus Act in 1679 (foundation of criminal law).
  • The Bill of Rights in 1689. It is considered in the English-speaking world to be the basis of current human rights concepts.

The first Declaration of Human Rights (June 12, 1776) was the one of the State of Virginia, written by George Mason, who was called “The Father of the Bill of Rights”. It was included in the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776, by Thomas Jefferson, and inspired the Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. A few years later, France, under the reign of Louis XVI, promulgated the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen on November 3, 1789. Unfortunately, this declaration excluded women and it was not until 1948 and the intervention of Eleanor Roosevelt that the notion of gender was explicitly included in an international convention, the famous Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the UN.

Human rights are based on respect for the individual. Their fundamental principle is that a person is a moral and rational being who deserves to be treated with dignity. They are called human rights because they are universal. Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth to death. These fundamental rights are based on common values such as dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence.

In closing, I would like for this day to open up the discussion in your communities, your families, your workplaces because it is the basis for a better world and it is up to each of us to promote it by continuing to defend these rights. The UNE’s Human Rights Committee is proud of its leadership within PSAC and will continue to help members address the importance of respecting and defending those RIGHTS.

Daniel Toutant
National Vice-President for Human Rights
UNE-PSAC

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Strike: Audit Services Group, Office of the Auditor General

November 29, 2021

PSAC-UNE members of the Audit Services Group, Office of the Auditor General (OAG) (Local 70153), began a job action against their employer on November 26, at midnight :

• 3 years without an economic increase of a patterned settlement with the core public administration
• 3 years without the employer willing to give them a designed pay grid, that has the look, feel and application of all other employees at the OAG, and practically every federal public servant
• 3 years of contract negotiations without an employer that has a mandate to bargain

A Public Interest Commission (PIC) report was received during the current contract impasse which was favourable to this workforce, 75% of whom are women. A request was made to move their dispute settlement route to binding arbitration. That was denied by their employer, knowing the PIC’s report would be a catalyst for the Audit Services Group to achieve a fair and just collective agreement.

Our request to meet with Karen Hogan, Auditor General of Canada, and Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board Secretariat, for the benefit of our members, was also unanswered.

OAG, get a mandate and return to the table.

UNE proudly represents our 160 PSAC members at the OAG.

Kevin King
UNE National President, PSAC

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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

November 25, 2021

As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women approaches, I have a few thoughts that I would like to share with you. My first thought is WHY. Why is this still happening? Why as a society is this still okay? Why would anyone think this is okay? My next thought is, It’s NOT. It’s not Okay. It is not acceptable and it is not something that can continue.

As a society we should and do expect more. We need to protect our rights as Women, as Grandmothers, Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Aunties, as Nieces. We need to make sure that everyone regardless of gender, sex, race, or beliefs are protected. This is not to be tolerated any longer. If you see something, say something. Take a stand, help out your fellow human. Be that person. We all have a right to feel safe and be part of society.

On this International Day of Violence against Women, stand with me and for all those beautiful women and say, No More. We will not sit by as women are being hurt, abused, and made to feel less than men. Sisters, Brothers, and Friends stand with me on this day in Solidarity and commit to ending the vicious cycle of violence against Women.

Let every Woman know We are Strong; WE are Resilient; We are Worthy; We are Beautiful, and we are Warriors. Reach out to the programs and the education that are in place to help stop this crime against Women. It is in our workplaces, in our homes, and in our communities. Let us all do our part to educate each other and use these resources to reach the Women who so desperately need them.

We are always stronger together and together is the way we move forward. We are the Spirit; We are the Light. We are the cycle of Life. We are bigger then and we will rise. We hope that on this day, you will all rise with us. Together as we educate, learn, pool our resources that are available to us, we will all become better Humans.

Yours in Solidarity,

Ellen Cross
UNE National Vice-President for Occupational Health and Safety