Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

• Sign up for regional TB bargaining updates by email
• Contact your Area/Hub Strike Coordinator here.

Your PA negotiating team finished its work on our pay proposal and spent two days, April 23 and 24, with the Treasury Board team.

Our proposal has three significant elements:

1. Adjusting our salaries to keep them in line with other federal public sector employers

We’re proposing what are known as “market adjustments” so that salary rates in the PA unit are in line with comparable jobs in the federal public sector – particularly the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Effective June 21, 2007, before applying an economic increase, we’re proposing that job rates (the maximum rate) for each classification, except WPs, be increased to the job rates for comparable positions at CRA when they were converted to their new classifications on November 1, 2007. To ensure that none of our members are left behind, we’ve also asked for increases to job rates for the small number of classifications and levels that can’t be compared to CRA. These market adjustments, if implemented, would result in increases to all pay rates.

In the case of WP positions, and two groups of PM-4 positions with enforcement responsibilities, we’re proposing adjustments based on the results of an Enforcement Study conducted for the Union by compensation consultants Morneau Sobeco. For WPs, we’re proposing to increase all job rates, which would result in an increase to all WP pay rates. For PM-4 wildlife officers and fishery officers with enforcement duties, we’re proposing an annual allowance, on top of the market adjustment for PM-4s, outlined above.

2. Changes to our system of increments

Right now there are differences in the number of increments for each of the groups in the PA bargaining unit. In order to even this out, we’re proposing that there be a job rate (the maximum rate) and two increments for most levels in each classification. The period between increments would in most cases be 52 weeks and the difference between most levels in each classification would be 4%.
Deep discounts shouldn’t apply to your job

We’re proposing this change to stop the employer’s practice of discounting your job. We understand that some members see the increments as a way for the employer to recognize their years of service. But think again. The actual value of each classification is the maximum rate. Increments are calculated downwards from that rate. In other words, every year that you are not at your maximum rate, the employer is devaluing your work, not recognizing it. We want to reduce the number of years the employer can take advantage and pay you less than your job is worth. Fewer increments mean more years at the maximum rate of pay.

3. A fair economic increase

After applying market adjustments and fixing up the increment system, we’re proposing economic increases of

• 4.5% - effective June 21, 2007
• 4.5% - effective June 21, 2008
• 4.5% - effective June 21, 2009

The full details of our pay proposal will be posted on the PSAC web site soon.

(more…)

The factors that go into developing a pay demand

Our Union considers a number of factors when putting together a pay demand.

1. We examine what other workers are being paid who are doing comparable work and we make direct comparisons with PSAC members working for other federal employers.

We use union research, sometimes supplemented by compensation studies, to see what workers are being paid for comparable jobs both in the public and private sectors. With this data, we can propose what are known as “market adjustment” increases. These increases are designed to keep the federal government competitive as an employer. In an economy with low rates of unemployment and an aging workforce, that’s important. Our negotiating teams for each Treasury Board unit are determining what “market adjustment” increases are needed for their members. Look for more information on proposed adjustments in upcoming bulletins from the negotiating teams.

1. We calculate what we need to give our members some real economic improvement that reflects the continued strength of the Canadian economy and protects against inflation.
2. We consider what kinds of increases other workers are negotiating.

Our demand for 2007-2008-2009

For this round of negotiations, we’re proposing:

• an economic increase of 4.5%,
• in each year of a three-year collective agreement,
• retroactive to the first day of the new three-year agreement (the date in 2007 will vary by bargaining unit),
• that applies to all members covered by the agreement.

This proposal has already been tabled with Treasury Board for the PA and FB units and will be soon for the SV unit.

(more…)

Is that light at the end of the tunnel?

Your PA bargaining team may be a year older since the PSAC served notice to bargain in March 2007 but we’re energized by the fact that we’re finally seeing some movement from the employer. During our bargaining sessions from March 4 to 6, it was clear that the employer’s team had come to the table with the intention of making some progress. Treasury Board started to back off and withdraw some of their demands for serious concessions.

We’re encouraged by this approach. But we’re also ready to do what it takes to get the rest of the employer’s concessions off the table and start moving ahead with improvements to our agreement.

During this latest session, we spent time bringing the employer up to date on the good work of PSAC’s Social Justice Fund as background to our demand for an employer contribution to the Fund. Team members Megan Adam and Geoff Ryan, together with one of the Fund’s Officers Louise Casselman, talked about how the Fund’s projects are helping workers in Canada and internationally.

(more…)

Attention to all members of the DD, EG, GT, PI, PY and TI pay groups.

• Your Bargaining Team encourages PSAC members to register for the automatic email update on the PSAC National Website.

Your TC Bargaining Team was in Ottawa from February 26 to 29 and continued negotiations with Treasury board.

As in earlier rounds, bargaining is being coordinated between the Treasury Board Tables, with each Table taking the lead on certain issues. So this session, our Table discussed the following issues:

• Article 20 – Harassment;
• Article 28 – Overtime;
• Article 29 – Call-back Pay;
• Article 30 – Standby;
• Article 31 – Reporting Pay;
• Article 34 – Traveling Time/Captive Time;
• Article 41 – Injury-on-duty Leave;
• Article 43 – Maternity Related Reassignment;
• Article 65 – Pay Administration (Acting Pay & Salary Protection);
• New Article – Pre-retirement Transition Leave;
• New Article 39.09 – Sick LWOP provision for extended absence.

The Employer responded to a number of items that we had tabled during the last session, and said NO to the following:

• Improved Call-back for workers at Percy Moore and Norway House Hospitals;
• Article 39.09 – Sick LWOP provision for an extended absence;
• Training to keep TI certification up-to-date (According to Treasury Board, the existing Employer-provided-training is sufficient)
• Inclusion of Ammo Techs in the Dangerous Goods Article (Treasury Board stated that DND informed them that the Ammo Techs are not accountable if something goes wrong, because they only handle the material and they are not certified under the TDG Act.)
• App K – Improvements to Diving Duty Allowance;
• Article 43 – Improvements to Maternity Related Reassignment;
• A new proposal to include on Pre-Retirement Transition Leave in the Collective Agreement.

(more…)

If you want to keep up to date on what activities are going on for TB bargaining in the B.C. region and nationally please sign up for our regional list-serve here.

There is also have a link dedicated to TB bargaining on our regional website - look for !
This week: TB-Area Coordinators are distributing an info flyer on current negotiations. Please help get these flyers out to your members, Union boards, lunch rooms. Help spread the word, support your bargaining teams!

In Solidarity, Monica Urrutia, TB-RSC for BC Mainland

Your TC bargaining Team was in Ottawa from January 28 to February 03. We met with the Employer to table more proposals and provide further information on other items previously submitted.

• See all TB bargaining updates.
• Sign up for regional TB bargaining updates by email
• Contact your Area/Hub Strike Coordinator here.

As in earlier rounds, bargaining is being coordinated between the Treasury Board Tables, with each Table taking the lead on certain issues. Table TC has the lead on:

• Article 29 – Call-back Pay;
• Article 30 – Standby;
• Article 31 – Reporting Pay;
• Article 34.09 – Captive Time – also to include appropriate appendices;
• Article 41 – Injury-on-duty Leave;
• Article 65.07 – Acting Pay;
• New Article – Pre-retirement Transition Leave;
• New Article 39.09 – Sick LWOP provision for extended absence;
• Various articles involving Compensatory Leave.

We also share the lead on Work Force Adjustment (WFA) with Table SV. We have tabled language on all of the above demands except for WFA.

(more…)

Your team listens to the members

The TC Bargaining Team was in Ottawa from November 02 to the 09. During this session the team continued to gather information from the members in support of their proposals.

The team also met with the other Bargaining Teams to brief each other on the status of the team negotiations, to discuss the recent CRA tentative settlement, and the postponement of the December bargaining sessions and to clarify who would be the lead tables for our coordinated list of demands.

Starting Tuesday November 6 to Friday November 9, the team had meetings with the employer where we discussed proposals including the following items: compensatory leave, NJC agreements, sexual harassment, call back, standby, reporting pay, travel status leave, leave general, transfer of leave credits, injury on duty leave, and a new pre-retirement transition leave.

(more…)

Your TC bargaining team was in Ottawa from October 9th to the 12th and met with Treasury Board several times.

The union team spent time discussing some operational group specific issues. The team focused their efforts in finalizing some 9 different allowances being proposed.

We signed off on some minor articles and presentations were given Treasury Board on hours of work.

Your team finalized the documents required for the TC Table Pay Study. The study will compare our wages to those of other people doing similar work in both the private and public sectors. This will be used in our negotiations on wages.

Our next meetings are scheduled for November 2nd to the 9th.

All of the PSAC negotiating teams for our Treasury Board units met with the employer in bargaining sessions in May and June. During those sessions, the five teams tabled our bargaining demands reflecting the improvements we are trying to achieve. However, Treasury Board also has come to the bargaining table with their demands, many of which require an immense amount of interpretation.

For instance, the Employer wishes to discuss a new approach to pay. Since our initial discussions at the bargaining table focus on non-monetary demands, it will be some time down the road before the employer’s position on any monetary issue is known.

Treasury Board wants:

• the elimination of additional sick leave for shift workers,
• the elimination of the right to have a complete and current job description,
• the elimination of vacation advance payments

The employer is also asking for:

• a reduction in the amount of vacation leave members can carry over,
• a reduction in the amount of overtime part time workers can claim,
• reductions to call back and reporting pay entitlements,
• a reduction in the number of situations where double time for overtime work would apply,
• a reduction in the notice period for changes to shift schedule from 7 days to 48 hours.

The employer also wants to increase and/or adjust core working hours for some groups and have indicated they intend to table demands on severance pay and Work Force Adjustment.

Although some Employer demands are unclear at this point, many are perfectly clear. Your bargaining teams are committed to saying NO to any demand calling for a roll-back in current terms and conditions of employment.

The negotiating teams are back at the bargaining table in October. Check back for regular bargaining updates.

The negotiating teams for all five PSAC Treasury Board bargaining units were in negotiations this month. In addition to bargaining, the teams held a joint meeting on June 9 to share information. Here’s what happened at each bargaining table.

Our Program and Administrative Services (PA) negotiating team met with Treasury Board from June 5th to 7th/8th. They made a presentation to the employer on language training and will be tabling language on this issue during the next set of meetings. A number of articles currently in the collective agreement were signed off as renewed. These were articles for which neither side had any demands. Every member of the team had the opportunity to speak to one or more of our demands at the table and to engage with the employer on issues specific to this bargaining unit.

Our Operational Services (SV) team also met with Treasury Board on June 5th to 7th. The Union responded to and asked a number of questions of clarification on several items, and the parties traded preliminary thoughts on outstanding classification and apprenticeship issues. The parties also signed off on 19 renewable articles on which no demands had been made by either side, and which are not impacted by any new proposals, and a handful of editorial changes required as a result of the Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA).

(more…)

The PSAC negotiating teams for all five Treasury Board bargaining units were in Ottawa during the week of May 14 for their first face-to-face meetings with the employer teams. The purpose of these meetings was to formally introduce the members of both teams and review the demands exchanged electronically last month. The chief negotiator for each team read through the demands and entertained preliminary questions to clarify the intent of each demand.

During the week, all five PSAC teams took time to meet and exchange information and share their perspectives on the initial negotiating sessions.

On May 14, members of the teams joined in a demonstration in support of the elimination of regional rates of pay. They joined thousands of other members who participated in similar activities across the country.

• More about the No Zones campaign.

The Technical Services unit negotiating team greatly appreciated the support of the Transportation Safety Board members of PSAC’s Union of Canadian Transportation Employees component who sent them a balloon-o-gram that really lifted their spirits. Thank you!

(more…)

A key issue: eliminating regional rates of pay

OTTAWA – Bargaining for over 100,000 federal public sector workers is beginning as the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) meets today in Ottawa with the federal government.

According to PSAC National President John Gordon, delegates to the PSAC convention in 2006 adopted a comprehensive policy to defend quality public services. “The union has tabled a number of bargaining demands that are designed to maintain and enhance federal public services in response to a Conservative government whose ideology is one of smaller government and by extension, fewer and less effective services for Canadians.”

PSAC started getting ready for this round of negotiations in the summer of 2006 when it sent out its input call to union Locals and Branches for bargaining proposals. Members participated in two regional bargaining conferences and a national bargaining conference where delegates finalized bargaining demands and chose the members of the negotiating teams.

“The union served notice to bargain at the earliest possible date before the expiry date of each of the five agreements,” says Gordon. “The parties exchanged demands on April 27 and for the first time we’re starting negotiations before any of these agreements expire. We’re ready and eager to negotiate.”

|inline

This round of Treasury Board bargaining began in the summer of 2006, with a call to Local/Branch members for bargaining input. A comprehensive Program of Demands package was sent to all Local/Branch Executives. The bargaining input you forwarded to your Component was reviewed by bargaining unit. That input was reduced to wage demands and 30 non-wage proposals and sent to the union’s national bargaining conference held in February. At this conference, members elected negotiating team members and debated and decided upon the bargaining proposals that would be presented to the employer.

The demands for each of the Treasury Board bargaining units are a result of broad-based input and debate by members of these bargaining units and we thank you for your participation in the process.

Download the demands at the national website.

PSAC Bargaining Units with Treasury Board (PA, SV, TC, EB, FB) - It’s time to begin bargaining!

PSAC has already started to put the Treasury Board on notice that we’re getting ready to bargain. The union had committed that, in this round of bargaining, notice to bargain would be served at the earliest possible legal date – four months before the expiry dates of each of the agreements – and that bargaining would begin before these agreements expire.

Notice to bargain for the Program and Administrative Services (PA) and Frontière/Border Services (FB) units was served on February 21, 2007 and the notice for Technical Services (TC) sent on February 22.

Notice to bargain for the Education and Library Science (EB) unit was served on March 1, 2007 while the notice for the Operational Services (SV) unit will be served on April 5, 2007.

|inline

The votes have been counted and the results are in; members of the Technical Services Group have chosen arbitration as their method of dispute mechanism for the upcoming round of collective bargaining with Treasury Board. What this means is that should a collective agreement not be achieved via negotiation, Technical Service members would use arbitration, and not the conciliation/strike route, as a way to resolve negotiations.

As the Public Service Labour Relations Act requires that the method of dispute resolution be chosen before the commencement of negotiations, this vote was conducted amongst the 10,000 Technical Service members across the country now, well in advance of serving notice to bargain with Treasury Board.

The work of preparing for negotiations continues, with the National Bargaining Conference taking place in February, 2007. Technical Service members are encouraged to get involved in the negotiation of their next collective agreement; as membership solidarity will be as important as ever in this upcoming round of collective bargaining.

As soon as the Western Regional Bargaining Conference came to an end in Vancouver on December 3, the PSAC began to focus its efforts on the National Conference to be held in Ottawa in February 2007.

Much like their sisters and brothers had done in Montreal in November, some 175 delegates gathered in Vancouver to discuss, on December 2 and 3, strategies that will guide the next round of bargaining affecting 90 000 members at Treasury Board and 5 000 members at Parks Canada. They were also given an overview of the impact of the PSLRA on the upcoming round.

Delegates from BC chosen at the Conference to represent members at the National Bargaining Conference:

• PA: Megan Adam, Virginia Vaillancourt, Sargy Chima, alternate
• SV: Randy Sanderson, Melvin Dureen, Gino Chicorelli, alternate
• EB: Gord Miller, Céline Bélanger
• TC: Darrell-Lee McKenzie, Peter Wills, Todd Genereux, alternate
• FB: Carolyn McGillivray, Alex Bishop, Sean McGovern, Karim Lawji, and Dan Sullivan alternate. (corrected)
• Parks Canada (Western Region): Kevin King, Omar Murray, Carrie Docken, Andre Paul, Patrick Harvey, Jeanne Freer, Lisbeth Edwards and Susan Kjartanson, alternates

More details and photos at the national website.

On October 3^rd, 2006 the PSAC National Board of Directors adopted a motion allowing a vote to be conducted by the 10,000 members of the Technical Services Group at Treasury Board. This vote will determine whether this group chooses the conciliation/strike or the arbitration route for its next round of bargaining.

The vote will be conducted by mail ballot. Members will be receiving their mailing kits at home by mid-November and will have until December 11^th, 2006, to return their ballot to the PSAC. 

Once the ballots are counted and verified, the results will be announced by the PSAC. Under the Public Service Labour Relations Act, the members have to choose between conciliation/strike or arbitration before the PSAC serves the notice to bargain to Treasury Board. This is why this vote has to take place at this time.

• Visit the national website for letter by National President John Gordon explaining why PSAC favours the conciliation/strike route.
• Visit the national website to read a leaflet that gives an outlook of each option.

For any question about the vote process, please send an e-mail to bargaining@psac.com.

Here’s a handy-dandy list of the groups represented at Treasury Board Tables 1,2,3 and 5

(more…)