Dear valued S&A members,
It is hard to believe we are in September 2024.
All of us on the CFIA-Scientific and Analytical (S&A) Executive hope all the S&A members (CO, EN-ENG, ES, PG, SE-RES, SE-REM and SR classifications) have had a good relaxing summer.
I am incredibly proud to be your group President when I observe on a daily basis the professional work you deliver for Canadians.
Our Stewards, our National Group Executive and our National Consultation Team are in constant contact with CFIA management to voice your concerns on many issues such as Return to Office (RTO) prescribed compliance and 2024-25 Budget impacts and will continue to work/advocate on your behalf in 2024 and beyond.
Recently, I have been approached by many members in relation to many issues including overtime and acting pay, which I believe may be due to budget issues. I would like to first remind all members of the importance of becoming well acquainted with your collective agreement. It contains provisions establishing the terms and conditions of employment, rates of pay, hours of work, and the rights and duties of the parties to the agreement. If you have questions, I encourage you to reach out to your steward.
Bargaining Update
The CFIA-S&A bargaining team reached a tentative agreement on August 15, 2024. I would like to thank the team members for their hard work and dedication. All members would have received their email notification of the tentative agreement. The ratification vote is planned for mid-September 2024. As President of the group and Bargaining Chair, I am recommending that you vote to accept the agreement. I will keep you updated throughout the process.
As a reminder, if you have pay issues, to first contact the pay center and your manager. If issue remains unresolved, I encourage that you connect with your local steward for further advice and guidance.
Return to Office (RTO)
The employer’s arbitrary RTO mandates have caused many of our members unnecessary hardship.
I encourage you to talk to your manager should you have any concerns with the mandate and to resolve issues.
Please refer to the PIPSC webpage on RTO for more information. https://pipsc.ca/news-issues/return-to-workplace.
Should you have issues, we encourage you to speak to your steward.
SR Conversion Update
Classification Grievances
The process continues with no dates currently set for any hearings.
Employer-Initiated remapping/Job Description Changes
Over the last 8 months, a small portion of members have been informed that the employer intends on (i) developing a new job description for their position or (ii) proposing the application of a previously existing job description (SR or non-SR) to their position. We are aware of movement on several files as described. Should the employer contact you to investigate or request any changes to your assigned job description (which may include a Job Validation Review/desk audit), or to change your current classification, please immediately contact a S&A steward and communicate with compensation@pipsc.ca so that we may support you during this process. We will make inquiries on your behalf and provide updates.
Once again, I thank members for their immense patience over these past few years. We know this process has been very frustrating for many of you and look forward to concrete solutions in the future.
Pay Equity Update
Please see the Merlin update posted June 23, 2024. Memo to all employees re: Pay Equity - Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Steward recruitment
The CFIA S&A Group is actively seeking out members who would like to become Stewards, to sit on consultation, occupational health and safety, and diversity committees, and take part in special projects as representatives of the S&A group and PIPSC.
We need individuals who want to be part of working with management to represent the best interests and needs of all our members now and into the future.
It’s easy to get started and we promise to give you an easy entry into the world of union activities and Steward roles. The first step is to fill out a Steward Application form on the PIPSC Website .
I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to thank all the S&A stewards and their strong advocacy for you in a variety of activities and on numerous committees.
Please keep in mind the importance of taking care of your physical and mental health as you balance work and family responsibilities in these challenging times.
Download the pdf version.
Better Together and in Solidarity
Fred Jamieson
CFIA-S&A President