Dear Members,
Since last summer PIPSC has been demanding that the government pay interest on late payments due to Phoenix. It is the least they could do for the hardship Phoenix has created. We have also called on the government to provide assistance for professional fees, like tax advice, that public servants have had to seek due to problems caused by Phoenix. We are hopeful that the government will respond soon with an announcement regarding this demand. This, after all, is only just and fair considering it was the mismanaged pay transformation project that caused these problems.
The government wants to assure us we are nearing “steady state,” but we know there are still many members with pay problems and others still reeling from the effect their pay problems have had on their lives.
After more than a year of living with the Phoenix pay system we are still in quite the mess. PIPSC leadership, stewards, consultation teams, volunteers and staff continue to hear from many members not in receipt of their proper pay. Many cases remain unresolved and we are doing everything in our power to help individual members with their pay problems and pressure the government to come up with a timely fix. We are also preparing to file a policy grievance as an additional measure to provide remedy to as many members affected by Phoenix as possible.
We are still escalating critical cases to the Treasury Board and Department heads. We urge you to contact your regional office to notify one of our Employment Relations Officers (ERO) if you are experiencing any problems with your pay. All our help starts with our EROs, so please identify your issues to us, even if you do not plan to file a formal grievance. They can lead you to help!
Better Together!
Debi Daviau
President