On May 8, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) denied PIPSC’s classification grievance against the 2016 version of the VM-02 Supervisory Veterinarian job description (Decision 59668).
This decision comes despite significant additions to the job description secured through the grievance process in 2016. Following those improvements, the Agency refused to issue a classification decision on the updated job description. As a result, PIPSC brought the matter before the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (FPSLREB) in 2021. The Board ordered the Agency to classify the 2016 Job Description.
The employer ultimately upheld the VM-02 classification and maintained all factor ratings. In response, PIPSC filed a classification grievance and presented detailed and well-supported arguments on March 14, 2025, advocating for the job to be reclassified to the VM-03 level. Despite these efforts, and consistent with its past approach, the employer refused to revise the classification or adjust any factor ratings.
This continued refusal raises serious concerns about the reasonableness of the decision, the independence of the classification process, and the expertise applied in reaching this outcome - a longstanding concern of PIPSC at the CFIA.
Next Steps
The May 8 decision marks the end of the standard recourse options available under the current classification grievance process. PIPSC is now reviewing the decision to determine whether further legal or procedural steps—such as seeking judicial review—may be warranted.
We will provide updates as the situation develops. Grievors are reminded to regularly check their email and ensure their contact information remains up to date.