The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
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OTTAWA, August 30, 2018 – What’s a “reasonable time to wait for a replacement to the Phoenix pay system to be implemented”? According to a recent Environics Research survey commissioned by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), nearly half (46%) of Canadians say six months is a “reasonable time to wait.” That number rises dramatically to nearly 9 out of 10 Canadians (88%) when one includes those who believe two years or less is a reasonable time to wait.

It’s a response the federal government should bear in mind as it marks Labour Day, and while tens of thousands of federal employees still struggle with errors due to Phoenix that have left them paid too little, too much or, too often, not at all.

“We’ve already waited well over two years for a solution,” said PIPSC President Debi Daviau. “Now that the government has committed to finding an alternative, it needs to speed up implementation of those alternatives. Our members can’t wait another two years.”

“As an active partner in finding a new system as soon as possible, we intend to push for alternatives to be tried as quickly as possible,” added Daviau, referring to the working partnership announced in June between PIPSC and the federal government. Among those alternatives is the Corporate Administrative System (CAS), an HR-to-Pay software program used by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that, PIPSC says, can be readily updated to a full-fledged payroll system.

“We believe the CAS system can be adapted and brought online much more quickly than the government’s current (and vague) timelines for implementing an alternative system,” said Daviau. “That would ensure at least 55,000 CRA and CBSA employees could be removed from the Phoenix pay system and paid through a new, much more reliable system sooner.  The government needs to speed up implementation of viable alternatives now. Our members can’t wait.”

The public opinion survey by Environics Research was conducted by telephone among 1,000 Canadians between July 3 and 8, 2018. The results can be considered accurate + or – 3.2%, 19 times out of 20.

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada represents approximately 55,000 public service professionals across Canada, most of them employed by the federal government.

Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter (@pipsc_ipfpc).

For further information:
Johanne Fillion, 613-228-6310, ext. 4953 or 613-883-4900 (cell), jfillion@pipsc.ca

 

 

Published on 30 August 2018
Collective bargaining update: I am pleased to report that the last round of collective bargaining has now concluded with the signing of the Collective Agreement on August 9, 2018.  NRC now has 120 days to implement the changes including issuing retroactive pay and updating salary rates.
Published on 30 August 2018
PIPSC is selecting a President of Consultation for the VAC National Consultation Team (NCT). The term of the President will be for two years and the duties are outlined in the PIPSC Policy on Union-Management Relations: Consultation and Co-development. Applicants must also be free to travel to Ottawa as required if residing outside of the National Capital Region.
Published on 28 August 2018

PIPSC Regina Branch Executive will be participating in the Labour Day Family Picnic on the grounds of the Regina Legislative Building.  

This event is sponsored by Unions to provide a day of free fun, food and entertainment for all ages.  There are plenty of activities for children which make this event a great outing for families.  The event also provides opportunity to speak with members from other Unions to learn what issues and topics are of interest with these other groups in our community.

Published on 28 August 2018