This week the federal government announced an important new phase of the NextGen HR and Pay project, the long-awaited successor to the failed Phoenix pay system.

Phoenix has caused untold pay errors that have left tens of thousands of PIPSC members underpaid, overpaid, or not paid at all.

This phase will see a pilot department take the first steps towards designing, building and testing a viable alternative to Phoenix, as well as towards understanding the level of transformation required for an eventual rollout to other federal departments and agencies. The pilot will be developed over a period of 6 months based on an exploratory phase timeline.

At the formal kick-off event held on October 14, Shared Services Canada and Treasury Board Secretariat senior executives jointly announced that they chose Canadian Heritage as the pilot department. Canadian Heritage employees will not have their pay impacted by this decision, as a parallel pay system will be used during testing.

Although this project may not have always progressed as quickly as we would have liked, PIPSC remains committed to staying engaged in the process.

“PIPSC members are more than ready to help contribute to this important project,” said President Debi Daviau.

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Over the past few days, the media has reported illnesses among federal employees working at the Terrasses de la Chaudière office complex in Gatineau. The government has hired an engineering firm to investigate the numerous air and water quality, and mould and insect issues reported by public service employees located in these facilities.

In addition to the health hazards currently under scrutiny, many older federal facilities throughout Canada are also filled with asbestos. Even newer buildings are known to suffer from leaking and other issues.

"The inexcusable state of federal buildings across the country is an extremely concerning situation that can only be corrected by a long-term, and expensive, commitment on the part of the government," says Debi Daviau, PIPSC President.

We took part in employer consultations about the state of affairs at the Terrasses complex and we will continue to keep a very close watch on the situation.

"But no matter where they are located, PIPSC members must under no circumstances be exposed to unhealthy and hazardous work environments," continued Daviau.

"I expect the government to take immediate and decisive action to address these issues, no matter the cost. This could include moving employees to uncontaminated locations while renovations to their offices take place or providing them with greater flexibility to work from home until problems are resolved. I’m tired of short-term solutions and I want to see a detailed plan from the government right away."

As consultations continue, we will keep members informed about new developments.