OTTAWA, February 27, 2024 — Unions representing more than 260,000 federal public sector workers are calling on the government to negotiate ongoing damages for workers who continue to be impacted by the Phoenix pay system disaster. 

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) and the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) have formally requested that Treasury Board begin negotiating an extension of the Phoenix general damages agreements and the severe damages claims process to compensate workers until they are paid properly and on time – every time.

Federal unions negotiated Phoenix general damages settlements in 2019 and 2020, but years later, there’s still no end in sight for federal workers who are still experiencing pay issues paycheque after paycheque.

“As we mark the 8^th year of the disastrous Phoenix pay system, tens of thousands of workers continue to endure endless pay problems,” said PSAC National President Chris Aylward. “Workers deserve to be compensated for the pain and suffering they still face at the hands of a broken pay system.”

While all Canadians continue to deal with the rising cost of living, more than 380,000 federal workers can’t be sure they’ll be able to pay their rent, cover their mortgage or pay for groceries due to significant errors on their paycheques.

There are currently 444,000 transactions ready to be processed by the Public Service Pay Centre with a growing Phoenix backlog that is leading to frustration and hardship for workers. “Public servants – like all Canadians – deserve to be paid accurately and on time,” declares PIPSC President Jennifer Carr. “Despite promises to ‘fix Phoenix’, eight years later the federal government can only meet its own service standards 25% of the time, not even close to their own 95% target. That is completely unacceptable,” continues Carr. Whether workers are overpaid, underpaid or not paid at all, Phoenix problems continue to seriously impact federal workers paid by the broken system.  

Each pay period brings more uncertainty, with many putting off advancing their career or retiring from the public service – decisions that should be milestones, but now keep workers up at night. A growing backlog of pay issues and wait times to fix pay issues also weighs on the mental health of workers and has damaging tax implications, with pay problems following them long after they’ve changed jobs, left the public service or retired.

“The Phoenix Pay system marks one of the most expensive and harmful pay system modernization failures in the history of the Canadian federal government,” said Nathan Prier, President of CAPE. “Federal public sector workers deserve better than having their contracts broken on a biweekly basis for eight years. We will not rest until all workers are fully compensated and this issue is resolved once and for all.”

The government must also focus on hiring more compensation advisors to stabilize the current pay system and eliminate the ballooning backlog of pay issues.

Instead, this government continues to waste its resources aggressively clawing back Phoenix overpayments from workers as they race against the clock to recover before the six-year limitation period for overpayment recoveries expires, after which they have no legal right to recover the funds. 

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Media contacts: 

Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)
PSAC Media Relations 
media@psac-afpc.com 
613-714-6610 

Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)
PIPSC Media Relations
jfillion@pipsc.ca
613-883-4900

Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)
Katia Thériault
Director of Communications and Public Affairs 
Ktheriault@acep-cape.ca
819-431-1015 

***** 

About PSAC 

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is Canada’s largest federal public service union, representing nearly 230,000 workers in every province and territory in Canada, including more than 165,000 federal public service workers. 

 
About PIPSC 

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) was founded in 1920. With over 75,000 members, the Institute is the largest union in Canada representing scientists and professionals employed at the federal and some provincial and territorial levels of government.
 

About CAPE 

With more than 25,000 members, the Canadian Association of Professional Employees is one of the largest federal public sector unions in Canada, dedicated to advocating on behalf of federal employees in the Economics and Social Science Services (EC) and Translation (TR) groups, as well as employees of the Library of Parliament (LoP), the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (OPBO) and civilian members of the RCMP (ESS and TRL).

Ottawa, January 29, 2024 – The Government of Canada is improving the way it recruits, develops, and deploys digital talent across the public service so it can better deliver modern, effective digital services to Canadians.

Today, at the 2024 Digital Government Leaders Summit, the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board, announced the launch of the Government of Canada (GC) Digital Talent Platform—an online recruitment site for digital and IT professionals.

The Platform simplifies the application process for individuals who specialize in digital and IT who are looking to apply for jobs within the government. As well, it will provide federal institutions with lists of pre-qualified individuals that match their digital talent needs.

The Platform is a key component of the Directive on Digital Talent, which supports the development and growth of the digital community through data collection and analysis for planning, talent sourcing, talent management and guidance across the government. The directive was developed with engagement and input from the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC).

The Directive on Digital Talent and the GC Digital Talent Platform, work together to provide the government with the access to the talent and resources it needs to deliver modern, effective digital services to Canadians.

Quotes

"Canada's public service is one of the best in the world — and we must improve the way we attract and retain new talent, especially for digital and IT. The GC Digital Talent Platform will improve the way we recruit digital and IT professionals as we work to better deliver services to Canadians in this digital age."

- The Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board

"We are pleased to see the launch of the Government of Canada's Digital Talent Platform, developed in consultation with PIPSC. We favour any effort to leverage the skill sets of government employees and streamline the hiring process – ideally reducing the need to hire contractors while full-time permanent jobs sit vacant. This initiative has the potential to deliver on both efficiency and financial prudence, benefiting the government and Canadians alike. This aligns well with our union's goal of consistent and cost-effective delivery of services."

- Jennifer Carr, President of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada's Digital Ambition outlines the approach the government is taking to support the delivery of digital government services and talent is one of the key enablers to deliver on this Ambition.
• The Directive on Digital Talent, issued in April 2023, is designed to deliver improvements in data collection, interdepartmental collaboration, planning, talent sourcing and talent management for the GC digital community.
• The GC Digital Talent Platform will improve the application process for individuals who specialize in digital and IT, and who are looking to join the government.

Associated Links

• The Government of Canada's Digital Ambition
• Directive on Digital Talent
• GC Digital Talent Platform

Montreal, November 29, 2023 – PIPSC concluded its landmark national convention today, marking a significant milestone in the union's journey towards becoming a 'beacon of progress' and preparing for the future in the labour landscape.

The convention, under the theme "Ready for the Future", showcased PIPSC's strategic initiatives and forward-thinking approaches, particularly in preparing for technological advancements, championing equity, and moving toward reconciliation. The unveiling of 'Navigar,' an innovative AI-driven career navigation tool, is a testament to the union's dedication to ensuring its members are well-equipped for the evolving nature of work.

A crucial part of the convention was the revealing of the study conducted in partnership with Know History, addressing PIPSC's historical role in colonial practices. This acknowledgment is a step towards reconciliation and reflects the union's commitment to understanding and rectifying its past as part of its progress towards a more inclusive future.

"This convention marks a pivotal moment in our history. We stand at the forefront of change, we’re not just ready for the future, but actively shaping it. We are committed to being a beacon of progress, illuminating the path for our members and setting a standard for unions across Canada. Our actions and discussions here have laid the groundwork for a future where innovation, equity, and reconciliation are not just ideals, but realities we live and work by every day,” said PIPSC President Jennifer Carr at the conclusion of the convention. 

The convention also highlighted the importance of preparing for political changes in the coming years, ensuring that PIPSC's bargaining, representational, and advocacy capacities are stronger than ever. The diverse array of speakers and the insights shared have sparked new ideas and strategies for the union to effectively navigate and influence the future of work.

As the convention concluded, PIPSC reaffirmed its commitment to continuous learning, embracing diversity, and fostering an inclusive environment where every member is valued and heard. The union is poised to leverage the insights and momentum from this event to drive meaningful change and ensure that it is well-prepared for the future.

PIPSC represents over 72,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram. 

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, cell.:  613-883-4900, jfillion@pipsc.ca

Montreal, November 28, 2023 – On the third day of its national convention, PIPSC presented the findings of a comprehensive study aimed at understanding and contextualizing the union's involvement in colonial institutions, policies, and programs that have adversely affected Indigenous peoples. 

Over two years, Know History's experts have meticulously researched PIPSC's history, uncovering the union's complex interactions with Indigenous communities. 

“The findings reveal a harsh truth: PIPSC members played crucial roles in residential schools, Indian hospitals, nutritional experiments, forced relocations, and the Sixties Scoop, contributing to the cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples,” said PIPSC President Jennifer Carr. As a union representing these members, PIPSC acknowledges its shared responsibility in sustaining these harmful practices since 1920.” 

Recognizing the importance of confronting its past, PIPSC is committed to improving its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion framework. This process involves acknowledging the union's role in the oppression of Indigenous peoples and understanding the impact of these actions on Canada's history. 

The convention featured a poignant address by former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, offering insights on moving forward towards reconciliation. PIPSC urges its members to join this journey of learning and reflection, considering how this history influences their work. 

“This study was not just a document; it's a call to action,” said Carr. “It serves as a crucial training and educational tool for PIPSC members and leaders, marking the first step in a long journey towards reconciliation. This journey includes partnering with Indigenous members, communities, and survivor groups to develop concrete actions and next steps.” 

PIPSC represents over 72,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram.

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, cell.: 613-883-4900, jfillion@pipsc.ca

Montreal, November 27, 2023 – On the second day of its landmark national convention, PIPSC has unveiled 'Navigar,' an innovative online skills development tool designed to assist members in adapting to the rapidly evolving workplace impacted by AI and machine learning. This ground breaking service, free for PIPSC members, is set to launch in 2024.

“Navigar is more than just a tool; it's a smart, data-driven guide tailored to the unique career aspirations of each member,” said PIPSC President Jennifer Carr. “Whether members aim to excel in their current roles or transition to new professions, Navigar provides vital insights and a customized skills development roadmap.”

Understanding the complexities of career navigation, especially in an era of technological disruption, Navigar is designed to offer personalized planning based on comprehensive data about Canada’s labour market and global employment trends. It equips members with foresight into the future of work, highlighting essential skills and training to remain relevant and competitive. It also connects PIPSC members with a catalogue of available learning opportunities and supports them in seeking employer funding for the training. 

“Members using Navigar will gain a clear understanding of their current professional standing and receive guidance on how to achieve their career objectives,” said Carr. ‘Navigar's unique feature is its ability to generate a personalized skills development plan, which members can share with their employers. This plan not only maps the necessary skills and training for success but also provides crucial insights into the evolving landscape of work.’

PIPSC received a grant from Future Skills Centre to develop Navigar. For more information about Navigar and updates on the launch date, visit Navigar.ca.

PIPSC represents over 72,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram. 

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, cell.:  613-883-4900, jfillion@pipsc.ca

Montreal, November 26, 2023 – The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) opened its first-ever national convention, a historic gathering under the theme "Ready for the Future." This landmark event hosts over 800 members from across the country, coming together to shape the future of the union.

"In five years, PIPSC will be a beacon of progress among Canada's unions," the PIPSC President Jennifer Carr said in her opening address. She emphasized the union's innovative approach to addressing the impact of AI and machine learning on the workforce.

A key focus of the convention will be on strengthening PIPSC's bargaining, representational, and advocacy capacities, especially in anticipation of changes to the make-up of the next Parliament. The event promises to be a hub of strategic discussions and forward-thinking ideas, setting the course for the union's future direction.

The convention will feature a lineup of prominent speakers, including Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC); Dominic Lemieux, United Steelworkers’ District 5 (Quebec) Director and Vice-President of the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ); Alexandre Boulerice, NDP Labour Critic; former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould; and renowned advocates Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson. Their insights will provide valuable perspectives on various aspects of labour and representation in Canada.

“The PIPSC convention is not just a meeting; it's a milestone in the journey towards a more progressive, responsive, and impactful union,” said Carr. “It's an opportunity for members to come together, share ideas, and commit to a future that is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

PIPSC represents over 72,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram. 

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, cell.:  613-883-4900, jfillion@pipsc.ca

Ottawa, August 23, 2023 – Treasury Board President Anita Anand has given her fellow Cabinet Ministers six weeks to find $15 billion in savings across the federal government. Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) President Jennifer Carr is concerned about the impacts these cuts will have on the public services Canadians rely on.

“There are many opportunities for this government to be spending money more responsibly,” Carr said. “But our fear is that we are going to see austerity where we should be seeing innovation – with a focus on short term spending cuts rather than investments that will increase revenue in the long term.”

For years, PIPSC members working in the Canada Revenue Agency have been flagging concerns about the cost to Canadians from international tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance. The Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates that every $1 invested in combating this evasion yields $5.75 in tax revenue.

In a 2021 poll, 92% of respondents supported changes to the tax system to make it harder for corporations to game the system and avoid paying their fair share.

“To keep delivering essential services to Canadians, the government must protect its revenue sources,” said Carr. “We represent brilliant CRA auditors and investigators who would love this government’s support in conducting that work.”

Another way this government could get spending under control would be to move away from its reliance on external consultants and contractors.

“This government seems to prefer bringing in expensive consultants rather than hiring full-time staff, and all of us are paying the price,” Carr continued. “In IT departments alone, the federal government outsourced over $24 billion in work to IT consultants, management consultants and temporary help contractors from 2012 to 2021.”

Since the announcement about the cuts, there has been no outreach to public sector unions – or the front line workers they represent – about ways the federal government could be cutting costs. 

“PIPSC members are eager to work with Minister Anand to balance this country’s books in a responsible way,” said Carr. “The key first steps will be to address issues like outsourcing and tax fairness.”

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For more information contact: Shedly Jolibois, sjolibois@pipsc.ca

Ottawa, August 10, 2023 – The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) was eager to build and deliver an extensive training on pay equity to educate federal employers who are beginning to establish their pay equity plans.

On July 18-19, 2023, PIPSC led an two-day training with the help of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), and the Association of Canadian Financial Officers (AFCO) to educate federal employers, Treasury Board, separate HR agencies, and other unions about pay equity. The training focused on building a common understanding of the new pay equity process and its legal requirements following the welcomed update to the Pay Equity legislation.

PIPSC classification agents have been working tirelessly to close the gender wage gap in the federal public service. For years, they have been driving pay equity projects and representing our priorities to the federal Pay Equity Commissioner and the employer.

Gender-based pay disparities in the federal public sector have heavily contributed to the gender wage gap. It leaves workers who identify as women, underpaid and undervalued. 

With the support of other unions, we have made important strides towards correcting this gender wage gap.

Here’s how:
In August 2021, the Pay Equity legislation was established to combat the gender wage gap. It required employers to proactively build a pay equity plan by September 4, 2024 to ensure equal pay for equal work. 

Earlier this summer, in July 2023, the federal Pay Equity Commissioner ruled in favour of all the unions, including PIPSC, that opposed Treasury Board's June 2022 request for a multiple pay equity plan. Treasury Board’s proposed plan would have put major limitations on the correction of the gender wage gap.

PIPSC and its partner unions are thrilled to have put a stop to Treasury Board’s proposal. Now that we’ve gained momentum and support from the commissioner, we’re continuing to work together to close the gender wage gap. 

“PIPSC has been leading the advocacy for pay equity for years,” said PIPSC president, Jennifer Carr. “we’re happy to bring other unions aboard. This important training session is just the beginning. We’re ready to set equity standards across the public service and close the gender wage gap once and for all.” 

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For more information: Shedly Jolibois, sjolibois@pipsc.ca 

On July 26, 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a new cabinet. This highly anticipated shuffle is Trudeau’s largest one since October 2021, and a new Treasury Board President has been appointed.

PIPSC is eager to welcome the Honourable Anita Anand as the new Treasury Board President. There’s a lot to get done, and we’re ready to get to work. We are looking forward to a more collaborative approach from the employer.

PIPSC members have been working tirelessly to support this government during the most unprecedented times but they have also been continuously undermined. We urge Minister Anand to commit to collaborative efforts with unions, and to work to build a more modern and inclusive workplace within the federal government.

PIPSC represents over 72,000 public service professionals working for the federal government as well as some provincial departments and agencies. We are better together and we are ready to work with all newly appointed ministers to rectify the key issues our members are dealing with. As they settle into their new roles, we hope to continue making strides on the following points:

• Prompt correction of on-going pay errors due to Phoenix, which have plagued our members for 7 years
• A review of the return-to-office (RTO) orders to focus on 'presence with purpose’
• Pay rates that reflect the value of public servants’ work and the skyrocketing cost of living
• Recognition and respect for expertise and professional roles our members play
• Reducing outsourcing within the federal government
• Address critical shortage of health care professionals including Northern nurses
• And more

Although we’ve had some setbacks with the hasty return-to-office order and witnessed the largest strike in Canadian history, we wish the Honourable Mona Fortier well in continuing to serve her constituents in Ottawa–Vanier.

PIPSC thanks all the ministers for their impactful work in their previous roles. We are looking forward to also working with Ministers Jean-Yves Duclos (Public Services and Procurement) and Marie-Claude Bibeau (National Revenue) as they transition into their new roles.

Ottawa, June 15, 2023 – More than one-third of public service professionals are so unhappy with the government's one-size-fits-all return to office order that they are considering leaving their roles. For workers under 30 – a demographic most concerned with cost of living, childcare and the environment – that number jumps to almost 50%.

“When nearly one in five members of the federal public service is over the age of 55, approaching retirement age, we cannot afford to lose half of our youngest workers,” said PIPSC President Jennifer Carr. “The government won’t be able to deliver the services Canadians rely on if it’s not able to address the major recruitment and retention problem it’s created with its own flawed return to office policy. These numbers add up to a public service in peril.”

In his statement in support of National Public Service Week this year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is supporting the career development of Indigenous, Black, and racialized employees, and building an inclusive and equitable public service. But workers who identify as Black are more than twice as likely to be concerned with discrimination and harassment now that they have been ordered back to the office. 

People with Disabilities are also twice as likely to be concerned with discrimination and harassment in the office, and more than twice as likely to report that their workstations do not meet their needs. Seventy percent said that their mental well-being has gotten worse as a result of not being able to work remotely. 

The RTO policy also puts an increased burden on women workers, who are more likely to be balancing caregiving responsibilities at home – often responsible for both their children and their aging parents. More than half of women report their caregiving responsibilities have gotten worse under RTO. 

“This government claims it wants to prioritize recruiting younger workers, workers with disabilities, Black workers, and women,” said Carr. “But at the same time, they are implementing an RTO policy that makes it harder for these groups to be successful in the workplace.”

PIPSC believes in the principle of “presence with purpose” – being at the office when justified by operational needs. The union continues to advocate for what was originally promised by the government: a hybrid-by-design approach that considers employees’ unique circumstances and job requirements. 

“Flexibility is now the centerpiece of a modern and progressive workplace,” said Carr. “Our union is ready to work with the government to develop policies that make sense.” 

In May 2023, PIPSC conducted an online survey of more than 68,000 of its members working for Federal Departments or Agencies, to assess how the members feel after returning to the office. More than 17% responded to the survey.

PIPSC represents over 72,000 public service professionals working for the federal government as well as some provincial departments and agencies.

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile), jfillion@pipsc.ca