May 9, 2008
PSAC Bargaining Units with Treasury Board (PA, SV, TC, EB, FB)
Technical Services Bargaining Team Update – May 9, 2008
Attention to all members of the DD, EG, GT, PI, PY and TI pay groups.
Your TC Bargaining Team was in Ottawa from April 26th to 30th and continued negotiations with Treasury Board.
First a little history:
Prior to 1992 the Pay Research Bureau (PRB) provided both the Union and the Employer with information on wage comparisons. Because this entity consisted of fulltime public service employees, the research was done on an ongoing basis and the results were validated by field audits to ensure accurate data. Unfortunately this bureau was abolished in the 1992 budget speech from Conservative Michael Wilson. As a result, it has been difficult for both parties to accurately compare wages of occupations in the Federal Government with those in other sectors.
Since then there have been a number of instances where there have been joint pay studies. Last round, the Table 2 (SV) pay study produced meaningful results because there were clear job comparators. Unfortunately this can't be said for the recently completed TC study, which was conducted under a Public Service Labour Relations Board (PSLRB) process using the Compensation Analysis and Research Service (CARS).
This new organization, was supposed to provide a consistent service for the Federal Government on pay research. However, unlike the PRB, this new entity does not do the actual survey but contracts it out. The contractor is then bound by the limitations of the terms and funds available under the contract. As the TC Table has discovered, this can be problematic, especially when looking for comparative data on diverse and unique technical job functions.
And now a little reality:
After considerable delays, a draft of our long awaited pay study was presented to us this week. While we continue to analyse the data from this study, the poor response rate (14%) and the lack of quality job matches have left us questioning the value of the survey. We are deeply disappointed that the time and money put into this process did not produce more meaningful results. We wonder if we would have had a better outcome had the PSLRB addressed the concerns expressed by the PSAC about this study.
In talks with TB this week, despite ongoing attempts to glean a positive response from the employer on our outstanding demands, we continue to be frustrated with their lack of resolve to negotiate. It is interesting to note that Treasury Board regards the action of removing demands from the table as a sign of progress in negotiations. Unfortunately, the net result of this course of action is a lot of work for no gain. After one year of negotiations, the employer has yet to agree to any substantial improvement in our Collective Agreement.
Just a reminder to all those locals who submitted bargaining proposals; previously we told you that Treasury Board made it clear in our February meetings that if there are no grievances, there are no problems and therefore no changes are required. There has been no indication that they have changed their way of thinking.
The TC Team anticipates being back the week of May 24th, 2008. Stayed tuned for further updates.
Your TC Team:
Carol Casey – EG – Prairie Region
Daniel Dubé – EG – Quebec Region
Peter Holland – GT – Atlantic Region
Garry Larouche – TI – Ontario Region
Darrell-Lee McKenzie – EG – BC Region
Phil Robinson – TI – BC Region
Glen Whalley – EG – National Capital Region
Home Site Map Contact Us Bargaining Search Join Our Union Français
Date Modified : 2008/05/09
Public Service Alliance of Canada | 233, Gilmour Street, Ottawa, ONTARIO CANADA, K2P 0P1, Tel.: 1 888 604-7722 (PSAC)