July 8, 2008
Statistical Survey Operations Bargaining Units
Bargaining Teams Present Some Common Demands
The Negotiating Committees for both the SSO Regional Office and Field Interviewer bargaining units met with the Employer for one day, on July 3, 2008, for presentations on certain common demands.
No Discrimination
The Union provided the Employer with three presentations. One was about the No Discrimination language in our Collective Agreement. We explained the rationale for our demand to add gender identity, gender expression, and political activity to Article 16.
Joint Learning Program
Mark Pecek, co-director of the PSAC Joint Learning Program, gave a presentation on how the Joint Learning Program with Treasury Board works. We have a proposal that the Employer contribute $100,000 per year to a JLP for SSO employees.
PSAC Social Justice Fund
And Janet St. Jean, who works directly with the PSAC Social Justice Fund, explained how the Fund works – we are seeking a contribution from the Employer of one cent per hour worked by each employee – and discussed some of the projects the Fund has sponsored. (You can find more information on the Social Justice Fund on the PSAC website.)
Employer Provides Pension Information
For its part, the Employer provided the two Union teams with a detailed explanation about the administration of and eligibility for the pension plan (you are required to join the pension plan if your AWW is 12 hours a week or more and your term of employment is six months or more) as well as the various options employees have, and time limits they are required to meet, when they retire or resign.
PSAC has raised questions and concerns about the pension plan, and the process of applying for pension benefits, both at the Union-Management Consultative Committee and at the bargaining table. Our members have not been well-informed about the merits of retirement versus resignation, or of the opportunities that are available to retain supplementary death benefits, health insurance benefits, and dental benefits. The timing of your retirement can also have a significant impact on the amount of pension you will receive.
The Employer has committed to providing employees with contact information for resource people in Head Office whom employees can contact if they have questions about their pension plan. In addition, the Employer has said that in the future, pension workshops that are held from time to time will be open to all employees, not just those who have indicated they will soon be retiring. It is important to understand details of the pension plan and the options you may have, even if retirement is a long way off.
Future Bargaining Dates to be Set
Finally, the Employer has declined to bargain during the summer. We are now looking at potential bargaining dates in the fall. Please keep checking this website for updates.
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Date Modified : 2008/07/30
Public Service Alliance of Canada | 233, Gilmour Street, Ottawa, ONTARIO CANADA, K2P 0P1, Tel.: 1 888 604-7722 (PSAC)