PSAC, Parks Canada Agency reach tentative agreement
The Public Service Alliance of Canada reached a tentative agreement with Parks Canada Agency on Tuesday, November 25. The proposed collective agreement covers the 3000 – 4500 PSAC members who work for Parks Canada in a variety of fields and occupations. Details to be announced. Parks Canada Agency is a separate employer under the Public Service Labour Relations Act. Bargaining began in May, 2007.
The highlights of improvements to the collective agreement are as follows:
Economic Increases and Monetary Gains
2.3% pay increase on August 5th, 2007
1.5% pay increase on August 5th, 2008
1.5% pay increase on August 5th, 2009
1.5% pay increase on August 5th, 2010National Rates of Pay:
On August 5th, 2009 the GL and GS groups enter into a National pay grid. Each sub-group and level will have its own pay grid, with three steps. The highest step will be equal to the pay rate for the highest zone. Step 1 will be 92% of the highest rate. Step 2 will be 96% of the highest rate. Members move into the new grid at a point that is closest to but not less than their current rate of pay under the regional structure. They will progress through the pay grid in the same manner as the vast majority of the public service who already has annual pay increments. This means that all of the Parks GL and GS members who enter the pay grid on August 5th 2009 at Step 1 or 2, will move up one step on August 5th 2010. On August 4th, 2011, the last day of the contract, any current employee still at step 2 will move to step 3.
Any new employees hired after August 5th 2009 will start at the first step and progress through the pay grid in the same manner as the vast majority of the public service who already has annual pay increments.
The implementation of national rates of pay will increase the average pay for GL and GS groups by 6.8%.
Workforce Adjustment (WFA)
- Strengthened the provisions of the WFA to avoid lay-offs by negotiating language that requires the government to review the use of temporary help agencies, contractors and consultants and constrains their use if there is Surplus or laid off persons available to do the work. Education allowance is increased to $10000 (from $8000) and financial counselling aid is increased to $600 (from $400). Notification timelines to your union of a WFA stituation are also improved.
Other Changes
-
Employees who qualify for Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits may now take Compassionate Care Leave under Leave Without Pay for Immediate Family.
-
The Public Service Labour Relations Act now provides for two new types of grievances: group grievances and policy grievances. Changes to the grievance procedure have been made to reflect these new entitlements.
-
Memorandum of understanding establising a Joint Learning program pilot project.
-
employees who take maternity or parental leave may now be rehired by CRA or CFIA (as well as Treasury Board) within 90 days of the expiry of their leave in order to avoid having to pay back their top-up
-
Various clauses throughout the agreement have been amended to reflect changes to the Public Service Labour Relations Act, but none of these affect any substantive rights.
Renewal of AR, ENG, HR and CS terminable allowances at the rate of 2006 for the next 4 years.
Concessions
- There are no concessions in the tentative agreement.
Your bargaining team comprising:
- Kevin King
- Jack Norris
- Sheila Birch
- Carrie Docken
- Mike Leblanc
unanimously recommends acceptance of the tentative agreement.
Date Modified : 2010/01/29
