Senate of Canada

April 15, 2005

A tentative agreement has been reached at the Senate of Canada for the 130 employees in the Operational Group.  The 40 month renewal agreement is retroactive to June 1, 2004 and, if ratified by the membership, will expire on September 30, 2007.

The main feature of the settlement is the negotiation of a revised Classification plan and new rates of pay effective April 1, 2005.  The conversion, which is being introduced for all employees in the Senate, provides parity with other employees in the Parliamentary precinct and represents some significant pay increases for a large number of our members.

The economic package is as follows:

June 1, 2004

• 2.08 % to all rates of pay (10 months)

April 1, 2005   

• Conversion to new pay Grid
• 2.40 % to all rates of pay (12 months)

April 1, 2006

• 2.50 % to all rates of pay (12 months)

April 1, 2006

• 1.25 % to all rates of pay (six months)

In addition, employees receive annual 4.0% increments under the new system until they reach their new maximum rate of pay.

Other improvements include the addition of a Volunteer day and some minor changes to the Maternity/Parental leave entitlements

The negotiating team is recommending the settlement for ratification.