PSAC- Issues - Public Service Modernization

Your guide to the Public Service Modernization Act

The Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA) is now fully implemented. Because this is 'omnibus' legislation, it creates or amends a number of pieces of legislation. Under the PSMA, there are four pieces of legislation that are either significantly amended or newly created. Two, the Public Service Labour Relations Act (PSLRA) and the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA), are of particular interest to PSAC members.

The Public Service Labour Relations Act (PSLRA) came into effect on April 1, 2005 . It establishes a completely new labour relations regime and replaces the Public Service Staff Relations Act (PSSRA). While it claims to place the public interest at the forefront, it is clear that employer interests have been given as much consideration as the public interest.

The Public Service Employment Act (PSEA), as we knew it, no longer exists. The new PSEA, which came into effect December 31, 2005 , limits our political rights, sets up the Public Service Staffing Tribunal and limits our staffing recourse rights.

The changes brought by the new PSLRA and the new PSEA are being felt throughout the public service.

Learn about the impact the PSLRA will have on the upcoming round of collective bargaining for some 130,000 PSAC members in the federal public service and agencies. Look at the process and see the highlights on legislative changes.

Get an overview of the changes to staffing under the new PSEA. Link to our interactive staffing tutorial and check out our staffing booklet. Find out about legislative changes around your political activities.