TC Bargaining
September 30, 2011
TC bargaining team tells employer to address legitimate demands
The second full session of TC bargaining, held September 21-23, got off to a rocky start. During this session, the TC bargaining team sent a clear message to the employer: find ways to address our legitimate proposals.
The following is a summary of items discussed at the table:
EMPLOYER DEMANDS
Severance
Treasury Board tabled a major concession – the removal of severance pay for voluntary separation, i.e. resignation and retirement. Until this meeting, severance had only been identified as subject for discussion. This demand is identical to the one accepted by some PSAC tables and rejected by the TC team last fall.
The bargaining team told the employer the deal was not acceptable last fall, and is not acceptable now.
Appendix C
The Employer tabled complicated amendments to Appendix C that would differentiate between Fishery Officers whose primary surveillance mission is offshore or mid-shore, and those who are posted to a detachment or unit where the primary surveillance mission is in coastal waters and/or inland waterways. Your Bargaining Team will be consulting with Fishery Officers before responding to the Employer’s proposal.
PSAC DEMANDS
Employees of the Sea Lamprey Control Centre
The bargaining team made a detailed presentation to Treasury Board on the difficult work of the Sea Lamprey Control Centre employees, based in Sault Ste. Marie.
These workers keep the great lakes fishery healthy by controlling invasive sea lamprey species populations. During the field season, they work under Appendix I and are therefore exempt from hours of work, overtime, and travel time provisions of the collective agreement.
Despite this, the employer is seeking concessions from this hardworking group who already spend long weeks away from home during the field season.
Gender identity
A change was proposed to Article 19 to recognize gender identity as prohibited grounds for discrimination. The House of Commons voted in favour of adding this language to the Canadian Human Rights Act. Unfortunately, this legislation was not passed by the Senate before the last election was called.
The Treasury Board rejected the proposal on the basis that they do not have the mandate, despite this being a no-cost item.
Parking for persons with disabilities
A new Article requiring free parking to persons with disabilities, and unable to use public transit. The employer has a policy allowing departments the final say on providing parking and determining costs. This policy creates inequality, based on place of employment.
Vacation and compensatory leave
A new article allowing employees to transfer vacation and compensatory leave credits to colleagues who have exhausted their own paid leave credits. This would normally be used only in circumstances of catastrophic illness. It is a no-cost item to the employer.
Membership fees
The tabling of a new article on membership fees for certifications, licensing and other fees that certain members may require to do their jobs.
This is in response to the employer giving notice to discontinue an existing policy of reimbursing such costs.
Thank you
The bargaining team would like to thank union activists and staff who plantgated worksites with leaflets, bracelets and bookmarks, upon our return to the table. We are grateful for your continued support and solidarity.
We also want to express our appreciation to the scores of UNDE members who signed a banner at their convention with messages of support for the bargaining team. It was proudly and prominently displayed during the bargaining session.
Future negotiations
Return to the bargaining table on October 18, 2011.
Information
For ongoing updates, visit: www.psac-afpc.com/tcgroup
Date Modified : 2011/10/03
