No. 3 May 12, 1997

Q. Has Treasury Board set up a Pay Equity negotiating team yet?

A. Treasury Board has hired Mary Eberts, a well-respected lawyer from Toronto. We do not know what mandate she will have to work within and what limits will be placed on her negotiations with the Alliance.
Q. Now that they have hired this lawyer, are there any meetings set up?

A. An initial meeting has been set for Monday, May 12. We stress that this is an initial meeting. We are still attempting to get further dates set up.

Q. Are employees who now work for separate employers but who were Treasury Board employees entitled to the Pay Equity adjustment?

A. All employees or past employees are entitled to the wage adjustment for the period they worked for the federal government. What has to be negotiated is the continuation of the wage adjustment with their new employer if they are now working for a separate employer such as NavCan, Airport Authority, etc. Your negotiator has standardized wording that they will use during negotiations with the new Employer.

Q. Will there be a vote on a Pay Equity offer or settlement?

A. The PSAC has not rejected the possibility of a vote, however, it would be meaningless unless the offer or settlement complies with the provisions of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Another problem is with the question of who votes. If a vote of the bargaining units or bargaining tables was conducted, then a majority of those voting would not receive any money as a result of the Pay Equity payments.

Another problem with a vote of just those groups affected by the Pay Equity payments is that there are a large number of individuals who have retired, left the public service for various reasons or are working in bargaining units other than those involved with the pay equity complaint. These individuals will be entitled to retroactive pay or pension adjustments.

Q. How is a Pay Equity settlement going to affect subsidized day care, subsidized housing or access to seniors' accommodation for workers on pensions?

A. Members or retired members who are concerned about these issues should contact the Alliance. We need to know of any members who are receiving such subsidization so that we can help you. Your union can only know as much information as you provide to us. Contact your Regional Office or Component.

Q. When a settlement is reached and there is a lump sum retroactive payment will members have access to financial counselling?

A. This issue will be part of our discussions with Treasury Board. We will be recommending that the federal government set up financial counselling for all members who are affected.

Q. During the election should we continue to put pressure on political candidates?

A. Definitely. This is your opportunity. Go to town hall meetings and ask questions. When candidates come to your door ask questions. And, of course, keep sending faxes and letters to Marcel Massé asking for your interim payment.

Some questions you can ask at town hall meetings include:

Q. The Liberals promised a $1-billion pay equity settlement, however, the costing in the Liberal's Red Book shows no funds whatsoever. Why not? Where is this money?

A. Treasury Board admits they owe more money. The Alliance has called on Treasury Board to issue interim cheques while we work out the final settlement. Why is your government refusing to print the cheques?

Q. This Pay Equity complaint settlement has been delayed because of government actions. Since government caused the delay why do you think you can pay less?