PSAC Pay Equity

July 4, 2005

PSAC protests long wait for Canada Post pay equity decision

There are some anniversaries that you would rather not celebrate.  Waiting for pay equity is that type of anniversary.  On June 27, 2005, PSAC/UPCE members at Canada Post marked the passing of two years since the Human Rights Tribunal assigned to their pay equity complaint completed its hearings.

Our members have waited patiently for the Tribunal to prepare and issue its report.  However, after nearly 22 years since the complaint was first filed, enough is enough.

On June 30, PSAC National President wrote to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Registrar asking that the necessary steps be taken to get this decision issued without further delay. 

This complaint is a classic example of the need for better pay equity legislation.  The Canadian Labour Congress, PSAC and other unions and organizations are continuing to pressure the Liberal government to implement the recommendations made by the federal Pay Equity Task Force.  Their May 2004 report recognized the deficiencies in the current law and called on the government to enact proactive pay equity legislation.

June 30th, 2005

Mr. Gregory M. Smith
Registrar
Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
11th Floor, 160 Elgin Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 1J4

Dear Mr. Smith:

Re:              Canada Post Equal Pay Tribunal Decision

It is with some regret that I find it necessary to write this letter.

The current and former Canada Post employees and PSAC members affected by this complaint have now been waiting nearly twenty-two years for a decision regarding this case.  After enduring an investigation process that did not conclude until 1992, our current and former members patiently awaited the completion of the Tribunal’s hearings.  This latter process itself consumed eleven years and on June 27th 2003, our current and former members began their vigil awaiting the Tribunal’s decision.

At that time, all concerned recognized that a decision from the Tribunal could not be expected for some time.   June 27th 2005, marked the second anniversary of the end of the hearing stage of this case and regrettably, we continue to await the Tribunal’s decision.

 The PSAC is fully cognizant of the magnitude of the record and the number of issues raised in this case.  Nonetheless, we are dismayed by the length of time that has transpired since the hearings concluded and we believe that this Tribunal’s decision is overdue.  The PSAC calls upon this Tribunal to take all appropriate steps to issue its decision as soon as possible and without further delay.

Sincerely

Nycole Turmel
National President
Public Service Alliance of Canada

cc.      L. Guevremont