In 2003, RCMP Commissioner Zaccardelli sent a message to RCMP employees, announcing the decision to abolish the Civilian Member category. Commissioner Zaccardelli reassured members that:
- The RCMP was “deeply committed to ensuring that employees are treated fairly and equitably, with respect and compassion.”
- Jobs will be protected.
- Employee benefits overall will not be negatively affected.
- Every effort will be made to ensure that there is no negative impact on any individual.
- “The COE Project Team is working on a package now that will ensure that there will be no overall benefit loss as a result of this decision (pay, sick leave, annual leave, etc.)”
On October 3, 2012, Commissioner Paulson testified before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, regarding Bill C-42. Commissioner Paulson told Parliament the RCMP would have to consult employees, to ensure that there is a fair allocation of the benefits to which Civilian Members are currently entitled, and review the mechanisms with Treasury Board to enable Civilian Members to “keep the current slate of benefits they have right now.”
The Institute has posted our proposals to maintain existing Civilian Member benefits, together with a summary of the Treasury Board’s proposal document, on the PIPSC web site at https://www.pipsc.ca/groups/rcmp
When you review the items identified by Treasury Board, you will see that Treasury Board is proposing to eliminate many of the superior conditions currently in place. Treasury Board has recognized some items as important for negotiations with the Institute, including:
- Sick Leave
- Annual Leave
- Funeral & Burial Entitlements
- Pre & Post Retirement Relocation
The Negotiations Team conducted our first negotiation sessions with Treasury Board and RCMP representatives in Ottawa, February 20 to 22, 2019. The employer team is comprised of a spokesperson and advisor from Treasury Board, supported by two representatives from the RCMP. We agreed to abide by Negotiations Protocol established between PIPSC and Treasury Board for Group negotiations, which includes confidentiality with respect to all items discussed during negotiations. This is customary and necessary to establish open dialogue and effective negotiations. While we cannot discuss specifics of what is being talked about during the meetings with Treasury Board, we will provide regular progress reports.
Based upon the proposals received from Treasury Board, you will see that we have our work cut out for us to ensure that the assurances made by former RCMP Commissioners to Civilian Members, and Parliament, hold true; that there will be no overall benefit loss.
Next negotiation sessions are scheduled for April 2 to 4, 2019. Regular updates will continue to be posted on the PIPSC web site at https://www.pipsc.ca/groups/rcmp and regular bulletins are being sent to members who have registered with PIPSC.
Our goal in negotiations is to protect our existing terms and conditions of employment. The support of us all is needed to achieve this goal.
You can contribute to the success of these negotiations by:
- Keeping informed on our progress and share this information with your colleagues.
- If you have not already done so, completing a membership form at: https://www.pipsc.ca/member-tools/application
This will ensure you receive regular updates on the negotiations and developments.
- Encouraging other members to complete a membership form.
On behalf of the RCMP CM Negotiations Team,
Daniel Chamberlain, Chair
Civilian Member