Summer may be coming to an end but the problems with Phoenix continue to plague public servants. Although it would be overly optimistic to suggest a fix is imminent, we are seeing some progress. For example, the government is now taking some long-term measures to find the root cause of the problems that have beset the pay modernization system.

Specifically, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has informed the Institute that it is assembling an “Inter-Department Analysis Team,” which will include representatives from various departments, the Treasury Board, vendors and the pay centre. Unions have also been invited to take part. The ministerial working group launched this spring is also reported to be meeting regularly, and we continue to pressure elected officials to do everything in their power to expedite a fix and ensure public servants have adequate access to resources. 

We have also been promised key changes to the pay call centres, as many members have often found them frustrating and of little assistance. Over the last year we have called on PSPC to make the staff in the call centres permanent and equip them to better assist employees.  As we receive updates on new developments we will be sure to keep you posted. 

In the event that your pay issue is not resolved, we encourage you to contact your local Employment Relations Officer (ERO) in the regional office nearest to you to help resolve the issue and access emergency or priority pay where the situation warrants.

On April 28, 2017, the Institute filed two policy grievances against the Employer on behalf of members. You can read more about these policy grievances here.

To help us keep the pressure on government to fix Phoenix, we encourage members to wear a “Fix Phoenix” button, available by contacting bettertogether@pipsc.ca.

To our members at the Department of National Defence (DND),

As you are certainly aware, the federal government has just awarded a huge $5B contract to the private sector “for in service support, including refit, repair and maintenance and training for the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and Joint Support Ships (JSS).”

This latest example of the Department’s over-reliance on outsourced services follows the recent Strong, Secure, and Engaged report, which left little doubt that outsourcing will form a major part of DND’s future. The government appears unwilling to acknowledge the need to invest in its own professionals, who work tirelessly to support the Canadian military.

Instead of outsourcing Canada’s security and defence capability to the private sector, DND should reduce its dependence on external contractors and begin reinvesting in the public service professionals it already employs. Decreasing federal reliance on public-private partnerships should also be a priority.

I have written to the Minister of National Defence not only to make sure he is aware of our members’ concerns, but to call for an immediate review of this procurement strategy and the extent of contracted out services in the Department. Such a review is essential to ensure that investments are being made in the public interest, not those of profit-driven multinational corporations.

In Solidarity,

Debi Daviau
President