We have all been appalled by the bloodshed we’ve witnessed in the past three weeks.
The conflict in the Middle East has taken a personal toll on PIPSC members with a direct connection to the region. We have members who have lost loved ones in the Hamas attacks on October 7. Members who have lost loved ones in the Israeli response. Members who are worried for the safety of their loved ones across the region. And members who are facing growing Islamophobia, antisemitism and anti-Palestinian racism in our own communities.
We send these members our deepest condolences and our solidarity. We are in contact with the Muslim Federal Employees Network and the Jewish Public Servants' Network to monitor the experience of our members in the workplace and in the community. We stand united against any expression of hatred. We support our members in creating hate-free spaces for dialogue, engagement and solidarity at a time of grief and division.
PIPSC has added our support to a growing list of labour and civil society organizations in support of a ceasefire and humanitarian relief. Palestinians, Israelis, and all people in the region deserve to live in peace and security and with justice for all.
We invite all our members to reach out to colleagues inside our union who are directly impacted by this war. This is a time for solidarity and engagement. It’s also a time to reject hatred in all its forms. As a public servant, you are able to engage in rallies, petitions, letter-writing and other political actions that do not promote violence and/or hatred – but you must do so on your personal time (outside of work hours, during paid time off, etc.). If you have any additional questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact your steward.
PIPSC has put out a detailed guide for members of the Public Service Healthcare Plan to help navigate some of the more complex plan changes and explain the appeals processes when a claim is denied. Members are encouraged to review this document before reaching out to Canada Life, which continues to face significant and unacceptable backlogs in its PSHCP customer support centers. Members seeking information on their plan or have general questions, can read through our comprehensive guide and FAQ on our website before reaching out to the Canada Life call center. A webinar is also available to explain the updated plan.
For client issues, Canada Life is prioritizing urgent matters - such as coverage for high-cost drugs. Minor administrative and coverage errors will be addressed as capacity increases - please expect a significant delay. Should Canada Life deny a final appeal or should you not be able to reach them for an exceptionally urgent matter - such as costly treatment coverage - PIPSC can attempt to intervene and ask your claim to be given priority. We note that PIPSC does not have access to your Canada Life account.
PIPSC, other bargaining agents and the Retirees' Association continue to pressure the Treasury Board to demand better of Canada Life. This is not the level of service we expect or were promised. We thank our members for their ongoing patience through this frustrating transition and are taking measures to protect your interests.
All members (even those who don't have the PSHCP) are reminded that, through Service Plus, they can benefit from 90% coverage on prescription medication when filled at our pharmacy partner Mednow.
The public service healthcare plan covers most PIPSC members and their dependents, including retirees working in the Core Public Administration and at many separate employers.
A live stream of the PIPSC convention 2023, including the Annual General Meeting, will be available to members in good standing. The live stream will be of the main plenary and AGM business only.
If you would like to access the live steam you will need to register by November 21st using the following link: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
On July 8, 2023, the Isolated Posts and Government Housing Committee (the Committee) finalized its revised methodology for the calculation of the Shelter Cost Differential (SCD) contained in the Isolated Posts and Government Housing Directive (IPGHD).
Since 2013, the Committee's methodology involved adjusting the SCD rate annually, proportionally with increases to the territorial Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The purpose of the SCD is to provide an allowance to employees who are at an isolated post where the cost of renting private accommodation or government housing is higher than the national average threshold. However, as of August 1, 2023, the revised methodology for the calculation of the SCD came into effect.
What does this mean for you?
There are now 20 qualifying locations instead of 5 and the same methodology has been applied to all locations. Once a location qualifies, the rate will be adjusted annually by the provincial or territorial Consumer Price Index (CPI), as application, until the next Census results are available.
For employees in locations where the SCD rate is decreasing (Inuvik, Iqaluit, and Yellowknife), or who will no longer be eligible to receive the SCD (Norman Wells), transitional provisions for the reductions have been put in place.
Employees who were receiving the SCD at a location which no longer qualifies or if the rate is decreasing will continue to receive the August 1, 2022 amount until December 1, 2023. On December 1, the amount will decrease by 50% of the amount of the decrease and on September 1, 2024, the amount will decrease by the other 50%.
Because the SCD calculation and other changes made to the IPGHD are agreed upon through the National Joint Council, the changes cannot be grieved as long as they respect the directive.
Members can also contact their local PIPSC steward if they have any questions.
FAQ:
How will it be determined if I’m entitled to SCD?
The Committee now first looks at the average rent for three-bedroom accommodation at the point of departure. According to the Directive, the point of departure is "Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Moncton, Halifax, or St. John's, whichever of these places is the nearest to the headquarters of an employee by the most practical route and means of transportation."
Employees are only entitled to SCD if the average monthly rent for a 3-bedroom accommodation in the isolated post is higher than their national average threshold, which is the average cost of a 3-bedroom accommodation at the employee's point of departure, plus 15% (based on 2021 censuses).
I am a homeowner and not a renter, how will this impact me?
As of November 8, 2023, the NJC confirmed that the SCD will continue to be provided to renters and homeowners. Renting or owning will not be a factor considered when SCD is calculated. If there is a change to your allowance on the sole basis if you are a homeowner or renter, please consult your local PIPSC steward.
How will I know if my SCD will be reduced?
If there are any changes to your allowance, the employer should provide you with written notification. This is in accordance with subsection 2.13.2 of the Isolated Posts and Government Housing Directive(IPGHD). Any reduction will be done gradually through a transition period starting December 1, 2023.
Why can’t I file a grievance?
The changes were made through consultation at the National Joint Council (equal parts employer and bargaining unit, including PIPSC). The bargaining agent side representatives (including us and the PSAC) unanimously endorsed the new methodology, and the calculations must be done in accordance with the methodology. This was driven by data leading to entitlements in 14 additional communities. Therefore, if the changes affecting you are as a result of the application of the new directive, they are unlikely to be grievable.
When the change takes full effect on December 1, 2023, review your pay carefully. If you believe the calculations are incorrect or inaccurately applied, please consult your local PIPSC steward. This applies equally to renters and homeowners.
Steven Raphael is a PIPSC member and has been a First Nation Health Authority (FNHA) worker since 2011. He has been part of the PIPSC union community for 4 years and works with nurses, health managers, and medical office assistants to connect them to the networks of care they need.
“Sometimes there is a lot of stress for nurses trying to get access to medical records, so when I’m helping to troubleshoot a problem in our records system, I try to use positive language to help nurses feel like they’ve had a “win” in their day,” he says.
Through his work, Steven helps improve access to electronic clinical documentation systems, like Panorama Health Records, that help get British Columbians the care they need. Panorama gives nurses in BC communities direct access to individuals’ public health records. Steven’s work is important because he ensures healthcare providers get timely access to correct healthcare data for the individuals they care for.
He is proud of the relationships he has developed with nurses and healthcare providers at different First Nations health services organizations. Grassroots-level relationships are what drive positive change most in the communities Steven works with. He is also proud of the connections he has developed with stakeholders at the FNHA, and with provincial-level partners. Without these strong relationships, Steven says that developing better healthcare systems for First Nations wouldn’t be possible.
“Working with nurses and health managers directly as well as medical office assistants, those are all relationships. Without those relationships you don’t get buy-in and they don’t get that support, so it’s important.”
As a community member, dad and public service worker, Steven knows that community is at the center of good healthcare.
“It’s about the circle of care. The client is in the middle of that circle, and the healthcare providers focus on that inner circle, the client. I get to be a part of that,” he says.
Strong union support is a big part of making the healthcare circle work. Unions make sure that workers like Steven are able to get the support they need to deliver important services that impact patient care. During the pandemic, a big part of that was making sure Steven and his coworkers had what they needed to work and assist healthcare providers from home.
“If I had the same job offered to me, if I would do this exact same work for the exact same pay but not have the union benefit plan, I wouldn’t do it. This union has supported me, but it has also supported my employer,” he says. “I’m proud to be a PIPSC member because I’ve experienced their support directly.”
In 2013, Steven’s wife was diagnosed with cancer. Because of this, Steven’s employer and union came together to make sure he had everything he needed to continue being able to work while also looking after his wife and four daughters.
“It was thanks to the family support leave with PIPSC that I was able to leverage that time and support my family during that cancer fight,” he says.
Steven’s wife, Rochelle, passed away in 2019 after fighting cancer bravely for six years.
“Without union, hospice and other support from family, we probably wouldn’t have been so successful in keeping our lives together,” he added. “The union really helped me change my working hours, allowed me time to get my kids to school, walk with my youngest and support them in grieving the loss of their mom.”
Steven has experienced the healthcare system inside and out, and he knows how much hard work and dedication goes into creating a system that helps and supports families in times of need.
His primary goal is to ensure healthcare services continue to be developed by First Nations people for First Nations people, and as a union we stand by him. PIPSC will be there to support important public servants like Steven who make a difference in people’s lives every day.
The CLC is seeking representatives from PIPSC to represent our union on CLC advisory committees and working groups. These committees and working groups act in an advisory role to officers of the CLC and through them, the Canadian Council.
We are looking for PIPSC volunteers who have a passion for Canada’s labour movement and are willing to commit to the full duration of the 3-year term on behalf of PIPSC.
Read through the list of opportunities and then apply in the form below. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 29, 2023.
CLC Committees
Education Advisory Committee
The candidate should have experience on the PIPSC Training, Education and Mentoring Committee. The candidate will be a member or friend of the committee chosen by the committee.
Environmental Advisory Committee
The candidate must have a Science Degree and should be employed by a department or agency working on environmental sciences.
The candidate should be a member or friend of the Science Advisory Committee chosen by the committee.
Human Rights Advisory Committee
The candidate should come from a recognised Equity group.
The candidate should be a member or friend of the PIPSC Human Rights and Diversity Committee chosen by the committee.
Young Workers Advisory Committee
The candidate should be under forty years of age. The CLC requires thirty years of age but recognises that PIPSC has an age requirement of under forty years of age.
The candidate should have experience as a member of the National or Regional Youth committee.
Women
The candidate should self-identify as a woman.
Experience on Women’s committees is an asset.
Working groups
Disability Rights Working Group
The candidate should self-identify as someone with a disability.
Experience on Disabilities committees is an asset.
The candidate should be a member or become a friend on the PIPSC Human Rights and Diversity Committee and chosen by the committee.
Workers of Colour Working Group
Should be a member of a racialized group of people.
Experience on Workers of Colour committees is an asset.
The candidate should be a member or become a friend on the PIPSC Human Rights and Diversity Committee and chosen by the committee.
Indigenous Rights Working Group
The candidate must be a member of a recognised Indigenous Nation.
Experience on Indigenous Worker committees is an asset.
The candidate should be a member or become a friend on the PIPSC Human Rights and Diversity Committee and chosen by the committee.
Solidarity and Pride Working Group
The candidate should be a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Experience on Pride Workers committees is an asset.
The candidate should be a member or become a friend on the PIPSC Human Rights and Diversity Committee and chosen by the committee.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Glenn Schur on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. He is survived by his wife Regina, his two children Rebecca (Adam) and Sarah, his siblings Gary (Judy), Dale, and Bonnie, his step-sibling Jo Ann (Keith), and many other family members, friends, and loved ones. He is predeceased by his mother Evelyn (1961), his father Walter (1989), his step-brother David (2015), and his step-mother Isabel (2021).
Glenn was actively involved in his work unions and several associations during his retirement years. At different points, he was President of the Manitoba Seniors Golf Association, Acting President of the PIPSC Retired Members Guild for Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba, and Director for the National Association of Federal Retirees
Our deepest condolences to Glenn's family and friends as they go through this very difficult time.
After a valiant health battle, Bill has left us to reunite in heaven with his beloved mother, Isabel, & father, Robert Giggie. Left to mourn are his much-loved sister Rosalie Blackmore (late Robert) of the Miramichi, his cousin Dawn Goodridge in Ottawa, & extended family. He will be sorely missed by his best friend, Tom Simpson.
Bill was a long term Computer Programmer at Canada Post & remained active in the Federal Retirees Union for many years. Bill also offered his time and talents to many organizations, as a proud member of Eastview Branch of the Canadian Legion, the Ottawa Masonic Lodge, Tunis Shriners, Dominion Chalmers United Church & served for many years on the Board at Chateau Vanier. After retirement, he volunteered in a variety of charitable organizations.
Bill had a deep Christian faith that embraced everyone. He had an amazing, deep belly laugh and a unique perspective on life but one that respected other points of view. He will be missed by so many,
A Celebration of Bill's Life was held at Tubman Funeral Homes, Garden Chapel, Ottawa. Interment will be made in the Miramichi, New Brunswick. Donations to the United Church of Canada would be appreciated.
By 1993, Bill Giggie was already a PIPSC legend, having served as a steward since 1972. He received the PIPSC Service Award in 1989 and the PIPSC Life Membership Award in 1993. Bill started his stewardship as an employee of Canada Post (which in 1981 became a Crown Corporation).
Before 1981, Bill chaired the CS Group and the CS Bargaining Team three times. Between 1981 and 1993, he was the CPC-CS Group and Bargaining Team Chair.
Bill may well standout as the longest serving member on the PIPSC Board of Directors, serving from 1977 to 2001, which included the position of Vice-President from 1981 to 1988.
Over his decades-of long devotion to the Institute and its members, Bill chaired most PIPSC National Committees including the Group Advisory Committee (5 years from 1985 to 1990), Bylaws (2 years), Finance (2 years) and Member Services.
He has been a member of the Retired Members Guild since its inception. Bill has also served on the RMG Executive since 2003, ascending from Treasurer to President in 2006.
Among many other issues, Bill continues to devote his energies to defending our pensions, pushing for health and dental improvements and supporting PIPSC members who are facing formidable, ongoing challenges in the workplace.
Retirement from public service never slowed Bill down. A dedicated union activist for decades, always a gentleman but tough when needed, Bill has been at the forefront of the PIPSC movement, fearlessly fighting the good fight, and defending the rights and interests of members and retirees, for some 46 years.
The current federal government was re-elected in 2021 on a promise to implement a ban on scabs and has reiterated this commitment in its cooperation agreement with the NDP with a promise to enact this legislation by the end of 2023. Yet, no action has been taken, and the time to pass legislation is running out.
We need to hold MPs accountable and urge the government to adopt a meaningful prohibition on the temporary use of scabs. A ban on scabs would affect 22,000 employers and 1 million employees in the federally-regulated industries, including many PIPSC members. Your support and attendance matters.
Join the rally next Tuesday. The PIPSC contingent will meet at 11AM in front of the Parliament LRT station and leave to march to Parliament Hill at 11:15AM sharp.
Please keep in mind that attending the rally is voluntary and that you must join the rally on your own time (for example, your unpaid lunch break).
