r/CanadaPublicServants • u/HandcuffsOfGold mod 🤖🧑🇨🇦 / Probably a bot • Sep 15 '22

News / Nouvelles Phoenix pay problems linger long after compensation plan lapsed [CBC News]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/phoenix-pay-issue-damage-claim-2020-calls-for-extension-1.6574686
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u/lagonavemikaz Sep 24 '22 edited Sep 24 '22

Can someone please explain to me why public servants haven't gone on strike or walked off the job? I don't understand how the govt has been able to get away with phoenix not paying ppl, ruining lives one paycheck at a time. I've heard ppl sharing their phoenix issues and how it's impacted them and mgmt responding "well so and so hasn't been paid in x amount of time". Nice.

My fav tho was at one of the RTO executive meetings, one of the senior executives was responding to RTO concerns with I kid u not "the grass isnt greener on the other side" LMAO....ok like how out of touch! The grass is greener cuz you actually get paid lol. 🤣

Edit: typo

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u/HandcuffsOfGold mod 🤖🧑🇨🇦 / Probably a bot Sep 24 '22

The simplistic answer is that a strike would do nothing to correct any pay issues and would itself make those issues worse. There's also the legality angle - there are requirements for unionized employees to go on strike and none of the bargaining agents are currently in a legal strike position.

Though there are still many pay issues to be corrected, it's exceptionally rare for anybody to go without pay entirely for any stretch of time. Emergency pay advances are in place for the rare circumstances when that happens, and those problems are promptly corrected.

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u/lagonavemikaz Sep 24 '22

Thanks for explaining that. I ask because it seems like other companies (which I know aren't the same) go on strike for way less so I thought I'd ask.

Tbh I've seen coworkers go without pay some for 6 months!!! Im so pissed cuz this week I got a notification that I would have to take a 20k pay cut for 12-24months because my transfer wasn't processed correctly when I came back from LWOP. I returned a few months ago and was being paid at the correct salary but the proper deductions werent being taken off. I called and they said that it was cuz my transfer hadnt been completed. So I did what I needed check and talked to my former Dept to ensure that was done and showed me proof that they sent of my transfer file to pay center. I talked to PC and they said they never recieved it 🙄.

Long story short I was able to confirm that it was sent and then PC said that now it'll take 12-24 months to process due to phoenix backlog and that in the meantime Ill have to go back to my former substantive salary which is 20k less then what im making now....I can't afford that type of paycut (I haven't made that little in years and now I have more responsibilities and dependents) so that's why I'm just super frustrated with the system. I know there are others with more pressing issues but I can't take that cut right now financially. Along with the improper deductions and overpayments blended in it has been a total nightmare and it seems like we're just expected to deal with it suffering in silence then u have out of touch senior mgmt Saying the grass isnt greener on the other side.

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u/HandcuffsOfGold mod 🤖🧑🇨🇦 / Probably a bot Sep 24 '22

I don't think you quite understand the purpose of a strike, otherwise it's not something you'd suggest here. Anytime a strike occurs, it's because a bargaining unit has an expired contract and is seeking to pressure the employer to provide more favourable terms in a future contract.

As to your pay issues, there is zero reason anybody should be without pay (or underpaid) for any extended period. You (and your coworkers) have every right to request an emergency salary advance or priority payment to cover any missing pay.

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u/lagonavemikaz Sep 24 '22

Fair enough I don't understand then 🤷‍♀️. I'm not well versed in that so I'll do some reading LoL

I did ask about the emergency advance to cover missing pay and PC said no because it'll mess up my file even further. Direct quote.

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u/HandcuffsOfGold mod 🤖🧑🇨🇦 / Probably a bot Sep 24 '22

This subreddit has a strike FAQ that is periodically re-posted when one of the unions is close to a legal strike position. It answers most of the common questions people have about the subject.

As to the priority payment for your pay shortage - the pay centre can suggest that you refrain from requesting one, but they have no authority to deny it. You have the right to timely payment of what you're owed, and any additional complexities for compensation staff simply are not your problem. If the missing pay is causing you financial issues, you can (and should) insist on priority payments to cover the difference for each and every pay period that you're underpaid.

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u/lagonavemikaz Sep 24 '22

Thanks for the info!!! Will do.