Dear Members,
I wish you, your families and friends a very happy and healthy Spring.
I am very pleased to announce that I recently signed two Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) with NRC regarding additional compensation for issues related to the Phoenix payroll system; for general damages and implementation.
The amounts are based on the number of fiscal years you were employed and a member of the RCEA. Additional compensation will be $400 for 2016-17, and $200 for each of the 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 fiscal years. This is in addition to the 5 days of leave you already received for the Phoenix Damages agreement that was signed on June 19, 2019. The previous 2019 agreement had all members receive a gross payment of $400 in recognition of the extended time lines to implement the last agreement. A new amount, negotiated by the PSAC was $500, therefore all RCEA members will receive the difference of $100.
It is unclear when these payments will be processed. Current members that meet the eligibility criteria do not need to take any further action to request the payment. Former members will need to submit a claim to receive the payments; that form will be available in the coming weeks on the TBS and RCEA websites.
It is important to note that all of the amounts identified in these agreements are gross amounts and will be subject to normal statutory deductions. You can find much more information on the RCEA website under Latest News.
This is great news for RCEA members, past and present, who have been hit hard with pay issues due to Phoenix. Whether or not your pay was directly impacted, the stress of a failed pay system has affected many members.
Consultation meetings for all federal Bargaining Agents and Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) continue every 2 weeks. One recent question inquired about employees who will be receiving 2 vaccinations. TBS has communicated that both vaccinations are considered one dose and time off and /or needed will be given to employees. Employers should do their best to accommodate the 2 vaccination appointments, and employees should give as much notice as possible to their supervisors/managers.
The RCEA will be establishing an Elections Committee in the Spring of 2021. At the moment we have 3 volunteers, and require a few more. Therefore, if any RCEA member has interest in volunteering and joining this committee, please contact the office at office@rcea.ca
On a sad note, former RCEA President (1993-2004) and OP Chair and member, Wayne Findlay, passed away March 9, 2021. An In-Memoriam and link to the Ottawa Citizen obituary is on our website under Latest News. The RCEA membership, officers and staff thank Wayne for his contribution to the RCEA by donating a tree in his name, and have sent our condolences to Wayne’s family. Wayne will be missed.
You can always reach me and the office by email or phone.
Stay well.
Sincerely,
