Media Advisory: After four years of Phoenix, federal workers in Victoria rally, call on Prime Minister to move quickly at the bargaining table

The government must also provide fair compensation for the Phoenix pay disaster and do more to solve pay problems

Victoria – On March 6, just over four years after the roll out of the disastrous Phoenix payroll system, union members in Victoria are rallying to increase the pressure for government action at the bargaining table and on the disastrous Phoenix pay system.

• Date: Friday March 6, 2020
• Time: rally starting at 12PM
• Location: 1230 Government Street, Victoria

Speakers:

• Chris Aylward, National President, Public Service Alliance of Canada
• Randall Garrison, Member of Parliament for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke
• Laird Cronk, President, BC Federation of Labour
• Darlene Gallant, President, Victoria Labour Council

After years without a contract, PSAC members are demanding the government stop dragging its feet and come to the bargaining table prepared to negotiate new collective agreements which include fair wage increases, working conditions that make balancing family and work possible and a Phoenix settlement that is fair and equal.

And, as the Phoenix pay disaster hits the four-year mark with no end in sight, PSAC members are calling for fair compensation for the hardships they have endured and for the government to dedicate more staff and resources to prevent new pay issues, resolve pay problems faster, and to stabilize the system as soon as possible. 

“The government’s current offer falls short on all fronts,” says Chris Aylward, PSAC National President, “They have yet to table wage increases that would ensure rises in the cost of living are met, and their Phoenix compensation proposal remains meagre and unequal across the public service.”

More than 90,000 members working at Treasury Board will be voting on taking job action at meetings to be held across Canada starting March 16. Strike votes for the 27,000 members of the Canada Revenue Agency bargaining unit are already underway. 

Just under 3,000 PSAC members live and work on the southern part of Vancouver Island.

For more information or to schedule an interview: Patrick Bragg, PSAC Communications, cell: (778) 889-3486