Media Advisory: Federal public service workers rally in Nanaimo to call on government to fix the problem-plagued Phoenix pay system.

Nanaimo – Federal public service workers and allies will gather in Nanaimo at a rally calling on the government to take the measures necessary to ensure public service workers are paid correctly and on time.

• Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2017
• Time: 12:15PM to 12:45 PM
• Location: 60 Front Street, Nanaimo

“Federal government workers in Nanaimo worry constantly about whether or not they will receive a correct pay cheque, or one at all.” says Vanessa Miller, National Vice-President BC/YT, Canada Employment and Immigration Union. “We are calling on the government to take the necessary measures to fix the Phoenix pay system for good.”

The Phoenix payroll system used by the federal government has been riddled with problems since it was rolled out in early 2016. Tens of thousands of workers have been under-paid, paid late, or in some cases not paid at all.

“It has been over a year and a half since the pay system was rolled out and the government still can’t pay their workers correctly and on time for the vital work they do.” says Miller, “October 18th marks the 2nd anniversary of the federal election. When Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister he promised a new era of respect for public service workers. We’re rallying to tell Mr. Trudeau and our employers that we want to see that respect. The federal government must make fixing Phoenix their biggest priority.”

Speakers

• Ellen Oxman, Nanaimo and Duncan Labour Council President
• Vanessa Miller, CEIU National Vice President, BC/YT
• Michele Mitchell, a PSAC Member affected by Phoenix
• James Brierley, PSAC/CEIU Local 20947 President

Federal public service workers are proudly committed to providing the services Canadians depend on, yet thousands are still having financial troubles because they are not being paid correctly or on time.

For more information: Patrick Bragg, PSAC Communications, cell: (778) 889-3486