Media Advisory: After three years of Phoenix, Federal government workers in Victoria rally, call on Prime Minister to move quickly at the bargaining table and to do more to solve pay problems

Media Advisory: After three years of Phoenix, Federal government workers in Victoria rally, call on Prime Minister to move quickly at the bargaining table and to do more to solve pay problems

Victoria – On March 22, just over three years after the roll out of the disastrous Phoenix payroll system, union members in Victoria are rallying to remind the Prime Minister that time is running out to make good on his commitment to support public service workers and the vital services they provide.

• Date: Friday March 22, 2019
• Time: rally from 12PM – 1PM
• Location: 1230 Government Street, Victoria
• Speakers:
  • Chris Aylward, National President, Public Service Alliance of Canada
  • Magali Picard, National Executive Vice President, Public Service Alliance of Canada
  • Randall Garrison, Member of Parliament for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke
  • Laird Cronk, President, BC Federation of Labour

In a 2015 letter to public service workers, Justin Trudeau committed to restoring the government’s "trust in — and respect for — our public servants” and more recently, Trudeau has recognized that public service workers “continue to show unwavering professionalism as they face unacceptable hardships caused by the implementation of the Phoenix pay system.”

“Over the last four years, the Prime Minister has said all the right things about the public service,” says Chris Aylward, PSAC National President. “But actions speak louder than words, and PSAC members are still waiting for him to deliver on his commitment to them. They’re still waiting to get paid properly under Phoenix and they’re still waiting to be compensated for all the hardships they’ve endured because of these countless pay problems. The 90,000 workers covered by Treasury Board who are currently in negotiations with the government shouldn’t also have to wait for the fair working conditions they deserve.”

“The window of opportunity for Trudeau to deliver on his commitment to support public service workers and the vital services they provide Canadians is closing, but it’s still there. This means delivering a fair contract for our members before the next election – PSAC members in Victoria are taking action on Friday and will not let him off the hook.”

Spokespeople will be available in both English and French.

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