Union representing federal public sector calling for national inquiry into Phoenix pay system
Posted Mar 2, 2022 09:03:53 PM.
The largest union representing workers in the federal public sector is calling for a national public inquiry into the Phoenix pay system, six years after the system launched.
According to Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) national president Chris Aylward, the issues impacting the system continue, with the backlog at 141,000 cases and counting.
Aylward feels now is the time to launch an inquiry into the system, which he says cost taxpayers roughly $2 billion.
“It's just a complete mess, a complete fiasco, and it's become a national disgrace,” he told The Rob Snow Show on Wednesday, March 2. “That's why we're asking now, basically saying 'it's time for national inquiry, a public inquiry, into this Phoenix system and get to the bottom of it' because people have to be held accountable.”
Aylward adds there hasn't been a single pay periods without employees being affected, and that the system has impacted tens of thousands of people.
“We're talking like 300,000 people plus, now,” the union president explained. “You've got those who are still active working within the federal public sector, and you've got thousands who've retired since 2016 who are still suffering from pay issues.”
He clarifies the pay issues are continuing to affect those who have retired since their pension amounts will be impacted.
Meanwhile, Aylward believes the federal government needs to hire more compensation advisors, while also making damages for compensation non-taxable.
You can listen to the full interview with Aylward below:
