During negotiations with the Public Service Alliance of Canada yesterday, federal government negotiators tabled a proposal that would gut the sick leave provisions for employees of the federal public service.
- Treasury Board proposal for short term disability plan (PSAC copy)
- Treasury Board proposal for paid sick leave (PSAC copy)
If implemented, workers will be forced to choose between going to work sick or losing pay for basic necessities. The proposal would eliminate all accumulated sick leave for public servants, reduce the amount of annual sick leave to 37.5 hours a year subject to the absolute discretion of the employer, and institute a 7-day waiting period without pay before people can access short-term disability benefits.
The government is proposing to carve out this important negotiated benefit from collective agreements. “Instead of promoting a healthy workplace, the government is once again showing its disdain for its workers and for public services in general,” said Robyn Benson, National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.
“We will not entertain any proposal that weakens public services or the working conditions of our members.” The PSAC will continue to focus on measures to improve the delivery and quality of public services and make the federal public service an efficient and healthy workplace for the benefit of Canadians.
(Source: Public Service Alliance of Canada)
