Critical Services and Exceptions to Telework

source (psaunion.ca)

Critical services and exceptions to telework

As the government has moved to address the COVID-19 pandemic, the definition of “critical” services has played a significant role in determining which operations must continue uninterrupted, and by extension which ones must continue being conducted from the workplace rather than home.

Communication from government employers and media has used terms like “essential” alongside words like “critical” and it has created some confusion for members looking to understand how their managers are making decisions and how it will impact working conditions. It has also been clear to many that telework directives have not been applied universally or at the same speed across departments and agencies in the public service. It is extremely worrying for many since this will have significant implications on their health & safety, family life, and overall wellbeing.

We can confirm that PSAC President Chris Aylward and the heads of other federal unions have asked Treasury Board to clarify the meaning of the term “critical service” and how managers are to make staffing decisions based on these designations. Treasury Board has agreed to address this in their upcoming directives.

Essential and critical are not the same thing

The term essential services is meant to be used to describe which employees must continue their work in the context of collective bargaining and potential labour disruptions. Whether a worker has been designated as essential in the past has no part in determining whether they must work from home or the workplace during this global pandemic.

What if I disagree with my manager’s decision?

Some members have reported that they have been asked to continue their operations from their workplace but that they feel they could just as easily do the work from home. In other cases they have been asked to go into the workplace to continue work they don’t think is necessary for critical government operations.

In these cases PSAC would urge members who cannot reach a resolution with their manager to speak with their local union or a representative from their component union for support.

If you are asked to physically go into work you and feel that the appropriate precautions aren’t being taken by the employer, you have the right to refuse dangerous work.

Topics: 

March 18, 2020

COVID-19 Update – March 17, 2020 / Mise à jour sur la COVID-19 – 17 mars 2020

COVID-19 Update – March 17, 2020

Hello Sisters and Brothers,

As a result of the many discussions we have had with the employer over the past few days, please find below a message from the CRA Commissioners’ Office.

As you will see, additional measures are being put in place to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and to significantly reduce the number of employees who will be working in the various CRA offices.

 

Benefit payments to beneficiaries and related functions deemed essential will be maintained but with a reduced presence in the workplace.

Agency offices will not necessarily close.

 

But it is clear that tax centres will see a significant reduction in the number of employees coming to their premises.

Initial (T1) returns will not be processed as usual. Only those transactions necessary for recipients to obtain their benefits will still be done.

As for the call centres, their capacity will be significantly reduced and work will be done almost exclusively remotely.

We will continue to monitor the situation very closely and will therefore be in daily contact with the employer.

 

We will of course keep you informed of any important developments.

Finally, I would like to inform you that we will be issuing a message to our members as soon as possible.

In solidarity,

 

Bonjour consoeurs et confrères,

Suite aux nombreuses discussions que nous avons eu avec l’employeur au cours des derniers jours, veuillez trouver ci-dessous un message provenant du bureau des commissaires de l’ARC.

Comme vous le constaterez, des mesures supplémentaires sont mises en place afin de diminuer le risque de propagation de la COVID-19 et de réduire de façon significative le nombre d’employés qui travailleront dans les différents bureaux de l’ARC.

 

Les versements de prestations aux bénéficiaires et les fonctions connexes jugées essentielles seront maintenus mais avec une présence réduite sur les lieux de travail.

Les bureaux de l’Agence ne vont pas nécessairement fermer leurs portes.

 

Mais il est clair que les centres fiscaux verront une réduction importante des employés qui viennent dans leurs locaux.

Les déclarations initiales (T1) ne seront pas traités comme d’habitude. Seules les opérations nécessaires aux bénéficiaires pour obtenir leurs prestations seront encore effectuées.

Quant aux centres d’appels, leur capacité sera considérablement réduite et le travail sera effectué presque exclusivement à distance.

Nous continuerons de suivre l’évolution de la situation de très près et allons donc avoir des contacts quotidiens avec l’employeur.

Nous vous tiendrons évidemment au courant de tout développement important.

Finalement, je tiens à vous informer que nous émettrons un message à l’intention de nos membres le plus rapidement possible.

En toute solidarité,

Marc Brière

Président national / National President

Syndicat des employé-e-s de l’Impôt / Union of Taxation Employees

 

 

 

English version *** La version française suit ***

 

 

 

Good afternoon,

 

Like other departments and agencies across the federal government, the CRA has fundamental responsibility to continue to provide certain critical services to Canadians, and to contribute to the wider Government of Canada pandemic effort. If some of us are being asked to continue reporting to work, either in the workplace or remotely, it is because we are providing a critical services to Canadians. Your efforts during this difficult time are appreciated.

 

Since our last message, the situation has continued to evolve. Today, we are announcing further changes to workplace restrictions to ensure your health and safety, and to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Effective today, March 17, 2020, and until April 5, 2020: 

 

  • We will continue to ensure the continuity of benefits payments to benefit recipients and associated functions, but will be proceeding with a more limited on site presence in HQ and the field.
  • We will respond to incoming calls received in CRA’s call centres, which will operate at a significantly reduced capacity by relying almost exclusively on our remote call centre workforce for the remainder of the week.
  • We continue to be in a position to support activities associated with the CRA’s contribution to the Government of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as it relates to supporting Canada’s economic resilience during the pandemic. At this time, these activities mainly involve contributions from Headquarters personnel in the Assessment, Benefits and Services Branch (ABSB) and the Information Technology Branch (ITB) that can, for the most part, be performed remotely.
  • We will, of course, continue to support activities associated with the CRA’s internal management of our organization’s response to the pandemic, especially as it relates to the safety and security of our workforce, and that can, for the most part, be performed remotely.

 

As more remote working equipment becomes available, over the next 24 hours, managers will be reaching out to those of you who are impacted by these changes to ensure you are set up and able to work remotely. If you have any questions, please reach out to your manager.

 

This latest direction reflects our discussions with our union colleagues, who, together with CRA senior management, have been considering how best to implement increased measures to ensure the health and safety of those employees who need to perform critical functions in the workplace, while helping to minimize the spread of the virus. We are grateful for their ongoing collaboration.

 

Many of us have been continuing to work since COVID-19, some of us in the workplace, others remotely, and many at a more intense pace as we continue to monitor developments and manage the Agency’s response. We wish to thank you, our employees, for your understanding and your continued dedication to service to Canadians as we continue to adjust to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.

 

We recognize this situation is causing a great deal of stress for many of you and your friends and families. Please remember you and your family members can reach out to the Employee Assistance Program if you need support.

 

We will continue to monitor the situation and will share updates with you as information becomes available.

 

 

 

 

Canada Revenue Agency – Selected as one of the
Top 100 Employers in Canada for the third year in a row!

 

To protect the environment, please read this message on your computer screen.

Managers should make sure that staff who do not have access to email receive this information.

 

 

 

Version française *** The English version precedes ***

 

 

 

Bon après-midi,

 

Comme d’autres ministères et agences au sein du gouvernement fédéral, l’ARC a une responsabilité fondamentale de continuer à fournir des services essentiels aux Canadiens et de contribuer à l’effort plus large du Gouvernement du Canada en ce qui concerne la pandémie. Si certains d’entre nous devons continuer soit à nous présenter au travail, soit de travailler à distance, c’est parce que nous fournissons un service essentiel aux Canadiens. Vos efforts pendant ces circonstances difficiles sont appréciés.

 

Depuis notre dernier message, la situation a évolué. Aujourd’hui, nous annonçons d’autres changements aux restrictions relatives à notre milieu de travail afin d’assurer votre santé et sécurité, et de minimiser le risque de propagation de COVID-19. À compter d’aujourd’hui, le 17 mars 2020, et jusqu’au 5 avril 2020 :

 

  • Nous allons continuer de maintenir les versements de prestations aux bénéficiaires et les fonctions connexes, mais avec une présence réduite sur les lieux de travail tant à l’administration centrale que sur le terrain.
  • Nous répondrons aux appels critiques reçus dans les centres d’appel, mais avec une capacité réduite de façon significative d’ici la fin de la semaine, alors que nous nous appuierons presqu’exclusivement sur nos agents pouvant travailler à distance.
  • Nous sommes toujours en mesure d’appuyer les activités associées à la contribution de l’Agence à la réponse du gouvernement du Canada à la pandémie COVID-19, surtout pour ce qui est de soutenir la résistance économique du Canada pendant la pandémie. À l’heure actuelle, ces activités impliquent principalement des contributions d’employés du côté de l’administration centrale au sein des directions générales de Cotisation, de prestation et de service (DGCPS), et des Technologies de l’information (DGTI) qui peuvent, dans la plupart des cas, être effectuées à distance.
  • Nous continuerons également d’appuyer les activités associées à la gestion interne de l’Agence au sujet de la réponse de notre organisation à la pandémie, surtout en ce qui concerne la santé et la sécurité de notre personnel, qui peuvent, dans la plupart des cas, être effectuées à distance.

 

Au fur et à mesure que l’équipement permettant de travailler à distance deviendra disponible, au cours des 24 prochaines heures, les gestionnaires contacteront ceux d’entre vous qui seront affectés par ces changements pour s’assurer que vous êtes en mesure de travailler à distance. Si vous avez des questions, veuillez communiquer avec votre gestionnaire. .

 

Cette directive reflète les discussions que nous avons eues avec nos partenaires syndicaux qui, tout comme la haute gestion de l’ARC, considèrent les meilleures façons de mettre en œuvre des mesures accrues afin d’assurer la santé et la sécurité des employés qui doivent effectuer des services essentiels en milieu de travail, tout en contribuant à minimiser la propagation du virus. Nous apprécions leur collaboration.

 

Plusieurs d’entre nous avons continué à travailler depuis la déclaration d’une pandémie, certains d’entre nous en milieu de travail, d’autres à distance, et plusieurs à un rythme plus intense alors que nous surveillons les développements et contribuons à répondre à la situation. Nous tenons à vous remercier, vous, nos employés, pour votre compréhension et votre dévouement au service des Canadiens pendant que nous continuer à réagir à cette situation en constante évolution.

 

Nous reconnaissons que cette situation cause beaucoup de stress pour plusieurs d’entre vous, pour vos amis et les membres de votre famille. N’oubliez pas que vous et les membres de votre famille pouvez communiquer avec le Programme d’aide aux employés si vous avez besoin d’appui.

 

Nous continuons de surveiller la situation et ferons d’autres mises à jour à mesure que l’information sera disponible.

 

 

 

 

L’Agence du revenu du Canada – Choisie comme l’un des 100 meilleurs employeurs au Canada pour la troisième année consécutive (disponible en anglais seulement)!

 

Protégez l’environnement : lisez ce courriel à l’écran au lieu de l’imprimer.

Les gestionnaires doivent s’assurer que les employés qui n’ont pas accès au courriel reçoivent cette information.

 

COVID-19: Your Rights at Work

PSAC will be updating this page (link) moving forward as new information becomes available.

(http://psacunion.ca/covid-19-your-rights-work)

Please view the page for updated information on

  • employer’s responsibilities and my rights in the workplace
  • leave information regarding self-isolation and quarantine
  • telework questions
  • leave related to closed schools and daycares
  • family member infections
  • mental health
  • discrimination related to the virus

UTE Annual General Meeting 2020

AGM Meeting Postponed Until Further Notice

UTE Annual General Meeting 2020

Our Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Thursday ‪April 23, 2020, at 5:30 p.m.‬ at the Toronto Novotel Hotel on 45 The Esplande, Toronto ON. The cost is $10 and it will be refundable back to you at the door once you sign in. Dinner will be provided. All members of our local in good standing are invited to attend and participate.

At the AGM, our budget is passed, by-laws are amended, we also discuss bargaining and other important matters. This is your opportunity to contribute to the decision-making in the local. Please RSVP to one of your UTE Reps in Toronto Centre TSO.

Please see one of the reps below for your ticket(s):

  • Andria Cullen – 2nd floor
  • Thomas McInnis – 1st floor HR
  • Vona Martin – 3rd floor
  • Vashti Conner – 2nd floor
  • Mike Chenard – 3rd floor
  • Rob Muir (M, W or F) – 3rd floor

PSAC-UTE files a bad faith bargaining charge against CRA

PSAC-UTE files a bad faith bargaining charge against CRA


March 2, 2020

Our bargaining team was surprised – to say the least – to see the Canada Revenue Agency’s email to all staff regarding our current negotiations two weeks ago. “This desperate attempt by CRA to mislead and influence our members on the eve of the strike vote is completely unacceptable. It is dishonest and disrespectful to our members.” stated Marc Brière, National President of the Union of Taxation Employees. 
 
As advised by our legal counsel, PSAC has come to the conclusion that the communication is necessary grounds to take legal action. Therefore, PSAC has filed a bad faith bargaining charge against CRA with the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.
 
“Our members are not fooled and see right through the employer's game. The support we've received so far in getting a strike mandate is just unbelievable! The CRA and Treasury Board are finally starting to understand the serious mistake they have made in dragging out negotiations unduly and showing a total lack of respect for our members. They are panicking and rightfully so! For the first time in its history, there might be a strike at the Agency in the middle of peak tax season. And they will only have themselves to blame. Enough is enough!” 
 
Support your bargaining team at our upcoming strike votes to make sure we can return to the bargaining table in a strong position to get a fair contract and make CRA a better place to work.
 

We deserve a fair contract now, and getting a strong strike mandate from our membership is the best way to get it.

For more information on the strike votes, please check our Frequently Asked Questions.

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January 2020 Updates and February Bargaining Update

CRA BARGAINING: STRIKE VOTES TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY

February 3, 2020

PSAC-UTE will begin holding strike votes beginning on February 17.

The union have been negotiating in good faith for a new collective agreement with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) since June 2018, but CRA management has consistently refused to address our members’ concerns and has instead insisted on a range of concessions.

It has now been more than four years since we last received a wage increase in November 2015, yet the Agency keeps rejecting our wage proposal. Even worse, in all this time, management has not even bothered to respond to us with its own monetary proposal. It’s just not possible to negotiate when the other party doesn’t even care enough to make a counteroffer.

The government also continues to reject our proposals to improve work-life balance, increase job security for term employees, and enhance working conditions in call centres.

The Agency’s failure to reach a new agreement with us has meant that working conditions at the CRA have suffered, which also means that the service we proudly provide Canadians is suffering.

A Public Interest Commission (PIC) wrapped up on January 20 and we expect a PIC report with non-binding recommendations for a contract settlement later this winter. While we are of course open to meeting with CRA management to reach an agreement at any time, the time has also come for us—together, as a union—to take a stand.

We need to show CRA management and the government that we’ve had enough and that we won’t let them drag this out any longer.

We deserve a fair contract now, and getting a strong strike mandate from our membership is the best way to get it.

For more information on the strike votes, please check our Frequently Asked Questions.

Previous Bargaining updates

Management reaffirms concessions and rejects contract improvements – Jan. 23, 2020

Customer Service Issues at the Canada Revenue Agency’s Call Centers – Jan. 17, 2020

Mobilization/Political Action Activities / Activités de mobilisation et d’action politique

Hello Sisters and Brothers,

As you know, negotiations between your Union of Taxation Employees-PSAC bargaining team and the Canada Revenue Agency are at a standstill.

As mentioned in the communique issued by our bargaining team on Friday, May 10, as well as in the video released on the same day, our negotiator contacted the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board to reactivate our request for the establishment of a Public Interest Commission (PIC) to help the parties resolve their dispute.

In that video, I told our members that we would not sit idly by in such a situation and that we would inform them of the actions to be taken to make their dissatisfaction known to the employer and to federal MPs.

Our members deserve a fair and equitable contract now!

In addition, while the PSAC will continue to negotiate with the federal government to obtain fair compensation for our members who continue to suffer damage as a result of the Phoenix payroll system, we must mobilize to increase pressure on the government.

It is time to stand up to the CRA and the government!

Enough is enough!

Here are the next steps:

A video will be released tomorrow in which I will inform members that I will send them an email message asking them to write to the Minister of National Revenue, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, to tell her that she needs to make it right! We will provide them with a text that they can use, but they will also be able to modify this text to personalize it to their liking. By inserting their postal code into an electronic tool provided to them, a copy of the message will also be sent to the Member of Parliament for their riding.

Please note that I will also forward this email to all Locals on Wednesday so that you can forward it to your members by email.

This will help us reach as many members as possible.

But we need to do more.

We also need to talk to members of the House of Commons.

I will therefore ask all members of the Union of Taxation Employees (UTE) to contact their MP's office to make an appointment to express their dissatisfaction and ask their MP to pass the message on and put pressure on the Liberal government and the Canada Revenue Agency.

In the video, I also inform members that a lobbying kit containing talking points has been sent to all our Locals and will be distributed to them as soon as possible.

You will find attached the lobbying kit containing talking points specific to the negotiations as well as another document containing talking points about Phoenix and the compensation we are asking for our members and the issue of the Single Income-Tax Return in Quebec.

I ask you to use this kit when you are lobbying MPs.

Please also provide the lobbying kit to your members through your regular communication channels such as your email distribution list and/or by plantgating a paper copy at your office.

Finally, I ask all UTE Locals to continue to organize demonstrations of solidarity in the coming weeks to support our bargaining team and to maintain the pressure on the Agency.

I am aware that I am asking you a lot, but the issues we face are too important not to take action.

Each Regional Vice-President will be in contact with his or her Locals to follow up and provide any assistance you may require.

I have no doubt about your dedication to our members and our union and I sincerely thank you for your involvement and I am confident that together we can accomplish great things.

Solidarity is the key to success!

Bonjour consoeurs et confrères,

Comme vous le savez, les négociations entre votre équipe de négos du Syndicat des employé-e-s de l’Impôt de l’AFPC et celle de l’Agence du revenu du Canada sont au point mort.

Tel que mentionné dans le communiqué émis par notre équipe de négociation vendredi le 10 mai dernier ainsi que dans le vidéo publié le même jour, notre négociateur a communiqué avec la Commission des relations de travail et de l’emploi dans le secteur public fédéral afin de réactiver notre demande que soit établi une Commission de l’intérêt public (CIP) afin d’aider les parties à régler leur différend.

Dans ce vidéo, j’affirmais à nos membres que nous ne resterions pas les bras croisés devant une telle situation et que nous les informerions quant aux actions à prendre afin de faire connaître leur mécontentement à l’employeur ainsi qu’aux députés fédéraux.

Nos membres méritent un contrat de travail juste et équitable et ce dès maintenant!

De plus, bien que l’AFPC poursuivra la négociation avec le gouvernement fédéral afin d’obtenir une juste compensation pour nos membres qui continuent de subir des préjudices à cause du système de paie Phénix, nous devons nous mobiliser afin d’augmenter la pression sur le gouvernement.

Il est temps de nous tenir debout face à l’ARC et au gouvernement!

Assez, c’est assez!

Voici les prochaines étapes :

Un vidéo sera publié demain dans lequel j’informerai les membres que je leur ferai parvenir un message par courriel afin de leur demander d’écrire à la Ministre du Revenu national, l’honorable Diane Lebouthillier, pour lui dire qu’on veut que ça bouge! Nous leur fournirons un texte qu’ils pourront utiliser mais il leur sera également possible de modifier ce texte afin de le personnaliser à leur goût. En insérant leur code postal dans un outil électronique qui leur sera fourni, le message sera également envoyé en copie conforme au député fédéral de leur circonscription.

Veuillez prendre note que je ferai également parvenir ce courriel mercredi à toutes les sections locales afin que vous puissiez le transmettre à vos membres par courriel. Ceci nous aidera à rejoindre le plus de membres possibles.

Mais nous devons en faire plus.

Nous devons aussi parler aux députés de la Chambre des Communes.

Je demanderai donc à tous les membres du Syndicat des employé-e-s de l’Impôt (SEI) de contacter le bureau de leur député afin de prendre rendez-vous pour faire connaître leur mécontentement et demander à leur député de passer le message et de mettre de la pression sur le gouvernement libéral et l’Agence du revenu du Canada.

Dans le vidéo, j’informe aussi les membres qu’une trousse de lobbying contenant des points de discussion a été envoyée à toutes nos sections locales et leur sera distribué par celles-ci dans les plus brefs délais.

Vous trouverez ci-joint la trousse de lobbying contenant des points de discussion spécifiques à la négociation ainsi qu’un autre document contenant des points de discussion au sujet de Phénix et des indemnités que nous demandons pour nos membres et concernant l’enjeu du rapport d’impôt unique au Québec.

Je vous demande d’utiliser cette trousse lorsque vous effectuerez vos activités de lobbying auprès des députés.

Veuillez également remettre la trousse de lobbying à vos membres par les canaux de communication habituels tels que via votre liste de distribution de courriels et/ou en effectuant une distribution en format papier à la porte de votre bureau.

Finalement, je demande à toutes les sections locales du SEI de continuer à organiser des démonstrations de solidarité au cours des prochaines semaines afin de soutenir notre équipe de négociation et pour maintenir la pression sur l’Agence.

Je suis conscient que je vous en demande beaucoup mais les enjeux auxquels nous faisons face sont trop importants pour ne pas prendre action.

Chaque Vice-président-e régional-e sera en contact avec ses sections locales afin d'effectuer les suivis nécessaires et d'apporter l'aide dont vous pourriez avoir besoin.

Je n’ai aucun doute concernant votre dévouement envers nos membres et notre syndicat et je vous remercie sincèrement de votre implication et je suis confiant qu’ensemble nous pouvons accomplir de grandes choses.

La solidarité est la clé du succès!

Marc Brière

Président national / National President

Syndicat des employé-e-s de l’Impôt / Union of Taxation Employees

Bargaining Update

Hi,

When bargaining began last June, I honestly didn’t think that almost a year later, I’d be writing this.

Despite all Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s promises to be different from Stephen Harper and restore respect for public service workers, his government has been unwilling to address our workplace concerns at the bargaining table.

The last two bargaining sessions were even held in the presence of a federal mediator, but still nothing.

Our various proposals to improve working conditions have been ignored. The government is also resisting fair wage increases even though our last raise was in November 2015.

And, of course, since that time we’ve all had to deal with the Phoenix nightmare.

We’re now just a few months away from the next federal election, and we need to tell the government to make it right. We deserve a fair contract now!

Send a message

Use our e-mail tool to send a message to the Minister of National Revenue, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier.

You can use our suggested message or take a few moments to personalize it.

Marc Brière
National President
Union of Taxation Employee