Re: Harmonization of Audit Ranges

Several meetings have been held between representatives of the Union of Taxation Employees (UTE) and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) concerning the above noted employer initiative, the last meeting being held on July 4, 2006.  During these meetings, UTE discussed at length with the employer the concerns raised by our PM02’s and PM03’s in Audit.  Despite our protestations, the Agency intends to proceed with this initiative.

During the last meeting on July 4th, the Agency representatives made it abundantly clear that they did not see any entitlement to acting pay for our PM02 members and furthermore, they saw no classification issues between the PM02 and PM03 positions.  Additionally, even though they advised that 136 new PM03 positions would be created and that over time, 142 PM02 positions would not be needed, they would not be staffing the new PM03 positions at this time.  Relatedly, they did not see the potential loss of the 142 PM02 positions as a workforce adjustment situation.

We requested and subsequently received the classification rationale for the PM02 and PM03 positions in question.  In reviewing these rationales, we noted that the point ratings were identical for both positions with respect to Knowledge (191 points), Operational Responsibility (010 points) and Contacts (070 points).  The only point difference noted was with respect to Decision Making where the PM02 job was awarded 114 points, while the PM03 job was awarded 159 points.

The rationale for the PM03 states that Decision Making “appears to be overrated at Degree C since its duties and responsibilities are not significantly different than those of PM0140 rated at Degree B, based on a comparison of the work descriptions.”  The rationale goes on to say that “additional information… was therefore sought from management; however, an analysis of this confirmed that a rating of Degree B is more appropriate.” 

The position retained the point rating of Degree C (159 points) based on this commentary in the rationale:

“…the current rating of Degree C is being maintained at this time since [the position] was previously evaluated by a classification grievance committee and the members may have heard arguments during the Union presentation to substantiate that rating.”

Many PM02 members have expressed an interest in filing job description, acting pay and classification grievances as they believe there is an entitlement to acting pay or that their job should be reclassified.  Based on the classification rationale, it appears that the employer has set this up so that acting pay and classification grievances from PM02’s may likely be unsuccessful.  Furthermore, the employer is intimating that the filing of these grievances may in fact have the potential to adversely affect the classification of the PM03.  We will discuss this matter with the PSAC’s Classification and Equal Pay section to determine our strategy with respect to this matter and will communicate further with you.

In the interim, should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me or Brother Shane O’Brien in the National Office.

In solidarity,

Linda Cassidy
Chairperson
Staffing Committee