April 2019 Union News
On February 28, I joined hundreds of members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) at a major rally in downtown Ottawa to mark the 3rd anniversary of the launch of the Phoenix payroll system and to express our growing frustration with this completely unacceptable situation. Despite the intense cold, the demonstrators' message to the federal government was very clear.
We demand that the government:
- Establish a clear schedule, for which they will be held responsible for not meeting the schedules, to stabilize the Phoenix system, eliminate the backlog and move to a new pay system.
- Compensate all public servants for the financial and emotional hardship they have endured because of Phoenix.
- Demonstrate more respect for its employees by negotiating seriously at the various negotiation tables so as not to add insult to injury.
On this first day of action, other similar events were held elsewhere in the country. These events represent the first of a series of mobilization actions that will take place across the country in the coming weeks and months. I encourage all members of the Union of Taxation Employees (UTE) to join the events taking place in your region. The more people who demonstrate, the stronger our message will be!
In the meantime, UTE continues to ask the federal government to agree to provide the necessary resources to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and to make the necessary legislative changes so that the CRA can complete the development of its system for payroll administration (CAS) into a fully operational payroll system that could replace the Phoenix system and allow the CRA to pay its employees properly and on time. We have not yet received a positive response to our request, but discussions continue with government officials and we are closely monitoring the situation.
Another issue on which we continue to work tirelessly is the reopening of client service counters at the CRA. The Agency exists to serve Canadians. It is committed to reviewing its service model to make the CRA "fairer, more helpful, and easier to use". To do so, there is a recognition that it needs to place clients at the centre of program and service design. What better way to achieve these goals, than by bringing back the counter services.
While technology seems to be the way of the future, we must also recognize that nothing beats face-to-face communication when it comes to dealing with complex problems or ensuring that the right information is properly communicated. Collection officers and auditors who work on the road, meet daily with taxpayers and representatives to ensure that appropriate information is provided. Why should members of the public (such as seniors, new Canadians, low-income people) who need our help to meet their tax obligations, not be entitled to receive services in person? In Quebec, the Quebec Revenue Agency (QRA) continues to offer its taxpayers the opportunity to speak to an agent in person at one of its service counters. Why are all Canadians not entitled to access this type of service when dealing with the CRA? UTE believes that restoring counter service would enhance the current services available at the CRA and would ensure that all Canadians receive more comprehensive and efficient services.
To this end, UTE presented a business case to the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner, and the Chief Service Officer of the Canada Revenue Agency on March 15, and intends to meet with the Minister of National Revenue, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, on this subject.
This year will be an important year for us all as there will be a federal election which is scheduled for October. As federal public servants and Canadian taxpayers, the 2019 election is extremely important as we will be electing both our government and our employer.
Remember what happened during Prime Minister Harper's years in power. The federal public service suffered drastic cuts in services and a significant reduction in the number of jobs. During the period 2012-2015, the number of UTE members decreased from 27,000 to 22,000. However, since the election of the current government, our membership has steadily increased and now stands at 27,000 members again.
I must point out; the Conservative Party of Canada promises to create a single tax return in Quebec so that Quebecers no longer have to file two tax returns and be treated like all Canadians in other provinces... with one difference. Unlike the rest of the country where the single return is processed by the CRA, the Conservatives promise to give tax administration to the Quebec Government. If this happens, the jobs of all CRA employees in Quebec, including our 3500 members, are at risk. This situation is unprecedented for our union and that is why I think you should be aware of it.
All this to say that it is important for all our members and their families to vote in the upcoming federal election, while keeping in mind the issues that are important to you.
As you read this, you are most likely aware that the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (FPSREB) has decided to put on hold our request to establish a Public Interest Commission (PIC) and has instead decided that the parties should return to the bargaining table with the assistance of a federal mediator. Our negotiator contacted the mediator without delay and the next negotiation meeting will be held from April 2nd to the 4th. Your bargaining team will continue to work tirelessly to improve your working conditions. For several weeks now, our Locals have been organizing a multitude of mobilization activities to enable our members to show their continued and unwavering support for their bargaining team. I invite you to participate in these demonstrations of solidarity in order to keep up the pressure on the employer.
Finally, I would like to thank all the members of UTE who signed the petition concerning our negotiations, that have circulated across the country over the past two months. On March 15, I delivered this petition, which contained thousands of signatures, personally to the Commissioner of the CRA. I sincerely thank you for your continued support of YOUR union.
In solidarity,
Marc Brière
National President