The Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, part of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, has been working to modernize several classification groups in the core public service. This work is intended to align classification groups, many of which are decades old, with the work of today’s public service. PSAC is ensuring that consultation takes place and that our members are kept informed throughout the process.

Classification is necessary to determine the relative value of one job in relation to other jobs in the public service, for the purposes of pay. Classification systems must operate without sexual bias and be capable of measuring the relative value of all jobs in the same establishment.

Classification Standards must assess skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions, to ensure compliance with the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Your current rights will be protected regardless of the outcome of this process. This means no one will suffer a reduction in salary due to their classification potentially being converted to a lower wage level. You will be guaranteed to remain at your current salary (this is enshrined in the collective agreement as Salary Protection Status). This protection will apply until the position is vacated. In addition, as wages for your new classification exceed your current salary, your pay will be increased to the new classification levels.

Finally, the policy grievance we filed against Treasury Board for contravention of the timelines for the implementation of the Occupational Group Reform is proceeding with mediation planned for December.