PSAC members are already raising red flags about Dayforce, the expected pay system to replace Phoenix that’s being tested during a cross-country roadshow and virtual sessions for federal public service workers.

In December, PSAC launched a survey urging members to share their experiences after participating in these employer-led sessions. While over 2,500 members completed our survey, far fewer were able to actually attend a session – likely because the employer failed to hold enough sessions, promote them widely, or put in the effort needed to ensure meaningful participation. In fact, 60 per cent of survey respondents said they weren’t even aware the sessions were happening.

Still, the feedback from those who did participate provides critical insight into the early concerns with the new pay platform.

Key concerns from members

PSAC members who tested Dayforce reported several major issues: 

• Superficial testing left key questions unanswered – The demonstrations were too basic and didn’t address the real issues members face when accessing their payroll information, making it difficult to assess the system’s capabilities. 
   
• Confusing navigation and unclear menus – The system did not feel intuitive, and key information was difficult to find. 
   
• Uncertainty about pay accuracy – Members who work as compensation advisors, processing pay for federal workers, expressed frustration that they couldn’t test pay calculations, and the test environment lacked real data to show whether Dayforce could handle complex payroll scenarios. 
   
• Trainers avoided tough questions –Sessions felt scripted, and trainers didn’t provide enough transparency about how the system would function in real-world conditions. 
   
• Risk of repeating Phoenix’s failures – Based on what was shown, many members fear Dayforce could be another flawed system that will repeat the same problems rather than solve them. 

Members also expressed frustration that the sessions were too short to explore Dayforce meaningfully. As a result, 40 per cent of those who attended a session said they’re either not very confident or not confident at all that Dayforce will be a good replacement for Phoenix. 

These findings reinforce PSAC’s calls for meaningful engagement with unions and compensation advisors who administer pay and rigorous testing before moving forward with any new pay system. 

A pay system that works from day one 

“We’re keeping a close eye on the government’s testing of Dayforce. But let’s be clear: any new system must work from day one,” said PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa. “Being paid on time and properly is the most basic employment right. Federal workers deserve a pay system that works, not more broken promises.” 

The government must learn from its failures with Phoenix — or risk making the same mistakes again. PSAC will continue to hold the government accountable and push for a pay system that truly works for federal workers.