Protecting vacation entitlements and enhancing sick leave provisions were two of the top issues tabled by the bargaining team representing more than 1,000 RCMP Civilian Members during their first talks with the employer on October 13. 

The union’s proposals aim to address the differences between the terms and conditions of employment with the RCMP and those contained in the collective agreements of the federal public service.   

Key issues the bargaining team raised include: 

• Increased flexibility for RCMP employees looking to move within the public service to ensure all members remain eligible to receive any negotiated transition measures. 
• Status quo for vacation entitlements that indefinitely protects the vacation credit accrual entitlements currently provided to CMs. 
• Improved sick leave provisions that adequately recognize the transition from an unrestricted sick leave regime to a sick leave bank regime. 

Other issues raised include maintaining a higher cap on the amount of leave CMs can carry over, relocation provisions upon retirement, and funeral and burial entitlements.   

The bargaining team will likely resume talks with the employer early in the new year.  

If an agreement hasn’t been reached before deeming takes place, the parties can move to arbitration to settle the outstanding issues. 

Status of deeming 

PSAC-USJE has asked the employer for the status of deeming and will update members as soon as we receive more information. 

CMs who are pay-matched in the Program and Administrative Services (PA), Technical Services (TC), Education and Library Science (EB) and Operational Services (SV) classifications will be represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada and their component, the Union of Safety and Justice Employees, when they're deemed into the federal public service.  

Pensions 

We’ve received many questions regarding the impact of deeming on pensions. Until deeming is determined, there may still be pension implications for CMs who transition into the public service, as transition provisions have not yet been finalized. After deeming, those who remain continuously employed in the public service should continue to be Group 1 contributors under the public service pension plan.  

Group 1 contributors would maintain their existing normal retirement age of 60. This means that deemed CMs would be eligible to receive an unreduced pension payable at age 60 with at least two years of pensionable service, or age 55 with at least 30 years of pensionable service. 

If you have any questions about deeming, union representation or how to get in touch with your USJE local or Regional Vice President, reach out to CM-INFO-MC@psac-afpc.com.