Union News - September 2017
In a previous edition of UTE news, updates were provided on changes to the Federal Public Service Labour Relations and Employment Act and the accompanying Regulations that had been introduced by the previous Conservative government.
The change mentioned was in relation to situations where an employee chose to file a grievance. Originally an employee required union approval and representation only in matters dealing with the interpretation and application of the collective agreement. The proposed changes stipulated that union approval would be required in all cases where an employee was filing an individual grievance.
For unknown reasons, these regulations were never implemented through an Order in Council, and thus were not made law. It has now come to our attention that the new Liberal government has chosen not to move ahead with this piece of legislation and is in the process of having it repealed. This means that members have the right, if they so choose, to file grievances on matters not relating to articles within the collective agreement, without the approval of the union.
We would urge members to engage the assistance of the union in dealing with all matters, but most certainly grievances. Seeking the assistance of the union will provide the member with access to support at the local, regional and national level.