Last year your Union, along with the other Unions at the National Joint Council, negotiated some improvements to the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP). An agreement was reached between the NJC Unions, Treasury Board and other Employer representatives to make changes that would help to bring the PSHCP in line with other similar health plans.
The parties sent the agreement to Tony Clement, the Minister of the Treasury Board. Before anything can be implemented, it requires his signature. It has been on his desk since February 2012. He has not signed it, despite repeated and regular requests that he do so.
The changes that were agreed to include:
- Expanding the current prescription contraceptive benefit to include non-oral products
- Expanding the acupuncture benefit to include providers who are not physicians with an annual maximum of $300
- Expand reimbursement of aerotherapeutic devices (CPAP) and machines to cover repairs, replacement parts and servicing with an annual maximum of $300
- Pensioner cost-share ratio to be maintained at the 25/75 Pensioner/Government cost sharing ratio
This agreement was negotiated in good faith, had the support of all parties, and we couldn't figure out why Minister Clement wouldn't sign when it was recommended by his own representatives.
This week, we found out why.
The government has now told us that they will only implement the updated PSHCP, which they already agreed to last year, if we agree to double the premiums that retirees pay for their health care plan. They also want us to agree to triple the time that it takes for someone to become eligible for post-retirement benefits.
The Minister has taken an agreement which was negotiated in good faith and has unilaterally tried to alter it over a year after the agreement was made. This is called bargaining in bad faith and we will be pursuing all avenues to ensure that our agreement is implemented.
We will keep you updated as this challenge proceeds.
PSAC supports the FSNA and their campaign Honour Your Promise
FSNA is the largest national volunteer advocacy organization representing active and retired federal employees (their partners and survivors) who will receive or are in receipt of a federal pension.