Renewal of the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP)

The AJC joins other federal public service unions and the National Association of Federal Retirees to demand that Treasury Board immediately begin negotiations to update and strengthen the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP).

The PHSCP, which covers most federal public service workers and retirees, has not been meaningfully updated in over 15 years (2006). In 2018, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed committing Treasury Board to begin talks by March 31, 2019. Yet, nearly two years after that deadline, the government is still refusing to come to the table.

Public service unions and Federal Retirees believe that the PSHCP is in need of major updates to reflect recent medical advances, increases in the cost of health services, and emerging technologies. Supported by the results of membership surveys on the PSHCP completed in 2018 (AJC members were surveyed in November 2017) and other extensive research, we are ready to advocate for a comprehensive set of proposals to improve the health care plan, including expanded coverage for vision care and paramedical services (e.g., chiropractic care, physiotherapy, etc.)

The government’s repeated delays in coming to the bargaining table are a serious neglect of its duties under the Financial Administration Act and its stated commitment to collaborate with public service unions and the Federal Retirees.

We have submitted a final request demanding urgent action from Treasury Board and, if necessary, public service unions will commence legal proceedings to compel the government to negotiate. 

About the PSHCP

The Public Service Health Care Plan provides coverage for a wide variety of health-related products and services for the majority of federal public service workers. The PSHCP is negotiated by the bargaining agents of the National Joint Council (NJC) and the National Association of Federal Retirees (NAFR), directly with Treasury Board. This is done outside of the regular bargaining process for collective agreements.