Collective Agreement Pay Implementation

Today, October 30, 2024, marks 180 days since the signing of our Collective Agreement on May 3, 2024. We want to update you on the status of the Collective Agreement pay implementation.  We continue to meet regularly with the Employer to expedite the process. 

 

One-Time Lump Sum Payment 

Almost all members have received the one-time taxable lump sum payment of $2,500. If you were an LP as of May 3, 2024, and have not yet received this payment, we urge you to file a grievance as soon as possible.  

 

Incorrect Retroactive Pay Calculations and/or Pay Increases 

Based on feedback from our recent survey, a significant number of members who received retro payments and/or their pay increases are uncertain if they have been calculated correctly. 

Where members are uncertain if their retro is correct, they should: 

• Contact their department and advise that they believe the retroactive amounts are incorrect or they are uncertain and ask for the detailed breakdown of their retroactive payments and request that they be verified and that the LP be provided the verification work so that they can understand the verification process and result. 

• If the department declines, or direct the member to the pay center, please make the same request of the pay center. 

• If the pay center declines or fails to verify the result, then file an intake form with the AJC which may become the foundation of a grievance. 

 

Delayed Pay Increases and Retroactive Pay 

Based on survey feedback, approximately two-thirds of AJC members have yet to receive their pay increases or retroactive pay. It has historically taken around four months for the Employer to implement Collective Agreement changes, except for members with particularly complex cases. This unprecedented delay marks the first time the AJC has encountered such a prolonged implementation period. 

According to the Employer, these delays result from the Collective Agreement’s complexity, requiring manual processing, specifically due to: 

• The transfer of LPs from one pay grid to another, 

• Transfers from one step to another based on years of service and time at the top of the grid, 

• Retroactive payments. 

 

Appendix E of the Collective Agreement: Implementation Deadline 

Our Collective Agreement stipulates that the Employer must implement pay changes within 460 days of signing, which means the final deadline for full implementation is another 9 months away.  

These provisions are not unique to our Collective Agreement but follow a pattern established in collective bargaining across federal public sector unions. 

As we continue to push for timely pay implementation, we will provide you with regular updates and continue to advocate for efficient processing with the Employer. 

We understand that everyone is frustrated with the time this is taking, and we are pushing the employer to get everyone their pay increase and retro-payments as quickly as possible.