Occupational Group Structure
July 5, 2012
New PA occupational group structures taking shape; TC group next in line
More progress has been made during recent weeks in the development of new occupational group structure for current PA bargaining unit members.
This work brings us closer to the day when actual reform of the outdated classification standards at Treasury Board can begin.
We have previously reported that the Treasury Board Secretariat is working toward splitting the PA table into two main groups. Throughout the consultation process, the PSAC has taken the position that the bulk of the PA group should stay in one single unit under one new classification standard.
Treasury Board's proposed new configuration has also involved the creation of a new and separate bargaining unit for most WPs, a move supported by the PSAC.
While having three separate bargaining units is not our preferred model, the PSAC has worked carefully with Treasury Board to develop new names and draft group occupational definitions.
All 12 PSAC Components with PA members have been involved in the consultation process and we will continue to provide reports and information to PA members.
It is our expectation that progress will continue so that work on classification reform can begin in late 2012 with the development of modern classification standards.
The new Programs and Services Support Group
The new Programs and Services Support Group will be known as the RS bargaining unit. The RS group comprises positions which are primarily engaged in administrative or transaction activities to deliver programs or services.
The RS group will primarily cover the current CR, ST, OE, DA, CM, AS-1 to AS-3 and PM-1 to PM-3 classifications. But there will be grey areas, depending on the actual job, and some employees in these classifications could find themselves in the RL group.
The new Programs and Services Development and Delivery Group
The new Programs and Services Development and Delivery Group will be known as the RL bargaining unit. It is defined as those positions which are primarily engaged in the planning, development, delivery, or management of programs, services, or related policies.
Most of the current classifications that will move into the RL Group are the higher level AS and PM classifications, but again, the actual work will be the defining factor.
PSAC believes the IS classification fits into the RL Group as well. This issue has not yet been resolved between the parties.
The new Rehabilitation Programs Group
For WPs, a new professional group which will be known as the Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programs (or RP) Group is being created. It comprises positions that are primarily involved in the development, delivery or management of social or rehabilitation services which address the mental, social or physical well-being of individuals or their reintegration into a community or society at large.
This group primarily includes parole officers and program officers employed by the Correctional Services of Canada and case managers employed by the Department of Veteran's Affairs. It may also include some other positions involved in rehabilitation and reintegration work currently classified outside the WP classification. Because of the nature of their work, WP-2s who are benefit administrators at DVA are most likely to be placed in the RL Group.
Next Steps
Adoption of the new occupational group definitions is scheduled for the fall, to be followed by development of new classification standards for each group.
The union will use the consultation process, negotiations and grievances to ensure that all members are fairly classified and compensated.
Technical Services (TC) Group
Treasury Board and PSAC have begun to discuss the timelines for occupational group review of the TC group. The review will initially focus on the TI sub-group, and then expand to other classifications. This summer PSAC will be meeting to discuss the details of this review as it progresses. Like the PA review, it will be our goal to ensure direct membership involvement, and that the review process considers the wide scope and diversity of work undertaken by TC members.
Date Modified : 2012/07/05
