In June 2011, the Harper government contracted IBM to develop a new payroll system for federal public service workers—all 282,352. When the government chose to consolidate the federal public service pay system, they laid off hundreds of compensation advisors, losing their valuable expertise and experience.
By the time the Phoenix project was passed onto Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government in February 2016, it was already crystal clear that Phoenix was plagued with problems. Despite PSAC and other unions sounding the alarm, the government went ahead and launched the pay system in 2016.
Over 300,000 federal public service workers and their families have been impacted by Phoenix. The problems that workers are facing because of this flawed pay system range from not being paid properly, to missing paycheques for months at a time, to unnecessary debt and loss, bankruptcy — even homelessness. This failed system has cost the government billions of dollars, but the cost to federal public service workers is incalculable.
Incredibly, eight years later, the Phoenix pay fiasco continues.
Public service workers want to see an end to their pay problems. We deserve to be paid correctly, and when pay issues arise, to have them resolved quickly, with timeline commitments for pay issues to end. We want peace of mind knowing the government — our employer — is doing everything in their power to make this right.
Let’s show the employer PSAC BC members want to see and end to these Phoenix pay problems.
UPDATE: In recognizing that the February 28 Phoenix anniversary coincides with Pink Shirt Day in BC, we have decided not to ask members to wear black on this date. We recognize the importance of marking Pink Shirt Day, and our commitments to anti-bullying efforts and ending homophobia and transphobia in our communities.
Instead, for the eight year anniversary, we’re encouraging members to use the Phoenix Unhappy Anniversary virtual background we’ve created for use during online meetings this week. This will show the employer our solidarity in demanding the Liberal government take necessary action on the ongoing Phoenix disaster. Download your copy below.
