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.
Take action
If you have been or continue to be impacted by the Phoenix pay system disaster, write to Treasury Board President Anita Anand and PSPC Minister Jean-Yves Duclose and demand that they act now so public service wokers no longer have to suffer from the Phoenix fiasco.
Tips for writing your email:
You can add your story to the email below. Including your authentic voice and your lived-experience will compell government officials to take action to address the ongoing Phoenix pay system disaster.
We encourage members to include a personal story in their email to show how the Phoenix pay system disaster has impacted them directly, including underpayments, overpayments, and delayed pay that continues to contribute to workers’ stress levels.
If you have chosen not to apply for other positions in the public service for fear of being ‘phoenixed’ or if you have delayed retirement given the uncertainly of the pay system, that information can be included in your email as well. Hearing about these situations will show the Liberal government that the Phoenix pay system is far from fixed and continues to negatively impact the lives of PSAC members and their families.
** Remember: Please target the issue, not the individuals **