Dear Members:
When I wrote to you at the end of last year, we were all focussed on the impending Workforce Adjustment (WFA) exercise. A month later, we are still waiting for official communications to you from the Employer, and we remain committed to providing you with as transparency and support as we can.
With that in mind, I’m keeping this week’s message short and focussed on what we know and what we’re doing for you.
Where things stand now
First, some good news: IRCC has officially informed PAFSO that the FS group will not be affected in this next round of WFA.
GAC expects to send notification letters to affected employees by the end of next week. The letters will cover the full three-year period and will be sent to all employees at the relevant group and level, without reference to streams. Given the preference for voluntary departures, many more notices will be sent than positions that will actually be cut.
The Employer is required to provide PAFSO with a list of affected members so we can reach out to you with specific information and resources after they have contacted you. I urge you to make sure your contact information is up to date with our office so we are able to get in touch easily.
Since Parliament will not return until January 26, the Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) program, which is separate from WFA, remains in limbo, but indications are that it will be rolled out quickly once the relevant legislation is in place.
What we’re doing for you
Given the difficult situation facing Canada and Canadians, and the need for effective international engagement to advance our national interests, it does not make sense to undermine our diplomatic effectiveness. Our public advocacy campaign continues to engage with senior management, political decision makers, and the public to make this point. (If you have not already amplified our video messaging, please consider going here on YouTube to do so.)
Our most immediate priority is to defend the interests of our FS members, and to do our best to ensure that as many of you as possible keep your jobs. We are closely monitoring equity issues, including impacts on employees on leave and potential discrimination, and will continue to advocate for fairness and transparency at every stage. We want to ensure that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your career future. To that end, I urge you to take advantage of the resources on the PAFSO website, including our detailed FAQ document here and to reach out to our Labour Relations Advisors via info@pafso.com if you need additional support.
As promised in my last message, we’re also offering two webinars, with me and our senior staff, at the end January, when we will have confirmation of the Employer’s plans. The first one will take place on Tuesday, January 27 at noon EST and you can register for it here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhECwQEIQrG8LYd0pqm_SQ
A second session will be held on Wednesday, January 28 at 2000 EST, registration here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ry_4K_95TdqFs99vqjC_5g
Please submit your questions in advance of the sessions here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CD267FC
Reminder—EAP resources
There’s no question this is a very difficult time, not only for those who will be directly affected but for everyone concerned about colleagues, friends and family. Please don’t forget that there are resources available through the Employee Assistance Program where you can speak to a counsellor about both personal and professional issues.
And please don’t forget that PAFSO is here for you as you navigate the difficult territory ahead. As always, should you have any concerns at work, do not hesitate to reach out to us via info@pafso.com.
My next message would not normally arrive until the first Friday of February, but I expect that there will be important information to share before then.
In the meantime, as always, please take care of yourselves and each other.
All the best,
Pam Isfeld
PAFSO President
Important Notice: The funeral service for PAFSO member James Johnson schedule for Saturday, January 17 has been cancelled. Further updates will come from the family.