Dear members,
It’s been a few weeks since my last message, so there’s a lot to catch you up on. There are a few exciting events coming up that I want to let you know about. But before I get to those, I need to talk about the latest developments in the ongoing Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) fiasco.
The Employer finally takes action against Canada Life and MSH International
In my last mesage to you, I mentioned that PAFSO had filed a policy grievance with the Treasury Board over the ongoing Canada Life and MSH International fiasco. It would seem that our actions have had an impact. Late last week, we learned that the Employer is finally taking concrete measures to address the situation. After 10 months of abysmal service and inadequate coverage, they have now begun to impose financial sanctions against Canada Life and its subcontractor, MSH International.
While we see this as a positive step in addressing the overall issue, it doesn’t really do much to fix the underlying problem. Our members need a functioning health care plan – especially those who are serving abroad and rely on the PSHCP as their primary health insurance. It is good to see the Employer putting in place a mechanism to ensure some form of accountability from Canada Life and MSH International, but it is not enough. It is certainly not a sustainable, long-term solution to provide our members with the adequate health care to which they are entitled. And it does nothing to compensate affected members for the mental, emotional, and financial hardships they may have endured.
As I mentioned previously, the PSHCP is ultimately the responsibility of the Employer, and this current fiasco is denying our members’ rights to a functioning health insurance system. That is in violation of our collective agreement. The policy grievance we filed on April 11 demands that all affected members be compensated for the harm they’ve suffered including stress and pain, and any financial losses.
Compensation is one thing, but ultimately, what we need is health care coverage that works. Full stop. That’s why over the last few weeks we have been conferring with our lawyers to study all possible legal avenues in order to compel the employer to deliver on a functioning health care plan. On Tuesday we met with our legal counsel and received their recommendations. We will be taking the next few days to consider our next course of action. As I’ve said before, nothing is off the table.
Last Friday, the CBC ran an interesting article on this latest development. Not only did they talk to the Employer and to Canada Life, but they also reached out to me for. And, last Thursday, I had the pleasure of talking to Alan Neal of CBC Ottawa’s All in a Day about the particular impacts this issue has on the Foreign Service community. Click here to listen to our conversation.
At the moment, this issue is one of our biggest priorities, and we want to have the most accurate understanding of the breadth and width of its effects on our membership. So, if you are currently having any issues with either Canada Life or MSH International, please let us know. For my part, I will make sure to update you on this issue as things evolve.
Return to the Office Across the Federal Public Service
As I type this message, we have just learned that the Employer is planning to announce an amendment to its Direction on Prescribed Presence in the Workplace to call for all employees in the core public service to be in the office a minimum of three days per week as of September 10, 2024. Executives will be required to be in the workplace for a minimum of four days per week. Although this might not represent a change for many of you, PAFSO, along with our NJC colleagues, is concerned about the complete lack of consultation on the decision, as well as the absence of sound data on the reasons behind the change.
Although the Employer does have the right to determine where work will be performed, PAFSO continues to argue for practicality, flexibility, and consideration for employees. Accommodation arrangements and existing telework agreements must be respected. We will be keeping a close eye on the implementation of these changes and, as always, if you believe you are being treated in a discriminatory or unsafe manner, please reach out to our office for help.
Tradecraft Week 2024: May 28 to June 4
I am pleased to announce the return of PAFSO’s Tradecraft Week, our peer-to-peer conference by members, for members. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network, to share experiences, to hear from experts on a variety of subjects, and to learn about the challenges facing colleagues in other streams. This year’s theme is “Your First Posting.” It’s a chance for seasoned members to pass on to our newest colleagues some of the things we have learned since the beginning of their Foreign Service careers. So, if you are interested in picking up on some tips, tricks, and best practices, or if you just want to hear stories of people’s first postings, you’ll love this year’s series.
We have three sessions planned, so I hope there’s a time that can work for you.
Tuesday, May 28, 9:00–10:00 EDT
What I Wish I’d Known for my First Posting I
Panelists: Jennifer Jakob, Mike Creighton, and Peter Cahill
Facilitator: Pam Isfeld
Click here to register
Wednesday, May 29, 9:00–10:00 EDT
What I Wish I’d Known for my First Posting II
Panelists: Emily Haji, Joshua Cader, Marie-Eve Castonguay, and Rick Steenweg
Facilitator: Pam Isfeld
Click here to register
Tuesday, June 4, 10:30–11:30 EDT
Your First Posting, Spouses Edition
Panelists: TBA
Facilitator: Meagan Dalby
Click here to register
Springtime 5 à 7: Tuesday, June 11
To wrap up Tradecraft Week, we will be hosting our second annual Springtime 5 à 7 on Tuesday, 11 June at 1700 (rain date: 20 June). Come join us on PAFSO’s rooftop terrace for a glass of wine, some light snacks and reminisce about your first posting with friends and colleagues. We will also be using this occasion to gather names and contact information for those who would like to take part in our upcoming mentorship initiative, either as mentors or mentees. If you would like to attend, please let us know by sending an email toinfo@pafso-apase.com with your name, department, and any food allergies or restrictions you may have. Make sure to RSVP before 5pm on 24 May. I look forward to seeing you there.
The next PAFSO Breakfast: Tuesday, May 14
The next installment in the PAFSO Breakfast series is scheduled to take place Tuesday, May 14 at 0900 Ottawa time. Our guest will be Edith Dandenault of HavenMaven, professional organizer and former FS spouse. Please join Edith and I for a discussion about getting organized as you leave on your next posting or as you return to headquarters. Whether you are a new FS about to go on your first assignment abroad, or a veteran looking to pick up some helpful tips, I’m sure you will enjoy Edith’s engaging presentation. This session is open to all, and spouses and family members are especially welcome. You can sign up for the session by clicking here.
PAFSO is hiring
This summer, PAFSO is looking for a proactive and autonomous student to assist the editorial team of bout de papier magazine in creating a comprehensive digital archive of the publication. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with excellent organizational skills and an interest in journalism, foreign policy, and international affairs, who can read and assess material in both official languages. The position is based in Ottawa, but a large portion of the work can be performed remotely. The successful candidate is expected to provide their own workstation, computer, scanner, and internet connection, and will need to access the PAFSO office from time to time. If you know anyone who would be a good candidate for this position, we encourage you to share the job posting to your social and professional networks. We’re looking for someone to start as soon as possible, and the term will run until 25 August 2024.
Keep an eye out for the 2024 PAFSO Triennial Survey
We’re putting the finishing touches on our Triennial Survey, and our target date for the launch is May 13. Please keep an eye on your inboxes for a separate e-mail with the relevant details. This is an excellent opportunity to have your say on a range of issues from collective bargaining and advocacy priorities to PAFSO’s services, and your answers will inform our strategic planning and decision-making for the next three years.
That’s all I have for you this week. As mentioned above, should there be any significant developments on the PSHCP file, I will let you know. Otherwise, my next message to you will be on May 17. Until then, if you have any concerns at work, please send us an email including your name, department, and a detailed description of the issues you are facing. We will put you in touch with a member of our Labour Relations team who will be glad to assist you. For anything and everything else, just email info@pafso.com and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other.
All the best,
Pam Isfeld
President
@PafsoPresApase