Dear Members,
I am about to go on leave for two weeks, so as is always the case, the last few days have been completely hectic. I have a number of things to update you on, as well as a few reminders of what’s coming up. Let’s get started.
New COVID-19 Health Guidelines at IRCC
On Monday, IRCC issued important updates to their COVID-19 health guidelines. Based on recent changes from Health Canada to their Public Service Occupational Health Program in terms of workplace preventive practices for COVID-19, IRCC’s changes relaxes their protocols in terms of masking, physical distancing, and what to do if you have tested positive for COVID-19, or have come into contact with someone who has.
While this announcement relates only to IRCC, we expect a similar update from GAC is imminent. These changes represent a major shift in the Employer’s COVID-19 response strategy. While it is true that most COVID-19 indicators are stable or dropping, here in the NCR and elsewhere around the world, this health crisis is certainly not over, so we will be keeping a close eye on how things unfold
According to the new IRCC guidance, masking is now only required in higher risk workplaces, where large numbers of people either live or circulate. However, employees are encouraged to promote a mask-friendly work environment for those people who choose to continue to wear a mask in indoor public spaces to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Physical distancing is no longer required in the workplace. It is, however, recognized as an important layer of protection and is encouraged where possible and desirable.
If you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive with COVID-19, you are no longer required to stay away from the workplace if you are free of symptoms and have not been told to quarantine by a local public health authority. If you yourself have tested positive for COVID-19 with either a RAT or PCR test, you should stay away from the office for at least 5 days and can only return once you show no symptoms.
You can find the full message from IRCC announcing their updated practices here on our website. Please let us know how these changes in policy are taking place in your workplace. If you have any concerns about your health and safety in the workplace as it relates to COVID-19, or otherwise, please send us an email at info@pafso.com.
Collective Bargaining Update
As previously mentioned, PAFSO’s team was back at the negotiating table this week. The three days were quite productive, and I am pleased to report that economic proposals have finally been exchanged between the two parties. While neither was inclined to accept the other’s proposal, the act of tabling them marks an important step forward. The Employer had previously indicated that they would be unwilling to consider a significant portion of our proposals until economic ones were tabled. Now, the door is opened to proceed with those discussions. Our lead negotiator, Paul Raven, is pleased with this week’s outcome, and has informed me that the parties are scheduled to return to the table in mid-April.
Implications of PSAC labour action
Like PAFSO, a number of other bargaining agents are in negotiations at the moment and many of our colleagues in PSAC could find themselves in a legal strike position in the spring. We will soon be circulating guidance for members on your rights, obligations, and options for showing support to other unions’ strike actions. Please keep an eye on your e-mails and on our website for more details.
Labour Relations Protocols
In order to deliver the highest level of service to our members, and to ensure maximum transparency in the representation process, our Labour Relations Team has shared two important protocols on our website. The first protocol, Protocol 1: Representation, outlines the guiding principles of our commitment to providing fair representation to all of our. The second, Protocol 2: Review of Representation, details the fair, transparent and efficient review process available to members in the event that they feel the Labour Relations Advisor acted in a manner that was arbitrary, discriminatory or in bad faith.
I look forward to being able to share more information with you on how we do what we do. We feel that the more our members know about our services, the better we can serve them. So, if you have any questions about these two documents, or about our Labour relations services in general, please do not hesitate to send us an email at info@pafso.com.
PAFSO’s Group Life Insurance
Earlier this week, PAFSO’s Insurance Committee sent out an email with a list of answers to many of the most frequently asked questions they get concerning our Group Life Insurance Program. It turns out that a lot of our members were unaware that a review of our program last December resulted in a 5% premium rate reduction for all our plans. If you want to know more about our Group Life Insurance, please reach out to Marty Johnston, and he will be glad to answer all of your questions.
ServicePlus Group Discount Program
As PAFSO looks to broaden discount offerings for our membership, I have just signed our request to join ServicePlus, a cost-free group savings program administered by PIPSC. ServicePlus will offer our members savings and discounts across a wide range of categories including travel and entertainment, home and electronics, health and wellness, clothing, and insurance.
As a member of ServicePlus, PAFSO will be in the company of other public sector unions like CAPE and ACFO, bringing the program’s total membership to over 120,000.
We will provide you with more details when our membership is finalized over the next few weeks.
Review of PAFSO Awards Program for 2023
Since 1990, our PAFSO Awards have showcased the best of our membership, highlighting stories of extraordinary individual achievement under demanding and difficult circumstances. However, our strategic plan calls for us to take a look at this important element of PAFSO’s programming to ensure that such a resource-intensive event remains the best way to promote our profession. Accordingly, the Executive Committee has taken the decision to pause the awards for this year while we conduct the evaluation and explore new ideas. We will present our results to you at the Annual General Meeting in October.
Webinar: Guiding Canada’s Foreign Service Community Home
Dial Singh (ex MCO/FS now with Coldwell Banker First Ottawa Realty,) and Jeffrey Adams (Mortgage Agent with Mortgage Brokers Ottawa) will be hosting a webinar to introduce a partnership with the aim to help the Foreign Service community navigate their real estate transitions when heading out or returning from posting. Please join them to learn more about how they can help you during this transition. Please use this link to register for this session. If you are unable to attend, you can still register and they will send you the recording of the presentation.
This will be a bilingual session. Participants are encouraged to communicate in the language of their choice.
PAFSO Breakfast with GAC’s New Ombuds Team on March 14 at 0900
On Tuesday, March 14, GAC’s Ombudsman, Robert Sinclair, and his Deputy, Daniel Campeau, will join us for a virtual PAFSO Breakfast to discuss their new roles, including their work on GAC’s upcoming Psychological Health and Safety Strategy. Please click here to register for the webinar.
Special Scholarship Screening of “Ice-Breaker” in support
of the Deborah Chatsis Indigenous Scholarship
And, finally, just a reminder that there will be a special scholarship screening of “Ice-Breaker: The 1972 Summit Series” next Wednesday, February 22, at the Bytowne Cinema. Presented by PAFSO and AMBCANADA, and in cooperation with White Pines Pictures and Adobe Productions, the screening of this thrilling documentary will be followed by a Q&A session with film director, author, and former PAFSO member, Gary Smith. All ticket proceeds and book royalties from the evening will go to the Deborah Chatsis Indigenous Scholarship in Foreign Affairs. Representatives from Carleton University will be present to accept any additional donations. Doors open at 1800 and the film starts at 1900. Tickets are available here online or at the door.
As always, if you have any concerns with your situation at work, do not hesitate to contact us. Send us a detailed message, including your name, department, and a description of your circumstance. You will be put in touch with a member of our Labour Relations team who will be glad to assist you. For all other questions, just send an email to info@pafso.com.
Barring major developments, I will be on leave for the next couple of weeks, so my next regular message should reach your inbox on March 17. Until then, take good care of yourselves, and of each other.
All the best,
Pam Isfeld
President