Dear Members,
Things continue to be quite busy for us at PAFSO. We’re working on a number of files, and though we are making good progress on some of them, others are taking a bit longer than we had hoped.
One of our main concerns lately has been the return to in-person work. From the beginning we maintained that the process should unfold in a way that puts your health and safety at the forefront. We’ve also recognized the importance of the improved work-life balance afforded by a flexible hybrid model. And, lastly, we have said that the Employer’s approach must be applied in a fair and consistent manner across departments, at home and abroad.
Earlier this week, GAC discussed its Future of Work planning with Bargaining Agents. We’re concerned that while the Deputy’s message of 9 May described a hybrid model founded on flexibility and developed in consultation with the various stakeholders – including a dialogue between managers and employees – the initial thinking by HR prescribes a baseline of 3 days a week of in-person work for all employees, regardless of the nature of the work involved or operation requirements. Although they have promised flexibility in implementation, we are concerned that rotational employees at headquarters and abroad are already designated as requiring greater presence in the workplace in general. We are also worried about the lack of provisions for health and safety if and when another pandemic wave occurs.
For now, we are keeping a close eye on how this is all unfolding. We want to know what your experience is with how the hybrid model is being applied. If you believe that your return to in-person work is being handled in unfairly, inconsistently, or in a way that puts your health and safety at undue risk, please reach out to our office with your concerns. Please note as well that your local workplace Occupational Safety and Health Committees will play a key role in this process, so if you would like to influence the process, serving as your local representative is a good way to do so. Please let us know if you are interested.
Amidst all of this, posting season is fast approaching. And, given all the difficulties experienced last year, we are hoping the Employer has made significant improvements in anticipation of this year’s relocations. Should you experience any issues with your posting this year, please let us know. We have a team of advisors, including a dedicated FSD specialist, to provide you with information, advice, and assistance, should any action be required.
In other business, you should have received an email earlier this week announcing the launch of the 2022 photo contest. Every year I am amazed at the talent and creativity of our members. But most of all, the photos are a testament to the amazing and enriching experiences that this job brings. You have until Friday, 5 August to submit your entries. You can learn more about all the contest details here. Good luck to everyone participating, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
I also want to remind you that our Virtual PAFSO Breakfast series continues. The next installment will take place on Tuesday, 21 June at 0900 Ottawa time. PAFSO member and GAC Champion for Official Languages, Jeremy Wallace will be joining us for to discuss language issues at GAC and his vision for his new portfolio. You can register for the session here.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the Professional Committee is looking for suggestions for themes and topics for this year’s edition of Tradecraft Week. So, if there are any interesting subjects you would like to see covered this year, or if you’d like to contribute to the event in other ways, just send an email to Marty.Johnston@pafso-apase.com and let him know.
And, as always, if you have any concerns about your situation at work, do not hesitate to contact our Executive Director, Kim Coles. Kim will make sure to put you in contact with one of our labour relations advisors. Just email info@pafso.com if anything else comes up, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you are in the NCR, I hope that you are safe and were not impacted too badly by the freak storm of a few weeks ago. And if you lost power, or water, or other services, I hope everything has been restored back to normal by now. We’ll chat again in two weeks.
Until then, take good care of yourselves, and of each other.
All the best,
Pam Isfeld
President