‘COMPLAINTS’ REPLACE ‘APPEALS’ UNDER NEW PSST
Changes to the labour relations regime in the federal public service have been coming fast and furious over the past several years. One such change has seen the disappearance of ‘appeals’ as an avenue of disputing managerial staffing decisions. Instead, they have replaced by a narrower ‘complaints’ process under the Public Service Staffing Tribunal. The PSST was established by the ‘new’ Public Service Employment Act that came into force December 31, 2005. The PSST, alone, deals with complaints related to internal appointments and layoffs. The Tribunal provides the only hearing-based recourse available to USGE members falling under the authority of the Treasury Board. There are two other changes of critical importance to any members launching a complaint. Firstly, the USGE provides representation on PSST complaints ONLY for complainants. Secondly, unlike the case with the former appeals process, the PSST does not send the USGE a copy of a member’s complaint. If you, or another member you know, are contemplating filing a complaint to the PSST, ensure a copy of that complaint is sent to the USGE National Office! Otherwise, you run the risk of losing both advice and representation assistance from your union.
(July 2007)