The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) has filed a policy grievance over Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) implementation of the National Joint Council’s workforce adjustment (WFA) directive.
CAPE has serious concerns about IRCC’s mishandling of workforce reductions as the department pushes ahead with its plan to cut over 3000 jobs.
CAPE alleges in the policy grievance that the employer has failed to comply with the EC Collective Agreement, the requirements set out in the WFA directive, and other legal obligations. These failures include:
Notification: Not providing CAPE or its members with appropriate and timely notice of workforce adjustment situations.
Consultation: Failing to meaningfully consult with CAPE regarding affected members and possible alternatives to workforce adjustment.
Counselling: Not offering members the required career counselling and support services during this difficult time.
Health and safety: Failing to put safeguards in place to ensure the health and safety of our members following the notice of affected status.
In addition, we are grieving the employer’s failure to properly implement a voluntary departure program, as required under the WFA directive framework. A voluntary departure program is an important tool that can minimize involuntary layoffs, and the employer’s failure to uphold this option undermines your rights and protections.
What this means for you
By filing this policy grievance, CAPE seeks to hold the employer accountable to its collective agreement and other legal obligations, to ensure that the employer understands the seriousness of these breaches, and to strengthen CAPE’s ability to support members across the federal public service.
It is crucial that any workforce adjustment process is carried out fairly, transparently, and in a manner that respects our members’ rights. While CAPE will continue to hold the employer accountable throughout this difficult process and protect the rights and interests of our members, this policy grievance will not pause the employer’s ongoing workforce adjustment exercise or rescind the affected status of any CAPE members.
Next steps
CAPE will soon discuss these breaches with both the Treasury Board and IRCC and we hope to achieve a swift resolution. In the meantime, we hope to work collaboratively with IRCC to resolve these matters and ensure smoother implementation of WFA measures going forward.
CAPE is committed to protecting the rights of our members at the collective level through actions like this policy grievance, continuing our constant discussions with management, participating in WFA consultation committees, and by collaborating with other unions.
We will also continue to represent your interests at the individual level by answering your questions and providing members with guidance. Should you have any questions or concerns about WFA or your individual case, please contact your labour relations officer.
Thank you for your ongoing solidarity and trust in CAPE. Together, we will continue to stand up for fair treatment and respect in the workplace.
