After years of development, the federal public service’s Phoenix pay system is now being rolled out for UNE members who are paid through Public Services and Procurement Canada (formerly known as Public Works and Government Services Canada). Like most major service upgrades, members should expect there to be some glitches along the way. However, this is not a small issue; this could directly affect the livelihood of families if problems with the system result in lower or missing financial income.
So what are members to do?
First, check pay stubs and direct deposits. If you notice any problems, there is a process to follow.
The government’s Pay Centre Escalation Process describes who workers should contact in cases where pay is inaccurate or untimely.
- Contact your manager to confirm your paperwork was sent to the Pay Centre. If it was not, acquire the paperwork to request a salary advance and follow up with your manager to send the paperwork. It is also important that you advise your human resources department right away.
- If the paperwork was sent, call the Pay Centre at 1-855-686-4729 to speak to a compensation advisor.
- If the compensation advisor doesn’t follow up within three days or you are unsatisfied with their response, contact the Client Satisfaction Bureau at pwgsc.clientsatisfactionbureau-bureausatisfactionclientele.tpsgc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
- Please share your experiences with us. Did a problem with your pay occur? Did you resolve it yourself? Was the process an ordeal? Send us an email at info@une-sen.org so that we can work together with the employer and make certain our members are being paid.
There is a handy flow chart describing service standards and the problem-resolution process here: http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/remuneration-compensation/paye-centre-pay/service-eng.html#a3
We anticipate each organization will have different approaches to solving issues with the Pay Centre. In addition to following the process provided, we highly encourage you to contact your human resources department.
As your union, we are here to help.