UNE urges employees to maintain copies of records and test results

With the Phoenix fiasco now in its fourth year, all federal public servant employees should be used to checking and double checking their pay stubs, bank deposits, leave credits and other work-related documents to ensure that they are current and accurate.

However, there are some records that sometimes go missing and can affect your pay. The UNE encourages all members, regardless of the workplace, to maintain the accuracy of their own employment and historical records.

Language test results are just one example of an important personal work-related document that may go missing. In a recent case, a member who works for a federal government department had their language test results misplaced, which resulted in the cessation of their bilingual bonus. After some investigation, it was determined that their language test results were no longer in their pay file. Fortunately, the member retained their copy of a portion of their test results and the other portion was located by a labour relations officer assigned to the department. The bilingual bonus was then reinstated.

Please be diligent and verify your leave balances regularly and particularly before the leave credits are replenished on April 1st, the beginning of the next fiscal year. The UNE recommends that members take screen captures of this information that is accessible electronically and save it with your records.

These are just a couple of examples of information your employer keeps and maintains on your behalf. Electronic errors and other factors can lead to disputes and loss of pay and leave credits, so having your own copy is the best backup plan. Find out how you can access other personnel documents and be sure to update your own personnel records regularly.