Most workers who have a benefits plan understand that both a worker and employer contribute to a retirement benefit (ie. RRSP, Pension, or Investments), typically with some balance of percentages contributed by both workers and employers. So consider now the lines of communication being put forward in the media on what is happening now to the Federal Public Service Pension Fund:

• workers and government contributed to the fund and it did well (50% contributed from workers pay). Now there is a 1.9 Billion surplus that the government says will be taken to pay off Canada’s debt. This is based on a calculated surplus in 2024.
• unions also found out that the government plans to stop all future contributions to the pension fund for 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028, while still expecting workers to contribute.
• add to this a 2-tier pension system put in place back in 2012 that treats new hires since 2013 differently than workers hired previously.

This is the pension plan for Government of Canada workers nationwide, workers of Governments of Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Qulliq Energy Corporation, Northwest Territories Power Corporation and for all Yukon Government employees in our territory. This federal decision about the pension fund affects union members of Yukon Employees Union working for YG and Yukon Association of Education Professionals.

PSAC has exposed the government’s decision to suspend its contributions for the next four years while expecting workers to continue to pay their share. This unfair move benefits on the government, undermines trust, and sets a dangerous precedent for all workers in Canada.

Pensions are sacred – they represent deferred wages and the promise of retirement security. Poaching pension funds breaks that promise, putting the retirement security of workers in jeopardy and eroding trust for all workers in Canada.

PSAC has proposed three fair and reasonable solutions to address the pension surplus and restore fairness:

1. Reverse the two-tier system introduced by the Harper government in 2012, which unfairly denies newer employees the same benefits as long-term workers.
2. Follow through on the government’s commitment to provide equitable retirement options for frontline public safety works.
3. If the government gives itself a contribution holiday, workers who equally pay into the pension plan should get one too, ensuring fairness and equity.

CTV News Ottawa shared a clip where PSAC President Sharon DeSousa explained that the government is not just taking the surplus but stopping all contributions to the Pension fund while still expecting workers to contribute off their paychecks.

Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) favours strengthening the tier two plan to bring it in line with the tier one plan, allowing newer workers to retire earlier without penalty.  “Under the tier two pension plan, employees are not entitled to all the same benefits as those covered under the tier one pension plan – those who began contributing by December 31, 2012. This means they must work an additional five years before being eligible to retire compared to those who began contributing earlier under the tier one plan.”

Professional Institute of Public Service (PIPSC) President Jennifer Carr, notes “Federal workers contribute 50% of the money that goes into the pension fund, yet are receiving 0% of this added surplus…Imagine a bank telling a Canadian that, even though their investments did exceptionally well, the bank is going to take the profits.”

PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa says, “This move sets a dangerous precedent for all workers – in public or private industries…stealing from the federal public service pension fund will set an unacceptable standard for all employers.”  

What can you do? 

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) launched a national campaign to stop pension theft and protect workers’ rights. Here’s how you can support the fight: 

• Learn more: Understand what’s happening with the pension fund, how it impacts workers, and why it matters to all of us. 

• Spread the word: Share this issue with friends, family, and your networks. Together, we can amplify the message and build momentum. 

• Stay informed: Follow PSAC for updates on actions you can take to help protect retirement security for all workers. 

This fight goes beyond one group of workers. It’s about fairness, accountability, and the future of retirement security for everyone. Let’s stand together and demand better. 

Sources for this article are linked.

The post Worker Contributions to Pension used Pay off Canada’s Dept appeared first on Yukon Federation of Labour.

Based on feedback from two unions impacted by the implementation of a Yukon Health Authority, the consultation with unions and the workers directly impacted by this has been “horrendous”.   The lack of engagement and appearance of the government pushing forward to establish a Health Authority without meaningful engagement, consultation or consideration for the unions representing workers providing our health care services, is already sending red flags for a successful or considerate transition.  

The unions should already have representation on any committees or working groups that are planning this transition.  The representation of the unions needs to be part of the transition process, and not just one or two meetings with a CEO or Director.  Effective consultation is not a meeting where government or employers simply share information or advise of how they are proceeding. There needs to be dialogue, and opportunity for discussion and feedback to shape the direction of healthcare. This requires addressing the chronic understaffing of healthcare, as most union representatives in locals are also the front line workers, without time to adequately digest and respond to these significant and fast rolling changes. The Unions’ representation needs to be involved in all conversations and aspects of this transition.  We know that a health care crisis, damaging internal effects of massive agency nursing and abuse of casual workers also need to be adequately addressed in order for meaningful consultation. 

YFL President Teresa Acheson, wrote to the Minister of Health & Social Services, saying “we urge the Yukon Government to ensure meaningful engagement with unions and worker representation in the transition to a health authority in Yukon.

“As the voice of workers across various sectors in Yukon, the Yukon Federation of Labour emphasizes the crucial role that unions play in safeguarding the rights and interests of workers. In transitioning to a health authority, it is imperative that the perspectives of frontline healthcare workers, who are at the core of delivering quality care to Yukon residents, are actively sought and valued.”

Effective engagement with unions will not only foster a collaborative approach to the transition process but also ensure that the expertise and insights of workers are integrated into the decision-making processes. By involving unions and worker representation, the Yukon Government can promote a smoother transition that prioritizes the well-being of both healthcare professionals and the communities they serve.  A successful new Health Authority must prioritize Putting People First, addressing concerns such as the healthcare crises, extensive agency nursing, and casual worker abuse. All employees (including casuals) should be defined as employees and have the right of union representation in a new Health Authority.  

The Yukon Federation of Labour calls for a commitment to a transparent and inclusive approach that includes regular consultations with unions, mechanisms for feedback from workers, and opportunities for meaningful input into the development and implementation of policies related to the health authority transition, including representation on Advisory Committees, Transformation Networks, and any other working groups.  This must include the existing unions representing healthcare workers directly impacted by the creation of a Health Authority including the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). 

The unions must be actively involved in all aspects and discussions throughout the transition process.  These engagements must not just be government briefing unions on how they will be engaged or how a health authority will be established, but must allow for input, feedback and shaping of policy, legislation, and direction from those that represent the workers.  

The front line workers such as nurses, social workers, EMT’s, all know their patients best and they are best informed to advise on what is needed for the care of Yukoners. Only by working together with unions and prioritizing worker representation, will a new Health Authority be more sustainable and an effective healthcare system that meets the needs of all Yukoners.

The post Putting Workers Last in Health Authority Transition appeared first on Yukon Federation of Labour.