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Canada Post CorporationJune 11, 2004 Twenty-one years and countingThe PSAC's pay equity complaint on behalf of clerical staff at Canada Post is now in its 21 st year. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal hearing the case concluded its hearings in late August 2003. Based on the union's experience with the pay equity complaint against the federal government, as well as the complexity of this case, it is estimated that it will take at least a year before the Tribunal issues its decision. The union is hopeful the decision will be released sometime this fall. Once the decision is released, it will be reviewed by both the union and the employer. Either party may appeal the decision to the Federal Court (Trial Division). The union will continue to publish information on the progress of the complaint when there is news to report. After it is released, a copy of the Tribunal decision will be available from this site. Task Force Report suggests a better way The federal government's Pay Equity Task Force has recently issued a 600-page report calling for pro-active pay equity legislation in the federal sector. The Task Force, which the government set up in June 2001, heard from unions, employers and individuals. It also commissioned research and held symposia and round table discussions. PSAC brought its considerable experience with the current pay equity legislation to the discussions. The report is a clear endorsement for legislation which puts the onus on employers to ensure that pay equity is a reality in their workplace. The report's recommendations also support union participation throughout the process. Employers would be required to jointly establish pay equity plans and would have a limited period of time in which to make any necessary pay adjustments. The next challenge will be to translate the Task Force report into legislation. PSAC members will be active during the federal election campaign, asking candidates what they will do on a variety of issues. Pay equity will be on that list.
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