bout de papier, Vol. 10, No. 3 (1993) — Summer 1993 // Été 1993, p. 36
by Peter Cenne
The Departments of External Affairs and Public Security are currently working with Treasury Board on a plan to restructure the Foreign Service (FS) group from two to four levels. The general objective of the exercise is to provide a meaningful opportunity for career advancement by allowing progression into higher pay bands. These higher pay bands would presumably extend to levels as high as 75 to eighty thousand dollars. Such a classification design would be comparable to other groups in the Public Service which have senior positions extending to these levels (i.e. Commerce Officers, Economists).
PAFSO is being briefed on the plan and fully expects an opportunity to provide meaningful input prior to final decisions being made. For this purpose, a committee of PAFSO Executive members has been tasked to review all aspects of Management’s plan as they are presented. At this stage many important issues remain to be addressed. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate whether the proposed revisions will benefit the general membership. In the interests of all members we will continue to pursue these matters to ensure that membership concerns are fully addressed and taken into account.
The Treasury Board, in consultation with individual Departments, has the legislative authority to implement a new classification plan without PAFSO’s agreement. Normally, this authority only extends to the classification plan itself and not to the establishment of pay bands which are subject to collective bargaining. Current restraint legislation, however, has removed our ability to negotiate rates of pay meaningfully as Treasury Board may unilaterally establish new salary bands relating to a revised classification plan. Once established, these pay rates would remain in effect until the restraint legislation expires in April 1995. Obviously, the timing of FS restructuring raises particular concerns given the legislative suspension of our collective bargaining rights.
Notwithstanding the legal restrictions, PAFSO is attempting to ensure that membership interests are reflected should FS restructuring proceed toward implementation. In this regard, PAFSO is seeking assurances that no member will suffer financial disadvantage as a result of restructuring. As a minimum, this means that all members are salary-protected within the pay range they currently occupy. Current FS-1s and 2s may, therefore, progress to the maximum of their current pay bands unless they are promoted into a new level having a higher maximum rate of pay. In addition, the creation of a four level system must not further restrict the possibilities of upward career progression. Time in grade must be significantly reduced or eliminated Finally, a restructured FS group must provide increased possibilities for promotion to higher levels with corresponding and meaningtul increases to the compensation package.
Foreign Service Directives
Members should be aware that the Triennial Review of the Foreign Service Directives has been completed. An information package was sent by general distribution telex to all missions detailing the various changes. It is recommended that all members familiarize themselves with the new provisions to avoid potential difficulties when submitting their claims. Some of the major changes to the directive include:
• a provision to extend the repayment of posting loans in situations involving early termination of posting when such a repayment would cause financial hardship.
• increased amounts claimable for authorized child-care expenses;
• the payment of transportation costs for a PMV (private motor vehicle shipped directly from a manufacturer to a local dealer at the employee’s post;
• a provision for a non-accountable incidental relocation expense of 1800 dollars per relocation and an additional accountable expense of 600 dollars for car rental outside Canada while awaiting arrival of a PMV or on departure following the disposal of a MV. Members should also be aware that separate accountable provisions exist for other expenses that were previously covered under the incidental relocation clause;
• the reimbursement of GST levied on expenses relating to real estate and legal fee claims made in accordance with FSD 16, as well as reimbursement up to 300 dollars on fees charged for a structural inspection of a new dwelling;
• in addition to spousal assistance previously provided (i.e. payment of professional fees required for job certification), additional expenses up to 350 dollars per relocation for professionally prepared curriculum vitae;
• a complete waiver of rent share in situations when a spouse does not accompany a member to post as a result of education or employment reasons;
• inclusion in the FSD’s of provisions concerning the reimbursement of fees associated with Lycée Claudel education in Canada. Although this does not change the taxable nature of this benefit, it ensures that the provision cannot be unilaterally changed by the Employer;
• a new provision relating to FSD 45 – Foreign Service Leave Option. This new provision allows a trade-in of 10 days of Foreign Service leave in exchange for a transportation entitlement equal to 85% of full fare economy, mission-to-Ottawa return. The entitlement may be split up as many times as desired, provided it is fully used within the same fiscal year. This provision may be used for most forms of transportation. The entitlement does not reimburse the expenses incurred for travel by PMV or by first class air. To ensure the entitlement is exhausted, the Department will require that receipts be submitted on one claim for all travel taken within the fiscal year; and • a new provision relating to FS 50- Foreign Service Travel Assistance. FS 50 now provides a choice between the fully accountable travel entitlement which had previously existed and a non-accountable allowance equivalent to 90% of full fare economy, mission-to-Ottawa return. If the non-accountable provision is chosen, the Department may request some proof that the individual has left post (i.e. hotel or gas receipt, airline/train ticket, etc.). A requirement still exists to take 10 days of leave within the fiscal year, however, it may be split over shorter periods of time provided that at least five days of leave are taken on one occasion. Members are advised to consult the appropriate authorities within their Department prior to incurring major expenses. Members are also encouraged to consult PAFSO to ensure that appropriate interpretations are provided
View the original scanned pages →
Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 10, No. 3 (1993) — Summer 1993 // Été 1993, p. 36. Read the rest of this issue →
