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Understanding the EC Collective Agreement on GC.ca: A Guide for Employees
If you work for the federal government of Canada as an employee in the Economics and Social Science Services (EC) group, you are covered by the EC Collective Agreement, which outlines your rights and responsibilities as well as the terms and conditions of your employment. This agreement is a legally binding document negotiated between the Treasury Board of Canada and your bargaining agent, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). To access the most current version of the EC Collective Agreement, visit the official website of the Government of Canada, GC.ca, which provides a searchable database of all collective agreements for public servants.
Here are some key features of the EC Collective Agreement that you should know:
1. Classification and pay scales: The EC group consists of various occupational categories and levels, ranging from EC-1 to EC-10. Your pay rate within each level depends on your job classification, education, and experience. The Collective Agreement also specifies the minimum and maximum rates for each level, as well as the annual increments and pay increments, which may vary depending on the economic conditions and the performance rating system.
2. Hours of work and leave entitlements: As an EC employee, you are generally expected to work 37.5 hours per week, unless you have a flexible work arrangement or a compressed work schedule. You are entitled to various types of leave, such as vacation leave, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and bereavement leave, depending on your length of service and personal circumstances. The Collective Agreement also provides guidelines for overtime, shift work, and reassignment.
3. Performance management and career development: The Collective Agreement establishes a performance management system that involves setting objectives, providing feedback, and evaluating performance based on job requirements and competencies. Your supervisor is responsible for conducting regular performance appraisals and discussing your career goals and development opportunities. The Collective Agreement also provides for training, education, and mobility provisions that aim to enhance your professional skills and experience.
4. Grievance and dispute resolution: If you have a work-related problem or dispute with your employer, you have the right to file a grievance in accordance with the Collective Agreement. The grievance procedure consists of several levels, starting with an informal discussion with your supervisor and progressing to mediation, adjudication, or arbitration, depending on the nature and complexity of the issue. The Collective Agreement also includes provisions for harassment and discrimination, as well as health and safety.
5. Amendments and expiry: The Collective Agreement is subject to periodic review and renewal, usually every three to four years, through collective bargaining between the parties. Any amendments to the agreement must be agreed upon by both parties and may affect your terms and conditions of employment. The Collective Agreement also has an expiry date, after which the parties may negotiate a new agreement or take other forms of action, such as strike or lockout.
In summary, the EC Collective Agreement on GC.ca is a comprehensive document that governs your employment as an EC employee in the federal government of Canada. By familiarizing yourself with its provisions and seeking advice from your bargaining agent or human resources advisor, you can ensure that your rights are protected and your career is developed in a fair and transparent manner.