Federal labour board to hear grievances from employees of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regarding their participation in the federal public service pension plan
December 16, 2024
The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board will hear 27 grievances from employees of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regarding their participation in the federal public service pension plan.
The grievors are Ontario or B.C. residents, all of whom are in part-time positions or job-sharing arrangements and assert that they should have been allowed to participate in the plan as if they were full time employees.
When the grievances were brought before the board, the CBSA objected to them, taking the position that they were essentially claims that the legislation governing the plan is discriminatory based on gender—a matter beyond the board's jurisdiction.
However, the board rejected this argument, finding that the grievances revolved around how the employer structured job arrangements and exercised its discretion when administrating those laws and regulations.
The board concluded by saying, “The Board has the jurisdiction to hear a grievance about how an employer exercises its discretion granted by statute or structures its work arrangements for employees who work reduced hours to take care of their children.”
To read the decision, click on more information below:
