The following information applies to all RCEA bargaining units. The recent announcements by the Prime Minister and the President of the Treasury Board have caused a great deal of confusion and uncertainty. The Treasury Board is still sorting out the ramifications of the announcements.  While this is being done, collective bargaining is temporarily being put on hold. The TB has delayed its bargaining with the PSAC until at least February 2004. The same type of delay will likely impact the AD, AS and OP groups.  NRC has begun the mandate process for the these groups, but thus far a mandate has not been received. We anticipate that bargaining may resume in March 2004. 

The ratified new agreement for the PG group will go ahead.  We are waiting for the appropriate approvals prior to the signing of the agreement.

NRC has decided to adopt the freeze on reclassifications.  This will be in place until the end of the fiscal year (April 2004).  It will not apply to those reclassifications that have already been agreed to.

Staffing actions may take place in the context of filling vacant positions or those of employees on leaves of absences.  No new positions will be created and staffed at this time.

There is no freeze on already negotiated pay increases or annual pay increments.

For the AD Group, with respect to Pay Equity, the CHRC has recommended that the case be referred to a Human Rights Tribunal. We are in the process of responding to this recommendation.  We are insisting that while a Tribunal hearing is appropriate, that the CHRC must still fulfill its role and undertake the pay equity study in order to determine the size of the wage gap.  We will see what they decide.