27 July 2010:

NRC has now completed its parking review and has determined what rates will be charged at 23 sites across the country. Throughout this process, the RCEA has been consulted.  We have consistently argued against the imposition of parking rates.  It became clear, however, that parking charges were going to happen, so we switched our focus from simply opposing them, to trying to minimize the impact across the country.

NRC is bound, for the most part, by the Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) rules on parking. Parking can only be charged where it is determined that the site is in or has a “market”, as defined by PWGSC.  The main criterion used by PWGSC to determine whether a site is a “market” is the presence of commercial parking lots in the area of the site. Other factors include free parking facilities in the immediate area, no metered street parking, no parking time limits, and whether other employers in the area are charging for parking.  NRC commissioned PWGSC to survey all 23 sites.  The results of this review were provided to the RCEA.  We subsequently met with NRC to review the results.  While we disagree, in principal, with all parking charges, we identified several sites where we thought the PWGSC results were incorrect. Of the four problem areas identified, one has now been deemed “non-market” (IMI in London), one has been adjusted (IBD in Winnipeg), one will be reassessed (IFCI in Vancouver) and one was confirmed as a “market” site (Sussex Drive).

We are still reviewing this last site and have made presentations to NRC regarding charges at that site. The main issue here is that the site itself is considered a commercial parking lot, since spaces are rented by NRC to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).  As well, there is commercial parking across the street.  For some reason, it doesn’t seem to matter that there are no spaces available across the street; rather it is just that it is there and that is close by.  We find this to be a strange distinction and have already raised it with Council.

We are waiting to see the results of the reassessment of the IFCI site, and will determine our response once that has been completed.

If members continue to have concerns about parking, please direct your comments to your Institute representatives, or contact the RCEA office directly.

April 9, 2010:

Mr. Daniel Gosselin
Acting President
National Research Council
1200 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON     K1A 0R6

Dear Mr. Gosselin:

The Research Council Employees’ Association strenuously objects to the proposed introduction of parking charges for employees of the National Research Council. At a time when wages are to be frozen, the introduction of parking charges amounts to a salary reduction for most NRC employees. Our members have made it very clear to us that they do not support such charges and view them as a money grab by both the government and NRC.

They also do not believe that NRC has no choice in this matter. We have spoken with many employees who know employees of other departments and agencies. For the most part, these other departments and agencies have not notified their employees that parking charges will commence on July 1, 2010. At the same time, we are hearing that the revenue generated may go back to each Institute.

Parking fees will disproportionately affect the lowest paid employees of NRC. Many employees live outside of urban areas in order to take advantage of lower real estate and rental costs. These locales do not provide public transportation. Many employees also work in an environment where hours of work are dictated, not by transportation schedules, but by the demands of the job. A TO will stay at work to ensure that an experiment is properly completed. This TO will not charge overtime, but will do the work simply out of a sense of commitment to their employer. This will not continue if employees become bound by the limited hours of the public transportation system.

It is our view that NRC needs to stand up for its employees. In the majority of locations, NRC owns the property on which its employees park. Revenue should not be generated on the backs of the workers. Your employees are looking to you to stand up to Treasury Board and tell them that now is not the time to begin charging for parking.

Sincerely yours,

Serge Croteau
President

March 23, 2010:

On March 11, 2010, the RCEA was advised that NRC will begin charging for parking on July 1, 2010. The RCEA strenuously objected to this and pointed out that the imposition of parking charges at NRC amounts to a virtual salary cut, particularly in light of the proposed wage freeze by the federal government. We urged NRC to fight this and to tell Treasury Board that as a separate employer, they feel it is right to continue to provide parking benefits to employees. But NRC is not prepared to do this. We also urged NRC to delay the implementation of the parking charges. July 1, 2010 is too soon. It is unlikely that all the necessary information will have been gathered by that date. What is the big rush????? Again, NRC did not appear willing to consider this. They just kept saying that they were acting on the instructions of Treasury Board and Public Works.

NRC has indicated that it will keep the RCEA informed as this process unfolds. We will be carefully examining the results of the analysis that is presently being done to determine where and how much the parking charges will be. We will review all the criteria and determine if there are any locations in which the charges can be challenged.

Can we stop this? It is highly unlikely. The employer can alter terms and conditions of employment, unless notice to bargain has been served. As notice to bargain has not been served for any of our bargaining units, there is little we can do to stop this. But we can monitor it carefully. Members should gather information about the availability of public transportation to their workplaces; is it sufficient to cover all the employees and all the times they are working? How far, in meters, are the bus stops from the front door of your building? Measure it and let us know. Are you required to have a car for work or do you work shifts? All this information is essential in determining who has to pay for parking.

Also, let NRC know how you feel about this. Send an email to the President. Tell him that this is a money grab by the government and that NRC should stand up for its employees. Tell him that employees need time to prepare for the financial implications of this and the date should be pushed back.

The RCEA will be sending the same message to NRC. Now is not the time to start charging for parking at NRC.