Federal Unions Secure Enhancements to NJC Travel Directive
Federal public service unions, including the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), have successfully negotiated significant enhancements to the National Joint Council (NJC) Travel Directive. This achievement marks a historic moment, as a board of arbitration intervened in the negotiation process for the first time in over 80 years to secure these improvements.
Key Improvements to the NJC Travel Directive
The recent arbitration ruling emphasizes that work-related travel should not result in either financial gain or loss for employees. These changes stemmed from a thorough cyclical review initiated in 2021. This extensive review involved years of co-development and negotiation between bargaining agents and the employer.
Increased Allowances for Traveling Employees
- Incidental Expense Allowance: Increased from $17.30 to $25 per day.
- Declaration-Based Dependant Care Allowance: Raised from $35 to $50 per day per household.
- Receipted Dependant Care Allowance for Professional Care: Adjusted from $75 to $100 per day per dependant.
These adjustments reflect the rising costs faced by members when traveling for work. The last revision of these allowances occurred in 2002, leaving employees to absorb rising expenses for over 20 years.
Enhanced Protections and Clearer Guidelines
The arbitrated improvements also include clearer rules regarding meal timing and provisions specifically for shift workers. Additionally, the new guidelines provide flexibility to exceed meal limits in extraordinary circumstances, as long as receipts are submitted. Enhanced provisions for emergencies allow employees to modify their travel plans due to personal illness, accidents, or urgent situations at home.
These changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, while the alterations awarded through arbitration will be implemented 45 days from the date of the ruling.
Ongoing Negotiations and Future Directions
Provisions concerning escort officers have been referred back for further negotiations with the FB group and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The PSAC is committed to pushing for progressive travel protections and addressing members’ concerns as discussions continue.
The NJC Travel Directive serves as a framework for compensating federal public service workers for reasonable travel expenses incurred while conducting government business. It applies to employees under the Treasury Board, including various groups within the public service, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Communications Security Establishment Canada, the National Research Council, and the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.
In summary, the improvements to the NJC Travel Directive represent a significant step forward for federal employees, ensuring fair treatment and compensation for travel-related expenses. The cyclical review process involves 19 public service bargaining agents, including PSAC, working collaboratively with employer representatives to improve conditions for workers.
