Civil Service Short-Term Illness Policy Grievance Settlement

On November 29, 2024 the Public Service Commission informed the union that, effective immediately, the employer would not be paying STI benefits or WCB/IOD claims until an employee has proven entitlement to the benefit. The PSC went on to say this change would not apply to the early intervention (absence of two weeks or less) claims (same for WCB). This effectively changed the way STI benefits would be provided to members, which had been in place for over 40 years.

As a result, the union filed a policy grievance and a hearing was set for December 9th and 10th, 2025.

Later, the employer and union agreed to move from an arbitration hearing to a mediation/arbitration process. The union met with the employer on December 9th and again on January 7th. The union had meaningful discussions with the employer and arbitrator on the issues. As a result of those discussion, the union is pleased to advise that a resolution has been reached. The parties entered into a memorandum of agreement where the employer would rescind their decision to not provide STI benefits unless an employee’s claim/absence was approved.

Moreover, the union and the employer also agreed to a more in-depth process to make sure employees have a reasonable opportunity to submit medical information to their third-party provider, Telus Health.

This is a successful outcome to the policy grievance, and the union recognizes the efforts from the employer and the arbitrator to achieve this result. As a reminder to our members, employees have an onus to cooperate with and fully participate with their obligations and responsibilities as set out in the Collective Agreement and the Short-Term Illness Program Guidelines from the employer.

Should you have any questions on the STI Program and its guidelines, please reach out to your manager or Human Resources Business Partner. You can also reach out to your Labour Relations Officer if you have any concerns or questions relating to an application for STI benefits.