Policies related to payment for travel by employees in the public service, as well as payments due estates, direct deposit of salary cheques and requesting supplements for SGEU and CUPE600 for recruitment and retention purposes.
Follow the links below for individual policies
Date Issued: 12/09/1986
Revision Date: 07/02/2020
Policy Statement
The Government of Saskatchewan will provide employees with a reimbursement of costs incurred while travelling on government business. Employees working away from their headquarters building at their headquarters location are urged to use ministry assigned Central Vehicle Agency (CVA) vehicles before utilizing city transit system, personal vehicles or taxis for Government travel.
The below rates will be paid to employees covered by the Saskatchewan Government and General Employee's Union (SGEU) collective bargaining agreement, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 600 collective bargaining agreement, and to all out-of-scope employees unless otherwise noted.
Travel
CVA Vehicle or Rental Vehicle
Employees are to use ministry assigned CVA vehicles or a rental vehicle through the Daily Rental Program (DRP) for travel on government business wherever practicable.
Personal Vehicle
Employees may claim the approved rates established in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Government of Saskatchewan (GoS) and Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU) for the authorized use of a privately owned vehicle on government business.
Car – subject to a minimum allowance of $5.00 per day, $1.50 per hour (prorated for shorter periods) for actual usage to a maximum of $6.00 per day or the approved kilometre rate as per Appendix 601-A, whichever is greater.
Truck – subject to a minimum allowance of $5.00 per day, $2.00 per hour for actual hauling time to a maximum of $7.00 per day or the approved kilometre rate as per Appendix 601-A, whichever is greater.
Note: Rate per hour for trucks is to be applied only if a truck is used for hauling, for any other purpose car rates shall apply.
These rates are not to be charged for travel between the employee's residence and his/her office or usual place of work. Claims for travel may be approved for travel between the employee's residence and a different headquarters location (other than the employee's headquarters building) as encountered when attending meetings or training sessions, conducting audits, inspections, etc. In no circumstance is the claim to exceed what would be reasonably claimed if the employee travelled from their headquarters location to the other work location.
Employees are required to enter the start and stop times for intra-city travel. The hourly maximum of $6.00 per day for intra-city travel will be calculated based on those times. The eligible reimbursement amount will take into consideration the $5.00 per day minimum.
Taxis
All taxi charges must be supported by receipts showing the details of each trip (e.g. amount charged, date, location or description of departure and destination points).
Parking
Off Street
If available within reasonable walking distance from the work location, employees are expected to use off street parking and may recover costs as supported by receipt.
Parking Meters
If off street parking is not available, actual costs of metered parking may be charged to a maximum of $8.00 per day in accordance with rates established under the authority of Treasury Board.
Parking Stalls and Permits
Rental of parking stalls and the purchase of parking permits for government business are at the discretion of the permanent head.
Reimbursement
Claims for reimbursement of intra-city travel expenses are to be made through iExpense in MIDAS. In exceptional situations a Travel Expense Statement may be used. See Appendix D - Financial Administration Manual (FAM).
Authority
- The Public Service Regulations, 1999 Part 5, Section 83, 84
- The Financial Administration Act, 1993 (FAA)
- The Financial Administration Manual (FAM)
- PS/GE Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 15.1, 15.2 and 15.3
Resources and Tools
iExpense application and MIDAS Knowledge Centre
FAM Appendix D - Forms - Intra-City Travel Expense Statement
Policy Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact the Human Resource Service Centre.
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Date Issued: 12/09/1986
Revision Date: 07/02/2020
Policy Statement
Employee use of privately owned vehicles on government business may be authorized by Permanent Heads or designates, if Central Vehicle Agency (CVA) vehicles (pool and assigned) or short-term vehicle rentals are not available, practicable or economical.
Employees are responsible for all operating and maintenance costs associated with the use of privately owned vehicles on government business, including licensing and insurance.
The below rates are applicable to employees covered by the Saskatchewan Government and General Employee's Union (SGEU) collective bargaining agreement, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 600 collective bargaining agreement, and to all out-of-scope employees unless otherwise noted.
Rates for Private Automobiles and Trucks
Allowance for travel on government business using a privately owned automobile or truck shall be as per Appendix 601-A.
Rates for Incidental Basis
The allowance payable to employees authorized on an incidental basis to use privately owned vehicles for government business will be as follows:
Car - subject to a minimum allowance of $5.00 per day, $1.50 per hour (pro-rated for shorter periods) for actual usage to a maximum of $6.00 per day or the approved kilometre rate as per Appendix 601-A, whichever is greater.
Truck - subject to a minimum allowance of $5.00 per day, (1/2 ton or 3/4 ton) - $2.00 per hour for actual hauling time to a maximum of $7.00 per day or the approved kilometre rate as per Appendix 601-A, whichever is greater. Note: Rate per hour for trucks is to be applied only if a truck is used for hauling, for any other purpose car rates shall apply.
Lodging
Hotel/Motel
Actual and reasonable charges supported by receipts.
Private Residence or Trailer
When an employee is working away from their headquarters location, an amount of $35.00 per night will be paid for accommodation in private residences or in private trailers other than one's own, no receipts necessary. Reimbursement will not be provided to an employee at any time when staying in their own private residence regardless of work headquarters.
Amounts in excess of $35.00 per night for accommodation in private residences other than one's own will be approved if no other accommodation is available and a receipt is provided.
Double Occupancy
If more than one person occupies a hotel room, the name of the other occupant(s) must be shown only when the amount claimed for S-4 purposes exceeds the "single rate" for the room; or if the room is shared by two or more employees.
Meals
Meal Rates
Actual reimbursement without receipts, not exceeding the rates pursuant to the SGEU Collective Bargaining Agreement as established under the authority of Treasury Board, detailed in Appendix 601-A.
In the communities of Fond-du-Lac, Stony Rapids, Black Lake, Wollaston Lake and Uranium City, actual and reasonable reimbursement supported by receipts, will be approved. Where a receipt is not provided, reimbursement will be at regular in-province rates.
Meal Allowances Not to Be Claimed
No claim for a meal allowance may be made for:
- Breakfast, if departure is later than 7:30 a.m. or the return is earlier than 8:30 a.m.
- Dinner, if departure is later than 11:30 a.m. or the return is earlier than 12:30 p.m.
- Supper, if departure is later than 5:30 p.m. or the return is earlier than 6:30 p.m.
Evening Meal Charge
Notwithstanding the above, an employee away from headquarters after 5:30 p.m. and having worked six (6) hours after 5:30 p.m. will be eligible for a dinner.
No allowance will be paid to employees on overtime, nor shall more than three (3) meals be claimed for in one (1) day.
The permanent head may approve actual and reasonable meal expenses for out-of-scope and Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 600 (CUPE, Local 600) employees that are in excess of the meal allowances set out in the SGEU Collective Bargaining Agreement if satisfied that the established rates are insufficient to compensate employees. Such expenses must be supported by receipts and incurred by employees in exceptional circumstances in the conduct of government business while employed away from their headquarters.
Banquet
Where an employee claims a banquet expense, it will be in lieu of the meal provided (e.g. a breakfast banquet will replace a breakfast charge).
General Expenses
Away from Headquarters Over 30 Days
In instances where it is known in advance that an employee will be temporarily stationed at a point away from headquarters for a period in excess of 30 days, expenses shall be claimed as follows:
For employees covered by the PS/GE Agreement:
All other employees shall be reimbursed as follows:
Travel allowances are available for the initial seven (7) days during which they have not secured permanent accommodation;
For the remaining period, a monthly rate will be paid. The rate is to be determined in each instance by the permanent head or their designate.
Employees who contract for board and/or room shall not receive more than out of pocket expenses under any circumstances.
Standard Charges
The following is provided as a guide to employees and supervisors with respect to allowable general expense charges incurred while travelling on government business:
Laundry - charges are allowable for employees, who are absent from headquarters for a period in excess of seven (7) consecutive calendar days. Receipts are required.
Valet services - not allowable.
Dry-cleaning - allowable only when incurred under exceptional circumstances away from headquarters. The need for dry cleaning must be identified on the expense form and receipts are required.
Parking - employees working away from their headquarters building, and using either a CVA vehicle, short-term rental, or private vehicle, may recover parking charges as follows:
if available within a reasonable walking distance from work, employees are expected to use off-street parking and may recover costs as supported by receipts;
if off-street parking is not available, costs of metered parking may be charged to a maximum of eight dollars ($8.00) per day without receipts.
Telephone - whenever possible employees should call collect, charge the call to the agency telephone number or utilize the agency's telephone credit card. If not possible, charges for business calls are allowable, supported by receipt (if available), name of party called and reason for call.
Taxis - charges are allowable for taxi fare from an employee's home to train station, bus depot or airport, and return, and for fares incurred on government business away from headquarters. Receipts are required.
Other Expenses - occasionally employees will incur exceptional expenses in connection with the conduct of government business. Such expenses may be allowable if detailed on the expense form, supported by receipts, and authorized by the Permanent Head. The decision of the Provincial Comptroller's Office, Ministry of Finance, will be final in all cases.
Traffic Offences/Parking Tickets
Charges for traffic offenses and any expenses associated with the offense are not to be paid by the Government except as follows:
The ministry's permanent head may approve reimbursement to an employee for the initial cost of a parking ticket (excluding late payment penalties) when all the following conditions are met:
This approval cannot be delegated.
Bunk Cars
Employees away from designated headquarters living and eating in ministry bunk cars, where a cook and food is not supplied, will be paid a food allowance of $10.95 per day or $3.65 per meal for part days. The ministry shall reimburse employees for room and meals at the regular sustenance rates, when they are away from camp.
Travel Expense Forms
See Financial Administration Manual Forms.
Authority
The Public Service Regulations, 1999 Part 5, Section 83, 84
PS/GE Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 15
The Financial Administration Act, 1993 (FAA)
The Financial Administration Manual (FAM)
Policy Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact the Human Resource Service Centre.
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Date Issued: 12/09/1986
Revision Date: 07/02/2020
Policy Statement
The Government of Saskatchewan will provide employees with a reimbursement of costs incurred while travelling on government business outside of Saskatchewan. All out of province travel must be approved by the Permanent Head or designate.
The below rates are applicable to employees covered by the Saskatchewan Government and General Employee's Union (SGEU) collective bargaining agreement, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 600 collective bargaining agreement, and to all out-of-scope employees unless otherwise noted.
Travel
Flin Flon and Lloydminster
Flin Flon and Lloydminster are regarded as within the province for rate purposes.
Crossing Provincial Boundaries
When an employee leaves headquarters by automobile for a destination outside the province, rates for "within the province" shall apply until such time as he/she crosses the provincial boundary, thereafter, rates for "outside the province" shall apply. The same basis shall govern return to headquarters.
Lodging
Hotel/Motel
Actual and reasonable reimbursement supported by receipts. Employees are encouraged to use businesses that have established competitive government rates or to request government rates for lodging wherever possible.
Meals
Meal Rates
Actual reimbursement without receipts, not exceeding the rates pursuant to the SGEU Collective Bargaining Agreement as established under the authority of Treasury Board, detailed in Appendix 601-A.
In the communities of Fond-du-Lac, Stony Rapids, Black Lake, Wollaston Lake and Uranium City, actual and reasonable reimbursement supported by receipts, will be approved. Where a receipt is not provided, reimbursement will be at regular in-province rates.
Meal Allowances Not to Be Claimed
No claim for a meal allowance may be made for:
- Breakfast, if departure is later than 7:30 a.m. or the return is earlier than 8:30 a.m.
- Dinner, if departure is later than 11:30 a.m. or the return is earlier than 12:30 p.m.
- Supper, if departure is later than 5:30 p.m. or the return is earlier than 6:30 p.m.
Evening Meal Charge
Notwithstanding the above, an employee away from headquarters after 5:30 p.m. and having worked six (6) hours after 5:30 p.m. will be eligible for a dinner.
No allowance will be paid to employees on overtime, nor shall more than three (3) meals be claimed for in one (1) day.
The permanent head may approve actual and reasonable meal expenses for out-of-scope and Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 600 (CUPE, Local 600) employees that are in excess of the meal allowances set out in the SGEU Collective Bargaining Agreement if satisfied that the established rates are insufficient to compensate employees. Such expenses must be supported by receipts and incurred by employees in exceptional circumstances in the conduct of government business while employed away from their headquarters.
General Expenses
Traveller's Cheques
The cost of purchasing traveller's cheques for out of Saskatchewan travel may be charged on S4's provided a receipt is attached.
US Exchange
The cost of exchanging funds is recoverable for government travel expenses not in excess of rates stated in FAM Section 3136.
Consider the following example:
An employee purchases $500.00 in US traveller's cheques at a rate of 1.2425 for a cost of $121.25. At the end of the trip, $400.00 in U.S. funds has been spent and the remaining $100.00 in traveller's cheques is cashed in. The employee receives a refund at a rate of 1.2000 (the buyback exchange rate) for a total of $120.00 for the $100.00 in traveller's cheques.
The correct charge for exchange applicable to this trip therefore, is $100.00 x (1.2425 - 1.2000) = $4.25. This amount should be added to the travel expense claim.
Passports
Reimbursement for the cost of procuring a passport may be provided where the employee does not hold a valid passport and is required by the employer to travel outside of Canada for government business, on an exceptional or regular basis. Permanent head approval is required for reimbursement of the cost to acquire a valid passport.
Out of Country
Meal Allowance
Employees on government business outside of Canada are reimbursed in accordance with the Federal Government meal rates and meal gratuities (referred to as incidentals in Federal Government's Appendix C – USA rates and Federal Government's Appendix D – all other countries) for in and out-of-scope employees travelling out of country.
Authority
- The Public Service Regulations, 1999 Part 5, Sections 83 & 84
- PS/GE Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 15
- The Financial Administration Act, 1993 (FAA)
- The Financial Administration Manual (FAM)
Policy Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact the Human Resource Service Centre
See Also FAM 4405 and 3136
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Date Issued: 13/05/2004
Revision Date: 07/02/2020
Policy Statement
The Government of Saskatchewan will provide employees with a reimbursement of costs incurred while travelling on government business by air.
The below rates and guidelines are applicable to employees covered by the Saskatchewan Government and General Employee's Union (SGEU) collective bargaining agreement, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 600 collective bargaining agreement, and to all out-of-scope employees unless otherwise noted.
Meals at an In-province Airport
Meals purchased at an airport in Saskatchewan will be reimbursed at the applicable in-province rate regardless of destination of the flight if the employee is required to be at the airport by the airline carrier as follows:
Breakfast – earlier than 7:30 a.m.
Dinner – earlier than 11:30 a.m.
Supper – earlier than 5:30 p.m.
Meals at an Out-of-province/Out-of-country Airport
Meals purchased at an out-of-province/out-of-country airport will be reimbursed at the applicable out-of-province/out-of-country rate regardless of where the meal is consumed.
Meals on Flight
Meals purchased on a flight to or from an out-of-province location/out-of-country location will be reimbursed at the applicable out-of-province/out-of-country rate regardless of where the meal is consumed.
Authority
The Public Service Regulations, 1999 Part 5, Sections 83 & 84
PS/GE Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 15
The Financial Administration Act, 1993 (FAA)
The Financial Administration Manual (FAM)
Policy Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact the Human Resource Service Centre.
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Date Issued: 12/09/1986
Revision Date: 16/03/2018
Policy
To provide guidelines for the compensation of senior officials for the operating costs of a leased or privately owned vehicle used on government business.
Schedules of Allowances
Effective January 1, 1998
Group 1
Deputy Ministers, Equivalents:
Group 2
Associate and Assistant Deputy ministers and Equivalents:
Monthly allowance of $175
Individuals receiving, as of December 31, 1997, a monthly allowance of $100 in accordance with the previous policy by who no longer hold a Group 2 position, will continue to receive this allowance for as long as they remain in their current position
Group 3
Executive Directors:
Approval
Group 1 & 2
The approval of compensation for senior officials in Groups 1 and 2 is determined by the Deputy Minister to the Premier.
Group 3
The approval of compensation for senior officials in Group 3 will only be considered upon receipt of a recommendation from the permanent head to the Deputy Minister to the Premier.
Note: All individuals receiving a monthly allowance are ineligible for personal reimbursement for any mileage expenses; they may utilize a CVA pool vehicle for out-of-town business travel if they desire. An individual receiving a monthly allowance that is unable to make use of a CVA pool vehicle for out-of-town business travel may receive personal reimbursement of mileage expenses if prior approval is received at the requisite level.
Group 1 requires approval by the Deputy Minister to the Premier or delegate. Groups 2 and 3 require approval by their Deputy Minister with no delegation.
Approval for personal reimbursement of mileage expenses should be requested only in exceptional situations where compelling circumstances warrant a departure from this policy.
Authority
Treasury Board Minute #1884
FAM #4305 Vehicle Policy for Senior Officials
Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact the Human Resource Service Centre.
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Date Issued: 12/09/1986
Revision Date: 15/04/2005
Policy
All payments owing to a deceased person shall be made payable to the estate of that person so that it can be dealt with as part of the estate assets by the legal representative of the deceased individual.
Payments
Consist of:
-
Any Amounts due under provisions of the Public Service Regulations
-
The amount of salary for the month in which death occurs
Deductions
CUPE
No deductions from amounts owing the estate shall be made in respect of over-expended vacation and sick leave.
All Others
No deductions from amounts owing the estate shall be made for over-expended sick leave and vacation leave.
Authority
PS Regs Part 5, Section 65. 1;
SGEU Article 17;
CUPE Local 600-3, Article 17.09
Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact the Human Resource Service Centre.
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Date Issued: 01/12/1999
Revision Date: 13/07/2006
Purpose
To enhance the employer’s ability to attract and retain the employees required to deliver its programs and services.
The Equal Pay For Work of Equal Value/Pay Equity policy framework requires that supplements are to be based on well documented recruitment/retention problems and directly attributed to a lack of salary competitiveness.
Policy
A Supplemented Salary (SS) for market purposes is used when compensation research indicates:
1. Specific skill shortages are pay related;
2. An increase in compensation is likely to improve our ability to attract qualified personnel; and
3. other alternatives such as under filling and training are not feasible, or a supplement is required in addition to these alternatives.
A SS/SSR is used when the normal salary range for the classification level is insufficient to allow recruitment and retention of individuals that can perform the work.
A SS/SSR is treated as part of base salary for all pay purposes (e.g. promotion, downward reclassification, pension and insured benefits).
A SS/SSR may be reduced or eliminated if no longer required. An existing employee in receipt of a SSR may be red-circled when the supplement is reduced or eliminated. If compensation research shows that the supplement is no longer required, new employees will be hired into the normal salary range or the amount of the supplement/supplemented range may be set at a reduced level for new hires.
Any compensation research is to be conducted by the Public Service Commission. The commission will identify costs and if the occupation is specific to a department, the department must provide written assurance to the Compensation Branch that the cost can be absorbed within the current appropriation. Once such assurance is received, the Commission will establish the supplement with the bargaining unit and written authority will be provided subsequently.
If unable to absorb the cost, the department must obtain the appropriate level of Finance/Treasury Board approval and notify the Compensation Branch once such approval is received.
Where the occupation crosses department lines, the commission will determine the cost and may provide assistance in obtaining the appropriate Treasury Board approval, if required.
In the year the collective agreement expires, all supplemented occupations will be surveyed. In other years, occupations with supplemented salary ranges will be reviewed annually, to determine if the occupation is experiencing recruitment and retention issues. If the current supplement level appears to be effective, that occupation will not be surveyed in that year.
Considerations
In determining whether or not a supplement should be provided, the following criteria are considered:
1. Are we sufficiently competitive to enable attraction of individuals who can do the work and also ensure adequate continuity through employee retention?
2. To what extent does a supplement erode pay equity?
3. Is a supplement in this particular case fiscally responsible and affordable?
4. What is the relationship of our overall total compensation to the other employers?
5. What other options are considered for addressing this skill shortage? (training, mentoring)
6. All the data as requested in the attached forms.
Procedure
1. The department submits a "Request for Supplemented Salary Range" form to Compensation for review. The assistance of the Staffing Branch may be required to complete Part 2 of the "Recruitment/Retention History" form.
2. Compensation reviews the request and, if there is concurrence that recruitment/retention issues may be tied to salary, then compensation designs and conducts a survey of the applicable external market. Staffing and departmental resources provide input to the determination of the appropriate external market (i.e. with whom do we compete for resources?).
3. If the review determines the need for a supplement, Compensation shall determine what salary would be considered competitive. This information, including related cost implications, will be communicated to the department(s).
Authority
SGEU Collective bargaining Agreement 14.1.6 (SGEU Employees)
Article 22.02 (d) of the CUPE 600-3 Collective Bargaining Agreement
Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact the Human Resource Service Centre.
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Date Issued: 01/03/2013
Purpose
To provide a mechanism to assist in the recruitment and retention of employees in geographic areas where there are difficulties recruiting and retaining employees.
Application
This policy applies to employees covered under the PS/GE collective agreement in all workplaces of Executive Government.
Policy
Where it can be demonstrated that there is, or will be, difficulty recruiting and retaining employees in a definable location and occupation/level, retention payments may be available.
Definition
Service Requirement Period
An established timeframe up to 12 months in length that has been approved by the Compensation Branch whereby an employee may be eligible to receive retention payments. Typically, the Service Requirement Period will be aligned with the term of employment for term employees, or season of employment for Labour Service employees.
Policy/Guidelines Areas
Eligibility
To be eligible for retention payments:
-
The employee must be headquartered in the geographic location and in an occupation/level where there are difficulties recruiting and retaining employees
-
The employee must be employed in the geographic location and occupation/level identified above on the last day of the Service Requirement Period or at the end of the approved payment period.
Rationale
Consideration for a retention payment will be made when two or more of the following conditions exist:
Salary lags local markets
There are challenges recruiting and retaining employees in the specific geographic location and occupation/level.
There are anticipated pressures (eg. economic activity) that will impact the ability to recruit and retain employees.
Other challenges exist that negatively impact recruitment and retention of employees (eg. challenges in affordable housing, increased cost of living, operational changes, etc.)
Amount of Payment
-
The compensation Branch will determine the amount of the payment on the basis of the rationale and supporting evidence.
-
The amount of the retention payment will be expressed as a percentage of regular earnings earned in the Service Requirement Period. Regular earnings mean regular salary and do not include any other payments; eg. overtime payments, vacation pay, shift differential, weekend differential, special bonuses, or allowances.
-
Once payment has been made, there shall be no further recalculations to factor in retroactive wage adjustments.
Frequency of Payment
Retention payments will be made as a lump sum payment at the end of the Service Requirement Period. Compensation Branch may approve payments on a more frequent basis; eg. mid-season, mid-term, quarterly, semi-annually.
Treatment of Payment
Retention payments will be subject to deductions including CPP, EI and income tax and will be considered pensionable earnings under the Public Employees’ Pension Plan (PEPP).
Approval Process
Steps in the Process:
The Ministry identifies geographic location and occupation/level where there are difficulties recruiting and retaining employees.
The Deputy Minister, via the Human Resource Service Team (HRST), requests approval for a retention payment from the Compensation Branch (see Appendix A)
The Compensation Branch undertakes analysis and approves or denies the request (the Compensation Branch will consult with Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union prior to approving a request).
Contained in each approval (see Appendix B) will be the percentage of regular earnings approved as the retention payment, as well as the specific Service Requirement Period for which the retention payment is granted. The maximum approval period is 12 months, at which time the need to continue the retention payment will be re-evaluated by the Compensation Branch.
Once a request has been approved, the Ministry is responsible for ensuring eligible employees are advised of their eligibility for retention payments, and the service requirements.
Other
As a result of changes to the originating reasons, the Ministry may follow the steps in the approval process and request an interim review be undertaken by the Compensation Branch to increase the previously approved amount of the retention payment. Any increases made to the retention payment must be authorized by the Compensation Branch.
Any extensions or renewals of the Service Requirement Period must be authorized by the Compensation Branch.
If an approval to extend the Service Requirement Period is not granted by the Compensation Branch, the affected employees will no longer be eligible to receive retention payments.
Authority
Memorandum of Agreement PS/GE (2009)
Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact the Human Resource Service Centre.
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Date Issued: 23/10/2014
Purpose
To provide a mechanism to assist in the recruitment and retention of employees in geographic areas where there are difficulties recruiting and retaining employees.
Application
This policy applies to employees covered under the CUPE 600 collective agreement in all workplaces of Executive Government.
Policy
Where it can be demonstrated that there is, or will be, difficulty recruiting and retaining employees in a definable location and occupation/level, retention payments may be available.
Definition
Service Requirement Period
An established timeframe up to 12 months in length that has been approved by the Compensation Branch whereby an employee may be eligible to receive retention payments. Typically, the service requirement period will be aligned with the term of employment for term employees.
Policy/Guideline Areas
Eligibility
To be eligible for retention payments:
The employee must be headquartered in the geographic location and in an occupation/level where there are difficulties recruiting and retaining employees.
The employee must be employed in the geographic location and occupation/level identified above on the last day of the Service Requirement Period or at the end of the approved pay period.
Rationale
Consideration for a retention payment will be made when two or more of the following conditions exist:
-
Salary lags local markets.
-
There are challenges recruiting and retaining employees in the specific geographic location and occupation/level.
-
There are anticipated pressures (eg. economic activity) that will impact that ability to recruit and retain employees.
-
Other challenges exist that negatively impact recruitment and retention of employees (eg. challenges in affordable housing, increased cost of living, operational changes, etc.)
Amount of Payment
-
The Compensation Branch will determine the amount of the payment on the basis of the rationale and supporting evidence.
-
The amount of the retention payment will be expressed as a percentage of regular earnings earned in the Service Requirement Period. Regular earnings mean regular salary and do not include any other payments; eg. overtime payments, vacation pay, shift differential, weekend differential, special bonuses, or allowances.
-
Once payment has been made, there shall be no further recalculations to factor in retroactive wage adjustments.
Frequency of Payment
Retention payments will be made as a lump sum payment at the end of the Service Requirement Period. Compensation Branch may approve payments on a more frequent basis; eg. mid-season, mid-term, quarterly, semi-annually.
Treatment of Payment
Retention payments will be subject to deductions including CPP, EI and income tax and will be considered pensionable earnings under the Public Employees’ Pension Plan (PEPP).
Approval Process
Steps in the Process:
-
The Ministry identifies geographic location and occupation/level where there are difficulties recruiting and retaining employees.
-
The Deputy Minister, via the Human Resource Service team (HRST), requests approval for a retention payment from the Compensation branch (see Appendix A)
-
The Compensation Branch undertakes analysis and approves or denies the request (the Compensation Branch will consult with CUPE prior to approving a request).
-
Contained in each approval (see Appendix B) will be the percentage of regular earnings approved as the retention payment, as well as the specific Service Requirement Period for which the retention payment is granted. The maximum approval period is 12 months, at which time the need to continue the retention payment will be re-evaluated by the Compensation Branch.
-
Once a request has been approved, the Ministry is responsible for ensuring eligible employees are advised of their eligibility for retention payments, and the service requirements.
Other
-
As a result of changes to the originating reasons, the Ministry may follow the steps in the approval process and request an interim review be undertaken by the Compensation Branch to increase the previously approved amount of the retention payment. Any increases made to the retention payment must be authorized by the Compensation Branch.
-
Any extensions or renewals of the Service Requirement Period must be authorized by the Compensation Branch.
-
If an approval to extend the Service Requirement Period is not granted by the Compensation Branch, the affected employees will no longer be eligible to receive retention payments.
Authority
Memorandum of Agreement CUPE 600 (2014)
Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact the Human Resource Service Centre.
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