While the summer is often time for relaxation, the Association of Justice Counsel is busier than ever ensuring that its members' interests are represented. Since the beginning of the calendar year, we have received almost 550 inquiries from members on important issues. 
 

The main issue for the Representation Services Team continues to be working on issues related to Workforce Adjustment (WFA) and the recently announced Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER). The AJC continues to advocate for a transparent approach to government budgetary issues without job cuts for its members. For more information, contact the AJC at wfa-re@ajc-ajj.ca
 

Other issues the AJC is currently working on include:

• Preparing for mediation and possibly litigation on issues related to the implementation of the 2022-2026 collective agreement. Most members received their salary adjustment and retroactive payment well after the 180-day deadline and in some cases have received incorrect amounts, and some have still not received their payments as we approach the 460-day mark on August 6, 2025.
• Ensuring that members receive appropriate level of performance pay, regardless of the department or agency in which they are employed.
• Advising members on how to address Pay Centre requests related to alleged overpayments. The employer has no legal recourse to recover the alleged overpayments if they are outside of the six-year limitation period.
• Addressing a lack of transparency and accountability in the Justice LP01 Training and Development Program. A policy grievance and human rights complaint have been filed with respect to parental leave. The AJC is also seeking more information for members about the future of the program.
• Monitoring occupational health and safety issues, including the introduction of sensors in some workplaces with AJC members.
• Engaging in meaningful dialogue with the Department regarding articling students hiring as LP01s.
• Seeking implementation of amendments to the Public Service Superannuation Act and regulations to align with the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Fraser v. Canada (Attorney General), 2020 SCC 28 and allow employees to buy back their time after temporarily reducing their working hours for family care purposes.

Things are never slow for AJC staff and elected officials charged with assisting members. If you or a colleague is facing a workplace issue, the AJC encourages members to contact it via the Intake Form on the AJC website.