RCMP reservists and members below the rank of inspector have ratified a collective agreement that was tentatively reached earlier this summer. The six-year agreement (April 1, 2017- March 31, 2023) covers numerous key issues impacting local governments, including base compensation for affected members.
Although the collective agreement was ratified on August 6, UBCM and most other contract partners were not made aware until last week, following the federal election announcement. An August 18 email from Public Safety Canada to affected provinces and territories reads:
RCMP regular members and reservists recently voted in favour of a tentative agreement negotiated between the Government of Canada and the National Police Federation. The ratified collective agreement was published this past week on the Treasury Board Secretariat web site and can be found at the following link: RCMP Regular Members (below the rank of inspector) and Reservists (RM)- Canada.ca (tbs-sct.gc.ca).
With this agreement, RCMP total compensation, including pensions and benefits, is competitive with other police services. It is fair for regular members and reservists as well as reasonable for Canadian taxpayers. This first collective agreement covers a period of six years beginning on April 1, 2017 and includes an economic increase of 1.75 per cent each year. It also includes market adjustments, distributed over the course of the six-year contract, valued at 11.53 per cent, to address wage differences between RCMP members and reservists and other police services across Canada.
We are mindful that policing represents a significant cost for municipalities, provinces and territories, including those who contract RCMP police services.
As you are aware, the federal general election has been called and as a result, federal public service employees must now act in accordance with the caretaker convention during this period. However, I wanted to ensure that I reach out to you on this very important issue.
Following the writ period, Public Safety Canada and the RCMP will continue to work with CMC and individual contract jurisdictions in Fall 2021 and beyond, to discuss impacts related to the administration of the Police Service Agreements (PSAs). At the same time, please note that the provisions of the PSAs, including those related to method of payment and financial planning and reporting, are unchanged and remain in effect.
The collective agreement includes a significant base salary increase for RCMP members. The total financial impact on contract partners, including the amount of any potential retroactive payments, is likely to be finalized following the federal election. Local government representatives have clearly stated throughout this process that they are unable to absorb large lump-sum payments.
UBCM endeavours to provide additional updates as more information becomes available.