RCMP Staff Relations Representatives take legal action to stop wage rollback  

(OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 19, 2009) - RCMP Staff Relations Representatives filed an application for a judicial review of Treasury Board’s decision to rollback a previously agreed-to wage increase for RCMP members.

On December 11, 2008, Treasury Board announced its decision to rollback a wage agreement with the RCMP, and amended the new rates of pay for the second and third year of the most recent three-year compensation arrangement. At no time did Treasury Board provide advance notice of its decision, nor did it negotiate, consult, or even discuss this decision with RCMP representatives who negotiated the agreement prior to announcing it. 

The application requests that the decision to amend the rates of pay for members for 2009 and 2010 be quashed. 

The application is the latest in a series of steps taken by the RCMP’s elected representatives to generate awareness among Canadians about the detrimental effects this decision poses for the future of the RCMP and Canadian public safety. A wage rollback will significantly affect the RCMP’s ability to recruit urgently needed new RCMP members and retain experienced members.

In a poll released last week, a majority of Canadians said they supported a plan to ensure RCMP members receive the previously agreed wage increase or a further wage increase in 2009. Significantly, only one in four Canadians say they support the government’s decision to rollback the negotiated RCMP rates of pay. 

CallForBackup.ca was launched to help generate support and spark discussion about the wage rollback and what it means for Canadian public safety. Over 10,500 individuals have signed an online petition-signatures continue to be added daily-and more than 2,000 letters to MPs have been sent supporting RCMP members affected by the wage rollback. 

The Harper government committed to tackling crime by strengthening Canadian police forces like the RCMP. By taking the unprecedented step of rolling back a previously agreed wage increase for the RCMP, this government risks creating long-term challenges for the retention and recruitment of members, and in so doing, creates an increased risk for Canadian public safety. 

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For more information visit www.CallForBackup.ca or contact: 

Brian Roach, National Executive                      
Staff Relations Representative Program
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
204-984-3928                   

   

Bob Meredith, National Executive
Staff Relations Representative Program
Royal Canadian Mounted Police     
780-915-6352

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