Agreement between the Treasury Board and Association of Canadian Financial Officers

On August 4th, 2019, the Treasury Board of Canada and the Association of Canadian Financial Officers (ACFO) reached a tentative agreement for its members after extensive negotiations. This new collective agreement affects approximately 4,000 financial officers working within the federal government.

The agreement includes several key changes that will impact the work environment, job security, and compensation of ACFO members. One of the most notable changes is the increase of paid parental leave to 93 weeks, which is up from the previous 37 weeks. The agreement also includes enhancements to the work-life balance of the employees, such as increased flexibility in work hours and the option to work from home.

Another significant change in the agreement is new language to promote the prevention of harassment and violence in the workplace. ACFO members now have access to additional resources and training to prevent or address these issues.

The new agreement also includes a salary increase of 2.8% over four years. The agreement has been praised by ACFO members, who feel that it is a fair representation of their hard work and dedication to their roles.

As part of the agreement, the government has also committed to addressing the issue of employee burnout. They will be working to reduce workplace stress through the establishment of new wellness programs and providing additional support for those struggling with mental health.

The signing of this agreement is an important step for both the Treasury Board and ACFO. It demonstrates a commitment to fair and equitable treatment of employees, which is critical for creating a positive and productive work environment. Additionally, this agreement sets a standard for other government departments to follow when negotiating their collective agreements.

Overall, the agreement between the Treasury Board and ACFO is a positive development for financial officers working within the federal government. The changes outlined in this agreement will help to improve the work-life balance, job security, and compensation of these essential employees, which will ultimately benefit both the workers and the government as a whole.