# 2021-223 Pay and benefits, Allowances and benefits

Case summary

F&R Date: 2021-12-07

The grievor claimed to be entitled to payment of monthly aircrew allowance (AIRCRA), in accordance with Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI) 205.32, upon posting to an operational training squadron (OTS).

The Initial Authority (IA) denied the grievance, having determined that the grievor, as an aircrew member, was not entitled to AIRCRA (monthly) while posted to the OTS. The IA found that the grievor did not occupy a designated position given that they were on basic training list (BTL) status and were not employable in their military occupation. As such, the IA concluded that the grievor did not meet all of the conditions for entitlement to AIRCRA (monthly) set out in CBI 205.32.  

The Committee found that CBI 205.32(3) identified three conditions for entitlement to AIRCRA (monthly). An aircrew member had to occupy a designated position, report for duty in the designated aircrew position and not be disentitled under CBI 205.29 (Environmental Allowances Matrix) or CBI 10.3.08 (Environmental Allowances).

The Committee found that the grievor, an aircrew member posted to the OTS BTL to continue flying training, was not posted to an accountable position at the unit nor did they fulfill the obligations associated with such a position in a designated unit. The Committee agreed with the IA that the grievor's service did not meet all of the required conditions set out in CBI 205.32 for entitlement to payment of AIRCRA (monthly).  

The Committee recommended that the Final Authority (FA) not afford the grievor redress.

FA decision summary

The FA, Commander Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation. He noted the grievor's contention that there was an inconsistent application of AIRCRA eligibility, but stated that the RCAF had been asked to audit monthly AIRCRA for all designated units.