# 2022-032 Pay and benefits, Incentive pay category

Case summary

F&R date: 2022-05-12

The grievor, a former Master Corporal, disputed their pay level upon reenrollment in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). They argued that the financial implications of commissioning from the ranks (CFR) versus a direct entry officer (DEO) enrolment were never brought to their attention and that, had they known, they would have reenrolled as a non-commissioned member and then applied for CFR with pay protection.

The Commander, 4th Canadian Division, as the Initial Authority (IA), denied the grievance. The IA found that the grievor's previous qualifications and education allowed the grievor to enroll as a DEO. Further, the grievor was correctly paid at the appropriate rank and pay level in accordance with Compensation Benefits and Instructions for the Canadian Forces (CBI) 204.511(4).

The Committee found that at the time of the grievor's enrolment, the Reserve Force Unit needs were for an officer and that the grievor accepted that offer. Though a path to a higher pay (in the short term) may have existed, the Committee found that it did not meet the needs of the CAF and the CAF was under no obligation to follow it. The Committee confirmed that, in accordance with CBI 204.511(3), experience at a lower rank does not count towards the establishment of a member's pay increments. As such, the grievor was found to have been enrolled correctly and paid in accordance with the applicable policy.

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