# 2018-019 Pay and Benefits, Post Index, Post Living Allowance

Case summary

F&R Date: 2018-10-24

The grievor disputed the Post Index (PI) for his location outside Canada (OUTCAN) as calculated by Statistics Canada. He contended that the Canadian currency exchange rate was not being administered accurately to his detriment. As redress the grievor sought an adjustment to the PI and to his pay.

The Initial Authority, the Director General Compensation and Benefits, denied the grievance, finding that the grievor's Post Living Allowance (PLA) benefit was administered in accordance with the Compensation and Benefits Instructions for the Canadian Forces, Chapter 10, Military Foreign Service Instructions, and the terms and conditions of the Foreign Service Directives (FSD) 55, while he was posted OUTCAN.

The Committee first found that, as a preliminary issue, the Stats Can methodology for the PI calculation is clearly outside the jurisdiction of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and, as such, the grievance should not have been accepted for adjudication.

The Committee examined the grievor's argument and concluded that the grievor's expectations regarding the precision and infallibility of the PI methodology, and the degree of income and financial protection that would result, exceeded what is required under the FSD and what is represented by Statistics Canada to Government of Canada employees and to CAF members in the Guide to the Post Index. The Committee concluded that the grievor was treated in accordance with the applicable policies and regulations pertaining to the PLA benefit while he was posted OUTCAN.

The Committee recommended that redress not be granted.

FA decision summary

The grievor withdrew this grievance before a final decision was rendered.