# 2018-042 Pay and Benefits, Reserve Force, Specialist Pay

Case summary

F&R Date: 2019-03-08

The grievor, a member of the Reserve Force (Res F), complained that he was not eligible to receive Specialist (Spec) pay. The grievor argued that there was no distinction in his occupation between Res F members and a Regular Force member and suggested that he deserved to be included in the Spec pay group. As redress, he sought a one-time credit with retroactive pay adjustment followed by ongoing inclusion in the Spec pay group.

The Initial Authority (IA), the Director General Compensation and Benefits, denied the grievance, finding that the grievor had been paid correctly and in accordance with the applicable Canadian Armed Forces pay policy. The IA also noted that, regardless of what qualifications are held by the grievor, in order to be eligible to receive Spec pay an occupation must be designated to receive Spec pay by the Chief of the Defence Staff and that the grievor's occupation has not been so designated. Finally, the IA noted that an anticipated pay evaluation study of the grievor's occupation has not yet been conducted.

The Committee found that the grievor's occupation is currently not, and has never been, designated as entitled to receive Spec pay. The Committee concluded that the grievor was not entitled to receive Spec pay and recommended that the grievance be denied. Finally, the Committee observed that the anticipated pay evaluation analysis will eventually provide a determination concerning Spec pay for the grievor's occupation, and that it is appropriate to await the outcome of that pay evaluation.

FA decision summary

The Director Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, acting as Final Authority, agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation.