# 2018-117 Pay and Benefits, Allowances

Case summary

F&R Date: 2019-07-03

The grievor contended that he was provided with unclear and contrary direction by the Borden Personnel Support Program (PSP) staff with regards to swim meet related expenses. He also alleged that the changes imposed by PSP to the funding of coaches' expenses do not rest on an approved policy and that the new policy was not applied consistently. As redress, the grievor requested the reimbursement of his out-of-pocket expenses.

The Commanding Officer Administration Branch Canadian Forces base Borden, acting as the Initial Authority (IA), determined that the grievor was treated fairly and in accordance with the applicable policies. The IA found that the PSP staff provided clear and not contrary direction, and that this policy was applied consistently.

The Committee found that the grievor was clearly informed of the change in the operating principles, that the underlying principle to this change in policy is fair and justified, and that the expenses incurred by the grievor were in accordance with the operating procedures.

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

FA decision summary

The Director Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, as the FA, agreed with the Committee's recommendation that the grievance be denied. The FA referred to the provisions of the Personnel Support Programs Policy Manual and the Canadian Forces Base Borden Recreational Club/Activity Constitution. The FA found that the club was recreational. He also noted that the practice relating to the payment of coaches' expenses changed and that the grievor was informed of the changes, despite some confusion. He found that "the fees charged to all club members should serve to benefit all club members” and that the expenses related to activities limited to selected members should be borne by the participants.