# 2018-118 Pay and Benefits, Delayed Army Communications and Information Systems Specialist Pay Review

Case summary

F&R Date: 2019-03-27

The grievor contended that in accordance with the terms of his enrolment, he was to begin receiving specialist pay (spec pay) upon achieving qualification level 5 (QL5) in his occupation. However, when his occupation was amalgamated with two others, prior to him attaining his QL5, he was unfairly delayed in receiving spec pay.

The Initial Authority (IA) originally granted the grievor the redress requested, but two months later rescinded that decision and granted the grievor spec pay commencing at a later date.

The Committee found that the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) had authorized the amalgamation of the three occupations and had approved the conditions for spec pay in the new occupation. The Committee determined that, after several errors, the grievor had received the spec pay he was entitled to in accordance with the CDS’ orders.

Nonetheless, the Committee found that the grievor had been aggrieved by the confusion surrounding the amalgamation of the new occupation, during which time a CDS Order was approved and then rescinded, multiple communications from branch authorities contained erroneous information, and the grievor had been paid spec pay and then had it recovered from his pay account. In addition, even the IA had granted redress and then reversed the decision. As the grievor had received what he was entitled to, the Committee could only recommend that the Final Authority (FA) express regret for the multiple errors and the impact they had on the grievor.

The Committee also made a systemic recommendation concerning the pay review of the amalgamated occupation.

FA decision summary

The CDS agreed with the Committee's recommendation to express regret for the significant issues of pay related to the amalgamation of the Army Communications Information Systems Specialist occupation. The CDS found that the grievor was treated in accordance with the applicable policies and ultimately received the pay to which he was entitled. He directed that the Canadian Armed Forces issue corrected T4s.