# 2025-087 Pay and Benefits, Class A Reserve Service, Class B Reserve Service, Specialist Pay

Case summary

F&R Date: 2026-01-05

The grievor, a Marine Technician (MAR TECH), contended that upon transferring from the Regular Force (Reg F) to the Reserve Force (Res F), he was no longer entitled to Specialist (Spec) level 2 pay while employed on Class (Cl) “A” and Cl “B” Reserve Service (Res Svc) employment, despite performing the same tasks within the same occupation and meeting all required qualifications. He believed that there are inconsistencies across the branches of service, as numerous occupations within the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force allow their technicians to receive Spec pay while on Cl “A” and Cl “B” Res Svc employment. As redress, the grievor sought reinstatement of Spec 2 pay, regardless of the Cl of service, and a review of the policy to ensure that Cl “A” and Cl “B” reservists performing equivalent duties are compensated fairly under the Military Employment Structure.

The Initial Authority (IA), the Director General Compensation and Benefits, denied the grievance and determined that the grievor was paid correctly and in accordance with his entitlement pursuant to the applicable policy. The IA explained that the grievor became ineligible for Spec pay when he transferred from the Reg F to the Res F, serving on Cl “A” and Cl “B” terms of service, because the Spec pay for MAR TECH applies only to members of the Reg F or Res F serving on Cl “C” terms.

The Committee found that the grievor was compensated in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Compensation and Benefits Instructions for the Canadian Forces. The Committee confirmed that the grievor possessed the required occupational qualifications for Spec pay. However, when he transferred to the Res F, the nature and conditions of his service changed and he was not eligible for Spec pay while on Cl “A” or Cl “B” Res Svc employment. The Committee found that the policy assigning Spec pay to Reg F MAR TECH members is fair and reasonable and recommended that the Final Authority not afford the grievor redress.