Changes to the Directive on Union Dues

Date: August 27, 2025

To: Heads of Human Resources, Directors / Chiefs of Labour Relations, Compensation, and the Public Service Pay Centre

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform organizations in the core public administration (Schedules I and IV of the Financial Administration Act) of changes to the Directive on Union Dues (the Directive).

The changes support pay administration simplification, address operational issues, enhance the efficiency of the administration of union dues and standardize the format in accordance with Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) policy suite standards

Changes to the Directive, effective September 1, 2025, include:

• Clarifying that union dues are not deducted from overtime and bonuses;
• Clarifying that union dues for reclassifications or conversions are adjusted on a go-forward basis only;
• Clarifying the provisions when an employee is on leave without pay and upon their return;
• Introducing provisions in the event of termination of employment or death, in line with the current practice;
• Clarifying the provisions related to arrears and refunds.

The updated Directive is available on the Directive on Union Dues website.

In addition, the Union Dues Reference Table and Frequently Asked Questions - Union Dues will be updated shortly.

Any questions regarding the above must be directed to your organization’s designated Corporate Labour Relations or Corporate Compensation representatives.

Original signed by

Wendy Bennen
Director, Compensation Policy and Pay Administration
Employee Relations and Total Compensation Sector
Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer