Update to the Isolated Posts and Government Housing Directive - October 2010

Appendix A and G (Fuel and Utilities Differential) and Vacation Travel Allowances (VTA) for Isolated Posts with an Environmental Allowance of 4, 5

October 1, 2010

To: Functional Heads of Administration, Human Resources and Financial Service

CC: Chairs and Executive Directors of Northern Federal Regional Councils, Departmental Designated Coordinators for the IPGHD Committee members of the NJC IPGHD (for information)

The purpose of this notice is to provide you with the most recent updates to the National Joint Council (NJC) Isolated Posts and Government Housing Directive (IPGHD).

Recently, the NJC IPGH committee approved changes to the Appendices A and G. The Fuel and Utility Differential (FUD) classification levels are effective October 1, 2009. For locations where the FUD level has increased, retroactive payments resulting from these changes are to be administered in the same manner as retroactive increases to employees' pay. For locations where there is a decrease in the FUD level, departments shall provide a written notice to each employee affected by the change within 60 days (until November 29, 2010) of receiving this notification, pursuant to section 2.12 of the IPGHD. The reduction will be effective on the first day of the fourth calendar month after the month in which written notice was received. An e-mail is considered an acceptable written notice.

In addition, the review of the Vacation Travel Allowance (VTA) for Isolated Posts which have an environmental Classification of 4 and 5 has been finalized. The new VTA rates for these posts will be effective on October 1, 2010.

Please distribute this notice and include the amended appendix A and G and the new VTA rates to persons at your headquarters and regional offices who are involved in the administration of the allowances.

Details regarding the methodology can be found in the "Guide to National Joint Council Rates and Allowances".

Any questions from employees and regional staff should be directed to the appropriate Designated Departmental IPGHD Coordinators who, as required, can contact the appropriate officers at the Treasury Board Secretariat.

Sean Ross
A/Senior Director
Union Engagement and National Joint Council support
Compensation and Labour Relations Sector
Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer