May 30, 2025

Caption: The government is failing workers again and again.

Normally, changes this significant prompt ongoing discussions between the Unions and employers, the timely sharing of information, and some sort of agreement to move ahead. Unfortunately, the employer is much less ready and continues the pattern of inattention and performative meetings.   

The Unions are ready, willing, and able to negotiate pensions and benefits for members who will be moving over to the Yukon Health Authority. Unfortunately, the Employer appears to be stalling.  

We know how critical it is for members to have certainty for benefits and working conditions when planning their future.

Our report card so far: 

Timely Sharing of Information – Grade - F 

• The Unions were not brought in until several steps in the employer’s pension planning process had passed. They presented us with a “fait accompli” (ready-made solution) but insist there is no final pension plan.  

Transparency – Grade - F 

• At the April multi-Union, multi-Employer meeting, there was a discussion with the Unions and employer pension experts and consultants. The Unions raised many initial concerns about the single pension option we were presented with. We asked how/why they chose this ONE. These concerns were put in the minutes with promised answers for the May meeting, which leads us to the next Grade.  

Preparedness – Grade - F 

• At the May meeting, the employer completely ignored all questions from our previous meetings, and then, incredibly, asked the Unions to submit their questions in writing. The minutes from the previous meeting literally captured our questions, yet they asked for them again – it's almost unbelievable!  

Elements of a fair pension plan 

We are a long way from finalizing any sort of agreement on the matter of pensions.  

The two Unions (PSAC and PIPSC) continue to work together on fighting for pension fairness for all members involved in the transition.  

Pensions can seem complicated, and achieving a fair outcome will be complex. PSAC has extensive experience in the matter of negotiating pension transitions at the hospital and with other organizations and we will be putting that expertise to work.     

Here are some basic principles that the two Unions will follow as they advocate on your behalf during the transition to the Health Authority.  

• No one should be disadvantaged by the change in pension plans. 

This means that if your employer changes, your retirement income should be unchanged. 

This can be achieved in different ways depending on the personal/family situation of those affected.  

The priority is to ensure your pension benefit will allow you to retire with dignity, regardless of retirement date.  

• Equitable and transparent 

Currently, there are four different pension plans – Group 1 and 2 with the Yukon Government and Group 1 and 2 with the Yukon Hospital Corporation. They have different provisions based on when each of the original plans was capped. How those plans will be integrated needs to be clear and equitable. The new plan needs to be easily understood and should not reduce the benefit you receive, regardless of when you retire.  

• Secure  

Your pension plan is key to retiring with dignity and financial security. Pension funds are heavily regulated federally, and they must meet stringent financial guidelines to remain financially healthy and solvent.  

Currently, the Yukon Government plan is backed by the federal superannuation plan, while the Yukon Hospital plan is backed by the Yukon government.  

• Good Governance  

Good governance is key to ensuring the goals of a secure and transparent management of your pension funds. Careful stewardship through superannuation or through a co-managed plan by both pension recipients and financial managers.