Government of Canada

Vacation leave accrues monthly based on years of continuous employment, starting at 14 hours per month and increasing up to 20 hours per month after 28 years. Officers may carry over unused vacation leave up to specified maximums (e.g., 280 to 336 hours depending on appendix), with excess paid out in cash. Sick leave accrues at 10 hours per month, granted on an hourly basis equal to normal work hours per day, with provisions for advance sick leave up to 200 hours for injury-on-duty and 120 hours for other cases. Bereavement leave allows up to 7 consecutive calendar days with pay for immediate family deaths, plus up to 3 days travel leave. Maternity leave without pay is up to 18 weeks, extendable if the newborn is hospitalized, with a maternity allowance under a Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Plan providing up to 93% of weekly pay less EI benefits, contingent on return-to-work commitments. Parental leave without pay is up to 37 weeks, with a similar parental allowance. Other leaves include court leave with pay, injury-on-duty leave, examination leave, educational and career development leave, family-related leave with pay (up to 5 days per fiscal year), volunteer leave (8 hours per year), and personal leave (8 hours per year). Officers receive meals and quarters on vessels or reimbursement when unavailable, with specific daily rates ($13-$14) when meals/quarters are not provided. Safety and health provisions include regular vessel inspections and medical care availability. Severance pay is based on years of continuous employment, with rates ranging from 2 to 4 weeks' pay for the first year depending on tenure, plus one week per additional year, up to a maximum of 30 weeks' pay.

Hourly wage rates vary by subgroup and level, with detailed step increases effective annually from April 1, 2017, through April 1, 2024, including a market adjustment effective December 21, 2023. For example, in the Marine Operations Sub-Group, hourly rates range from approximately $26.04 to $76.07 depending on step and year. Pay increments occur every 12 months to the next step in the scale. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the straight-time rate for hours worked beyond designated hours, with double time for overtime exceeding eight hours in a day, work on days of rest beyond normal hours, and consecutive days of rest worked. Call-back pay guarantees a minimum of three hours at the applicable overtime rate when called back after leaving the workplace. Reporting pay guarantees a minimum of three hours at overtime rates if an officer reports to work without prior notice of cancellation. Special allowances include monthly payments for certified rescue specialists ($136), fisheries enforcement ($306), armed boarding ($184), diving duty ($858 annually), and nuclear emergency response team members ($156 monthly).

This collective agreement covers all employees classified as Ships' Officers (Code 410) represented by the Canadian Merchant Service Guild. The agreement aims to establish harmonious relations between the employer (Treasury Board) and officers, setting terms for remuneration, hours, benefits, and working conditions, including safety and occupational health. It is effective from December 21, 2023, and expires on March 31, 2026. Key outcomes for employees include structured pay scales with scheduled increases, comprehensive leave provisions, overtime compensation, allowances for special duties, and protections related to job security and grievance procedures.