PIPSC has created an alternation platform to assist members who are labelled opting or surplus as a result of a Workforce Adjustment situation and who wish to remain employed in the public service.
The platform will help members find opportunities to alternate with another non-affected employee who is willing to voluntarily leave their position with the federal government. This acts as an electronic bulletin board where members can search for opportunities based on their classification (for example, group, level, etc.) and then communicate with a possible match to determine if they have the required skills for the position.
Note that this platform requires members to look for their own alternation match.
How do I create an account?
You need to have a PIPSC email address in order to create an account. If you do not already have an account, you can request one through the following form.
I already have a PIPSC email account but I do not remember my password, what can I do?
Please send an email to it@pipsc.ca and we will be happy to help you reset your password.
Why can’t I use my own email address instead of my PIPSC email address?
As an additional security measure, the platform is accessible only to members with a @pipsc.ca email account.
How do I create my profile?
Click on profile and fill out the required information and fields. Once you are satisfied with your profile, use the toggle at the top of the profile page to make it visible on the alternation page.
How do I delete my profile?
You can remove your profile from the Alternation directory at any time by visiting the My Profile section. If you wish to permanently delete your account from the system, please contact it@pipsc.ca, and our team will be happy to assist you.
Why can’t I see postings for other employers once I’ve selected my employer and group?
Alternation can only occur between employees who have the same employer. For example, employees under the Treasury Board can alternate with each other, regardless of their departments because they are both employed by Treasury Board but they cannot alternate with an employee from CFIA or CRA and vice versa.
How can I alternate with an employee who belongs to a classification that isn’t under the same bargaining agent (not PIPSC)?
While this page is only for PIPSC members, you should also sign up for the Employer’s alternation page and the TBS alternation page on GCXchange. This will enable you to see alternation opportunities for other bargaining units such as PSAC or CAPE.
Why does my name not show up once my profile is visible?
While the platform is not anonymous, we have designed it in such a way that the focus is on the position and not the individuals. Once someone contacts you, they will know your PIPSC email address and your name and vice versa.
Will the platform find matches for me?
No, you must search the platform yourself by using the search function to find possible matches. Once you’ve identified a possible match, you should contact the individual and engage in an exchange of information to understand whether you meet the qualifications and experience requirements of the position they hold. We encourage you to search the platform frequently to identify new possible opportunities to match.
How will I know if someone is interested in alternating with me?
Once you click on the button to contact someone, it will bring you to your email account and you will need to send that individual an email. Likewise, if someone sees your profile as a possible match and decides to contact you, they will send you an email. You should therefore, regularly check your PIPSC email account.
How do I proceed once I have found a possible alternation match?
Once you have identified a possible match, you will both need to reach out to your respective managers to enable them to review the request and determine whether the candidate for alternation meets the qualifications and experience requirements of the position. The decision to approve the alternation belongs to the employer. However, if they deny the request, you are entitled to receive reasons for denial in writing. Should you be denied these reasons, please reach out to a steward or ERO for assistance.
Is there a deadline to find an alternation and have it approved?
An opting employee may pursue alternation during their 120-day opting period. An employee who chose Option A (12-month surplus status) may also pursue alternation until the end of their surplus period, or until they accept a reasonable job offer.
What happens if I am unable to find a match for alternation?
If you are unable to find yourself a match during the 120-day opting period, you will need to decide on one of the options available to you. If you choose option A and become a surplus employee, you can continue to search for an alternate. If you are successful in finding a match during your surplus period, the volunteer (non-affected) employee will receive the transition support measure reduced by the amount you have received while in surplus period status. If you choose options B or C, you will no longer be able to alternate.
If my alternation is denied, what should I do?
Your alternation can be denied if your manager can demonstrate that the proposed match won’t succeed in retaining the required skills to meet operational requirements or needs and that training will not be sufficient to address the perceived lack of skills.
If you are denied your alternation, ask your manager to provide you with their reasons for denial in writing. You should also keep all exchanges on the subject in writing and ask any follow up questions you feel could address the issues raised. If you are not satisfied with the manager’s reasons, contact your steward or ERO to discuss the situation.
Can I alternate into a position for which I don’t currently meet the language requirements?
Generally speaking, opting employees must meet the language requirements of the position they seek to alternate into.
Do all departments have to participate in alternation?
Yes, all departments must participate in the alternation process per the WFA appendix of our collective agreements. The department cannot refuse to consider an alternation on the basis that they do not have a WFA ongoing in their department. Should your manager refuse to consider the possible alternation, please reach out to a steward or your regional office for assistance from an Employment Relations Officer.
Note, however, that alternation cannot occur between core public service departments and a separate agency such as CFIA or CRA.
Can I alternate to a lower or higher paid position?
Alternation generally occurs between employees of the same classification group and level. However, some can alternate with other groups where they meet the requirements of the position in which they seek to alternate. Positions are considered equivalent if the higher-paid position’s maximum salary is no more than six (6) per cent greater than the lower-paid position’s maximum salary.
If you choose to alternate to a lower paid position, you will not be granted salary protection.