Below are the... high points and significant changes that were announced at the subj conference earlier this week...
1. PAY RAISE - the pay raise is coming, but most likely not before Christmas.
2. FIELD ENVIRONMENTAL ALLOWANCE (FEA) - This will replace FOA. CF Mbrs posted to "Field Units" will be getting a monthly allowance similar to Sea Duty Allowance (starts at $285/mo). The CDS will designate the units and positions that are entitled to receive this new allowance. This will be back dated to 1 Apr 07. Units will have to calculate their mbrs eligible time in field units to determine what rate they will be receiving. Casual FEA will replace FOA and will be raised to approx $24/day.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL ALLOWANCE EQUITY - Accumulated seniority with environmental allowances will be transferable. If you have five years SDA and you are posted to a designated field unit, you will have five years time credit to FEA. (good news for purple trades).
4. PLD RE-RATIONALIZATION - PLD will be changing in the near future. Ottawa will become the "standard" city in Canada and will receive $0 PLD. Any geographical area that has a lower cost of living than Ottawa will also get $0 PLD. Any geographical area with a higher cost of living than Ottawa will get the difference between Ottawa and that region's cost of living. This will be phased in over three years (reduced by 1/3 each year until it is at the new and improved level). Officer's PLD reduction will start 1 Apr 08, NCM PLD reduction will start 1 Apr 09. Pers posted to a new location will get the new and improved level immediately.