Update for Members—Position Description Questionnaire (PDQ) Process

Hello everyone,
I would like to provide an update to our members regarding the Position Description
Questionnaire (PDQ) process.
I know that some of you have been waiting a long time for your PDQs to be reviewed.
Some members have now been waiting for more than 18 months, and we understand how
frustrating it is to submit a request with virtually no information about its status.
What does the letter of agreement in our collective bargaining agreement stipulate?
(p. 44)

The 2022 collective bargaining agreement established a joint classification review
process between the union and the employer.
Under the letter of agreement, the Joint Classification Committee (JCC) consists of two
employer representatives and two union representatives. The JCC is responsible for
reviewing PDQ forms and making classification decisions using the “Hay Guide ChartProfile” job evaluation method.

The agreement also establishes a Joint Advisory Committee (JAC), composed of one
employer representative and one union representative.
The letter of agreement stipulates that the JCC must review a PDQ form and render a
classification decision within 60 business days of the Ministry of Finance and the
Treasury Board receiving the reclassification request.

If the JCC is unable to reach a consensus on a classification issue, the matter is referred to
the JAC. The JAC then has 30 business days to review the issue and render a decision.
The decisions of both committees are final and binding.
Before this process could begin, the employer was also required to provide training on
the Hay Guide’s profiling method to members of the JCC and the JAC. JCC members
have had their training for several years, and their involvement has resulted in many
members being reclassified to their advantage.

Where do we stand now?
PSAC national classification officers who now sit on the JAC have completed their
training on the Hay system and should soon be able to evaluate the PDQs that are the
subject of a dispute.
According to the latest information available to us, seven PDQs are currently awaiting
evaluation by the JAC.
We hope that these pending PDQs will move through the process and be reviewed and
evaluated before the end of the year. However, we do not want to promise a timeline that
is beyond our control.
Why have members not received more updates?
I want to be transparent about this.
As the executive of your local union, we do not automatically receive updates from the
JCC or the JAC. We have to follow up with PSAC staff and committee members to
obtain information on the progress of these evaluation files. Since they are bound by
professional confidentiality, it is difficult to obtain information.
This has made it difficult to provide regular updates to members, especially when there
has been little progress in the process.
Even when we have no new developments to report, we need to communicate more
regularly and let you know that we continue to monitor the issue closely.
What is the union doing?
We continue to follow up with the PSAC and the employer regarding the PDQ process
and pending applications. We are aware that the process is stalled at the EECD human
resources stage, since the letter of agreement does not specify any deadlines for this
stage.
We are requesting updates on the status of the process, urging the committees to move
forward with their work, and trying to obtain clearer information that we can share with
our members.
At the same time, we recognize that our members deserve better than simply being told to
wait.
We understand that a request for reclassification (PDQ) is not merely an administrative
formality. The outcome can affect an employee’s classification and compensation, and
prolonged delays can have tangible repercussions for members and their families.
In addition, please note that we have several active grievances, some of which are
awaiting a hearing date for arbitration.
We are also closely following the government’s current negotiations with CUPE, as these
will undoubtedly have an impact on our own negotiations.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their concerns with us. Your
feedback is important, and we appreciate your patience as we continue to work on this
issue. Rest assured that we are working as hard as humanly possible to ensure that the
rights of all our members are respected.

In solidarity,
Alain Sirois, President—School Business Employees Union (SBEU) 60702

Good afternoon, brothers and sisters.

We would like to provide you with an update regarding the Union Grievance filed on April 20, 2026, concerning:

Article 22 – Hours of Work and Overtime / Article 24 – Merit Increases and Article 54 – Retroactivity

We have been informed that the case has now been referred to adjudication by PSAC. This represents an important step forward in the process and confirms that the matter is continuing to move through the appropriate channels. We would like to thank our Rep, Tobie Castonguay, for the excellent work in this matter.

That being said, we also want to remain transparent with you, dear members: a referral to adjudication does not guarantee that the case will ultimately proceed before an arbitrator. The PSAC Representation team must now complete its analysis and determine the next steps, including whether a hearing date will eventually be scheduled.

At this stage, no timeline has been confirmed. If the case proceeds, it could still take considerable time before a hearing is held.

Our role at the local level was to ensure the grievance was properly advanced, and that work has been completed. We will continue to keep members informed as additional information becomes available.

Thank you for your patience and continued solidarity.

In solidarity,

Alain Sirois

SBEU President

Edmundston, February the 2^nd.

Jennifer Johnson, chief negotiator and to whom it may concern,

On behalf of the School Business Employees Union (SBEU/SPAS), I am writing to formally inquire about the status of several Position Description Questionnaires (PDQs) submitted under Article 25.07 of the Collective Agreement.

Article 25.07 clearly outlines the process and timelines for the review of classification requests, including the requirement that, within forty-five (45) working days of receipt by Finance and Treasury Board, the Employer shall provide the Employee and the Union with the results of the evaluation, including the written classification rating and the rationale supporting the decision.

We have been advised by our members that, despite PDQs being properly completed, verified, and forwarded through District HR in accordance with the Collective Agreement, there have been significant delays and, in many cases, a complete lack of response once the files reach the Treasury Board/EECD level. District HR has confirmed that required timelines at the district level were respected.

The Union has made multiple attempts to follow up on these files through emails and phone calls, without receiving any acknowledgment or substantive response. This has raised serious concerns regarding the tracking, handling, and overall transparency of the PDQ review process once submissions are received by Finance and Treasury Board. In some cases, members have been asked to resubmit PDQs, further increasing concern that files may not be properly monitored.

These delays place members in a difficult and uncertain position and undermine the intent of Article 25.07, which is to ensure a timely and transparent classification review process.

Accordingly, the Union is requesting:

• An update on the current status of outstanding PDQ submissions;
• Clarification on the PDQ tracking and review process at the Treasury Board level; and
• an explanation for the repeated delays and lack of communication.

We would appreciate a written response at your earliest convenience. The Union remains willing to meet to discuss these concerns and to work toward ensuring that the PDQ process is administered in a manner that fully respects the Collective Agreement.

Sincerely,

Alain Sirois

SBEU President/Président du SPAS 60702

506.740.2337

 

Letter SBEU-SPAS_Minister of education 05-2025_English

Minister Johnson – NB School Cuts