September 11th 2006

Public Service Superannuation Plan - Surplus Litigation Proceedings

For your information and as the rumour continues to circulate.

I received a copy of a letter submitted to John Gordon, National Pres. PSAC and Rep to the PSSPension Advisory Committee, by a member. This letter is dated July 19th, 2006 and I received my copy in the mail on Friday last week. In it Brother Gordon states:

"As far as the PSAC is concerned, the legal proceedings regarding the federal superannuation surplus appropriation wll resume before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on Februardy 27, 2007. A period of 6 weeks has been reserved by the Court for opening arguments and presentation of evidence and expert testimony. This stage of the trial will be followed by a 3 week recess. Immediately following the recess, the Court has scheduled a further 3 weeks for closing arguments. A judgement is expected to be rendered in the fall of 2007.

The PSAC has also been contacted by various members across the country concerning the circulation of "rumours" in the workplace of a possible "out of court settlement" of this dispute. I can inform you that the PSAC has not engaged in any discussions with the Federal Government involving a possible resolution between the parties outside of the current legal proceedings. Obviously, the PSAC has no control over the transmission of inaccurate information by unknown parties other than to reconfirm the appropriate factual situation to the membership."

The PSAC has however repeatedly stated that it is their intention to ensure that the superannuation surplus is utilized to the benefit of all plan members in proportion to their participation in the Public Service Superannuation Act (PSSA). The PSAC adopted this position out of concern for fairness to all contributors, pensioners, and survivors.

I will post a copy of this letter on the bulletin board on the 19th floor and interested members can read it there if they so wish.

FYI….

P.W. Pleming
GSU President, Local 20008,
Public Works & Government Services Canada,
Pacific Region
#641 - 800 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2V8
phone: (604) 666-1454 Fax (604) 775-9380
Emergencies - Cell Phone: (604) 612-1317 (24/7)
bill.pleming@pwgsc.gc.ca