Frustration continues as 1GX resolution process unfolds

Problems with the Government of Alberta (GOA) 1GX payroll system continue to create frustration and anger among members as we seek to resolve outstanding issues.
 
So far, AUPE has filed 206 grievances related to 1GX. Of those, 162 grievances are still active and there is a mutual agreement to place them in abeyance.
 
This means that these grievances are temporarily put on hold. If there is no resolution to the problems, these grievances can be revived.
 
The remaining 44 grievances have been closed, mostly because they have been resolved or the griever has chosen not to pursue the grievance. A total of seven of these individual grievances have been closed but resubmitted as a group grievance.
 
Part of the process to deal with grievances is for the members to have one-on-one discussions with the employer to provide all the necessary information. Members are allowed to have an AUPE Membership Services Officer (MSO) attend this meeting and we recommend that members do this. You can contact your MSO by calling the Member Resource Centre (MRC) at 1-800-232-7284 or by clicking here.
 
If you are asked to attend a meeting, please contact your MSO as quickly as possible. Some of the frustration members are feeling is caused by delays created by the employer or management.
 
Some members have been experiencing problems in getting the relevant information for the one-one-one meeting, including approved timesheets and signatures from leadership teams. Your MSO can help you with preparation for the meetings.
 
If these meetings do not bring a resolution, as mentioned earlier, AUPE can reinstate grievances and have them proceed to arbitration.
 
Questions you should consider asking at one-on-one meetings include:

• What if the one-on-one session is not long enough to resolve the issues?
• What is the process if there is no agreement at the meeting?
• If there is agreement at the meeting, what is the timeframe to get action from the employer? 

Meanwhile, we need members to let us know if you experience any new or previously unreported 1GX problems. If you do, it is important to follow these steps:

• Report the problem to 1GX and get a ticket number;
• Report the problem to your manager – in writing or by email; and
• Report the problem to your Membership Services Officer (MSO). You can do that by calling the Member Resource Centre (MRC) at 1-800-232-7284 or by clicking here.

It’s vital to report the problem in all three ways to ensure there is a paper trail, so it will be easier to pursue action later, if necessary.
 
The chaos caused by the GOA’s adoption of the 1GX system before it was ready to handle the complexities of such a diverse workforce of 22,000 people has caused a great deal of suffering and stress for workers.
 
We continue to work every day to get those problems addressed. You have showed immense patience despite the continuing frustrations.
 
Please, remember, none of this is the fault of front-line GOA workers in the payroll department – fellow AUPE members – so, do not take out your frustrations on them. They are working hard on your behalf to resolve these issues.