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Sick leave is the big issue in this round of bargaining that has been slowly grinding into gear over the past several months. This week, the giant Public Service Alliance of Canada has its first meeting with Treasury Board negotiators for about 100,000 of the employees it represents.

As lawmaker, the government can introduce a short-term disability plan but has to negotiate the terms and conditions of sick leave, which are enshrined in the contracts of all public servants.

They want but have to give the impression that they consulted with us for appearances only

The unions want the government’s short-term disability plan to be brought to the bargaining table to be negotiated during contract talks and not introduced as a fait accompli with only details to be worked out.

“To be honest, they [the government] know exactly what they want but have to give the impression that they consulted with us for appearances only,” said Claude Poirier, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees.

“We believe we can fix the problems they have identified in a cheaper way than changing everything and replacing it with a more expensive system.”

Treasury Board President Tony Clement claims he’s open to negotiate ways to better manage ill and injured public servants but they would have to fit with his “commitment” to a new short-term disability plan. The government announced the overhaul as a priority in the last budget.

“Our government is committed to introducing short- and long-term disability plans that will help public servants get healthy and get back to work,” he said in an email. “We will work with the bargaining agents to find ways to reduce the incidence and duration of disability in the public service and to improve workplace wellness. “