In a recent arbitration hearing between PSAC and the Treasury Board on June 14, PSAC emphasized the need for improvements to the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP). This comes after failed negotiations earlier this year aimed at enhancing the plan for over 185,000 federal public service workers.
PSAC presented its case for enhancements to the PSDCP, expressing optimism about the potential gains through the arbitration process. However, the timeline for the arbitration panel’s decision remains uncertain.
The negotiations to update the PSDCP commenced in June 2023 following a labor board ruling that criticized the Treasury Board for its reluctance to engage in meaningful discussions. Despite this, the Treasury Board has persisted in its resistance to negotiating equitable updates to the PSDCP.
PSAC’s proposals, informed by member feedback through an online survey, encompass various improvements to the plan:
Raising the annual maximum from $2,500
Adjusting co-insurance rates to reduce out-of-pocket expenses
Increasing the lifetime orthodontic maximum to $2,500
Removing the deductible requirement
Implementing reimbursement based on the current year’s fee guide
It’s worth noting that the PSDCP is negotiated for PSAC members across the federal government, numerous agencies, and other participating employers. Individuals can refer to the comprehensive list of covered employers to ascertain their eligibility under this plan.