Oxford man owed $8K in Phoenix payroll system problems
The effects of the disastrous implementation of the federal government's Phoenix pay system are being felt by workers across the country.
One such worker is Craig Lloy, a casual worker at Corcan Industries, an agency that makes furniture with inmates at the Springhill Institution.
Lloy believes he's owed more than $8,000 — funds which are tied up in the Phoenix pay system.
"It's a little bit frustrating, knowing that you've worked these hours and you haven't received any funds," he said. "It is what it is, I guess."
Corcan is a "special operating agency" that runs as a business within the Correctional Service Canada, and Lloy began working there in May.
He said his employer has offered to help him with a cash advance, but is unsure whether that is the right course.
"I just don't know what the outcome of that would be, of taking a cash advance," he said.
"Do I wait and just weather it out or go ahead and take it?"
Lloy estimates he's called Phoenix between 75 and 100 times and has gotten through only once.
Considering 2nd job
Unable to get an answer about when he would be paid, Lloy and his wife have been dipping into savings to pay the bills and support their two children.
Lloy does not want to leave his company, but is considering whether he will need to take on a second job.
"Blueberry season in this area's starting soon. I might have to go and run a harvester on the weekend," he said.
"I don't really know what to think of it. Especially the news story I heard on CBC yesterday, that some of us might not get paid until October."
On Thursday, federal deputy public services minister Marie Lemay said moving to a streamlined electronic pay system was the right decision, but government should have trained staff how to use it better.
More than 80,000 civil servants have been dealing with pay issues, including hundreds who have not received a paycheque for months.
The problems are expected to be resolved by the end of October, at a cost of up to $20 million.
