Public servants clamming up about Phoenix plight

She's a single motherof a three-year-old boy who'sstruggling to pay her daycare bill.With Christmas just 11 weeks away, she's already worrying there won't be any presents under the tree for her son.

The woman is a federal public servant who's owed $5,500 in acting pay for a job she's been performing since April.

We can't give you her name because her boss told her not to speak to the media. Speaking with her over the phone, I could tell she was upset, and eager to tell her story.

"I come to work every day like a good public servant and do my job," said the woman, who told me her situation has left her feeling depressed.

But she also feels that ifshe speaks out, her job could be in jeopardy. And she can't afford to lose it.

That chill is a growing problem for those of us who are covering the Phoenix pay system saga.

• Want to tell your story? Email Ashley Burke.

Something has changed

I began working on these stories in July, when public servants were freely sharing the details of theircases. For much of the summertheywere more than willing to appear on camera, and didn't seem worriedthat speaking outcould cost them their careers.

But something has changed.

I have heard of certain departments reprimanding employees that have talked against the pay system.- Anonymous pay adviser

It's becoming increasingly difficult to find a public servantwho wants to go public. They still email our newsroom on an almost daily basis, but now they want anonymity.

"I worry about the repercussions it may have on my future career," wrote onepay adviser who has to deal with employees who are in tearsovertheir pay issues."I have heard of certain departments reprimanding employees that have talked against the pay system."

One woman who's been unable toretire due to a Phoenix-related problem told usher union representatives advised her not to talk.

A student who agreed to an interview with CBCearlier this weekemailedthe newsroom immediately after to request it not be aired.

"I do not feel comfortable having my interview broadcasted," he wrote.

Deputy minister gave assurances

All thisdespite assurances from the deputy minister responsible for Phoenix, Marie Lemay, that there would be no retribution for employees who spoke out.

"No one should feel intimidated," says PSPC deputy minister Marie Lemay

8 years ago

Duration 0:33

"No one should feel intimidated," says PSPC deputy minister Marie Lemay

"I've heard that employees are worried about reprisals for coming forward about their pay problems," Lemay said at a news conference on Aug. 11. "I have to say to you, that this for me is very concerning.

"We can't help if we don't know who you are," Lemayadded."I mean, your pay is your right and no one should feel intimidated about voicing their concerns."

Whenever public servants are wavering about letting me name them in a story, I remind themabout whatLemaysaid. But many tell me that even if they believe Lemay, there's no assurancetheir managers will feel the same way.

Some say they don't want to be brandedas trouble makers, and fear being overlooked thenext time there's a promotion up for grabs.

One student struggling to pay her bills after being overtaxed $700 due to Phoenixtold me she's not willing to kill her career before it even starts. Despite her pay problems, she's hoping for a permanent job after her contract runs out.

A more human place

No one is obliged to speak to the media, or step into the spotlight unwillingly. But the public servants who showed the confidence and courage to put their names and faces to this storyare the ones who brought attention to it, and prompted action.

They've also made the federal public service seem like a more human place, instead of some uncaring bureaucracy.

One government employee said the Phoenix stories helped erase the stereotype of the lazy, entitled bureaucrat, replacing it with an image ofhard workers who show up to their jobs despite going months without pay.

To be clear, no oneI've interviewed about Phoenix has contacted me afterwards to say they facedrepercussions at work. They all had their problem fixed, and received the money they were owed oftenby the end of the day.

A cheque forcancer survivor Cecilia Delfinoarrived by taxi shortlyafter she appeared on CBC News.

Jarrad Yardon, a student employee with the federal government,said his boss pulled him into his office and told him he was courageous for sharing his story.

It's a really noble thing, sticking your neck out like that.It's not about making my job easier. It's about showing the publicthere is a problem that persists and needs to be fixed.

A blurred face on TV, a distorted voice on radio, ananonymous quote online none has the same power as a face, a name and a heart-breaking story honestly told when it comes to forcingchange.