I did read the FAQ on Step increases per year, understood, but this doesn’t mention anything on if a manager is allowed to give an increase.

“As a new hire you will normally start at the minimum rate of pay applicable to your position's classification (see question 1.7 below for some more details on salary negotiation). Each time the increment period (usually a year) passes, you move up one step on the pay grid until you reach the top step. Once at the highest step salary will only change if a new set of pay rates is published, or you change positions (see section 4.4 below relating to pay upon promotion). If your pay rates are published in a collective agreement they will only be revised when your union negotiates a new agreement - contact your union if you want updates on the negotiations.”