Re: The Wage Harmonization/Pay Equity/Job Evaluation Award issued by Arbitrator Robert Herman

The recent award issued by Arbitrator Robert Herman has generated a wide spectrum of responses from members of Local 79. Many members are pleased with the outcome, some are disappointed and angry and some are seeking more information. Your Executive Committee understands all of these reactions.

It is very important that we all understand and view the award and its significance to the membership as a whole.

When Local 79 went to the bargaining table in 1999, there were more than 2,500 classifications in the Full-Time bargaining unit. There were hundreds of our members working side by side in the same or similar jobs, making vastly different amounts of money.

All the former municipalities had their own wage scales and pay equity plans. Some members were covered by a job evaluation plan while others were not.

The struggle for a fair job evaluation system was one of the key reasons we went on strike in 2000. The Local 79 Bargaining Committee, chaired by Anne Dubas, then Local 79 President, believed that the most effective way to harmonize classifications and to maximize wage rates was through a comprehensive job evaluation program. We wanted a job evaluation plan that would establish a wage line that provides for a continuing mechanism to ensure equity in wage rates and compliance with the Pay Equity Act. Although Local 79 was determined to achieve such a plan, the City of Toronto was adamantly opposed to job evaluation during those negotiations.

While Local 79 did achieve a new job evaluation plan with this award, we did not accomplish everything we wanted. We have been frustrated by the length of time it has taken to complete this process. There are other aspects of the award that we are displeased with. Local 79 argued for full retroactivity. We argued that members should move up the wage grid immediately. We opposed red circling. However, the arbitrator did not agree with us on these issues.

This award gives us both job evaluation and wage harmonization in a single package and in conformity with the Pay Equity Act. This is a significant achievement.

We are unhappy that approximately 13% of the membership have had their wages frozen at their current rate (red circled). However, with every year of a negotiated annual wage increase, this amount drops significantly.

The City did not achieve all of its objectives either. This award is costly to the City. Over 85% of our members will receive wage increases. This is a major achievement for the Union. While the short term money may be disappointing, the long term money is significant.

Wage harmonization will be implemented over a four year period. Members will be receiving increments during that time until they reach the top rate of the classification.

In his award, the arbitrator clearly stated that if the money was to be paid up front, all of the wages for our members would have been substantially lower. This would also have resulted in a significant increase in the number of positions that were red circled.

The Executive understands the frustration and anger that many of you have expressed. Consequently, we have met with the City Manager and presented the concerns that have been raised by our members. The City has committed to sitting down with Local 79 to discuss and deal with many of these concerns. At the same time, Local 79 will continue to pursue your issues and concerns regarding the award in every forum that is available to us, including the bargaining table.

We will continue to listen carefully to your views and we will continue to analyze the award.

For further information or if you have any questions regarding the award, please check the Local 79 website at www.cupelocal79.org or contact the Local 79 Harmonization Committee at 416-338-0085, 416-338-0086, 416-338-0087, 416-338-0088, 416-338-0089.

In Solidarity,

Your Local 79 Executive Committee

cope343/ph