Labour Disruption Vacation Policy
Joseph Pennachetti
City Manager
Toronto City Hall
100 Queen St. W, 11E
Toronto, ON
June 11, 2009
Re: Labour Disruption Vacation Policy for Non-Union Employees
Dear Mr. Pennachetti,
COTAPSA has become aware of the Memo you have sent to Deputy City Managers and
Division Heads regarding scheduling of vacation time by Non-Union Employees during a labour
disruption.
We note with particular interest your following statement:
“Non-union staff has a critical role in the development of plans for a potential labour disruption and an even greater role in the event that there is a labour disruption. The provision of services deemed critical during a labour disruption is important for the safety and health of residents and the proper operation and protection of the City’s most vital infrastructure. During a labour disruption, non-union staff plays a unique role as public servants.”
While your statement is true and COTAPSA agrees completely with it, regrettably, the provision of services deemed critical during a labour disruption, the health and safety of residents, the proper operation and protection of the City’s infrastructure, and the unique role Non-Union staff play as public servants was not a factor when City Council unilaterally chose to affect the compensation of non-union employees.
City Council, it appears, seemed to not recognize that Non-Union Employees are relied upon to keep the City of Toronto functioning in times of difficulty such as labour disruption, SARS, Pandemic Flu outbreaks, community emergencies, etc.
Now, the City is asking demoralized Non-Union Employees to defer their vacation, perhaps forego their regular jobs, ignore their personal and family lives, and assist the City should a labour disruption occur. COTAPSA is confident the City understands and agrees that, under the circumstance, many of our Members may not be as eager to help out the City of Toronto. Notwithstanding, our Members are professionals who are committed to protecting and operating the City’s services and infrastructure in spite of City Council having adopted the Mayor’s recommendations regarding Non-Union Compensation.
It is unfortunate that our Members feel City Council does not always recognize their value. In any event, should Non-Union Employees have to defer their planned vacations for 2009, COTAPSA expects the City to be flexible in scheduling vacations and, as well, the carry over of vacation credits and lieu time that are not used into 2010.
Please be advised that COTAPSA, in the event of a labour disruption, will be monitoring the “work assignments” of our Members to ensure they receive adequate training, proper placement, the required compensation, and that there are no health and safety issues.
It is unfortunate that the City of Toronto voices platitudes about the Toronto Public Service and then adopts actions that do not appear to recognize its value.
COTAPSA is optimistic that as we move forward, the contribution our Members make and the value of their work will be recognized and that they will be appropriately compensated.
Yours Truly,
Richard Majko
Executive Director
Glenn Steeves
President
CC:
COTAPSA Board
COTAPSA Members
Mayor Miller
City Councillors
Deputy City Managers
Division Heads
Media
