Revisiting Non-Union Compensation
Mayor David Miller
Members of City Council
City of Toronto
100 Queen St. West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
August 25, 2009
Dear Mayor Miller;
Re: Non Union Compensation
COTAPSA is pleased that the City has finalized Agreements with its CUPE Locals that as you, Mayor Miller, have stated, “…are fair to workers and affordable to the City.”
COTAPSA has reviewed the CUPE settlements and has noted the modest pay increases of 1.75%, 2%, and 2.25% over three years as well as the addition of Family Day as a new designated holiday. The pre-existing 3% step progression through the salary grid remains. Shift Bonuses have been increased.
While there have been some changes to Sick Leave for Union employees, they are not as comprehensive as the Sick Leave changes for Non Union employees.
As you know Mayor Miller, Council adopted your recommendations regarding Non Union Compensation prior to any settlements with the CUPE Locals.
That has resulted in Non Union employees as the only employees of the City of Toronto who are not receiving a COLA increase for 2009 and less than other employees for 2010. Compensation for Non Union employees is now much less than compensation for other employees covered by Agreements reached between the City and its unionized employees.
Non Union employees have done their part in the past to assist the City with its financial difficulties. For 2004, compensation was reduced and not rolled into base salaries for Non Union employees. In 2008, Non Union employees received a COLA that was 0.75% less than the City’s unionized employees. Again in 2008, our former Sick Leave Plan was changed. These have all resulted in cost savings for the City.
Mayor Miller, you have publicly stated that “management staff are more than adequately being compensated with all the overtime they are getting.” We would like you to be aware that:
- Not all management and non union staff worked overtime during the labour disruption
- Overtime was not equally or evenly distributed
- Overtime does not become part of base salary and does not compound with future wage increases
- Overtime earnings are non pensionable
- Overtime for Non Union employees, it appears, is not being processed by the City in contravention of the Employment Standards Act
As you know, the settlements with CUPE have now resulted in unionized employees working overtime. We understand that their retroactive and overtime pay are being processed.
COTAPSA is convinced you would agree Mayor Miller, that it is not reasonable to expect the Non Union employees to bear the entire financial burden of the City of Toronto.
Everyone recognizes and agrees that it was the Non Union employees who maintained the vital services for the Citizens of Toronto during the labour disruption. Non Union employees were committed to ensuring that essential services continue and we did so as dedicated professionals with great sacrifice to our personal lives and our families. Many Non Union employees worked long hours, in unfamiliar roles, and did so without hesitation.
COTAPSA is confident that City Council will want to treat all employees of the City of Toronto the same – fair and equal treatment for both Union and Non union employees of the City.
Again, this is about respect, equality, fairness, and the expectation that all City of Toronto employees be treated the same regardless of whether or not they are represented by a Union.
Mayor Miller, since you have stated verbally and in writing on several occasions that you value the efforts and contributions of Non Union employees, COTAPSA looks forward to your support in this matter on behalf of Non Union employees of the City of Toronto.
Considering the settlements with CUPE, we ask that Non Union Compensation be re-visited by City Council and that this matter be placed on the September 8, 2009 Agenda of the Executive Committee.
Sincerely,
Richard D. Majko
Executive Director
Glenn Steeves
President
Cc
Joe Pennachetti, City Manager
Bruce L. Anderson, Executive Director, Human Resources
