Greetings Members,
Following the finalization of the City’s Union Voluntary Departure Program (UVDP), the City moved ahead yesterday with implementing the next step of the Adjustment Plan: transfers. Utilizing both the vacancies created through the UVDP and pre-existing vacancies, the Employer made offers to a number of employees to transfer to positions within their home classification.
Employees who have been offered transfers have 48 hours to accept the offer or decline and opt to either go on the recall list or take a buyout of their recall rights.
There are some UVDP applications that remain on hold while the transfer process unfolds and further assessments of ongoing natural attrition are conducted.
At this point, however, the numbers the Employer has provided indicate that the projected number of impacted positions, those slated for cuts, has dropped from the initial figure of 260 unionized FTEs (Full Time Equivalencies) to 50.
Once transfers are confirmed and outstanding UVDP applications are processed, the Employer may move to the final stage of this exercise: layoffs. We cannot say at this point exactly when that will begin, but the City has communicated it will be “later in the spring”. When that process does begin, it will be conducted in accordance with the Letter of Understanding “Layoff and Recall” which can be found here, starting at page 118 in the collective agreement.
All members subject to layoff will be provided not less than 30-day notice and will have a union shop steward assigned to support them through the entire process.
We have been working to train stewards to support and represent members through these processes, including for all the transfer offer meetings that have been held, and we are very grateful for their commitment to supporting their fellow members with great care and dedication.
We also appreciate how difficult and stressful a time this has been for so many of our members. While the drastically reduced number of impacts may provide a measured sense of relief, we know that any number of layoffs is distressing and that the changes coming about through restructuring can be difficult. The Union will continue supporting all affected members, ensuring that your rights are upheld.
In solidarity,
Joy Tullos
Staff Representative