But some disagree, saying decision 'smacks of politicism'
Feb 02, 2010 - 10:59 AM
By Jennifer Stone
CLARINGTON -- Municipal department heads won't get raises to keep pace with firefighters, despite an earlier decision which would have granted them the three-, six- and nine-per cent retention pay the firefighters' union is seeking.
Clarington's firefighters have not had a new contract since 2004. That contract expired at the end of 2006, but a new deal was not reached and the matter went into arbitration, which is ongoing. Binding arbitration is expected in coming weeks.
The new contract would have expired Dec. 31, 2009.
The union is seeking a form of 'retention pay' which firefighters in many jurisdictions have been fighting for and, in some cases, winning. It grants additional pay of three percent after eight years, six per cent after 17 years and nine per cent after 23 years. It's aimed at retaining experienced staff.
Last May, council voted that if firefighters were awarded the top-up, so too should municipal department heads receive it, in order to maintain pay equity. But, the matter came up for reconsideration on Monday, and now, the directors won't be receiving the automatic increases.
Mayor Jim Abernethy indicated the increases weren't palatable, given the economic climate.
But some felt the timing of the decision, so close to the municipal election and under economic conditions that are not significantly different than they were when the original determination was made, was questionable.
"The timing smacks of politicism to me, it truly does," Councillor Adrian Foster said, noting on "an ethical basis," he couldn't support the decision to go back on the increases for department heads.
"I think that a number of individuals are being made into political scapegoats," he said.
The move to rescind the pay increases passed, 4-2.
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