October 11, 2005 Source: University of Saskatchewan:
http://www.usask.ca/events/news/articles/20051011-1.html U of S Requests Judicial Review of Job Evaluation Decision Organization: University of Saskatchewan Communications
Email: communications@usask.ca
Released: Oct. 11, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 11, 2005
2005-10-06-OTHER U of S Requests Judicial Review of Job Evaluation Decision Saskatoon, SK... Today the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) initiated an
application for judicial review of the controversial arbitration decision
relating to Job Evaluation (JE). That decision ordered the parties - CUPE
1975 and the U of S - to return to a process underway for over 7 years,
which had reached an impasse in 2003. The U of S believes the arbitrator
erred in concluding that despite the parties reaching an impasse, they must
return to the same process. The University contends that the process was fundamentally flawed from its
inception and that the objectives are not achievable within the current JE
committee structure. In addition, in paragraph 148 of the Decision, the
arbitrator stated that "the cobbling of ratings, as undertaken by the JESC,
was not something that was within the authority of the JESC and therefore
the U of S was correct in objecting to participate in this exercise".
Subsequent to this ruling, the union has indicated that they will continue
to pursue 'cobbling' and we believe this is not in the best interest of our
employees. "We are committed to settling this long-standing issue through the
bargaining process," said Barb Daigle, associate vice-president (Human
Resources), U of S, in announcing the application for judicial review of the
decision. "At the end of the day, the University would be negotiating with the same
people - whether at the bargaining table or the Job Evaluation Steering
Committee - and with the same amount of money available to achieve a new
Collective Agreement that is consistent with our stated strategic goals." The University is still prepared to spend the planned four per cent on
equity adjustments, and has already spent a considerable amount of it to
bring the most seriously underpaid employees up to appropriate levels. "Settling this issue at the bargaining table once and for all will ensure
that the remaining funds, and any new money available to support this round
of bargaining is put to the best use - on people, not process," Daigle
added. "In the meantime, bargaining continues, with dates set for October
18, 19, 20 in Saskatoon and October 24, 25 and 26 in Regina, where we hope
to come to a resolution."
The University, in its multi-year integrated plan, has established an
overall strategic plan for the future, which is critical to the
institution's long-term success. In tandem, the Human Resources Division
supports these goals with its plan to align terms and conditions of
employment with the strategic goals of the University, to help meet the
University's changing priorities. You can read the Integrated Plan: Renewing the Dream at http://www.usask.ca -30- For more information, contact: Kathy M. Hollands, ABC
Communications, Human Resources Division
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 955-4571 or 966-6285
Cell: (306) 270-9631
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