Departments continue to be restructured, resulting in layoffs of clerical and administrative staff. There has been a reduction of clerical and administrative staff through attrition as well; when employees retire, they are not being replaced. Or at the very best, full-time positions are replaced with precarious part-time/casual positions. This is often reflected in schedules being changed drastically, with clerical and secretarial staff expected to support multiple wings/areas and physicians getting less hours and increased workloads.
Over the past 10 years, within COPE there have been NO layoffs. Unionized members facing a reduction of work within their department are re-assigned to another position, which is within their current job classification and band level of pay (or higher, if qualified). During this process, members of COPE have the security of COPE representation when discussing their options with People Services (HR). COPE representation is there to ensure a successful reassignment with no loss of pay or status. Now, that is a COPE Advantage!
Over the past 10 years, within COPE there have been NO layoffs. Unionized members facing a reduction of work within their department are re-assigned to another position, which is within their current job classification and band level of pay (or higher, if qualified). During this process, members of COPE have the security of COPE representation when discussing their options with People Services (HR). COPE representation is there to ensure a successful reassignment with no loss of pay or status. Now, that is a COPE Advantage!
“I have been a part-time unit clerk on an inpatient floor for the last five years. There has been little opportunity for me in my non-union position to apply to a job posting for a permanent full-time, unionized position, since consideration for those postings are always given to qualified COPE members first. I am a single mother with a young family, working a part-time job and picking up casual hours in other departments to make ends meet. Joining COPE, I know I too will be afforded the same opportunities as other unionized members; full-time, steady employment with negotiated wages and benefits with a regular work schedule to balance home life and work. I know there is a COPE Advantage!”
- AJW, PT Unit Clerk