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Interest Arbitration Reform Interest Arbitration Reform Update (2014) Update (2014) Joy Hulton Chair, Legislative Review Emergency Services Steering Committee November 20, 2014 Presentation Overview • ESSC • Current state of interest arbitration • Why is the interest arbitration system “broken”? • Advocacy for reform – where are we? • Next Steps 2 Emergency Services Steering Committee Mandate: To take a coordinated, strategic approach to collective bargaining and other issues which significantly increase emergency services program costs. 3 Emergency Services Steering Committee ESSC Mission: “To achieve value for Ontario taxpayers in emergency services” 4 Current State of Interest Arbitration • Statutorily mandated resolution process when police, fire and other essential services bargaining reaches an impasse • Legislation varies slightly across each essential service but key provisions are similar • All sectors include “ability to pay” criteria • Majority of agreements are reached through collective bargaining 5 Why is the Interest Arbitration System “broken”? • • • • • • • • Lack of timelines and transparency Nominees(fire sector) unduly influence the process Ability to pay has been interpreted narrowly Historical comparators override true comparability No obligation to provide reasons for decision No requirement to demonstrate how criteria was applied No enforcement of timelines Lack of pre-hearing disclosure 6 Advocating for Reform • ESSC began meeting with MOL in 2007 • AMO/OAPSB joined in 2008/09 • Since 2010, municipal politicians and boards have spoken publicly about arbitration • Significant progress in public/political awareness 7 Advocating for Reform 2012 - 2013 • • • • Drummond Report 2013 Throne Speech 3 draft bills for interest arbitration reform MOL facilitated meetings between employers (police/fire) and associations • ESSC/AMO modified position to focus on key issues of transparency, timelines and accountability 8 Advocacy – Where are we? • Facilitated meetings concluded without any consensus on key issues • AMO conference (August) – MOL willing to reform “process” but requires “more clarity” on ability to pay • 2014 mandate to Minister of Labour: assess options to reform interest arbitration work to balance interests of both employers and unions. 9 Next Steps • Identify political champions • Update key messages • Educate new municipal councillors/board members • Leverage partnerships 10 Questions and Comments? For more information, please contact: Joy Hulton, Regional Solicitor The Regional Municipality of York (905) 895-1231 x 71417 11