Dear HPD members,
Following our communication dated December 3, 2021, your union has been working diligently to respond to the Pay Equity Commission’s refusal to address outstanding issues related to the Central HPD Pay Equity Plan.
On March 22, 2022, OPSEU/SEFPO submitted a formal application on these outstanding areas of dispute to the Pay Equity Hearings Tribunal.
The Pay Equity Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body that rules on specific issues in dispute between the parties in the context of the Pay Equity Act. Hearings before the Tribunal are treated as fresh or “de novo” proceedings. (Tribunal proceedings are not an appeal from Review Services). The Tribunal considers the parties’ issues, as expressed in the Application and Response, hears evidence, considers the parties’ legal submissions and gives reasons for its decision. The decisions of the Tribunal are final and conclusive for all purposes.
While the issues your Union has put before the Tribunal are critical to getting the best possible HPD Pay Equity Plan, there may well remain further negotiating to do even after the Tribunal makes its decision. You can rest assured that your team will continue to work to achieve the best possible result for you, our members.
Please watch for updates on the progress of this file in the weeks and months to come.
In solidarity,
Sara Labelle, HPD Chair
Alex Dell, OPSEU/SEFPO Pay Equity Negotiator
Hospital Professionals Division Pay Equity Team:
Sandi Blancher
Betty Palmieri
Susan Head
Peggy Burke
Bryan Mitchell