Bargaining Unit Classification ReviewThis project is a review of all NSGEU bargaining unit job classifications. New classifications are based on evaluations of updated job information provided by employees and their supervisors and signed off by managers. Over 3,000 different jobs, occupied by 5,600 employees, were evaluated as part of this project.
Purpose
The aim of this project is to create a classification system that is:
- more objective and consistent in measuring jobs;
- easier to understand and administer;
- based upon up-to-date information on all positions.
Some History
The Nova Scotia government and the NSGEU agreed in May 1998 to review the classifications of all civil service bargaining unit positions. In 2000, employees began writing Job Fact Sheets. A Joint Job Evaluation Committee evaluated 2,700 jobs based on information provided by employees prior to January 2003. The committee was made up of an equal number of union and management representatives.
These initial 2,700 jobs were distributed into 16 bands. (A band is range of points to which jobs of equal value are assigned.) In October 2003, employees and managers were asked to review the initial results and were provided an opportunity to request a further review of a position by the Joint Job Evaluation Committee. The Committee received approximately 300 new Job Fact Sheets and 900 requests for review: some for jobs that changed during the evaluation process; others from employees who perceived that their position was “larger” than others in their pay band. The Committee completed their evaluation of the remaining Job Fact Sheets and Change Forms by the end of August 2004
The New Job Classifications
Each newly classified job has been assigned to one of 16 bands. The classifications are based on more accurate and up-to-date information that reflects actual work.
No decision has been made yet about changes to the existing eight current pay plans. The existing classification system and pay structure will remain in effect until changes arising from the classification review are negotiated by the government and union as part of the current round of civil service negotiations.
How Job Ranking Affects Pay
The job ranking will not affect pay rates right away. Pay rates will be negotiated between the employer and the union as part of the current round of civil service negotiations.
Salary Protection
Salary protection is provided in accordance with Article 40.05(c) of the Collective Agreement when the new system is implemented.
"Those employed in bargaining unit positions effective the signing date of this collective agreement and who remain employees effective the date of implementation of a new classification system will not incur a salary reduction as a result of the implementation of the new classification system.
In such circumstances the new classification system will be in effect, the employees who would otherwise incur a salary reduction, shall be granted PIO (present incumbent only) status and may advance, through the granting of increments in accordance with the collective agreement, to the maximum salary for the position and classification applicable immediately prior to the implementation of the new classification system."
|
|
