‘The contracting out of bargaining unit work is a violation of the collective agreement’
The Yukon Employees’ Union (YEU) has filed a policy grievance against the City of Whitehorse, alleging the municipality’s use of external contractors for building inspections is resulting in contractors being paid nearly double the hourly wage of city staff.
“The issue that we've got is that, from the union point of view, the contracting out of bargaining unit work is a violation of the collective agreement,” said Justin Lemphers, YEU president, in a Yukon News report.
The City began hiring contract labour last summer to address a backlog in building permits. This approach was recommended by the city’s Housing and Land Development Advisory Committee to prevent future delays. However, the YEU says the continued use of contractors undermines the collective agreement and the principle of equal pay for equal work.
Early, in May, nearly 1,000 workers at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) have learned that their contracts will not be renewed.
Invoices provided to Yukon News by the union show a contractor from Kelowna was paid $75 per hour, while another contract with a Clearwater, B.C. contractor set the hourly rate at $90, plus travel and accommodation expenses. In comparison, city-employed building officials earn between $45.65 and $59.84 per hour and receive a comprehensive benefits package. The City currently employs six full-time building officials, with two positions vacant, and is actively recruiting to fill those roles.
City spokesperson Guin Lalena said that Whitehorse expects to reduce its reliance on contractors once the vacancies are filled, but contract services may still be used as surge protection or when external expertise is needed, according to Yukon News. The City did not disclose exact contractor pay, citing proprietary reasons, but confirmed that three firms are currently contracted on an as-needed basis.
“The union is open to reaching a resolution with the employer that protects the interests of Whitehorse municipal workers who keep the City running,” said Jugol in an email, according to the report.
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