VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
O
n On January 1, 1998, the Metropolitan of Toronto and the five municipalities that surrounded it: East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough and York, were dissolved to create the City of Toronto. The merger was considered a cost-saving measure by the Progressive Conservative provincial government to save up to $645 million annually. Instead, the new City managed only to save $135 million annually. The transition cost totalled $275 million. The days, months and years that followed were difficult for City Managers and union members. However, it was also a time of growth in knowledge and experience as Local 3888 assembled an Executive Board of former Presidents and Vice Presidents. The guidance of both City and Union leaders would be necessary considering the task that lay before them. The amalgamation of six collective agreements and the creation of strong language set the foundation for years to come.
16.12 Benefits Monitoring Committee A benefits monitoring committee shall be established, consisting of up to two (2)
8
Fire Watch Volume 14 Issue 4_v29.indd 8
representatives from each of Local 3888 and the City. This Committee shall be jointly chaired by the Director, Pension, Payroll and Employee Benefits, and the President of Local 3888 or their designates. The object of the Committee will be to address issues of concern arising out of the administration of the benefit plan, including the review of any special circumstances where employees incur extraordinary expenses within the parameters of the plan. And, to review the plan and, if the parties both agree, to make joint recommendations regarding the plan so as to ensure that it meets the needs of Local 3888 and the City. The Committee shall meet at the request of either party. Through the years, the Benefits Monitoring Committee has been instrumental in resolving hundreds of issues, creating past practices and avoiding grievances. The Committee met regularly to discuss individual issues, identify growing trends and recognize special circumstances. The Committee had a strong understanding of the contract and benefits entitlements. When
OHIP delisted several medications and tests, the BMC’s work ensured that Local 3888 still received coverage. Countless grievances were avoided, which often created past practices that were enjoyed for the years that followed. During the end of 2016, this relationship became fractured. Although the Association continued to use this platform to discuss the growing number of complaints, it was apparent that the City was not on the same page. Local 3888 had no other choice but to file one of the most elaborate grievances in their history. In the months that followed, thousands of online benefits forms submitted by our members provided the tools to set a successful course. In January of 2017, the City of Toronto switched Benefits Providers from Manulife to
Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 4 | F I RE WAT CH
8
2020-12-15 3:07 PM
