News

Merit Moratorium Arbitration Settled with City

Dear CMAGE/CWA Local 4502 member:

I am pleased to announce that your Union has reached a settlement with the City over our class action merit pay arbitration prior to hearing.  The City's Labor Relatoins office worked with our Local to create a positive remedy for our members. Below please find highlights of the Grievance Settlement Agreement.

• Members who did not receive a 2009 merit review in 2009 because of the 2009 City-imposed merit pay moratorium will receive their reviews as soon as practical but no later than July 1, 2010.  
• Members who would have received a merit pay increase in 2009 but for the 2009 City-imposed merit pay moratorium will receive a merit pay increase. 
• On a non-precedent setting basis, an Appointing Authority will have discretion with respect to whether a 2009 merit pay increase is retroactive; however, an Appointing Authority must apply retroactivity in a uniform manner, i.e. if one bargaining unit member’s merit pay increase is retroactive, then the Appointing Authority must make all bargaining unit members’ merit pay increases retroactive. 
• Members who are eligible for and receive 2010 merit pay increases based on their merit cycle must receive full retroactivity under Section 17.1(H) of the Contract. If an Appointing Authority denies an individual employee a merit pay increase, the Appointing Authority must provide the employee and the Union with the reason for the denying the merit pay increase.   Merit pay increase denials are subject to the grievance procedure in Section 8 of the Contract.

2009 was an unprecedented year for Union members, the City and residents.  Quite frankly, the economic crisis wreaked havoc on the City.  In recognition of that fact, the various Appointing Authorities have discretion with respect to retroactivity for 2009 merit pay increases.  However, the Grievance Settlement Agreement represents a significant step forward for the entire bargaining unit.  A major contract dispute is now behind us and we have a lot to show for it. 

As always, the Union is here to protect your rights and to answer your questions.   Please do not hesitate to contact us at 485-1265.

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