Item - 2020.GL15.22

The General Government and Licensing Committee received the report (August 20, 2020) from the Chief People Officer for information.

This report provides a summary and analysis of grievance and arbitration activity for the twelve month period of January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.

Following a gradual decline over the past few years, the number of open grievances at the City of Toronto showed an increase in 2019. At the end of 2019, the number of open grievances was 1659, an increase of 11 percent compared to 1494 in 2018. When compared to the 2009 peak of 3405 (following the six week labour disruption), the open grievances in 2019 were still 51 percent lower.

In 2019, the number of new grievances increased slightly and the number of resolved grievances decreased.  This resulted in a net increase in open grievances. The net increase is largely attributable to bargaining.  In 2019, the collective agreements with both CUPE Local 79 and TCEU Local 416 expired.  Traditionally in a bargaining year the grievance activity increases.  In addition, beginning in July 2019, significant staff resources were re-allocated to support bargaining preparations.  This staff re-allocation contributed to a lower number of grievance meetings and grievances getting resolved.