HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-2554.Clipperton.88-08-29l
EMPLOY.&SDEUI COURONNE
OEL’ONTARIO
CQMMISSION DE
REGLEMENT
DES GRIEFS
180 DuNDAS STREET WEST. TORONTO. ONTARIO. MO IZB- SUITEZIW
180, RUE DUNOAS 0”E.w TORONTO, ,ONTM,O, MO ,,?a - BUREAU 21w
Between:
Before:
IN THE MATTER OF AN ARBITRATION
Under
THE CROWN EMPLOYEES COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ACT
Before
THE GRIEVANCE SETTLEMENT BOARD
TELEPHONE/T.%&‘HONE
(416, J%0888
25541 a7
OPSEU (Nancy Clipperton)
Grievor
and
The Crown in Right of Ontario
(Ministry of Community and Social Services)
Employer
M.V. Watters Vice Chairman
I. Freedman Member
L. Turtle Member
For the Grievor: R. Nelson
Counsel
Gowling & Henderson
Barristers and Solicitors
For the Employer: s. Patterson
Solicitor
Legal Services Branch
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Hearing: tune 14, 1988
.$ :
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0
DECISION
This grievance was filed by Ms. Nancy Clipperton as a consequence of
her unsuccessful application for the position of Income Maintenance Officer
(I.M.O.) in the Stratford office of the Ministry of Community and Social
Services. She requested therein that she be awarded the position together
with compensation retroactive to the start date.
At the time of the competition, the grievor held the position of
Income Maintenance Clerk-Receptionist which was classified as 0.A.G.6. She
had occupied the position since December 10, 1979. This date represented
the commencement of her work with the Ministry. As an Income Maintenance
Clerk-Receptionist, the grievor engaged in the following activities:
the provision of clerical support for the local office by
answering client inquiries and relaying messages to appropriate
personnel;
the receipt and distribution of incoming mail and the preparation
of outgoing mail for courier and Canada Post;
the completion of Client Recording System documents from intake
to pending stage;
the set-up of Family Benefit Master files, medical files, and
files for Income Maintenance Officers;
the exercise of responsibility for the cheque write system,
replacement, adjustment and DOE (Direct Operating Expenditures);
the issuance of drug and dental cards; the preparation of vision
care forms, cash receipt reports and attendance reports; and petty
cash;
the order of all forms and supplies;
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the processing of all DOE invoices and the updating of office
manuals;
the batching of ONTAP profiles and the filing of Master Files;
the typing-of memoranda and letters as directed;
the opening and closing of.the office; and
the securing of confidential documentation.
The Board was informed that the position also entailed some computer
operation.
I” the period April, 1986 to March, 1987, the grievor served, in an
acting capacity, as an Income Maintenance Officer. This opportunity arose
by reason of the fact that several other employees in the office took
maternity leaves of absence. Because of the resulting staff shortage, the
grievor was assigned the responsibility for one and one-half caseloads for
the first eight (8) months of the period. This encompassed approximately
four hundred (400) files. Thereafter, she was.respo”sible for one (1)
caseload spread across two (2) counties. While serving as an I.M.O., the
grievor conducted client interviews and completed applications; updated
reports; retrieved information to assess client eligibility or continued
eligibility under the Family Benefits Act and Regulations; completed budget
calculations for arrears and overpayment reviews; input information on
O.N.T.A.P. to ensure that clients’ financial needs were met; and maintained
contact with other cormsunity and government agencies with appropriate
referrals being made in necessary cases. The tasks performed by the
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grievor would appear to be consistent with those contained in the posting
for the competition being considered.
During the period in which she acted as an I.M.O., the grievor
received two (2) performance appraisals. These were filed with this Board
as Exhibits ‘6’ and ‘7’. The first of these appraisals covered the period
June, 1985 to June, 1986; the Latter the period June, 1986 to April, 1987.
Both were initially prepared by the grievor and then subsequently discussed
with her supervisor, Ms. Marilyn Hohner. After such discussions, Ms.
Hohner prepared a “face sheet” which included her comments in respect of
the employee. In terms of both appraisals, the grievor rated her skills as
either “distinguished” or “commendable”. While these ratings could be
considered as being somewhat “self-serving”, it would seem that at the time
the supervisor basically shared the assessment. The face sheets on the two
appraisals read as follows:
“Nancy has completed her own performance appraisal and I
agree generally with her comments.
Nancy is currently on a temporary assignment as an Income
Maintenance Officer, carrying l-1/2 caseloads due to the
maternity leaves of two I.M.O.‘s. She has managed to keep
the work reasonably current and has used her knowledge of
Family Benefits Legislation and ONTAP appropriately. Work
has been monitored but very few errors or omissions have been
noted.
Nancy readily assumes responsibility delegated to her and took
a lead role in training of contract clerical staff. Overall,
her performance is most satisfactory.” (Exhibit ‘6’).
“Nancy has completed almost 7-l/2 years with the Ministry. For
the last~year she assumed the role of Income Maintenance Officer
as an under fill for a maternity leave. She has completed her own
performance appraisal form. I generally concur with her comments.
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As an I.M.O., Nancy was able to perform the duties. Turn-around
on applications and Present Condition Reports was good, quality
generally satisfactory. Follow up on Field Review Dates could have
been improved, but given the volume of paperwork and the area
covered, along with the new responsibilities, performance was at the
Level expected for Nancy’s level of experience as an I.M.O. Errors
on files were no more frequent than any other I.M.O. with similar
experience.
Other areas which would require additional review as an I.M.O.:
maintenance reviews; recording verification sources; budget
calculations, especially those involving minimum shelter.
Generally, she performed in the role in a satisfactory manner, and
appeared to enjoy the opportunity.
Overall, Nancy is a reliable employee, able to adapt to changes,
enthusiastic and motivated. I look forward to another successful
year working with her.” (Exhibit ‘7’).
Educationally, the grievor has received the equivalent of Grade 12
standing through the Stratford Campus of Conestoga College. Additionally,
she has received computer training at this same college and has taken
advantage of various workshops offered by the Ministry. Ms. Clipperton
does not possess a community college diploma.
The successful applicant in the job competition was Ms. Diane
Zumach. Ms. Zumach attended at the hearing and was called to present
evidence on behalf of the employer. She was.also accorded the opportunity
to fully participate in the proceedings as an interested party. The board
was advised that she was aware of her right to be represented by separate
counsel. Ms. Zumach indicated that she had declined to retain same.
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The incumbent’s background was reviewed in her evidence and is
summarised in her job application and personal resume which was filed as
Exhibit ‘19’. Immediately prior to the competition, Ms. Zumach had worked
on a contractual basis as an I.M.O. in the London Area Office for a period
of two (2) months. Her responsibilities in this position were essentially
of an “intake” nature, in that her contacts with clients were for purposes
of taking an application for Family Benefits and for explaining the details
of the program, if necessary. She did not have an “active caseload” while
serving in this capacity. Prior to this experience, Ms. Zumach had worked
for approximately nine (9) months in the same office as a Retroactive
Budget Calculations Clerk. This position, which is classified as OAGE,
required her to interview clients to determine the existence of either
arrears or overpayments. This function necessarily demanded that she work
in close cooperation with the I.M.O.‘s. Her efforts in such position were
also performed pursuant to a contract. It was Ms. Zumach’s evidence that
she hoped to obtain a more permanent position in the civil service.
Indeed, this objective motivated her application for the I.M.O. job .
currently under consideration;
In the period September, 1985 to October, 1986, Ms. Zumach worked
under contract as an intake worker in the Family Court Clinic in London,
Ontario. This involved the conduct of intake interviews with young
offenders and their families. Additionally, she served as part of an
agency team which undertook psychological assessments and testing in
appropriate cases. The position allowed an opportunity for research,
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report writing, and the analysis of computer output. Placements at the
Children’s Psychiatric Research Institute in 1984 and at Wycliffe-Booth
House in 1985 provided Ms. Zumach with additional experience in the field
of learning disabled and troubled youth. She was also involved with the
Community Task Force on Alcoholism in the years 1972-1974. Ms. Zumach
received a diploma in 1986 from Fanshawe College as a ‘Social Service
Worker’. She had previously taken community college courses in the areas
of difficult youth and accounting management.
The posting for the instant vacancy reads as follows:
“COMPETITION FILE #LA-AO-87-20
INCOME MAINTENANCE OFFICER
1 VACANCY
OFFICE ADtiINISTRATfON 10
‘SCHEDULE 3,7
SALARY RANGE: $13.28 - $14.91 PER HOUR
OPEN COMPETITION
POSTING DATE: OCTOBER. 19., 1987
CLOSING DATE: NOVEMBER 2, 1987
The Ministry of Community and Social Services requires an individual
to manage a Family Benefits Allowance caseload including: scheduling
work, interviewing clients, completing related documentation to
ensure that clients receive all benefits to which they are
entitled, determining clients’ eligibility and entitlement under
the Family Benefits Act. To provide information, practical advice
and guidance to clients regarding Family Benefits Allowance or
available community resources, referring clients for specialised
services where appropriate. To investigate and complete reports
on assigned cases.
LOCATION : STRATFORD
AREA OF SEARCH: London Area Office including all Local Offices,
Sprucedale, Observation 6 Detention, Probation and Resource file.
QUALIFICATIONS: A mature and highly motivated individual is
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required and must possess a detailed knowledge of Family Benefits
and related legislation. A demonstrated understanding of
financial transactions such as mortgages, insurance policies, etc.
Candidates will also be assessed on their ability to make decisions
and to calculate, accurately, allowance entitlements. The ability
to organire, prioritize and manage a large caseload. The ability
to work under the pressure of various deadlines and to work both
interdependently and as a member of a team. Working knowledge
of community and social service agencies. Must have a proven
record of exercising good and mature judgment and have the
ability to deal tactfully with clients, various employees and
community agencies, while utilizing discretion in dealing with
matters of a confidential nature. Applicants must have proven
verbal and written communication and language skills and the
ability to interpret and explain legislation; proven ability to
interview effectively; ability to maintain case records and
demonstrated ability to prepare and write comprehensive, organized
reports. Excellent interpersonal skills are required as well as
sensitivity and empathy to client needs and the ability to
maintain a good rapport with both clients and other staff members.
The possession of a valid Ontario driver’s license.
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYMENT
Please submit application/resume quoting competition file number
LA-AO-87-20 to:
A.R.A. Smith
Administrative Co-ordinator
Ministry of Communi.ty~.and Social Services
6th Floor, 495 Richmond Street
London, Ontario
N6A 5A9”
(Exhibit ‘5’)
The union did not raise any objection LO the content or sufficiency of the
posting. We have reviewed and compared it vith the specifications for the
I.M.O. position which were filed as Exhibit ‘15’. It is not necessary to
cite the latter in its entirety in the body of this award. Our conclusion
from such comparison is that the posting, in terms of the identified
requirements and qualifications, is consistent with the position
specifications.
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The panel which interviewed seven (7) of the applicants on November
13, 1987 was comprised of Mr. John Wiebe; Mr. Tony Bonacourso; and Ms.
Marilyn Hohner. Mr. Wiebe has been with this Ministry since 1972. He
presently serves as an I.M.O. Supervisor and in such capacity has acted as
the supervi,sor of Ms. Zumach in the London office. He testified that he
has had extensive experience in interviewing for the I.M.O. position. Mr.
Bonacourso has been a Human Resources representative in the London office
for approximately six (6) years. The last member of the panel, Ms. Hohner,
has been the local administrator of the Stratford office since 1978. As
noted above, she had previously supervised the grievor.
Ms. Hohner served as chair of the selection team. The board was
informed’that she welcomed each of the candidates as they entered the
interview area and that she thereafter tried to make them as comfortable
and relaxed as possible. Each panel member was assigned specific questions
to ask of each of the applicants. The answers given were individually
scored by the panelists without there being any discussion at the’time.
Each question was graded upon receipt of the response. A total of twelve
(12) questions were asked from a prepared question sheet. This sheet also
listed a number of “key points” representing items that should form part of
a complete answer. Immediately to the right of these “key points” was a
space for each interviewer to make specific comments. The question sheet
also cited the possible marks for each question and provided a further
space for the recording of the mark received by the candidate in question.
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Totalling of the marks assigned to each question was delayed until the
conclusion of the interview. These totals were not discussed by the team
until all of the interviews were completed at the end of the day. At that
time, Ms. Hohner prepared a ranking sheet for all persons interviewed.
This was filed with us as Exhibit’lO’ of which more will be said below.
The questions asked of the candidates in the competition were
designed and, in our estimation, served to address the major requirements
for the position of I.M.O. as contained in Exhibit ‘15’. The questions
gave each of the interviewees an opportunity to:
(i) provide information as to how their education and experience
related to their perception of the position;
(ii) indicate why they were attracted to the position;
(iii) indicate their general knowledge of the intent and scope
of the Family Benefits system;
(iv) comment on their ability to use time management techniques
in the context of a sizeable caseload;
(VI describe in a general’ fashion what skills and techniques a
good interviewer should possess and then to provide an
outline of their experience with interviewing;
(vi) their ability to problem-solve in a difficult situation that
could confront an I.M.O. when visiting a client’s home to take
an application;
(vii) demonstrate an understanding of what human qualities and skills
they possess that would make them effective in dealing with
clients;
(viii) anticipate what aspects of the position they would find the
most difficult;
(ix) show an awareness of the effects of errors on both the client
and the Ministry;
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(x) demonstrate their ability to reprioritize when given additional
assignments;
(xi) state their preferred model of supervision; and,
(xii) anticipate and project the comments of their present employer
vis a vis certain selected items such as attendance, punctuality,
etc.
The questions themselves had been previously employed in other
competitions, including one involving Ms. Zumach. We find them to have
been acceptable for purpose of this competition, subject to the caveat that
it is usually impossible during the course of a relatively short interview
to cover all areas of the job. In presenting its case, the union did not
take strong objection to these questions.
The numerical results of the competition, as reflected on Exhibit
‘10’ was as follows:
Candidate Panelists Mark out of 82
Bonacourso Wiebe Hohner
Total
Diane Zumach 70 57 53 180
Celina Thomas 60 43 58 161
Nancy Parsons-Farr 51 54 56 161
Nancy Clipperton 55 50 51 156
Gibb 57 47 37 141
Ische 58 30 39 127
Chaney 44 39 37 120
The panel, for reasons not fully explained, elected to restrict any further
consideration to the first three (3) candidates. As noted above, Ms.
Zumach was then in a second contract position with the Ministry. Ms.
Thomas and Ms. Parsons-Farr were both external candidates.
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Unfortunately, an error in computation was made by Mr. Bonacourso in
respect of Ms. Zumach’s scores. Rather than receiving a score of seventy
(70), she should have been credited with a score of sixty (60), this being
the sum of all of the individual marks given for the twelve (12) questions.
Accordingly, her total score was in reality one hundred and seventy
(170) rather than the one hundred and eighty (180) as inserted into Exhibit
‘IO’. This mistake was not noticed until sometime after the filing of this
grievance. In its deliberations, the panel therefore wrongly assumed that
Ms. Zumach had received the higher score. In their evidence presented at
the hearing, the individual panel members did not attach much significance
to the reduced margin of difference between the grievor’and the incumbent.
All thought the latter to be the preferable candidate. We can only
conjecture at this juncture as to what effect, if any, would have been
given to Ms. Zumach’s lower score had same been discovered prior to the
disputed decision having been taken.
As stated above, the panel did not consider the grievor further
after determining that she stood fourth in terms of total points.
Specifically, they did not feel compelled to consider her greater
seniority, nor did they have regard to her performance appraisals for the
period she performed in the I.M.O. position. Ms. Hohner did not volunteer
any information as to the contents of the grievor’s personnel file, as she
did not consider it relevant after the decision was made to consider only
the top three (3) applicants. It was also her evidence that “she wasn’t
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aware of anything that would have raised the grievor up”. Indeed, in
cross-examination, she testified that she graded the grievor solely on what
was said in the interview. It is apparent from the evidence of Mr. Wiebe
that mention was not made of Exhibits ‘6’ or ‘7’ within the competition.
He had personal knowledge that the grievor had acted as an I.M.O. for one
(1) year, but did not know that she carried one and one-half caseloads for
much of the period. Mr. Bonacourso in his score sheet (Exhibit 14) noted
that Ms. Zumach was currently an I.M.O. in the London office. His failure
to make a similar notation on the score sheet for the grievor suggests that
he may not have been aware of her prior experience as an I.M.O. He did not
recall being advised that the grievor had carried one and one-half
caseloads. In contrast to the treatment accorded the grievor, the panel
did receive information on Ms. Zumach’s past performance. This was
conveyed by Mr. Wiebe,who had previously been her supervisor. His
impressions of her “favourable performance appraisal” was shared with the
other members of the selection team. They did not, however, actually
review such appraisals. The documentation was not filed with this board as
part of the employer’s case.
Much time was spent at the hearing in questioning the panel as to
why they assigned the specific grades to the two (Zjcandidates. Emphasis
was naturally placed on those questions where the margin was greatest. We
do not intend to repeat all of the reasons provided. Our overall
impression is that the panel collectively considered Ms. Zumach to be the
better communicator. Her answers, in their estimation, were the more
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,
complete. From their evidence, it would seem that the grievor did not
present her prior experience, or extract from it, as well as might be
expected.
The panel, despite some advance preparation for the interviews, did
not appear to be entirely consistent in the manner in which they assigned
marks for the individual questions. One member stated that a mark was
given for each key point; another disputed that this method was employed.
When confronted with the fourteen (14) point differential in scores between
the grievor and Ms. Zumach, both Mr. Wiebe and Ms. Hohner stated that it
did not amount to a situation of relative equality. The former was
initially unable to clarify what difference in points would constitute
relative equality. He later said “three or four points” and “three or four
percent”. The latter indicated that employees are “only relatively equal
if the points are identical”. The third member of the panel, Mr.
Bonacourso, when confronted with the five (5) point discrepancy in his
scores, stated in cross-examination that they were ‘relatively equal’.
Nonetheless, he continued to hold the opinion that Ms. Zumach was the best
candidate as she could verbalise better and was more knowledgeable despite
what appeared to be a “slight point differential”.
After the interviews had concluded, the grievor was advised by Ms.
Hohner that the position was going to be offered to Ms. Zumach. Her
recollection was that she was told by her supervisor that while the
interview “went well”, her answers did not come out as elaborately as
.
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expected. The grievor further stated that she was informed that Ms. Zumach
got the position “based on educational qualifications alone” and that her
experience in actually doing the job was not taken into consideration.
After this comment, the grievor asked about how she could obtain the
necessary educational qualifications. Ms. Hohner disputed this part of the
grievor’s evidence. Specifically, she denied making the statement
attributed to her as to why Ms. Zumach was the successful candidate. It
was her recollection that Ms. Clipperton first raised the subject of
education in the context of a general discussion as to how the grievor
could improve her interview performance.
Article 4.3 of the collective agreement is the provision relevant to
the resolution of this grievance. It reads as follows:
“In filling a vacancy, the Employer shall give primary
consideration to qualifications and ability to perform
the required duties. Where qualifications and ability
are relatively equal, length of continuous service shall
be a consideration.”
Numerous panels of this board have had the opportunity to interpret and
apply this article. Clear standards have been established for the parties,
both as to the essential elements of a competition and as to what effect
should be given to greater seniority. With respect to process, the award
in MacLeLlan and DeGrandis 506/81, 507/81, 690/81, 691/81 (Samuels)
summarises the criteria established by which to judge a competition. The
criteria were stated therein as follows:
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* ~.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Candidates must be evaluated on all the relevant
qualifications for the job as set out in the
Position Specification.
The various methods used to assess the candidates
should address these relevant qualifications insofar
as is possible. For example, interview questions
and evaluation forms should cover all the qualifica-
tions.
Irrelevant factors should not be considered.
All the members of a selection committee should
review the personnel files of all the applicants.
The applicants’ supervisors should be asked for
their evaluations of the applicants.
Information should be accumulated in a systematic
way concerning all the applicants.” (pages 25-26)
It is our judgment, after considering all of the evidence, that the
instant panel did not satisfy items 3, 4 and 5. First, they did not review
the grievor’s personnel file or performance appraisals. These were readily
available and could have been reviewed or clarified by Ms. Hohner if
necessary. A careful consideration of these documents was clearly required
in this case, as they pertained to the grievor’s “ability to perform the
required duties”. Indeed, the appraisals would have provided the panel
with certain concrete insights as to how the grievor had actually performed
in the position for a significant period of time. In our estimation, it
was most unfair and prejudicial for the panel to ignore such information in
respect of the grievor and, at the same time, to accept Mr. Wiebe’s
favourable assessment of Ms. Zumach. The panel, in our opinion, should
have reviewed the appraisals of both candidates. Additionally, the
comments of both supervisors, each of whom were on the panel, should have
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s
been solicited and considered. The need to have regard to this type of
relevant information was also discussed in Quinn, 9/78 (Prichard); Bullen,
113/82 (Samuels); and Alan, 0735/85 (Brandt). The failure to obtain and
review such data in these instances significantly contributed to the
decision of the respective boards to interfere with the initial management
decision. The omission in this case likely led the selection team to place
undue emphasis on the incumbent’s communication skills and educational
achievements. While the former is relevant to the job in question, the
posting and position specification do not require that an I.M.O. hold a
community college diploma.
As noted above, the panel restricted their consideration to the top
three (31 candidates. From the perspective of the grievor, therefore, the
competition was determined entirely on the basis of her interview. She was
excluded from any subsequent discussion because the panel concluded that
her score was not comparable to those of Ms. Zumach, Ms. Thomas or Ms.
Parsons-Farr. The action taken by the panel was clearly contrary to the
requirements of Article 4.3 in that it seriously limited their ability to
consider the grievor’s “ability to perform the required duties”. The
ultimate assessment must be made on the basis of more than just the result
generated by answers to questions asked in an interview. In limiting their
review and investigation, the panel in this case did not fully exercise the
responsibilities imposed on them by the collective agreement. Their
failure to do so in this instance could have materially affected the resul
of this competition.
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For all of these reasons, we find the competition to have been
fundamentally flawed. The more difficult question as in Alam (cited above)
is one of remedy. Specifically, the issue is whether this panel of the
board has sufficient information before it to assess the respective
qualifications and abilities of the candidates so as to be in a position to
award the job to the grievor should we find her to be superior, or at least
relatively equal to Ms. Zumach. The alternative, if this question cannot
be answered in the affirmative, is to order a rerun of the competition with
or without conditions attached. After considering all of the evidence
adduced, we are not satisfied that it is sufficient to allow us to properly
determine the relative status of the grievor and Ms. Zumach vi6 a vis their
ability to perform the required duties of the I.M.O. position. While we
think that they are both qualified and able to do the job in question,
this, in and of itself, does not lead to a situation of relative equality.
In our view, we lack the necessary evidence to properly assess the
abilities of Ms. Zumach. While testimony was led as to her past positions
in the Ministry, we were not provided with any performance appraisal other
than through Mr. Wiebe’s comment that such were “favourable”. As we have
been critical of the panel for acting in the absence of such information,
we think it would be improper for the board to determine the issue of
relative equality without first reviewing and assessing the performance
appraisals and other relevant material within the respective personnel
files. As we have not had this opportunity, and in view of the significant
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flaws in the competition, we believe it more appropriate to order a second
competition be held.
Before turning to the conditions which we elect to attach to our
order, we are compelled to state our perception that the selection panel in
this case did not appear to fully understand the requirements inherent in
Article 4.3. First, they conducted a competition that conflicted
significantly with the standards established by this board. Second, it is
our assessment that they did not have a firm or sufficient understanding as
to what is meant by relative equality. Mr. Wiebe was vague in describing
the significance of the concept. Ms. Hohner was clearly in error in
thinking that relative equality demanded equality in score. Had we been in
a position to make the comparative assessment, we would have been inclined
to adopt the approach taken in Re Textile Workers Union and Lady Galt
Towels Limited (19691, 20 L.A.C. 382 (Christie) subject to the modification
articulated in Great Atlantic 6 Pacific Co. of Canada Ltd. (19791, 21
L.A.C. (2d) 444 (Weatherill). Specifically, we think the real test is
to determine who is best qualified by a substantial and demonstrable margin.
If the margin is less than substantial, then qualifications are relatively
equal. In this case, we believe that seniority would have been
determinative, if relative equality had been established. The employer in
our minds did not isolate any factors or considerations which would justify
ignoring the grievor’s greater seniority. Lastly, the panel did not leave
us confident that they had accurately and properly assessed the candidates.
As noted earlier, the marking methodology was not entirely consistent.
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Additionally, the individual panel members did not in all cases fully
record their reasons for assigning a particular grade to a specific
question. In certain instances, for example a candidate’s response was
simply rated as ‘good’ or ‘fair’ with a mark assigned. The lack of
additional comments makes it difficult for both the interviewer or a board
of arbitration to subsequently assess the validity of the grade.
For all of the above reasons, it is our judgment that the
competition should be re-run subject to conditions. These conditions are
as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
It should be restricted to the grievor and Ms. Zumach;
The selection panel should not include any of the three
(3) individuals who conducted the process which we have
found to be flawed;
The process should be commenced within thirty (30) days
of the issuance of this award, subject to mutual agreement
as to the extension of time;
A fresh set of questions should be prepared for the interviews.
These questions should reflect the position specification as of
the date of the last competition;
The selection panel is to review the personnel files, including
performance appraisals, of the candidates. Additionally, the
supervisors of the grievor and Ms. Zumach are to provide their
written evaluations;
The selection panel is to discount the experience gained by
Ms. Zumach since her appointment to the contested I.M.O. position;
and,
The selection panel is to develop and employ a consistent scoring
methodology. The reasons for assigning particular grades to
specific questions are to be recorded on the scoring sheets.
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The grievance is accordingly allowed in part. We will retain
jurisdiction to resolve any difficulties that may develop in the
implementation of this award.
Dated a,t Windsor, Ontario, this 29th day of August 1988.
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