HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-1395.Coulter & Charleau.91-04-02 ONTARIO EMPLOYES DE LA COURONNE
CROWN EMPLOYEES DE L 'ONTARIO
GRIEVANCE C,OMMISSION DE
SETTLEMENT REGLEMENT
BOARD DES GRIEFS
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1395/88,1304/88
IN THE M~TTER OF AN ARBITRATION
Unde=
THE CROWN EMPLOYEES COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ACT
Before
THE GRIEFANCE SETTLEMENT BOAP. D
BETWEEN
OPSEU (Coulter/Charleau)
Grievor
The Crown in Right of Ontario
(Ministry of Correctional Services)
~.mployer
BEFORE: M. Watters Vice-Chairperson
S. Urbain Member
D. Daugharty Member
FOR THE R. SteDhenson
GRIEVOR Counsel
Gowling, Strathy & Henderson
Barristers & Solicitors
FOR THE C. Slater
BMPLOYER Senior Counsel
Human Resources Secretariat
Management Board of Cabinet
EOR THE " D. Ivey
THIRD P~RTY"' Counsel
Kingsmill, Ross, McBride
HEARINGt June 8, October 25, November 5,
November 16,December 12, 1990.
The two (~) ~rievors were unsuccessful applicants for the
position of Volunteer Pro,ram Coordinator at the Sprucedale Youth
Centre, a secure custody facility for Young Offenders~ located in
Simcoe, Ontario. Both grievors have worked at the Centre as full-
time Correctional Officers, or in equivalent positions, for a
number of years. Ms. Coulter has been so employed for ten il0}
years. Ms. Charleau has been at the facility for nine (9) years.
As between the two (2) grievors, Ms. Charleau has the greater
overall seniority. The successful candidate, Ms. S. Sage,
previously worked at the Centre on a contract basis in early 1988.
That period of employment ceased prior to the date of the
competition which is the subject of the instant dispute..
The competition in its early 'stages followed the normal
course. An Opportunity Bulletin was posted for the position on
September 12, 1988. It described the responsibilities of the job
as follows:
" To co-ordinate volunteer programmes in a secure
custody young offender institution. To assume
responsibility for the centre's community and
public relations functions and activities
related to volunteer programmes."
The closing date for the submission of applications was September
23, 1988. The position posted was regular part~time (R.P.T.)
requiring twenty {20) hours of work per week. Seven (7) persons
were ultimately interviewed in October, 1988. The selection panel
was co~prised of Ms. B. Malloy, Mr. W. Sardine, and Mr. M. O'Neal.
Ms. Malloy is a Program Co-ordinator at Sprucedale Youth Centre.
She acted as Chairperson of the panel. Ms. MalIoy is responsible
for supervising the Volunteer Co-ordinator. Mr. Sardine is the
gecreation Director at the Centre. Prior to 1987, his .position
included the Volunteer Coordinator function. Mr. O'Neai is a
representative of the Employer's Regional Office. ~:one of the
panel members were responsible for the grievors' supervision at the
date of the competition. Ms. Matloy had previously supervised Ms.
Charleau for a brief period in 1987. Mr. Sardine had supervised
Ms. Sage for a three (3) month period in early 1988 while she
filled a short-term contract in the arts and crafts area.
· A Questionnaire, together with suggested answers, was prepared
for the panel. It was first reviewed by them on the morning of the
interviews. At or about the same time,, the panel read the
applications and resumes of the candidates. The aforementioned
Questionnaire was divided into five (5) parts. Part A, titled
'Experience', was graded out of twenty (20) marks. .Part B, titled
'Education', was graded out of ten (I0) marks. Five (5) marks were
allotted 'to Part C relating to 'Attendance'. Part D, headed
'Knowledge And Personal Suitability', which was comprised of nine
(9) questions, was graded out of a possible fifty (50) marks.
Lastly, Part'E relating to 'communication Skills' was graded out of
twenty ~(20) marks. All of th~ questions contained in the
Questionnaire were asked of each candidate. Specific questions
were not asked, however, in respect of Part E. Rather, the
candidates were assessed under several rel'ated headings on the
2
basis of how they responded to the other questions. Each panel
member asked certain of these questions. They also separately
scored the responses given. The scoring material to this dispute
was as follows:
M. O'Neal B. Malloy -W. Sardine Total
Score
Susan Charleau 64 68 67.5 199.5
Elaine Coulter 68.5 66 70 204.5
Sally Sage 81 84 83 248
Ms, Sage received the highest score of. those persons interviewed.
Ms. Coulter and Ms. Charleau were ranked fifth and sixth,
respectively. It was conceded during the course of the hearing
that Ms. Sage's score should have been 243 rather than the 248 as
shown, given the existence of an arithmetic error on Ms. Malloy's
score sheet.
Immediately following the final interview a composite' sheet
was prepared showing the individual scores, the total scores and
the respective ranking. The panelists then signed off the form
noting that+Ms. Sage was the recommended candidate. Ms. Malloy and
Mr. Sardine had no further involvement in the competition. It is
apparent that they did not review the candidates personnel files or
performance appraisals. Further~ they did not seek to obtain
comments or references from the candidates' supervisors
notwithstanding the fact'that Freedom'Of Information Act releases
were obtained. These matters were not discussed during the course
of the panel's deliberations. In this regard, Mr. Sardine stated
3
that he did not discuss Ms,. Sage's performance in the short-term
contract position with the other members of the panel. The
position of Volunteer Coordinator was subsequently awarded to
Sage. She has been in such position since November, 1988.
A considerable amount of evidence was presented to this Board
during-~the five (5) days of hearings. In our judgment, the
following conclusions may be fairly drawn from such evidence:
(i) There is no doubt in our minds that both grievors could
perform the duties and responsibilities of the position sought as
listed on the position specification filed with us as exhibit '4'.
While this finding does not answer the question before us, as it
migh~ if article 4.3 were a seniority based provision, it does
suggest . that the grievors are not disentitled to further
consideration because of an inability to satisfy the demands of the
job.
(ii) We find that the questions asked of the candidates were
reasonably related to the job to be performed. This was conceded
by the 'grievors in cross-examination and by Union counsel in
argument, subject to the one (1) exception noted below.
.[iii) Part E, relating to 'Communication Skills', was not
evaluated by way of a series of distinct questions. The
assessment, as stated above, was made on the basis of the
candidates answers to Parts A through D. While this method may
permit for subjective evaluation on the part of each panelist, we
are unabl~ to conclude that it is objectionable on that ground,
Indeed, it. is very likely that any assessment of communication
skills will include a sub3ective component. The panel in this case
measured the actual presence or absence of these skills in the
context of ali of the answers given. The Board is unable to
conclude that such an approach is improper, in many respects, it
may'be superior to simply asking the candidate to assess the level
of their skills. The same comment would apply equally to questions
designed to elicit an opinion on communication skills in general.
Lastly, we think it significant that the candidates themselves
appeared to acknowledge the validity of the approach in cross-
examination.
(iv) The witnesses called by the Employe~ indicated Mr. O'Neal
advised the candidates that the above-mentioned technique would be
utilized. This was partially confirmed by Ms, Sage who testified
she was advised that communication skills would be assessed
throughout the interview. Ms. Coulter and Ms. Charleau did not
recall such a statement being made to them. Indeed, the thrust of
their evidence was that they were not so advised. In our 3udgment,
after considering all of the evidence, we think it more likely than
not that the grievors were informed about this aspect of the
competition~ The Board concludes that the candidates, who were
likely apprehensive at the commencement of their interviews, would
be more inclined to not recall something being said than would
those who were actually conducting the competition. We can find no
reason for the panelists to deliberately withhold this information
~rom the grievors,
5
The Board does not find anything ob3ectionable in the
weight accorded to the five (5) parts of the interview. The
Union's primary concern was with respect to Part E. That part was
accorded approximately twenty percent (20%} of the total possible
score. The Board does not consider such weightin~ to be excessive
given the significance of effective communication to. the
recruitment and maintenance of a body of volunteers. Communication
sk.il.ls would also be important vis a vis the public relations and
community-information functions that would be part of the position.
(vi) The Board has also determined that the interviews were
fairly conducted. -We accept that the process was explained to the
grievors and that they were afforded an opportunity to ask
questions if clarification was required. Further, the questions
directed to them were asked a second time if it appeared tha.t they
did not fully understand the tenor of same. 'While suggested
answers were listed in point form on the question sheet, credit was
given'for other relevant answers.. On a review of all of the
evidence, we believe that Ms, Malloy and Mr. Sardine were impartial
and unbiased during their participation in the interview process.
Nevertheless, we think that better notes could have been taken
throughout the interviews. This observation is especially
applicable to Mr. Sardine. While this gentleman stated he usually
made a lot of notes, the evidence before us does not support his
assertion. In many instances, the lack of appropriate notation
made it difficult for him to recall why a particular score was
assigned. The lack of good note taking makes it very difficult for
6
a Board of A~bitration to subsequently assess the validity of
scores given to the candidates. While competition panels are not
expected to produce a verbatim'transcript, some care should be
taken in transcribing a brief summary of the cogent points made by
a Candidate in response to specific questions. If this cannot be
done while the person is responding, it should be possible to
summarize the thrust of the answer at the conclusion of same or at
the end of the interview. Attention to this task, will obviously
make it eas~er for panel members to recall why they arrived at a
particular assessment. It should also serve to reduce the risk
that a Board of Arbitration might subsequently determine that there
was an insufficient foundation for 'the scores assigned.
(vii) It is clear from the testimony of Ms. Halloy and Mr.
Sardine that they based their ultimate assessment of the candidates
on the scores generated by the oral interviews, They acknowledged
that they, did not ~eview the ~rievors' personnel ~files or
performance appraisals. Similarly, they did not seek references or
comments from the candidates' immediate supervisors. Mr. Sardine
testified that he has been involved in excess of thirty (30)
competitions with this Employer. He stated that he has never
reviewed this type of documentation. Mr. Sardine appeared to
suggest that such a step might prejudice external candidates for
whom 'such information might not be obtainable. Ms. Malloy
suggested that Mr. O'Neal may . have pursued references.
Unfortunately, she did not have any direct knowledge that this was
done. ~r. O'Meal was not called as a witness. The Board is,
?
therefoqe', prepared to draw an adverse inference that he did not
venture beyond the bald scores. Counsel for the Employer conceded
that the drawing of such an inference would not be inappropriate in
the circumstances.
(viii) Neither of the grievors saw the' position specifications
prior to the competition. Similarly, they testified they had not
previously seen exhibit '18' relating to .the case management
process used at the Sprucedale Youth Centre. In contrast, Ms. Sage
had access to these materials prior to her interview. The Board
has not been persuaded that any of this is material. Ms. Sage
received the position specifications pursuant to a request for
same. There is no evidence to suggest that the grievors could not
have obtained the document in the same manner. Mso Sage received
the case management description during the course of staff-training
sessions. While the grievors denied having had ~he same
opportunity, we find that their experience as prime workers should
have given them sufficient familiarity with case management to
allow them to respond to questions asked during the interviews. It
is our impression from all'of the evidence that Ms. Sage showed the
most initiative in preparing for the interview~ This is, perhaps,
not unexpected as she had been out of the full-time work force
since 1982 and had only limited experience at the 'Centre
thereafter, Ms. Sage would, 'therefore, have a greater need to
familiarize herself with the methods employed to treat Youn~
Offenders at Sprucedale.
8
The relevant provision of the collective agreement'is article
4.3 which reads:
" 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."
This Board in MacLellan and De Grandis, 506/81, 507/81,
690/81, 691/81 fSamuels) has summarized the criteria by which to
judge a competition. In that award, the 'factors were listed as
follows:
1. Candidates must be evaluated on all the relevant
qualifications for the job as set out in the
Position Specification.
2. 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'qualifications.
3. Irrelevant factors should not be considered.
4. 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.
6. Information should be accumulated in a systematic
way concerning all the applicants." (pages
These factors have been accepted by numerous panels of this Board:
see CliDperton, 2554/87 (Watters) and Laforest, 1983/87 (Roberts).
The underlying premise of this approach is that competition panels
must give due consideration to the candidates "qualifications and
ability to perform the required d~ties" as per article 4.3. The
..~
Board has found in these earlier cases that this task cannot be
properly or adequately performed on the basis of just an oral
interview. It has required that broader information be assessed
for purposes of complying with the contractual direction contained
within article 4.3. This has included resdrt to personnel files,
performance appraisals ~and supervisory comments.
Notwithstanding the above jurisprudence, there have been
numerous instances in which the failure to engage in this broader
review has not rendered the competit~ion fatally flawed: see Benton
and Ross, 1S77/g4, 1578/84 (Roberts); Moore, 1051/86 (Watters);
Sofas, 457/85 ~Swan); Strazds, 88/83 (Jolliffe); P01ack, 1120/86
(Forbes-Roberts}; Ben~, 1733/88 (Fisher); McCall, 0191/88 (Fisher).
While all of these cases turn on thei£ particular facts, the Boards
therein elected to sustain the result of the competition despite
the fact that the process was flawed in certain respects.
In Sofas, while, the Board was not "happy with everything that
happened in the course of the selection," including a failure to
consult personnel files, it came to the conclusion that the process
as a whole was not unfair nor was it calculated to lead to an
unjust result. The Board also found that the incumbent wa's better
qualified for the job that the grievor. The former impressed them
with her specific qualifications and experience for the position.
In that case, the successful candidate had acted in the position in
question for more than a year prior to the posting. The award
10
seems to suggest that evening' up the scores to account for the
errors would not have brought the gr~evor within "strikin=~
distance" of the score ~iven to the incumbent.
In Strazds, the competition panel failed, inter alia, to
review performance appraisals. The Board there concluded that the
flaws in their entirety were not sufficiently serious to 3ustify
the re3ection of the ultimate result. From its perspective, the
panel had engaged in a sincere and rational effort to assess the
relative merits of the candidates. It determined that the
procedure used was not so defective as to negate the complete
process. This approach was also employed in Polack. In that
instance, the panel had failed to consider personnel files,
performance appraisals and supervisory references.
In Ben%-, the panel committed numerous errors including.the
failure to make reference checks. Nevertheless, the Board did not
interfere with the result of the competition. In reachin~ that
conclusion, it stated it was incumbent on the Union to show that
the identified defects had some effect on the outcome. The Board
placed an onus on the Union to demonstrate that the grievor would
h~ve'obtained the position had the defects not occurred. In that
case~ a differential of thirty-three percent (33%) existed in the
scoring. Additionally, the Board was not entirely impressed with
the ability of the ~rievor to grasp essential aspects of the'~3ob.
11
A si~nilar approach was adopted by the ~oard in McCai~. It
noted that the Union must go beyond establishing the presence of
defects in the competition. The Board held that it must also show
"that assuming these defects did not exist, on the balance of
probabilities the grievor is relatively equal or at-least, would be
found to be ~elativet¥ equal if a proper re-run were ordered"
(pages .4-5).
All of the above awards suggest tha-t this Board will not
interfere with a competition where the defects were immaterial to
the ultimate result. As stated in Laforest, the remedial hand o'f
the Board will be stayed when it is presented with convincing
evidence- that the deficiencies could not have prejudiced the
candidacy of the grievor. This Vice-Chair adopted a similar
approach in Moore, 'It was there held that failure to consult with
.supervisors should not abrogate the decision of the panel. In that
instance, it was apparent to the Board that the elimination of the
defect would not have altered the result of t'he.competition. More
particularly, we were satisfied that the selection procedure was
arranged and conducted such that adequate information was generated
as to the respective qualifications and ability of the candidates.
This present panel of the Board is inclined to agree with the view
that it makes little labour relations sense to order a re-run when
the defects, if remedied, would not have influenced the ultimate
decision. This disposition, however,, is based on the assumption
that the competition panel had sufficient information befbre it to
12
allo~ for an informed assessment as to the relative standin=~ of the
candidates. Generally, we think it would be somewhat rare for this
threshold to be satisfied solely on the information elicited at the
interview.
On the facts presented in this case, there is no doubt that
the competition was flawed. Here, the panel did not consider the
contents of personnel files or performance appraisa'ls.
Additionally, they did not consult with the grievor's supervisors.
In cross-examination, both grievors acknowledged that a review of
personnel files and performance appraisals would have disclosed
they were good employees. In' our 3udgment, this acknowledgment
does not negate the panels failure to consider the sources' in
question. While the level of the grievors performance in their
0ohs is of some significance, the real question to be answered from
a review of the documentation is whether they possessed the
qualifications and ability necessary to perfocm the specific ~ob
sought in the competition. In this respect, we find that the
instant panels inquiry was incomplete. The Board has some
difficult~ understanding why they did not resort to the additional
data. This information was readily available for the internal
candidates. An attempt could also have been made to secure similar
material in respect of external candidates. We have not been
satisfied that the existence of possible pre3udice to the external
aPplicants supports or justifies the complete disregard .of
information pertaining to internal candidates. 'It would seem from
13
®
~r. Sardine's evidence that the practice of the Employer in
competitions is not to revie~¢ existing personnel files and
performance appraisals. In resisting the thrust of this Board's
3urisprudence, they are unnecessarily assuming the risk that a
competition result may be set aside thereby exposing the Centre to
the further costs and delay associated with a re-run. In our
3ud~ment, it would be prudent for the Employer to reassess its
current practice.
The scores flowin~ from the interviews have been previously
noted. They disclose a gap of approximately fourteen percent (14%)
and twelve percent (12%) between Ms. Sage and Ms. Charleau and ~s.
Coulter, ~espectivel¥. The Union, however, attacked the validity
of the scoring. Counsel submitted, in essence, that the scorin~
was "wrong". A considerable amount of time was spent in c~oss-
examination in an attempt to undermine the assessments made by Ms.
Maltoy and Mr. Sardine. The Board does not intend to reproduce all
of the evidence led as a consequence of counsels probin~ of the
Employer witnesses. In summary, we think that the admissions
~ene~ated fall into fou~ (4) separ'ate categories, each of which are
addressed below.
Both Ms. Malto¥ and Mr. Sardine conceded, on fumther
reflection, that they had improperly assessed the grievous and Ms.
Sage in respect of certain ques. t'~'6~s. More specifically, in those
instances they were unable to support the score given. They were
14
consequently prepared to either increase or decrease their initial
scoring. The Board has no doubt tha~ it is proper to consider this
type of concession in reviewin~ the relative standing of the
candidates. Indeed, in argument, counsel for the Employer made
adjustments 'in the scores to reflect this type of admission~
There were several instances where Hr. Sardine may not have
heard an answer given by one of the ~rievors. When confronted in
cross-examination with the fact that Ms. Malloy had heard and noted
the answer, he was prepared to adjust his scoring'upward. The
Board also elects to consider this type of concession in our
overall assessment of the scores initially assigned. We do not
equate this with "second guessing" Mr. Sardine. Rather, we think
we are merely receiving Hr. Sardine's initial 'evaluation on the
answer actually given. The Board, needless to say, 'has been
satisfied that the responses were in fact given and that, for
whatever reason, they were not properly ~raded by Mr. Sardine.
This aspect of his scoring reflects an imperfection in the
competition process which, i~ our estimation, should not serve to :
prejudice a candidate.
In certain other cases~ }~r. Sardine testified that answers,
which he did not initially hear, would be worthy of credit if given
in the correct context. When confronted with the discrepancies in
his notes and scoring-.'¥i~s a vis Ms. Malloy, he asserted that the
grievor had either missed the question or was "off track". In
15
respect of these answers, the Board is not prepared to go behind
the scores originally given. We think that to do so would be
tantamount to usurping the role of the selection panel. We accept
that if Mr. Sardine believed the answer was inappropriate and not
on point, we should not interfere with his judgment. The Board
notes that Mr. Sardine had prior experience in the very job to be
filled. .It is quite likely, therefore, that he was in the best
position to assess the answers advanced' bM the various candidates,
We also think it significant that the marks assigned to this group
of answers were relatively consistent as between the three (3)
panelists.
Lastly, in respect of another group of-questions, the Board.
was urged to find that the panel did not give appropriate weight to
certain of the grievors' answers. In some of these instances~ the
scores given by the panelists were inconsistent. Counsel for the
Union generally suggested that the credit initially given should be
increased. The Board, after due consideration, is reluctant' to
engage in this type of exercise. We think it quite common that
members of a panel will have different assessments as .to the Value
to be given to a particular answer. Assuming that the answer has
bees heard and honestly assessed, we think it improper to interfere
with the scoring. To do so would constitute a usurpation of the
responsibilities of the panel and would create an excessively broad
standard of review in competition cases.
A further issue arose as to the weight to be given to Mr,
O'Neal's scores. As noted, he was not called by the Employer to
give evidence. The reason for this remains a matter of
speculation. We find it somewhat unusual, however, that he was not
called upon to support the ultimate result in the competition. In
argument, the Union submitted that Mr. O'Neal's scores should be
discarded as it was not provided with an opportunity to cross-
examine with respect to the foundation for same. Indeed, counsel
suggested that his scores were not evidence in the strict sense.
The Board rejects this position. We note that the Union itself
relied on Mr. O'Neal's score sheet for purposes of comparing
certain notations and scores. In our judgment, these score sheets
are evidence. The more significant-question relates to the weight
which should be given to them. In the final analysis, we accept
the submission of counsel for the Employer to the effect that Mr.
O'Neal's scores should be discounted to the same extent as those
given by Ms. Malloy,
Applying all of the above reasoning to the original scores
results in a narrowing of the gap between Ms. Sage and the two (2)
grievors. While the Board is not in entire agreement with the
mathematics employed by either counsel, we think that the final
margin is closer to the nine (§) to ten percent (10%) as suggested
by the Employer. We have not been persuaded to increase the
grievors' scores to the extent claimed by the Union. Had we been
so inclined, the gap would have closed to four percent (4%) and
17
seven percent (7%) in the case of Ms. Charleau and ~s. Coulter
respectively, To repeat what was said above, the Board has
rejected the Union's calculations as we think they excessively and
improperly discount the scoring of certain questions.
· Additionally~ although a matter of lesser concern, the Union's
final scores were tabulated without reference to Mr. O~Neai's
answer sheets.
Ultimately, this Board has been required to determine whether
the instant competition was conducted in accordance with article
4.3 of the collective agreement. Put another way, we have had to
assess whether the proces~ used bM the panel, despite the existing ~
flaws, permitted it to reasonably and fairly conclude that Ms. Sage
was the best qualified by a substantial and demonstrable margin.
After considerable thought, we find that this question must be
answered in the negative. The Board is unable to state, with any
degree of confidence, that the panel would not have found a
situation of relative equality had they accessed personnel files,
performance appraisals and supervisory comments. In this sense, we
think that the deficiencies materially prejudiced the grievors~'
chances in the competition. This'conclusion is supported by much
of the evidence presented to us. Apart from the scoring, as
corrected, the Board has been unable to glean significant
differences between the three (3) employees from a reading of their
applications and resumes. .Further, the viva voce evidence was at
best inconclusive. While w~ think it showed that Ms. Sage may
18
possess the hi~her level of communication skills, it did not
disclose a substantial difference between the candidates. Indeed,
it is arguable, from such evidence, that Ms. Coulter had .the
greatest amount of related volunteer experience.
In summary, the Board is satisfied that the competition was
fatally flawed. In our judgment, the defects described above made
it impossible for the panel to fairly determine the grievors
qualifications and ability for the job of Volunteer Program
Coordinator. Simply put, the competition was incomplete in a
material sense as the panel significantly impaired its ability to
assess the relative standing of the candidates here in question.
This amounted to a violation of article 4.3 of the collective
agreement. In these circumstances,, it would be improper for 'this
Board to make an award of the job to one of the grievors. Clearly,
such a remedy is inappropriate in .the context of a flawed
competition. Other panels of this Board have reached the same
conclusion in Clipperton and Bent. We are disinclined to make a
finding of relative equality in the absence of personnel files,
performance appraisal and supervisory comments. In all of the
circumstances of this case, we elect to order a rerun subject to
the following conditions:
1. The competition should be restricted to the two (2)
grievors and Ms. Sage;
2. The selection panel should not include any of the three
(3) individuals who conducCed the process which we have
found to be flawed;
3. The process should be commenced within thirty (30) days
19
of the issuance of this award, subject to mutual
agreement as to the extension of time;
4. 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;
5. The selection panel is to review all personnel files~
performance appraisals and supervisory comments
relating to the period prior to the date of the last
competition;
6.. The selection panel is to discount the expe~ience
gained by Ms. Sage since her appointment to the
contested position.
The Board, notwithstanding its order, is sensitive to the
plight of Ms. Sage who, as noted above, has been in the position
since November, 1988. The dela'ys in this case ha~e been somewhat
unusual. It results, in part, from the fact that the Board was
called upon to'determine if the grievors, as full-time employees,
had the status' to grieve a regular part-time position. That
preliminary issue was answered in the affirmative in .an earlier
interim ruling. While we realize that Ms. Sage is now adversely
affected by our ruling, the grievors were similarly prejudiced by
the Employer's failure to run a proper competition. It would
therefore be inappropriate to maintain Ms. Sage in the position.
We have tried to the extent possible to structure conditions which
will recreate the situation as it existed in October, 1988. This
will hopefully be fair to all candidates.
For all of the above reasons, the grievance is allowed in
part. We will retain jurisdiction to resolve any difficulties that
20
may develop in the implementation o~ this award.
Dated atToronto , Ontario this 2nd day of April .,1991.
M.V. Watt6rs, Vice-Chairperson
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