HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-0488.Tsangarias & Young-Yuskiw.93-04-07 ONTARIO EMPL OY~'S DE LA COURONNE
CROWN/:JMPLO YEE$ DE L 'ONTA RIO
GRIEVANCE C.OMMISSlON DE
SETTLEMENT REGLEMENT
BOARD DES GRIEFS
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IN THE I~TTER OF~.N~RB~TI~TION
Unde~
THE CI~O~F~PLOYEE~ COLLECTIVE B~N~NG ACT
Be~o~e
BE~EN
OPSEU (T~an~aria~/Youn~-Yu~ki~)
Grievor
- ~4-
The Cro~ in Right of Ontario
(Minist~ of Correctional Se~ices)
~mployer
BEFOg: W. Kallan Vice-Chairperson
I. Thomson Me, er
F. Collict Me~er
FOR THE V. Reaume
UNION Counsel
Cavalluzzo, Hayes & Shilton
Barristers & Solicitors
FOR THE J. Benedict
EMP.LOYER Manager
Staff Relations & Compensation
Ministry of Correctional Services
HEARING May 1, 1992
January 28, 1993
Introduction
By a grievance dated March 7, 1989, Emmanuel Tsangaris, and by a grievance
dated April 1 O, 1 989, Genia Young-Yuskiw, both of whom are Cook 3s at the
Toronto Jail, grieve that they are improperly classified, and by way of
remedy seek either reclassification in the Industrial Officer series or a
Berry Order. Ultimately, the request for reclassification in the Industrial
Officer series was not strenuously pursued. The grievances proceeded to a
hearing in Toronto, at which time evidence and argument were heard.
It is useful to set out the relevant parts of the class series in dispute.
PREAMBLE
COOK SERIES
Most of the positions covered by this series occur in an
industrial setting where the kitchen is required to function
over a period as long as from 4 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. or greater; 7
days a week; well in excess of an employee's normal working
day. Thus some of the employees are required to work
staggered hours which are referred to as "shifts". The term
"shift cook" does not necessarily denote the supervisor of a
shift, but rather a cook whose position requires that he begins
and ends his work tour of duty at varying times of the day.
While a longer work day or very large volume may require more
complicated arrangements, the following is a typical shift
arrangement:-
Early Shift - 6 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. (1/2 hour lunch)
Day Shift- 8 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (1 hour lunch)
Late Shift - 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (1/2 hour lunch)
In some kitchens one or more journeymen cooks open the
kitchen in the morning; prepare breakfast and begin other
cooking tasks, according to instructions and the menu; direct
the activities of junior cooks, other kitchen help and such
patients or inmates as may be assigned, without the presence
of a supervising cook until the day shift comes on duty.
Similarly on the afternoon shift they remain after the
supervising cook or cooks have left and oversee and assist in
the serving of the evening meal and the clean up operations
thereafter. They may also begin preparation of the next day's
meals. The bulk of the food service operation occurs during.
the day shift when the main meal of the day and either "lunch"
or "supper" are prepared. The supervising cook, or. his
assistant, is normally present on the day shift and directs the
production of these meals, makes any emergency changes
required in the day's menu, ensures that supplies are
requisitioned and delivered for the following day and issues
instructions for the early and late shifts. Thus the regular
direction of junior cooks, kitchen helpers and such patients or
inmate help as is assigned, is an inherent responsibility of a
journeyman level, or Cook 2, position.
All employees in positions classified as Cook Z or higher in the
series may be required to 'train and instruct junior cooks,
kitchen helpers, patients, .inmates on wards in cooking, baking,
meatcutting, kitchen operation, sanitation, food preparation
and se.rving etc. Except for the substitution of patients or.
inmates for some members of kitchen help, this responsibility
has parallels in large volume, non-institutional settings and
does not warrant the Cook 3 allocation, which covers the
positions of group leaders of several cooks on a full time basis
each day.
In the Department of Reform Institutions provision has been
made whereby employees in positions classified as Cook 2_ or
higher in the series may, in addition, be required to appraise
and report on inmates' or wards' adjustment, conduct and
industry for Parole or placement purposes; to take
responsibility for the safety and custody of the inmates or
wards assigned to them and to warn in minor misconduct and
lay major misconduct charges as required.
For the purposes of this series, it is assumed that three meals
are prepared for each person per day, except for meals served
to institutional staff who normally are served only one meal
per day. The number of' institutional staff served is pro-rated
to arrive at the number of persons served e.g. 800 patients or
inmates and 300 staff served equals 600+(1/3 x 300) or 900
persons. Supervisory levels in this series are distinguished,
no___[t by the number of subordinates supervised, but by the size
of the food services operation i.e. the number of persons
served per. day. The number of patient or inmate helpers
assigned to the kitchen tends to be dictated by a number of
factors often completely divorced from the actual needs of the
food service operations. Thus the number_ of patient or inmate
helpers or the number of junior kitchen help is no__[t a factor in
allocating positions in this series. An exception is the "group
leader" or Cook 3, level, where more than one subordinate cook
plus such other kitchen help as is required, must be supervised
to establish a "group".
Revised June 1, 1970
COOK 1
CLASS DEFINITION:
In most positions allocated to this class the employees
assist another cook, or cooks, in the preparation, cooking and
distribution of a variety of foods served in a government
institution. They receive training and acquire experience in
volume cooking procedures and quantity control. They may be
responsible for a specialized aspect of food preparation but
seldom for the complete production of meals.
These employees participate in any of the food preparation
and cooking operations and may also take part in butchering,
baking, preserving and apportioning of food. They may store,
measure and assemble ingredients, and distribute meals to
dining areas. They may themselves, perform or give directions
to assisting staff and patients or inmates, in such tasks as
vegetable preparation, food serving and the cleaning of
utensils and work areas.
In a few positions allocated to this class, the employees
independently prepare meals for a very small group and, in
addition, undertake other handy-man chores and/or
housekeeping duties as required.
Revised February 1966
CC K
Employees in positions allocated to this class,, as
journeyman cooks, prepare and cook a variety of foods served
in a government institution or similar organization. They
prepare complete meals according to approved menus and work
sheets and may on occasion, have to make alterations or
substitutions for items scheduled but not immediately
available. They ensure that food is properly cooked and
distributed according to schedule and that proper cleanliness
of the kitchen equipment and premises is maintained. They
may be required to instruct and supervise junior cooks and
other kitchen personnel including such numbers of inmate or
patient helpers as may 'be assigned.
In some positions these employees are responsible to the
administrative officer of a small organization or institution,
for all the food services for up to 40 persons, including the
direction of assistants, kitchen helpers, patients or inmates.
In other positions in this class~ the employees may act as .
assistant to a supervising cook or dietitian in kitchens serving
meals fOr 40 to 100 persons.
In all positions in this class, in the absence of the
supervising cook or dietitian, these employees may be in
charge of a shift or part of a shift.
Revised February 1966
COOK 3
Under the instruction of a supervising cook or dietitian,
employees in positions allocated to this class supervise the
production of meals in a government institution as group
leader of a small number of subordinate cooks~ other kitchen
help and such numbers of patient or inmate helpers as may be
assigned. They usually work on a shift basis using prescribed
menus and work sheets and, in the absence of the supervising
cook or dietitian, may be required to make substitutions or
re-arrange r~enus to cope with temporary shortages, late
deliveries or other problems.
in food service operations providing meals for 100 to 300
persons they assist the supervising cook or dietitian in charge,
direct and check the work of subordinate cooks, kitchen
assistants and patient or inmate helpers and take charge of the
kitchen during normal absences of their supervisor. In some
positions, in a kitchen unit serving a similar number of
persons and physically remote from the central kitchen, these
employees are responsible for the discipline, cleanliness and
economical meal production of all meals on all shifts.
In other positions employees in positions in this class are
responsible to an administrative officer for the operation of
food services on all shifts in an institution usually feeding
from about 40 to 100 persons, in these positions they prepare
or adapt menus, requisition supplies, arrange work
assignments and cooking duty schedules and assume over-all
responsibility for all the food services of the institution.
In all positions, as authorized, they prepare supply
requirements; keep provision records; maintain time
schedules; order repairs and replacements to equipment and
they maintain proper standards of sanitation.
January 27, 1966
The Evidence
Mr. Tsangaris testified on behalf of himself and Ms. Young-Yuskiw. Mr.
Tsangaris began work with the Ministry in March 1976 as a casual cook. He
has been a Cook 3 since January 1 980. At the time of the grievance, Mr.
Tsangaris worked with three other Cook.3s: the other grievor, Mr. Allan
Patrick and Mr. Tim Cook:~.., -~ ..
Mr. Tsangaris described his duties and responsibilities. He supervises.
inmate helpers. The first group of helpers arrives at 5:00 a.m. and works
until 12:$0 p.m. The second group of helpers arrives after lunch and works
until 8:00 p.m. Approximately twelve helpers assist the cooks on'each
shift, and there are two cooks per shift. The cooks rotate shifts bi-weekly,
in general, working 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for.two weeks and 12:00 p.m. to
8:00 p.m. for two weeks. Once in a while the cooks are required to work the
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. shift.
When the cook working the 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. shift arrives at work, he or
she picks up the keys from the control room that open the elevator, the
kitchen, the fridges and the store areas. The cook then goes' to pick up the
i'nma.tes, who were previously assigned to kitchen duties. 'Mr. Tsangaris
testified that he and the other cooks are involved in the selection of these
inmates. Sometimes, the cooks know particular inmates and ask that they
be assigned to the kitchen, and other times the Classification Officer, who
was Mr. Patrick .Wan at the time the grievances were filed, consults with.
the cooks about who would be appropriate for kitchen work. Mr. Wan may
ask the cooks how different inmates are working out, and if the inmates get
good reports from the cooks they may earn certain privileges referred to as
preferrals. If an inmate is not performing to specification, is lazy or
uncooperative, then the cOok may fill out a form indicating this. The cooks
can charge an inmate with misconduct, and if they decide to do so the
appropriate form must be filled out. As soon as an inmate is charged with
misconduct, Mr. Tsangaris notifies the supervising sergeant, as well as the
Food Services Manager. The inmate is immediately removed from the
kitchen. If an inmate is injured on the job, another form must be filled out.
In general, after picking up the inmates in the morning, the cook escorts
them to the kitchen, and soon thereafter everyone begins to work.
Mr. Tsangaris testified that he and the other cooks teach or have taught the
inmates how to make coffee and tea, how much milk, cereal and other
breakfast foods to put out, how to cook bacon and how to fry eggs.
Sometimes the cooking instruction is more complicated. Mr. Tsangaris
testified that the cooks teach inmates to prepare meals such as beef stew.
When doing so they instruct them in how much beef is required, the
appropriate spices and types of vegetables, how to thicken the stew, what
temperature to cook it at, and for how long. Inmates are also taught how to
bake cookies and other products. Mr. Tsangaris'testified that as a result of
this instruction a number of inmates have subsequently been hired as' cooks.
The number of meals required is indicated on a wall chart. The Torohto Jail
houses approximately 600 to 630 inmates, and so some 600 breakfasts are
prepared each morning, although this number may vary depending on the
number of inmates who arrived during the night. Approximately 100
breakfasts are specially prepared for inmates attending court. Other
special meals include staff meals for correctional officers working
overtime or escorting inmates to hospitals. A document prepared by the
Food Services Manager at the time the grievances were filed and introduced
into evidence indicates that more than ten thousand special meals were
prepared each month. For example, this document indicates that 35 diabetic
meals were prepared daily, 30 gastric meals, 12 Iowfat meals, 12 soft
meals, 120 no-pork meals, 150 vegetarian meals, 12 liquid meals, TO
'9
kosher meals and 10 "other" meals. When. preparing these special meals, Mr.
Tsangaris testified l~hat the cooks also provide the inmates with cooking
instruction
Even before the breakfast is prepared, the cooks begin work on dinner and
lunch, inmates continue to assist them, and approximately 600 inmate
meals are prepared for lunch. Approximately 650 dinners are prepared, and
sometimes it is closer to 700 meals. Some staff meals, approximately 40,
are also made. The Jail Superintendent and Jail doctor 'are entitled to eat
for free. Correctional Officers working overtime are als0 entitled to a
meal, and other staff can purchase meal tickets. An evening snack is also
prepared consisting of cookies, fresh fruit, coffee, tea or milk.
Approximately 700 snacks are prepared each night. Some special meals and
snacks are' also prepared for guests at the jail and for meetings being held
there. Around 1 ;~:30 p.m. the first, shift of inmate assistants is returned to
their cells, and the second shift is brought down. One of the Cook 3s
escorts the inmates up and down.
After the meals and the evening snack are prepared, the cooks search and
then fill the food and beverage wagons prior to leaving the kitchen area. No
correctional officers are involved in this search. 'The cook must sign a
sheet stating that he or she has completed the search, These forms are
picked up daily by the .lail's security officer. The cooks are also
responsible for filling out a log. The correctional officers then take the
wagons out onto the floor after double checking the number of meals
'prepared with the number of meals required. Another form is filled out
recording this count. Unlike breakfast, lunch and dinner, the' evening snack
is distributed by one of the cooks and an inmate assistant. The cook and
inmate are not escorted as they perform this task.
The cooks are also responsible for filling out a number of other forms. One
of these forms details the whereabouts of knives and other kitchen
implements. The cooks must ensure that these items, as well as ordinary
eating utensils, are carefully monitored.
At the time these grievances were filed Mr. Jim Henry was the Jail's Food
Services Manager and Mr. Wes Nesbitt was the Assistant Food Service's
Manager. Mr. Nesbitt is now the Food Services Manager. The position of
Assistant Food Services Manager was not filled after Mr. Henry left and Mr.
Nesbitt was promoted. Mr. Tsangaris testified that Mr. Henry worked
flexible hours, generally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Mr. Nesbitt generally
worked 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mr. Henry did not work on the weekends, and
Mr. Nesbitt only worked on Sundays. All the Cook 3s at the Jail worked
weekends. Before the Food Services IVlanager arrives in the morning, and for
at least one day on the weekend and part of the other, there is no member of
management working in the kitchen. Mr. Tsangaris testified that neither
the Food Services Manager nor his assistant (when that position is filled),
are involved in meal preparation or inmate supervision. Their duties
include menu planning, ordering and taking meats out of the freezer as
required, From time to time, however, the Food Services Manager and his
assistant would come into the kitchen and ask questions. If Mr. Tsangaris
had a big problem like the shortage of an item required or serious inmate
misbehavior or an inmate riot he would bring it to the attention of the Food
Services Manager. In general, however, Mr. Tsangaris attempted to resolve
any problems himself.
Mr. Tsangaris reviewed his position specification with the Board, and
testified that he did. not agree with that part of it describing his workload,
and further documentary evidence detailing the number of meals and. snacks
prepared each day was introduced into evidence. The Position Specification
indicated that Mr. Tsangaris and the other cooks were responsible for
preparing 2_100 meals and snacks a day, but Mr. Tsangaris testified that the
number was, in fact, higher than this. Mr. Tsangaris testified that while
the position specification indicated that he was involved in ordering bulk
products, he also ordered food as required, such as when 'there was a.
shortage of items He also testified that he assumed the duties of the Food
Services Manager when the Manager was away from the Jail on vacations
and for other reasons. Moreover, for those time periods when neither the
Manager nor his assistant was in the Jail, he and the other cooks were 100
percent responsible for all supervision, and they did everything that needed
to be done.
Mr. Tsangaris was asked a number of questions in cross-examination. He
agreed that generally the inmates at the Toronto Jail are low security
risks, although the jail has held murderers, and one of these murderers once
worked in the kitchen. Mr. Tsangaris testified that approximately five-
years ago an inmate punched out the Food Services Manager. Mr. Tsangaris
testified that if he did not want a certain inmate to work in the kitchen, he
would make his wishes known and that inmate would not be assigned to
kitchen duties. Mr. Tsangaris knows about half of the inmates who end Up
working in the kitchen from their previous stays at the jail. Mr. Tsangaris
reiterated his earlier evidence that he is consulted about their selection
although Mr. Wan was the person actually responsible for choosing them.
Mr. Tsangaris was asked about his rote in searching the food wagons, and he
testified that the security officer comes in ..from time to time to pick up
the forms. If Mr. Tsangaris had a big security problem he would bring it.to
the security officer's attention, but he rarely has any problems that he
cannot resolve on his own. When the grievances were filed Mr. Tsangaris's
supervisor worked in an office that did not allow him to see what was going
on in the kitchen. In the evening, the cook delivers the snacks to various
landings where they are passed on the correctional officer on duty who
serves them to the inmates. Mr. Tsangaris agreed that his cooking
instruction did not involve any classroom time. Rather, it was on-the-job
training. For example, the cooks teach the inmates how to use knives, how
to use the'chopping machine, the dishwasher, the mixing machine and the
coffee machine, and after a week or so the inmates know what to do.
Generally, the inmates do. the "muscle work" in the kitchen. Mr. Tsangaris
was asked about his involvement in granting preferrals, and he agreed that
his input was verbal, but he insisted that he and the other cooks were
consulted because they work' shoulder to shoulder with the inmates. Mr.
Tsangaris further testified that the cooks can cite inmates for
insubordination. With respect to ordering food, Mr. Tsangaris agreed that he
did not order it very often, and that most ordering was done by the Food
Services Manager. Mr. Tsangaris would do it if the Food Services Manager
was away or if he ran out of an item.
In re-examination, Mr. Tsangaris elaborated on his role in filling out the
search forms for the food wagons. He testified that he and the other cooks
have found things on the wagons that should not be there. And when such
things are found, mention of them is made in the search report. Mr.
Tsangaris agreed that, in general, his input about preferrals may be
13
communicated to Mr. Wan through the Food Services Manager or his
assistant, or Mr. Tsangaris cold speak directly with him. Mr. Tsangaris has
also served on the Board for pre-releases. The Cook 3s could be called upon
in this capacity as often as once per month. With respect to cooking
instruction, Mr. Tsangaris testified that sometimes an inmate only needs to
be shown how to .do something once. However, the tasks assigned to the
inmates will vary depending on their knowledge and abilities.
Mr. Wes Nesbitt testified on behalf of the employer. Mr. Nesbitt is the Food
Services Manager at the Toronto Jail, and has held that position for three
years. Prior to becoming Manager he was the Assistant Manager for
twenty-five years. He has also worked as a correctional officer. Mr. Nesbitt
oversees the overall operation of the food services department'. Mr. Nesbitt
is responsible for ensuring that the food in the jail is properly prepared and
served. He testified that the Toronto Jail houses on average, 500 inmates.
Approximately twelve inmates work on each shift, and Mr. Nesbitt testified
that their job is general labour and housekeeping. He does not have any
expectation that they will learn anything, and he does not believe that they
will acquire anything but minimal skills as a result of their assignments in
the kitchen.
Mr. Nesbitt testified that the inmate helpers are not allowed to use the
meat slicer, because they might show favouritism by slicing portions that
were too large. Conversely, they might skimp on portions for fellow
inmates they disfavoured. The inmates do not have any keys, and in his
opinion, they do very little cooking. Once in a while the kitchen gets an
inmate with some baking skills, and when this occurs that inmate may be
assigned more complex tasks.' Otherwise, all the inmates do is help the
cooks and serve the meals. By helping the cooks, they may be called upon to
grill hamburgers or pork chops, but will not be given cooking assignments
that are more complex than that. Mr. Nesbitt. testified that if the jail did
not have a pool of inmate workers it would have to hire a lot of employees
to do housekeeping, porting, and cleaning.
Mr. Nesbitt testified that the cooks follow the menus assigned by the
Ministry of Correctional Services. Mr. Nesbitt writes the daily menus
within the Ministry's general dietary framework. If Mr. Nesbitt is away and
the cooks run out of some item, they have the authority to substitute
another one. This might happen once or twice per month. If some major
cooking decision were required, Mr. Nesbitt would expect the cooks to
contact him. A major food problem could occur if it was learned, for
example, that something was contaminated. Mr. Nesbitt testified that there
has not been a major problem for at least fifteen years.
Mr. Nesbitt also testified that the cooks have no authority to arrange for
supplies, and that all supplies come from the store room at the jail. if Mr.
Nesbitt is not around, and ordering is required, it is done by Mr. Patrick who
has been given the authority to order. Mr. Patrick is another Cook 3. He is
not a grievor in this case. Mr. Nesbitt testified that the grievors only have
minimal responsibility for keeping records of supplies that are used, and by
and large, Mr. Nesbitt performs this function. When he is away, the grievors
do it. With respect to repairs, Mr. Nesbitt testified that the grievors notify
him if any are required. If something needed to be fixed right away, they
would probably contact the maintenance department. At the time of the
grievances, the grievors supervised two Cook Zs.
15
In cross-examination, Mr..Nesbitt agreed that he is not a dietitian, nor is he
a certified cook. Mr. Nesbitt agreed that while there were both Cook 3s and
Cook Zs on duty in 1989, it would be the ,Cook 3s who would most closely
supervise the inmate helpers. Mr. Nesbitt testified that when he WaS there
he kept a fairly close watch .on what was going on. tvlr. Nesbitt was asked
about some of the cooking chores that .the inmates perform, and he insisted
that these chores, like grilling meat, were menial. He did not agree that
grilling meat constituted cooking, and. the same held true, in his view, with
respect to frying bacon and eggs.
Mr. Nesbitt agreed that there were generally more than 500 inmates housed
in the Jail at the time the grievances were filed. A document was
introduced into evidence' that indicated that that number fluctuated
considerably. For example, on January 6, 1989 there were 455 breakfasts
and 557 suppers prepared. On January 30, 1989, there were 623 breakfasts
and 543 suppers prepared. On April 3, 1989 there were 649 breakfasts and
574 suppers. On April 14, 1989 there were 530 breakfasts prepared and'
571 dinners. Mr. Nesbitt agreed that there was considerable overcrowding
in ~the jail during this period. Not reflected in these figures are the number
of staff meals, which Mr. Nesbitt estimated would have been:less than fifty
per day.
~lr. Nesbitt reiterated his evidence in Chief that the kitchen would have to
hire additional staff if there were no inmates available to work. He agreed
that the grievor's position specification was generally accurate, but he did
not agree with Mr. Tsangaris's evidence that the Cook 3s played a role in
selecting inmate assistants. In Mr. Nesbitt's view, the Cook 3s had nothing
to do with that, and to Mr. Nesbitt's knowledge, Mr. Wan did not consult with
16
the cooks as he went about performing this selection task. At most, Mr.
Nesbitt testified, one of the cooks might have said to Mr. Wan that they
knew a particular inmate from previous experience and may have requested
that inmate for the kitchen because of that previous experience. Mr. Nesbitt
agreed that when he was away the Cook 3s performed his supply
record-keeping function. He also agreed that in his absence the Cook 3s
would assume responsibility for any maintenance problem that might arise.
The evidence having been completed, the case proceeded to argument.
Union Argument
Counsel began by observing that the parties were agreed that the grievor's
position specification was generally accurate in its description of their
duties and responsibilities. The evidence was also clear that the number of
inmates in the jail fluctuated. It went as high as 700 inmates per day, and
counsel noted that the grievors were responsible for preparing three meals
a day for these inmates as well as a snack. Moreover, the grievors were
also responsible for preparing special meals and meals for correctional
officers working overtime or who purchase meal tickets. In counsel's view,
there was little doubt but that the grievors were cooking well more than
21 00 meals per day.
The evidence was equally clear, in counsel's submission, that the grievors
were the cooks primarily responsible for the supervision of the inmates,
and counsel noted that Mr. Nesbitt had agreed with that. in counsel's view,
the'evidence established that the Cook 3s were training the inmates in
cooking, and that those inmates were not simply performing manual labour.
Counsel pointed out that Mr. Tsangaris testified that he taught the inmates
17
..~
how to grill, but he also taught them how to season and perform other
cooking tasks. In counsel's submission, this teaching amounted to training.
Counsel also argued that the grievors had a number of important and
unrecognized responsibilities such as for' the care and custody of knives,
the performance of security checks, the laying of misconduct charges and
the selection of inmates for kitchen work. Counsel also noted that the
grievors 'exercised supervisory responsibilities on those occasions when IV]r.
Nesbitt was not on shift, or when he was away for a more extended period.
Counsel pointed out that the grievors did not work under the supervision of
a dietitian or a supervising cook.
Counsel referred to the preamble of the Cooks Class Series as well as to
the standard for Cook 3. Counsel pointed out that there was no denying that
the grievors were. cooks. There was also no denying that they did not fit
within either the Cook 1 or the Cook 2_ standard. The Cook 1 series is very
junior, while the Cook 2 series is for "journeymen" cooks, which the
grievors dearly were not. Counsel pointed out that the preamble to the
series contained a formula for the calculation of the number of persons
served each day, and this preambte made it clear that this is the key factor
in the determination of supervisory levels. Assuming in the instant case an
inmate population of 600 inmates and sixty.staff, that wou~d result in 6?_0
people served daily (600.+ (1/3 x 60) = 620). Counsel noted that this figure
was in fact a conservative one given the evidence of numbers of inmates
and overcrowding in the period prior to the filing of the grievance.
. Focusing in on the number of person served, counsel noted that the Cook 1
series was silent about the number of persons served, reflecting perhaps
the junior nature of the position. The Cook 2 standard referred to
situations where the cooks would prepare meals for 40 persons or for
between 40 and 100 persons. The Cook 3 standard, however, referred to
incumbents occupying positions where they were involved in the
preparation of meals for either 1 O0 to 300 .persons or in the preparation of
meals for 40 to 1 O0 persons. On the evidence, counsel argued, this standard
could not apply to the grievors since they prepared meals for a minimum of
62_0 persons. Moreover, the Cook 3 standard stated, with respect to the
preparation of meals for 100 to 300 persons that they "assist the
supervising cook or dietitian in charge" and counsel noted that there was no
cook or dietitian in charge, and that the grievors were themselves in
charge, reporting only to the Food Services Manager. In counsel's view it
was obvious that the grievors were not occupying the second type of
position where they prepared meals for 40 to 1 O0 persons.
Counsel was asked by a member of the Board whether the number of Cook 3s
working in an institution was relevant to the applicability of the standard.
For instance, could it be argued that if one Cook 3 was preparing meals for
100 to 300 persons and was properly classified, then if there were two
Cook 3s, working side by side preparing meals for 2_00 to 600 persons they
would also be properly classified. Counsel argued that this clearly was not
the intention of the provision. Referring back to the Preamble, counsel
emphasized that nowhere does the class series make this kind of
distinction and, in fact, the significant feature that it does identify is the
number of persons being served. Counsel also pointed out that even if this
interpretation was correct, the grievors would still not be properly
classified for they did not assist a supervising cook or dietitian, and they
were, on the uncontradicted evidence, responsible for preparing meals for
more than 600 persons a day~
Employer Argument
Mr. Benedict began his submissions by pointing, out that the union has the
onus of establishing that the grievors are improperly 'classified, and in. his
view, the union had failed to discharge its burden. In support of various
submissions that he made, Mr. Benedict referred the Board to a number of
cases including _Baraund et al 39/89 (Slone), Ferris 1937/89 (Verity), Ennis,
Schuler 17/85 (Kirkwood), Edwards/Maloney 11/78 (Swinton), Elrick et al
10/85 (Dissanayake), Evans 1531/90 (Samuels), Ackert 559/90 (Keller) and
Jalea/Green 1052/89 (Low).
Mr. Benedict argued first that the grievors should not be reclassified in the
Industrial Officer series, and he cited the Baraund et al decision as a
relevant case on point. That case concerned the classification grievances
of a number of cooks at the Burtch Correctional Centre near Brantford who
alleged that their jobs had evolved to the point where they were no longer
merely preparing and serving meals at the institution, but were training and
supervising inmates in those tasks. The union argued that this change in
emphasis took the grievors out of their assigned classification. After
considering the evidence, including evidence of inmate kitchen assistance,
the Board in Baraund et al concluded that "the fundamental responsibility of
the grievors is to get the meals on the table, on time, on budget and in a
palatable form. inmate help has always been a recognized component of the
Cook 2 and3 jobs. The additional responsibility for inmates is precisely
the added component that the CRA was designed to cover" (at 27).
Accordingly, the grievance was dismissed, and Mr. Benedict urged the Board,
for the same reasons, to dismiss the instant case.
Mr. Benedict argued that the grievors' primary responsibility was the
preparation of meals, and that the Cook 3 class standard recognized that
primary responsibility. Supervision of inmate assistants was part of their
job, and it was recognized in the class standard. Mr. Benedict-referred to
Mr. Nesbitt's evidence that the inmates performed meniat chores, and that
they did not receive any significant cooking instruction. In addition, ~Ir.
Benedict pointed out that the grievors' also received the Custodial
Responsibility Allowance.
in Mr. Benedict's submission, the two employment situations described in
the Cook 3 standard were indicative and not exhaustive. In the alternative,
if the Board found that they were exhaustive, the grievors were still, in his
view, properly classified and the argument could be made that by having one
. Cook 3 for each 300 meals the requirements of the standard were met.
in conclusion, Mr. Benedict argued that not only had the grievors failed to
prove that the Industrial Officer series was a better fit, they also failed,
using a standards approach, to discharge their burden of proving that their
assigned class standard did not accurately describe their duties and
responsibilities. Those duties and responsibilities were to cook meals, the
grievors were cooking meals and they were, in Mr. Benedict's submission,
properly classified.
Decision
Having carefully considered the evidence and arguments of the parties, we
have come to the decision that this grievance should be upheld. We reach
this decision on the basis of our finding that the wording of the Class
Standard for Cook 3 does not accurately or satisfactorily describe the
grievors' duties and responsibilities.
The Preamble to the Standard makes it clear that the number of persons for
whom meals are prepared is the key factor in determining placement in the
series. On the evidence before us it is clear that at. the relevant time, the
grievors were responsible for preparing meals, for'significantly more
persons than those contemplated at the Cook 3'level. The fact that there
were two Cook Ss assigned to each case does not, in our view, meet the
requirements of the standard. How many cooks are hired at any institution
is a management decision. What the standard seeks to accomplish is to
recognize responsibility at different levels. Obviously, there is greater
responsibility if one must cook for 600 or more persons than if one must
cook for 100 to 300 persons. The number of cooks.is not the issue as'
employee complement is a matter for management to decide.
Clearly the grievors are not Cook is or Cook 2s. They are also not Cook 3s,
and another reason for this finding is that the Cook 3 series contemplates
cooks working in either of two situations: "In food service operations
providing meals for 100 to 300 persons they assist the supervising cook .or
.dietitian' in charge...", or "in other positions employees in this class are
responsible to an administrative officer' for the operation of food services
on all shifts in an institution usually feeding from about 40 to 1 O0
persons." We find that the grievors do not "assist the supervising cook or
dietitian in charge" because there is no such person. We also find that
while the grievors do report to a Food Services Manager, who clearly
occupies a position included in the description of an "administrative
officer", the fact that the number of meals in this second category is so
Iow, as compared to the number of meals that the grievors prepare, this
part of the class standard also does not apply to them.
The remainder of the Cook 3 standard sets out the various cooking and
associated duties cooks in government positions perform, and generally
describes the kind of work that the grievors do. But this general
description of cooking work does not encompass the work of the grievors
because the standard explicitly identifies the two types of positions held
by Cook 3s and neither of them can be fairly applied to the grievors.
Having so found it is not necessary to deal at any length with the evidence
about the training Mr. Tsangaris testified that he and the other grievor
performed. Suffice it to say that the evidence on this point was
contradictory, but even taken at'its best, it was insufficient to justify a
finding that the grievors should be reclassified in the Industrial Officer
series. Accordingly, that claim is dismissed. Moreover, that evidence about
cooking instruction, along with the evidence of the incidental security
duties performed by the grievors, is not sufficiently probative or
persuasive to justify a Berry Order in and of itself. A Berry Order can,
however, be justified by an analysis of the Cook 3 standard itself, and our
decision to grant one in this case is based on our finding that that standard
does not sufficiently or accurately describe the grievors' duties and
responsibilities, and in particular, their responsibility to prepare a large
volume of meals and to do so in the absence of a supervising cook or
dietitian. Very simply, the evidence establishes that at the relevant time,
the grievors were responsible for the preparation of meals for at least 600
persons a day, and that this important factor was not recognized in their
assigned class standard.
Accordingly, and for the foregoing reasons, both grievances are upheld and a
Berry Order granted. We remain seized with respect to the implementation
of this award.
DATED at Toronto this ?th day of Ap=it 1993.
Wiliiarn Kaplan
Vice?,Chairperson
_,~ .~p.
(~ I._.~/Thomson
Member
~emb~
ADDENDUM
(TSANGARIAS/YOUNG - YUSKIW)
G.S.B. ~188/89; #490/89
This Member is in agreement with this award.
The class standard for the Cook Series has served the Employer well for almost thirty
years. However, as stated at pages 20 and 21 of the award,
"...the wording of the Class Standard for Cook 3 does not
accurately or satisfactorily describe the gri. evors' duties and
responsibilities."
Clearly, the numerical references to numbers of meals served is not clear in the
standard as related to numbers of Cook 3 employees required in an institution; and as
stated at page 22 of the award, it is not clear as to the responsibility level of Cooks
who are,
"...to prepare a large volume of meals and to do so in the
absence of a supervising cook or dietitian."
Basically, the position of "Cook" within the Cook Series has remained essentially
unchanged Over the years. Accordingly, a complete re-write of the class standard, in
the view of this Member, is unnecessary. A reference to the reasons for this subject
Berry award, should make it clear to the parties that a minimal revision to the existing
class standard is required.
F.T. Collict _ Date