CLASSIFICATION DISPUTES
Mary Sue Smith

Well, as many of you probably know, the hospital is currently revamping the classification system and has been informing employees in dribs and drabs about where they'll fit in the new system. You should also know that there is a way to dispute not only your classification but also your placement on your wage scale.

The local executive has put together a classification committee that will be looking at all disputes with the intent of
resolving them to the employee's satisfaction.

If you do not agree with your classification, we need you to gather some information for us so that we can argue your case. We need:

• your old job description
• your new job description
• a list of your current duties and responsibilities (as specific as possible)
• how long have you been doing this job
• have there been any recent changes to your job (if so, what)
• why you feel you're not being properly classified
• where do you think you should be classified

The committee will be gathering all this information and then establishing a procedure to deal with all the issues. Please forward the information (and keep a copy for yourself) to one of the four contact people on page 1 and eventually someone will contact you to meet and gather further information. Please be patient, with 1500 members this may take some time but rest assured we will be in touch.

RRSP ERRORS
Mike Donaldson

We have had a couple of members
come forward with problems relating to deductions for the hospital organized RRSP's.

These problems date back to 1998 (so far) and involve amounts deducted not being forwarded to the RRSP company. These errors were inconsistent year to year and vigilance on your part is required.

PAYROLL ERRORS
Mary Sue Smith

Did you know?

Section 8 of the Employment Standards Act prohibits the employer from recouping overpayments without your permission?

It has come to our attention that the employer has been deducting overpayments from employees' pay cheques without the express permission of the employee. They are not allowed to do this.

We are not encouraging people to not repay these overpayments, in fact, if you do not, the employer can sue you in small claims court to recover the money. What we are saying is that
the employer must seek your permission and negotiate a repayment schedule that does not place a financial burden on you.

If the employer makes an unauthorised deduction from your pay cheque, please let your union steward or campus vice-president know.

RETROACTIVE CALCULATIONS Mary Sue Smith

Though it may seem like it is never going to happen, most members will one day receive a pay cheque with retroactivity attached to it. Or perhaps you've already received one (remember those late increment increases?).

How will you know that the amount paid to you is correct? Well, we asked the employer the same question. In fact, we asked the employer to provide each employee with a detailed statement of how any retroactivity is calculated. The employer claimed this would place too great a burden on them, however, they would be willing to have Bruce Carter (ext. 1-6523) meet with concerned members and review their calculations. Given the problems that appear rampant in payroll, do you think your calculations will be correct? We encourage all members of the bargaining unit to take advantage of the employer's generous offer to meet with each of us individually to review our payments.