A motion to give Chatham-Kent Council greater control over the hiring of non-union municipal positions has been shot down.
The motion brought forward by Ward 6 representative Michael Bondy sought mandatory council approval for anyone hired by the municipality to a non-union position with a salary over $50,000. The motion was adjusted on Monday to $100,000 by way of a friendly amendment.
According to Bondy, the motion would have allowed for more public transparency for employees hired for non-union jobs.
“It would give council the opportunity to understand the staffing,” Bondy said. “I get drilled on how much this position is paid…frankly, I don’t have the answer and I think this would be a simple way to do it.”
Ward 2 Councillor Trevor Thompson opposed the motion explaining it would add unnecessary time to the hiring process.
Cathy Hoffman, CK’s general manager of Corporate Services, said it would also make the process “very cumbersome.”
“I would say arguably right now given the rigour around our hiring processes, most of our managers wish that it was easier than it is right now, and quicker than what it is right now,” Hoffman explained,” she said. “To add in another layer of coming back to council for approval…for a position, council has already given administration to go out and hire for, adds weeks and weeks of time.”
Hoffman added that there is already adequate transparency in the hiring process as all job postings for non-union include salary information.
The motion failed 3-13 with only councillors Bondy, Ryan Doyle, and Rhonda Jubenville voting in favour.