Setting The Record Straight
Who is COTAPSA?
COTAPSA is the City of Toronto Administrative, Professional and Supervisory Association. We represent the non-union employees of the City of Toronto. We have existed since 1967. Following amalgamation we have become the largest Municipal Management Association in Canada. COTAPSA stands up and speaks for the rights and interests of the non-union employees of the City of Toronto.
What does COTAPSA do for me?
COTAPSA represents the non-union employees of the City of Toronto. COTAPSA has successfully bargained on behalf of their membership for statutory holidays, getting back “lost wages,” securing fair treatment in regard to Sick Leave Days, and the enrichment of members’ retirement plan. We are currently on the brink of a Framework Agreement with the City of Toronto regarding the terms and conditions of the employment of our members.
Who is the SEP?
The SEP is the Society of Energy Professionals. They are Local 160 of the American-based International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. They represent a variety of workers in the energy sector; they do not represent any municipal employees in Ontario. While they claim to represent certain “management” positions, their definition of management is vastly different than those non-union employees who make up COTAPSA’s membership.The SEP has expanded in Ontario, and is looking to expand further. While they have no experience in dealing with municipal issues, they see COTAPSA members as a potential new revenue stream.
What is the SEP promising to COTAPSA members?
The SEP is not promising anything to COTAPSA members that COTAPSA itself is not already pursuing. Everything they propose to deliver is already a subject of negotiation between the City of Toronto and COTAPSA. The only significant difference is that COTAPSA does not impose any of the constraints that union membership entails, such as mandatory union membership, high dues, or the possibility of large and disruptive strikes.
How much do I pay to COTAPSA? How much would I pay to the SEP?
COTAPSA Members currently pay a modest membership fee of $260 per year. In contrast, union fees are typically 1% of salary, plus surcharges. SEP has indicated on their website that you will be paying $16 per week - $832 per year – significantly more than COTAPSA’s dues. Additionally, COTAPSA’s Board of Directors is made up of Members. They volunteer their time to work on behalf of their membership. COTAPSA also has a modest staff of three employees. In contrast, the SEP’s board comes from a variety of employers who do not share COTAPSA’s values and interests and also pay additional dues to the IFPTE. The SEP also has a large, expensive paid staff that deals with communications, research, policy and training. Like most large unions, the SEP uses union dues to support a whole host of people on the back of the dues-payer.
Should COTAPSA members unionize?
That is a question that COTAPSA Members should decide with full information. We think it is important that you ask yourself some important questions:
- Would I ever want go on strike? (keeping in mind that when SEP Members at Hydro One went on strike it was reported in the media they lost an average of $29,000 in wages that year)
- Do I believe that I should pay mandatory union dues that are more than triple the dues I would pay as a Member of COTAPSA?
- Is the SEP promising me anything that COTAPSA is not currently addressing?
- Do I believe that the SEP has the expertise to represent me? We think that you should be sure to ask the SEP a few key questions, so that you can make any decisions with full information, questions like:
- How much will the SEP force me to pay in union dues?
- COTAPSA is on the cusp of securing a Framework Agreement. Why are you interfering with that?
- Isn’t the SEP proposing solutions to problems that are already being addressed by COTAPSA? COTAPSA’s Board and Executive know this is a tough situation.
If you have any questions, we would be happy to talk with you by telephone or by email.
