St. John's council looks to increase bargaining power with salary review

A St. John's councilorhad hoped to freeze citywages, but was forced to settle for a salary review at a city council meeting on Monday.

Councillor Jonathan Galgaypersuaded other councillors to launcha review of the city's salary policies for management, councilors and non-unionemployees "with the goal of increasing the city's flexibility to modify pay."

• Proposed wage freeze at St. John's City Hall stalls
• Jonathan Galgay proposes 2-year wage freeze at St. John's City Hall

Though planned increases for 2016 and 2017 are moving forward, Galgaysaid the motion will strengthen the city's position.

"Council has clearly given direction tonight for us, moving forward, to look at our employment contracts," he said.

"After the 2017 increases, council will, at that particular point in time, have the flexibility to be able to have different wages and increases and increments."

Freeze frozen

The motion was born fromGalgay's move to institute a 2-year wage freeze at city hallfor all non-unionemployees.

After receiving outside legal advice, he amended his motion to make clear that the city will honour the planned increases in 2016 and 2017.

"It is substantially less than [an immediate wage freeze], and I am somewhat disappointed," Galgay told reporters after the meeting.

"When you're provided with legal advice, you really have to take that into consideration."

Still, Galgay describedthe motion as a "win-win."

Galgay criticized

A couple of councilors took exception to Galgay's handling of the effort, accusing him of speaking publicly before talking with other councilors.

Counc. Bruce Tilley was upset about how he first learned of the proposed motion.

"Just imagine, being a staff member driving along in your car and hearing this for the first time in the media," he said.

Following the meeting, Galgay fired back at his dissenters.

"I don't need to get their permission to administer my office, or to speak publicly in whatever shape or form I see fit," he said.

"They're just a little disgruntled. I'm sure they will get over it."