Tears. Anxiety attacks. Burnout. Depression.
These are some of the reasons why political staff at Toronto city hall say they organized quietly before starting a process last year to join a union.
For many on the small teams that help run city hall’s elected offices behind the scenes – from addressing local issues to providing research and logistical support for passing policies at council – the push for a union is about escaping what they describe as poor treatment, sometimes low pay, and – in serious cases – sexual harassment and intimidation in jobs they otherwise enjoy.
If successful, this effort would make Toronto the first municipality in Canada with unionized staff working for elected officials.
The city is challenging the proposal during labour board hearings that will continue throughout the fall, arguing that forming one unit under a single employer would make negotiations “unwieldy, cumbersome, if not impossible” – claiming that the city isn’t actually the employer but rather it’s the 26 elected officials who employ these staffers.
City councillors, most of whom have applied as interveners in these hearings, assert they want to keep operating independently, similar to 26 individual administrations, each acting as employers for their own staff. They argue that every office has its own political goals and structure.
“This really is a monumental test case in many ways,” said Carlo Fanelli, a York University professor specializing in labour studies and employment law.
“It would be wise for policymakers and governments to take such requests seriously,” Fanelli noted. “I imagine many different groups are watching this case very closely and it will have implications regardless of whether it’s successful or not.”
The Star has interviewed 17 current and former political staff over the past year about their working conditions on city hall’s second floor, where council offices are situated.
Due to concerns about professional retaliation from those who spoke out anonymously, the Star could not present their claims directly to councillors for comment. As such, specific councillors will not be identified in this story.
This fifth employee also faced ongoing unwanted sexual comments from one of her supervisors; she noted how her overwhelming workload led her doctor to advise her to quit due to chronic physical pain caused by stress.
“I was basically functioning as if I were the councillor except for my title,” she explained while mentioning how lack of sleep affected her performance negatively over time. “Then I’d get severely reprimanded over minor typos in drafts.” It became an exhausting cycle.” Sick days taken due to illness or health problems weren’t always respected; doctor’s appointments were sometimes used against paychecks which left some feeling vulnerable after taking sick leave.
Durring 2022’s election period, a few employees mentioned being compelled to go door-knocking while ill with COVID-19 symptoms wearing masks which raised concerns about public health risk involved,“Can you imagine how many residents we gave COVID-19?” questioned another worker.
{“We don’t even get compensatory time off when we need it! If we do earn some time off,(the counsilor) decides when we can use it.” The last election saw them working long hours seven days weekly without sufficient breaks yet only received one day off later on. Salaries vary considerably among those holding identical job titles since each office operates independently wherein elected officials determine pay rates themselves.
Councilor Lily Cheng–who hasn’t been included among allegations made by employees–expressed concern regarding any mistreatment towards workers stating accountability should occur through meaningful channels
. She declared,”I’m deeply disturbed by these allegations. Abstractions like abuse, harrassment & discrimination simply won’t be tolerated.”
*Asking complex questions requires thoughtfulness.*Phrases uttered earlier emphasize tension existing attempting juxtapose priorities important management alongside workforce needs.!At endgame…individuals must be able react effectively perform under duress.” he concluded also highlighting overarching theme common across politics everywhere !”}Source link`
Staff Describe Some Councillors’ Offices as ‘Toxic’
Several political staff told the Star that yelling often crosses into belittling remarks and personal insults so frequently that crying becomes commonplace. One staff member described a councillor’s “temper tantrums” as so frequent and predictable – occurring whenever this councillor had a bad day – that she found herself crying while trying to hide at work. She mentioned how this “toxic” atmosphere sometimes delayed her ability to respond to constituents properly or at all. “You cannot make mistakes,” she stated, adding she’s been removed from files she cared about over minor issues. “It sucks that you’re sold a dream but it’s actually a nightmare.” In other offices, there are alarming accusations of sexual misconduct. A second employee reported being sexually harassed and touched inappropriately by a councillor despite making clear objections. A third person recounted experiencing sexual harassment from a colleague involving extremely intimate and unwelcome inquiries regarding their body parts – without any consequences for the councillor once it was brought up. This individual mentioned receiving mostly “disparaging” feedback instead of constructive criticism regarding work performance. Eventually, they took leave from their job due to stress. A number of employees shared that name-calling among some councillors or senior staff occurs regularly on the second floor, often aimed at women. Insults range from calling individuals “stupid” or “a f–ing bitch” while discussing council matters to more provocative terms like “sluts” or “pu-ies,” along with bullying behaviors such as fat-shaming or mocking disabilities. “I feel like I’m in an abusive relationship and I don’t know how to leave,” said another employee.This fifth employee also faced ongoing unwanted sexual comments from one of her supervisors; she noted how her overwhelming workload led her doctor to advise her to quit due to chronic physical pain caused by stress.
“I was basically functioning as if I were the councillor except for my title,” she explained while mentioning how lack of sleep affected her performance negatively over time. “Then I’d get severely reprimanded over minor typos in drafts.” It became an exhausting cycle.” Sick days taken due to illness or health problems weren’t always respected; doctor’s appointments were sometimes used against paychecks which left some feeling vulnerable after taking sick leave.
Durring 2022’s election period, a few employees mentioned being compelled to go door-knocking while ill with COVID-19 symptoms wearing masks which raised concerns about public health risk involved,“Can you imagine how many residents we gave COVID-19?” questioned another worker.
{“We don’t even get compensatory time off when we need it! If we do earn some time off,(the counsilor) decides when we can use it.” The last election saw them working long hours seven days weekly without sufficient breaks yet only received one day off later on. Salaries vary considerably among those holding identical job titles since each office operates independently wherein elected officials determine pay rates themselves.
Councilor Lily Cheng–who hasn’t been included among allegations made by employees–expressed concern regarding any mistreatment towards workers stating accountability should occur through meaningful channels
. She declared,”I’m deeply disturbed by these allegations. Abstractions like abuse, harrassment & discrimination simply won’t be tolerated.”
‘It’s Death By A Thousand Cuts’
A few offices belonging to certain Councillors serve significant roles within union efforts either because of particular politicians themselves or key senior aides — both act somewhat like managers overseeing human resources aspects too!.“It isn’t widespread”, said our source reiterating consensus amongst colleagues however those select spaces echo sentiments resembling ‘death via numerous tiny wounds’. When new hires arrive, some jokingly predict they’ll vanish within months!(While noting positive feelings around serving public interests), staff pointed out continuous challenges faced daily hence only intensifying pressure placed upon everyone involved ,”We experience nightmarish situations involving homelessness threats/death/suicide suddenly arise-it catches us completely unprepared!”This matter stands starkly contrasted against other positions held across municipal workers (such bureaucrats/first responders) benefiting unions (like CUPE) whereas closest alternative provided here exists via assistance offered through City Clerk’s Office!Councils/Chief Staff aren’t given adequate HR training nor employer guidance required whatsoever despite expectations pushed onto employees adhering ethical frameworks; meanwhile politicans must oversee/manage respective departments following various regulations encompassing both codes/conducts mandated procedurally through municipal levels.“Very few dare email clerk’s office complaining workplace grievances-it’s regarded ineffective/untrustworthy.” expressed #4 interviewed respondent.(Notably others recount having faced terminations shortly thereafter).”“It makes us feel trapped.”
*Asking complex questions requires thoughtfulness.*Phrases uttered earlier emphasize tension existing attempting juxtapose priorities important management alongside workforce needs.!At endgame…individuals must be able react effectively perform under duress.” he concluded also highlighting overarching theme common across politics everywhere !”}Source link`
