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City debates closures as contract talks continue

By FRED DAVIES
News Reporter
September 21st, 2007

‘Tis the season of goodwill but the possible closure of Parksville's city hall between Christmas and New Year's sparked considerable debate. Senior staff said the move comes in light of concern raised over scheduling who does (and who doesn't) get Christmas off. A mandated closure would mean certainty for employees who must book their vacation time by March 1 every year. The city's public works department already closes during the period between Christmas and New Year's - an informal arrangement with provisions for on-call duty in the case of an emergency. Councillor Barry Johnston noted the issue has arisen during a period of contract negotiations between management and unionized employees. He said a decision "on anything to do with staff at this point is wrong." "Union members deserve the opportunity to take their vacations when they wish and not when we force them to,"he said. Introducing the proposed changes Laurie Taylor, director of administrative services, said, "senior staff feel there would not be an impact on service if city hall were to close." "We're trying to give employees notice as to what our Christmas intentions are,"said chief administrative officer Fred Manson. "We're not going to force them to take holidays ... A [member of management] would also be present to ensure they were here. City hall would be open to the employee but closed to the public." He said anyone wishing to pay their taxes during the period when city hall was closed would have their payment backdated to Dec. 31, thereby avoiding any late penalties. "I find it difficult to imagine that 100 per cent of office staff would want to be off at that time,"chimed in coun. Marc Lefebvre. Mayor Sandy Herle raised objections of a different nature. "That's too many days to close city hall,"she said. "There are many different religions in our community. This isn't necessarily holiday time for everyone." The item was tabled for later consideration. Manson said he would report back to council with assurances that the union is seeking a holiday closure of their own volition.


Original Source:
http://www.pqbnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=50&cat=23&id=1069352&more=1


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