How Designations Work…

Every time a Collective is negotiated the Employer and Local 813 (and every other Local) engage in a process negotiating the number of Employees that will be needed in each Department by Classification.

We look at the last Designation list as a comparator and listen to each Department/Units Manager as to why they feel they need a certain Number of Employees to function in a very limited capacity in order to provide a critical service and essential safe and healthy working environment for our Patients.

The Manager comes in with a number in their department for each classification they feel is necessary. We Look at the Last designation list to see if anything has changed to necessitate increasing this number from last or decrease it if the work has changed. The Union may agree to same or less but unless there’s an extremely good reason rarely increases from the last list. Ending up in an agreement on the number of employees in each classification that will be allowed. If we disagree we go to the Labor Board for a decision to be rendered.

Many non-essential/critical Departments/Units are closed therefore the designation amounts would be zero in those areas. Or are on call in case of some emergency/disaster.

In the end we end up with an agreed number of employees in each classification in each area which is the Designation List. This is a 2019 list, it remains the same no matter if the department/unit changes.
Generally Local 813’s Designation list is roughly an average of 50% of the workplace designated, with some areas being mid 80’s and others at zero.

There are no names attached to this list. Why? This list was agreed to in 2019 and by the time Strike action may occur many employees have changed departments, retired etc…
When a Strike is announced the Employer attaches names to each Designation (by Seniority) and mails out registered letters to each employee informing them they are a Designated employee. Hence why it is so important to have you latest contact information in Human Resources.