The decision of whether or not to approve a scheduled pay increase for non-unionized employees was highly contested during a Town of Midland council meeting on Oct. 21.

Council was presented with a staff report requesting approval to process a 1.25 per cent cost-of-living adjustment for non-unionized management, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2020.

“I think it would be very irresponsible for us to choose to give people pay increases when we know as a community we are struggling,” said Coun. Carole McGinn. “I don’t believe this is a burden we should be putting on our taxpayers.”

Laura Yorkin, director of human resources for the Town of Midland, noted the town has already given pay increases to all unionized employees this year. Employees represented by OPSEU and IBEW received one per cent cost-of-living adjustment increases, while those working for the fire department received 2.75 per cent pay bumps.

Although pay increases for all employees were included in the 2020 budget approved by council in December, some councillors felt the change in the town’s financial situation warranted an about-face.

“To me this is just the wrong time to approve this,” said Coun. Bill Gordon. “Not getting a cost-of-living increase this late in the year is not going to change anybody’s financial status. They haven’t had the money all year.”

Coun. Cody Oschefski disagreed, suggesting all employees should be treated fairly.

“We have approved raises for our union employees and other employees,” said Oschefski. “Creating division within your employees is never good for morale.”

David Denault, chief administrative officer for the town of Midland, vouched for town employees. He said he looks at the town staff as one big team and wants them to all be treated fairly. 

Denault added the increase was needed in order to keep Midland competitive. 

“We are part of a larger community when we are competing for talent,” said Denault. “When employees look at that community, they will judge us by how we act and how we treat our employees.”

In the end, council voted 5-3 in favour of the scheduled pay bump. 

The increase will cost the town approximately $47,000.