'Culture of low expectations' led to public works scandal: report

The 21 fired public works employees took extended lunches and long breaks, and "drove aimlessly to kill time," shows an arbitrator's report. But they were able to do so because of a "culture of low expectations."

Lorne Slotnick ruled this week that 15 fired public works employees should be re-hired, albeit with probation, while six will remain fired. Others have their suspensions either shortened or, in one case, dismissed.One termination case is outstanding.

In his 259-page arbitration decision, a copy of which was obtained by CBC Hamilton,Slotnick said the employees should have followed the rules. But they were able to work to lax standards because the culture allowed it.

"The city's laxity fostered a culture of low expectations," the decision reads.

This case is not a proud moment for the city or the workers.- Sandra Walker, president, CUPE Local 5167

The employees "understood that they did not have to do much in order to satisfy their supervisors and managers." The culture, Slotnick wrote, was "a failure of management."

Slotnick's report outlines cases where employees spent unnecessary hours going to out-of-the-way locations.

"Some conducted personal errands on work time," he said. "Others sat idle for substantial periods of time, or drove aimlessly to kill time."

The cases dateback to late 2012, when the city used GPS and video surveillance to track 29 employees suspected of time theft. The employees were also interviewed over missing gravel. Police investigated but found no criminal wrongdoing.

• City rehires 15 fired roads workers, but most are on probation

In early 2013, the city disciplined 29 employees. Seven were terminated but became 30-day suspensions based on "additional information." CUPE local 5167 grieved the cases of 21 terminated and four suspended employees 23 men and two women in a process that lasted more than a year and a half.

Slotnick's report says the grievors "are not angels, but neither are they criminals." Many were simply doing what they saw other employees doing," he said, and an overall culture of low productivity allowed that.

CUPE 5167 released a statement on Friday afternoon over the leaked report.

"This case is not a proud moment for the city or the workers," said president Sandra Walker. "We are hopeful that there are lessons learned from both sides."

She points out that the way the city dealt with the case, particularly the gravel and dumping allegations, "castthe grievors in the worst light possible."

The workers, she said "are dedicated public servants, and we want to move past this difficult period for workers and the community."

City manager Chris Murray said this week that the city has made efforts to change the culture and make it one of high productivity.

"To turn a blind eye to this would have been a mistake," he said.

Murray is compiling a report on how much the cases have cost the city and will likely finish it early next week, said spokesperson Mike Kirkopoulos.

samantha.craggs@cbc.ca|@SamCraggsCBC