Market adjustments made to help retain mechanics in the Department of Transportation is causing tensions among skilled workers in Maintenance Operations – something both the union and government acknowledge.

Market adjustments are used to boost a salary outside the collective bargaining process in order to attract or retain skilled workers.

The practice is causing division and frustration among workers, some of whom say they’re ready to walk.

Transportation Minister Barry Petten says he doesn’t like “one-offs” in order to keep skilled workers from leaving for the private sector, but says it’s needed to keep the department going, and is cheaper than taking equipment to private garages.

“I don’t like them” says Petten, “but when I’ve got a situation where we put out the call for positions, and 180 apply and we find 20 some-odd who are suitable, we can’t fill out our compliment of staff. We’ve got a problem, and I’m left with no other mechanism but a market adjustment. We’ve got the garages that are down there, with loads of equipment, but I’ve got one mechanic in White Hills, I’ve got a problem. So, I have no choice but to use market adjustments.”

NAPE President Jerry Earle acknowledges the practice is problematic, saying salaries and compensation for skilled trades in the public service are not keeping up with the private sector.

He says market adjustments are being made throughout the public service, and have been employed in areas like health care for years.

Earle says neither government, nor the union are happy about it, so now is the time to get it addressed.

“Let’s fix it” urges Earle. “There’s a problem with the inequity in compensation in Newfoundland and Labrador….they (government) recognize it’s a compensation issue, the union is saying, the employees on the front line are saying and their employer is saying (there’s a problem), what I’m saying is let’s fix it.”