Sudbury mayor seeks third-party reports on staff salaries for new councils

Sudbury to look at new salary review practices Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre says he plans on introducing a motion on salary review practices of non-union staff.

Last week, Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre spoke out for the first time since city council voted to rescind some of the authority it had given CAO Ed Archer following his controversial decision to give non-unionized senior staff pay raises between nine and 11 per cent.

Lefebvre announced he plans to introduce a motion on salary review practices of non-union staff.

The motion will call for a third-party report to be presented in open council during the first year of each new term.

Lefebvre said he wants it to outline industry benchmarks and recommend adjustments while looking at salaries at other municipalities across Ontario.

CTV News reached out to the mayor for an in-studio interview – however, his office declined saying the statement Lefebvre released “speaks for itself.” (The full statement can be read below.)

Greater Sudbury city council's next regular meeting is on May 28 at 6 p.m.

Lefebvre’s full statement:

As your Mayor, I am committed to ensuring a culture of openness, transparency, and effective communication within City Hall. These principles are not just ideals but foundational pillars that ensure trust between Council and the citizens we serve. Effective communication between Council and Staff, and vice versa, is crucial to maintaining this trust and achieving our shared goals.

In alignment with these values and of the need to continuously improve our governance practices, I will be bringing forward a motion to City Council regarding how salary review practices of non-union staff are conducted. My motion will call for a comprehensive third-party report to be presented in open Council during the first year of each new term of Council. This report will outline industry benchmarks and recommend salary adjustments if necessary, mirroring the standard practices observed in other municipalities across Ontario.

This initiative is not just about salary adjustments; it is about recognizing and valuing the hard work and dedication of our staff. By ensuring that our compensation practices are fair, competitive, and aligned with industry standards, we can attract and retain the best talent, ultimately enhancing the quality of services provided to our community.

The decision to request these reports will ensure that we can continue to make informed and data-driven decisions. It also ensures that we can provide clear justifications for any changes made.

In conclusion, this plan underscores my commitment to continuous improvement and is a testament to our dedication to serving you with integrity, efficiency, and fairness. I look forward to working with my fellow council members, all our dedicated staff, and all of you to uphold these values and continue to build a community that we can all be proud of.