Public Employee Press

New committee starts work to expand promotional opportunities

While efforts continue to cut the numbers of provisionals and provide civil service status for more city workers (see above), the committee set up under the new contract to improve promotional opportunities has begun work.

In the new Joint Recruitment and Study Committee, the union and city are seeking ways to expand promotional opportunities for women and minorities, who have been historically underrepresented in upperlevel positions, and compensate workers for upgrading their skills.

The committee will also address management's use of the one-in-three rule, which lets management choose from the top three candidates, thereby blocking promotions.

The committee discussed employment data and broad personnel issues and decided to set up a technical subcommittee Oct. 29 at its first meeting.

The union team included DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts, Associate Director Henry Garrido, Seinfeld, General Counsel Robin Roach and Local 371 President Anthony Wells, who chairs the DC 37 Civil Service Committee.

The new high-level committee represents the first time the city has agreed to work with a union to eliminate unfair barriers to career advancement.

"We have a mutual interest in working together to increase the opportunities for women and minorities," said Labor Commission Robert W. Linn.