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Phoenix council approves pay‑classification changes; city employee voices equity concerns
Summary
Council approved amendments to the combined classification and pay ordinance following a Human Resources Committee recommendation. A city inspection supervisor said proposed classification changes could create pay inequities; HR staff said electrician vacancies (about 35%, ~56 positions) motivated a targeted pay‑grade increase and further review will follow in February.
The Phoenix City Council approved changes to the city’s combined classification and pay ordinance on Dec. 18 after public comment from a city employee who warned the adjustments could create inequities between classifications.
Scott Kirk, a residential inspection supervisor, told the council the proposed classification changes would cause employees without required qualifications to earn more than skilled inspectors, creating workplace tension. “When people who are not capable of doing another person's position are paid more than other people, it does create animosity in the departments,” he said.
Human Resources Director Dave Matthews and staff explained the action before council was prompted by a follow‑up study into specific classifications. Staff said electricians currently show a vacancy rate of about 35%—roughly 56 open positions—and that a targeted pay‑grade increase for electricians is before council to address retention. Matthews said the city is reviewing related affected classifications and plans to return to council with further adjustments in February and through the Human Resources Committee.
Council members acknowledged employee concerns and asked staff to meet with affected workers and return with details. The council approved the ordinance amendment and recorded the roll call vote.
