As part of the 2023 MAWS process, the MAWS committee reviewed more than 100 classifications across the Mental Health & Addictions, Community, and Social Work occupation groups, streamlining them into 23 standardized scales. We released the standardized scales to members in Fall 2024.
While the goal of this initiative is to ensure that members with similar education and levels of experience, as well as performing similar work, are paid consistently, the timeline did not allow for direct member consultation and input. In March 2025, we ratified a new agreement for Central Table members, which includes a new MAWS process and allows for a more in-depth review of classifications within these occupation groups.
With the roll-out of the initial MAWS process, we received proposals and feedback identifying concerns with the standardized scales, including issues of inequity and questioning scale placements. This in-depth review is your opportunity to help ensure classifications are placed in the correct standardized scale.
Even if you submitted a proposal during the last round of bargaining or contacted the MAWS committee after we rolled out the initial scales, you still need to participate in the process outlined on this page.
This process is not about wage increases. It is about ensuring your classification is accurately placed within the standardized scale structure.
Deadline to submit a request for review form:
8:00 PM on Tuesday, February 17.
2. Compare your job description to the scale placement criteria.
Step 1: Job Description Analysis
The first part of the classification review process is a job description analysis. This step focuses on whether your job description accurately reflects the work you do.
MAHCP has collected most job descriptions for classifications within the Community, Mental Health & Addictions, and Social Work occupation groups and linked them here.
What you need to do
- Review your job description carefully and confirm it accurately reflects your current duties and responsibilities.
- If a job description is inaccurate, it can affect where your classification has been placed on the standardized scales.
- NOTE: The job description review process does not address workload or patient ratios. If you need support with those issues, contact your LRO.
How to find your job description
- Classifications are listed by standardized scale first, which reflects the scale in which your classification was placed.
- Use the search bar to locate your classification.
- Your job description is linked in the “Classification” column. Click the classification name to open the document.
What to do if your job description is inaccurate or missing
- If your job description is inaccurate, work with your employer to update it and notify your Labour Relations Officer (LRO).
- If your job description is missing, notify MAHCP using the job description submission form and contact your employer for a current version.
Step 2: Review the Placement Criteria Charts
The next step is to analyze your classification’s placement in the standardized scales.
This requires comparing your job description to the placement criteria for your scale. Placement criteria (previously referred to as “grouping descriptions” during the first round of MAWS) outline the education, credentials, duties, and responsibilities used to group classifications together.
Understanding the criteria charts
- Charts are organized by occupation grouping and display all standardized scales within that group.
- Scales are ordered from lowest wage (left) to highest wage (right), with the exception of the Teacher scale.
- The top of scale wage reflected in the charts does not include the Northern differential. We have used the urban wage rates to reflect the majority of membership – the review process is not affected by this.
- Scales are colour-coded by wage level, with consistent colours used across all charts (for example, green scales reflect the same or very similar wage levels).
- NOTE: Scales are best viewed on a desktop computer.
How to compare
- Scale placement is based on three criteria points:
- Education
- Professional registration/licensing
- Experience
- Compare your job description to others placed in the same standardized scale, AND those who have been placed in different standardized scales.
- NOTE: The charts include an overview of duties and responsibilities for each scale. This information is intended to help you understand the scope of work across scales and may, in some cases, inform placement decisions.
Click below to view the criteria charts:
Step 3: Request a Placement Review
If, after reviewing your job description and the placement criteria, you believe your classification should be placed in a different standardized scale, you may request a review using the online form.
In your form submission, you must provide a rationale for your suggested placement change. To create a strong rationale, compare your job description to those within your standardized scale, as well as those in the scale you wish to be placed in.
What to do if you have questions:
Contact your LRO if:
- Your job description is inaccurate.
- You need support with workload and/or patient ratios.
- You think you are entitled to an academic allowance.
For any other questions:
- Submit a question to the MAWS Committee.