Why Join COTAPSA?
As a non-union employee of the City of Toronto, you deserve representation that understands your unique challenges and fights for your rights.
Membership benefits
Employment Protection
Advocacy for fair termination packages, severance negotiations, and protection against unfair dismissal.
HR & Legal Support
Access to experienced HR consultants and an employment law firm on retainer for complex workplace issues.
Salary Advocacy
We fight for competitive salaries, COLA adjustments, and merit-based pay increases for all non-union employees.
Webinars & Education
Regular webinars on topics like retirement planning, estate planning, OMERS, and more — exclusively for members.
Policy Review
We review and challenge City policies that unfairly impact non-union employees, ensuring your rights are protected.
Confidential Support
All inquiries are treated with the utmost confidentiality. We are here when you need us most.
Think of it as employment accident insurance
Some employees know about COTAPSA but don't join, thinking they won't need us, only to find they're on their own when a problem arises. COTAPSA can only provide professional HR and labour relations advice, advocacy and, if required, legal representation to members. We are funded entirely by voluntary, tax-deductible dues of $12 per pay, and the more members we have, the stronger our voice with the City.
The best time to join is before you need us. Apply for COTAPSA membership in a few minutes, or see what COTAPSA has won for City of Toronto employees.
What We Do
COTAPSA actively represents and advocates for non-union employees across every level of City government.
COTAPSA meets regularly with:
- Councillors
- City Manager
- Deputy City Managers
- Senior Officials
COTAPSA deputes to City Committees:
- Budget Committee
- General Government Committee
- Executive Committee
- Benefits Review Committee
- People and Equity/COTAPSA Committee
- Occupational Health & Safety Co-ordinating Committee
We advocate for improvements in:
- Benefits
- Compensation
- Job Evaluation
- City Policies
We monitor City policies for fairness in:
- Sick Leave Policy
- Lieu Time/Overtime
- Acting Assignment Policy
- Hiring Practices
- Human Rights Complaints
- Unused Vacation Days
- Performance Management
- Mileage Increase
- Division Reorganizations
We represent members in:
- Job Evaluation and Requests for Reconsideration
- Letters of Expectation
- Termination Packages
- Workplace Investigations and other Disciplinary Actions
Membership Perks
COTAPSA members enjoy exclusive discounts and partnerships with trusted providers.
Alterna Savings
Exclusive savings offers and financial products for COTAPSA members.
Learn More about Alterna Savings (opens in a new tab)Economical Insurance
Group discount rates on home and auto insurance.
Learn More about Economical Insurance (opens in a new tab)Perkopolis
Discounted travel, tickets, and shopping exclusively for members.
Learn More about Perkopolis (opens in a new tab)Sonnet Home & Auto Insurance
Preferred rates on home and auto insurance through Sonnet.
Learn More about Sonnet Home & Auto Insurance (opens in a new tab)Membership dues are only $12 per pay period and are tax deductible.
What Our Members Say
Real feedback from members we have supported.
“Thank you, Grace, for enabling me to close out my chapter at the City with dignity and pride. You worked tirelessly during the work days and long into the evenings over eight weeks to get me the severance package I wanted, and you always made me feel mine was the only case you were dealing with.”
— COTAPSA member “After more than thirty-five years of service with the City of Toronto, joining COTAPSA was one of the most important decisions of my career. In my final years I faced significant personal loss and serious health challenges. COTAPSA's guidance and compassion made all the difference, helping me reach a peaceful, well-planned retirement. It allows you to focus on your work, knowing you are not alone.”
— Retired COTAPSA member “Before my own experience, I didn't fully appreciate the value of belonging to a professional association as a non-union professional. Grace Ciardullo and Michael Major provided thoughtful advice, sound guidance and steadfast support. Grace made sure I understood my options, answered my questions honestly and advocated tirelessly on my behalf.”
— COTAPSA member “I commend Mary Kovacs for the exceptional support, professionalism and guidance she provided throughout my retirement negotiations with the City. She remained composed, patient and highly effective, and I truly felt she was advocating for a fair and thoughtful outcome.”
— Retired COTAPSA member “Your help and very wise advice so soon after I was let go gave me some bedrock to find my footing again and think through my options. All my former colleagues understand the value of joining COTAPSA now.”
— COTAPSA member “As a member of COTAPSA, I was discharged from my job. After contacting you, I felt at ease as you took over and fought for me. The compensation has truly helped me continue my choice of studies.”
— COTAPSA member
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