Union News - September 2021
Friends,
It is that time when we are about to start bargaining our contract once again. We were able to achieve incredible gains during the last round even though it took much longer than we would have preferred, but your resilience, your solidarity, and your commitment to public service during a pandemic were all factors to a successful, albeit drawn out bargaining process.
The benefits we were able to secure were as result of local activists and workers submitting demands that we advanced at the table. Yet again we have an ongoing process but one that is soon ending as we are getting ready to start the process. Locals have until October 1st to submit up to 10 bargaining demands. As members it is you who would have the most knowledge in identifying problems in your new work environment and as such, we need your input through demands that highlight a problem and propose solutions. These can be submitted to your local executive who will forward them on. Please reach out to your representatives who can help you prepare and submit your demands.
Our Work/Life has changed dramatically for everyone, and this should be reflected in improvements to any newly negotiated contract. To put it mildly our last round was about work/life balance and this one will be exponentially more important.
After we receive the demands the Bargaining Committee will put together a final package of demands. Subsequently a Bargaining Team will be chosen, and we will begin to set up dates to present the final package and begin bargaining with the employer.
Like the last rounds, there is no easy and fast round. We will always endeavour to conclude as soon as possible, but we must also be clear about the obstacles ahead. On the employer’s side, they are beholden to the Treasury Board on many items and protocols for approval or denial at the table. We do not have such restrictions; our team has the authority to deal with the issues at hand. In that vein make no mistake that the current election is your opportunity to exercise your voice at the door, and at the ballot box on whom you wish to be in the government role in charge of the other side of the table. You are in the unique position of getting to help make that choice, take advantage of your power to do so as we are only as strong as our numbers in solidarity. If anything has proven that to be true it would be the last couple of rounds where the membership exercised their power and finalized the contracts, we now live with.
Let’s get ready with a solid package of demands and unity in ensuring we are recognized for our hard work both during the pandemic and into the future.
In Solidarity forever,
Adam Jackson
2nd National Vice President (Bargaining)