We would like to first thank you all for your support for our first USW /ADTbT BBQ.
It was wonderful seeing members in person! At the BBQ we did a couple of draws as well as a donation drive to support a local homeless outreach shelter, and are super happy to announce that the USW topped-up our raised funds to make the donation $250! Congratulations to the draw winners: Laura Brooks and Pearl Cameron. We would also like to thank everyone that helped out in any way, with a special thank-you to Isabelle Chayer for all her efforts to make the day a huge success. Everyone had a great time!!
Meanwhile, there has been several meetings happening at the bargaining table between the employer and your committee over August and September and we are pleased to say that we have agreed on several procedural items including a grievance and arbitration process, and accommodations.
However, there are many items remaining on the table that the parties remain significantly apart on, such as length of probation and job posting procedures. As your bargaining committee, we feel it is extremely important to have good language around these issues.
The Union is extremely aware of the painful cost of living increases that you, the members, are struggling with as everything continues to go up, except wages.
As we had previously reported, the Union filed an Unfair Labour Practice complaint with the Alberta Labour Board in regards to the employer issuing both bonuses and a raise to the employees that are not part of a Union and actively excluding those that are. While there is truth to the company’s statements at a recent Roadshow that there are not to be changes to working conditions without the Union’s approval, in this case, the Union very clearly offered to agree to this increase being applied to the membership in Calgary. The company did not agree to this proposition and instead wanted to handle wages at the end of bargaining.
Both sides have submitted their responses to all documentation requests from the Board and the Board has now scheduled a meeting in November to hear from the parties about this complaint and to discuss a resolution. If this meeting does not lead to a satisfactory resolve, the complaint will then be put in the hands of the arbitrator to decide the outcome.
We realize this has been a long process and we are right there with you. All your concerns are being represented at the bargaining table. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us to get your agreement signed.
Please remember, CAT team members are available to field questions. Stay tuned for membership meeting dates. If anyone is interested in becoming a member of our CAT team please reach out to a member of our Bargaining Committee.
NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED #InItTogether
USW Local 1944