Local 79 Bargaining Update

The Union and Employer exchanged proposals on September 10, 2015, and are scheduled to continue negotiations on September 17 (morning), 23, and 30, 2015.

Your Bargaining Committee thanks all those members who completed the on-line survey. Your responses influenced the bargaining proposals presented to the Employer last week.

Local members may request a copy of the tabled proposals by contacting Tessa Crawley at tcrawley@nsgeu.ca

The Union proposed various language improvements including: changes to layoff/recall/contracting out; incorporating Christmas closure in the collective agreement; a number of improved leave provisions including increased vacation; new paid personal days; and new shift/weekend premiums.

The Union proposals also include a new Job Evaluation Appeal Committee with Local representatives, and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on several issues.

The Employer tabled a number of language changes and proposed several concessions including: increasing the probationary/assessment period; increasing the length of time discipline remains on an employee’s personnel file; absence without permission language; and the complete removal of job evaluations from the collective agreement.

Negotiations typically begin with the non-monetary proposals first. Neither side has tabled a wage proposal as of yet.

Updates will be provided at your general meetings and we will organize a special general meeting once the parties address a wage proposal.

If you have any questions, please contact any member of your bargaining committee:

Barbara Bell      barb.bell@smu.ca

Kathleen Jewell kathleen.jewell@stmarys.ca

Colin Sutton      colin.sutton@smu.ca

Walt Tanner      walt.tanner@smu.ca

Chief Negotiator Tina Webber     twebber@nsgeu.ca