Union News - December 2021
Friends,
As you know, our collective agreement expired on October 31 of this year. Our National Bargaining Committee reviewed over 300 demands submitted by locals and pared them down to a comprehensive package that will be presented to the employer the week of January 10. Through the process of preparing the package one thing was crystal clear – this round is about work/life balance.
All of us have seen monumental changes in the way we work and the demands on our work lives coupled with the challenges hoisted upon us through the pandemic. Remote work in environments not necessarily set up for the work we were used to - was demanded, restrictions, while gradually loosening forced workers and the families of those workers to adapt through no fault of their own. The employer must recognize that the work world has changed for our membership and our mandate will be to enhance the collective agreement benefits that will acknowledge this fact.
Please don’t ever forget the way we stood up during our last round of negotiations when the pandemic hit. You, the membership, were integral in administering the pandemic benefits so necessary to help Canadians in need. This is something to be very proud of, and now is the chance for the employer to recognize this, not in emails, memos, or words, as genuine as they may be, but in the enshrined addition of benefits and pay that better reflect and acknowledge the incredible work you do and will continue to do.
We must never lessen the solidarity you showed when we called for action and started taking strike votes. We wished never to be at that point but, when called upon, you were there in droves. That is what gets a solid collective agreement – the strength of many is to never be underestimated and it shall not be this round nor in the future rounds.
To say the last round took too long would be an understatement and we enter this round with no appetite for a delayed process and will make that very clear to the employer. In fairness I don’t think they wish it to be drawn out any longer than it need be, but last round, as with this round, your UTE bargaining team will be available as a priority to negotiate at the table to get this done. We hope the same goes for the other side this time.
I know I speak for the team when I say we wish you only the very best in health and happiness into the new year and assure you we will fight like we always have to get you the very best of contracts. That is our mandate, that is our commitment. With your help and support we will deliver.
In solidarity forever
Adam Jackson
2nd National Vice President
Responsible for Collective Bargaining