After almost a full year of bargaining we still have not been able to negotiate a new collective agreement with the City, Library and Police Board. The employers have continually refused to engage in meaningful discussions about your key issues and that has limited the progress we’ve been able to make towards a new contract.
We still have no agreement on any of your priorities including:
– Wage increases
– Benefit improvements
– Working from home language
– Modified work week/shift language
– Improvements to auxiliary rights (stability for workers)
At our last mediation session, the most important bargaining session to date, key members of the employers bargaining team chose not to attend. We are disappointed in the lack of leadership the employers have shown and their reluctance to negotiate a new contract with their workers. The employers’ proposals continue to demonstrate that their primary motivation is to negotiate less for you than what other workers in our region have already negotiated.
Your bargaining committee needs your support – we are asking you to vote yes on Monday October 16. A successful strike vote tells the employers that workers stand behind the bargaining committee and that your bargaining priorities have not changed.
There will be two voting stations on Monday October 16:
1. Location: Sapperton Pensioners Hall (318 Keary Street)
Time: 11:00 am until 6:00 pm
2. CUPE 387 Office (107-258 6th Street)
Time: 7:00 am until 4:30 pm
Voting is done by secret ballot. You can vote at either location. You can vote before work, on a break, or after work. You cannot vote during work hours.
STRIKE VOTE INFORMATION SESSIONS
In advance of the strike vote on Monday, we will be hosting two information sessions (one in-person and one online) on Thursday October 12:
1. Location: Sapperton Pensioners Hall (318 Keary Street)
Time: 4:00-5:30 pm
2. Location: Online – Register Here (***After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.)
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
Each information session will start with a detailed bargaining update, including specific information about the employers’ bargaining proposals and position, and the rest of the meeting will be dedicated to answering your questions.
You can also check out the strike vote FAQ on our website for more information on why a strike vote is important, how a strike works and what you will need to do to receive strike pay.
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
We want to thank you again for your support during this round of bargaining. We would not be seeking a strike mandate if we saw another viable path to negotiating a new contract.
Additional details about the strike vote will be sent out later this week. We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the information sessions this Thursday (October 12) to make sure you have all the information you need to vote yes on Monday October 16.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.