BARGAINING UPDATE

 After announcing our strike vote the employers contacted the union to resume negotiations. We spent Friday and Saturday bargaining directly with the employer. With the outside negotiator not at the table there was a shift in tone at the bargaining table and we were able to have some important progressive discussions about your key bargaining priorities.

While we’ve made some progress, we still have not reached agreement on several key issues and there are significant barriers we need to address before reaching a deal.

We need to keep the momentum we’ve created going so we can conclude this round of bargaining. A strong strike vote will help carry that momentum into the bargaining session we have scheduled next Tuesday (October 17).

The strike vote is going ahead as planned tomorrow. Your bargaining committee still needs your support. We are asking you to vote YES tomorrow to make sure that we can address the outstanding issues remaining and reach a tentative agreement in a timely manner.

A strong strike vote remains an important step towards negotiating a new contract.

Vote YES, tomorrow Monday October 16, and let’s make sure we get over the finish line and secure a new contract that benefits all workers.

WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE

There will be two voting stations on Monday October 16:

1. Sapperton Pensioners Hall (318 Keary Street) from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm
2.   CUPE 387 Office (107-258 6th Street) from 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.

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.

Mediation Update

We have received confirmed dates for mediation from the BC Labour Relations Board (LRB). Our first mediation session is scheduled for next Thursday, October 5 and we have additional dates at the beginning of November.

Our goal is to make as much progress as possible on the first day of mediation. Your bargaining committee provided the employers a framework for settlement on September 15. We hope that the assistance of a mediator and this framework for settlement will help bring the parties closer together and reach a tentative agreement without further delay.

Recent Regional Settlements

CUPE Local 389 and the City of North Vancouver ratified a new three-year agreement earlier this week. The agreement provides wage increases of 3 percent in 2022, 4.5 percent in 2023 and 4 percent in 2024. It also includes a one-time, 4.5 percent inflationary support payment applied on 2022 wages as well as meaningful improvements to address the high cost of living and recruitment and retention challenges.

Next Steps

We are optimistic that we will be able to reach a deal through the mediation process. However, we are prepared for plan b should mediation not be successful.

We have been in contact with IBEW (the union that also represents workers employed by the City of New Westminster), and we are fully prepared to collaborate on conducting a strike vote if the employers come unprepared on October 5.

Given the regional bargaining context and the fact we have been negotiating for almost a full year now, we need to see some significant movement from the employers next week. If we cannot make significant progress towards negotiating a new collective agreement, then we will likely need your support in achieving a strong strike mandate before heading back to mediation in early November.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by email at cupe387@telus.net

Your bargaining committee met with the employers last Friday, September 15, for a full day of negotiations. The union put forward a comprehensive framework agreement with the goal of making significant progress towards a tentative agreement.

 What is a comprehensive framework agreement?

In this case, it is a document with all the changes the union is seeking in this round of negotiations for the employers to consider. It allows the employers to see the entirety of the changes we are seeking all at once, instead of discussing individual changes. (which is what is typically done during bargaining sessions)

 Why do this?

We have been negotiating for almost a full year now, and to date we have made limited progress towards a new agreement. It was our hope that this approach would help the parties make progress and really highlight your key issues for the employer.

 What happens next?

The bargaining committee feels the framework agreement was positively received. After our last bargaining session, the union applied for mediation through the BC Labour Relations Board (LRB).

 You might not be familiar with the term mediation, and as per the LRB mediation is:

 When the union and employer (the parties) are negotiating a collective agreement, they may need a neutral person to help. A mediator can help the parties reach an agreement on all or some of the terms of a collective agreement.

 We know that reaching a tentative agreement in a timely manner is important to members, and we feel that working with a mediator at this point in negotiations could help get us over the finish line and complete this round of negotiations.

 The LRB has assigned a mediator to this file, and the union, employers and mediator will now work to schedule dates for mediation sessions. As soon as those dates are finalized, we will send another update to members.

 Your support matters.

Lastly, we want to thank all of you for your ongoing support during this round of negotiations. Your support matters and we are going to continue to advocate for the bargaining priorities you identified at the bargaining table.

 If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by email at cupe387@teus.net

Special Membership Meeting Recap

Last week we held three special membership meetings to give a detailed update on this round of bargaining. Thank you so much to all the members that made time to attend one of the meetings.

We hope we were able to answer your questions and give everyone a sense of what could happen next with bargaining. We know this round of negotiations has taken longer than you may have expected, and your continued support is greatly appreciated.

After hearing directly from the membership, we feel confident continuing to pursue your key priorities and push for meaningful discussion of those priorities at the bargaining table.

Update on Group Grievances

The union has recently filed two important grievances directly related to key bargaining proposals. One is related to the payment of sick leave in accordance with the Employment Standards Act and one on the definition and use of auxiliary employees.

Next Steps

Your bargaining committee will be doing site visits over the next couple weeks. We want to make sure as many members as possible have a chance to ask questions about bargaining and the process around taking a strike vote as well as raising any workplace concerns you may have.

Watch for the schedule to be posted on our Facebook page and website – it will also be emailed out later this week or first thing after the long weekend.

Our next bargaining date is Friday, September 15 and it will be a pivotal date. We have been bargaining for almost a full year and to negotiate a new contract we need for the employers to engage in meaningful discussion about your key issues. As discussed at the special membership meetings if the pace of negotiations does not change, we will have to significantly adjust our negotiating strategy moving forward.

Please watch for an important email update following this bargaining date.

The best way to make sure you receive all future bargaining updates is to regularly monitor the CUPE 387 website and also ensure CUPE 387 has your contact information by emailing your personal (non-work) email address to cupeoffice@telus.net.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by email at cupe387@telus.net

What is a strike vote?

A strike vote must be held before a strike is legal. The vote is done by secret ballot and all employees in the bargaining unit can participate in the vote. A successful strike vote authorizes the union’s bargaining committee to call a strike if no agreement is reached.

Does a ‘yes’ vote mean that we’re going on strike?

A strong strike mandate vote does not necessarily mean we will strike, but it does indicate to the Employer that we are ready to do so if necessary. A strike vote authorizes the bargaining committee to call for strike action which can include things like an overtime ban, rotating strikes or a full out strike.

What happens after a successful strike mandate vote?

If we achieve a successful strike vote it will send a strong message to the employer that employees are not satisfied with how contract negotiations are going and that they should reconsider their bargaining position. We will take this strong mandate to future bargaining dates, and we hope that will encourage our employer to revise their approach to negotiations and to engage in meaningful discussions about our key issues.

If the employer still doesn’t change their bargaining position, then the bargaining committee and our local leadership will consider what type of action to take next.

What does “being on strike” actually mean?

“Being on strike” means bargaining unit members withdraw their labour power. This means that no employment-related duties are completed.

Do I get paid if I’m on strike?

Yes. Strike pay starts the first day of a strike. The employer must pay employees their earnings up to the date the strike commences on their next normal pay day in accordance with Employment Standards.

There are two sources of strike pay. CUPE National and CUPE BC. A member who is entitled to strike benefits shall receive strike pay from:

• CUPE NATIONAL beginning on the 1st day of the strike. For each calendar week, maximum strike pay is $300 for a minimum of 20 hours of picketing or completing other assigned duties.
• Normal strike schedule is 5 days a week, 4 hours per day.
• Starting with the 8th week of the strike, strike pay is increased to $350 per week.
• Starting with the 12th week of the strike, strike pay is increased to $375 per week.
• Starting with the 16th week of the strike, strike pay is increased to $400 per week.
• CUPE BC strike pay starts on the 3rd calendar day of the strike. Amount- $15 per day up to a maximum of $75.00 per week.
• In total you will receive $75.00 per day (to a maximum of 5 days per week) when you fulfill the requirements of strike duty.
• All members whether full-time or part-time, temporary, casual or the Bargaining Committee receive the same rate of strike pay.

What do I have to do to get strike pay?

You must perform picket duties. Which means, you must walk a picket line for 4 hours/day for 5 days a week. If you are not physically able to walk a picket line, there are other duties that can be done.

You would need to contact the Strike Coordinator to let them know you require an accommodation. The accommodation must be verified that it is for medical reasons.

Where will the picket lines be?

In a strike, there will be a limited number of picket locations with a focus on larger sites with a lot of public visibility. The Union will provide picket location information to all members if there is a strike. Most members will not be picketing at their own job site.

What about my benefits?

The CUPE National Strike Fund pays for group life and group extended health premiums for the members entitled to strike pay for the whole period of the strike so those benefits will continue.

Pension – Pension plan deductions will not be paid by CUPE. Contributions are suspended during a strike and no pensionable service is accumulated.

What if I am on Maternity Leave?

You will continue to receive your benefits from EI. If you prefer, you may cancel your EI benefits, sign up for picket duty and collect strike pay. You cannot collect both EI and strike pay.

What if I am on another kind of leave (WCB, EI, sick leave, vacation)?

If a member is on a leave when the strike commences (e.g., sick leave, vacation leave, WorkSafe, or other approved leave), the leave continues for its duration.

What if I have to work an essential services shift?

Essential services shifts will be shared amongst members qualified to work in that area. If you do work a shift, you will get paid normally from the Employer.

Am I eligible for Employment Insurance while on strike?

No.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Bargaining Update Meetings August 24

The bargaining committee is hosting three important bargaining update meetings on Thursday, August 24. Please do your best to attend one of the sessions, as we want all members to have a better understanding of where we are at in the bargaining process.

We will start the meeting by giving a detailed update to all members on this round of bargaining and there will also be time to hear your concerns and answer any questions you have. We’ll also discuss ways members can support the bargaining committee moving into the fall, and what our negotiating strategy looks like moving forward.

Join us in-person at 4:15 or 5:15, or virtually on Zoom at 6:30.

The two in-person meetings will be held at:

Centennial Lodge in Queens Park

3rd Avenue New Westminster

For the virtual meeting advanced registration is required. Registration will be open until 4 pm on Tuesday August 22. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

It has been almost a full year since we started bargaining and we know that negotiations are taking longer than you may have expected. This has been a difficult round of negotiations but know that we are doing our best to conclude negotiations in a timely manner.

STAY UP TO DATE ON BARGAINING The best way to make sure you receive all future bargaining updates is to regularly monitor the CUPE 387 website and also ensure CUPE 387 has your contact information by emailing your personal (non-work) email address to cupeoffice@telus.net.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by email at cupe387@telus.net.

CUPE 387 Bargaining Update – July 31

UPCOMING SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
This has been a challenging round of negotiations and we understand that can be frustrating for members. Unfortunately, the employers have not been willing to engage in meaningful discussions around our key bargaining issues and that has led to little progress being made at the bargaining table.

In the upcoming weeks we will be scheduling two special membership meetings, one in-person and one online over Zoom, to give a detailed update to all members on this round of bargaining and to hear your concerns and answer any questions you have.

We’ll also discuss ways members can support the bargaining committee moving into the fall, and what our negotiating strategy looks like moving forward.

CUPE 387 members deserve a fair collective agreement that recognizes the value of their work. Your bargaining committee is committed to reaching a tentative agreement that addresses your key bargaining priorities and reflects the current economic climate.

We will be sending an email in the coming days with the exact dates of the special meetings so please keep an eye out for that.

 STAY UP TO DATE ON BARGAINING
The best way to make sure you receive all future bargaining updates is to regularly monitor the CUPE 387 website and also ensure CUPE 387 has your contact information by emailing your personal (non-work) email address to cupeoffice@telus.net.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by email at cupe387@telus.net.

In solidarity,
Your CUPE 387 Bargaining Committee

 

CUPE 387 – Bargaining Update July 5

Your bargaining committee met for another day of bargaining with the Employers (City of New Westminster, Library and Police Board) on June 27.

The Employers brought some of the information we requested months ago that is vital to having meaningful discussions in bargaining. While some information was finally provided, the Employers refused to address our concerns regarding auxiliary employees or any of the other issues CUPE 387 members identified as important for a settlement.

The Employers have time and time again been unwilling to take our priorities seriously. Even though the Employers acknowledge problems with the way things are being done, they are ignoring viable solutions.

Without real progress, your bargaining committee must start exploring more options to get movement from the Employers on our priorities.

Your bargaining committee and the CUPE 387 Executive will be meeting next week for a strategic planning session. At this session, we will discuss what needs to be done in order for the Employers to reach a fair settlement and what actions are needed from the membership to support your bargaining committee. Working together, we can get a fair collective agreement that allows us to keep up with the high cost of living in our community.

We will have an update next week with information on meeting locations, dates, and times.

The best way to make sure you receive all future bargaining updates is to regularly monitor the CUPE 387 website and also ensure CUPE 387 has your contact information by emailing your personal (non-work) email address to cupeoffice@telus.net.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by email at cupe387@telus.net.

In solidarity,
Your CUPE 387 Bargaining Committee

 

Dear Members:

As a result of the Bargaining Meeting scheduled for the same day, the June 27 General Meeting will be postponed.  An update will be provided once an alternate date has been assigned.