Chartwell applies for forced vote
Even though your elected negotiations team met with Chartwell in early October and rejected their last offer, the employer is now forcing you and your coworkers to vote on that offer.
The employer-proposed agreement, which falls below industry standard, was not what you deserved yesterday, and it’s not what you deserve today. At other retirement homes in Calgary, AUPE members have negotiated much better collective agreements with better wages, shift differentials, sick leave and stronger protections – Chartwell is trying to undermine the hard work of the union to raise the standards at all seniors homes in Alberta.
They’re also trying to silence you, which is not new. Since bargaining began over a year ago, Chartwell hasn’t engaged in real conversation with the negotiations team or listened to your frontline experience. Instead they’ve cancelled meetings, stalled progress and now, they’re trying to bypass the bargaining process.
What now?
While the employer’s application for a forced vote is pending at the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB), the company pulled the same stunt on your coworkers at Chartwell’s Edmonton sites.
The ALRB accepted Chartwell’s application, and staff there are now preparing to vote on the agreement the company tabled.
When your time comes to vote, your negotiations team is recommending you mark “no” on your ballots because you deserve better and because this isn’t the end of the line. We can still push for enhanced mediation, where we can make our case to a third party, who will table recommendations for a final agreement that we can vote on.
Bargaining is not over. The employer just didn’t like that we were raising our voices and fighting for the protections we deserve, so they’re trying to cut it short.
In the coming weeks, your negotiations team will send you updates on the decision of the ALRB and the vote dates. Right now, your AUPE staff representatives are preparing to reach out to you and answer any questions you may have. Please ensure the union has your most up-to-date contact information. Visit https://www.aupe.org/member-resources/forms/member-information-update-form to update your contact information.
Stay tuned to aupe.org and check your email for important information. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out.
CHARTWELL EAU CLAIRE NEGOTIATIONS TEAM:
Julie Moores 587-434-4077 or jeb124@hotmail.com
Noemi Cruz 403-383-6051 or noemimasganda@yahoo.ca
Mary San Andres, Chapter Chair 587-892-1212
ALTERNATIVES
Noreen Gatchalian 587-707-4551 or noreenreno@yahoo.com
Clarina Sitjar 403-397-6491 or rhinasitjar@yahoo.com
AUPE STAFF REPRESENTATIVES:
John Wevers, Negotiator j.wevers@aupe.org
Angela Regnier, Membership Services Officer a.regnier@aupe.org or 403-702-0514
Jaime Urbina, Organizer j.urbina@aupe.org or 587-599-7557
Celia Shea, Communications c.shea@aupe.org or 780-720-8122