Chartwell demonstrated they do not respect collective agreement standards in the province. They refused to agree to such union rights as the ability to hold meetings on your own time at the employer’s facilities, or to wear buttons at work in support of our union. These protections, along with others they challenged, are common to most AUPE agreements.
We’ll continue to remind Chartwell of this; all seniors-care workers deserve fair and equal treatment.
Nevertheless, we signed part of one article related to union recognition, including provisions that:
• Require all bargaining unit employees be AUPE members as a condition of employment.
• Prohibit any discrimination on the grounds of union activity.
• Recognize AUPE as our bargaining agent and prohibit the employer from making side deals or negotiating work conditions with individual employees.
We also signed off on provisions for the joint Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) committee. Committee meetings will be scheduled on paid time.
Other important issues such as fair processes for job postings, grievances and seniority were discussed. Your hard-earned years of service should be recognized, and you should have access to a clear, timely grievance procedure. We’ll continue to emphasize these protections in bargaining.
GRIESBACH LAYOFFS REVERSED
Between our last round of bargaining and this one, Chartwell issued layoff notices to a number of members at Griesbach without consulting AUPE. This was confusing and distressing.
After AUPE filed a complaint with the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) to address the issue, Chartwell acknowledged they could have handled the situation differently. They agreed to meet with our union representatives to come to a resolution, and we’re pleased to report our affected coworkers’ positions and employment status have been preserved.
Members whose hours have been reduced will be given first consideration for new shifts and first calls for casual shifts.
OHS COMMITTEE
We’re pleased to report five members came forward to let their names stand for election to our OHS Committee at the Griesbach site visit last week. We’re visiting Heritage valley on May 17 and Wild Rose on May 31 to give you the information you need about the committee. Please consider whether you want to let your name stand for election. Election dates will be determined soon.
FREEZE PERIOD COMPLAINT
On June 10 the ALRB will hold a conference regarding the freeze period complaint AUPE submitted. If no agreement is reached, hearings will continue into the summer.
FOOD SERVICE MEMBERS
Please reach out to your coworkers who work in food service who are now AUPE members and encourage them to sign membership cards, so we can keep in touch! Bargaining will affect them, and their voices matter.
We’re stronger because we work together. Your support is crucial and we want to hear from you. If you have specific concerns or have experienced a change in the terms or conditions of your employment, please call or text your MSO Guy Quenneville at 780-237-8253. For general concerns, please contact your bargaining team.
CHARTWELL BARGAINING TEAM MEMBERS:
Benjamin Kiwang ysagada1972@yahoo.com or 780-885-3210
Stella Diaz sbangalisan.24@gmail.com or 780-721-6496
Bernie Kelly bkelly58@shaw.ca or 780-717-9130
AUPE RESOURCE STAFF
Merryn Edwards AUPE Negotiator m.edwards@aupe.org
Farris Sobhani Organizer f.sobhani@aupe.org or 780-271-0728
Celia Shea Communications c.shea@aupe.org or 780-720-8122