The employer is trying to unilaterally create two new classifications which would be on the same pay grid as Legal Services Officers but would include more restrictive educational requirements. These classifications would only have a few positions, and the employer intends to post and hire for these positions soon.
This is unacceptable. Proposals like this are supposed to be discussed in bargaining. Creating and hiring for new classifications at this time would drastically affect ongoing negotiations, including the employer’s proposal to reclassify Legal Services Officers in a new classification with a much lower rate of pay, as well as other proposed changes affecting other classifications including Certificate and Tariff Officers, Appointing and Payment Officers, and Administrative Classifications.
The latest round of negotiations began on July 10, and that first day actually went well. We were able to find agreement on a number of important issues, including:
• Discipline would need to be issued in writing within 14 days;
• Management would need to give 24 hours notice for disciplinary meetings so that you may request union representation;
• Discipline would be automatically removed from your personnel files after 18 months, if no further discipline is issued;
• Clarified the roles of stewards and other union representatives and strengthened protection against discrimination for union activity;
• Paid union orientation to be increased from 15 to 30 minutes;
• Access to an electronic version of the AUPE bulletin board;
• A new provision to wear union insignia at work.
However, this progress halted on the second day of bargaining after the employer announced their intentions to proceed with posting and hiring for the new positions. Although we urged them to reconsider, they confirmed they would proceed. As a result, we had no alternative but to file a bad faith bargaining complaint.
We believe in the collective bargaining process, and we will continue negotiations at dates confirmed for September 5, 6, and 9 and October 28, 29, and 30.
Next Steps
While we wait for the result of our complaint against the employer, it is important to share this information with your co-workers and stick together.
The work you do is critical to Alberta’s justice system and you deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness by your employer. Your bargaining team will continue to stand up for you. With solidarity and a united membership we will keep up the fight.
Don’t miss out on bargaining news. Please ensure AUPE has your most up to date information by visiting: aupe.org/update-me
Your bargaining team is dedicated to keeping you up to date throughout negotiations. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact a member of your team or AUPE resource staff.
LEGAL AID SOCIETY BARGAINING TEAM MEMBERS
Jan Davidson-Carey403-404-2307 or jan.davidson@hotmail.com
Jamie Simmons780-599-0098 or j_lynn6449@hotmail.com
Gordon Pochynok
Alternates:
Kyla Kociancic780-566-8584 or kkocianc@hotmail.ca
Michele Lucas780-288-2535 or michele.lucas394@hotmail.com
Brooke Browning780-297-4408 or browningb4@gmail.com
AUPE RESOURCE STAFF
Merryn Edwards Negotiator m.edwards@aupe.org
Dave Malka Organizer d.malka@aupe.org
Celia Shea Communications c.shea@aupe.org