After members democratically struck down the employer’s “Final Offer” in the fall, your negotiating team met with the Special Areas Board (SAB) to reconvene bargaining. We tabled a proposal that members could get behind: a mutually beneficial agreement that reasonably raises the working conditions of all staff in the bargaining unit. It’s equitable and respectful, which isn’t too much to ask for.
Nonetheless, the employer said they needed more time to consider the proposal. That was in early November. They still haven’t responded.
This heel-dragging tells us that they are likely involving the Provincial Bargaining Coordination Office (PBCO) in their decision-making process, even though your negotiating team confirmed with the SAB, multiple times, that their chairperson has the authority to make the decision on their own.
The PBCO has no jurisdiction over bargaining for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 (the term that this agreement will cover). It’s also worth noting that the monetary improvements we tabled are modest compared to what other Boards & Agencies negotiated for these years, because our main concern is equity. We want all members to benefit from this round of negotiations — no classification will be a martyr for another.
We know this has been an incredibly long and frustrating journey, but we’ve made a lot of progress and built people power along the way. Back in September you showed the SAB that you know your worth and that you value your coworkers. These kinds of messages stick; they will not only help us win a fair deal, but alsorestore a more productive relationship with the employer.
SPECIAL AREAS BOARD NEGOTIATING TEAM MEMBERS
Paulette Pratt pkp.2005@hotmail.com or 403-664-0549
Clint Nicholson poolshot69@yahoo.ca or 403-854-1056
Robin Lacelle robinlacelle@gmail.com or 403-363-9855
AUPE RESOURCE STAFF
Christian Tetreault, negotiator c.tetreault@aupe.org
Farid Iskandar, organizer f.iskandar@aupe.org
Celia Shea, communications c.shea@aupe.org