Component Bargaining

Did we get everything we were asking for? No. Did the LCBO get everything they were demanding of our members? No.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Two-thirds of LCBO employees are casuals with no guaranteed hours, few benefits and an average income that is less than $26,000 a year.

BCGEU/NUPGE continues to press to protect the rights and benefits for psychiatric nursing members.

The union's claim documents “the distinctly gendered history of how part-time work developed at the LCBO” and how systemic sex discrimination continues today.

Arbitration brings improvements to PEIUPSE/NUPGE health members.

“Our negotiating team is committed to reaching a fair deal at the table,” said NAPE President Carol Furlong.

Rotating strikes and solidarity helped achieve collective agreement settlement.

“Pay equity is a simple matter of fairness for our members. And it’s fundamental principle of the trade union movement,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

“We are looking to the LCBO to negotiate a deal that recognizes fair jobs for all its employees. To date, it hasn’t demonstrated its willingness to recognize fair work for all LCBO employees.”

NBU/NUPGE working to obtain details regarding layoffs at Horizon Health Network and Vitalité Health Network.

The implementation process, signed off April 15, allows for flexibility, including the elimination of extended hours schedules, and for modified schedules with similar or different extended hours schedules.

NSGEU/NUPGE members voted to accept new collective agreement.

Community Living and General Service workers ratify agreement – Aboriginal Services ratification vote ongoing.

Office and clerical members working for IWK receive wage and other improvements in new collective agreement.

“We are calling on the employer to live up to their public comments and return to the bargaining table,” stated Furlong.

Join LCBO workers and supporters at locations across the province.

“This sham of a consultation was never designed to be more than just that, after all, the process was announced only AFTER the legislation was passed.” - HSABC President, Reid Johnson.

Improvements made to collective agreement for BCGEU/NUPGE members.

“Concessions included a 20 per cent cut in medical and dental benefits, no medical benefits for all retirees going forward, and a removal of the no contracting out clause, to name a few.”

Members look forward to progress in bargaining with the assistance of a Ministry conciliation officer.

“We are not going to sit by and allow any health authority to try to renege on the terms of the negotiated collective agreement." - Jeanne Meyers, HSABC Legal and Labour Relations execuitve director.

Members negotiate wage and other working condition improvements in tentative agreement.

“What we seek is a good quality of lives for our families, opportunities for our children and the ability to retire in dignity." - Denise Davis, LCBO bargaining team Chair.

Improvements to working conditions ratified in first contract by mental health workers.

OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas congratulated the members on their new contract, but warned that there continues to be a serious problem with funding for developmental services.

“This is a quality services issue, but it’s also about quality of life. ” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “More than two thirds of the CLGS workforce is part-time or casual. The frontline staff should be able to afford to work there.”

MGEU/NUPGE members negotiate wage and benefit improvements in new collective agreement.

In its last fiscal year the retail giant returned a dividend to the Ontario treasury of close to $1.6 billion on revenue of more than $4.5 billion.

Aboriginal Services deal includes pay increase, labour market adjustment.

Bargaining team recommends acceptance of the tentative agreement, which includes a 9.5 per cent wage increase over five years.

"What they have done has improved conditions for workers but also for the clients who depend on the services they provide.”

Community social services are about creating and maintaining supportive, healthy, stable and caring communities. The workers who provide these services are the heart and soul of our communities.

Take action: send a message to B.C.'s Health Minister here

Help send a strong message to the employer at Homes First to get back to the table to negotiate a fair and decent contract.

The tentative agreement was reached early on March 3, following a marathon 13-day bargaining session.

“The B.C. Liberal government’s failure to consult with the affected unions is undemocratic and an affront to workers’ representational rights,” says BCGEU President Darryl Walker. “This legislative session is almost over and they’ve tabled this bill at the last minute.”

Major outstanding issues remain on the table for members of the civil service in Nova Scotia.

Improvements to collective agreement approved by the membership.

Bargaining committee recommends acceptance of tentative agreement.

Community Living and General Services deal includes pay increase, labour market adjustment.

Bargaining committee recommends acceptance of new agreement.

The bargaining committee is recommending acceptance of the new contract.

In the weeks ahead OPSEU/NUPGE will assess Wynne’s government to see if the new Premier will commit to preserving quality public services in Ontario and ensuring that services are delivered by professional public sector workers.

"The ink is barely dry on the new Master Agreement, and just this past week the government tables legislation that, buried amongst some assorted housekeeping amendments, gives them the ability to remove FPH from direct government," Darryl Walker,BCGEU President.

Bargaining committee recommends acceptance of the new contract.

Pension and bargaining are topics for meeting with NBU President.

Members continue negotiating toward a decent settlement.

Moving stories about the reality of being a developmental services worker and what these contract talks are about.

“Our members are looking for some headway on two issues most important to the membership; wages and the classification process,” says Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.

In order to provide parents with sufficient time to arrange alternate care for their children, workers will begin job action on March 1.

“Thanks to everyone who came out to support these workers today. Our rally provoked the attention and support these workers deserve. Now let’s get them back to work,” said Kathleen Demareski, OPSEU Negotiator.

"The bargaining committee was committed to addressing the priorities that members established prior to bargaining. They made some difficult choices and members agree that under the circumstances this is a fair and reasonable agreement."

Conciliation talks bring out a tentative settlement.

OPSEU/NUPGE members priorities for bargaining are improved wages and benefits, better job security and more gains in health and safety standards.

“These hard-working people are already earning a very modest wage but who find themselves bullied by a hostile employer. It’s a measure of their anger that they’ve elected to withdraw their services.” - Kathleen Demareski, OPSEU Negotiator.

Latest strike action involved 3,900 members – employer calls for a return to the bargaining table.

Ready, set, record!

Members to vote on employer's final offer on February 20.

Latest strike action involved 3,900 members – employer calls for a return to the bargaining table.

Issues of adequate wages and pension remain outstanding.

Members hope strike vote brings employer back to barganing table.

These women and men provide valuable support services at the university and deserve to be treated fairly at the bargaining table.” - Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.

New contract reached for Legal Services Society workers in B.C.

We’re pleased the paramedics can put this behind them, and I know they’re looking forward now to continuing the important work of providing timely pre-hospital care to Winnipeggers.”

Members receive four per cent wage increases over two years, in addition to other improvements.

Proper government funding needed for programs that support vulnerable families. Picketing will occur in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Kamloops, Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Cranbrook and Vernon on February 6 and February 7.

Many improvements contained in new contract to benefit members across the board.

The union will be holding two information sessions for members to attend to ask questions about the strike vote and conciliation process.

"This new collective agreement offers strong wage improvements and some important new language to ensure progress is made with key issues in the workplace." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

BCGEU/NUPGE members have not taken the decision to strike lightly. Members are seeking a fair and reasonable settlement. The main issues are wages and employer demands for concessions.

The outstanding issues are job security, contracting out of bargaining unit work, scheduling and availability. Monetary issues also remain unresolved. UPDATED

Improved sick leave language saves members short-term disability payments.

Support workers ratify contract at Mount St. Vincent.

Members disappointed employer refused to negotiate the long service increment other health workers received in their last round of bargaining.

"I’m amazed at what these workers are able to do for families, often under extreme program budget constraints. This sector has already been cut to the bone,” said Reid Johnson, HSABC President.

Members will vote on new agreement on January 28.

LifeLabs announced its intention to purchase BC Biomedical Labs, costing hundreds of millions of dollars yet continues to demand concessions from employees.

“These employees keep everyone at this gaming operation safe and secure. To treat them this way is, in our opinion, completely pathetic.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Negotiations have been ongoing for eight months without a resolution. BCGEU/NUPGE members will be in a legal position to strike at 6 a.m. on January 21.

Vulnerable families are last on the B.C. government's list of priorities, says CSSBA, a message that is certain to gain more attention as the province moves closer to an election in May.

Bargaining commitee is recommending acceptance of new contract.

Workers in community health were without a contract since March 31, 2012 and are among the lowest paid in the public sector.

Conciliation dates have been scheduled for January 23 and 24, 2013.

“These women and men provide important services for the students in almost every Department at the university. They deserve a fair contract that respects the work they do.”

Along with Public Private Partnerships (P3s), Social Impact Bonds are a bit like money laundering because they allow politicians to hide debt.

Negotiations conclude; bargaining committee recommends acceptance.

“This isn’t a round of bargaining that will contain any concessions for our membership. We want a fair and reasonable deal.”

Meetings with members will be set shortly to determine how to proceed.

“Our members deserve a collective agreement that reflects the true value of their services to the people they support in the community.” - BCGEU Treasurer Stephanie Smith.

“Despite a difficult round of bargaining, we have been able to negotiate a collective agreement that brings job security for health care workers,” said Stephanie Smith, BCGEU Treasurer.

“We are pleased to have a new three year collective agreement for the members, who provide laundry services for Capital Health, IWK, South Shore and Colchester regional hospitals,” says Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.

The agreement includes wage increases in each year of the agreement, as well as new language on travel compensation, performance appraisals and maternity leave.

More dates scheduled for negotiations in January 2013.

Negotiations began in October and the bargaining committee worked diligently and productively with PSEA and employer representatives to achieve these agreements.

Outstanding issues such as wages, parental leave and contracting out remain unresolved.

Bargaining for BCGEU/NUPGE members have reached an impasse.

Join workers from Community Living Greater Sudbury at a rally to back reasonable contract demands in bargaining today from 11 a.m. until noon.

Workers from thirteen agencies were off the job December 13, sending a strong message to government: stop putting vulnerable families last, and provide the resources needed to improve wages and working conditions.

“Quality childcare services help UBC recruit and retain outstanding faculty and staff. This reality must be reflected in the pay scales for its early childhood educators."

Homes First management is asking for major concessions in contract talks. Show your support for the workers who provide housing and support services for those in need.

Ratification vote to be held in early January 2013.

MGEU/NUPGE members to vote on new contract in January 2013.

“We have been at the table for nine months trying to work with health employers to find solutions to the crisis in recruitment and retention that’s hurting the system’s ability to deliver the quality health care British Columbians deserve.” - Reid Johnson, HSABC President.

SFU Childcare employer refuses to address outstanding issues in bargaining, walks away from table.

After a decade of cuts and neglect, community workers believe the B.C. government needs to re-fund community-based social services programs.

“The principle of wage parity is very important to the membership who works alongside other Capital Health employees doing the exact same job.”

Tentative agreement reached with Shoppers Drug Mart on the heels of the announcement the company will not renew its contract with Alberta Health Services.

“This agreement provides a solid foundation for local bargaining committees to negotiate a fair and reasonable agreement.” - Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.

The Ontario government’s attack on public structures and public service workers is political, said Thomas. “And the solution is political.”

Information sessions will be held in early January 2013 to review the content of the employer's final offer.

After six weeks of rotating strikes, community social service workers, including Aboriginal service workers are still trying to negotiate wage parity.

NAPE/NUPGE welcomes twenty-seventh group of home care workers to the union.

Members are encouraged to attend the information session on December 7 to find out more about the conciliation process.

New agreement avoids layoffs and contracting out.

Health science professionals delay job action by one day – pharmacists to be reduced December 6.

Lifelabs looking for concessions, even in mediation.

Université Sainte-Anne looking for concessions in bargaining with NSGEU/NUPGE members.

Employer argued for wage freeze; Arbitration Board disagreed saying it "would create unfair disparity."

"We are pleased to see our CLBC members approve this deal, which is fair and reasonable by every measure, and was achieved without making concessions to the contract,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

Supporters are encouraged to contact Fran Perkins, Chair of the Board at Homes First and Patricia Mueller, Executive Director to tell them to put dignity first at Homes First.

“This situation is clear proof of the dangers of contracting out vital hospital services. If these workers were still under the roof of AHS, the corporate drive for profits would not be a factor and we would not be in this situation." - Elisabeth Ballermann, HSAA President.

OPSEU/NUPGE members hold information picket today to back demands for new contract at Homes First.

NAPE/NUPGE members with Springdale Town Council ratify four year collective agreement with 13 per cent wage increase.

"Our bargaining team has proposed reasonable improvements that will help keep these highly specialized health science professionals from going to other provinces to work,” Reid Johnson, HSABC President said.

DiverseCity is going on strike to send a clear message to the B.C. government: stop putting vulnerable families last!

"Douglas College support staff deserve a fair and reasonable wage increase in line with what support staff at other post secondary institutions have received," said Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.

"Surely, this will send the message to the employer and the B.C. government that members are serious about getting a fair and reasonable agreement." - BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

“Our members at Main Street Project do an amazing job in the face of a very challenging work environment." - Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President.

BCGEU/NUPGE support staff members at BCIT picket again; vocational instructors take strike vote Monday.

Employees at Calgary outpatient pharmacies warn public care levels being undermined

Individually and collectively these members did what it takes to protect the quality services they deliver to the people they care for in their community."

Community social service workers strike in Surrey.

“Douglas College support staff deserve a fair and reasonable deal,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

“This isn’t about wage freezes or concessions. This is about the future of our province, and protecting accountable, reliable and cost-effective services.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Strike action called off as tentative agreement reached.

Community social service workers rotating strike action continues in B.C.

“We are up against a very predatory employer who wants nothing more than to drive down further the low wages our members already earn,” said Florry Foster, OPSEU President, Local 137.

Revised offer differs very little from the one members rejected in October; members head to arbitration.

Newfoundland Conservative government announces it will seek changes to public sector pensions.

“This is probably the best deal in the children’s aid sector in the last few years found anywhere in Ontario.” - Chrisy Tremblay, OPSEU Local 454 President.

Since October 16, rotating strike action in community social services has impacted agencies in Vancouver, Kamloops, Prince George and Victoria.

Members feedback key to MPI rethinking its final offer proposal.

Union representatives tell senior CBS executives that their organization is inconsistent in the way it handles labour relations, creating frustrations among staff and inefficiencies for the employer.

Join striking community health workers in the first series of strike action on November 7 in downtown Vancouver.

New contract for BCGEU/NUPGE members sees wage increases, allowance improvements, employment security measure and a cancelled privatization process for liquor distribution services.

“It’s clear that government and public sector employers can settle agreements in some sectors within government’s overall negotiating mandate,” says Walker. “I’ll be urging health employers to return to the table with a more flexible approach to our talks.”

“Over 14,000 community health and support workers have been waiting for a deal since January. This is simply not good enough; our members deserve a fair deal.” - Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.

Strike avoided as OPSEU/NUPGE members accept tentative agreement.

Stop ignoring critical resource needs in underfunded sector, workers tell government.

Workers at the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities reach new agreement with wage and benefit gains.

LifeLabs is looking for major concessions at the bargaining table. A strong strike mandate is needed to show solidarity and determination to reach a fair deal.

Members will be conducting strategically targeted strike action on specific days in specific communities around B.C.

“This employer must come back to the table with a fair deal before the strike deadline,” said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “These workers have been without a contract for long enough.”

Hospital, nursing home and diagnostic treatment centre and emergency health workers who play a vital role in ensuring the health British Columbians resume negotiations for a fair deal.

The members at Francis Memorial Hospital have achieved wage and benefit parity with all other HPD members, under terms of the central agreement.

Ontario community faculty members prepare for the next round of bargaining, intent on changing management's mind on a number of critical issues in the teaching and learning environment.

"The HSPBA believes it is possible to get to a deal that does not erode benefits, and will take that message to the table,” said Jeanne Meyers, HSABA lead negotiator.

If approved by the legislature, the Protecting Public Services bill would allow the government to not just freeze the wages it pays to unionized employees — ranging from nurses to home care workers to hydro linemen — but roll them back.

“Thanks to our members, the campaign we waged helped convince the government that this was the right move." - Lois Wales, MGEU President.

"The government knows this. The only reason for the government to want to come to the bargaining table is to demand concessions, cuts and pave the way for privatizing and selling off public services." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

On October 3, OPSEU/NUPGE members voted on tentative agreement that will see wage and benefit improvements in 2013.

Because of the government's fiscal mandate, monetary items such as wages, benefits and employment security that were prioritized by the membership, remain outstanding.

Bargaining continues throughout the month of October for NSGEU/NUPGE employed by the Nova Scotia government.

Members concerns addressed in tentative agreement for B.C. nurses.

“Credit for this agreement also goes to our members who backed the bargaining committee with a strike vote and strike action. We could not have achieved this collective agreement without them,” said Walker. UPDATED

It’s time for a fair and reasonable contract - including a wage increase - for the lowest paid in the broad public sector,” says Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.

Members to vote on final offer by Manitoba Public Insurance.

“This is a very significant and important decision. It means that employers cannot just pick and choose what part of the agreement they like." - Jeanne Meyer, HSABC/NUPGE.

Conciliation talks to begin to resolve bargaining impasse.

“It is time for this employer to get back to the table,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “Their failure to negotiate a reasonable contract with staff is an embarrassment to the community.”

Wage increases plus improved benefits negotiated for MGEU/NUPGE members at Impark.

Negotiations resume for 25,000 direct government workers in B.C.

After almost three years, SGEU/NUPGE has reached a tentative agreement with Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

First agreement brings improvements to wages and working conditions for home care workers.

New agreement for community workers at Winnipeg's Family Centre.

As two sides meet the government raises specter of debt and deficit reduction. 

BCGEU/NUPGE members achieve wage increases and other improvements in contract settlement.

Renewed contract for members at the Western Manitoba Regional Library provides improvements to working conditions and wages.

"The government wants to extend the two-year wage freeze and won't make an offer to keep up with inflation. So we’re stepping things up with an overtime ban.” - BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

“The Colleges have ignored faculty demands, asked for major concessions, and demanded a wage freeze. Their delays and refusal to budge on key issues have demonstrated ill-will from the start of negotiations.”  Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Strike vote was taken over two days, August 20 and 21, 2012, after the employer served 72 hour lockout notice to the union.