Solidarity week: February 9-13

“What ever happened to bargaining in good faith? We keep working and they keep delaying.” This view, and others like it, came from CEIU members across the country. In response, locals are initiating activities to tell the employer that bargaining must move ahead in a serious way. Paul Martin promises a “new” approach to government, and members will soon remind him that it’s time for a new style of bargaining – one that gets results.

Many locals will be sending messages via fax and e-mail. Some will go to our bargaining teams to thank them for their work and to encourage them in the days ahead. Others will go to Members of Parliament, including the Prime Minister, to say that we want a fair deal — and soon.

Mass grievances will be used by those locals particularly interested in sending the message through the management structure. Local 628 (Peterborough, Ontario) developed the following grievance wording which is being distributed by the Ontario Collective Bargaining Committee:

Details of Grievance:

“I grieve that the Employer is bargaining in bad faith with Tables 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Federal Cabinet Aides were given increases of $32,000.00, which is close to the average wage of Federal Workers, yet the Employer is yet to table a wage offer for the Tables. Federal Cabinet Aides are feasting on the backs of the workers.”

Corrective Action Requested:

That the Employer begin to bargain in good faith.
That the Employer table a fair and reasonable wage offer to the Tables. In addition to improving working conditions and benefits overall, this offer should include a wage package amounting to no less than 5% increase for each contract year.”

Lunchtime briefing sessions allow members to discuss what is important in this round of bargaining. Job security is a key subject, and the concern of one member was put in a down-to-earth way: “Paul Martin didn’t treat his employees at Canada Steamships very well – I wonder what he has in mind for us?” PSAC offices have background material that can help facilitate meetings and on-line versions are available from the Alliance website.

Union visibility in the workplace helps too. It sends a strong message that we expect fair treatment. Pins, buttons, balloons and more can be used to do this, and locals are choosing the materials that best fit the style of their workplace. Reserved, but firm, in some locals; exuberant in others.

Many ways to send the message, but only one to send: we want a fair deal – and soon.