Mobilizing for a fair contract

CEIU New Brunswick holds bargaining conference

Delegates to the union’s bargaining conference in New Brunswick focused on plans to mobilize the region’s members for the current round of negotiations. In June, members of the PA group will have been without a contract for one year as the employer continues to push for contract concessions.

Delays in negotiating new contracts are nothing new for PSAC members but there were expectations that speedier agreements could be reached under the government’s new bargaining legislation. So far, the employer is continuing its old game of foot-dragging at the bargaining table.

Louiselle Laforest, a member of the PA bargaining team, outlined the bargaining process to conference delegates and summarized the discussions at the bargaining table so far.

In the most recent negotiating session, the sides finally got down to discussing salary increases, but important non-monetary issues remain. The Treasury Board continues to press for contract concessions around hours of work with a clear push for moving more members from day work to shift work.

“The employer’s demand for increased shift work would seriously damage the work-life balance for many of our members” said National President Jeannette Meunier-McKay, “and we want no part of it.” She went on to note further demands for concessions which include the elimination of additional sick leave for shift workers and a reduction in the notice given to staff when shifts are changed (The Treasury Board wants to reduce the current seven-day notice period to 48 hours). “Treasury Board wants to twist the workforce into any shape it wants through increased shift work and fewer protections for the staff affected. We’re sending a clear message back to the employer on this issue: NO!”

Delegates to the New Brunswick conference developed plans for the coming months to mobilize members around bargaining issues. “The delegates worked creatively and developed solid plans for their members” said Meunier-McKay, “and they join many others across the country who are determined to get a fair contract this time around.”