Wearing green in Thunder Bay

A fair contract means a fair salary increase, and CEIU’s Thunder Bay local wore the colour of money as the union’s bargaining team addressed economic improvements with the employer last week.

“Green is the colour of money” said Thunder Bay Local President Cathy Harasym, “and we expect our new contract to have a fair increase.” Local leaders distributed information flyers to members as they thanked them for “dressing green” on April 21.

Like members elsewhere, those in Thunder Bay are also concerned about the delay in reaching a new agreement. The last contract expired in June 2007 and there is little indication the employer will settle a new deal by June 2008. Concern is also directed at the employer’s proposal around hours of work that could more easily turn day workers into shift workers. “Our members have always been day workers” said Harasym, “and for the sake of their family lives they want to stay that way.”

National President Jeannette Meunier-McKay echoed the local’s concern around contract delays. “The new legislation we bargain under was supposed to help avoid delays, but we’re in the same position as before. The union is ready to reach a timely agreement but the employer drags its heels. I’m pleased that members in Thunder Bay are taking action around this issue and others—we need to keep up the pressure on Treasury Board.”

The PA bargaining team next meets with the employer May 20-22.