Windsor local steps up to support bargaining team

CEIU members at Local 601 (Windsor, Ontario) rallied outside the Citizenship and Immigration building on October 30 to support the PA bargaining team. Following the rally, they submitted a group grievance against the foot-dragging behaviour of the Treasury Board in this round of bargaining.

Local President Brenda Brunelle said her members appreciate the work of the PA bargaining team members and were happy to respond to the call to action by the national level of CEIU. “Locals in Ontario have to take the initiative around bargaining issues” she said, “and the call for action on October 30 was a great opportunity.”

The group grievance submitted by local members goes after the Treasury Board for delays in bargaining. Compensation studies required for bargaining will not be completed until the new year. In addition, a number of departments have failed to meet their legal obligations to work out Essential Service Agreements (ESA’s – formerly known as designations). The PSAC has filed charges against the Treasury Board over the ESA’s, but these too will take time. Now, as in the past, the net effect is delay. “We’re sick of the foot-dragging,” said Brunelle, “they do this every time we bargain. The rally and the grievance are sending Treasury Board a message.”

National President Jeannette Meunier-McKay applauded the local’s action, saying “Local 601 is showing great leadership in Ontario on collective bargaining, and I know many others will be moved by their example.”

In a final word, Brenda Brunelle sent a crisp and clear message to the PA team: “Negotiating Team 2007/2008: we’re behind you 110%!”