Today marked our third negotiation session with the employer, and we wanted to provide you with an update on our progress.

While the process is unfolding at a slower pace than anticipated, it’s important to note that we’re steadfast in our commitment to securing better working conditions for all of us.  The employer has presented proposals that, unfortunately, do not align with the locals vision for improvement.  However, rest assured that the bargaining team is diligently representing your interests at the table. We were able to agree on one thing today.

We refuse to entertain any concessions that compromise the well-being and rights of our workforce. Our resolve remains unwavering—we will continue to advocate for what each and every one of you rightfully deserves.

Stay engaged and stay informed. Together, we will persevere until we achieve the fair and just outcomes we seek. Your support and solidarity are invaluable as we navigate through these negotiations.

We will be meeting next with the Employer on May 9, 10, 14, and 16.

Stay tuned for further updates.

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Committee

Today was the second day at the bargaining table. There were many conversations, the employer did not move on much.  The Bargaining Committee worked diligently creating counter proposals to provide the employer for day three.  We loved seeing all your pictures! Keep them coming!

CUPE 2977 Bargaining Update

The first day at the bargaining table was a long day.  We met from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We made some progress and agreed on some non-monetary items.  However, the employer has tabled concessions.  We will be meeting tomorrow and Thursday.  We will continue to update you at the end of each day, so stay tuned!

Please continue to wear your stickers for  the next two days to show your solidarity.  The Bargaining Committee would love to see you wearing your stickers.  Feel free to take pictures and send them to us (not on work hours or on work property)!

 

 

Bargaining FAQ

 

How will I be notified that job action has started?

Your bargaining and mobilization teams will keep you up to date with any activities including job action. Ensure your contact information is up to date including your personal phone number, personal email address, so we can provide you with regular voice mail updates.

 

What will be expected of you in the event of a strike?

In the event of a labour dispute, we will provide further direction.

All members will be expected to report for picket duty to receive their strike pay.

 

How will I be protected?

You cannot be disciplined for taking job action such as a strike.

Protections for job action apply to workers, regardless of status, this includes contract employees, probationary staff, and bargaining employees in temporary non-union roles.

 

How much strike pay will I receive?

If a full strike was necessary, more details will be available; the bargaining team will conduct membership meetings well in advance. Members will receive strike pay if they complete 20 hours of picket duty per week (4 hours per day, 5 days per week). Members on Short Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD), WSIB benefits, or Social Services Benefits will not be eligible for strike benefits but will continue to receive their regular benefits. Strike pay is $400 per week. These amounts are non-taxable.

 

What about Health and Dental Benefits during a strike?

The Union through CUPE National will maintain the cost of benefit premiums so that there will be no interruption in health care benefits if our employer decides not to continue paying for them.

If there is any gap while CUPE National takes over this cost, the Union will issue reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses that would otherwise be covered by the plan.

 

If I am off work on short term disability (STD) or long-term disability (LTD) prior to the strike, will I continue to be paid?

Your STD and LTD benefits will not be impacted by the strike.

 

What about if I am off on a WSIB claims?

Your WSIB benefits will not be impacted by the strike.

 

What if I have vacation booked during a strike?

This will be left up to the employer whether they honor the vacation request. You will not lose your vacation credits if the employer decides to cancel your vacation days. The union will grieve any pre-approved vacation payments that are not honored by the employer during a strike.

 

Does our workplace have any essential services?

No. This means all bargaining unit members have the right to participate in a work to rule campaign and to strike.

 

If a strike is necessary, will there be any assistance provided to ensure my mortgage lender understands?

Usually, lenders will defer payments during a legal strike for a period of time. We will have standard letters available online should a strike occur, that can be printed and presented to your lender. If your lender does not accept the letter, we ask that you contact us, and we will liaise with the team for further assistance.

 

Will union meeting(s) be held by the bargaining team before voting on a contract that the team recommends?

Yes. The bargaining team will present a tentative agreement prior to a general membership vote.

 

Has either party requested a No Board Report?

At this time neither party has called for a no board report and continue to work with a conciliator.

 

What is a no-board report?

If an agreement still cannot be reached, even with the help of a conciliation officer, either the union or the employer can request a ‘no-board report’ from the Ministry of Labour. Once requested, the Ministry will (typically) issue a ‘No Board Report’ within 5 days, which triggers a 17-day period before a lockout or strike is possible. We understand that no board reports may be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

What is conciliation?

Conciliation happens when either side in bargaining (either the union or employer) asks to have conciliator appointed by the Ontario’s Ministry of Labour. Either side can request it. The conciliator assists the parties in achieving a deal. The conciliator must report to the Ministry within 14 days of being appointed, though if employer and union agree, that time can be extended.

 

What is the role of the Ministry of Labour Conciliator?

A conciliator or mediator is appointed by the Ministry of Labour to assist the parties in reaching a collective agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday September 22, 2022

 

IMPORTANT: CUPE 2977 Bargaining Update
—
As you know, we are in collective agreement negotiations with our employer.  We met with the employer on five (5) different occasions between February 2022 and June 2022. However, the employer has yet to agree to our modest and fair bargaining proposals.  Due to this, we have applied for conciliation with the first meeting to take place on October 19, 2022.

If an agreement still cannot be reached, even with the help of a Conciliation Officer, either the union or the employer can request a ‘no-board report’ from the Ministry of Labour. Once requested, the Ministry will issue a ‘No Board Report’ (usually within 5 days) which triggers a 17-day period before a legal lockout or strike can occur.

As you know, we held a strike mandate vote on June 20, 2022, to help us succeed in negotiating a better contract. There was an overwhelmingly positive response with 95% in favour.  This shows our solidarity and sends a strong message to the employer that we are united and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve a fair collective agreement.

Through the past several months, we have been training a strike committee made up of a group of volunteers to lead our members if a work stoppage were to occur.  This committee will care to picket line coordination, administration, communication, and finance.

Our goal is to negotiate a collective agreement that we can all feel proud of—one that recognizes and respects our important work.

Please ensure that you have provided us with up-to-date contact information as we will continue to send updates as they occur.

Also, please refer to the attached Bargaining FAQ for more information about the bargaining process.

In solidarity,

Your CUPE 2977 Bargaining Committee

 

On June 20th, a strike mandate vote was held and your Bargaining Committee wanted to share some great news about the results.

The membership has spoken LOUDLY and CLEARLY in favour of a strike mandate with an overwhelming 95.2%.

The speaks volumes when the Bargaining Committee meets with the Employer during conciliation in the coming months.  This signals to the Employer that not only do you support the bargaining committee, it also shows that you are willing to fight for what is long overdue – better wages!

The Bargaining Committee wants to thank each and every member who came to the information sessions, votes and continues to support us as we fight for you.  We appreciate the confidence you have in us.  The fight isn’t over yet!

Stay tuned for updates on conciliation dates.

In Solidarity,

Your Bargaining Committee

Carly, Irene, Catharine and Brittany

Your bargaining committee met with the Employer on 5 occasions since February.  Unfortunately, an agreement could not be reached therefore, we have filed for conciliation.

The next step is to hold a strike mandate vote which will take place on Monday June 20th.  Prior to the vote, information sessions will be held via Zoom to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice.  Meetings will be held in a drop in style taking place at 7am-9am, 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm.  Please make every effort to attend on of these sessions.

The results of the vote will be shared once the vote closes the night of June 20th.

 

We’re excited to launch this new site, to help keep members informed about what’s going on in the locals.  Let us know if you’ve got any feedback, or if there’s anything in particular you’d like to see.