Since our last update your Bargaining Committee has had several sessions with the employer. We wish we had more positive news to report. Unfortunately, there has been little progress on the key outstanding issues.

The employer has made very little movement on the wage offer shared with members at the September information sessions, prior to you granting the Bargaining Committee an overwhelming Strike Mandate.

In addition, the Employer is proposing new language on contracting out that in the view of the Bargaining Committee will result in layoffs and privatization of services. Your Bargaining Committee has told them repeatedly that we cannot agree to this, but they have thus far persisted on this course.

While we remain hopeful of reaching a deal that provides fair wages and job protection, we must be prepared for every possibility. To that end, we have taken a number of steps including recruiting volunteers to serve on a Strike Committee and in various supporting roles, and we are seeking office space in the Broadway area to serve as Strike Headquarters. We are also accessing Strike Averting funds from CUPE National to be used to advertising and outreach.

Other activities are planning over the coming weeks, so be watching your emails next week for the details.

We return to the bargaining table on November 7, committed to getting a deal we believe worth of putting in front of our members.

Meanwhile, your Bargaining Committee will be back at the table later this week and through the remainder of October attempting to get an offer that is fair and reflects your needs and priorities.

Further updates will be provided as necessary.

In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee

Rick Rennie
Bob Sawchyn
Katelyn Maruca
Colleen Ashby
Stefan Gudmundson
Stephen Terrichow-Parrott (CUPE National Rep)